Mali and Russia have officially signed a series of agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic collaboration, with a particular focus on the energy sector. A major highlight of the agreements is the planned cooperation in nuclear energy, as revealed by the Kremlin. These developments followed Malian military leader Col Assimi Goïta’s recent state visit to Moscow, where he engaged in a two-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since coming to power in 2021, Col Goïta has redirected Mali’s international alliances toward Russia, gradually moving away from the country’s traditional relationship with France. This diplomatic realignment aligns with…
Author: Tosin Onisuuru
A devastating attack on Al-Mujlad Hospital in West Kordofan, Sudan, has resulted in the deaths of over 40 people, including children and healthcare workers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Labeling it “another appalling attack,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the strike on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing, “Attacks on health must stop everywhere!” The assault took place on Saturday in Muglad town, near active conflict zones where Sudan’s rival military factions—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—have been locked in a deadly power struggle since April 2023. The RSF has blamed the Sudanese military…
Uganda’s long-serving President, Yoweri Museveni, aged 80, will contest for re-election in the upcoming 2026 general elections, according to an official announcement by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. The NRM confirmed on its website Tuesday that Museveni, who has led the East African nation since 1986, intends to retain his roles as party chairman and presidential flagbearer. Tanga Odoi, chairman of the NRM electoral commission, told AFP that the veteran leader would formally express his interest in running in the forthcoming polls. Museveni’s bid, though widely anticipated, further extends his nearly four-decade grip on power. Once praised for…
As Kenya prepares for a major protest in Nairobi to mark the first anniversary of a deadly demonstration, a group of club-wielding men is pledging to “protect” the city’s streets. Among them is 34-year-old Swaleh Aroko from the Korogocho slum, who, like dozens of others, takes to the streets armed with wooden clubs. Their aim, they claim, is to safeguard businesses in the Central Business District from violent protesters, especially following recent demonstrations sparked by the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody. Over the past two weeks, journalists have observed these men branded as “goons” by…
Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), taking over from Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who served in the role for two consecutive years. The leadership transition was officially announced during the ECOWAS Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where heads of state convened to assess the bloc’s achievements and map out strategic priorities for enhanced regional integration. President Tinubu’s tenure was marked by a strong focus on economic collaboration, regional peace and security, and the promotion of constitutional governance, especially in countries…
A Tunisian court has sentenced former President Moncef Marzouki to 22 years in prison in absentia, citing charges of undermining state security. Marzouki, who led the country from 2011 to 2014, has been an outspoken critic of current President Kais Saied. The verdict has intensified concerns among opposition groups over an escalating clampdown on dissenting voices. Marzouki, currently in exile in Paris, has consistently accused President Saied of dismantling democratic institutions and imposing authoritarian rule following his 2021 decision to dissolve parliament and rule by decree. Responding to the ruling, Marzouki dismissed the legitimacy of the court’s decision, stating: “Your…
Zambia’s former President, Edgar Lungu, will be laid to rest in South Africa instead of his home country due to an ongoing dispute between his family and the Zambian government over funeral arrangements. Lungu passed away earlier this month in a South African hospital after battling an undisclosed illness. Plans to repatriate his body have been disrupted by a rift between his family and the current administration, primarily surrounding the involvement of President Hakainde Hichilema in the funeral. The Lungu family, through their spokesperson and legal representative Makebi Zulu, confirmed the decision to hold a private burial in South Africa.…
Rwandan authorities have arrested prominent opposition figure Victoire Ingabire on allegations of inciting public unrest and forming a criminal organization, according to a statement from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). Ingabire, who leads the unregistered opposition party DALFA–Umurinzi, has long been a vocal critic of the government. She previously returned from exile in 2010 to run in the presidential election but was disqualified over accusations of genocide denial. In 2012, she was sentenced to prison on charges of attempting to form an armed group and downplaying the 1994 genocide—allegations she denied. She was released in 2018 under a presidential pardon.…
In a groundbreaking global achievement, Guyana has become the world’s only fully food-self-sufficient country as of 2025, according to a detailed study published in Nature Food journal. The study assessed 186 countries on their ability to produce seven essential food groups without relying on imports—and only Guyana met all the criteria. This remarkable milestone positions the South American nation as a global leader in food security, agricultural resilience, and sustainable farming. Guyana’s Unmatched Agricultural Achievement The study measured national food self-sufficiency across seven key categories: fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, cereals and grains, pulses and legumes, and oils and fats. Guyana…
The United States has resumed processing student visa applications for international applicants, with a significant new requirement: applicants must now make their social media profiles publicly accessible for government review. The U.S. Department of State disclosed that all applicants under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa categories—commonly used by students and exchange visitors—will be subject to expanded screening procedures that include a thorough assessment of their online presence. “Obtaining a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” said a spokesperson for the department. “We utilize all available information to determine whether an applicant is admissible to the United…
