By : Lloyd Mahachi Zambia’s health ministry has announced the country’s first recorded case of mpox, a viral infection recently declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). The patient, a 32-year-old Tanzanian national, arrived in Zambia in early September and began showing symptoms such as muscle aches, fatigue, and a sore throat on October 2. This development has sparked concerns among health officials, who are working to contain the spread of the virus.The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency in August due to the spread of a new variant, clade 1b, from the Democratic…
Author: JOSEY AGENCY
By : Lloyd Mahachi Amnesty International marks World Day Against the Death Penalty with a call to action, urging Gambia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe to abolish the death penalty once and for all. These three sub-Saharan African countries are poised to join the growing list of nations that have rejected this cruel punishment. On October 10, World Day Against the Death Penalty, Amnesty International highlighted the significant progress made by Gambia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe towards abolition. These countries have not carried out executions in over a decade and have commuted multiple death sentences in the same period. Kenya’s last known execution…
By : Lloyd Mahachi The recent sentencing of popular Rwandan YouTuber Rashid Hakuzimana to seven years in prison for breaching genocide denial laws has sparked intense debate about the state of free speech in Rwanda. Hakuzimana, arrested in 2021, vehemently claimed that his criticism of President Paul Kagame’s government in his YouTube videos led to his arrest. This high-profile case raises concerns about the government’s willingness to silence dissenting voices.Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, which claimed approximately 800,000 lives, remains an extremely sensitive issue. Strict laws prohibit denying, downplaying, or justifying the genocide. Hakuzimana’s remarks on YouTube, such as suggesting genocide orphans…
By : Lloyd Mahachi Nigerian songstress Oyinkansola Aderigbigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has made a stunning impact on the music scene, securing four prestigious nominations for the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards. The nominees list, released on Wednesday, revealed Ayra Starr’s impressive presence in four highly contested categories: Best African Act, Best Push, Best Afrobeats, and Best New Artist. This recognition further cements Ayra Starr’s status as a rising star in the Afrobeats scene and beyond. Her recent performance with British rock band Coldplay in New York marked a milestone, as her first-morning show collaboration. This feat demonstrates her…
Opinion article by : Josephine Mahachi As an African journalist working for an international media organization, attending the first edition of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC2024) was more than just another assignment—it was an eye-opener. Like many others, I often find myself wondering, “How can Africa benefit from global initiatives like this?” When a good friend and influential figure reached out to me on LinkedIn about the conference, I was skeptical. In a world seemingly saturated with conferences, I questioned: What makes this one different? And more importantly, what’s in it for Africa? But after scanning the list of speakers…
By : Lloyd Mahachi Cameroon’s government has dismissed rumors of President Paul Biya’s death, claiming the 91-year-old leader is in excellent health despite not being seen in public for over a month. Biya’s last public appearance was in Beijing during a China-Africa leaders forum. Since then, speculation about his health has been rampant on social and mainstream media. In response, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, director of the Civil Cabinet, issued a statement affirming Biya’s well-being and revealing his presence in Geneva, Switzerland. However, many citizens remain unconvinced, demanding proof of Biya’s health. Gloria Wirkom, a businessperson in Yaounde, expressed her concerns,…
By : Lloyd Mahachi Mozambique heads to the polls on Wednesday in a pivotal presidential election that could extend the ruling party’s 49-year grip on power or usher in a new era of leadership.The southern African nation, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975, is poised to choose a successor to President Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms. Daniel Chapo, 47, is the candidate for the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), seeking to maintain the party’s dominance.However, analysts predict that Chapo and Frelimo will face their strongest challenge yet from 50-year-old independent candidate Venancio…
By : Lloyd Mahachi In a significant development, Ethiopia’s parliament has approved the appointment of Taye Atsike Selassie as the country’s new president, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, the nation’s first female head of state. This change comes amidst reported tensions between Sahle-Work and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who initially backed her appointment in 2018.Sahle-Work Zewde, 74, had served as president since 2018, with her appointment being hailed as a breakthrough for gender equality in Ethiopian politics. However, her tenure was marked by criticism for not speaking out enough against gender-based violence during the two-year civil war in Tigray. Sources close to…
By : Lloyd Mahachi The United Nations weather agency has sounded a dire alarm, reporting that 2023 was the driest year for the world’s rivers in over three decades. This disturbing trend is linked to record-breaking temperatures, which have led to dwindling water flows and prolonged droughts in various regions, affecting millions of people worldwide. The severity of this crisis is compounded by the fact that rivers are the primary source of freshwater for human consumption, agriculture, and industry.The World Meteorological Organization warns that glaciers feeding rivers globally have lost mass at an unprecedented rate over the past five decades.…
By : Lloyd Mahachi A devastating massacre in South Africa has left 18 relatives dead, sparking widespread outrage, shock, and calls for increased police protection. The victims, 15 women and three men aged 14 to 64, were brutally gunned down in two homes during a traditional ceremony in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape. The attack has sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving many searching for answers.Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the arrest of three suspects during a memorial service for the victims. A fourth suspect is expected to be apprehended soon. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, with authorities still investigating…