By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | KAMPALA (IDN) — For years, few expected a financial crisis in Ghana, much less to see Ghana become a debtor nation like some of its more troubled neighbors in West Africa. “Ghana is a major cocoa and gold exporter, so why is the West African nation […]
New Year’s Tragedy at Uganda Mall Takes Nine Lives
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | KAMPALA (IDN) — A poorly designed shopping mall in Kampala, Uganda, according to visitors, was a disaster waiting to happen. On New Year’s Eve, that disaster became every parent’s nightmare. After fireworks were exploded outside the Freedom City Mall, families moved towards narrow corridors to exit—and […]
Dutch Court Upholds $15 Million Payout to Nigerian Communities
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | AMSTERDAM (IDN) — A Dutch court has upheld a payout to residents of the Niger Delta of US$15.9 million for oil spills that contaminated land and waterways in three communities. In the case brought by Friends of the Earth, Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary was found to be […]
Nigerian Military Performed “Forcible Abortions on Thousands”
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — U.S. security assistance and cooperation programs with Nigeria are facing a review after an investigation by a Reuters news team found evidence of a secret illegal abortion program carried out by the Nigerian military during its war against an insurgency in the largely Muslim northeast […]
Zambian Leader Cancels Death Penalty but Welcomes A US Base
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema recently announced on his Facebook page that he officially abolished both the death penalty and the offence of criminal defamation of the president. The Penal Code of 2022 repeals the mandatory death sentence in the absence of extenuating circumstances. The provisions […]
Unprecedented Drought Emergency in the Horn of Africa
Catastrophic Consequences Feared By J Nastranis NEW YORK (IDN) — The United Nations has warned that the Horn of Africa is facing an unprecedented drought emergency, which will unleash catastrophic consequences. Communities in the region are in the midst of a likely fifth consecutive failed rainy season. They may face a sixth failed season in […]
More Than 20 Million Children Suffering in The Horn of Africa
UNICEF Warns of Funding Shortfall in The Face of Drought By Devendra Kamarajan NAIROBI (IDN) — UN Children’s Agency UNICEF has urged the international community to “commit to responding now for what might hit the Horn of Africa” in 2023, “and in the years to come”. UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa […]
Ramaphosa To Lead ANC For Second Term but Faces Stiff Headwinds
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — President Cyril Ramaphosa sailed over an impeachment inquiry this past week but faced a seriously divided party at the recent National Convention of the African National Conference, nearly upending his victory race for ANC party leader and ultimately President for a second term.
‘We-Are-Suffering’-Rally in Monrovia While Biden Hosts Liberian Leader
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Confronting soaring prices and shortages of basic goods, Liberians held a “We are Suffering” rally in Monrovia while the president, George Weah, comfortably watched the 2022 World Cup at the White House. The Monrovia protest was organized by opposition leader Alexander Cummings and drew several […]
Military Spending a Non-Issue at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Africa had a centre stage at a U.S.-based summit this month for what leaders hope will be more than a brief moment and whose achievements will be more than talk. The U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit opened on December 13 with a full plate of critical topics—from […]