By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — News of working journalists in Africa is often a tale of threats, abduction, forced disappearance and arrest. Most recently, two Spanish journalists and an Irish national were abducted near a nature reserve in Burkina Faso. Government officials confirmed their deaths on April 2. It remains […]
Pres. Ramaphosa Says ANC Party Did Little to Thwart Corruption
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — In riveting testimony before a South African commission investigating corruption and graft, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that the ruling ANC party did little to prevent corruption, including by his predecessor Jacob Zuma. “State capture and corruption have taken a great toll on our society and […]
Uganda President’s Son Led Elite Force Linked to Rights Abuses
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Senior military commanders, including the son of President Yoweri Museveni, have been named in a case before the International Criminal Court for a wave of abductions and torture—adding new charges to claims levelled by opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi, the former reggae singer known as Bobi […]
Mozambique In Search of Political and Economic Security
By Kester Kenn Klomegah* MOSCOW (IDN) — While speaking during a signing ceremony of an agreement formalising World Bank support of US$100 million assistance to the affected districts, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi unreservedly reiterated his detailed plan to enforce nation-wide security by cracking down on the militant groups who have been staging attacks in parts […]
South African Lawyers Sue Uber Car Service Seeking Employee Rights
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — South African law firm Mbuyisa Moleele Attorneys is partnering with lawyers at Lehigh Day, a UK law firm, to launch a class action in South Africa against the ride-hailing firm Uber. The case on behalf of drivers would recognize them as employees with benefits, rather […]
State Funeral for Leader of Chad, Embraced by Western Nations
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — European and American military leaders lost a key African ally in their fight against insurgent movements across Africa. Foreign forces face an uncertain future with the recent death of the President of the African nation of Chad. Idriss Deby Itno died on April 20 during […]
Foreign Investors Shun Nigeria, Information Minister Faults Journalists
Viewpoint by Azu Ishiekwene The writer is the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Interview magazine based in Abuja, Nigeria. ABUJA (IDN) — Something Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said reminded me of British political journalist, Andrew Marr. Journalism, Marr wrote in his book, My Trade, is a chaotic form of earning, ragged at […]
UN Finds French Military Culpable for Deadly Attack on Mali Civilians
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Major combat operations by French troops in Mali have drawn fire from local officials who accuse the French military of killing civilians including at a recent wedding. Nineteen wedding guests and three armed men died in the strike in the village of Bounty, central Mali. […]
Genocide Suspect Back in Rwanda After Losing Appeal to Remain in the U.S.
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — After two unsuccessful appeals in the U.S., a Rwandan woman is back in Kigali where she stands to face prosecution for her active role in the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In an application for political asylum, Beatrice Munyenyezi denied that she had been involved in the […]
Nigerian Start-Up Plans International Debut in Canada
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — You’ve hailed an Uber, waved down a taxi—now a Nigerian start-up will take you to the next level. Their company—Plentywaka—will let you call a bus. Founder Onyeka Akumah and his team are planning to make their international debut in the Canadian market after recently receiving […]