Africa

Uganda: Soldier Arrested for Allegedly Killing Four Family Members in Mayuge District

Uganda: Soldier Arrested for Allegedly Killing Four Family Members in Mayuge District

Birivumbuka Herbertson Robert, a soldier attached to the Special Force Command (SFC), has been arrested for allegedly killing four family members and injuring others in Namale village, Kabayingire parish, Buwaya sub-county, Mayuge District. The incident occurred on June 29, 2024, when Private Birivumbuka escaped from his place of work and proceeded to Namale village. There, he allegedly shot four close family members dead and injured several others. After committing the offence, he returned to his unit in an attempt to avoid suspicion. However, his unit had already detected his absence, and upon his return, he was arrested as the prime…
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Emerson Partners with MSTelcom to Provide Advanced Industrial Automation in Angola

Emerson Partners with MSTelcom to Provide Advanced Industrial Automation in Angola

MSTelcom, a subsidiary of the Sonangol Group, has chosen Emersonto provide the company’s full automation portfolio for energy and industrial customers in Angola, further advancing the country’s objectives of leadership in hydrocarbon production. Emerson, a global leader in automation technology and industrial software, announced their collaboration aimed at expanding MSTelcom’s ability to provide engineering services to energy and industrial customers. The alliance enables MSTelcom to provide the latest automation technologies to help the firm’s clients improve energy production, equipment availability, production optimization, safety and environmental sustainability. Automation is increasingly seen as a key enabler for leaders like Sonangal to maximize…
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ATMIS hands over Abdalla Birolle Military Base to Somali Army

ATMIS hands over Abdalla Birolle Military Base to Somali Army

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed over the Abdalla Birolle Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF). The military base, previously under the responsibility of ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is the fourth to be transferred as part of the Phase Three drawdown. The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (DSRCC), Siyuvile Bam, presided over the handover of the base. ATMIS Sector Two Commander Brig. Seif Salim Rashid transferred control to SNA representative Major Muhudin Ahmed. At the symbolic event were representatives from the United…
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Newly Deployed African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Military Staff Officers Conclude Induction Training

Newly Deployed African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Military Staff Officers Conclude Induction Training

Newly deployed military staff officers serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have concluded a five-day mandatory induction training to familiarise themselves with the peace-support operations and mandate. At the opening ceremony on Monday, the Acting ATMIS Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, said the training was important to integrating the officers, given their critical roles in supporting the Mission’s military operations. “I urge you to embrace the values of professionalism, teamwork, and integrity. Remember, your role is not just about performing tasks, but also upholding the highest discipline standards,” said Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka. “ATMIS is a…
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Uganda: Finance Ministry on the spot over equity in bailing out companies

Uganda: Finance Ministry on the spot over equity in bailing out companies

Legislators on the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises have tasked the finance ministry to present documentation on the criteria used in granting bailouts to companies in financial crises. According to the committee chairperson, Hon. Medard Sseggona, companies belonging to foreign investors have mostly benefitted from bailouts compared to companies belonging to Ugandan investors. “What is the legal and policy framework on which you base to determine who should benefit from your bailouts and who should not? You are helping AYA but you are not helping Sembule who has invested in development of your technology and skills,” said…
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Sierra Leone Bans Child Marriage

Sierra Leone Bans Child Marriage

Sierra Leone’s parliament enacted landmark legislation to ban child marriage last week, marking a significant step in the nation's efforts to protect young girls and promote gender equality. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024, which criminalizes marriage for anyone under the age of 18, aims to shield girls from a practice that has long violated their rights and hindered their development. Child marriage is a pervasive issue in Sierra Leone, where 30 percent of girls and 4 percent of boys are married before turning 18. In rural areas, the rates are even higher, and approximately 800,000 girls are currently…
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Positive Changes in Rwanda Under President Paul Kagame

Positive Changes in Rwanda Under President Paul Kagame

Paul Kagame is the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) presidential candidate ahead of the polls on 14th -15th July, 2024. But what has his government achieved since kicking out the genocidal regime in 1994. Economic Growth and Development Under President Paul Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has experienced remarkable economic growth. The country has maintained an average annual GDP growth rate of around 7-8%, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Kagame's administration has focused on diversifying the economy, with significant investments in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and services, particularly tourism and information technology. Improved Infrastructure Rwanda has seen substantial…
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UNFPA launches digital strategy and toolkit to end female genital mutilation in Africa

UNFPA launches digital strategy and toolkit to end female genital mutilation in Africa

With the clock ticking towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency announced a groundbreaking new initiative to help create a safer world where women and girls can live free from violence and harmful practices, to achieve their fullest potential. The Social Innovation Toolkit, a central component of the Regional Innovation and Digital Transformation Strategy for East Africa, aims to address critical challenges such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, and empower young people through digital innovation. The initiative was unveiled at the Financing Innovation and Digital Transformation in Africa…
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ICC Convicts Malian Al Hassan of War Crimes And Crimes Against Humanity

ICC Convicts Malian Al Hassan of War Crimes And Crimes Against Humanity

Trial Chamber X of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has, by majority, convicted Mr. Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud of several charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between April 2, 2012, and January 29, 2013, in Timbuktu, northern Mali. During this period, Timbuktu was under the control of armed groups Ansar Dine and Al-Qaida in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The Chamber, composed of Judge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua (Presiding Judge), Judge Tomoko Akane, and Judge Kimberly Prost, delivered the judgment with a detailed analysis of Al Hassan's actions. Presiding Judge Kesia-Mbe Mindua emphasized, “Although Al…
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Elevating Standards: How Accreditation has Enhanced Food Safety Laboratory Services in Africa

Elevating Standards: How Accreditation has Enhanced Food Safety Laboratory Services in Africa

Zimbabwe’s Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) and Uganda’s Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratories (DGAL) have attained accreditation to the international standard for testing and calibration in laboratories with the support of the IAEA and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Achieving this accreditation is a goal for many testing and calibration laboratories within Africa as it demonstrates competence; increases confidence among clients; and enhances the prospect of attracting resources by providing paid services and therefore contributing to the sustainability of such laboratories. Accredited laboratories also help food traders to access and sustain national and international markets. In the face…
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