Author: Editorial Staff

A COALITION of churches in Botswana has raised its voice against parliament’s recent move to amend the constitution to incorporate gay rights, sparking a contentious debate over the intersection of religious beliefs and human rights. Botswana’s Minister for State President, Kabo Morwaeng, presented a constitutional amendment bill for its first reading on Wednesday, proposing several amendments, including a clause aimed at ‘protecting and prohibiting the discrimination of intersex persons and persons with a disability.’ However, the proposed inclusion of provisions promoting gay rights has stirred opposition from religious institutions across the country. Abraham Kedisang, a pastor at the Apostolic Faith…

IN a forecast that could reshape the landscape of African wealth, the 2024 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners predicts a substantial 65 percent increase in the number of millionaires across the continent over the next decade. Highlighting a surge in prosperity, Mauritius, Namibia, Morocco, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda are anticipated to lead this growth trajectory, with an estimated 80 percent or higher increase in millionaire population by 2033. Commenting on the surprising forecasts amid current economic challenges, Dominic Volek of Henley & Partners noted, ‘Despite currency depreciation and underperforming stock markets, we anticipate a significant uptick in…

TENSIONS escalate between Burkina Faso and France as the French Foreign Ministry expresses regret over Burkina Faso’s decision to expel French diplomats and staff, some of whom were serving at the French embassy in the country. ‘We reject the unfounded accusations made by the Burkina Faso authorities against our staff,’ said the French foreign ministry in a Thursday statement, addressing the diplomatic rift. Burkina Faso’s military government took the unprecedented step of expelling three French diplomats, accusing them of engaging in subversive activities. The details emerged in a letter from the Burkina Foreign Ministry, seen by Reuters on Thursday. The…

IN hospitals across West Africa, patients like a 96-year-old woman in Niger lie tethered to IV drips, casualties of a blistering heatwave that has swept the region, attributed to fossil fuel-driven climate change. The heatwave, described as the worst in living memory, struck in late March and early April, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) for days and nights. According to a report by World Weather Attribution (WWA) focusing on the Sahel region, the intensity of the heatwave was unprecedented, equating to a once-in-200-year event in Mali and Burkina Faso. ‘In a pre-industrial climate, we wouldn’t expect to see heat waves…

GHANA’S Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has taken decisive action against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), imposing fines totalling millions of Ghanaian Cedis due to regulatory infractions. In response to ECG’s failure to disclose its complete financial information, despite repeated requests from the commission, PURC has fined the utility company GHS36,000 ($2,679). This penalty stems from an initial regulatory charge of 3,000 penalty units under Regulation 45 of LI 2413, as outlined in a letter submitted to the electricity regulator. ‘The Commission has determined that having regard to the nature of ECG’s ownership and business, the imposition of the…

TENSIONS escalate between Burkina Faso and France as the military government of the West African nation expels three French diplomats over accusations of subversive activities. The move, revealed in a letter obtained by Reuters, underscores the strained relations between the two nations following a coup in 2022. According to the letter dated April 16, Burkina Faso’s foreign ministry declared the three diplomats, including two political advisers, persona non grata and mandated their departure within 48 hours. However, the letter did not provide specifics regarding the alleged misconduct. Amidst the expulsion, the French foreign ministry remained silent, refraining from immediate commentary…

MEMBERS of Ghana’s LGBT community and activists are on edge, awaiting President Nana Akufo-Addo’s verdict on a controversial bill that threatens to exacerbate their plight and deepen persecution within the West African nation. ‘I was born with two eyes, but this is what I have now,’ revealed Kwame, a gay man who bore the physical scars of Ghana’s widespread intolerance towards homosexuality. Reflecting on an attack in 2021 where neighbours targeted him for his sexuality, the 30-year-old expressed deep concern over the bill’s potential repercussions. ‘Imagine if the bill becomes law,’ he told Reuters, fearing an escalation in violence against…

AMIDST the historic 1994 election frenzy in South Africa that ushered Nelson Mandela into power, Mariana and Ernesto Ubisi, Mozambican refugees residing in rural South Africa, welcomed their newborn son with a symbolic name: ‘Vote.’ This act encapsulated the hope and optimism of a nation poised for change. Reflecting on the inspiration behind their son’s name, Mariana, a traditional healer in Lillydale village, Mpumalanga province, recounted the electrifying atmosphere of the election day. ‘I imagine it was because we were hearing the chants saying “vote, vote, vote” on the radio,’ she reminisced, capturing the spirit of democratic participation that swept…

PRESIDENT Tinubu’s lifelong dedication to addressing fundamental issues in Nigeria and positioning the country for greatness has endeared him to many as a leader capable of effecting meaningful change. Through his advocacy for free federalism, eradication of corruption, improvement of security, alleviation of poverty, infrastructure development, and promotion of effective leadership, President Tinubu is poised to lead Nigeria towards a brighter future. This vision for a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria is not only timely but essential in overcoming the challenges facing the nation and positioning it as a beacon of progress in the Global South. The call by Afenifere to…

IN a significant stride towards advancing Nigeria’s energy ambitions, the Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, declared a pivotal agreement with Shell to provide gas to the proposed $3.8bn Brass methanol facility. The breakthrough resolves a critical hurdle in reaching a final investment decision on the project, signalling a boon for Nigeria’s energy sector. Nigeria, home to Africa’s largest natural gas reserves exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet, has long grappled with capital constraints and infrastructural limitations hindering the exploitation of this valuable resource. However, the recent deal with Shell promises to mitigate these challenges and unlock the nation’s gas…