Author: Editorial Staff

IN the heart of Africa’s coastal beauty, nestled in the seaside town of Kribi, Cameroon, a monumental project is underway, poised to redefine history and reshape the global narrative. When completed, the Mother of Humanity® Monument will stand tall as a beacon of unity, reflection, and hope for a shared future. Los Angeles-based Nijel Binns, who is of Sierra Leonean and Jamaican parentage and the visionary behind this ambitious project, elucidates the profound significance of the Mother of Humanity® Monument. ‘All life, all human life developed on the African continent,’ he asserts. ‘We are one family, one large extended family,…

SENEGAL’S newly inaugurated President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has urged a re-evaluation of the country’s relationship with the European Union (EU) during discussions with European Council President Charles Michel. President Faye, who assumed office on April 2, campaigned on a platform of radical reform and the restoration of national ‘sovereignty’ over strategic industries. Addressing a joint press conference with Michel on Monday night, President Faye emphasised the need for a revitalised partnership between Senegal and Europe. He highlighted the desire for a relationship capable of supporting Senegal’s innovative ambitions in shaping bilateral ties. ‘We seek a rethought, renovated partnership capable of…

NIGERIAN President Bola Tinubu delivered a stark message on Monday, labelling terrorism as an ‘imported evil’ and a significant challenge facing the African continent. Speaking at the commencement of a two-day high-level African counter-terrorism summit in the capital city of Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the detrimental impact of terrorism on Africa’s development. ‘In our quest for progress, billions meant for vital sectors like healthcare and education are diverted annually to purchase weapons for combating terrorism,’ Tinubu lamented, emphasising the economic toll of the ongoing struggle against extremist groups. Asserting Africa’s resilience, Tinubu declared, ‘We must tell this imported evil that wants…

IN Livingstone, Zambia’s picturesque tourist hub, the 2024 African Land Forces Summit launched on Monday with a robust gathering of more than 500 delegates from 40 African nations, Europe, and the Americas. Set against the backdrop of the theme Regional Solutions to Transnational Problems, the summit convened to address the multifaceted security dilemmas confronting the African continent. During the inaugural session, Zambian Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma underscored the pivotal role of defence forces in ensuring peace across Africa, emphasising its indispensable connection to fostering sustainable development. Minister Lufuma remarked, ‘For any economic development to take place, a safe and secure…

THE United States has commenced discussions with Niger regarding the withdrawal of its troops from the West African nation, a Pentagon spokesman announced on Monday. ‘We can confirm the beginning of discussions between the US and Niger for the orderly withdrawal of US forces from the country,’ stated Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, highlighting the ongoing presence of about 1,100 US forces in Niger. Maj. Gen. Ryder emphasised the engagement of the Defence Department, revealing the dispatch of a small delegation from the Pentagon and US Africa Command to partake in the discussions. ‘In terms of departure timing, we’re not going…

IN a bid to challenge the ruling junta’s order to suspend political activities, a coalition of Malian political parties and civil society organisations has filed an appeal with the Malian Supreme Court. This move comes amidst escalating tensions following the failure of the authorities to fulfil their promise of organising elections and the subsequent imposition of restrictions on political life. Since the coup in 2020, Mali has been under military rule, with promises of a return to civilian governance remaining unfulfilled. The latest decree, issued on April 10, has been met with opposition from allied political and civil society groups…

IN a significant move, the World Bank has decided to suspend funding for a $150 million tourism project in Tanzania after reports surfaced detailing the suffering of local villagers due to severe rights abuses. The decision comes following persistent advocacy by the Oakland Institute, a California-based rights group, urging the global lender to take action against the project. According to a statement released by the Oakland Institute on Tuesday, the World Bank’s suspension of the project, named REGROW (Remote Growth and Wilderness Recovery), was deemed ‘long overdue.’ The institute highlighted that the bank’s delay in action had led to serious…

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) has revolutionised industries by enabling intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and personalised services. To harness the full potential of AI, organisations are increasingly adopting comprehensive solutions that integrate various functionalities to address complex problems effectively. In this context, this article explores examples of intended comprehensive AI solutions that combine different AI tools to deliver value across different domains. Discovering the best AI tools across various functionalities is crucial for businesses looking to harness the power of artificial intelligence. From data analysis to predictive modelling, these comprehensive solutions offer a range of capabilities to enhance performance and drive innovation.…

IN a resounding call to action, African leaders gathered at a security summit in Nigeria have demanded a comprehensive overhaul of institutions combatting violent extremism across the continent. The summit, held amidst escalating attacks by groups affiliated with Islamic State and al Qaeda, highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the growing menace. Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe, speaking at the summit, emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘I say this with prudence and regret, but I think the institutions that have been in place for a number of decades are no longer able to respond to the…

THE trial of Pascaline Bongo, daughter of late Gabonese President Omar Bongo and sister of ousted President Ali Bongo, is nearing a pivotal moment as a verdict is anticipated in a Paris court on Monday. Pascaline Bongo stands accused of facilitating public contracts for French construction company Egis Route in Gabon between 2010 and 2011 in exchange for an €8 million payment. The prosecution has recommended a three-year prison sentence for Bongo, with two years suspended, while she maintains her innocence. The charges, first reported by French newspaper Libération, revolve around contracts to consult on the establishment of a national…