Groups try save Africa’s only penguin species
Experts warn that the African penguin could be extinct in the wild by 2035. That’s why two environmental groups are taking legal action against the South African government to help save the species. Reporter Vicky Stark in Cape Town, South…
Top official warns of weakened regional security following withdrawal from West African economic bloc by Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger
Leonardo Santos Simão, who heads the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), told the Security Council that by “renouncing ECOWAS”, the three military-led governments would be “relinquishing key benefits” including regional integration, freedom of movement, security cooperation…
DR Congo: Conflict escalation linked to deadly Mpox threat
For decades, conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC has triggered alarming levels of violence, mass displacement, widespread disease, gender-based violence and severe mental trauma, explained Dr Adelheid Marschang, Senior Emergency Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO). ‘Chronic and acute…
Sudan: UN-hosted talks on aid relief and civilian protection to continue in Geneva
Heavy conflict erupted last April between rival militaries over a proposed transition to civilian rule, following a military coup in 2021 and the 2019 ousting of long-time President Omar Al-Bashir. UN Geneva spokesperson Alessandra Vellucci confirmed that only one of…
Eswatini-Belarus ties spark health care advances
MBABANE, ESWATINI — Eswatini, in an ambitious bid to overhaul its health care system, is partnering with Belarus, paving the way for what officials in the southern African nation hope will be increased access to critical medicines, and the sharing…
WHO: Limited surveillance hampers bird flu risk assessment
The World Health Organization said its ability to assess and manage the risk posed by H5N1 avian influenza — bird flu — cases around the world is hampered by limited surveillance of animal and human cases of the disease. At…
Namibia struggles with growing seal population that threatens fishing industry
Windhoek, Namibia — Namibia will attempt to reduce the local seal population by 80,000 this year, officials recently announced, despite opposition from animal rights groups. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said the reduction is necessary to maintain balance…
Kenyan president warns of huge consequences over debt plan failure
NAIROBI, Kenya — The ballooning debt in East Africa’s economic hub of Kenya is expected to grow even more after deadly protests forced the rejection of a finance bill that President William Ruto said was needed to raise revenue. He…
Nigeria’s bushmeat consumption comes under scrutiny
Abuja — In Nigeria, bushmeat is more than just food, it’s a culinary tradition and a trade. Despite the risk of zoonotic diseases like Ebola and Lassa fever, 45% of the country consumes bushmeat regularly, and now discussions to raise…
Burkina Faso’s internally displaced scramble to make a living
Burkina Faso is home to many people internally displaced by years of insecurity and conflict. Most of them live in various towns across the country, and some are now trying to find jobs in the capital, Ouagadougou, or starting businesses….