"I do not want any misunderstanding to arise; France supports fully the call made by Ghana," Macron said. "This call aims to establish historical truth in all its depth."

The French president said more work was needed to address what he described as the "dark areas" of history , stressing the importance of teaching future generations about slavery and understanding its long-term consequences.

"The first of reparations is the truth, the truth recognised and accepted," he said.

Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to the process of historical recognition.

"I want to assure you here of my full determination and that of France to continue this path of historical recognition with all its partners," he stated.

He also argued that reparations should go beyond financial compensation and include truth-telling, education , memorialisation and the return of looted cultural artefacts.

"The resolution put forward by Ghana expresses a deep aspiration for justice , and this, we cannot ignore," Macron said. "I therefore hope that through this unprecedented work of historical recognition, we can together lay the first foundations of a path towards reparations, reconciliation, and a shared future."

The conference was hosted by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and brought together the presidents of Senegal and Namibia, as well as representatives of the African Union, CARICOM and the African diaspora to discuss practical measures for reparatory justice related to slavery and colonialism.

Asia and Africa are expected to account for nearly 85% of all births worldwide in 2026, highlighting the growing demographic weight of the world's two most populous continents, according to United Nations population projections.

UN estimates indicate that approximately 64.9 million babies will be born in Asia in 2026, representing 49% of global births. Africa is projected to record 47.6 million births, or 35.9% of the worldwide total.

Combined, the two continents will account for 84.9% of all births globally, underscoring a long-term demographic shift that is increasingly concentrating population growth in developing regions.

The projections reflect contrasting demographic trends across the world. While birth rates remain relatively high in many African and South Asian countries, fertility levels have fallen sharply across Europe, East Asia and parts of North America.

Europe is expected to record around 6.1 million births in 2026, accounting for just 4.6% of the global total. Latin America and the Caribbean are projected to account for 9.3 million births, while North America is expected to record about 4 million births. Oceania's share is estimated at roughly 700,000 births.

The figures align with the UN's World Population Prospects, which projects that nearly all future global population growth will occur in Africa. At the same time, several countries in Europe and East Asia face shrinking populations and rapidly ageing societies.

The demographic transformation is already reshaping economic and political priorities. Governments across Africa are investing in education, healthcare and job creation to accommodate expanding young populations, while wealthier nations are increasingly confronting labour shortages and rising pension costs linked to lower birth rates.

India, now the world's most populous country, remains a major driver of global births alongside other populous Asian nations such as Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh. Across Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to play an increasingly significant role in global population growth over the coming decades.

According to the United Nations , the world's population surpassed 8 billion in 2022 and is projected to continue growing for several more decades before stabilising later this century. Much of that growth will be determined by demographic trends unfolding in Asia and Africa.

Tanzania’s startup ecosystem is growing , but many firms still struggle to move from ideas to scalable businesses because of limited market access, weak investor networks, regulatory barriers, and poor business development support. At the Tanzania Impact Investment Forum, Vodacom Tanzania’s External Affairs and Vodacom Foundation Director Zuweina Farah said large companies can help startups by giving them market access, mentorship, networks, and integration into value chains. Through the Vodacom Digital Accelerator, launched in 2019, about 120 startups have participated and created more than 5,000 jobs. Farah said two entrepreneurs this year received $300,000 each, while another secured about $150,000 through links made by the programme.

Children remain trapped in hazardous work around gold mines

In Lwamgasa, Geita Region, children are still working in the gold-mining value chain despite enforcement efforts. The Citizen reported that children aged 13 to 17 were seen carrying sacks of ore, breaking stones, washing gold-bearing material, and working around informal processing sites. One 14-year-old said he and his brother crush stones to survive after their mother left and their father broke his leg: “We work so that we can find food and clothes.” Another child said hunger forced him out of school: “I would go to school hungry… When the hunger became unbearable, I had no choice but to quit.” Commissioner for Minerals Dr AbdulRahman Mwanga said children are not allowed in mining and warned: “If we catch anyone breaching these rules, we revoke their licence for life.”

Government creates mining research fund to reduce uncertainty

Tanzania plans to retain 10 percent of gross mineral revenue collections for research and investment under the 2026/27 budget, creating a Mineral Research Fund to support geological surveys and improve small-scale mining. Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde said the move responds to long-standing problems facing miners, including poor geological data, limited capital, outdated technology, and difficulty accessing affordable finance. He said: “Geological research is the foundation of productive mining.” Planning and Investment Minister Prof Kitila Mkumbo said small-scale miners contribute about 40 percent of mining revenue and support thousands of Tanzanians, especially youth and women.

Businesses warned that sales growth is not enough

Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Ester Lobore, warned that Tanzanian businesses risk weakening their growth if they focus only on sales while neglecting payments, collections, cash flow, supplier obligations, working capital, and foreign exchange exposure. She said: “Growth must be supported by strong financial systems.” Lobore added that firms importing in US dollars but selling in Tanzanian shillings can see margins damaged when exchange rates move. Economist Dr Hildebrand Shayo of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School echoed the warning, saying: “A company can be growing rapidly while facing serious cash flow challenges.”

Nurses’ association condemns alleged assault at Bariadi Town Hospital

The Tanzania Nurses Association (TANA) condemned an alleged assault on a nurse at Bariadi Town Hospital in Simiyu Region. TANA President Dr Ezekiel Mbao said the nurse was allegedly assaulted by a doctor while on duty on May 26, 2026, and that the association began following up through its Simiyu branch and relevant authorities the next day. He said: “We strongly condemn and denounce all acts of harassment, violence and humiliation against health workers in their workplaces.” TANA warned that such incidents threaten worker safety, undermine teamwork, damage the reputation of nursing, and could affect patient care.

For the first time in World Cup history, 48 nations will compete for the trophy, expanding the tournament from its traditional 32-team format. The expansion means more countries, more matches, and more opportunities for teams to make history.

The tournament will also be the first to be hosted by three countries. The United States will stage matches across 11 venues, while Mexico will host games in three cities and Canada in two. The competition will run until 19 July 2026, with the final scheduled for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The opening match will see Mexico face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The expanded tournament will feature 104 matches, a significant increase from the previous 64. Teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Those 32 teams will then move into a newly introduced Round of 32 knockout stage.

The list of qualified teams includes some of football’s most successful nations. Former champions Brazil , Argentina, Germany, France, England, Spain and Uruguay are all back. Brazil arrives as the tournament’s most successful nation and is identified as a five-time World Cup winner.

Several countries that have reached World Cup finals without lifting the trophy are also in the field, including Croatia, the Netherlands, Sweden and Czechia.

Among the teams with semifinal appearances in their history are Morocco, the United States, Austria, Belgium, South Korea, Portugal and Türkiye. Morocco enters the tournament as the highest-ranked African team, ranked eighth in the world.

Other nations, including Senegal, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia , Ghana and Paraguay, will be aiming to improve on previous quarter-final appearances.

The tournament also features a large group of countries that have never gone beyond the quarter-finals. Among them are Japan, Australia, Algeria, Norway, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, South Africa , Egypt, Scotland, Canada, IR Iran, Iraq, DR Congo, Haiti, New Zealand, Panama, Qatar, Côte d'Ivoire, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Some teams are returning after long absences. Scotland is back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, while Iraq returns for the first time since 1986.

Perhaps the biggest stories, however, belong to four nations that will experience the World Cup for the first time. Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan have all secured historic debuts and will be making their first appearances on football’s biggest stage.

“One of the facilities that has raised some controversy is the facility we agreed to set up in conjunction with the Americans at one of our military air bases,” Ruto said.

He noted that Kenya hosts a significant U.S. military presence and said the government had expanded its health response capabilities nationwide.

“We have also set up 23 other isolation facilities across the country with the support of partners, among them the Americans, as well as using our own resources,” he said, adding that Washington had contributed 1.8 billion Kenyan shillings toward Ebola-related health infrastructure .

Ruto said the United States had requested additional facilities that could be used if American citizens or military personnel in Kenya required quarantine or monitoring.

“Even if the Americans had not set up that facility at the military base, if there were any Americans in Kenya, we would take them to a Kenyan facility,” he said. “We would not turn them away because the Constitution of Kenya tells us that we are responsible for the health of all people in Kenya.”

The proposed 50-bed isolation centre at Laikipia Air Base near Nanyuki is intended to monitor Americans exposed to Ebola in the DRC or Uganda. U.S. officials have said the facility would be used for individuals not showing symptoms, while confirmed patients would be treated elsewhere.

The project has sparked public opposition, with people accusing the government of exposing Kenyans to unnecessary risks and turning the country into a quarantine hub for foreign nationals.

Kenya’s High Court has extended a suspension on the project and ordered the government to release agreements, protocols and risk assessments related to the facility. Protests in Nanyuki earlier this week left two people dead, although the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.

“BRICS represents a significant proportion of the Global South countries, and the Global South accounts for around 45 per cent of the world’s population,” da Silva Cunha said.

He argued that the economic weight of BRICS now exceeds that of the Group of Seven ( G7 ) industrialised nations.

“As a member of BRICS, Russia will be able to play a key role in Africa’s economic development,” he added.

The remarks came during the 29th edition of SPIEF, which is being held from June 3 to 6 in St Petersburg.

Organisers expect more than 20,000 participants from around 76 countries to attend the forum, including political leaders, business executives and policymakers.

For the first time in several years, representatives from the United States have also accepted an invitation to attend the event.

Established in 1997, SPIEF has become one of Russia’s flagship international economic gatherings and a platform for discussions on global trade , investment and development. Russian President Vladimir Putin has participated regularly since 2005.

“We need to deal with illegal migration,” he said. “We have seen how illegal immigration into our country can put pressure on our public services and undermine our efforts to create decent work for all.”

The president said the government was intensifying efforts to enforce immigration laws, including tougher action against employers who hire undocumented migrants, stronger border controls and measures to tackle corruption within the immigration system.

“We're cracking down on violations of immigration laws,” Ramaphosa said. “We are increasing our inspections of workplaces and prosecuting employers who violate our labour laws. We are strengthening border security , stamping out corruption in the immigration system and closing the loopholes in fragmented immigration laws.”

At the same time, he urged South Africans not to target migrants or take the law into their own hands.

“We must never give in to violence , to xenophobia, and to vigilantism,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened debate over migration and public services in South Africa , where anti-immigrant sentiment has periodically flared in recent years.

According to Statistics South Africa and the Department of Home Affairs, foreign-born residents account for an estimated three to five percent of the country's population, with most migrants originating from neighbouring Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho.

The bill also includes provisions encouraging citizens to report suspected violations to authorities and would invalidate same-sex marriages conducted abroad.

Ghana joins a growing list of African nations that criminalise same-sex relations. In Uganda , some offences under anti-LGBTQ legislation can carry the death penalty, while Mauritania and parts of Somalia maintain capital punishment provisions under Sharia-based legal systems. Criminal penalties also remain in place in countries including Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia and Sierra Leone.

However, historians and anthropologists have challenged the notion that same-sex relationships were absent from pre-colonial African societies. Academic research has documented diverse forms of same-sex relationships and gender expression in dozens of communities across the continent before European colonisation.

Many contemporary anti-LGBTQ laws stem from penal codes imposed by colonial administrations, particularly the British Empire, which criminalised homosexual acts throughout much of its overseas territories during the 19th century.

As international criticism of Africa's anti-LGBTQ legislation grows, the debate has increasingly focused on the historical origins of the laws themselves and the lasting legacy of colonial rule on the continent's legal systems.

For many residents, the harvest is both a cultural tradition and an important source of income.

“Senene are part of our culture because they did not begin today; they have existed since the time of our ancestors,” vendor Aisha Athumani said.

Traders say the seasonal business supports thousands of families across the region.

“To be honest, senene has helped me a lot,” trader Abdulazak Michael said. “My children are in school, I have built a house, and I support my family.”

After harvesting, the insects are typically cleaned and fried with salt and spices or smoked and dried for longer storage. They are commonly eaten as snacks, served alongside meals, or sold in markets in sealed bags and containers.

Considered a delicacy in the Kagera Region and parts of Uganda, senene harvesting has become a significant seasonal economic activity, with regional estimates suggesting that several thousand tonnes are collected during peak harvest periods each year.

Among the gifts were luxury vehicles, large cash donations , prime agricultural land, pedigree cattle and farming equipment, with individual contributions running into hundreds of thousands and, in some cases, millions of United States dollars.

The scale of the gifts quickly dominated social media conversations, with many Zimbabweans expressing differing views on the display of wealth in a country where millions continue to struggle with economic challenges.

According to reports, the newlyweds received a Land Rover Defender Octa valued at nearly US$500,000, cash gifts exceeding US$1 million from various business figures, 25 pedigree Beefmaster cattle, tractors and more than 30 hectares of land.

Supporters argue that individuals who have built successful enterprises should be free to celebrate their achievements and support family milestones as they see fit.

Others viewed the wedding as evidence that Zimbabwe still possesses significant local wealth and entrepreneurial capacity despite years of economic challenges.

However, not everyone shared the same perspective.

Critics questioned the timing and scale of the gifts and raised broader questions about inequality and the gap between the country’s elite and ordinary citizens.

Below are contrasting views from some Zimbabweans on X:

EZEMA deputy leader Negatu Wolde urged voters to move away from ethnic-based politics .

“We call on the people of our country to use this opportunity as a golden opportunity to break free from the cycle of ethnic politics that has oppressed, isolated and divided our country for many years,” he told Viory.

The election campaign has been overshadowed by concerns over media freedom, political inclusiveness and security challenges. EZEMA member Eyouel Solomon accused the government of dominating the media landscape and limiting fair political competition.

“We have seen two things: commercial media that sometimes give some space for opposition parties, and government media that acts as the mouth of the government,” he said. “This is not fair.”

The process has also been disrupted by ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Ethiopia’s National Election Board suspended polling in 46 districts affected by insecurity.

Despite the tensions, supporters at the rally expressed confidence that EZEMA could make gains in the June 1 vote.

“If it wins, it is a worthy party that has shown its ability to lead the country,” supporter Dagem Assefa said. “But if it loses, it will prepare peacefully for the next election.”

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has led Ethiopia for eight years, heads the ruling Prosperity Party, which was formed in 2019 from the former Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front coalition.

“Uganda is temporarily closing the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo with immediate effect,” Atwine told reporters.

She said only authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, cargo transport and security personnel would be allowed to cross, subject to strict health screening and monitoring.

Atwine added that anyone permitted to enter Uganda from the DRC by land or air would face mandatory 21-day isolation measures.

The ministry has also deployed locator phone systems at border posts and airports to improve tracking and contact tracing.

Uganda has so far reported seven Ebola cases and one death linked to the outbreak centred in eastern Congo’s Ituri province.

The first imported case in Uganda died in Kampala on May 14 before tests confirmed infection with the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

The DRC and Uganda officially declared outbreaks on May 15 after laboratory confirmation of the virus, prompting the World Health Organization to later classify the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Health officials are particularly concerned because there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain.

The WHO has advised against blanket border closures, warning they could encourage people to use informal crossings and undermine surveillance efforts. Ugandan authorities, however, say tighter controls are necessary because of heavy cross-border movement and increased risks to healthcare workers.

This year alone, Togo announced visa-free access for all African passport holders. That means Africans can enter the country without going through a visa application process. Ghana also introduced a free e-visa initiative during its Africa Day celebrations.

While the policy still requires travellers to apply before arrival, the application itself comes at no cost. The distinction matters because one removes the process entirely, while the other removes the financial burden.

Additionally, at the African Development Bank meetings in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo announced that from January 2027, Africans will no longer need visas to enter the country.

"As from the first of January 2027, nationals of all African countries will have visa-free access and will no longer need a visa to come to Congo," President Denis Sassou-Nguesso said .

Rwanda , Benin, Seychelles and The Gambia have already made similar moves in recent years, signalling a broader continental shift toward freer African movement.

But while many countries are opening doors, South Africa appears to be tightening its own.

In recent months, tensions surrounding African migrants and foreign-owned businesses have intensified in parts of South Africa. Groups of protesters and vigilantes have marched through cities such as Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria, accusing other Africans of contributing to unemployment, crime and economic hardship. Some businesses owned by fellow Africans have reportedly been attacked or threatened during these demonstrations.

This contrast has created an uncomfortable conversation across the continent.

South Africa’s concerns are not entirely disconnected from reality. The country faces serious economic pressures, including high unemployment , inequality and frustration among many citizens who feel left behind. But the challenge lies in how those frustrations are directed. When economic hardship turns into hostility against fellow Africans, it raises difficult questions about continental solidarity.

Footage showed passengers arriving in buses and immigration vehicles, carrying luggage through the airport before gathering at check-in counters.

“We all know what is happening, and it’s not comfortable for us to be here anymore,” one traveller said. “Home sweet home, so we have to go.”

Another passenger said he did not intend to return to South Africa.

Despite the departures, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, insisted relations between the two countries remained stable.

“There is no diplomatic row,” Quashie said, adding that the repatriation process had been coordinated with South African authorities, including the Department of Home Affairs and security services.

According to the commissioner, about 326 Ghanaian nationals reported for departure, although the aircraft could only accommodate 300 passengers. Additional charter flights are expected within days.

The Ghana High Commission said more than 800 Ghanaian nationals have registered for the state-assisted return programme.

The departures come amid rising anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, where protesters have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs, increasing crime and putting pressure on public services .

The economy is projected to grow above 7 percent this year, the third fastest in Africa. And yet all is not well in the Africa's second most-populous country.

Conflicts in Oromia, Amhara and Tigray have displaced millions of people , many of whom will be unable to cast ballots on June 1. In Tigray alone, the fracturing of a fragile peace deal with separatists means the election is unlikely to proceed, denying six million Ethiopians the right to vote.

And Ethiopian journalist Ermias Mulugeta told Global South World that a lack of information caused by media repression will mean many who do participate in the election don't understand the situation in their own country.

“Talking about politics for the media is a very tough situation right now,” Ermias said. “The government is the biggest factor in this media landscape.”

Speaking from Canada, Ermias said journalists were no longer able to report freely on corruption, politics or conditions on the ground in conflict-affected regions. He claimed Ethiopia’s media regulator had recently instructed journalists to stop publishing stories about corruption, creating what he described as “a very precarious condition” for reporters.

Journalists can face terror charges for reporting on conflict, with the prospect of a death sentence. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists , Ethiopia is the second-highest jailer of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, after neighbouring Eritrea.

And despite the rapid economic growth, Ermias said ordinary people were not experiencing the benefits.

“People are not actually feeling it,” he said. “Daily food prices are rocketing.”

He argued that tighter media controls reflected government concerns about growing public frustration. According to Ermias, if journalists were allowed to report freely from regions affected by conflict, they would reveal realities that contradicted official narratives about stability ahead of the election.

Social media fills the news vacuum

Ermias said the weakening of traditional media had pushed more Ethiopians towards social media for news and political discussion. While this had allowed more people to express their views, he warned it had also fuelled misinformation and public confusion.

“People are so confused,” he said, describing a flood of contradictory narratives online from both government supporters and critics.

He argued that journalists and press freedom advocates should work with the Ethiopian government to restore at least some of the media freedoms that previously existed.

“Now we’re in a very tough situation,” Ermias said. “Those who are fighting for press freedom should work with the Ethiopian government to at least get it back to where we were.”

During the event, both officials and worshippers stressed the importance of passing on spiritual and patriotic values to younger generations. The church formally moved its Christmas celebration to 25 May after Kiangani declared himself the returned Christ in 2000, reinforcing the belief that the founder’s sons represent the Holy Trinity.

At the centre of that responsibility is the Chairperson of the African Union.

The Chairperson is elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term, with the role rotating among Africa’s five regions. This rotational structure reflects one of the AU’s core principles: Africa belongs to all Africans, not just one region, language group, or political bloc.

Over the years, the office has become a mirror of Africa itself by reflecting the continent’s diversity, political evolution, and regional balance.

Southern Africa’s early influence

When the African Union formally succeeded the Organisation of African Unity in 2002, South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki became the first Chairperson of the AU. His leadership represented the rise of post apartheid South Africa and the growing influence of Southern Africa in continental affairs.

Southern Africa has continued to produce influential AU Chairpersons. Leaders such as Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi, Jacob Zuma, and later Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa each brought different priorities to the continental agenda. Their tenures often focused on economic integration, industrialisation, peacebuilding, and strengthening African institutions.

Most recently, Angola’s João Lourenço emerged as another prominent Southern African leader to chair the Union, reinforcing the region’s continued diplomatic influence within continental politics.

West Africa’s diplomatic presence

West Africa has also played a defining role in AU leadership.

Ghana’s John Agyekum Kufuor served as AU Chairperson during a period when democratic governance and regional cooperation were becoming central topics of conversation across the continent. His leadership reflected Ghana’s longstanding Pan-African legacy rooted in the vision of Kwame Nkrumah, one of Africa’s earliest champions of continental unity.

Other West African leaders who have chaired the AU include Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, Senegal’s Macky Sall, and leaders from Mali and Mauritania. Their leadership often coincided with periods when Africa faced major economic negotiations, peacekeeping challenges, and governance transitions.

West Africa’s recurring presence in AU leadership reflects the region’s political importance and its long history of shaping continental discourse through ECOWAS diplomacy, peacekeeping efforts, and democratic transitions.

East Africa and the symbolism of Addis Ababa

East Africa occupies a uniquely symbolic position within the African Union because the AU headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ethiopian leaders, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, held the AU chairmanship during critical moments for the continent. Ethiopia’s historical role as one of Africa’s few nations never fully colonised gives it a unique moral and diplomatic standing in African affairs.

Beyond Ethiopia, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame became one of the most internationally recognised AU Chairpersons in recent years. Kagame strongly pushed for institutional reform, financial independence for the AU, and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. His tenure signalled a modernising vision for the Union focused on efficiency, accountability, and economic competitiveness.

The Union's current chairperson, Burundi's Évariste Ndayishimiye, is also from this region.

North Africa’s strategic influence

North African states have also occupied the AU chairmanship during pivotal periods in Africa’s modern history.

Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el Sisi chaired the AU at a time when infrastructure development, migration, terrorism, and investment became central continental priorities. Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, despite his controversial legacy, was one of the strongest advocates for a “United States of Africa” and frequently pushed for deeper political integration across the continent.

Algeria and Mauritania have likewise contributed leadership through the AU structure, often bringing strong diplomatic influence shaped by North Africa’s connection to both Africa and the Arab world.

North Africa’s leadership within the AU reflects Africa’s geopolitical complexity and the continent’s strategic position between Europe, the Middle East, and the Global South.

Central Africa’s representation

Central Africa has had comparatively fewer AU Chairpersons, but its representation remains important in preserving the Union’s principle of regional inclusion.

Leaders from countries such as the Republic of Congo and Chad have occupied the role during periods marked by peace and security concerns, particularly regarding instability in parts of Central Africa and the Sahel.

The AU’s rotational leadership structure ensures that no region is permanently sidelined, even when political and economic influence differ across the continent.

“Addressing the past injustices suffered by Africans requires rectifying Africa’s representation on the United Nations Security Council,” Youssouf said.

He also argued that meaningful historical reconciliation must include recognition of the impact of slavery and colonialism on the continent.

“Such reparations are appropriate and legitimate,” he stated.

Africa currently has no permanent seat on the UN Security Council despite representing 55 countries through the African Union. The continent currently holds three rotating non-permanent seats and has been campaigning for two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats as part of wider UN reform efforts.

“It hurt us very, very much to know that the president dismissed the prime minister,” activist Nourdine Diallo said. “We campaigned by saying ‘Diomaye is Sonko - Sonko is Diomaye.’ This slogan was really real, it wasn’t just words.”

Some supporters compared the political split to historic divisions among African leaders.

“As an African, it’s the usual in our history ,” said Adama Fall, a PASTEF municipal councillor in Thies-Ouest. “Today, we are reliving history.”

Despite Sonko’s dismissal, supporters insisted he remained central to the movement’s future. “He will rest and come back to us in force to lead us in this revolution,” activist Maimouna Goudiaby said.

Fall accused President Faye of leading a “counter-revolution” against the movement Sonko built through the PASTEF party.

President Faye announced Sonko’s dismissal in a decree read on state television late Friday night. The decree also dissolved the government but did not name a replacement prime minister.

Sonko later reacted on social media , writing: “Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep light-hearted in the city of Keur Gorgui.”

The two men rose to power together during the 2024 election after Sonko was barred from running because of legal cases he denied. Faye, backed by Sonko’s opposition movement, defeated then-president Macky Sall in a major political upset.

“By decree number 2026-1128 of May 22, 2026, the President of the Republic… has terminated the duties of Mr Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state members of the government ,” Ba said.

He added that the outgoing administration would remain in charge of handling current affairs until a new government is appointed.

The presidency did not immediately announce a replacement prime minister.

Sonko reacted shortly after the announcement in a social media post, writing: “Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep light-hearted in the city of Keur Gorgui.”

Relations between Faye and Sonko had reportedly deteriorated in recent months over political control, economic policy and the allocation of state contracts.

The two leaders were key allies in the 2024 presidential election, after Sonko was barred from running because of legal cases he described as politically motivated. Faye, backed by Sonko’s opposition movement, went on to defeat former President Macky Sall in a major political upset.

“At the same time, we have experienced a high influx of undocumented immigrants,” Ramaphosa said. “This phenomenon has intersected with economic hardship and unemployment, contributing to tensions between some local communities and foreign nationals.”

He stressed that while many migrants had integrated into South African society and contributed positively, violence against foreign nationals could not be justified.

“We have strongly condemned those of our citizens who took the law into their own hands,” he added.

The remarks came during Ramaphosa’s state visit to Botswana, where both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation on trade , investment and regional development.

President Boko called for deeper economic collaboration between the two neighbouring countries, saying there was still significant untapped potential in trade and investment.

South Africa and Botswana are holding the sixth session of the Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission, with several new agreements expected to be signed.

It was an exit that was widely celebrated by Ghanaians, who viewed it as a step towards restoring economic independence after years of austerity measures and spending cuts tied to the bailout.

However, the government later confirmed it would adopt the IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), a non-lending arrangement designed to help countries maintain economic discipline and reassure investors.

The move has drawn mixed reactions from economists and commentators, some of whom argue that the PCI keeps Ghana tied to Washington-based financial oversight despite the absence of new loans.

IMF programmes have been viewed as creating prolonged dependency among developing economies, particularly in Africa. Of the continent’s 54 countries, only a handful have never sought IMF assistance, while many have repeatedly returned for support during economic crises.

Supporters of the PCI, however, argue that the arrangement could help Ghana sustain fiscal reforms and strengthen investor confidence without accumulating additional debt.

“The Emergency Committee agreed that the situation is a public health emergency of international concern, but is not a pandemic emergency,” he said.

The latest outbreak has presented unusual challenges for health authorities because laboratory analysis confirmed that it is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

Existing vaccine stockpiles were developed for the more common Zaire strain, leaving international response teams without the main preventative tools used in previous outbreaks.

“With respect to Merck’s ‘Vibo’, which is the licensed Ebola Zaire virus vaccine, that is a vaccine for Ebola Zaire disease. It is not a vaccine for Bundibugyo,” explained WHO senior adviser Dr Vasee Moorthy.

Health officials said the outbreak initially emerged in the remote mining communities of Mongbwalu and Rwampara in eastern Congo, but cases have since been detected in urban centres, including Goma, a major regional transit hub.

Cross-border transmission has also been confirmed after Uganda reported two Ebola-positive travellers arriving from the DRC in Kampala.

WHO technical officer Anais Legand said response teams were now focused on preparing treatment centres and launching clinical trials for potential therapies.

“Our priority right now is to help set up the platform, starting with a safe and optimised treatment centre, good patient referral pathways to ensure that every suspected case can be early detected and cared for,” she said.

The outbreak comes only months after the DRC declared its 16th Ebola outbreak over in December. That epidemic recorded 64 cases and 45 deaths.

“African nuclear energy will not be imported nuclear energy,” Gnassingbé said. “It will be nuclear energy designed, operated and governed by Africans, for the benefit of Africa.”

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan stressed the importance of regional cooperation in building Africa’s nuclear capacity.

“Tanzania strongly believes that regional cooperation is essential for Africa’s successful nuclear energy future,” she said.

Hassan added that partnerships with international organisations and other countries would help African states strengthen expertise and regulatory systems.

The summit brought together presidents, ministers, regulators and international nuclear officials as African countries examined nuclear energy as part of broader efforts to address electricity shortages and rising energy costs.

Discussions focused on financing nuclear infrastructure, training local specialists and developing small modular reactors, known as SMRs, which many participants described as better suited to African energy systems.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said small modular reactors offered the most practical solution for many African countries because they can be introduced gradually and connected to smaller electricity grids at lower cost.

“ Renewable energy will remain indispensable, particularly solar and hydro, where Africa has enormous potential,” Kagame said.

African governments have increasingly argued that nuclear power should complement renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectricity as part of long-term energy transition strategies.

“I’m paying for my council house myself,” she told the BBC, adding that her children are British citizens.

The controversy has drawn attention because council housing in Britain is intended for people who cannot afford rising private rents. In Southwark alone, more than 18,000 people are currently waiting for social housing, with some facing waits of more than five years.

Jabbe-Bio and her husband have lived in Sierra Leone’s presidential lodge since he won office in 2018. The residence, located in the capital Freetown, includes amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts and a helipad.

Southwark council rules state tenants must use council properties as their “only or principal home”. Tenants are also required to notify authorities if they are away for more than 42 consecutive days.

The local authority declined to comment directly on Jabbe-Bio’s case but said investigations are carried out if there are concerns that tenancy conditions are being breached.

Born in Sierra Leone, Jabbe-Bio moved to Britain as a teenager after fleeing an arranged marriage.

She later worked as an actress and model and reportedly moved into the Southwark property in 2007.

“Russia will always support Mali so that we can stay on our feet and so that we can expel all these terrorists and their foreign sponsors from Mali,” Sanou said.

He added that the visit reflected the commitment of Mali’s interim president, General Assimi Goïta, to strengthen ties with Moscow.

Footage by Viory from the meeting showed Sanou and Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev signing cooperation documents and shaking hands.

According to Sanou, Mali has opened discussions with Russia on railway construction projects as well as the purchase of trains, ships, fertilisers and oil products. Tsivilev described Mali as one of Russia’s key African partners and said both countries were committed to expanding cooperation.

“It is very important not only for our peoples, but also for all the states of the Sahel and other Central African states,” Tsivilev said.

Russia’s Energy Ministry said the talks covered agriculture, energy and transport cooperation.

The two sides also signed a final protocol for the meeting and a memorandum of understanding on standardisation between Russia’s Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology and Mali’s Standardisation and Quality Improvement Agency.

“Individuals were brought before the prosecution office in Antananarivo over an alleged plot to organise acts of unrest and attempt to overthrow the state and the nation,” Ramanantsoa said.

According to prosecutors, the charges include conspiring to attack senior state officials, inciting violence among citizens, spreading false information likely to disturb public order, and participating in a criminal organisation under Articles 215 and 216 of Madagascar’s Penal Code.

Investigators said they uncovered private messages allegedly linked to secret meetings in Antananarivo, as well as sums of money in ariary and euros believed to have been intended to finance the operation.

Ramanantsoa said an examining judge ordered Rakotoniaina to be held at Tsiafahy Prison and Rabary at Antanimora Prison pending trial.

He added that arrest warrants would also be issued for other suspects linked to the case who have not yet appeared before the court.

Rabary served as education minister under former President Hery Rajaonarimampianina and currently leads the Ny Firenenko party. Rakotoniaina, also known as “Ive Mo,” served as secretary-general at the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts from 2021 until November 2025.

He said investigations carried out in the Mongwalu, Rwampara and Bunia health zones confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

“Sequencing confirmed the Bundibugyo strain,” Muyaya said, adding that additional samples had been sent to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa for further analysis.

The government said emergency response measures had already been launched, including contact tracing, awareness campaigns targeting community and religious leaders, and infection prevention efforts in health facilities.

Muyaya said authorities were also working to counter rumours and misinformation surrounding the outbreak.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned that the virus could spread locally and across borders because of movement between eastern Congo and neighbouring countries, Viory reports.

The agency said the risk was heightened by ongoing violence and displacement in eastern DRC, where decades of conflict have weakened health infrastructure and forced large numbers of people from their homes.

Uganda on Friday also reported an Ebola case after a traveller arriving from the DRC died a day earlier.

The latest outbreak comes just months after the DRC declared its 16th Ebola outbreak over in December. That outbreak infected at least 64 people and killed 45, while more than 47,000 people were vaccinated during the response.

The country’s deadliest Ebola outbreak occurred between 2018 and 2020, when nearly 2,300 people died.

Didiza rejected the opposition’s request for an urgent no-confidence debate against Ramaphosa, saying the matter could not be raised at that point in the proceedings.

“I, as the Speaker of this House, have the duty to ensure the smooth conduct,” Didiza said. “I’ve listened to your request, and I’ve indicated that that does not arise.”

Ramaphosa later addressed the assembly, paying tribute to victims of severe flooding that has affected several provinces.

“We remember those who have lost their lives, their homes and their livelihoods,” he said, adding that at least 10 people had died and thousands had been displaced.

The disruption came a week after the Constitutional Court ordered the establishment of an impeachment committee to investigate whether Ramaphosa committed serious violations linked to the 2020 Phala Phala scandal, in which $580,000 was stolen from his private farm.

The Presidency has said Ramaphosa will comply with the ruling, stressing that no one is above the law and reaffirming respect for judicial independence. Ramaphosa has denied wrongdoing.

“For Africa, we have to leverage our competitive advantage,” Kagame said. “Why is Africa always at a disadvantage when you have almost everything?”

He argued that Africa possesses abundant mineral, energy and human resources, yet continues to lose much of its wealth cheaply to more powerful nations.

“We must be able to say no,” Kagame said, warning against Africa being “ripped off” by countries with greater geopolitical influence.

Kagame also highlighted Africa’s growing population and expanding middle class, saying the continent has the workforce and potential needed to drive economic growth and industrialisation.

Responding to a question about Africa’s role amid rising global tensions, Kagame described the current geopolitical climate as a “wake-up call” and urged African countries to use the uncertainty to reclaim economic sovereignty.

The two-day Africa CEO Forum has brought together heads of state and more than 2,000 business leaders and investors from 75 countries in Kigali.

During the ceremony, Museveni also performed a traditional warrior gesture with a ceremonial sword and shield.

Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, was declared winner of the January 2026 presidential election with 71.65% of the vote. His latest term will run from 2026 to 2031.

The election was held amid a nationwide internet blackout, which the government said was intended to limit misinformation. The opposition, however, accused authorities of using the shutdown to conceal alleged electoral fraud.

Technical failures also disrupted voting , forcing officials to rely on manual registers. Museveni accused the opposition of orchestrating the disruptions in an attempt to manipulate the vote.

The investment package includes €14 billion from French public and private entities and €9 billion from African investors. The funds will focus on sectors including energy transition, digital technology and artificial intelligence , the maritime economy, and agriculture.

“I simply wanted to announce today that, through this mobilisation and everything we have achieved, there are very tangible results for the African continent,” Macron said.

“Today, thanks to your commitment and the work done, we are announcing €23 billion in investment for Africa—€23 billion. This includes €14 billion from the French companies gathered here—major groups, mid-sized firms, and SMEs—who are investing €14 billion across the continent.”

Macron said the investments would support projects in Kenya and other African countries represented at the summit.

“I applaud all the leaders present today; these investments are being made here in Kenya and across all the nations represented, and they will create over 250,000 direct jobs in both France and Africa,” he added.

The Africa Forward summit is part of France’s broader effort to rebuild partnerships across Africa through economic cooperation and investment.

“I want no longer France to consider Africa as our backyard... I believe that we need a well-balanced partnership,” Macron said.

He added that the “transformation” France has pursued over the past decade is based on “state sovereignty and territorial integrity” in its engagement with the continent.

Macron also defended the participation of West African leaders at the summit amid criticism that the region was underrepresented. He acknowledged that three countries were excluded following military coups.

The French president referred to France’s military withdrawal from Mali, saying the decision was made at the request of Malian authorities but argued it had not benefited the country.

“The events have shown that this was not the best solution or the best option for Mali,” he said, while paying tribute to French soldiers killed there.

Correction : The location where French president Emmanuel Macron made the speech was in Nairobi and not Paris as he is in Kenya for the Africa Forward summit.

Organisers said social media has become a powerful tool for Africans to tell their own stories, promote tourism and investment, and influence public policy.

Obsa Abdissa, an Ethiopian influencer with more than 437,000 TikTok followers, urged young Africans to use their platforms responsibly.

“We have no tomorrow except today. So let’s wake up now so that we don’t live in regret and poverty,” he said.

Botswana content creator William Last KRM, who has 29.8 million TikTok followers, called for greater support for creators from governments and institutions.

“As content creators, we can’t make money only by promoting businesses. We need to be able to make a living out of it,” he said.

South Sudanese influencer Raya Rayan encouraged young creators to remain consistent and authentic.

“One day, whatever thing that you’re posting on social media is going to pay back,” she said.

Speakers at the summit said distorted global narratives about Africa could be costing the continent more than $4.2 billion a year, arguing that digital influence now has direct economic consequences.

“The epicentre of global terrorism is in Africa. ISIS leadership right now is African, whether it’s in Somalia, Nigeria, Mali or Niger,” Anderson said. He added that, “Al-Qaeda’s economic engine is also in Africa right now, especially in the Sahel, where they generate millions of dollars through extortion, kidnappings for ransom and other illicit activities.”

“They are learning organisations. They have evolved and adapted over time, and they’ve learned how to operate quietly because they understand what happens when they become too visible. Both ISIS and Al-Qaeda have migrated toward Africa,” he added.

The AFRICOM commander pointed to countries including Somalia, Nigeria, Mali and Niger as areas where extremist organisations have strengthened their presence and operational capacity.

According to him, Al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel have “more than tripled in size” over the last five years, with extremist groups increasingly generating revenue through extortion, kidnappings for ransom and illicit activities.

He also warned that some groups are evolving into quasi-state actors capable of controlling territory, disrupting national economies and threatening capital cities.

Referring to recent attacks in Mali claimed by Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), Anderson expressed concern over public threats against the capital, Bamako.

“JNIM recently made a public statement saying they were going to attack and seize Bamako and warned civilians not to resist. That should give people some chills because that’s exactly the kind of messaging ISIS used before it entered Mosul,” he said.

“If a terrorist organisation can threaten a national capital, it changes the game. It gives them legitimacy, access to resources and makes them more attractive to extremists from around the world,” he added.

Anderson argued that the withdrawal of Western military forces from parts of West Africa has created what he described as an “intelligence black hole,” limiting the ability of the United States and its allies to fully monitor developments in the region.

Despite his warnings, he stressed that the people of Africa should not be blamed for the rise of extremist groups.

“This is not to disparage Africa because the people of Africa, for the most part, do not want these terrorists there. West Africans have a long history of moderate and open Islam and produced some of the greatest Islamic scholars in history,” he said.

He linked the growth of extremist recruitment to poverty, unemployment and governance challenges, arguing that many recruits initially join militant groups for economic survival rather than ideology.

He emphasised that the United States should avoid direct long-term military intervention, instead focusing on intelligence sharing, training and support for African partners.

“We need to pay attention to this threat and avoid the mistake of simply walking away or ignoring it. I believe the threat is real, and I have real concern about where this could go,” General Dagvin R. M. Anderson cautioned.

Watch the review of his comments at The Sedona Forum in the attached video.

“The impeachment process must kick in with immediate effect, and that’s what we’re going to demand,” Malema said. “We cannot wait any longer; we’ve been waiting for too long now.”

The Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament acted unconstitutionally when it rejected a 2022 independent panel report that found Ramaphosa may have a case to answer over the theft of $580,000 from his Phala Phala farm. The report will now be referred to an impeachment committee for further investigation.

Malema said the EFF’s Chief Whip would formally write to the Speaker of the National Assembly requesting the establishment of the committee.

He also criticised other opposition parties, accusing them of abandoning earlier calls for accountability in exchange for political benefits.

Ramaphosa’s office said the president would comply with the ruling and reaffirmed his respect for judicial independence, saying no one is above the law. Ramaphosa has denied wrongdoing in the matter.

Their return was marked with music , dancing and celebrations.

“It is a great source of pride to be back in our beloved country, Senegal,” said Abdoulaye Dieng, one of the freed supporters. “It was a very long and difficult ordeal. But God gave us the strength to overcome it.”

Dieng returned with Ibrahima Diop and Aziz Wade. Fifteen other Senegalese supporters remain detained in Morocco, while Senegalese authorities continue talks with Rabat to secure their release.

“Our satisfaction is not complete,” Wade said. “We are thinking of the 15 others who are still being held in Morocco.”

He called on Senegalese state and religious authorities to help secure their release.

The supporters were part of a group convicted by the Rabat Court of Appeal over violence linked to the AFCON final between Senegal and hosts Morocco.

Eighteen Senegalese fans were prosecuted on charges including public disorder, throwing projectiles and damaging stadium property. They received prison sentences ranging from three to 12 months, which were upheld on appeal.

The final was overshadowed by unrest after Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco. The Confederation of African Football later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title.

“The routed terrorists had no choice but to retreat,” Maiga said.

He said the attacks were part of a “vain and desperate attempt” by armed groups and their sponsors to destabilise the state.

“The scale of the attack and the methods used by the enemy provide sufficient proof that the terrorists received reinforcements from both inside and outside,” he added.

Maiga said troop deployments were being reorganised as part of a wider counter-offensive.

“We are currently restructuring our deployment by repositioning certain units in accordance with the principle of concentration of forces,” he said, describing the move as “strictly a war strategy.”

He added that more than 10,000 combatants had been mobilised by the attackers, forcing the military to adjust its strategy to protect soldiers and prepare to retake territory.

The army also warned of what it called a media disinformation campaign similar to the one seen during Mali’s 2012 crisis. Maiga urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid ethnic profiling in the capital.

The April 25 attacks were claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front. They marked one of Mali’s most serious escalations in years and reportedly included the killing of Defence Minister Sadio Camara.

“The situation in Mali is under control,” he said, adding that active combat operations were ongoing in several regions.

He said the Malian Armed Forces had adopted a more “proactive and assertive” approach against armed groups, insisting that militants do not control the country.

The soldier accused “enemy” groups of using Western media outlets to spread false information, saying their claims had “no relation to the actual situation.”

He added that Malian security services were continuing investigations into the reported coup attempt.

According to the soldier, militant groups had hoped to make gains before the rainy season, when movement during military operations becomes more difficult. He claimed the groups had lost around 3,000 fighters in recent battles.

On April 27, Russia’s Defence Ministry said its Africa Corps had helped foil a coup attempt in Mali by armed groups linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front.

The attacks reportedly killed Mali’s defence minister, Sadio Camara, in a suicide bombing and injured 16 others.

Malian authorities condemned the incidents as “cowardly terrorist attacks” and pledged to bring those responsible to justice . They also urged citizens to remain vigilant and rely on official sources of information.

Mahama criticised what he described as exploitative behaviour by some employers who allegedly make intimate relationships a condition for offering jobs, particularly affecting women seeking employment .

He said such conduct should attract strict legal consequences and stressed that abuse and exploitation in the workplace must not be tolerated.

The President of the West African nation also highlighted efforts to improve gender equality, stating that his government remains focused on improving gender balance in public appointments, referring to the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, with a national target of equal representation by 2028.

“The vessel should be kept far from the city until the situation is fully understood,” one resident warned. “Cape Verde is a small country, and we must take maximum precautions against any unknown disease."

Authorities have stated that the risk to the public is “low,” but concerns persist among residents about possible exposure and wider impacts.

Reports indicate that the MV Hondius will remain under quarantine until a final destination is agreed upon with international health authorities.

Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, including their saliva, urine, or faeces. Human-to-human transmission is rare, but severe cases can lead to respiratory failure or haemorrhagic fever.

That is the vision of MobiBank CEO Jussi Teeriaho, who plans to sell his multifunctional mobile banks - once known as smartphones - to users for $85 or less.

While phone tech providers like Apple and Google offer financial services, Teeriaho points out that they are not specialists and are not building full-scale solutions to help users get the best value for their money. In addition, the architecture of smartphones can create security risks that banks have insufficient ability to address, he claims.

“The problem with the many competitors nowadays in the fintech industry is that they own the app. The app is theirs. But when we go to the pipes underneath, they belong to somebody else. And when we go to the full-stack system - device, operating systems, financial engine and distributed channels - it starts to be divided between so many players that there are challenges all the time,” Teeriaho told Global South World. “Our target is to have one hub where you get all the services, including application, including security, including the pipe channels, and how to deliver things in the future.”

Teeriaho wants to bring his experience designing safety and backup features for Nokia to build a better phone that will empower users who are dependent on mobile payments. One of his first targets is farming and mining businesses in Africa, which need to be able to send and receive money but currently suffer from high transaction costs.

Once licences are signed off, he promises the capacity to produce tens of thousands of phones a day. Scale is important. With 1.7 billion people in the world still unbanked, there is the potential to change the equation around livelihoods as well as economic growth. Traditional banking services, which can take days or weeks to onboard new customers, are not up to the challenge.

MobiBank is promising to address another challenge - it is aiming to provide banking functionalities that can operate without the internet .

So far, the company is raising around $10 million from private and institutional investors in 12 countries, and Teeriaho says it is planning a launch in Nigeria in the third quarter of 2026.

If his vision is fulfilled, we could be leaving the smartphone era to enter a smart-banking world.

The operation followed a week-long search that involved drones and helicopters. During the search, officials identified a group of crocodiles on a small island and singled out one that appeared to have recently fed.

The crocodile was euthanised before the recovery. Authorities described the process as a “highly dangerous and complex operation.”

Human remains were later found in the animal’s intestines at the nearby Kruger National Park. Investigators also recovered six different types of shoes.

DNA tests are expected to determine whether the remains belong to a 59-year-old businessman from the Vanderbijlpark area who was reported missing. He is believed to have fallen into the river while attempting to cross a flooded low-lying bridge in his Ford Ranger in late April.

President William Ruto has announced a Ksh10 million (approx. US$77,400) funding offer for Kenyan content creators producing films and art around affordable housing and health. Speaking at the 14th Kalasha International Film and TV Market Festival and Awards at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Ruto said the government was ready to support creatives whose work tells stories linked to national priorities. “I am making an offer. Those who want to pursue film and art in this space of affordable housing, I am asking my friends from the Kenya Film Commission to include those categories. I am going to make an offer of Ksh10 million each in affordable housing and in health,” he said. Ruto also directed that 30 percent of all government advertising be channelled through creative platforms, saying the move would support young talent in digital creation, film and music. “I can confirm that the government has the resources to support and partner with creatives who tell our stories,” he said , at an event that drew more than 3,000 delegates, 100 exhibitors and representatives from over 30 countries.

Finance Bill targets crypto and digital platforms

Kenya’s Finance Bill 2026 has proposed major changes to the taxation of the digital economy, with new rules targeting virtual assets, online platforms and electronic transactions. The Bill seeks to bring cryptocurrencies, digital tokens and virtual asset service providers more firmly under the Kenya Revenue Authority’s reporting framework. Exchanges and trading platforms will be required to file annual information returns detailing users, transactions and controlling interests. The proposals also introduce tougher penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to Ksh100,000 (approx. US$774) per false statement or imprisonment of up to three years, while failure to file returns may attract penalties of up to Ksh1 million (around US$7,740). “The Tax Procedures Act is amended by inserting new sections after section 6B, requiring a virtual asset service provider to file an information return if it facilitates exchange transactions, provides a trading platform on behalf of a customer, or acts as a counterparty or intermediary in such transactions,” the proposals read .

Ruto to address Tanzanian parliament in historic visit

President William Ruto is expected to address Tanzania’s parliament in Dodoma on May 5, 2026, in what officials have described as a historic moment for Kenya-Tanzania relations. Tanzania’s Deputy Speaker Daniel Sillo said the address, scheduled for 11am, would be attended by top national leaders and would focus on strengthening cooperation between the two neighbours. “We wish to inform you that on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, Hon Pr William Ruto, the President of Kenya, will address the Parliament here in Dodoma,” Sillo said . “This very important and historical event, which will also be attended by our top leaders, is aimed at strengthening cooperation and brotherhood between Tanzania and Kenya.” It will be the first time a Kenyan president addresses the Tanzanian parliament.

Israel deploys mobile climate lab in Kenya

Israel has deployed a mobile climate laboratory in Kenya to help close Africa’s climate data gap and strengthen evidence-based policymaking. The facility, stationed in Machakos County after two months of operation in the country, is hosted at the International Livestock Research Institute’s Kapiti site and is designed to measure climate-related conditions across different ecosystems. Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, said the lab would support better preparation for climate change. “We must remember that there is a huge gap in climate data and climate knowledge in Africa, and the work of this laboratory helps us close this gap,” he said. “It enables us to be better prepared for climate change and to make better policy decisions based on real and accurate science.” Behar described it as “the first-ever climate mobile lab not only in Africa but possibly in the world,” adding that its scientific work would support the global fight against climate change.  

Kenya pushes local mineral processing

Kenya is moving to retain more value from its mineral resources by shifting from raw mineral exports to local processing, refining and manufacturing. Speaking at the 2026 Mining Investment Conference in Nairobi, President Ruto said the country’s strategy is to build integrated industrial value chains around minerals such as gold, titanium, rare earths, gemstones, iron ore, copper, manganese and chromite. “We will process our minerals here on the continent, we will refine them here, we will manufacture them here,” Ruto said . He pointed to the iron ore pelletisation plant in Taita Taveta, now in its final stages of construction, as a key step in Kenya’s industrialisation agenda. The push reflects a wider African effort to stop exporting raw materials while importing finished products made from the same resources.

Residents and volunteer fighters described an escalating security crisis, saying bandits and insurgents have been crossing in from neighbouring areas to launch raids on rural communities.

Dayabu Qulu Wamba, head of a local vigilante group, said residents were forced to organise after repeated attacks left people dead and prevented farmers from accessing their lands.

“We have a security challenge I consider a test. We couldn’t watch our people continue to die and be denied access to their lands by these bandits, and that was the motivation for us,” he said.

“We started confronting bandits with locally made guns. Many fighters have died, including my brother.” He said Wamba’s location near areas affected by banditry has made it vulnerable to incursions by armed groups. Vigilantes said they have repeatedly clashed with attackers despite limited resources.

“We heard that bandits were coming and we went to stop them,” said Ahmadu Ibrahim, a local fighter who showed wounds he said were sustained during a confrontation. “We lost three men and I was shot in my hands. It took me 12 months to heal the bullet wound, and there was no help from the government . But our commander was always by our side.”

Residents say years of violence have displaced hundreds of households and caused major economic losses.

“More than 500 households were displaced,” said local resident Sani Umar. “Many people lost millions. We then organised our own self-defence and set up a committee to support local vigilantes. Now we’re able to carry on with normal activities, even when we hear bandits may attack.”

The violence comes amid a broader wave of insecurity across Nigeria. Last week, at least 29 people were killed in an attack in Adamawa State, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility.

Despite the financial component, Ghana has rejected the proposal in its current form and communicated its position to the United States. The country is seeking revised terms that address its concerns over data protection and governance .

Arnold Kavaarpuo, executive director of Ghana’s Data Protection Commission, stated that the proposed deal included provisions that would allow US entities to access sensitive health data without sufficient safeguards. He explained that the level of access requested exceeded what is typically required in such agreements.

According to Kavaarpuo, the agreement extended beyond basic health data sharing. It included access to broader digital systems and infrastructure that support health data management. He also indicated that the agreement could allow individuals to be identified when necessary.

Kavaarpuo also disclosed that up to 10 US entities could have access to the data without requiring approval from Ghana.

The proposed deal is part of a wider US strategy under the “America First” policy, which involves signing similar agreements with multiple countries. More than 30 countries, many in Africa, have entered into such arrangements aimed at strengthening public health systems and addressing disease outbreaks, especially following reductions in US aid.

However, these agreements have raised concerns in several countries. Zimbabwe rejected a similar proposal over issues related to data protection, fairness, and sovereignty. Zambia has also expressed concerns.

Speaking at the event, Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment in the Federal Capital Territory, explained that the drug is strictly for prevention.

“Lenacapavir is long-acting and is for the prevention of HIV/AIDS,” she said, stressing the importance of testing negative before receiving the injection. “If you're positive, the medicine doesn't work… and may even be injurious to your health.”