Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
Africa Roundup brings you the latest from across the continent
Time now for our daily Africa Roundup. Each morning, just after the six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the continent and the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context , helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead. And we start here; Sudan has appointed General Yassiral-Atta, a member of the country's Sovereign Council and assistant to the commander-in-chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chief of Staff of the country's Armed Forces. Al-Atta, who has served in the military for more than 40 years, has frequently lashed out in public speeches against the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf state of backing the RSF, as well as civilian politicians he says supported the paramilitary group.
Cameroon considers constitutional change to reintroduce Deputy President role
Cameroon is looking at amending its constitution so to allow the reintroduction of a Deputy President position. A joint session of Cameroon's National Assembly and Senate began talks on Thursday examining the constitutional amendment. It is proposed that the Vice President would complete the mandate of the 93-year-old president, Paul Biya in case of death or incapacity. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Prof Elvis Ngolle Ngolle - Member of the Central Committee of the governing Cameroon People's Democratic Movement.
Oxfam flags trillions in hidden offshore wealth as inequality deepens
The amount of untaxed wealth hidden offshore by the richest zero- point one percent exceeds the entire wealth of the poorest half of humanity (4.1 billion people). This is according to new Oxfam analysis published ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Panama Papers. The findings show that, a decade later, the super-rich continue to exploit offshore systems to evade taxes and conceal assets, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international action to tax extreme wealth and end the use of tax havens. Oxfam estimates that over three trillion US dollars in untaxed wealth was stashed offshore in tax havens and unreported accounts in 2024. Peter Ndoro Spoke to Oxfam International's Tax Lead Christian Hallum.
Uganda Law Society to challenge US deportees deal in court
The Law Society of Uganda says it will take government to court to challenge the non-national deportees' agreement that Uganda signed with the US. Yesterday, the first group of deportees from the United States landed at the Entebbe International Airport, marking the first transfer under a bilateral agreement that designates Uganda as a destination for migrants America cannot return to their home countries. Uganda is the latest African nation to accept non-national deportees from the US joining others such as Ghana, South Sudan, Cameroon, and Eswatini. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Eron Kiiza - Lawyer at the Law Society Uganda.
Middle East war fuels shortages and price surge across Africa
African countries are continuing to feel the impact of the ongoing war in Iran, as millions of motorists struggle to locate fuel across the continent. From Johannesburg to Lilongwe, the scenes have been the same this week: 48-hour queues, dry pumps at hundreds of stations and rising fuel prices. Governments are scrambling, with South Africa slashing its fuel levy and Mauritius is rationing power. In Kenya, motorists have begun crossing into Uganda in search of cheaper fuel at the pump station in the border district of Busia, while in Malawi, the country is reportedly on the brink of a fuel crisis with indications that pump prices could soon rise as global oil supply disruptions intensify. As global crude hovers dangerously above $100 a barrel, the question remains: how much longer can African economies hold their breath? Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr Themba Nyasulu, an Energy and Development Economist from Malawi and Peter Ndoro spoke to Kenyan Government Spokesperson, Dr Isaac Mwaura.
UNHCR warns Middle East war driving displacement, aid disruptions
The United Nations Human Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), this week warned that trauma of mass displacement and humanitarian supply chain disruptions throughout the world, are among the devastating impacts of the war raging in the Middle East. UNHCR's representative in Syria, Asseer Al-Madaien, says more than 2 - hundred - thousand people have crossed the border from Lebanon between March the 2nd and the 27th. Thuto Ngobeni reports.
ARTY BEAT
Here's this week's edition of African Arty Beats, compiled by Nhlanhla Mahlangu.
SA moves to ease tensions over Eastern Cape ‘Igbo king’ controversy
South Africa's government has moved to calm tensions following recent violent scenes in the Eastern Cape linked to a controversial so-called Igbo king coronation. Cabinet says it is engaging diplomatic channels while reaffirming that foreign nationals who are in the country legally are welcome - but must respect local laws and customs. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, addressed the issue during a post-Cabinet briefing, outlining government's response and ongoing engagements with Nigerian authorities. Our reporter Innocent Semosa has the details.
UNSC holds emergency meeting as Lebanon-Israel border violence escalates, three peacekeepers killed
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, requested by France and Indonesia, after three UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon within a 24-hour period. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, cautioned that violence along the Lebanon-Israel border is escalating marked by intensified clashes, daily rocket attacks, air strikes, and increased troop movements near the Blue Line. Channel Africa reporter Micheal Mbewe filed the following report....
UNHCR warns Middle East war causes mass displacement, over 200,000 flee from Lebanon
The United Nations Human Commissioner for Refugees - UNHCR, this week warned that trauma of mass displacement and humanitarian supply chain disruptions throughout the world, are among the devastating impacts of the war raging in the Middle East. UNHCR's representative in Syria, Asseer Al-Madaien, says more than 2 - hundred - thousand people have crossed the border from Lebanon between March the 2nd and the 27th. Thuto Ngobeni reports...
SA urges calm over fuel fears, addresses Igbo king row at post-Cabinet briefing
The post-cabinet briefing by South Africa's Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, mainly focused on the rising fuel prices and supply interruptions due to the US-Israel and Iran conflict. Ntshavheni has urged South Africans to avoid panic buying and fuel holding amid fears of pending shortages. The Minister in the Presidency also responded to the coronation of a Nigerian "Igbo" King in KuGogompo, Eastern Cape Province. Sibahle Motha reports ...
WHO warns respiratory diseases still pose global threat, urges vigilance and coordinated response
The World Health Organisation says influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases continue to impose a significant global health burden. It says this requires sustained vigilance and coordinated response. The global health body hosted a webinar to discuss these pressing global health concerns. It has also warned about complacency and stressed that it will continue to closely monitor the evolution of variants and the performance of COVID-19 vaccines. Bonolo Maribe has more...
Autism march at Parliament highlights inclusion challenges as World Autism Month begins
Hundreds of people living with autism marched to South Africa's Parliament to hand over a memorandum to various government departments, including the institution. The protest coincides with the start of the global commemorations of World Autism Month, which is observed in April. Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, accepted the memorandum on behalf of the government. She told the gathering that there is already work being done to address the challenges of people with disabilities at large. Abongwe Kobokana reports..
Rise of influencers sparks debate over regulation, transparency, and sustainability in digital economy
The rise of social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube has created a new digital economy, built on followers, content and brand deals, allowing many to earn an income as influencers. While the sector continues to expand, it largely operates in a grey area, where big brands are regulated, but influencers are not. This has sparked questions about how influencers earn a living, whether paid content is properly disclosed, how sustainable this career really is, and who protects creators and the public. Amahle Cele filed this report...
Top US general dismissed in rare wartime shake-up as Pentagon leadership overhaul unfolds
In the United States, the Army's top general has been dismissed in an unusual move during a time of conflict. General Randy George was removed from his post by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to US officials. The decision is part of a broader shake-up at the Pentagon, and such a high-level firing during wartime is considered rare. This report from Reuters
Arty Beats
Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.
SA moves to ease tensions after Eastern Cape unrest over Igbo king controversy
South Africa's government has moved to calm tensions following recent violent scenes in the Eastern Cape linked to a controversial so-called Igbo king coronation. Cabinet says it is engaging diplomatic channels while reaffirming that foreign nationals who are in the country legally are welcome — but must respect local laws and customs. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, addressed the issue during a post-Cabinet briefing, outlining government's response and ongoing engagements with Nigerian authorities. Our reporter Innocent Semosa has the details
UN raises alarm over surge in Palestinian evictions, with tens of thousands displaced
The United Nations human rights office has raised alarm over a surge in evictions of Palestinian families, particularly in and around Jerusalem's Old City. It says the situation has worsened since the October 7 attacks in 2023, with cases now appearing more coordinated and, in some instances, organised through social media platforms. The UN's top human rights official in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ajith Sunghay, says nearly thirty-six thousand Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, over the past year, as tensions continue to escalate.
The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, says its high time the United States and Israel stop the war against Iran that is inflicting immense human suffering and triggering devastating economic consequences. He also called on Iran to stop attacking their neighbours. Guterres spoke just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a prime time address to the nation seeking to make the case for the conflict to a weary American public, arguing that the United States' key objectives were nearing completion and that Iran would be "hit hard" in the next two to three weeks. The stock market has reacted negatively to the news of a further escalation by Washington while the price of Brent Crude oil shot up to almost 110 dollars a barrel after a slight easing on hopes the war was close to its conclusion
The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, says its high time the United States and Israel stop the war against Iran that is inflicting immense human suffering and triggering devastating economic consequences. He also called on Iran to stop attacking their neighbours. Guterres spoke just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a prime time address to the nation seeking to make the case for the conflict to a weary American public, arguing that the United States' key objectives were nearing completion and that Iran would be "hit hard" in the next two to three weeks. The stock market has reacted negatively to the news of a further escalation by Washington while the price of Brent Crude oil shot up to almost 110 dollars a barrel after a slight easing on hopes the war was close to its conclusion. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports...
UNHCR sounds alarm as over 200 000 Lebanese refugees flee conflict into Syria
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, requested by France and Indonesia, after three UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon within a 24-hour period. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, cautioned that violence along the Lebanon-Israel border is escalating marked by intensified clashes, daily rocket attacks, air strikes, and increased troop movements near the Blue Line. For a look at the suffering and uncertainty facing these families as they flee one crisis only to enter another, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Rula Amin, the Senior Communications Advisor and Spokesperson for the UNHCR Regional Bureau for the Middle East and North Africa
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