Politics

Authorities in Cameroon have banned the smoking of shisha pipes, arguing that it poses a health risk to the mostly young people who use it in bars and at home. Cameroon’s Ministry of Health has banned smoking shisha, a typical mixture of tobacco, molasses, glycerin and flavorings. Doctors say there …

At least 53 people died in western Ethiopia after an unidentified armed group attacked a civilian convoy and its military escort in a region plagued by ethnic violence, Reuters agency reports, citing a rights body appointed by the government on Sunday. The previously unreported attack occurred on March 2 in …

The announcement of President Ali Bongo last Saturday during the commemoration of the 54th anniversary of his party did not leave the Gabonese indifferent. Ali Bongo said in particular that in 2023 he will be there. A way of saying that he will be a candidate for the presidential election …

The Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has banned the export of foodstuffs that the country imports, the state news agency reported. According to the agency, which quoted a source, the president described as economic sabotage the fact of selling foodstuffs that the country does not produce locally. The commodities include sugar, …

Former Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, 85, died at home on Friday after a short battle with colon cancer, his family and the presidency announced. Banda, Zambia’s fourth president who was in power from 2008 to 2011, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and had been receiving medical treatment. …

The Ethiopian human rights body has accused rebels of killing at least 750 civilians in the northern Afar and Amhara regions in the second half of last year. More than half died in air strikes and heavy artillery fire, it said, adding that the rest died in extra-judicial killings. It …

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Raymond Zondo as the country’s new chief justice, the presidency said in a statement on Thursday following a public selection process. Approved by political parties, Judge Raymond Zondo is hailed for his long experience in the judicial field. But Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom …

Kenyan authorities have announced the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and are now allowing people not to wear face masks in open places. The health ministry said mandatory quarantine and isolation of confirmed cases are also removed. The government however encouraged people attending events indoors to wear face masks and while …

The Lagos state government in Nigeria has started publishing details of convicted sex offenders in the state, including names and pictures, local media reported. It is part of a crack down on domestic abuse and gender based violence, under provisions given by section 42 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence …

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said his country has been approached to play a mediation role in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Mr Ramaphosa did not say who had made the approach but said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and urged him to …