AFRICA DYNAMITE 🌍

On  December 1, 2024 , South Africa is poised to take on a historic role as it officially assumes the presidency of the  G20 . This momentous occasion follows a symbolic handover from Brazil during the recent Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which took place on November 18 and 19. For the first time, an African nation will lead this influential group, which includes 19 countries and the European Union, representing a significant portion of the global economy and population. As President  Cyril Ramaphosa  steps into this leadership role, there is a palpable sense of pride and responsibility. South Africa's presidency is not just a milestone for the nation but also for the entire African continent. The focus will be on pressing global issues such as  climate change ,  sustainable development , and the  economic recovery  following the pandemic. South Africa aims to champion increased climate finance and advocate for a transition to renewable energ...

On a fateful day,  November 28, 2024 , the bustling streets of Douala turned into a scene of chaos when Barrister  Tamfu Richard , a dedicated lawyer, found himself at the mercy of military gendarmes. He was there to defend his client, an elderly woman of 70, when he courageously asked the officers to show him a warrant for her arrest. It was a simple request rooted in the principles of justice and legality, but it was met with brute force instead of respect. Tamfu Richard  In a shocking turn of events, the gendarmes, unable to provide the necessary documentation, resorted to violence. They brutally assaulted Richard right there, in plain view, leaving him battered and humiliated. This act of aggression was not just an attack on a lawyer; it was an attack on the very foundations of justice and the rule of law. The images of Richard’s ordeal quickly spread across social media, igniting a firestorm of outrage throughout Cameroon. People were horrified to see a man whose onl...

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian activist and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was recently arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. Ekpa is linked to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group campaigning for the independence of southeastern Nigeria. Simon Ekpa Finnish authorities charged Ekpa with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. According to Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), he allegedly used social media platforms to promote violence and terrorism, which has contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria. The four others arrested are suspected of funding his activities. Ekpa has been a polarizing figure, particularly for enforcing sit-at-home orders in southeastern Nigeria, which have disrupted daily life and led to violence, even after IPOB's mainstream leadership suspended such actions. This isn’t his first legal trouble; he was bri...

In a significant move aimed at regulating the religious landscape, the Rwandan government is set to introduce a tax on church collections and offerings. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about the indiscriminate opening of churches and the exploitation of congregants by certain religious leaders. President Paul Kagame has been vocal about his discontent with some churches that he believes are taking advantage of vulnerable individuals. He has accused these leaders of "squeezing money" from poor Rwandans, using religion as a facade for their actions. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the increasing number of churches that operate without proper oversight, often leading to the manipulation of their followers. To tackle these issues, Rwandan authorities have already taken steps by closing down thousands of churches that failed to meet legal and infrastructural requirements. This crackdown is part of a larger effort to restore order within the re...

In a thrilling event held in Mexico City on November 16, 2024,   Victoria Kjaer Theilvig   from Denmark has been crowned   Miss Universe 2024 ! This remarkable achievement is especially significant as it marks Denmark's   first-ever victory   in the history of the Miss Universe pageant. At just  21 years old , Victoria stood out among  125 contestants  from around the globe, impressing the judges with her talent, grace, and confidence. The competition was fierce, with  Chidimma Adetshina  from Nigeria finishing as the first runner-up, and  María Fernanda Beltrán  from Nicaragua taking the third spot As the newly crowned Miss Universe, Victoria will take on a year filled with exciting responsibilities, including advocating for important global issues and representing various causes. Her win not only brings pride to Denmark but also shines a spotlight on the country's presence in international beauty competitions. This victory is...

An American tourist,  Steve Lee Hayes , aged 65, was arrested in Tokyo on  November 15, 2024 , for allegedly defacing the  Meiji Jingu shrine . According to reports, he is suspected of carving letters into a torii gate at the shrine, which is a significant cultural site in Japan. Hayes was arrested at his hotel.  Meiji Jingu shrine The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the behavior of tourists in Japan, especially as the country experiences a surge in inbound tourism. Authorities have noted that such incidents can strain the relationship between visitors and local communities. Hayes reportedly arrived in Japan for a holiday with his family just a few days prior to his arrest. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police confirmed that security footage was instrumental in identifying him as the suspect. There have been a few notable incidents involving American tourists in Japan that highlight concerns about behavior and respect for local customs: An 18-year-old America...

United Nations Committee Against Torture is currently holding its eighty-first session in Geneva from October 28 to November 22, 2024. During this session, the committee is reviewing Cameroon's fifth periodic report on its compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This session comes at a critical time, with reports and videos emerging that allegedly show Cameroonian military forces engaging in torture against civilians in the conflict zones of the Northwest and Southwest regions and also in other Regions of the country. These disturbing images have drawn attention from human rights groups and the international community, particularly amid ongoing violence tied to separatist movements and the fight against Boko Haram. The committee’s review of Cameroon is vital, especially given these serious allegations. It provides the Cameroonian government an opportunity to respond to accusations of torture and explain the steps...

Botswana, a country that had been under the same political party's rule for 58 years, has just experienced a historic change. The opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), has managed to unseat the long-standing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat as the BDP fell to fourth place in parliamentary representation. This power shift is a clear sign that voters were unhappy with how the government handled economic issues, especially the stagnation caused by the decline in the diamond trade. Now, let's take a look at Cameroon, which is gearing up for its own elections in 2025. President Paul Biya has been in power for over 41 years, and the recent events in Botswana offer some valuable lessons for long-serving governments like Cameroon's. First, economic management is crucial. The BDP's downfall was largely due to economic stagnation and a lack of job opportunities. Similarly, Cameroon has faced significant economi...