Africa: AU Writes S’ Africa, Nigeria As Race for Afrima 2025/ 2026 Hosting Rights Gathers Momentum

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) has reversed a proposed 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) increase, which faced strong opposition from coalition partner Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties. The finance ministry stated that this reversal, just days before implementation, would lead to a significant revenue deficit of 75 billion rand, potentially resulting in further tax increases or spending cuts. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana acknowledged the decision would necessitate revisiting expenditure plans, as...

SummaryUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cut short his inaugural visit to South Africa after a Russian missile and drone attack in Kyiv killed at least nine and injured over 80, prompting him to return home immediately post-meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The geopolitical landscape has shifted since South Africa's prior neutrality, as both nations now share strained relations with Washington and seek to enhance diplomatic ties amid ongoing conflict. Zelensky's refusal to concede Crimea remains...

In April, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers discovered over 5,000 smuggled ants in a guesthouse, intended for exotic pet markets by two Belgian teenagers who pleaded guilty to wildlife piracy. This incident highlights a growing trend in the trafficking of less conspicuous species, shifting focus from large mammals to ecologically important insects. Experts warn that the booming trade in exotic ants poses significant biodiversity risks, as their removal from ecosystems could have damaging ecological consequences...

Summary After being wrongly accused of sexual harassment during his interview for the Chief Justice position, Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo is now among four candidates selected by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the Deputy Chief Justice vacancy. This development follows the controversy surrounding Mlambo's prior interview, which raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the selection process. His nomination reflects a critical opportunity for Mlambo to advance within the judiciary, despite the challenges he faced...

Burkina Faso's military government has reported thwarting a "major plot" to overthrow junta leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré, alleging the plotters, comprised of current and former soldiers, were based in Ivory Coast. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated the coup attempt aimed to attack the presidential palace and create chaos, potentially subjecting the country to international oversight. Multiple arrests occurred last week, and the junta has previously accused Ivory Coast of harboring opponents, amid a backdrop of...

US Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos stated that President Trump values Africa despite significant aid cuts that have led to humanitarian issues, including affecting health programs and increasing poverty risks. While the Trump administration paused foreign aid, causing concerns over healthcare and humanitarian aid, Boulos emphasized the need for efficiency in aid distribution and asserted that the US aims to establish strategic partnerships in Africa, particularly in mineral extraction. He also downplayed reports of...