Africa: ECA, AU to Mark African Civil Registration, Vital Statistics Day

Travel expert Justin Chapman at Go2Africa offers tips on bridging the wealth gap when planning group trips with friends who earn more, advising open conversations about budgets, suggesting alternative destinations, and compromising on accommodations and activities. He emphasizes the importance of discussing financial boundaries before traveling, delegating tasks, and sticking to a set budget to avoid overspending and financial strain. Full Article

Security sector reforms in Mali, initiated in 2013 following a crisis, have been hindered by lack of political prioritization, corruption, and limited civil society involvement. Despite ongoing efforts to strengthen security institutions and address governance issues, challenges persist, including the exclusion of separatists from the reform process. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in overseeing SSR activities, but face obstacles such as limited capacity and government interference. Greater collaboration and communication among all...

Boehringer Ingelheim partners with MEDS to enhance the 'Access to Healthcare' program in Kenya, offering subsidized type 2 diabetes and hypertension medications to eligible patients, reducing financial burdens and improving accessibility to life-saving treatments. Through strategic collaborations, the initiative aims to expand healthcare capacity, raise awareness, and provide equitable healthcare access for underserved communities, aligning with Boehringer Ingelheim's commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions and long-term impact on non-communicable diseases. The partnership signifies a step towards...

Madagascar authorities have arrested 19 individuals, including a Tanzanian suspect, in connection with illegal tortoise trafficking, following a major operation in December 2024. This crackdown, which led to the detention of 13 men and 6 women in Antananarivo, also resulted in the arrest of four Chinese nationals in Tanzania. Despite ongoing efforts by environmental groups like Voahary Gasy Alliance, challenges may arise due to the U.S. halting a $10 million funding program in January 2025,...

On February 24, members of the Benoni Flying Squad arrested six suspects involved in criminal activities. Four suspects were caught with suspected stolen copper wire valued at R60,000, while two others were arrested for transporting 34 clear bags of dagga worth R50,000. The BFS officers are commended for their dedication, and investigations into both cases are ongoing. Full Article

Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa attributes the increased load reduction in areas around townships and informal settlements to the high number of illegal connections straining the electricity grid, as discussed at the SAHRC inquiry. Ramokgopa denies any racial targeting in the implementation of load reduction, citing illegal connections, urbanization, and migration as the main causes. City Power and Eskom also testify at the inquiry, highlighting the need for load reduction due to population density strains...