Africa: Focac 2024 – The Benefits Accruing to Africa

The US will implement a 12-month pilot program requiring citizens from Malawi and Zambia to pay a $15,000 deposit for tourist or business visas to reduce visa overstays. This initiative stems from President Trump's efforts to curb illegal immigration and may expand to other countries with high overstay rates, as identified by the State Department. Want More Context? 🔎

The Charity Commission found no evidence of widespread bullying or harassment at Sentebale, the charity founded by Prince Harry, following a public dispute that led to his resignation. While the current leadership will remain, the commission criticized all parties for the damaging public fallout and provided a regulatory action plan to address governance weaknesses. Want More Context? 🔎

The UN's World Food Programme warns that families in besieged el-Fasher, Sudan, face starvation due to over a year of failed food deliveries amid a civil war, with local reports of deaths from hunger. The RSF has cut supply lines, while humanitarian access remains blocked as the region grapples with severe malnutrition, particularly among children. Want More Context? 🔎

A BBC Africa Eye investigation uncovered the trafficking of girls as young as 13 for sex in Maai Mahiu, Kenya, facilitated by women known as "madams." Undercover footage revealed the normalization of child prostitution in this transport hub, with little law enforcement response despite the legal risks involved, highlighting the urgent need for action against this exploitation. Want More Context? 🔎

Rwanda has agreed to accept up to 250 migrants from the US under a deal with the Trump administration, providing training and support for their resettlement. The agreement allows Rwanda to approve individual cases, amidst concerns about human rights and the safety of deportees, as the US seeks to expedite the removal of undocumented migrants. Want More Context? 🔎

A Ugandan university student, Elson Tumwine, was sentenced to two months in jail after he went missing for two months following a TikTok video criticizing President Yoweri Museveni. His case has raised concerns about freedom of speech in Uganda, with allegations of torture by military agents and a plea for leniency noted during his trial. Want More Context? 🔎