Africa: Nigeria’s Passport Among Lowest in Latest Global Rankings

Catherine HeathwoodBBC World ServiceNorth Africa, once a center of Christianity, produced three Catholic popes: Victor I, Miltiades, and Gelasius I, all recognized as saints. Victor I standardized the celebration of Easter on Sundays and introduced Latin as the Church's official language; Miltiades oversaw Christianity's rise in the Roman Empire, receiving a palace from Constantine; Gelasius I, while possibly not born in Africa, asserted the papacy's supremacy and established the Doctrine of the Two Swords. Many...

Tundu Lissu, leader of Tanzania's opposition party Chadema, faces treason charges carrying a death penalty after being detained for allegedly calling for rebellion ahead of the October elections. Despite his party being barred from contesting and a harsh political climate, Lissu remains committed to pushing for reforms, asserting that the current electoral system favors the ruling CCM party. His recent arrest has intensified fears of state repression against opposition figures, prompting calls for his release...

Nigeria has produced international football stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but local players hesitated to support their late friend due to fears for their careers. Michael Chineme, who pursued justice for his brother, received support from FIFPro and established the Chineme Martins Football Foundation to assist footballers facing similar issues. Despite a ruling requiring damages from the federation and league, the compensation will not cover legal fees, emphasizing the need for safe working...

A highly anticipated women's race featured Hassan and Assefa, gold and silver medallists from Paris, with Assefa maintaining a strong lead after the 20km mark. Despite Hassan's early presence, Assefa surged ahead at 35km, finishing 56 seconds in front of Jepkosgei and claiming victory, expressing joy over her win compared to her second place last year. In the men's elite race, Sawe broke away after 31km, ultimately winning by a minute and 10 seconds, celebrating...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's historic visit to South Africa marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough, enhancing relations between the two nations and countering Russia's influence in Africa. Despite an air strike on Kyiv that cut his trip short, Zelensky's meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and solidified bilateral ties. This visit comes amid strained relations with the US, highlighting South Africa's delicate balancing act in its foreign...

Namibia's agriculture minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, has been dismissed following allegations of raping a 16-year-old girl five years ago and attempting to bribe the victim, now 21, to withdraw the case. Hengari, who denies the charges and faces multiple accusations including kidnapping and assault, is set to appear in court soon. This incident marks a significant scandal for Namibia's first female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who recently appointed Hengari to parliament, raising concerns about the vetting process...