Africa: Strong Only On Paper? Fact-Checking Angie Motshekga’s Claim About South Africa’s Military Might

The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, surprised many Roman Catholics, who initially viewed his selection as unlikely. Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, he established himself as a global figure by speaking in Spanish and emphasizing his dual identity as both American and Peruvian, reassuring those concerned about the influence of U.S. politics on the Church. His background and experience in Peru have positioned him as a compassionate leader focused on social...

In the fall of 2024, the future Pope Leo XIV engaged in extensive discussions at the Vatican with a diverse group of clergy and laypeople, emphasizing the importance of equal voices and open dialogue in the Catholic Church. In his inaugural address, he committed to continuing Pope Francis's legacy of a “synodal church,” promoting inclusivity and collaboration between bishops and lay members, including women. While supporters see this as a step toward transparency, concerns remain...

Aerial attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have transformed Port Sudan from a refuge into a site of devastation, leading to skyrocketing water prices and fuel shortages. Affected residents, including Mutasim, now face dire challenges, with water costs rising fivefold and daily life disrupted by long fuel queues and blackouts. Humanitarian agencies, reliant on Port Sudan as a crucial aid hub, fear that ongoing violence will exacerbate the already critical humanitarian crisis, with famine...

Former British Army officer and mercenary Simon Mann, who attempted a coup in Equatorial Guinea in 2004, has died of a heart attack at age 72. Mann, who made his fortune providing security in conflict zones, was arrested alongside over 60 others and sentenced to 34 years for arms charges before being pardoned in 2009. He claimed the CIA foiled the coup, which aimed to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, and later expressed regret for...

Cisse's Vision for Libyan FootballCisse, despite being one of Africa's best-paid international coaches, emphasizes his commitment to building a successful football foundation in Libya, similar to his decade-long impact in Senegal, which led to the nation's first continental title. He acknowledges Libya's raw talent but identifies a lack of experience and game management as key areas for improvement, stressing the need for commitment, discipline, and fighting spirit to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations...

The head of Liberia's doctors' association, Dr. Peter Matthew George, has been banned from practicing medicine due to the Liberia Medical and Dental Council's (LMDC) finding that he could not provide proof of his medical degree from the UK's University of Hertfordshire, which the university denies ever awarding him any degree. Dr. George claims his initial medical degree is from the University of Central Nicaragua and alleges bias against him following his advocacy for doctors'...