Africa

A 14-year-old boy, taken from London to Ghana under false pretenses by his parents due to concerns about criminal influences, has won a Court of Appeal ruling allowing his case against them to be reheard. The court emphasized the importance of considering the child's voice in legal matters, as he feels alienated and desperate to return to the UK. More Context

South Africans are currently facing two misleading health hoaxes circulating on social media: one falsely claims a dangerous new Covid-19 variant, Omicron XBB, while the other incorrectly links a Salmonella outbreak to local eggs. Authorities have confirmed that both claims are untrue and do not pose any immediate threat to public health in South Africa. More Context

China has announced its readiness to eliminate tariffs on imports from all 53 African countries it has diplomatic relations with, amid concerns over rising US tariffs on African products. This decision, which follows a previous agreement for 33 least developed nations, aims to strengthen trade ties as Africa exported approximately $170bn worth of goods to China in 2023. More Context

Kagiso Rabada, recently returning from a suspension for drug use, redeemed himself with a five-wicket haul at Lord's, moving to fourth on South Africa's all-time Test wicket-takers list with 332 wickets. He acknowledged the challenge of the match conditions but emphasized his commitment to perform well for his country, inspired by South Africa's cricketing legends. More Context

Hundreds of thousands of refugees in Kenya's Kakuma camp are facing severe malnutrition due to drastic cuts in US funding for the UN's World Food Programme, which has reduced food rations to 30% of the minimum required for health. As conditions deteriorate, families report eating only once a day, and malnourished children fill local hospitals, leading to fears of widespread starvation if aid does not improve. More Context

Dozens have died in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province due to severe weather, including flash floods that swept away a school bus, killing four children and two adults. As of Wednesday, 49 fatalities were confirmed, with ongoing searches for missing individuals amidst widespread displacement and resource shortages in emergency response. A slow-moving storm caused unprecedented rainfall, with one area receiving 9.4 inches in 24 hours, leading to water levels nearly 10 feet high in some regions, according to local officials. Full Article

A UK soldier has been accused of raping a British national near the British Army Training Unit in Kenya, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which stated the soldier has been arrested and repatriated to the UK. The incident is under investigation by the UK military, not the Kenyan police, and follows a history of misconduct allegations against British soldiers at the Batuk base, including a previous murder case. The MoD emphasized cooperation with Kenyan authorities and stated that the ongoing investigation aligns with the Defence Co-operation Agreement between the UK and Kenya. Full Article

The new successor to Akinwumi Adesina is a largely unknown figure, a discreet Mauritanian who previously led the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). He is set to take on a prominent role in the public eye over the next five years. As he steps into this position, he will likely face significant challenges and expectations as he navigates the complexities of his new leadership role. Full Article

The search for schoolchildren swept away in floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape has resumed after being halted overnight. A bus carrying students to school in Mthatha was carried away by floodwaters, with three children rescued clinging to trees, while the bus was later found empty on a riverbank. Reports indicate that the bodies of 10 children and the driver were discovered downstream, as heavy weather across South Africa has resulted in 14 fatalities and widespread power outages, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to urge caution during this crisis. Full Article

A UN panel has urged the UK to renegotiate a recent deal returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, stating it "fails to guarantee" the rights of the Chagossian people, particularly their right to return to Diego Garcia, where a military base will remain. The agreement includes a £40m trust fund for Chagossians, but the panel questioned its compliance with their rights and access to cultural sites. The UK Foreign Office claims the deal has been well-received, while critics, including Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel, argue it is detrimental to both taxpayers and the Chagossian community. Full Article