Global and African Financial Experts Urge Action to Enhance Smallholder Farmer Financing

South African police successfully rescued American pastor Joshua Sullivan, who was abducted during a sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, as kidnappings in the country have surged over the past decade. During a high-intensity shootout, three suspects were killed, and Sullivan, unharmed, was found in the vehicle used by the attackers. His mother announced his rescue on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers, while police statistics indicate a significant rise in kidnappings...

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Road Accident Fund (RAF) have returned to court after SARS deducted nearly R1 billion from RAF levies. This deduction was made to address a R5.1 billion debt owed to Eskom for diesel levy refunds. The RAF contends that this action constitutes contempt of a court order. Full Article

Wandile Aphiwe Ngcobo, a Grade 11 student at Durban Girls' Secondary School, tragically lost her life during a house robbery after choosing to remain home to study. The assailants took only her school bag containing a library book, along with a TV, DStv decoder, and two remote controls. This incident highlights the senseless nature of the crime and the devastating impact it has had on her family and community. Full Article

Paul KirbyEurope digital editorFrance has recalled its ambassador to Algeria and expelled 12 Algerian diplomats amid escalating diplomatic tensions following the arrest of an Algerian consular official linked to the kidnapping of a government critic. Relations between the countries have been deteriorating since Macron's support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, with both nations blaming each other for the crisis. Despite attempts to ease tensions, including discussions between Macron and Algeria's president, the situation continues...

A former Gambian soldier, Michael Sang Correa, has been convicted of torture in a US court for his involvement in crimes under former President Yahya Jammeh's regime. Correa, a member of the "Junglers," was found guilty of torturing at least six suspected opponents, using methods such as electrocution and smothering. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count, marking him as the first non-US citizen convicted under a law prosecuting overseas...

Algeria's expulsion of 12 French consular staff has dashed hopes for improved relations with France following a recent diplomatic thaw. This action, prompted by the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France linked to a kidnapping case, underscores ongoing tensions, particularly targeting French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, perceived as undermining President Macron's conciliatory approach. The deterioration in ties, marked by accusations and the arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, has diminished prospects for future...