Natural Gas, the Right Transition Fuel for South Africa (By NJ Ayuk)

Mali's military junta, led by Gen Assimi Goïta, has commenced the construction of a gold refinery in collaboration with Russia's Yadran Group, aiming to enhance the nation's economic sovereignty and benefit from its mineral wealth. This project, which will have a majority Malian stake and a 200-tonne capacity, reflects Mali's shift towards Russia while reducing ties with Western nations, as seen in the administration of a Canadian-run gold mine. Need More Context? 🔎

At least a quarter of a million individuals have been waiting for years for their late birth registration applications to be processed, according to the Children's Institute's filings with the Western Cape High Court, which suggests this figure may be conservative. This significant backlog highlights systemic issues within the processing of such essential documentation. Need More Context? 🔎

Sudan remains in a state of strategic stalemate as both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struggle for control, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage, leading to increasing hunger and displacement among the population. Recent offensives and alliances have failed to shift the balance, while humanitarian aid efforts are hampered by violence and blockades, exacerbating the dire situation for civilians. Need More Context? 🔎

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has signed an amendment allowing civilians to be tried in military courts under specific conditions, despite a previous Supreme Court ruling declaring such trials unconstitutional. While the amendment seeks to ensure legal qualifications for tribunal leaders, opposition figures, including Bobi Wine, argue it will be used to target dissenters, raising concerns about the impartiality and fairness of military justice. More Context

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to tackle a recent surge of violence in Benue state, where over 200 people have been killed in attacks linked to ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers. Despite previous government efforts, the violence has escalated due to environmental stressors and unresolved community tensions, necessitating comprehensive security and economic solutions. More Context

Kenya's deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat, has stepped aside amid investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody after alleging defamation against Lagat. Initial claims of self-inflicted wounds were retracted following an autopsy indicating assault; pressure from activists for a transparent inquiry continues as the police face scrutiny over extrajudicial deaths. More Context