September 2024 FIRE Portfolio Update: More Of The Same

High Court secretary Andiswa Mengo testified that Judge President Selby Mbenenge sent her explicit images, including a photo of his genitals, via WhatsApp. However, a forensic investigation into their phones could not corroborate her claims, as stated by an expert witness in the case. The lack of evidence raises significant questions about the credibility of the allegations against Mbenenge. Full Article

The Catholic Church in Kenya addressed concerns regarding Cardinal John Njue's participation in the papal conclave following Pope Francis' death. Although Cardinal Njue, 79, initially stated he had not been invited, Catholic officials later clarified he was invited but unable to attend due to health issues. He is one of only two cardinals, along with Spain's Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, who will not partake in the election of the new pope, requiring a two-thirds majority from...

Sudan has severed diplomatic relations with the UAE, accusing it of supporting the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid ongoing civil war, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and a humanitarian crisis. This decision follows attacks in Port Sudan attributed to the RSF, prompting Sudan to withdraw its ambassador and close its diplomatic missions in the UAE. Despite the UAE's denials of support for the RSF and a recent ruling by the International Court...

Youssouf Ndayishimiye, who grew up in Bujumbura, Burundi, aspired to escape "unimaginable poverty" through football. In 2023, he became Burundi's most expensive player after joining Nice for €11.5m, a significant leap from his childhood struggles with food and basic necessities. Despite challenges, including borrowing boots for trials, Ndayishimiye remained determined to uplift his family from poverty, driven by the love and sacrifices of his mother. Full Article

Visa applications from countries perceived as likely to overstay and claim asylum in the UK, such as Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, may face new restrictions under Home Office plans aimed at reducing abuse of the system. With over 108,000 asylum claims last year, the government is preparing an Immigration White Paper to detail measures intended to tackle this issue, although experts suggest the impact on asylum applications may be minimal. Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir...

SummaryExplosions rocked Port Sudan for a third consecutive day as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted the city, previously considered safe amid Sudan's civil war. Drones struck the international airport and a hotel near the military leadership, prompting flight cancellations and raising concerns over civilian safety. The African Union condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from two years of conflict between the army and RSF, which has...