Tekijä: Ohene Anochie

South Africa has dispatched a special envoy to Mozambique to mediate escalating unrest following the country’s contested October elections. The move comes as deadly protests continue to grip Mozambique, raising concerns about regional stability. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa assigned Sydney Mufamadi as the special envoy, emphasizing Pretoria’s solidarity with Mozambique and its commitment to supporting efforts to resolve the crisis. Fearing the violence may spill over into neighboring territories, South Africa has increased security measures along its border with Mozambique. The unrest erupted after Mozambique’s Constitutional Council affirmed the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the election. Venâncio Mondlane, the…

Mexico is developing a mobile application designed to help migrants alert relatives and consulates if they anticipate being detained by U.S. immigration authorities, a senior official announced on Friday. A Response to Deportation Threats The app is part of Mexico’s strategy to address concerns raised by President-elect Donald Trump’s promises of mass deportations, set to begin after his inauguration on January 20. Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, revealed that the app has undergone small-scale testing and is performing successfully. Panic Button for Emergencies Described as a “panic button,” the app allows users to…

An exhibition in Morocco is showcasing artwork inspired by the historic city of Tangiers, capturing its iconic port, vibrant mosques, and bustling old markets. The event, hosted at the Villa Harris Museum, highlights the work of foreign artists who found inspiration in Tangiers during the 19th and early 20th centuries. According to Majda Amellal, the exhibition’s curator, the display underscores “the strong relationship between Tangiers and the visual arts.” Tangiers: A Haven for Artists Visitors are welcomed with a quote from French artist Eugène Delacroix, who described Tangiers as a “place made for painters” where “beauty runs through the…

In Cape Town, the women’s doubles finals at a charity padel competition marked yet another milestone in the sport’s growing popularity in South Africa. Hosted in Paarden Eiland, the event was organized by Padel4Good, a non-profit that combines sport with philanthropy. Padel: A Sport with Purpose “Padel4Good brings people together to raise funds for various charities across South Africa,” explained Kathleen Barker, a representative of the organization. “It’s a sport that unites communities while making a positive impact.” Through monthly events, the initiative has raised thousands of rands to support charitable causes nationwide. Winners Celebrate Success Karen van…

The Port of Riga is gearing up for a transformative year in 2025, with key projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and operational capabilities. Chairman of the Board of the Freeport of Riga, Sandis Steins, revealed plans for a new passenger terminal, improved maritime access, and industrial expansion. An agreement for financing and constructing a state-of-the-art passenger terminal is expected to be finalized within the next year. Simultaneously, work is set to commence in the port’s water area to demolish the ED dam, a move that will allow large cruise ships and passenger ferries to dock at the…

The national Itorero program was officially launched on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Fawe Girls School in Gisozi Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali. This initiative, involving over 1,300 young participants known as Intore, is part of a nationwide effort to instill patriotism, civic responsibility, and Rwandan cultural values in the youth. Program Highlights The Itorero, which runs for four days, allows participants to transition directly into urugerero activities without going through the traditional ingando camps. These activities emphasize community service and practical contributions to national development, such as constructing homes for the needy and participating in other communal initiatives. Participants,…

Kigali City, once known for its lush forests, now faces a significant decline in its forest cover due to rapid urban development. According to a recent map, forests cover 17% of Kigali’s total area. However, between 2009 and 2019, forest cover decreased by 23%, while afforestation efforts increased by 26%. This results in a net annual forest growth of just 0.3%, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable reforestation initiatives. Long-term residents recall a time when Kigali was dominated by expansive forests. Musengamana Silas, a 48-year resident of Kigali, noted, “Kimisagara, Gikondo, and Muhima were once covered in diverse trees. Now,…

Five contenders have officially entered the race to become the chairperson of the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), following the departure of Gabrielius Landsbergis as party leader. The candidates include former defense ministers Laurynas Kasčiūnas and Arvydas Anušauskas, interim party chairwoman and former education minister Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė, MP Žygimantas Pavilionis, and Daivaras Rybakovas, who heads the party’s Jurbarkas branch. Laurynas Kasčiūnas Leads Nominations Laurynas Kasčiūnas garnered the most nominations among the candidates, with his candidacy proposed 65 times by party branches. The only person to receive more nominations was former Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, who declined to…

Starting in 2026, Lithuanian schoolchildren will have the option to choose Spanish as their primary foreign language. While the demand for Spanish language learning is growing, schools face significant challenges in finding qualified teachers to meet this demand. At Kaunas Maironis University Gymnasium, a Mexican teacher currently teaches Spanish, but the recruitment process was far from straightforward. “We used every possible method to find a teacher—reaching out to colleagues, asking for recommendations, and even persuading potential candidates. We are thrilled we succeeded,” said the school’s deputy headmistress, Ramunė Balčiuvienė. The teacher, Jesus Manuel Barragan Ferrer, revealed that schools actively…

The African grey parrot, renowned for its striking feathers and remarkable ability to mimic human speech, is under siege from illegal trafficking. The demand for these intelligent birds as pets is driving a brutal trade that decimates their population and causes untold suffering. The journey from forest to captivity is perilous for these parrots, with a majority never making it to their final destinations. “Up to 60% of African grey parrots die between capture and transport,” said Patrick Muinde, Research Director at World Animal Protection. “Out of ten parrots, only four survive.” Poachers employ cruel methods to capture the birds,…