news and current affairs.
USAID Accused of Fueling Global Political Unrest
US Admits USAID Used for Regime Change, Vindicating Zimbabwe's View. The Trump administration has acknowledged that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) was used to promote regime change in several countries. This admission supports Zimbabwe's long-held view of the organization. The Republican administration quickly moved to close USAID's Washington, DC offices after taking office on January 20. They argued USAID had been used to incite coups and protests and fund opposition parties and activists. Elon Musk called USAID a "criminal organization" after President Trump appointed him to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This came after security officials reportedly denied his cost-cutting task force...
Mnangagwa Balances SADC Duties, Domestic Priorities
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has resumed duties after a month-long leave and is focusing on Zimbabwe's economic stability and growth, according to Deputy Chief Secretary George Charamba. Speaking to The Herald, Charamba emphasized that Mnangagwa's return would bring pivotal economic decisions. During his vacation, Mnangagwa temporarily returned to chair a crucial economic meeting, which set directions for the nation's fiscal strategy. This session, attended by top officials, including Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi and key ministers, led to new regulatory measures aimed at controlling the informal sector in retail and wholesale markets. Furthermore, as the current chair of the Southern African Development...
Mnangagwa Leads SADC Delegation to DRC Conflict Talks
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe will head a delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to Tanzania this week for a crucial meeting with the East African Community (EAC). The gathering aims to address the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision follows a recent SADC summit in Harare, chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto, that called for this joint effort. The DRC, a member of both the SADC and the EAC, has accused Rwanda, also an EAC member, of supporting the M23 and other militant groups causing turmoil in eastern DRC. The upcoming summit aims to curb the violence that has led to thousands of deaths and displaced millions. Mr. George Charamba, Deputy Chief Secretary...
Uganda Records Rise in Refugees as DR Congo Conflict Worsens
Uganda Sees Rise in Congo Refugees as Fighting Spreads. More refugees from DR Congo enter Uganda each day as fighting worsens in South Kivu province. Uganda's refugee minister, Lillian Aber, reports that 150 to 154 people arrive daily from the conflict zone. "The numbers have slightly increased," Aber said Tuesday. "But I want to assure the country that they are still manageable." Fresh clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army drive people from their homes. The fighting near Goma has not yet caused a major surge in refugees. "We are prepared to maintain our open refugee policy," Aber said. She added that officials watch the situation closely. Her team stands ready to ask partners for help if numbers rise. Uganda hosts 1.74...
Uganda's Electoral Reforms Stalled Ahead of 2026 Elections
Electoral Reform Plans Missing in Uganda. Uganda's top legal officer said this week that the country has no plans to prepare for election changes before 2026. Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka told Parliament he lacks instructions to draft any reforms. His statement came after MP Mathias Mpuuga asked about the government's election plans. "I haven't received any instructions from the Minister of Justice to draft any reforms, but I will check," Kiwanuka said. Mpuuga expressed concern about the delays. He noted that his reform ideas, sent three months ago to the Deputy Speaker, remain off Parliament's agenda. "When will mine see the order of the day?" Mpuuga asked during the session. The government's lack of action raises questions...
Uganda Debates Extension of Tax Break for Bujagali Project
Uganda Debates Power Plant Tax Break Worth Billions. Uganda faces a crucial decision over new tax breaks for the Bujagali Hydro Power Project. The government wants to extend income tax exemptions until June 2025. Past tax breaks have already cost Uganda Shs388.70 billion between 2018 and 2021. Parliament blocked a similar request in March 2023, demanding the company pay back Shs1.254 trillion in excess power charges first. "We cannot continue to give tax exemptions to companies that have a history of exploiting Ugandan taxpayers," said a member of Parliament. The statement reflects growing concerns about foreign companies receiving special treatment. The proposal has sparked fierce debate about Uganda's approach to international...
Trump and Musk Challenge SA's New Land Seizure Law
South African Land Law Sparks International Tension. Tech billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump criticized South Africa's new land reform law this week, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to respond directly. Trump threatened to halt U.S. funding to South Africa, claiming the country "confiscates land" and mistreats certain groups. Musk, born in South Africa, questioned Ramaphosa on X about "openly racist ownership laws." President Ramaphosa defended the legislation in a call with Musk, emphasizing South Africa's commitment to the "rule of law, justice, fairness, and equality." The recently signed law permits land seizures without payment under specific conditions. These include abandoned properties or those posing...
Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR Announce Valentine's Day Release
Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR Announce Valentine's Day Collab. Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR have exciting news for fans. They will drop a joint project on February 14th. Drake shared a trailer on social media. It features vocals from PND. "$OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U FEBRUARY 14," Drake wrote in the caption. This suggests an EP or album will arrive on Valentine's Day. Back in November, Drake hinted at a collaboration, saying it was "that time." Fans have eagerly awaited an official release date since then. The duo has worked together before. In 2016, PND co-wrote Drake's hit "Come and See Me." He is also signed to Drake's OVO Sound record label. Anticipation is high for their latest team-up. Drake is known for his catchy hooks and smooth vocals. PND...
President Ruto Vows to End ID Vetting in Northeastern
President Ruto Vows to End ID Vetting in Northeast Kenya. President William Ruto has promised to stop vetting IDs for people in northeast Kenya. He wants children there to have the same chances as kids in other parts of the country. Ruto said the current ID vetting in the northeast is unfair. "We will remove vetting for ID cards and passports. It has held back people in northeast Kenya for too long," he stated. The president aims to stop neglecting northern Kenya through development and new policies. He stressed that the time when the region was not seen as part of Kenya was over. "I must make sure Kenya is united. Every Kenyan should be treated the same," he said. Ruto spoke in Mandera town. It was the start of a four-day trip to...
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