Liberia: Death Toll Rises in Ghastly Road Accident

[New Dawn] The death toll from Wednesday's ghastly road accident between Thomas's Farm and SKT, along the Gbarnga-Monrovia highway, has reportedly climbed to more than seven, deepening national grief and raising renewed concerns about road safety across Liberia. Source

Liberia: Liberia Faces Huge Budget Credibility, Sustainability Challenges

[Liberian Observer] The Senate Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee has described the budget credibility in Liberia as a significant challenge due to factors such as off-budget spending, weak oversight, and issues with timely implementation. Source

Liberia: UN, Liberia Deepen Peacebuilding Efforts With National Consultation Spotlighting Lessons and Progress

[Liberian Investigator] MONROVIA -- The United Nations in Liberia, in partnership with the Government of Liberia, has officially launched the Peacebuilding Impact Country Spotlight and commenced a two-day national consultation in Monrovia to evaluate the nation's peacebuilding progress and chart new pathways for sustainable peace. Source

Nigeria: Police Arrest Operative Filmed Shooting At Vehicle

[Premium Times] In a viral video clip seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the officer was seen firing at the vehicle's tyre in the middle of a busy road, causing panic among passersby. Source

Africa: Covid-19 mRNA Vaccines Could Unlock the Next Revolution in Cancer Treatment - New Research

[The Conversation Africa] The COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines that saved 2.5 million lives globally during the pandemic could help spark the immune system to fight cancer. This is the surprising takeaway of a new study that we and our colleagues published in the journal Nature. Source

Africa: Cannabis Boom in South Africa and Zimbabwe Is Good for Wealthy Investors, Bad for Small Farmers

[The Conversation Africa] Cannabis is booming as an ingredient in everything from supplementary oils, inflammation-reducing skin creams, lip balms to health drinks and gummy sweets that promise to reduce anxiety and pain and promote relaxation. Source

Morocco: Open to Mobility, Within Limits - Moroccans Navigate Ins and Outs of Migration

[Afrobarometer] Majority of citizens support free movement of North Africans across international borders for work or trade. Source

Kenya: Dadaab Refugees Decry Divisive and Unfair Food Aid Cuts

[The New Humanitarian] Dadaab, Kenya -- "We do not accept to be divided and made to turn on each other." Source

South Africa: Crime Statistics Belong to the Public, Not the Police

[ISS] Having Stats SA validate and release crime figures would separate the statistics from police performance and depoliticise the data. Source

Kenya: Heavy Rains to Pound Most Regions From Thursday, Warnings of Floods and Landslides

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning of intensified downpours in several parts of the country beginning Thursday, October 23, through Wednesday, October 30. Source

Nigeria: Reps Move to Place VAT On Exclusive List in Constitution, Pass Bill for Second Reading

[Premium Times] If passed and signed into law, the new bill will not only settle the constitutional question surrounding VAT but also help Nigeria move toward a more harmonised, transparent, and efficient tax system that supports growth and accountability. Source

Nigeria: Nigerian Govt Releases N32.9 Billion to PHCs, Urges Nigerians to Monitor Funds

[Premium Times] According to the minister, the funds have already been disbursed directly into the commercial bank accounts of PHCs. Source