Ethiopia: Tigray and the Pain That Has Lost the Memory of Hope

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- I thought leaving Tigray would help me breathe. As a graduate student in America, surrounded by intellectuals and immersed in a world so vastly different, I expected some relief from the relentless thoughts of home. Yet, even in this safe, unfamiliar environment, I feel displaced. I came directly from war - a place where every moment demanded survival - to a world that seems oblivious to that reality. Source

Africa: Trump's Executive Orders On Immigration and Climate Are 'Racist' and 'Reckless'

[AI London] In response to the slew of executive actions announced by President Trump shortly after his inauguration as 47th President of the United States, Amnesty International USA has responded specifically to two in particular: Trump's calling for mass deportations of people seeking safety and his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Source

Ethiopia: Thousands Protest in Mekelle Against Hijab Ban in Axum Schools, Demand Enforcement of Court Ruling

[Addis Standard] Thousands of Muslims gathered in Mekelle today, 21 January , 2025, to protest against the failure of schools in Axum to comply with court rulings and directives from the Tigray Regional Education Bureau, which guarantee Muslim female students the right to wear hijabs in classrooms. Source

Africa: Trump's Executive Orders On Gender Draw Mixed Reaction Across Africa

[VOA] Abuja, Nigeria -- Conservatives across Africa applauded U.S. President Donald Trump's executive orders Monday regarding gender and diversity, while gay rights activists and the LGBTQ community on the continent are expressing deep concern. Source

Madagascar: Bringing Light and Life to Rural Health Centers in Madagascar

[World Bank] A rural health center in Mateliona Betafo, Madagascar, has transformed healthcare delivery with solar-powered electricity through the World Bank-supported LEAD Project. For nearly seven years, midwives like Lovatiana Rasoarinjanahary worked under unsafe, dim conditions, relying on candles or dying phone batteries. Since June 2024, the center - one of 500 electrified by LEAD - now provides safe, well-lit care, benefiting vulnerable populations. The project improves lighting, refrigeration, and Source

Somalia: Over 20 Killed in Clash Between Security Forces, Islamic State Fighters in Somalia

[VOA] Washington -- Over 20 people were killed and more than 10 others wounded during two days of fighting between Islamic State fighters and security forces from Somalia's Puntland region, officials said Tuesday. Source

Zambia: Changing Lives and Fighting Cholera One Clean Drop of Water At a Time

[IFRC] The 2023-2024 cholera outbreak was a stark reminder that in Zambia, access to clean water and safe sanitation is not a given. As cholera spread rapidly, it left entire neighbourhoods extremely vulnerable to a deadly water-borne disease. The Zambia Red Cross Society, with IFRC support, is making a transformative impact. Source

South Africa: Judge's Secretary Flirted Back, Argues Lawyer

[GroundUp] The Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing a complaint of sexual harassment against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge heard cross examination on Tuesday Source

South Africa: SASSA to Suspend SRD Grants Where Fraud Is Suspected

[GroundUp] But the electronic system which allows beneficiaries to prove their identities has also been suspended Source

Africa: Security Council Debates Growing Terrorism Threat in Africa

[UN News] Africa tragically remains the epicentre of global terrorism, and more action is required to implement international commitments to combat this scourge, the UN Deputy Secretary-General told the Security Council on Tuesday. Source

Eswatini: Nonhlanhla Dlamini - Leading the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in Eswatini

[Africa Renewal] Nonhlanhla Dlamini believes every person has a right to a life of peace and safety. As the Executive Director of the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), she provides support, care and justice for GBV survivors. She explains her aspirations, as well as her historic election as one of the first women Members of Parliament in Eswatini: Source

Africa: UN Regrets U.S. Exit From Global Cooperation On Health, Climate Change Agreement

[UN News] UN agencies responded on Tuesday to President Trump's executive orders ending US membership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement, highlighting the massive potential negative impact on public health and efforts to curb global warming. Source