Month: January 2025

The city of Uvira in South Kivu is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as the waters of Lake Tanganyika continue to rise. The flooding has caused widespread destruction, with over 3,000 homes submerged and more than 36,000 people displaced. Months after the initial flooding began, the situation continues to deteriorate, leaving thousands in desperate need of assistance.

Residents Fear for Their Lives

The flooding has brought new dangers to the community, including increased encounters with hippos. These animals, displaced from their habitats, pose a serious threat to residents.

Furaha Nsimire, a resident of Uvira, explained: “Hippos hide in the water during the day and come out at night. With the rising waters, they can attack humans. Our lives are at risk because of these animals. We can no longer grow crops as they destroy everything.”

The destruction has forced families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded shelters or with other families. Entire neighborhoods remain underwater, and there is little hope for an immediate return to normalcy.

Agriculture in Crisis

The rising waters have also devastated local agriculture, a vital source of livelihood for many. Farmers along the lake have seen their crops destroyed by hippos, adding to their struggles.

Kasongo Musimbwa, Environmental Development Supervisor in Bavira Territory, said: “Farmers in Kalungwe and Kamba Makobola are losing their crops to hippos, which are protected animals in DR Congo. They grow cassava and sweet potatoes, but the hippos destroy their fields.”

Unprecedented Changes in the Lake

The rising water levels are unprecedented, reversing decades of retreat by Lake Tanganyika.

Kiza Muhato, Mayor of Uvira, described the phenomenon: “Since 1964, Lake Tanganyika receded by about 150 meters. But between 2023 and 2024, the lake has reclaimed its shores. Areas that were once land, including homes, are now completely submerged.”

The city center and many other neighborhoods are still under water. Reconstruction efforts are daunting, as the displaced population struggles with harsh living conditions and the loss of their property.

A Call for Urgent Action

Uvira’s ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for humanitarian support. The displacement, property destruction, and worsening living conditions demand immediate attention to help affected families and rebuild the community. Without intervention, the challenges posed by Lake Tanganyika’s rising waters will continue to grow.

Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has banned the use of British and French colonial-style wigs by judges, marking a significant move to decolonise the country’s judicial system.

Announcing the decision, President Traoré stressed the importance of breaking away from colonial traditions and embracing practices that reflect Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage. The ban is part of his broader push to foster national identity and assert the country’s sovereignty.

Colonial-era wigs have long been symbols of foreign influence in African legal systems. Burkina Faso now joins other nations on the continent in discarding such relics in favour of indigenous traditions.

This decision underscores a growing trend across Africa, where countries are revisiting colonial legacies and opting for systems that resonate with their people. It’s a symbolic step that speaks to a larger cultural renaissance sweeping the continent.

Prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a staunch critic of her government, has been released hours after being abducted by armed men in Nairobi, Kenya.

Maria, known for her outspoken advocacy for land rights and freedom of expression, shared an emotional video on X (formerly Twitter), telling her 1.3 million followers, “I have been saved.” Amnesty International Kenya confirmed her abduction on Sunday afternoon, stating she was forcibly taken into a vehicle in the Kenyan capital.

The Law Society of Kenya president, Faith Odhiambo, announced they had intervened to secure her release, warning against using Kenya for such operations: “We will not allow this.” Kenyan and Tanzanian officials remain silent on the incident.

Maria has long accused Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan of reversing democratic progress, citing the crackdown on opposition activists. Last year saw arrests, brutal killings, and fears of a return to repression ahead of the 2025 presidential elections.

Change Tanzania, a movement Maria founded, alleged that Tanzanian agents were behind her abduction, branding it an attempt to silence her criticism.

This is not Kenya’s first entanglement in cross-border abductions. Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was kidnapped in Nairobi last year and extradited under murky circumstances, while domestically, over 80 people have reportedly disappeared following anti-tax protests.

Calls are growing for accountability as rights groups, and officials, like Kenya’s Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, criticize the government’s failure to tackle the alarming trend of enforced disappearances.

British heavyweight Tyson Fury has retired from boxing again one month after losing a rematch with Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.

The 36-year-old Fury announced the decision in a short video posted on his Instagram account on Monday, which included a cryptic message.

“Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing,” Fury said. “It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it and I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.”

It was unclear why Fury made a reference to Turpin, a famed 18th century English highway robber and horse thief.

Fury was upset with the unanimous decision when he lost the Dec. 21 rematch with Usyk in Saudi Arabia. However, Usyk landed 179 of 423 punches thrown (42%), while Fury landed 144 of his 509 punches, a 28% clip.

Mozambique’s new parliament was sworn in on Monday in Maputo under tight security, as opposition-led protests and a general strike turned the city into a ghost town.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who continues to challenge the results of the October 9 election, called for the strike to protest alleged electoral fraud.

The swearing-in saw about 30 seats left vacant as opposition parties Renamo and MDM boycotted the event, demanding a recount. However, members of the Podemos party attended, with MP Ivandro Massingue accusing the boycotting parties of “cowardice.”

Protests in the city featured barricades and burning tires, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. “We are tired of manipulation. Independence begins today,” said Osvaldo, a protester. Businesses in some areas remained closed due to fear of looting, though some, like shopkeeper Selzio, voiced support for the strike, saying, “Change requires sacrifice.”

Incoming President Daniel Chapo has called for unity, while new Speaker Margarida Talapa pledged a parliament “open to dialogue.” However, citizens remain skeptical, with many criticizing the government for ignoring the country’s worsening conditions.

At least 40 farmers have lost their lives in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno state due to recent violence attributed to jihadists, according to a government official’s report on Monday.

The assault is believed to have been orchestrated by extremists linked to Boko Haram and its splinter faction that pledges allegiance to the Islamic State, according to the Borno state Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He urged residents to remain within designated “safe zones” that have been cleared of both militants and explosives by the military.

Zulum also called for a thorough investigation into the incident by the armed forces.

“I assure the people of Borno that this issue will be investigated comprehensively for appropriate action. I urge the armed forces to pursue and confront those responsible for this brutal act against our innocent citizens,” he stated.

Boko Haram, Nigeria’s indigenous jihadist group, began its insurgency in 2009, opposing Western education and seeking to impose a radical interpretation of Islamic law.

This conflict has become the longest-running militant struggle in Africa, affecting neighbouring countries as well.

According to the U.N., approximately 35,000 civilians have been killed, and over 2 million have been displaced in the north-eastern region.

The 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno state—the heart of the conflict—brought global attention to the crisis.

Pope Francis condemned the “scourge” of child labour and the various abuses that children endure, asserting that those who harm or exploit a child will ultimately face divine judgment.

In his inaugural catechism lesson of 2025, he focused on the struggles faced by children, urging the faithful to not turn a blind eye to the issue of child labour.

The pope expressed his intention to focus this and the upcoming catechesis on children, specifically addressing the issue of child labour.

He noted that while we can easily divert our attention to Mars or digital realms, we often fail to truly see the children who are marginalized, exploited, and mistreated.

He pointed out that even in an era of artificial intelligence and plans for life on other planets, we have not adequately confronted the plight of children who suffer humiliation, exploitation, and severe harm.

He urged everyone to reflect on this matter.

Known for his strong stance on child labour—particularly during his international visits.

During his 2023 visit to Congo, he criticized foreign powers and mining companies for exploiting children to harvest the country’s valuable natural resources, claiming they were ravaging the continent for their own selfish desires.

The 88-year-old Pontiff looked amused by a performance from CircAfrica, an African-themed circus troupe.

While in Rome, the group entertained the Pope in the Vatican auditorium with acrobats, robotic puppet elephants, jugglers, and dancers on roller skates.

Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, was back on the training court in Melbourne on Thursday.

The four-time Grand Slam winner is making her comeback after taking a break from tennis in 2023 for the birth of her daughter.

Osaka returned to competitive play last year, but the former world number one has not yet regained her previous form.

Her last title came from her win at the 2021 Australian Open.

For the second consecutive year, Osaka will compete against France’s Caroline Garcia in the first round of the Australian Open.

Garcia eliminated Osaka in their opening match at the 2024 Australian Open.

Last Sunday, Naomi Osaka had to retire due to injury after the first set of the ASB Classic final in Auckland, New Zealand, handing the title to Clara Tauson of Denmark.

Osaka won the first set 6-4 and seemed to be in control, but during the break, she received treatment for an abdominal injury and chose not to continue.

Mozambique’s main opposition leader returned from exile Thursday as security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters who gathered near the main international airport to welcome him home.

Venancio Mondlane was seen walking off a plane at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo. He had left the country in October following a disputed election that has sparked months of violent protests and thrown the country into turmoil.

Mondlane said he left Mozambique fearing for his life after two senior members of his opposition party were killed in their car by unknown gunmen in a late-night shooting in the aftermath of the election.

Police on Thursday also blocked roads leading to the airport after Mondlane said on social media earlier this week he would return to the southern African country. Tear gas drifted over the airport and surrounding roads and a helicopter hovered overhead.

Thousands of Mondlane’s supporters were expected to gather in Maputo for his return, prompting the clampdown by security forces.

More than 100 people have been killed by security forces since Mozambique erupted in protests that Mondlane called for after the long-ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the Oct. 9 election. Mondlane and other opposition candidates accused the ruling party of rigging the election and international observers reported irregularities in the vote and the alteration of some results.

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo’s victory last month, making its candidate, Daniel Chapo, the president-elect. He is due to be inaugurated next week to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms.

Frelimo has been in power in Mozambique for 50 years since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has often been accused of rigging elections since Mozambique held its first democratic vote in 1994. The latest street protests in several major cities have been the biggest threat to Frelimo’s rule.

At least six soldiers and 34 Islamic extremists died in a clash in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, the military said Wednesday.

The rebels, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, launched a surprise attack on the troops, who resisted and engaged them in a gun battle, Nigerian military spokesperson Edward Buba said in a statement.

Borno has been the center of extremist violence in Nigeria since the Boko Haram extremist group launched an insurgency in 2009 to enforce their interpretation of Shariah law. The insurgency, which has spilled over to Nigeria’s three neighbours in the Lake Chad region, has killed more than 35,000 people and displaced 2.6 million others.

The latest attack occurred Sunday in Sabon Gari village in the Damboa council area, a hot spot that has been mostly deserted by residents. “The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops,” Buba said.

The attack was seen as a setback for the Nigerian military, which often claims the rebels have been “degraded.” Despite such claims, deadly ambushes and suicide bombings have continued in the last year.

Ending the war has been challenging because of a lack of political will and the ability of the extremists to operate freely across the borders with Nigeira’s northern neighbours, said Senator Iroegbu, an Abuja-based security analyst.

He said the military has also struggled to obtain “accurate and timely intelligence on Boko Haram’s movements and plans.”

Boko Haram gained international attention in April 2014 when it abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok village in Borno. Dozens of the girls remain missing.