The African Union’s limited response to Africa’s crises reflects funding gaps, political fragmentation and donor dependence ( image source ) The African Union’s ability to act decisively while conflict engulfs Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire and now Tanzania is under renewed scrutiny. Analysts say the AU’s limited effectiveness stems not from a hidden conspiracy but from fragile finances, diffuse decision-making and political const

A Southerton Business Times investigation profiles Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaders ( image source ) As Sudan’s brutal war deepens, attention is turning to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — a paramilitary group accused of orchestrating widespread atrocities in Darfur and beyond. Southerton Business Times examines the profiles of top RSF figures whose names dominate international investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo-Hemedti

Accusations that President William Ruto aided Sudan’s RSF remain unproven. Evidence suggests grounds for investigation but no confirmed complicity ( image source ) Accusations that Kenya’s President William Ruto is complicit in atrocities in Sudan have circulated since 2024, ranging from alleged diplomatic support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to claims of logistical or material assistance. These are serious allegations: under international criminal law, complicity or “a

Former South African president Jacob Zuma met Burkina Faso’s interim leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Ouagadougou to discuss security, economic cooperation, and pan-African solidarity ( image source ) Former South African president Jacob Zuma visited Ouagadougou this week for a high-profile meeting with Burkina Faso interim leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, underscoring growing ties between a cohort of West African governments and influential figures from the southern African po

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the October 29 election amid violent protests, an internet blackout, and opposition bans ( image source ) Dar es Salaam —  President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania’s October 29 presidential vote, but the announcement came amid violent demonstrations, an internet blackout, and widespread reports that key opposition figures were barred from contesting the election. The scale of Sam

The RSF says it has detained commander Issa “Abu Lulu” over alleged mass killings in El-Fasher, but independent verification remains unavailable as rights groups call for transparent, impartial investigations into possible war crimes ( image source ) The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have announced the arrest of a field commander identified as Issa (Abu) Lulu  following the circulation of graphic videos purportedly showing mass executions in and around El-Fasher, the capital of

King Charles III has stripped Prince Andrew of his royal title and ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein ( image source ) LONDON – Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles III has formally moved to strip Prince Andrew of all royal styles, titles, and honours, effectively ending his right to use the title “Prince.” Going forward, he will be referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. A Palace statement said formal noti

Nearly half of Southern Africa’s population still lacks access to clean energy, experts warn, urging stronger regional cooperation and investment to meet the UN’s 2030 universal energy goal ( image source ) HARARE — Despite ambitious regional energy plans, nearly 200 million people in Southern Africa still lack access to clean and modern energy services, according to the Southern African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE). The figure represents 50% of

Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica as a record-breaking Category 5 storm, causing widespread destruction, power outages, and fatalities ( image source ) KINGSTON — Jamaica has been battered by the full force of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on 28 October 2025 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with sustained winds of up to 185 mph (295 kph). The storm is now regarded as the most powerful ever to hit Jamaica, leaving major destruction, widespread power outages, and

Paul Biya’s disputed re-election at age 92 has sparked deadly protests in Cameroon and renewed debate over France’s influence ( image source ) YAOUNDÉ — At age 92, Paul Biya has secured another term as president of Cameroon with 53.66% of the vote, extending a rule that began in 1982. The announcement by the Constitutional Council triggered deadly protests in major cities and raised urgent questions about the fairness of the electoral process and the enduring influence of Fra

Tanzania’s 2025 election is shaping into a one-woman race as President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces little to no opposition after rival politicians are barred or detained, raising concerns over democratic credibility ( image source ) DAR ES SALAAM – Tanzania’s presidential contest has collapsed into what analysts describe as a near-guaranteed victory for incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, after key opposition figures were disqualified or detained and major parties failed t

The U.S. flags Zimbabwe’s restrictive labour laws as a barrier to investment, urging reforms to improve business flexibility and economic competitiveness in 2025 ( image source ) HARARE – The United States government has raised concerns over Zimbabwe’s restrictive labour laws, describing them as a major impediment to business flexibility and economic adaptation. The remarks were made in the recently released 2025 Zimbabwe Investment Climate Statement, compiled by the U.S. Dep

Five Zimbabweans have been convicted in the UK for a £300,000 NHS fraud scheme involving fake refund transactions, with sentencing expected in November ( image source ) LONDON – Five Zimbabwean nationals have been convicted in the United Kingdom for their roles in a £300,000 (US$365,000) fraud and money laundering scheme targeting the National Health Service (NHS), following a six-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. The scheme was orchestrated by Edias Mazambani (42), a cred

KHARTOUM – Siham Hassan, a former member of Sudan’s parliament and a prominent humanitarian figure in North Darfur, was reportedly executed by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in the besieged city of Al-Fashir earlier today, according to multiple regional sources and resistance networks. Hassan, known for running community kitchens that fed thousands of displaced and starving civilians in Al-Fashir, had remained in the city despite escalating violence. Her death marks a gri

Ghana has ended the use of English as the primary instructional language in schools, mandating mother-tongue teaching nationwide to improve learning outcomes, strengthen cultural identity and support inclusive education ( image source ) ACCRA – Ghana has officially removed English as the primary language of instruction in schools, mandating the use of local Ghanaian languages across all basic education institutions. The directive, announced by Education Minister Haruna Iddris

Youth-led protests erupt in Douala over disputed Cameroonian election results, leaving at least four dead, disrupting commerce, and raising concerns over political stability and governance ( image source ) DOUALA – Violent protests led by young supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma erupted across Douala and other cities following the disputed October 12 presidential vote, with demonstrators demanding that authorities recognise Tchiroma’s claimed victory and publish

African and regional leaders condemn the RSF assault on Al-Fashir, Sudan, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and accountability amid mass civilian displacement and killings ( image source ) ADDIS ABABA – Regional leaders and multilateral bodies have condemned the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) assault on Al-Fashir, Sudan’s last government-controlled city in Darfur, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access amid reports of mass atrocities and

Security experts warn that foreign intelligence services are deploying female operatives in long-term romantic relationships to extract sensitive technology and trade secrets from Silicon Valley professionals ( image source ) Intelligence and industry sources warn of a renewed espionage tactic in which foreign operatives, many of them women, use long-term romantic relationships, social engineering and carefully cultivated intimacy to extract trade secrets and sensitive resear

Humanitarian agencies warn Sudanese women are facing arbitrary detention, violence and blocked access to essential services as the country’s conflict intensifies and institutions collapse ( image source ) Reports from multiple humanitarian and rights organisations indicate that Sudanese women are suffering extreme restrictions on their freedom and dignity as the country’s conflict and sharp political repression intensify, with accounts describing arbitrary detention, physical

Federal authorities arrest NBA players and a head coach in a major illegal gambling scandal, triggering league action, legal scrutiny, and widespread integrity concerns across professional basketball ( image source ) The NBA was rocked this week after federal authorities announced sweeping arrests and indictments tied to an extensive illegal gambling and poker-game operation involving current and former players, a head coach and organised-crime networks. The probe, spanning s