By Rédaction Africanews A mass shooting in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was “a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State,” Australia’s federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett said Tuesday. The suspects were a father and son, aged 50 and 24, authorities have said. The older man was shot dead while his son was being treated at a hospital on Tuesday. A news conference by political and law enforcement leaders on Tuesday was the first time officials confirmed their beliefs about the suspects’ ideologies. There are 25 people still being treated in hospitals after…
Author: Montage Africa
In a major regulatory shift, South Africa’s telecommunications minister has directed the industry watchdog to amend its local ownership rules, potentially clearing a path for SpaceX’s Starlink and other satellite-internet providers to enter the market. The change would allow companies to meet Black economic empowerment requirements through equity-equivalent investment programs—like funding infrastructure or digital inclusion initiatives—rather than mandating a 30% direct ownership stake. This move follows reported overwhelming public support and addresses a key obstacle for Elon Musk, who has criticized the existing rules. For South Africans, especially in rural areas with limited internet access, the arrival of competitive satellite broadband…
Nigeria is launching a major initiative to transform wasted natural gas into economic and environmental gain. The government has granted licenses to 28 firms to capture flared gas, a byproduct of oil production that is currently burned off into the atmosphere. The initiative, announced by the country’s oil regulator, is expected to attract about $2 billion in investment while supporting Nigeria’s push toward a market-led net-zero strategy. By allowing firms to access flared gas, authorities aim to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 6 million metric tons annually and create more than 100,000 jobs. The licensed companies are projected to recover up to…
By Rédaction Africanews and AP Sierra Leone declared its Mpox epidemic over, after two years of a health emergency that witnessed over 5,000 cases and 60 fatalities in the country. The announcement comes almost a year since Sierra Leone declared the Mpox emergency after two cases of the virus were confirmed outside the capital Freetown. But survivors remain stigmatized by their society and unable to move on with their lives. Even after recovery, survivors of Mpox say they face widespread stigma and discrimination. Many report being rejected by their families, losing jobs, and struggling to reintegrate into their communities, largely…
By Rédaction Africanews and Agencies Some 30 people, most of them soldiers, have been jailed in Benin in connection with a failed coup attempt earlier this month, French news agency AFP is reporting. The soldiers took over state television on 7 December and announced that the government had been dissolved. But their takeover bid was thwarted by loyalists in the military, backed by airstrikes and military assistance from Nigeria and other West African allies. France also provided logistical support. The accused were jailed on Tuesday, AFP said, following a pre-trial hearing. They are charged with treason, murder and endangering state…
Kenya is systematically sending thousands of women to work abroad, primarily as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. While promoted as national service, a deep investigation reveals a system rife with exploitation, where the very politicians and officials meant to protect these women are instead profiting from them. For example, powerful figures, including allies and family members of President William Ruto, hold significant stakes in the recruitment industry. The government has fast-tracked labor exports under a deal with Saudi Arabia that minimizes wages and protections, prioritizing profitability over safety. Meanwhile, workers report brutal conditions in Saudi Arabia, including 20-hour workdays, physical abuse,…
A new ranking by The Africa Report has revealed Africa’s most compelling urban centers, with Cairo taking the top spot as the continent’s premier megacity. This list goes beyond tourism to identify cities driving economic evolution through significant investment, innovation, and strategic influence. Leading hubs like Kigali, Nairobi, and Cape Town are praised for their specialized strengths in tech, governance, and lifestyle, respectively. Major commercial engines such as Johannesburg, Lagos, and Casablanca underscore the continent’s vast scale and entrepreneurial energy. Meanwhile, administrative capitals like Rabat and emerging logistical nodes like Tangier highlight diverse pathways to growth. From historic depth to modern ports,…
Eritrea has announced its withdrawal from the East African regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), accusing it of abandoning neutrality and acting against member states like itself. The move comes as tensions escalate with neighboring Ethiopia, reviving fears of renewed conflict between the longtime rivals. Officials in Asmara say the bloc offers no strategic value and has failed to promote stability, while IGAD counters that Eritrea has barely engaged since rejoining in 2023. The fallout is fueled by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push for Red Sea access, a demand that Eritrea views as a challenge to its sovereignty. This exit…
Medical Strikers FC of Gwagwalada have been crowned the inaugural champions of the Montage 99.7FM Community Football Tournament, following a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Chidex FC of Bwari. The fiercely contested final took place on Saturday, 13th December 2025, at the Area 10 Old Parade Ground’s football pitch in Garki, Abuja. A tense and captivating 90 minutes of regular time saw both teams battle to a goalless draw, unable to break the deadlock despite numerous spirited attacks. Hundreds of passionate fans, alongside distinguished invited guests, packed the stands, creating an electric atmosphere as they witnessed a truly…
By Rédaction Africanews Election campaigning has officially begun in the Central African Republic ahead of the presidential vote scheduled for December 28. Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra launched his campaign on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Bangui’s Omnisports Stadium, where he addressed thousands of supporters. Returning from the town of Sibut, where he had earlier kicked off his re-election bid, Touadéra was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. His camp is banking on a strong turnout to secure victory in the first round. Igor Tola Kogadou, a candidate for the National Assembly from the ruling United Hearts Movement (MCU), hailed the scale…