By Rédaction Africanews The Gambia Reparations Commission has begun paying reparations to victims of human rights abuses perpetrated under the regime of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh, the body said in a statement on Monday. The commission described the move as a “significant milestone” in its mandate for “justice” and “dignity.” It said payments are being disbursed in phases, starting with victims who endured violations early in Jammeh’s rule. “The Commission reaffirms its unwavering commitment to delivering transformative, transparent and victim-centered reparations in accordance with its mandate,” the statement read. Jammeh, a military officer, seized power in a 1994 coup and held onto the presidency until…
Author: Montage Africa
She’s honest. She’s determined. She’s 16 years old. Her name is Ashley Lupondo, a Zimbabwean equestrian athlete, who is here to show Africa – against the odds – quitting is not an option. At just 16, Ashley Lupondo has already experienced her own swing offs of equestrian show tricks and sporting hardships, firsts and fails, heartbreak, hope, anxiety and loneliness, that come with competing globally for the high ground. Born to a humble Zimbabwean family, growing up in an outback cottage on a farmstead with horses – and sharing casual outrides with her best friend as a young girl –…
By Rédaction Africanews with AP Amid the wind and heat, doctors like Ikhlas Ahmed Abdalla Adam are doing everything they can to help people in Sudan’s Northern State. The United Nations population agency (UNFPA)says this includes going so far as to donate their own blood. It is supporting emergency obstetric and reproductive health services at a clinic in Al-Affad Camp and Al-Dabbah Maternity Hospital. Assistance from the agency includes training community midwives, assisting displaced women, and roving midwife teams. Ikhlas says she worked at the Saudi Hospital in al-Fashir that was hit by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during its…
Flutterwave is betting that its acquisition of Nigerian open-banking startup Mono will sharpen its push toward profitability and revive plans for a long-awaited IPO. The deal, whose terms were not disclosed, brings key infrastructure in-house, giving the fintech giant deeper access to financial data, enhanced identity verification, and reduced transaction costs. By ending per-transaction fees previously paid to Mono, Flutterwave expects to lift margins on account-to-account payments to at least 10%. The move also positions the company to tap new opportunities from Nigeria’s banking recapitalization, which could spur lending and digital commerce. After past delays linked to governance concerns and market…
At 75, Kenyan-born British ceramicist Magdalene Odundo is enjoying a powerful creative and market resurgence, driven by renewed global interest in contemporary ceramics. Drawing on decades of study across ancient civilizations, African traditions, and philosophy, Odundo treats clay as both a spiritual conduit and an intellectual pursuit. Her distinctive, burnished vessels—often echoing the human form—have long been prized by major museums, but recent auction results signal growing commercial recognition. A record-breaking sale in 2024 and her debut exhibition at Xavier Hufkens in Brussels underscore her rising profile. Rooted in timeless techniques yet open to experimentation, Odundo’s work bridges cultures, histories, and disciplines,…
By Rédaction Africanews and Agencies Ugandan opposition candidate Bobi Wine brought his presidential campaign to the Kampala slum where he grew up ahead of Thursday’s elections. Wine is challenging incumbent Yoweri Museveni, for a second time. In 2021, he took 35 percent of the vote to Museveni’s 58 percent, establishing Wine as a serious contender for the power. The 43-year-old singer turned politician has a strong following among working class people in urban areas. But his rallies have seen violent crackdowns by security forces using tear gas and beatings against his supporters. FILE – A supporter holds a flag of…
By Rédaction Africanews and AP Benin held parliamentary and local elections on Sunday, in a vote expected to strengthen the ruling coalition of outgoing President Patrice Talon, just one month after a failed coup attempt. The elections come only three months ahead of the presidential ballot, and the main opposition Democrats party was barred from participating in the local polls, raising concerns over the competitiveness of the race. Speaking on Sunday, President Talon expressed optimism about the country’s future. “Today marks the beginning of a better day. The best is yet to come, and our hope is that each day…
Archaeologists in northern Malawi have uncovered what may be the world’s oldest cremation pyre containing adult remains, reshaping ideas about early human societies. Discovered at the foot of Mount Hora, this ancient site dates back roughly 9,500 years. The carefully constructed pyre held burned bone fragments from an adult woman, along with ash, charcoal, and stone tools that point to deliberate ritual activity. These indicate a highly sophisticated funerary process, with the evidence suggesting the body was carefully prepared and moved during the fire. Curiously, the woman’s skull was missing, leading researchers to believe grieving relatives may have kept bones as sacred…
Hollywood actors Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have been granted Guinean citizenship after DNA tests linked their ancestry to the West African country, marking a deeply symbolic homecoming. Welcomed with music, dance, and a private cultural ceremony in Conakry, the couple described the move as a meaningful step toward reconnecting with the African diaspora. Officials hailed them as cultural ambassadors, while the actors signaled interest in building long-term ties, including spending extended time in Guinea. Their visit reflects a broader trend of African nations, including Ghana and Benin, encouraging descendants of the diaspora to reclaim heritage, invest locally, and forge new cultural…
Thousands of people recently converged on Ouidah, Benin’s coastal city and the spiritual heart of Vodun, to celebrate the country’s annual Vodun Days festival. Organized by the government and held every January, the event highlights the cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of Vodun, often misunderstood outside the region. On the day, devotees, tourists, and members of the African diaspora gathered for rituals, performances, and concerts, turning the city into a vibrant showcase of tradition and modern creativity. Religious leaders emphasized Vodun’s positive values, aiming to demystify its practices for a worldwide audience. Meanwhile, new international followers reflected its growing global reach. With…