Kabila 'Surfaces In Eastern DR Congo' After Losing Immunity
Former president Joseph Kabila has reportedly visited the eastern city of Goma, which is under the control of M23 rebels. AFC/M23 political leader, Corneille Nangaa, welcomed the return of the former president in a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Kabila "made the right choice, rather than remaining in forced exile". The Senate in DRC had voted overwhelmingly to strip Kabila of his honorific immunity following accusations that he supported the Rwanda-backed rebel group, which had seized territory in the country's mineral-rich east.
Researchers Unveil Africa's First Smart Soil Sensor to Revolutionize Farming
A Team of Ghanaian researchers has developed a smart soil sensing technology aimed at transforming the way farmers manage soil health and increase crop productivity. The groundbreaking system - the first in Africa - is the brainchild of researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. It features a sensor that provides instant, on-site readings of essential soil parameters, including PH, Temperature and Humidity. These readings are then analyzed, allowing users to store data, generate detailed soil reports, and receive fertilizer and nutrient recommendations tailored to specific soil conditions. The technology is being piloted in Ghana's Northern region.
Ghanaian VP Returns To Duty After 'Sudden' Illness
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has returned to the country following two months of treatment overseas. News of her "sudden" illness - months after being inaugurated along with President John Mahama - sparked speculations about her wellbeing. She was greeted on arrival at the airport by President Mahama and a host of government officials. Ghanaian across the political spectrum have sent messages of goodwill to Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, including her predecessor Mahamudu Bawumia, who also welcomed her back home.
Ugandan Activist Agather Atuhaire Alleges Rape and Torture in Tanzanian Detention
Agather Atuhaire, a Ugandan activist arrested and detained in Tanzania, was found abandoned near the border between the two countries. She recounted to the BBC that she was raped and tortured while in detention, describing how she was blindfolded, beaten, stripped, and sexually assaulted. Her fellow Kenyan activist, who had also been detained, reported similar mistreatment. Both activists had travelled to Tanzania to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu but were barred from attending his court hearing and subsequently arrested. The Tanzanian authorities made no official comments. The US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs said it was deeply concerned by the reports of the two activists' mistreatment and called for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses.
Kenyan President Ruto Dismisses Critics, Remains Focused on Promises
President William Ruto has dismissed mounting criticism and speculation about his political future, asserting that he remains firmly committed to fulfilling the promises he made to Kenyans and will not be distracted by detractors. Speaking during a church service at A.I.C. Kibra Constituency, Ruto likened his situation to Nehemiah's biblical story, emphasizing that he would not be swayed by "political noise." He said that he is focused on his development agenda, including economic reforms, job creation, universal healthcare, and affordable housing. There's growing public frustration over high rents, rising taxes, and controversial policies that have sparked protests and worried people about his administration's viability.
Escalating Violence in Eastern DR Congo Deepens Food Crisis, WFP Warns
The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that food insecurity had worsened in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries as violence escalated in 2024. The conflict, long affecting the DRC, escalated sharply this year with M23 rebels seizing control of Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. The situation further deteriorated with anthrax and mpox outbreaks in overcrowded and unsanitary areas. WFP reported that 7.9 million people in the eastern provinces were food insecure, while 28 million were in need across the country. The recent conflict and displacement in eastern DRC have slashed food production in the Grand Nord. In addition, Goma's airport closure, a critical factor for aid delivery, continues to disrupt operations. WFP appealed for $433 million to support emergency operations in the DRC and additional funding to sustain assistance in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania through 2025 and beyond.
UN Security Council Faces Crucial Vote on South Sudan Arms Embargo Extension
Global concern had once again shifted to South Sudan, where a long-simmering conflict had claimed thousands of lives, displaced over 2.3 million people, and left around 60,000 children malnourished. There have been international efforts to end the conflict, including a UN arms embargo, which expires on May 31. Members of the UN Security Council are preparing to vote on a draft resolution that would continue the sanctions against South Sudan. The UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan in 2018, and its sanctions regime on the country dates back to 2015. Despite the embargo, violations had continued, including the deployment of Ugandan soldiers and military equipment to South Sudan in March 2025. Amnesty International expressed concern that without an extension, civilian lives would be at risk, saying that the human rights situation would have been worse without the embargo. South Sudanese citizens have questioned the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping efforts, accusing them of being passive while violence continues.
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Former DR Congo President Blasts Successor After Immunity Lifted
Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila accused his successor Félix Tshisekedi's government of being a "dictatorship" in a fiery 45-minute YouTube address made after his Senate immunity was lifted. Kabila, who had been in power from 2001 to 2019, said he broke his silence because the country's unity was at risk. He condemned arbitrary decisions, including the banning of his party, the seizure of his assets, and the government's use of pro-government militias and foreign forces. Kabila criticized the government for failing to uphold democracy, allowing corruption and public debt to soar, and mismanaging the economy. Kabila urged the withdrawal of "all foreign troops" from DR Congo and welcomed a recent decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to pull out troops that had been deployed to help the army fight the M23.
