On Monday, South Africa’s general election witnessed an early turnout as special voting arrangements were made for those who will be working on polling day or have special needs. This opportunity allowed around 1.6 million citizens, out of the 27.6 million-strong electorate, to cast their ballots ahead of the general populace. Early Voting for Those with Special Needs According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), election agents will visit approximately 624,000 people with mobility issues at their homes, enabling them to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, essential workers, such as healthcare professionals, security personnel, and election officials, will attend…
Author: Modupeoluwa Shelle
President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) well ahead of the National and Provincial Elections to be held this week. Special votes are to be administered on Monday, 27 and Tuesday, 28 May, with the general elections to be held on Wednesday, 29 May. Addressing the nation in a televised broadcast on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa applauded the commission for its work in the run-up to the elections. “As a country, we have once again witnessed the capabilities of the IEC in the successful voter registration weekends, in the registration of parties and candidates, in the…
As Eritrea marks its 33rd independence anniversary, President Isaias Afeworki addressed his nation, warning that “hegemonic powers” are conspiring to instigate another conflict in the region. According to Ethiopian news outlets, he stated, “The interest of hegemonic powers in sparking another round of war has become public knowledge.” While details remain undisclosed, the president promised to reveal more information at a later, opportune time. Assuring his citizens, President Afeworki emphasized the Eritrean Defense Force’s readiness for any situation and urged the Eritrean people not to worry. Furthermore, he said that Eritrea will strengthen its cooperation with its neighbors and allies…
Burkina Faso’s military junta will extend its rule for an additional five years, according to an agreement reached during nationwide consultations, thereby delaying the country’s return to democratic rule. This decision was made public following the signing of a new charter, which culminated from national discussions held in the capital city of Ouagadougou on Saturday. Colonel Moussa Diallo, the head of the national dialogue’s organizing committee, made the announcement in a statement released after the talks had concluded. “The duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months from 2 July 2024.” The newly signed charter, endorsed by Acting President…
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a call this week for “dignified discourse and discussion” with U.S. government representatives after a heated argument over a speech given by Ambassador Ervin Massinga earlier this month. The Ministry swiftly responded with a statement condemning the US Ambassador’s May 15, 2024, policy speech as “ill-advised” and blasting his “uninformed assertions”, following the delivery of the controversial address. In his speech, Ambassador Massinga addressed pressing human rights concerns and the ongoing conflict in the country, urging an immediate end to the violence plaguing Oromia, Amhara, and Tigray. He also appealed to opposition groups to…
Nigeria’s economy saw a 2.98% growth in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This was disclosed in a document titled: “National Gross Domestic Product Q1, 2024.” Nigeria’s GDP grew 2.98% in the first quarter of 2024, surpassing the 2.31% growth in the same quarter of 2023, but below the 3.46% growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the Bureau. “This growth rate is higher than the 2.31% recorded in the first quarter of 2023 and lower than the fourth quarter of 2023 growth of…
Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation, has stated that Nnamdi Kanu’s case is a challenging one, and only a court of competent jurisdiction can properly adjudicate the charges brought against the detained IPOB leader. He stated that since the matter is already under judicial consideration, it’s best to let the legal process run its course and allow the court to render its decision. Lateef Fagbemi made this statement during a question-and-answer session at the Sectoral Ministerial Briefing in Abuja on Friday, which marked the one-year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. While pointing out that Kanu is being…
The government is set to streamline its international presence by closing several embassies, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramadan Goc, once it has settled its outstanding debts to diplomats. In his address to the National Assembly in Juba on Tuesday, Goc emphasized that this move would help streamline government spending and relieve the financial strain, as the assembly deliberated on the president’s speech. “Our problem in the ministry of Foreign Affairs is the issue of arrears in terms of salaries to our communities who are abroad and payment of rent for our embassies and residence for…
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Mr. Elias Magosi has expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in preparing for the Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for August in Zimbabwe. This development came to light during a meeting between SADC Executive Secretary and President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Wednesday. In August, Zimbabwe will assume the chairmanship of the regional bloc during the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, which will take place in Harare. Currently, SADC Executive Secretary, Mr. Elias Magosi, is in the country evaluating the preparations,…
As the 2027 general election approaches, a new political force has emerged: the Allied Conservative Congress (ACC). With a clear vision and mission, the ACC aims to save Nigeria from descending into chaos, economic crisis, and political turmoil, offering a hopeful alternative for the country’s future. According to Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, National Publicity Secretary of the ACC, the movement is committed to guiding Nigeria towards a more prosperous and glorious future, revitalizing the country’s greatness through its conservative principles. The ACC has observed that successive governments since 1999 have consistently disregarded and violated the explicit provisions of the 1999 Constitution,…