Amnesty calls on Lesotho to end alleged human rights violations

Amnesty calls on Lesotho to end alleged human rights violations

Authorities in the small southern African kingdom of Lesotho have come under scrutiny from human rights advocates who say excessive force is part of a pattern when security forces arrest and detain suspects. Ahead of general elections planned for next week, the Amnesty International appeal calls on political candidates in…

G7 sessions focus on African partnership, inequality

While there are quite a few issues confronting participants of the G7 meetings in France – from the wildfires in the Amazon to the “surprise” appearance of the Iranian foreign minister – they haven’t overshadowed the importance of Africa on the agenda. That’s made clear by the number of African…

Ethiopia’s satellite plans come with strings attached

Last month, Ethiopia officially announced plans to launch its first earth observatory satellite, with China footing 75% of the $8 million bill and providing technical assistance. Such comprehensive assistance is of course welcome news for Ethiopia’s burgeoning space program, but it’s an open question to what extent the government is aware…

Monica Gitau

Monica is a freelance journalist based in Kenya

China vows to make Africa a UN Security Council priority

On Thursday, China takes over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for November and all indications are that African affairs will be a top priority. Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that, according to available information, the situation in the Sahel is a priority topic for Security…

Mali: Beijing to send envoy for IBK inauguration ceremony

China confirms that it is sending a special envoy to Mali for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta’s inauguration on Saturday. Zheng Jianbang, the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, will represent President Xi Jinping in Bamako at Keïta’s invitation. “China and Mali enjoy profound…

Keating warns UN Security Council on Somalia progress

Michael Keating, the outgoing United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, highlighted the ongoing challenges of the Horn of Africa nation in his final briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday – including the latest rift between member states and the federal government. “On the day that I arrived in…