Author: VOICE OF AMERICA
By VOICE OF AMERICA The Somali government has issued a warning to Ethiopian Airlines concerning violations of Somali sovereignty related to their flight destinations. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has threatened to suspend Ethiopian Airlines flights to Somalia if the issues are not resolved by August 23, 2024. The concern is primarily focused on the airline’s flights to Hargeisa, Somaliland. Furthermore, the SCAA has also warned Fly Dubai regarding inaccurate representations of destinations served to/from Somalia, giving a deadline of August 24, 2024, to make corrections. Both airlines face the risk of having their operating permits revoked if they…
By VOICE OF AMERICA An advocacy group is calling for greater transparency in Kenya’s handling of public funds, linking financial accountability to human rights. Amid ongoing protests against corruption and economic challenges, Human Rights Watch urges the International Monetary Fund to ensure that aid to Kenya is used effectively and free from corruption. Concerns have been raised about the country’s growing debt, with citizens questioning the impact of borrowing on their lives. Calls for accountability and responsible financial management resonate across the nation, as people demand clarity on the use of borrowed funds. The government has vowed to investigate its…
By VOICE OF AMERICA A record 75.9 million people are currently living in internal displacement due to conflict, with nearly half in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, as per a recent report from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). In 2023, 34.8 million people in the region were displaced, showing a rise from the previous year, especially in conflict-ridden countries like Sudan. Sudanese doctor Aisha Hassan is just one example of the millions who have been forced to relocate due to ongoing civil war. The situation in Sudan is particularly dire, with over 9.1 million displaced since April 2023, making it the…
By VOICE OF AMERICA In preparation for the October general elections, Botswana is facing a dissatisfaction with the low number of women running for political office. With the majority of candidates being men, the lack of female representation is concerning. Despite women making up more than 50 percent of voters, only a small fraction are elected to the National Assembly. Advertisement Gearing towards gender parity as advocated by the Southern Africa Development Community, gender activist Pamela Dube stresses the need for gender quotas in the legislated seat allocation. Unfortunately, the current electoral laws in Botswana do not favor women, hindering…
By VOICE OF AMERICA South Sudan has reversed its decision to impose taxes on humanitarian services and products in response to a UN appeal. While UN organizations are tax-exempt, companies working with the UN may still be taxed due to being considered profit-making entities. This policy change comes as the country faces severe food shortages and the threat of floods, with the new taxes potentially adding significant costs to UNMISS operations. International donors, such as the EU, emphasize the need for a resolution to ensure uninterrupted relief assistance and peacekeeping efforts. Advertisement The UN’s crucial role in providing aid and…
By VOICE OF AMERICA In Nigeria, asthma patients face a dire situation as inhaler costs skyrocket, exacerbating the challenges of managing the chronic lung disease. The departure of multinational pharmaceutical companies like GSK, combined with inflation, has caused asthma medication prices to surge over 500% in less than a year, making essential treatments unaffordable for many. With individuals resorting to untested alternatives due to financial constraints, the country is on the brink of a health crisis. World Asthma Day 2024 sheds light on the worsening asthma medication affordability crisis in Nigeria, where millions struggle to access vital inhalers. Public health…
By VOICE OF AMERICA Malawi recently faced the deportation of 12 workers from Israel due to breach of contract. These workers had abandoned their farms in favor of a bakery, hurting the country’s labor export program. The economic crisis in Malawi has led many to seek work abroad, with Israel being a popular destination. However,
By VOICE OF AMERICA The government of Zimbabwe is urging its diaspora population and foreigners to invest in the country as it faces challenges accessing offshore credit lines due to defaulting on previous loans. However, some citizens in the diaspora are hesitant about investing. The Zimbabwe Investment Summit held in South Africa aimed to showcase the nation positively to attract investors. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube highlighted Zimbabwe’s robust economic growth post-Covid and encouraged investors to take advantage of various tax rebates and incentives. Despite the government’s efforts to promote the new currency, ZiG, economist Treasure Basopo remains doubtful, emphasizing the…