Author: James Wambua

Looters have wiped out with an estimated 7,000 tonnes of critical humanitarian food supplies in Bukavu City. Bukavu, the second largest city in DRC fell to Rwanda-backed M23 rebels at the weekend just weeks after the militia took over Goma in the escalating conflict that worsened in January. According to aid organizations, the war in eastern DRC has caused a shortage of humanitarian routes and is now threatening the smooth delivery of essential services in the mineral-rich region. Food aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took a devastating hit over the weekend, with 7,000 tonnes lost to looting,…

Afrobarometer survey shows that most countries have lost the gains they had recorded in poverty reduction between 2000 and 2015. An estimated 81% of the people report going without a cash income while 66% lack medicine or medical care. Data from 39 African countries surveyed in 2021/2023 suggests that increased corruption may play a role in resurgent lived poverty. A growing number of Africans are trapped in the crushing grip of poverty, with the latest Afribarometer survey revealing a sharp rise in populations struggling to afford food and other basic necessities. The survey indicates that severe deprivation has reached its highest…

WHO Chief faults Trump’s suspension of funding to PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, noting that it has caused immediate stop to HIV treatment, testing and prevention services in 50 countries. With the immediate halt of U.S. aid plan, ongoing prevention programmes for at-risk groups disrupted as clinics close, sending thousands of health workers home. For decades, economies across Sub-Saharan Africa have pivoted on USAID to drive critical health interventions and humanitarian relief. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over looming negative impact on several critical health initiatives in Africa including HIV, malaria, and Tuberculosis…

Suspension of USAID funding could severely affect the availability of antiretroviral drugs, HIV testing, and prevention programmes. Other essential programmes at risk are malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition. Ghana is exploring alternative funding mechanisms and reallocate resources to prevent any disruption in these vital programmes. President Donald Trump’s recent move to dismantle USAID has left Ghana grappling with a funding shortfall of roughly $156 million for her healthcare and social programmes. With the funding gap, the country is likely to face a crisis in tackling a range of pressing healthcare challenges including fighting malaria,…

WHO has warned that the conflict could wipe out any gains made in recent months in the fight against mpox. Across Africa, the DRC has evolved as the epicenter of the ongoing mpox outbreak recording 516 cases in the last week, along with 38 deaths. The humanitarian situation in the DRC is affecting not only mpox (response efforts) but also a number of other outbreaks, says Africa CDC. As the M23 rebels advance on their onslaught across different areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization has warned that the conflict could wipe out any gains…

Denmark, the UK, Spain and France have announced their contributions to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa. Another new donor–Japan–joined in December 2024 with a $5M contribution. Also joining the list of donors is SEFA, which is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments. The race to light up millions of homes in Africa under Mission 300 initiative has received a shot in the arm after a number of countries including Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain and France have announced their contributions to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa. Another new donor–Japan–joined in December…

Rwanda and South Africa are at odds over the escalating conflict in the eastern DRC, with President Kagame accusing South Africa of distorting facts and threatening confrontation. South Africa defends its military presence as a peacekeeping effort, while Kagame claims SAMIDRC is a belligerent force aiding anti-Rwandan militias. The crisis risks further destabilizing the region, with diplomatic efforts needed to prevent escalation. Tensions between Rwanda and South Africa have escalated following a public spat between President Paul Kagame and President Cyril Ramaphosa over the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kagame accused South Africa of distorting…

Africa is the global epicenter of terrorism, with regions like the Sahel facing a devastating toll in lives lost and the rise of extremist groups. Addressing this crisis requires human rights-centered strategies, regional cooperation, and innovative funding mechanisms. Global action and support for African-led solutions are crucial to combating terrorism and securing the continent’s future. Terrorism in Africa is growing at a frightening scale compared to other regions globally, with the continent accounting for nearly 59 per cent of all terror-related deaths worldwide. According to UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, there is urgent need to strengthen counter-terrorism measures especially in…

AU Heads of State have been urged to incorporate newly agreed Kampala Declaration’s commitments into national policies and budgets. To succeed however, economies must confront climate change, economic instability, and rapid tech evolution head-on to build a resilient agricultural sector. By prioritizing resilience, inclusivity, and innovation, the declaration sets a bold precedent for tackling the continent’s most pressing challenges. The lush shores of Lake Victoria provided a fitting backdrop as African leaders, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders gathered from January 9th to 11th, 2025, at Kampala’s Speke Resort. The occasion? The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Extraordinary Summit, which culminated…

Abu Dhabi is gearing up to invest in Kenya’s critical sectors including ports, logistics, agriculture and energy. President William Ruto says the landmark deal will more than triple Kenya’s exports of meat products, fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, tea and coffee to the UAE. Agreement also targets the services sector with Kenyan providers in education, transport, construction, and engineering now poised to have a better access to opportunities in the UAE. Kenya-UAE economic relations are set to enter a new phase following the signing of a deal by authorities in the United Arab Emirates to invest heavily in the East African…