By AFP Malawian police arrested the former finance minister Sunday on suspicion of money laundering and abuse of office, in the latest move in a widening post-election crackdown on former senior officials. Simplex Chithyola, the leader of the opposition in the current parliament, handed himself to police after hearing he was sought by investigators, his lawyer George Kadzipatike said, confirming to AFP the charges against his client. Chithyola was finance minister between 2023 and 2025 in the government of ex-president Lazarus Chakwera that was replaced in September elections dominated by soaring costs of living in the southern African country. Figures…
Author: Montage Africa
By Rédaction Africanews France is debating a bill to simplify returning artworks and artefacts looted from Africa during the colonial period to their countries of origin. It specifically refers to items acquired between 1815 and 1972. It still has tens of thousands of such artefacts in its possession. The draft law was unanimously given the green light by the upper house back in January. It now needs the approval of the lower house, the National Assembly, before it can be enacted. The legislation has come under criticism across the political spectrum. The far-left France Unbowed party wants its scope to…
By Ali Bamba In Benin, the focus is now on counting the ballots following Sunday’s presidential election. As for the outcome of the race, analysts say there is little chance of a surprise result between Romuald Wadagni, the incumbent president’s handpicked successor, and opposition candidate Paul Hounkpé. But the challenges facing the next president are enormous. Pope Leo XIV is in Algeria, the first stop of an African tour. The pontiff was received by the country’s highest authorities. The head of the Catholic Church will deliver a message on peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in this country where Islam…
By Rédaction Africanews and AP A case that has shocked Uganda is now taking center stage in court. In Kampala, the trial of Christopher Okello Onyum has officially begun. He stands accused of killing four young children in a crime that has gripped the nation. Despite prosecutors saying he previously admitted to the killings, Onyum has pleaded not guilty. “I plead not guilty to this charge, my lord,” he told the court. Onyum is accused of fatally stabbing the children at a kindergarten. He was arrested on April 2 while allegedly trying to flee the scene and has denied all…
Charmain Speirs was 40 years old when she met prophet Eric Adusah. For several years Charmain had been part of one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world, Pentecostalism. Through her faith, she appeared to discover the happiness she’d been struggling to find but there was still something missing. “She’d just had enough of normal men,” her friend Anne-Marie says. “She wanted that man of God. She wanted what was promised for her. “Then she said: ‘I’ve met someone, a famous preacher’.” Her new love interest was the head pastor of Global Light Revival Church. Originally from Ghana, Adusah…
By Dominic Wabwireh with other agencies A Burundian appeals court has partially acquitted journalist Sandra Muhoza, ending a nearly two-year detention that has raised fresh concerns about press freedom in the country. Muhoza, a reporter with La Nova Burundi, had been accused of sharing sensitive information in a private WhatsApp group. The court cleared her of undermining national unity but upheld a conviction for racial hatred — a charge carrying a lighter sentence of up to two years. Release sparks relief and criticism The journalist was released on parole on March 4 after appearing visibly weakened during earlier court hearings.…
By Rédaction Africanews Romuald Wadagni has secured a decisive win in Benin’s presidential election, taking 94 percent of the vote according to provisional results released by the electoral commission. Wadagni’s main challenger, Paul Hounkpe, conceded defeat even before the final count was complete, offering his “republican congratulations” and calling for unity beyond political divides. Low turnout, calm vote Despite the landslide, turnout was uneven, particularly in urban areas where participation ranged between 20 and 40 percent in some polling stations. Overall turnout stood at 58.75 percent, with observers praising a generally peaceful and well-organised vote. Continuity and challenges Backed by…
By Rédaction Africanews In his first speech in Algiers, Pope Leo paid tribute to victims of the country’s 1954-1962 war of independence from France and called for “forgiveness”. The remarks came amid heightened tensions between Algeria and France, and followed a meeting days ago with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Vatican. “In this place, let us remember that God desires peace for every nation,” he said at the Algerian Martyrs Memorial in the capital. Leo’s two-day visit to Algeria was infused with personal significance for the pope. Algeria was the home of Saint Augustine (354-430), whose spiritual legacy permeates…
Ghanaian footballer Dominic Frimpong has died after suspected armed robbers opened fire at the bus carrying his team Berekum Chelsea back from a match. “Masked men wielding guns and assault rifles” ambushed the bus and “blocked the road” as the team returned home on Sunday, according to the club. Police say Frimpong sustained gunshot wounds and died while receiving treatment. A manhunt for the suspects is under way. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) expressed its “profound shock and deep sorrow”, describing the 20-year-old as a “promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our…
By Dominic Wabwireh with other agencies Patrice Motsepe says he welcomes any independent inquiry into governance at the African football body, as tensions rise over the decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and award it to Morocco. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been thrown into turmoil after its appeals commission withdrew the 2025 AFCON hosting rights from Senegal and handed them to Morocco. Dakar has fiercely contested the move and lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). A final ruling from the international tribunal is now awaited. Motsepe’s tour…