Daybreak Africa - VOA Africa

On Daybreak Africa: President Biden says campus protesters have the right to demonstrate – but not to cause violence. Plus, British authorities begin detaining migrants for transfer to Rwanda. Friday is World Press Freedom Day. A Uganda journalist discusses the struggle by media houses for viability in the age of digital information. A US House Committee asks the Speaker to invite Kenyan President William Ruto to address a joint session of Congress. Liberian President Boakai signs an Executive Order establishing the office a War and Economic Crimes Court in the country. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: The United States resolves to find an end to Sudan’s civil war. Plus, South Africa’s MK party faces voter forgery allegations. A new generation leads the charge to stop hate speech from spreading in Rwanda. A Guinean Imam vows to hold prayers in his local Mandingo Language. Liberian President Joseph Boakai reports on his first 100 days in office. Experts warn that un-exploded landmines pose a threat in African nations and others around the world. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: Botswana’s diamond industry gets a boost amid global uncertainty. Plus, the United Kingdom sanctions the speaker of Uganda’s parliament and two other lawmakers for alleged corruption. Corruption's grip on road infrastructure slows Malawi's development. Togo’s opposition says Monday’s election did not go well when it comes to transparency and participation. Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza petitions the East Africa Court of Justice to restore her civil liberties. South Africa prepares to end captive-bred lion hunting. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: Dozens are killed as a dam bursts in Kenya following devastating rains. Plus, the Nigerian community in South Africa calls for an investigation into what it calls the indiscriminate arrest of its members. Good governance activists say South Africa’s corruption whistleblowers should be protected. A Ugandan parliamentarian defends the government’s human rights record. Vote counting continues overnight in Togo following Monday’s election for parliament and regional representatives. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for the unconditional release of an Ethiopia reporter. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Martha Ngoye was the legal executive at the South African state-owned Passenger Rail Agency when she blew the whistle on unlawful government contracts worth millions. But instead of being honored as a corruption buster she was fired by her employer and faced a lengthy and costly legal battle to get her job back. Martha’s experience highlights the challenges faced by whistle-blowers in South Africa. Ihsaan Haffejee has this reports

The Nigerian community in South Africa is calling for investigation into what it calls the indiscriminate arrest of its members some of whom allegedly died during routine police raids at their homes and businesses. Doris Ikeri Solarin is the President of the Nigerian Union of South Africa. She told VOA’s Chinedu Offor that a recent meeting with a regional police chief was meant to de-escalate growing tension among the immigrant community and law enforcement agencies.

Vote counting continued in Togo overnight following Monday’s election for members of parliament and regional representatives. Analysts say the outcome of the vote would likely be a referendum on a controversial constitutional reform adopted this month which allows the parliament to elect the president as opposed to a direct election by voters. President Faure Gnassingbe’s ruling Union for the Republic party already has a majority of seats in parliament, which makes it likely he will remain in power for an unforeseeable period. Gilbert Bawara, Togolese minister for civil service, labor, and social dialogue, tells VOA’s James Butty, voting went on smoothly on Monday under the watchful eye of local and international observers.

On Daybreak Africa: Flooding continues to wreak havoc on parts of Kenya. Plus, Togolese voters cast their ballots Monday in an election that could be a referendum on a controversial constitutional reform. A new digital ethics organization aims to help journalists and activists identify false and misleading information. Kenya will host peace talks between the South Sudan government and so-called holdout armed groups. Sierra Leone’s president takes control of the country’s Ministry of Energy amid an electricity crisis.. The UN says conflicts, extreme weather, and economic shocks are worsening global food insecurity. U.S. President Biden jokes about politics – and his rival – at Saturday’s White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa

Conflicts, extreme weather, and economic shocks are worsening global food insecurity, according to the United Nations. In a new report, the UN said global hunger rose in 2023 for the fifth year in a row, warning that millions more may go hungry in 2024. Tara Scully is Associate Professor of Biology and Director of Curriculum Development for the New Global Food Institute at George Washington University. She tells VOA’s Chinedu Offor, the food crisis is a global call to action.

Togolese voters are casting their ballots Monday to elect members of parliament and regional representatives. The vote could become be a referendum on the controversial constitutional reform adopted this month which allows for the president to be elected by parliament. A key opposition leader told VOA last week that the opponents will resume protests because the revised constitution is intended to keep President Faure Gnassingbe in power, who, together with his late father, have ruled Togo for over 50 years. Gilbert Bawara, Togolese minister for civil service, labor, and social dialogue, tells VOA’s James Butty, Togolese voters will have the final say about the new constitution when they cast their ballots Monday.

A South Sudan official has confirmed that Kenya will host peace talks between the government and the so-called holdout armed groups. The holdouts have yet to ratify the 2018 Revitalized Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The talks have been taking place in recent years in Rome. Nathaniel Oyet Pierrino, the Deputy Chairman of the SPLM-IO lead by South Sudan First Vice President Riek Machar, tells VOA’s James Butty, he’s disappointed that the Kenyan mediator visited Juba and did not meet with Machar who also plays a key role in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity.

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has taken control of the country’s Ministry of Energy assisted by two deputy ministers. This follows the resignation on Friday of Minister Kanja Sesay amid a week-long electricity problem. The government also acknowledges that it paid $17 million of the $48 million it owes a Turkish company— Karpowership— for providing power to Freetown, the capital. Information Minister Chernor Bah denies energy minister Sesay is being scapegoated. He tells VOA’s James Butty, Sesay did the honorable thing in the middle of a crisis

Several people were reported missing after a boat capsized in Mororo, Bangale, Tana River County in Kenya. The Nation newspaper reports that the missing were crossing the flooded area from Madogo to Garissa town when the incident took place. Kenya and much of East Africa have been experiencing major flooding with death toll put at 76. Jeffrey Okoro, Executive Director of CFK Africa, an NGO that works with community members to improve public health, education outcomes, and economic opportunities in informal settlements in Kenya, tells VOA’s James Butty, the crisis in access to healthcare has been compounded by the major flooding across Kenya.

On Daybreak Africa: At least 20 million children miss out on one or more vaccines globally, the WHO says during World Immunization Week. Over 1,300 delegates and 400 companies participate in the American Chamber of Commerce summit in Nairobi. Malawi and Israel sign labor export deal on farm workers. Malawi’s information minister says President Chakwera and Vice President Chilima enjoy cordial working relations despite corruption allegations. Liberian President Joseph Boakai loses tenured case in the Supreme Court. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Malawi and Israel have signed a new deal for Malawi to send unskilled laborers to Israel. The agreement is a departure from a previous arrangement where nearly 1,000 laborers were recently sent to work in Israel through private labor agents. Malawi officials say the new deal will help address challenges workers were facing under the previous arrangement. Lameck Masina reports from Blantyre.

Malawi’s information minister says President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice President Saulos Chilima have always had cordial working relations. Vice President Chilima was arrested and charged with corruption in 2022. He was later stripped of some of his constitutional duties. Now, President Chakwera has tipped the vice president to represent Malawi at Friday’s Tanzania Union Day commemoration. Information minister Moses Kunkuyu tells VOA’s James Butty, corruption allegations against the vice president are being adjudicated in the courts, which have not imposed any travel restrictions.

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce says it’s not enough for the United States to just say it plans to invest and collaborate more in Africa; it must also show up. In her first official trip to East Africa, Gina Raimondo says she also plans to listen and learn as she participates in the fourth edition of the American Chamber of Commerce summit in Kenya this week. VOA’s Nairobi Bureau Chief Mariama Diallo was there and has this story

Liberia’s Supreme Court this week ordered President Joseph Boakai to withdraw his nominations for tenured positions. Dennise Nimpson reports from Monrovia.

On Daybreak Africa: Amnesty International is concerned about rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Plus, the Kenyan government threatens to halt paying the salaries of striking doctors. At least 94 percent of malaria deaths occur in Africa, the WHO says on World Malaria Day today April 25th. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu warns of the link between illegal mining operations and the financing of terrorist activities across Africa. Togo’s largest opposition party says it will never accept the new constitutional reforms approved by parliament. President Joe Biden signs a $95 billion foreign aid package. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

The leader of Togo’s largest opposition party says it will never accept the constitutional reforms approved recently by parliament. The new constitution leaves the election of the president to parliament. Togo will hold legislative and regional polls on April 29. A government official told VOA recently the elections will provide an opportunity for Togolese voters to deliver a verdict on the new constitutional reform. Jean-Pierre Fabre, leader of the National Alliance for Change (ANC), Togo’s largest opposition party, VOA’s James Butty, the opposition will resume protests soon after the election because the new constitution is intended to maintain President Faure Gnassingbe in power who, together with his late father, have ruled Togo for over 50 years.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu this week warned of the link between illegal mining operations and the financing of terrorist activities across Africa, according to local media. Addressing regional leaders at a high-level counter-terrorism summit in Abuja, Tinubu urged the international community to take concrete actions to halt the inflow of funds from outside the continent that enable such illicit activities. To find out more about the link between illegal mining operations and the financing of terrorism in Africa, VOA’s Douglas Mpuga reached Kabir Adamu, an Abuja-based security risk management and intelligence analyst

The Kenyan government is threatening to withhold salaries of striking doctors after failing to reach an agreement with the medics to call off the strike. The work stoppage has paralyzed medical services in public hospitals across the country for two months now. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi.

On Daybreak Africa: The UN criticizes Britain’s Rwanda migrant law, as another boat tragedy shows the dangers of crossing.Plus, Malawi takes steps to end poverty among women and girls. Ongoing rainfall leads to the closure of key roads in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. The World Bank suspends tourism financing to Tanzania over alleged human rights violations. A new World Bank report says living conditions are worsening for half of the world’s poorest countries. Artificial Intelligence surrounds U.S. political life during this election year. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

The executive director of the Oakland Institute, a policy think tank based in California, is welcoming a World Bank decision to suspend funding for a tourism project in Tanzania following allegations of human rights violations. The institute complained to the World Bank a year ago about potential violations of its own policies. Executive Director Anuradha Mittal, tells VOA’s James Butty, the suspension of funding should send a resounding message to the Tanzanian government that there are consequences for those who violate human rights to boost tourism.

The government of Tanzania says it does not violate the rights of its citizens. Government spokesperson Mobhare Matinyi says such allegations are baseless. This comes as the World Bank says it has suspended financing intended to develop tourism in the Ruaha National Park area due to allegations of killings, rape and forced evictions of the local Maasai. The Bank said the allegations, if true, breach its policies in the implementation of the project. Government spokesperson Mobhare Matinyi tells VOA’s James Butty that anyone relocated because of the project would be accorded all their rights.

A new World Bank report says living conditions are worsening for half of the world’s poorest countries with poverty levels growing in what it calls “a historical reversal of development.” It said most of these countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean with per capita incomes of less than $1,315 a year. Danny Leipziger, a Professor of International Business at the George Washington University and former Vice President for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management at the World Bank, tells VOA’s Chinedu Offor, the prospects for growth in these countries are not positive

In South Africa, a spokesperson for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (or MK) party says the group has stepped up its campaign ahead of the coming May 29 national elections. Noma Buthelezi is the spokesperson of the MK party Youth League in the Kwazulu Natal province. She says the opposition party is determined to win a two-thirds majority in parliament to form the next government. Her comments come after a Kwazulu-Natal High Court in Durban rejected a petition by the African National Congress to prevent the MK from using a logo the ANC argues is its asset and heritage. Noma Buthelezi tells VOA's Peter Clottey the uMkhonto we Sizwe is happy with the court’s decision.

Experts say one of the healthcare challenges in Africa is a shortage of training and education for workers. To help, a U.S. charity called Mission to Heal is training local workers who serve patients in remote locations. Juma Majanga reports from Ngurunit village in northern Kenya

Zimbabwean authorities responded swiftly to the recent decline in the new gold-backed currency by apprehending illicit money changers and closing the bank accounts of businesses accused of exclusively dealing in U.S. dollars. Businesses argue that this approach is not sustainable. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare

On Daybreak Africa: The Connected Africa Summit in Kenya addresses the continent’s challenges, opportunities and bridging digital divides. Plus, Zimbabwe authorities apprehend illicit money changers. A US charity trains medics to improve healthcare in rural Kenya. South Africa’s uMkhonto we Sizwe party wins another victory against the ruling ANC. US presidential contenders differ on who is better for the economy. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: The UN says some 800,000 people in one Sudanese city are in "extreme and immediate danger.” Analysts say international crisis have diverted attention from the brutal conflict. Plus, Kenyan President Ruto calls for a thorough investigation into the helicopter crash that killed Chief of Defense Forces General Francis Ogolla. Uganda traders end their strike over taxes. USAID questions the integrity of Liberia’s health system. Monday marks Earth Day with the theme – “Planet vs. Plastics.” Zimbabwe human rights groups question the recent release of thousands of prisoners. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Monday is Earth Day. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Planet Vs. Plastics.” Activists are calling for a 60 percent reduction in the production of plastics by 2040. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 says environmental issues make up half of the top 10 risks over the next 10 years. Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, mayor of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, tells VOA’s James Butty, the city will observe the day by focusing on sanitation and visiting the city’s tree-planting areas.

After two weeks on strike, businessmen in Uganda have agreed to resume work on Monday after their leaders met with President Yoweri Museveni over the matter. President Museveni instructed the suspension of hefty fines imposed on defaulting traders and promised to sit with technocrats to seek for a suitable solution. Reporter Mugume Davis Rwakaringi has more from Kampala, Uganda

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has criticized the Liberian health sector for mismanaging donated products to diagnose and treat HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. Dennise Nimpson reports from Monrovia.

Kenyan President William Ruto has called for a thorough and unhindered investigation into the helicopter crash that killed the Kenyan Chief of Defense Forces General Francis Ogolla. General Ogolla and nine other military personnel died last Thursday when their helicopter crashed in the North Rift region of the country. President William Ruto spoke Sunday at General Ogolla’s funeral at the conclusion of three days of national mourning

On Daybreak Africa: Botswana churches oppose a gay rights proposal. Plus, Kenya is mourning the death of its Chief of Defense Forces and nine other senior military personnel. Hospitals in eastern DRC face vaccine shortages. South Sudan assures South African President Ramaphosa that elections will take place this year. Rhino poaching in Nambia is on the rise in the first quarter of 2024. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: The UN rights chief calls for action to prevent violence in DRC. Plus, the US sanctions four former Malawi government officials for alleged corruption. East Africa is experiencing heavy rains. A Liberian political leader vows to continue engaging for fundamental change in the country. Namibia’s Nama community rejects green-Hydrogen port. Uganda beefs up security as President Museveni prepares to meet with protesting five-day traders today, Friday. Jordan’s King Abdullah says his country will not be a battleground in the Israel-Iran confrontation. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: Uganda beefs up security amid a five-day protest by traders. Plus, head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya tenders his resignation. We’ll speak with a Libyan-American businessman who left Libya on Tuesday. A State Department spokesperson discusses US assistance to Sudan. Sudanese child refugees long for peace as they try to cope with losses. A member of Chad’s main opposition discusses campaigning for the May 6 election. Nigeria’s President says his country will no longer pay ransoms to armed gangs. President Biden and former President Trump support Israel’s fight against Hamas and Iran. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

The ongoing violence in Sudan has had a significant negative impact on children, some of whom were traumatized and separated from their parents as they fled for safety in neighboring countries. Sheila Ponnie reports from Renk, a border town between Sudan and South Sudan - where some of the displaced children are living with strangers forced to act as temporary foster parents out of necessity.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu says the country will no longer pay ransom to armed gangs that have plagued Nigeria with kidnapping and extortion. He made the statement as activists commemorated the 10th anniversary of the infamous kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.

An official of Chad’s opposition “Transformers” party says Chadians are mobilizing their personal resources to support the campaign of Prime Minister Success Masra who is running against interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby in the May 6 elections. Ndolembai Njesada, Transformers’ Vice President for Political Affairs and the Diaspora, says Masra is not getting funding from the government or from outside sources. He tells VOA’s James Butty , millions of Chadians are gravitating to Masra’s grassroots campaign.

Each morning, Daybreak Africa looks at the latest developments on the continent, starting with headline news and providing in-depth interviews, reports from VOA correspondents, sports news as well as listener comments.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on Sudan’s warring parties to ensure a rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, and to protect civilians. Speaking Monday to mark the first anniversary of the Sudan conflict, the Secretary General also called for humanitarian support to the Sudanese people and a political solution to the conflict.

On Daybreak Africa: Today marks the first anniversary of Sudan’s conflict – for which many analysts foresee no end. We’ll also speak with the President of the Sudanese American Physicians Association. Plus, a Sunday protest in Niger calls for the departure of the US and all foreign military forces. The US helps Israel repel an Iranian drone and missile attack. ADF rebels are blamed for another attack in eastern DRC. Campaigning for Togo’s April 29 legislative election began over the weekend amid opposition protests. the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president is set to begin Monday in New York City. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

A Togolese government official says the April 29 legislative and regional elections present an opportunity for the Togolese people to deliver a verdict on the new constitutional reform approved recently by parliament. The new constitution gives the election of the president to parliament. The government last week arrested some members of the opposition who had planned to protest the changes because they say it infringes on the rights of all citizens to choose their president. Campaigning for the April 29 vote began over the weekend. Gilbert Bawara, Togolese minister for civil service, labor and social dialogue, tells VOA’s James Butty, the constitution revision is necessary, especially given what he calls the chaos taking place in the West Africa sub-region.

There was an anti-US protest in Niger over the weekend calling for the departure of the US and all foreign military forces. US forces have been helping Niger’s government combat Islamic militants in the Sahel. VOA’s French to Africa reporter Abdoul Razak in Niamey tells VOA’s James Butty, the protest was called by civil society organizations sympathetic to the military government and that it comes as Russian troops arrived in the country last week to provide security for the junta.

The home of the Speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives in the capital, Monrovia, was gutted by fire last evening. Speaker J. Fonati Koffa says he and his family escaped unharmed. However, he says the entire house is destroyed. He tells VOA’s James Butty, the National Fire Service was notified but arrived after his home had been engulfed. One local media report, citing witnesses, said the fire department encountered some difficulties gaining access to the property.

Local authorities in the town of Beni, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, say they recovered the bodies of at least 12 civilians allegedly killed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels. The ADF operates along the border of Uganda and DRC. Reporter Al Katanty Sabiti Djaffar in the eastern DRC city of Goma, tells VOA’s James Butty, that both the ADF and Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the latest murders.

On Daybreak Africa: Calls grow for justice and accountability as Sudan marks one year of conflict. Plus, striking Kenyan doctors reject another government ultimatum to end a month-long strike for better pay. A US-based Professor of Applied Economics calls for the disbandment of Zimbabwe’s Reserve Bank. Malawi halts Soybean exports amid a drop in yields. A judge in Liberia jails a local chief for allegedly forcing three young women undergo female genital mutilation. Environmentalists call on Shell Oil to clean up vast polluted areas in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa

Environmentalists say the people of Nigeria's oil rich Delta are running out of patience over their demand for Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell to clean up vast polluted areas before leaving the country. Nimo Bassey is the director of the ecological think tank, Mother Earth Foundation. He told VOA's Chinedu Offor that conditions have worsened as more spills have been recorded.

A judge in Liberia has jailed a local chief (named Zoe) since Tuesday for failure to produce three young women who were allegedly taken by force, detained, and initiated into the Sande Society to undergo female genital mutilation. Counsellor Swaliho Sesay represents the Liberian ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs. He tells VOA’s James Butty, the Organization for Women and Children and Community Health Care Initiative did not have standing to file a petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus for a judge to compel Chief Zoe Nora Samuel to produce the three young women.

A judge in Liberia has jailed a local chief (named Zoe) since Tuesday for failing to produce three young women who were allegedly taken by force, detained, and likely initiated into the Sande Society to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM). Liberia does not have a legal mechanism banning female circumcision, although the National Council of Chiefs last year outlawed the practice. Monbeydo Nadine Juah is the attorney representing the Organization for Women and Children and Community Health Care Initiative. It filed a petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus for a judge to compel Chief Zoe Nora Samuel to produce the three young women. She tells VOA’s James Butty, Liberian women should have the freedom to decide whether they want to undergo FGM or not; they should not be abducted.

Striking Kenyan doctors have rejected another government ultimatum to end a month-long strike for better pay and improved working conditions. The doctors also got a boost from opposition leader Raila Odinga who appealed to the government to re-instate the Ksh206,000 (about $1,590) for intern doctors until the next negotiations. President William Ruto has appealed to the doctors to reconsider their demand for pay raises because the government cannot spend money that it does not have. The latest government ultimatum came from the head of Public Service, Felix Koskei. He urged the doctors to return to the negotiating table in compliance with a court order or face disciplinary action. Dr Simon Kigondu, President of the Kenya Medical Association, tells VOA’s James Butty, doctors are concerned that even if they call off their strike, the government may still not come to the negotiating table.

On Daybreak Africa: South Sudan tells the UN to stop interfering into its internal affairs. Plus, Malawi bans Soybean exports amid a yield drop. Another Zimbabwe opposition politician bows out from active politics. Senegal’s new president proposes an action plan to strengthen the country’s flagging economy. Nigeria’s electricity rate hike upsets consumers. The African Diaspora celebrates Eid al-Fitr. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

The Malawian government has announced the suspension of raw soya bean exports starting Monday, yesterday, due to insufficient yields caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon. However, international grain traders say the move is unfair. Lameck Masina reports from Blantyre.

In Zimbabwe, another opposition leader has announced he’s leaving active politics. The New Zimbabwe website reports that Tendai Biti, one of the three vice presidents of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) says he needs a sabbatical. In January this year, Triple C founder and President Nelson Chamisa abruptly resigned from the party, saying it had been hijacked by the ruling ZANU PF. Tendai Ruben Mbofana, a Zimbabwe social justice advocate and writer, tells VOA’s James Butty, Biti’s departure is one more sign that the Zimbabwe opposition is effectively dead.

The Liberian Senate on Tuesday concurred with the lower House to establish a war and economic crimes court. The decision came after the United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, held meetings with the two chambers of the legislature. Rita Jlogbe Doue has details from Monrovia.

On Daybreak Africa: Liberia’s Senate approves the creation of a war crimes court. Plus, a South African court says former President Jacob Zuma can compete in the May elections. We’ll have additional analysis on the South African court’s ruling. The Malawi Police arrest a journalist over a fraud story. The likely effects of Sudan’s ongoing conflict on South Sudan. Traders in Uganda’s capital are on strike over an electronic receipt system to determine applicable taxes. Muslims in Kenya are getting ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Nigerians are having a difficult time coping with a government mandated electric tariff hike according to the Association of Electricity and Allied Companies. The group warned of a possible social unrest if President Bola Tinubu fails to reverse the over 245 percent increase. Political and social analyst Dr. Abubakar Mohammed told VOA's Chinedu Offor, power supply countrywide has worsened since the new tariff took effect.

A political analyst says Tuesday’s court ruling in favor of former South African President Jacob Zuma restores a certain degree of faith in the country’s judicial system. The court ruled that Zuma’s name should remain on the ballot for the May 29 general elections. Zuma wants to run on the ticket of the uMkhonto we Sizwe, or MK party. The Electoral Commission had disqualified Zuma for a prior conviction. Professor Sipho Seepe, a former deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support at the University of Zululand, tells VOA’s James Butty, Zuma’s court victory also vindicates the notion of the will of the people in South African democracy

Each morning, Daybreak Africa looks at the latest developments on the continent, starting with headline news and providing in-depth interviews, reports from VOA correspondents, sports news as well as listener comments.

Each morning, Daybreak Africa looks at the latest developments on the continent, starting with headline news and providing in-depth interviews, reports from VOA correspondents, sports news as well as listener comments.

On Daybreak Africa: Somalia said it expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador in Mogadishu and ordered the closure of two consulates – one each in the semi-autonomous Puntland region in a dispute over a port deal. Plus, the speaker of the South African parliament resigns, and is arrested and charged with corruption. Malawi lawmakers tussle over proposed age limits for Presidential and Parliamentary candidates. Zimbabwe’s central bank is expected to announce a gold-backed currency Friday. Kenyan doctors vow to continue their 23-day-old strike despite a court order to end it. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

On the eve of the anticipated roll-out of a new gold-backed currency, Zimbabwe's central bank announced Thursday it has 2.5 tons of gold reserves. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare.

Pandemonium erupted in the Malawi Parliament on Thursday as tensions flared among lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) over a proposed bill aimed at capping the age for presidential and parliamentary candidates at 80 years. The situation forced the second deputy speaker of parliament to suspend those involved in the dispute. Lameck Masina reports from Blantyre.

The former speaker of South Africa’s parliament has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of corruption, one day after she resigned her position. Kate Bartlett reports from Johannesburg

Kenyan doctors have vowed to continue their 23-day-old strike to demand better pay and improved working conditions. This, after a labor court in Nairobi Wednesday ordered the doctors to suspend the strike and complete negotiations with the government within 14 days. The doctors say the government has failed to implement a collective bargaining agreement signed in 2017. The government has accused the doctors of refusing to compromise. On Wednesday, the government offered to make available Sh2.4 billion (a little over $184 million) to cover the deployment of interns or junior doctors. Meanwhile, the strike has paralyzed health services at some hospitals. Dr Simon Kigondu, President of the Kenya Medical Association, tells VOA’s James Butty, the strike will continue until the government completely addresses of all their concerns.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi has appointed Judith Suminwa the head of the government. Many citizens say they wish her well, as she becomes the first woman to hold the post since the DRC gained independence. Zanem Nety Zaidi has details.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission said the recent triple increase in electricity tariff will attract more investment into the country's epileptic power sector. Labor and civil society groups are blasting the new rate saying citizens are forced to pay for "darkness". Patrick Nwinyokpugi is an Economics lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State. He told VOA's Chinedu Offor, the Nigerian government can fix the ailing power sector without a tariff hike.

On Daybreak Africa: Togo's government postpones legislative elections due to be held April 20 until an unspecified date. Plus, Uganda’s Constitutional Court refuses to block the enforcement of an Anti-Gay Law. We will speak with one of the petitioners in the case. Zimbabwe appeals for $2 billion to avert food insecurity. Some Guinean political parties will no longer recognize the military junta if it does not return the country to democratic rule by December 31. South Africa’s speaker of parliament resigns over corruption allegation. Nigerians are sounding the alarm over rising cases of meningitis in several northern states. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Health authorities in Nigeria are sounding the alarm over rising cases of meningitis in several northern states, warning of an outbreak if not contained. The World Health Organization classifies meningitis as an epidemic-prone disease requiring immediate notification, investigation, and necessary action. Dr. Kachi Nwoga is an epidemiologist and Vice President- South, The Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria. He tells VOA's Chinedu Offor, the country is struggling to deal with the outbreak following reported deaths in rural areas

A political analyst says South Africa’s speaker of parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, did the honorable thing for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party by resigning. Professor Sipho Seepe, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support at the University of Zululand, says it was simply a matter of time before the National Prosecuting Authority would arrest the speaker. She has been accused of soliciting bribes worth about $240,000 from a defense contractor between 2016 and 2019 when she was Minister of Defense and Military Veterans. She said Wednesday that her resignation was not an indication or admission of guilt. Professor Sipho Seepe tells VOA’s James Butty, the ANC has an internal policy that requires the resignation of any official who is criminally charged for misconduct or malfeasance..

Zimbabwe has appealed to the United Nations, aid agencies and citizens for $2 billion to avert food insecurity caused by the current El Nino-induced drought. But as Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, analysts say Zimbabwe – once a breadbasket of the region – could mitigate the drought if it fixes its irrigation systems, which displaced commercial farmers used to depend on.

The coalition of political parties and civil society say they will no longer recognize the military junta if it does not return the country to democratic rule by December 31, 2024. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah, appointed last month, has asked members of the opposition to agree to extend the transition period until 2025. He cited the need for more time to hold a national census and preparation of an electoral list. But as Karim Kamara reports from Conakry, some in the opposition say extending the transition is not acceptable.

Uganda's constitutional court has declined to annul or grant a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the country’s anti-gay law. In their ruling Wednesday, the judges said the law does however infringe on some fundamental human rights. Lawyers representing members of Uganda's LGBT community described the ruling as retrogressive. Halima Athumani reports from the Ugandan capital

On Daybreak Africa: Sudanese refugees in South Sudan urge warring parties in Sudan to silence the guns. Plus, Bassirou Diomaye Faye Is sworn in as Senegal’s 5th President. Gabon opens a national dialogue to return the country to civilian rule. Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland has withdrawn from the country's federal system. A court ruling paves the way for a possible arrest of South Africa’s speaker of parliament. A look at how voter concern over crimes rates may influence the 2024 US presidential election. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

A judge in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday threw out a petition brought by the speaker of parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to prevent her arrest on corruption and money laundering charges. The National Prosecuting Authority has accused the speaker of soliciting bribes worth about $240,000 from a defense contractor between 2016 and 2019 when she was Minister of Defense and Military Veterans. Professor Sipho Seepe , a political analyst and former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support at the University of Zululand, tells VOA’s James Butty, the court ruling paves the way for the speaker’s arrest, or she will probably turn herself in to the police to be charged.

Gabon’s National Dialogue, called to pave the way for a return to constitutional order and an end to the 55-year Bongo dynasty, began in the central African state Tuesday. Opposition and civil groups are taking part, but some are concerned that current military ruler General Brice Oligui Nguema will use the conference to cement a grip on power. Moki Edwin Kindzeka reports from neighboring Cameroon

On Daybreak Africa: Tuesday is Inauguration Day in Senegal as President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye takes the oath of office. Plus UNICEF is urging immediate action to bolster security in hundreds of schools in Nigeria following recent abductions. Sierra Leone’s main opposition seeks a diplomatic dialogue with the Guinean ambassador in Sierra Leone following the arrest of Abubakar Boxx Konteh. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Tuesday is Inauguration Day in Senegal as newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will take the oath of office as the country’s fifth president. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated President-elect Faye on Tuesday and commended the people of Senegal for a peaceful and inclusive election. Senegalese political analyst Ibrahima Kane, tells VOA’s James Butty, almost all leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the chairperson of the African Union Commission will attend, signaling the importance of Senegal as a model of democracy in Africa.

Sierra Leone’s main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party has requested a diplomatic dialogue with the Guinean ambassador in Sierra Leone for information on party member Abubakar Boxx Konteh. He was arrested a week ago at the Guinea airport in a joint operation with Guinean and Sierra Leonean security. Sierra Leone Information Minister Chernor Bah told VOA Boxx Konteh was arrested on suspicion of involvement with the November 26, 2023 alleged coup attempt and trafficking of the drug kush. Lansana Dumbuya, National Secretary General of the APC, tells VOA’s James Butty, the purpose of the diplomatic dialogue is to appeal to Guinea to ensure that the rights and freedom of Konteh, who is also regional coordinator of the opposition APC party, are protected.

UNICEF is urging immediate action to bolster security in hundreds of schools in Nigeria following recent abductions for ransom of dozens of students in the northern part of the country. President Bola Tinubu said his administration is poised to implement a "Safe School Policy" to keep children safe in schools countrywide. Abubakar Mohammed is a security analyst. He tells VOA's Chinedu Offor, the government lacks the political will and manpower to tackle what he calls a national security failure

On Daybreak Africa: Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland rejects a constitutional amendment passed by the federal government. Plus, Guinea’s military junta asks for an extension of the transition to civilian rule. Eswatini government denies it has been harassing the widow of slain human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko. Haiti’s surge in gang violence reaches prominent institutions in Port-au-Prince. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

A spokesperson for the Eswatini Multi-Stakeholders Forum says the Eswatini government is harassing Tanele Maseko, the widow of slain human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko. Maseko, chair of the Multi-Stakeholders Forum, was killed in his home in January last year. The government has denied harassing her. Multi-stakeholders spokesperson Suvumelwano (See-Voo-Meh-Loo-Wah-Noh) Nyembe, tells VOA’s James Butty, there is no justification for the police to ask Mrs. Maseko for her phone just because she has demanded progress in the investigation into her husband’s assassination.

The spokesperson for the Eswatini government is denying that it has been harassing the widow of slain human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko. Maseko, chair of the Multi-Stakeholders Forum, was killed in his home in January last year. His widow, Tanele, has accused the government of being behind the assassination of her husband. Eswatini government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, tells VOA’s James Buttty, he only told the widow to prove her allegations that the government was responsible for the death of her husband.

It appears Guinea’s military junta is reneging on its promise to return the country to democratic rule at the end of 2024. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah, appointed last month, has told the nation that the return to civilian rule will now begin in 2025. He cited the need for more time to hold a national census and preparation of an electoral list. Faya Millimono, leader of the opposition Liberal Bloc Party, says the national reception is divided between those who support the extension and those who are against. He tells VOA’s James Butty, he supports the delay because Guineans need more time to build strong institutions before holding an election.

The deputy General Secretary of Ghana’s opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says the party will file articles of impeachment if President Nana Akufo-Addo does not indicate where he stands on the Anti-LGBTQ+bill. Passed by parliament in February, The legislation criminalizes same-sex relations and is awaiting President Akufo-Addo’s approval or disapproval. Ghanaian government officials or ruling party members did not respond to our request for comment. The Ghana Graphic Online reports that on Easter Sunday, the Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, urged President Akufo-Addo to accept and assent to the bill. NDC deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, tells VOA’s James Butty, most Ghanaians support the bill.

On Daybreak Africa: Former South African President Jacob Zuma is disqualified from contesting the May 29 elections because of his previous criminal record.. A bus accident kills forty-five people in South Africa Thursday. Togolese protest against a new parliament-approved constitution. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu establishes a task force to deal with economic challenges facing the country. a Kenyan health care business is using portable, low-cost ultrasound systems to give expecting mothers

Forty-five people were killed Thursday in South Africa when a bus plunged off a bridge and fell more than 150 feet. South African officials said only one passenger, an 8-year-old girl, survived the crash. Reuters News Agency says the bus was traveling from Botswana to an annual Easter festival at a church in Moria, in South Africa's northern province of Limpopo. From Johannesburg reporter Thuso Khumalo has the story

A member of a Togolese diaspora coalition is calling on citizens living abroad to turn out in large numbers on April 20 and vote out members of parliament who approved a new constitution without first holding a referendum. According to the Associated Press (AP), the new constitution approved this week gives parliament the power to choose the president without election. It also increases presidential terms from five to six years. This makes it likely that President Faure Gnassingbe would be re-elected when his mandate expires in 2025. Brigitte Akouvi Ameganvi, a member of the Board of Synergie-Togo, a Togolese diaspora organization in Europe, tells VOA’s James Butty, President Gnassingbe should not approve the new constitution because it infringes on the right of all citizens to choose their president

On Daybreak Africa: The latest provisional results in Senegal’s election show opposition candidate Diomaye Faye with an insurmountable lead. Plus, South Africa's ruling ANC files a new court application to stop the opposition MK from using its name. Officials say it’s too soon to know the economic impact from the collapse of a key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. South Sudan says it will reopen schools on April second. A petition is calling for a global convention on crimes against humanity. Malawi charity provides hope for elderly citizens, Including those accused of being witches.

South Sudan authorities say they will reopen schools on April second after closing for nearly a week due to the serious health hazard to students posed by extreme heat. Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng tells VOA’s James Butty, the country has never witnessed such temperatures as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit

A relative of Abubakar Boxx Konteh, a Sierra Leonean arrested last Saturday in Guinea, is calling for him to be accorded due process according to international law. The Sierra Leone government says Konteh was arrested in a joint operation with Guinean security in Guinea for his role in the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023. Ahmed Sesay, a family member of Konteh, tells VOA’s James Butty, Konteh’s arrest may be part of a witch hunt because he is also regional coordinator of main opposition All People’s Congress party.

Senegalese opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye is on the verge of being declared winner of the March 24 presidential election. The latest provisional results from 100 percent of polling stations show Faye has won 54.28 percent of the votes. His nearest competitor, Amadou Ba, received 35.79 percent of the votes. Senegalese political analyst Ibrahima Kane tells VOA’s James Butty, the results are a referendum on President Macky Sall who did almost everything to derail the elections.

Three hundred and five human rights organizations and individuals have signed a petition calling for a global convention on crimes against humanity. They want the countries to use this year’s 79th Session of the UN General Assembly to move the draft Articles on Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity forward. Elise Keppler, Executive Director of the Global Justice Center which works to advance gender equality using international law, tells VOA’s James Butty, a treaty on crimes against humanity would close the gap that exists in the current international framework on mass atrocities as well as clarifying the duties of states to prevent such crimes.

On Daybreak Africa: South Africa’s ruling ANC loses its attempt to have a court remove a newly formed party from the May 29 election ballot. Plus, UNICEF says climate change is creating a ‘dire situation’ for 45 million African children. The U.S. discusses humanitarian assistance to Chad, and Ethiopia. South Sudan’s opposition parties criticize new election Laws.. Sierra Leone and Guinean security forces arrest an APC opposition member for involvement in last November’s alleged coup. A major bridge in the busy port city of Baltimore, Maryland, collapses after a container ship crashes into it. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Sierra Leone says it conducted a joint operation with Guinean security that led to the arrest of Abubakar Boxx Konteh at the Guinea airport while attempting to flee to Senegal. Information Minister Chernor Bah says Konteh, a Sierra Leonean, was arrested on March 23rd on suspicion of providing material support in the planning, execution, and escape of the perpetrators of the failed coup on November 26, 2023. Former President Ernest Bai Koroma was also charged with treason and other offenses for his role in the incident. He was temporarily relocated to Nigeria in exchange for dropping treason charges against him. Information Minister Bah, tells VOA’s James Butty, Konteh is also suspected to of involvement in the trade of the drug kush in Sierra Leone

In South Africa, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) lost in court yesterday in its attempt to remove the newly formed uMkhonto we Sizwe party, or MK, from the May 29 election ballot. The ANC challenged the MK’s use of the name and a logo that is similar to that of the ANC’s now-disbanded military wing founded by Nelson Mandela. Former President Jacob Zuma has agreed to be the candidate of the MK. Professor Sipho Seepe, a political analyst and former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support at the University of Zululand, tells VOA’s James Butty, t the ruling means the ANC could lose more votes on May 29.

A new electoral regulation in South Sudan has received harsh criticism from opposition parties that see the move as a way to lock them out of the forthcoming general election that will be a first for the world’s youngest nation. Sheila Ponnie Reports from South Sudan