Zimbabwe : President Managawa's Term Extended to 2030

Zimbabwe Moves to Extend President Mnangagwa’s Term to 2030 ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe The Zimbabwean government this week approved a draft law to extend the presidential term, a move critics say would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, Al Jazeera reported Wednesday. The ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) on Tuesday presented the cabinet with the proposal to a ... [Message clipped] View entire message

Kenya: Raises Concerns With Russia Over Citizens Recruited To Fight In Ukraine

Kenya to Raise Concerns with Russia Over Citizens Recruited to Fight in Ukraine KENYA Kenya Kenya this week said it plans to seek answers from Russia about its citizens being recruited to fight for Moscow in Ukraine, adding that an estimated 200 nationals had been enlisted, many under false pretenses, the BBC reported. Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi described the recruitment as “unacceptable and clandestine,” calling it “a very unfortunate episode” in what he said had otherwise been positive and cordial relations between Nairobi and Moscow. Kenyan officials said the exact number of its nationals recruited remains unclear, noting that none of the individuals traveled through official government channels. Many of those involved were allegedly misled with promises of jobs abroad and later coerced into joining the conflict, they added. Mudavadi said talks with Russia will focus on halting any illegal recruitment activities, including negotiations over visa policies and bilateral labor agreements that explicitly exclude any form of military conscription. He said the government should not be blamed for illegal recruitment, noting that authorities have shut down more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of deceiving Kenyans with false promises of overseas employment. Kenya has so far repatriated 27 citizens, Mudavadi said, adding that authorities are providing psychological support to address trauma and assist with “de-radicalization.” It is unclear how many Kenyans have died fighting for Russia, and Moscow has not formally addressed such reports. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has reportedly turned away relatives seeking information about loved ones on the front lines. The controversy comes as both Ukraine and Russia have been accused of recruiting foreign nationals mainly from Asia and Africa to fight for their sides using deceptive tactics, such as promises of employment, scholarships and opportunities to compete in sports events. One such case involves Kenyan long-distance runner Evans Kibet, who said he was tricked into joining the Russian army after traveling there for a track event. The 36-year-old athlete is currently a prisoner of war in Ukraine and recounted his experiences in an interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle in November. According to Ukrainian intelligence, more than 1,400 people from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia.

Cape Town: The Two Oceans Aquarium

Beneath the surface at the V&A Waterfront Set against the buzz of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s iconic aquarium offers a calm, captivating escape. By Nadine Burger 06-02-26 09:31 in Cape Town Fishes at the aquarium 0 Fishes at the aquarium. Photo:Instagram/nadine_burg_ Nestled at the heart of the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is one of Cape Town’s most loved attractions. It brings visitors face to face with marine life found along South Africa’s unique coastline, where two oceans meet. From the moment you step inside, the noise of the city fades, replaced by the slow movement of water and the quiet rhythm of life beneath the surface. The aquarium is designed to educate as much as it entertains. Carefully curated exhibits showcase kelp forests, colourful reef fish, penguins, turtles and sharks, all while explaining the importance of marine conservation. Clear signage, interactive displays and daily talks make it easy for visitors of all ages to learn without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a local looking for a peaceful afternoon or a visitor exploring the V&A for the first time, the aquarium offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s an experience that feels both grounding and inspiring, reminding you just how closely connected Cape Town is to the ocean that surrounds it. Ocean Life Up Close One of the highlights is the predator exhibit, where ragged-tooth sharks glide past large viewing windows and through the famous tunnel. Watching these animals up close creates a deep sense of respect for marine ecosystems and the delicate balance that keeps them alive. Education and Conservation Beyond displays, the aquarium plays an active role in research, rescue and environmental education. Programmes focused on sustainability and ocean protection highlight real issues affecting South Africa’s seas. Perfectly Placed at the V&A Located within the V&A Waterfront, the aquarium pairs perfectly with a day of shopping, dining or seaside walks. Personally, I always find that a visit here slows me down in the best way, and I never leave without feeling a little more appreciative of Cape Town’s ocean life. 0 comments

The Cape Town Red Bus Tour

Cape Town from the top: The Red Bus City Tour experience Seeing Cape Town from an open-top bus offers a relaxed and scenic experience. By Nadine Burger 04-02-26 12:58 in Cape Town The red bus 0 The red bus driving along the Bo-Kaap. Image: Generated through AI. Cape Town is a city best explored slowly, and the Cape Town Red Bus City Tour makes that easy without the pressure of navigating traffic or planning complex routes. Designed as a hop-on, hop-off experience, the tour allows visitors to explore the city at their own pace while still covering a wide range of attractions. It is ideal for first-time visitors and equally enjoyable for locals wanting a fresh view of familiar places. The tour operates on clearly marked routes that take passengers through the heart of the city and along some of its most scenic stretches. Open-top double-decker buses offer uninterrupted views, while an onboard audio guide provides commentary in multiple languages. The narration explains Cape Town’s history, architecture, and cultural diversity, turning the ride into both a sightseeing and learning experience. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of the Red Bus City Tour. You can stay on the bus for the full loop or hop off at selected stops to explore further, then rejoin later. Full route details and ticket options can be viewed on the City Sightseeing Cape Town website. Iconic Sights Along the Route Highlights include views of Table Mountain, stops near the V&A Waterfront, and coastal drives past Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches, combining ocean, city, and mountain scenery. Culture and History on Display The route also passes through areas such as Bo-Kaap, offering insight into Cape Town’s layered history and vibrant communities. It is something everyone must experience when in Cape Town. Why the Red Bus Is Worth It Personally, I enjoy the Red Bus because it allows me to slow down and really take in Cape Town. Sitting up top, watching the city unfold with the mountain always in view, reminds me why this city continues to feel special no matter how many times I see it. 0 comments

After The Handshakes, The Congo "Great War" Goes On

After the Handshakes, Congo’s ‘Great War’ Goes On DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO/ RWANDA Rwanda-DRC On Dec. 4, US President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda at the White House to sign a peace deal to end the long-running war in mineral-rich eastern Congo. Five days later, Rwandan troops and the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebel forces launched a new offensive near Uvira in South Kivu in eastern Congo that pushed out Congolese and Burundian military forces and a coalition of allied militias, killed 74 people and displaced about 200,000 civilians. US officials were furious, threatening action. Even so, analysts say that in the two months since the agreement, known as the Washington Accords, the situation in the country has deteriorated: Rwanda and rebel groups continue to expand their territory in eastern Congo and terrorize civilians in their quest for the country’s mineral riches. “On paper, peace had returned to my region in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” wrote a Congolese journalist in the New Humanitarian, after traveling to Uvira soon after the peace deal was signed in Washington. “Presidents had shaken hands, cameras had flashed, and Donald Trump had declared another war resolved. Yet every kilometer of the road ahead told a different story. It carried the smell of gunpowder and death, and the signs of people who had fled in desperation. It showed how words spoken from above dissolve the moment they reach the ground.” Meanwhile, rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka told Turkey’s Anadolu Agency that the militia is “liberating” the region, justifying it as a humanitarian mission. Fighting between Rwanda-backed rebel groups and Congolese government forces has displaced more than 2 million people in the mineral-rich region in the past year, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. Rwanda has deployed 7,000 troops in the country, saying it is doing so to prevent the violence from spilling over into its territory but in reality to gain control over the country’s mineral riches. The DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and tantalum, and the second-largest producer of copper. It also holds lithium, tin and gold. Reuters recently reported that American companies are now in talks with the DRC government over mineral mines even as copper begins to flow to the US. Fighting in the DRC has been ongoing between rebel groups, numbering more than 100, and the central government since 1998. Numerous countries, including Rwanda and Burundi, have participated at different times, leading the conflict to be called Africa’s World War or the Great War of Africa. More than 5 million people have died in the fighting, millions more displaced: The DRC now hosts about 7 million internally displaced people. Also, the rebels have perpetrated mass killings against ethnic communities, torture, and forced deportations, human rights groups say. Meanwhile, in the so-called “liberated” areas such as Goma where rebels rule, life is precarious. Residents try to go about life as normal, try to earn a living and feed their families but it’s difficult when banks and ATMs are closed and public services like schools are shuttered and businesses are on the verge of closing, say residents. In downtown Goma, the once-bustling banking district is now a ghost town. At the nearby Kituku Market, the city’s main trading center, crowds descend on market days but buy very little. Espérance Mushashire, 44, a mother of 12, has been selling vegetables for years and told the Associated Press that now, many customers only come to inquire about prices, and then leave. “We buy at high prices, but we hardly sell anything,” she said. “Customers have no money left. Our children don’t even go to school anymore.” Congolese government forces have had limited success against the rebels. They recently retook the town of Uvira, for example, after M23’s attack that left bodies on the streets and blown-up buildings. American and Qatari diplomats have tried end the fighting – there have been multiple peace deals in the past year between the DRC and Rwanda, and the DRC and the M23. The diplomats have blamed Rwanda for continuing to fuel the hostilities while M23 rebels and Rwandan technicians loot gold and other mineral mines to the tune of $70 million. At the same time, DRC-backed groups smuggle gold from mines they control to Uganda, before it goes to the United Arab Emirates to be laundered. Too many people are getting rich to have any interest in stopping the war, analysts say. “The peace process has produced the signing of three peace accords… but on the ground, the conflict is worsening,” wrote Foreign Policy magazine. “The M23 significantly expanded its territory in 2025, and the DRC government collaborates with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, the remnants of the Rwandan genocidaires from 1994, and deadly armed groups such as the Wazalendo. A continued kleptocratic system, escalating repression (in the DRC) and an inability or unwillingness to protect civilians all fall on the DRC government.” The problem is, the magazine added, that there have been no “costs” for Rwanda’s invasion or the DRC government’s backing of armed groups as they “pillage” eastern Congo. “That is a recipe for continued war,” it added. “The growing risk is that the peace process will, in fact, lay the groundwork for a de facto partition of Congo.”

Ethiopia And Eritrea Are Playing A Dangerous Game

Ethiopia and Eritrea Are Playing a Dangerous Game of Risk ETHIOPIA/ ERITREA Eritrea and Ethiopia Earlier this month, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed claimed that his country’s neighbor, Eritrea, was sending arms to rebels in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Abiy has similarly accused Eritrea of supporting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, a once-dominant political force that fought a two-year war with the Ethiopian government. Eritrean leaders immediately denied the allegations and accused Ethiopia of “floating false flags to justify the war that it has been itching to unleash for two long years.” Now, the danger is that two trigger-happy leaders could easily ignite a war that engulfs the entire Horn of Africa and beyond. “(Ethiopia’s) recent history serves as a cautionary tale, revealing how quickly so-called peace can unravel,” wrote the Global Public Policy Institute in Berlin, Germany. “Eritrea, a pariah state and a daunting diplomatic challenge, remains a dangerous spoiler in the region. The Horn of Africa is already on the verge of collapse…” Eritrea was formerly part of the Ethiopian empire. After decades of fighting, the country won its independence in 1993, cutting off landlocked Ethiopia’s only access to the Red Sea. Another war between the two erupted five years later. The peace deal that Abiy brokered to end that conflict in 2018 earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. Since then, Eritrea aided Ethiopia in a brutal two-year civil war against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), as the Council on Foreign Relations explained. But Abiy excluded Eritrea from the 2022 peace deal that ended that fighting, effectively snubbing his neighbor, and leaving it feeling betrayed. Now Abiy is further alienating Eritrea by claiming that his country must control the Eritrean port of Assab, which is 40 miles from the Ethiopian border. Abiy insists he has “no intention of going to war with Eritrea.” “On the contrary, we are convinced that this issue can be resolved peacefully,” he said. However, he added, “Ethiopia’s request for access to the sea is irreversible.” Abiy is framing the port issue as vital to Ethiopia’s economy and security, according to London School of Economics’ Ruth Otim in a blog post. The Ethiopian leader has made similar arguments about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which produces energy vital to the country but also threatens Egypt’s access to Nile water, noted the Reporter, an English-language publication that covers Ethiopia. Meanwhile, the TPLF said the accusations of collusion with Eritrea are “unfounded” and part of a “smear campaign”: Ethiopia is presenting “a dangerous inversion of reality,” in an “attempt to portray the aggressor as the victim and the victims as the aggressor.” Despite the denials and fighting in the civil war on opposite sides, Eritrea and Tigrayans have been working together since a split in the TPLF in 2023: That is when one faction led by the head of the interim administration of Tigray, Getachew Reda, allied with Abiy and the other led by TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael reject such a move, turning to Eritrea for support, in spite of the atrocities it committed in Tigray. For years, Abiy has been at war with other groups within his own border, which is threatening the frail unity of Ethiopia. For example, the government has been fighting insurgents in Oromia, Amhara and Somali Region. Along with the splinter Tigrayan group, Eritrea has been supporting the Fano rebels in Oromia and possibly other rebels. Meanwhile, Eritrea has also strengthened relations with Egypt recently, with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi recently giving his “firm commitment to supporting Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Egypt is currently at odds with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. All of this is putting Ethiopia in a weak position, say analysts. “The (Ethiopian) forces are not ready for a new war, and Ethiopia is isolated in the region,” Ethiopia-based analyst Zehirun Hailu told World Politics Review, adding that in addition to tensions with Egypt and Eritrea, Ethiopia’s relations with Somalia remain complicated. “In this context, a new war would be disastrous.” Then there is the Sudan factor, say analysts, noting how the country is being pulled apart in a civil war supported by a number of foreign players, each with their own interests. Now, analysts say Sudan’s rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with the help of the United Arab Emirates, are opening a new base of operations in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia, near the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, on Sudan’s eastern border. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) recently accused Ethiopia of hosting, arming, and otherwise supporting the RSF. Since November, there has been an increase in suspected Emirati-linked weapons shipments and mercenary deployments to Ethiopia intended for the RSF. Eritrea, meanwhile, has been training SAF militias, as part of its security alliance with the Sudanese government. Analysts say Ethiopia’s growing involvement in Sudan’s civil war may lead to the SAF cooperating again with Eritrean-backed rebels in Ethiopia: Sudan’s government supported the TPLF during the Tigray war. “Ethiopia’s involvement in the civil war threatens to ignite already simmering tensions with neighboring Eritrea and Egypt in ways that could engulf the region and rapidly spread across the Red Sea,” wrote Cameron Hudson, a former US State Department official, and Liam Karr of the American Enterprise Institute in Foreign Policy. “Ethiopia’s entry could be just the pretext Eritrea’s Machiavellian strongman, Isaias Afwerki, needs to restart conflict with (Ethiopia)…Isaias sees Sudan as a proxy battlefield for his unresolved tensions with Ethiopia and has already capitalized on the war to deepen his ties to Sudan.” “The Red Sea region has already become one of the most hotly contested areas on Earth in recent months and years,” they added. “If Ethiopia emerges as a new front in Sudan’s civil war, this would exacerbate the world’s largest humanitarian and refugee crisis…threaten international commerce and would create opportunities for a host of malign actors, ranging from Russia and Iran to al Qaeda, the Islamic State, and the Houthis.”

Cape Town To Jeffrey's Bay Road Trip

Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay road trip: Here’s where you should stop Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay road trip: Wake up early and hit the road for the ultimate eight-hour drive. Here is where you must stop for food. By Emma Louw 27-01-26 12:23 in People Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay Road trip. The sign says Jeffreys Bay 2 Image: AI Generated If you are anything like me, there is nothing quite like the feeling of the open road, a playlist of South African classics, and the promise of the ocean at the end of the journey. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend escape or a Saffa living abroad planning a visit home, the drive from Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay is a rite of passage that never gets old. It is a lovely eight-hour drive if you pace yourself. To make the most of the day, I woke up at 4:30 and by 5:00I was already on the road, watching the sunrise over the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Start your road trip with the best food Leaving the Mother City behind, the first major stretch takes you through the beautiful Overberg. While the views of the rolling farmlands are great, your first mandatory stop has to be in the Buffeljagsrivier area. You simply cannot drive past the Oude Post Bistro. It has become a legendary landmark for one very delicious reason: their famous roosterkoek. These traditional bread rolls, grilled over open coals, are the ultimate road trip fuel. To give you an idea of just how popular this spot is, they recently smashed their own records. On Monday, 21 April 2025, the team managed to serve up a staggering 2,240 roosterkoeke in a single day! Whether you like yours with simple butter and jam or stuffed with savoury fillings, it is an essential taste of the road. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oude Post Bistro | Roosterkoek Extraodinaire | 🇿🇦 (@oudepostbistro) Must-visit coastal gems along the Garden Route Once you have had your fill of traditional bread, continue your Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay road trip toward the coast. If you have time for a slightly longer break, Wilderness is a dream. The Map of Africa viewpoint offers a breathtaking look at the Kaaimans River, and the village itself is perfect for a quick craft coffee. Further along, the Knysna Heads are a non-negotiable photo op. If you are feeling active, a quick walk around the Eastern Head gives you those dramatic cliffside views that make South Africa so unique. For those who prefer a quieter vibe, Sedgefield’s Wild Oats Community Farmers Market (if you are passing by on a Saturday) is the best place to stock up on organic treats for the rest of the drive. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ɴ ᴀ ᴛ ʜ ᴀ ɴ ᴋ ʀ ᴜ ɢ ᴇ ʀ (@itsnathankru) Final stretch to the surfing capital As you move through the Tsitsikamma forest, the air gets a little crisper and the trees get much taller. This area is home to the Storms River Mouth, where the suspension bridge offers a great way to stretch your legs before the final push. Finally, you will pull into Jeffreys Bay, the world-famous surfing mecca. Known for its “Supertubes” and laid-back atmosphere, it is the perfect place to kick off your shoes and enjoy the sunshine. From the legendary roosterkoek at the start to the peeling right-handers at the end, this route truly showcases the best of our beautiful coastline. 2 comments 'SA People' is hiring! Freelance writer positions available. Send us your CV

South African Winelands-A Journey For The Soul

South African Winelands: A journey for the soul Experience the magic of the South African Winelands. From the Franschhoek Wine Tram to world-class tastings, discover a world of beauty. By Emma Louw 21-01-26 13:25 in South African Stories South African Winelands vineyards 0 Winelands vineyards. Image: Instagram via @creationafricaexperiences There is a special magic in this region that hits you the moment the sun touches the mountains. It is a place that makes you want to slow down, pour a glass of something cold, and soak in the view with the people you love. Whether you’re exploring with family or laughing with friends, this landscape feels like a warm welcome that stays with you forever. The Wine Tram Experience in the South African Winelands The Franschhoek Wine Tram is the heartbeat of the valley, turning a day of exploration into a nostalgic adventure. As you board the vintage-style carriage, the cool mountain breeze flows through the open-air seating, offering a panoramic view you simply cannot get from a car. This hop-on, hop-off journey gives you the freedom to follow your curiosity through the South African Winelands, whether it leads you to a hidden boutique cellar or a grand historic estate. It is an effortless way to spend a day where the transit is just as enchanting as the destinations themselves. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Franschhoek Wine Tram (@winetram) World-Class Grapes and Warm Hospitality What makes this area truly remarkable is the harmony between the ancient soils and the passionate people who tend to them. The vineyards benefit from a perfect Mediterranean climate, producing bold Pinotages and elegant Chenin Blancs that are celebrated globally. Yet, the real secret ingredient is the local charm. You will meet winemakers who share their craft with infectious pride and hosts who welcome you like an old friend. Every glass tells a story of the land, making each tasting feel intimate, authentic, and deeply personal. A Destination for Connection in the South African Winelands A visit to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is about much more than just the vintage in your glass. It is about the long, lazy lunches under ancient oak trees and the joy of discovering a new favorite view with your family. While the scenery throughout the South African Winelands is postcard-perfect, it is the feeling of the sun on your back and the local spirit that makes you want to stay forever. It is a sensory experience that demands to be lived firsthand, offering a rare blend of luxury and rugged natural beauty. Iconic Farms of the South African Winelands If you are looking for specific places to start your adventure, these legendary estates offer a glimpse into the best the region has to offer: Vergelegen Wine Estate: A must-visit for history lovers, featuring 300-year-old camphor trees and a stunning Cape Dutch homestead. You can enjoy a white-tablecloth picnic in their mystic forest or explore 17 themed gardens. Babylonstoren: Famous for its massive, winding gardens and farm-to-fork dining, it is a paradise for those who love fresh produce and beautiful walks. Delaire Graff: Perched at the top of the Helshoogte Pass, this estate is all about high-end luxury, incredible art, and views that stretch for miles. Spier Wine Farm: A great pick for families, known for its focus on art, sustainability, and wide-open spaces for kids to run free. Waterford Estate: For something unique, try their wine safari, where you head into the vineyards in an open Land Rover to taste the grapes right where they grow. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret Cape Town (@secretcapetown) Ultimately, a trip to this valley is an invitation to leave the rush of the world behind. Whether it’s your first visit or your 10th, the South African Winelands have a way of offering something new every time, a different light on the mountains, a new favorite blend, or a conversation with a local that makes you feel right at home. It’s a place built for making memories, and it’s waiting to share its story with you. 0 comments 'SA People' is hiring! Freelance writer positions available. Send us your CV Tags: featured Important South Africa Winelands Post navigation Next Article Previous Article Latest Posts Daily Lotto Draw Results Here are the Daily Lotto numbers for Thursday, 29 January 2026 29-01-26 20:57 South africa weather forecast. WEATHER: Severe storms, flooding and HAIL expected in SA 29-01-26 20:52 Mihlali Mayambela Omonoia Nicosia South Africans Abroad: Mihlali stays in Cyprus amid Chiefs rumour 29-01-26 18:02 FIFA World Cup trophy FIFA World Cup trophy to touch down in South Africa on Friday! 29-01-26 17:19 Mihlali Mayambela Aris Limassol South Africans Abroad: Mihlali Mayambela becomes a free agent! 29-01-26 14:46 Plate of South African braai food. A taste of home: The global footprint of South African cuisine 29-01-26 13:34

Ghana: An Island Of Stability

Ghana, an Island of Stability, Is Thriving But Wary of Encroaching Chaos GHANA Ghana In Adenta, a growing town near Accra, the capital of Ghana, the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora is heralded as a beacon of knowledge and culture. Library founder Sylvia Arthur said she started the library after becoming frustrated with the selection available in Ghana’s bookstores. Even the works of the country’s literary giants – Ayi Kwei Armah and Ama Ata Aidoo, for example – were nowhere to be found. “The bookstores were very vanilla,” she told Essence magazine. “It was all commercial fiction – Danielle Steel, Dan Brown, or business and religious books. None of it was relevant to the culture or the people of Ghana.” While Arthur has expanded the library to include poetry and children’s sections to accommodate demand, its core remains political, with the space hosting film screenings, discussions and debates. That openness reflects the spirit of Ghana, where a robust intellectual climate and vibrant artistic scene have flourished, even as military regimes have curtailed civic freedoms in other parts of the Sahel, the region south of the Sahara in West Africa. Ghana’s relative stability and prosperity, geography and location, as well as vigilance, have helped shield the country from insurgencies and military coups seen elsewhere in West Africa. Yet this sense of calm cannot be taken for granted, analysts say, warning that major challenges such as “entrenched” youth unemployment nationwide and stark inequality in northern Ghana must be addressed to prevent the unrest gripping its neighbors. The southward spread of Sahel-based militant groups has also raised concerns about spillover in the north of the country. For now, though, Ghana ranks among Africa’s most stable countries in the 2025 Africa Country Risk Instability Index (ACIRI) ranking. That stability is reflected in the country’s electoral record. Ghanaians regularly cast ballots in competitive elections and experience peaceful power transfers, unlike voters in Togo, Burkina Faso and other West African countries. Ghana has also avoided the security breakdown seen elsewhere in the region. It is not struggling to exercise control over vast swathes of the country that have been taken over by militants like Mali. It’s not requesting help battling insurgents from Moscow like Niger and other countries in the region have. Jihadist rebels have in recent years swept through Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and are menacing their coastal neighbors, wrote the Economist. “But Ghana remains unscathed…(because of)…a mix of luck, competence and indifference.” Militants have been close to Ghana’s northern borders for years, occasionally crossing over, only to be repelled as was the case three years ago. Still, it’s been the aim of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin, a jihadist group linked to al-Qaeda and the most powerful in the Sahel, to expand southward into Ghana, Togo and Benin. So far, it has been restrained in Ghana. As a result, it has been localized ethnic conflicts over land and illegal mining that are usually the most serious security challenges that the country faces, for now, say analysts. Ghana is also moving in the right direction in its recovery from a severe macroeconomic and debt crisis, analysts say. The country’s economic recovery is “steadily gaining momentum, marked by a significant decline in inflation, an increase in international reserves, and a more resilient financial system,” according to the International Monetary Fund. President John Mahama also appears dedicated to managing the public funds responsibly, with his government recently clearing a crippling $1.47 billion in energy sector debt. Mahama is lucky, say observers – Ghana is the world’s sixth-largest ‌gold producer and the price of the metal is high and rising, according to Time magazine. Meanwhile, Mahama’s administration “has benefited from considerable public goodwill” because it acknowledged that the country was in severe economic distress instead of sweeping the issue under the carpet, said the Ghanaian Times in an editorial. Still, “rising utility tariffs and stubbornly high youth unemployment now stand as (its) glaring failures,” the editorial added, warning that “goodwill is not a blank cheque, and patience is not infinite.” And while corruption remains a serious problem, the administration has won some praise for pursuing graft cases through initiatives such as Operation Recover All Loot. Now, Ghana’s leaders must listen closely to its people, and avoid the buildup of economic and other grievances, or the country risks going the way of its neighbors, security analyst Emmanuel Sowatey warned after an attempted military coup in neighboring Benin last month, adding that “The strongest form of democratic stability is when the majority have a sense of future.”

The Cape Town Life Style

The Cape Town Lifestyle: Cold plunges, coastal runs, Sea Point Live the Cape Town lifestyle: from cold plunges at Bakoven to running the Promenade and visiting Giovanni’s for one of their famous items. By Emma Louw 19-01-26 17:07 in Cape Town Photo of Beta Beach with Lion Head in the back ground. The Cape Town lifestyle 2 Beta Beach, Bakhoven, with Lion's Head in the background. Image: Emma Louw If there is one thing Capetonians have mastered, it is the art of staying active while enjoying the best parts of life. In the Mother City, existence is built around the mountain and the chilly ocean surf. It is a Cape Town lifestyle fuelled by good energy, oat-milk lattes, and a love for being outdoors before the sun hits the horizon. The Sunrise Ritual: Cold Plunges and Salt Water The day does not start with an alarm clock. It starts with a shock to the system. Whether it is the tidal pools or the icy waves at Clifton, cold plunging has moved from a wellness trend to a daily habit for many. I was out at one of the beaches in Bakoven this past weekend getting ready for that first sharp bite of the water. There is a really cool energy in standing on the rocks at 6:30 AM with a group of strangers, all silently agreeing to jump into that 12°C cold. We are all there for the same reason: that huge boost of energy you get afterward and the bragging rights that follow. It has reached a point now where if you have not braved the ice before your first coffee, it feels like the day has not even started. The Skyline Trinity and the Cape Town Lifestyle This way of living does not stop at the beach. It goes right up the mountains that frame the city. Whether it is a trail run across Table Mountain, a sunrise hike up Lion’s Head for the 360-degree views, or a sunset picnic on Signal Hill to watch the water turn gold, these peaks are the heart of the city. Here, a morning workout often involves a steep climb and a view that makes the early wake-up call worth it. The Promenade: Running and Marathon Culture If the mountains are for hiking, the Sea Point Promenade is for everything else. Cape Town is a runner’s paradise. You will always see people training for the next big race. From social run clubs that grab a pastry afterward to serious athletes prepping for the Two Oceans or the Cape Town Marathon, the “Prom” is the place to be. It is where everyone goes to move their bodies and enjoy the ocean air. Your pace does not matter as much as the sunset view you are running toward. The Unofficial Clubhouse of the Cape Town Lifestyle No mention of the city is complete without Giovanni’s Deli World in Green Point. It is the go-to spot for almost everyone. Following my plunge this weekend, I made the usual stop at the deli counter. On any given Saturday, the sidewalk is packed with people in their gym gear catching up with friends or waiting for their order. The ritual is simple: Grab a great iced coffee or espresso. Walk through the aisles for imported treats and deli favorites. Order a custom-made baguette that somehow tastes better than anything else you have ever had. It is busy, it is lively, and it is quintessential to the local culture. The Fuel: Iced Coffees and Matcha While the city runs on caffeine, the type of drink is a big part of the Cape Town lifestyle. You will see people starting with a hot coffee in the morning and moving to an iced matcha latte by the afternoon. The coffee scene here is world-class, but the bright green matcha has become the new favorite. It is the perfect, refreshing drink to sip while you are out and about. Why We Love It This lifestyle is a perfect mix of working hard and relaxing well. You can spend your morning pushing yourself on a mountain trail and your afternoon sipping a matcha at a sidewalk café. It is a city that rewards the brave who face the cold water and the hungry who wait in the Giovanni’s line. In this city, the good life is not a goal. It is just what we do every day. 2 comments