BBC and the world continues to celebrate Komla Dumor’s legacy through the annual award, the Komla Dumor Journalism Award, which seeks to identify the best African journalist for the BBC World News. The award, which is now in its third year has selected the best talented journalists from across the continent. Applications for the 2017 award are now open, and talented journalists are encouraged to apply.
Fred Obera
African identities Malawi: U.S. pop-star Madonna adopts twin orphan girls
The American pop-star Madonna successfully adopted twin girls in Malawi, the second time that the diva has adopted Malawian children. The American pop-diva who started a charity called Raising Malawi in Malawi, has previously adopted two Malawian children David Banda and Mercy James. “I can officially confirm I have completed the process of adopting twin sisters from Malawi and am overjoyed that they are now part of our family” Madonna said.
Politics and Society African Union leaders back mass withdrawal of member states from the International Criminal Court
The African Union (AU) leaders are backing a proposal for mass withdrawal of member states from the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, not all countries support the resolution and countries such as Senegal and Nigeria oppose the proposal. Botswana has previously reiterated its support for the ICC saying the Court fights for the victims of the most severe crimes.
African identities Rwanda: Umuganda a traditional cultural initiative transforming Rwanda
The word Umuganda in Kinyarwanda can be translated as ‘coming together in common purpose to achieve an outcome for the benefit of a person, society or nation’. In traditional Rwandan culture, members of the community would call upon their family, friends and neighbours to help them complete a various tasks, such as building a house, bridge, roads, schools, churches amongst other projects. This traditional cultural initiative has been revived and it’s transforming Rwanda’s cities and communities.
Politics and Society South Africa: KwaZulu Natal Province Launches Free Sanitary Towels to Schoolgirls
KwaZulu Natal’s Department of Education in South Africa has launched a programme to distribute free sanitary towels to schoolgirls to keep girls in school during their menstrual cycle. The initiative has received widespread applause, seen as a progressive step towards reducing the barriers that limit and hinder girls’ educational access.
Politics and Society Chad foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat elected new head of African Union
The African Union (AU) has elected Chad’s Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat as the new chairperson of the Commission. Mahamat replaces South Africa’s Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. The new chairperson faces a huge task to achieve the bold objectives of Agenda 2063 and steer the continental organisation towards a path of inclusive social and economic growth, political stability, democracy, peace and prosperity.
Politics and Society New beginning: The Gambia’s new president Adama Barrow arrives home
President Adama Barrow has finally returned from Senegal where he was sworn in as the new leader at The Gambian embassy in Dakar. President Barrow’s return marks a new era in the country, and the country certainly hopes to turn a new leaf following 22 years of Yahya Jammeh’s rule.
Arts, Culture and Sport Remembering Nigerian Literary Icon Buchi Emecheta
Florence Onyebuchi “Buchi” Emecheta one of the most popular and celebrated African writers has died at the age of 72 in London. The Nigerian novelist based in Britain since 1960, wrote several plays, autobiographies and children stories. The continent mourns the death of an African icon and tributes continue to pour in.