Africa

In a powerful cultural shift, South African activists, academics, and traditional leaders are calling for men across the country to reject colonial-era naming conventions and reclaim indigenous names and naming practices. The movement, gaining momentum in 2025, argues that the continued use of European or Christian first names—often assigned during colonial or missionary times—reflects…

Burkina Faso, one of the three Sahel nations that recently withdrew from the West African bloc ECOWAS, has announced the removal of visa fees for nationals of all African countries—a move framed as part of its broader “pan-Africanist” vision. The country’s information service confirmed in early September 2025 that visa application fees would be waived, although African travellers will…

In March 2025, the United States declared South Africa’s Ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata and expelled him following controversial remarks he made, which the U.S. said amounted to race‑baiting and criticism of the Trump administration. Since his expulsion, South Africa has been without an official ambassador in Washington. The Appointment Process & Key…

In a notable legal verdict in Zambia, a court in Lusaka has sentenced Leonard Phiri, a Zambian national, and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a Mozambican, to two years in prison with hard labour for plotting to kill President Hakainde Hichilema via witchcraft. The conviction was under Zambia’s colonial‑era Witchcraft Act, which dates from 1914. Facts of the Case Phiri, aged about 43, and…

South African leaders have moved to re‑engage with the United States in renewed diplomatic and trade talks following a period of tension that has seen steep U.S. tariffs, frozen aid, and strained strategic ties. In early April and May 2025, the United States imposed global reciprocal tariffs—among them a 30% levy on many South African exports and a 25% tariff on vehicles and auto parts. These…