Word of the Day: “If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building, or do you change the nail?” – Rwandan Proverb

Today in history in 2017, Shisa, a popular and highly addictive tobacco pipe is banned in Rwanda, following the World Health Organisation’s finding that smoking a shisa for one hour equals smoking 100 cigarettes.

News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 15, 2023).

Nigeria:

1. Why I collapsed – Akpabio reveals health Challenge [DETAILS]: Senate President Godswill Akpabio addresses rumors about his recent collapse, attributing it to malaria and exhaustion. Read more
2. Video: ‘Dey Your Dey, Make I Dey My Dey’ – Reactions As Gov Fubara’s Live Band Sings Amidst Rivers State Power Tussle: Governor Sim Fubara’s live band performance amidst political tension in Rivers State sparks online reactions. Read more
3. CJN Ariwoola appoints younger brother Adebayo Ariwoola as new auditor for National Judicial Council: Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, appoints his younger brother, Adebayo Ariwoola, as the new auditor for the National Judicial Council. Read more
4. House of Reps member accuses Wike of assassinating Police DPO in Rivers [VIDEO]: House of Representatives member Boma Goodhead accuses Nyesom Wike of orchestrating the murder of a Divisional Police Officer in Rivers State. Read more
5. Supreme Court Rules On Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom: The Supreme Court reverses the Court of Appeal’s decision to discharge and acquit IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Read more
6. Comedian Mark Angel reacts to viral video of Emmanuella showing off her body in new outfit: Comedian Mark Angel addresses the controversy surrounding a viral video of his cousin Emmanuella. Read more
7. Burial Photos Of Nigerian Man Who Committed Suicide After Losing N2.5M Bet: The burial of Onoh Chukwuma, who committed suicide after losing a N2.5 million bet, draws attention. Read more
8. Notorious Terrorist Leader, Kachaka Is Dead – Military Confirms: The Nigerian Military confirms the death of notorious terrorist leader Ali Kachala Kawaje in recent airstrikes. Read more
9. Beautiful Ankara long gown styles you will love: A showcase of beautiful Ankara long gown styles for fashion enthusiasts. Read more
10. Today’s Headlines: Supreme Court Decides Kalu’s Fate Today; Fubara Signs N800bn Budget into Law: Key headlines include the Supreme Court’s decision on Nnamdi Kanu’s fate and Governor Fubara signing an N800 billion budget into law. Read more

Kenya:

1. NEWS IN; ODM MP Now Proposes Ex-Chief Justice David Maraga to be Named Next IEBC Chairperson: Homabay Town MP George Peter Opondo Kaluma proposes former Chief Justice David Maraga as the next chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Read more
2. What Robbers Did To The Headteacher’s Wife While Hiding Under The Bed Before They Killed The Teacher: The wife of a primary school headteacher in Busia County recounts her ordeal with robbers before they killed her husband. Read more
3. Ruto makes new appointments to State bodies: President William Ruto announces new appointments to several state parastatals, including the National Drought Management Authority. Read more
4. Just In: Kioni Makes a Sudden U-turn, Reveals Why Attempts to Impeach Ruto Will be Futile: Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni discusses the futility of attempts to impeach President William Ruto. Read more
5. Family in Deep Tears After 2 Sisters Die While on Their Way To Graduation Ceremony: Tragedy strikes as two sisters, Sarah and Emily, die in an accident while on their way to their graduation party. Read more
6. How Two DCI Officers Tampered With CCTV Footage Which Captured Last Moments Of Missing Business lady: The family of missing businesswoman Esther Ruguru appeals for help in tracing her after CCTV footage of her last moments was tampered with by two DCI officers. Read more
7. Kanye West’s wife steps out with very minimal clothing, covers herself in bizarre cat outfit: Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori spotted in Miami wearing unusual outfits. Read more
8. Drama in Court as a Former Citizen TV Presenter Collapses During Her Murder Hearing: Former Citizen TV broadcaster Jacque Maribe collapses in court during her murder case hearing. Read more
9. Matiangi’s Return to Ruto’s Cabinet: Speculation about the potential return of Fred Matiangi to President William Ruto’s cabinet. Read more
10. Kenya Power Announces Long Hours Of Electricity Blackouts Tomorrow, Check If You Will Be Affected: Kenya Power and Lighting Company announces scheduled power interruptions in various areas. Read more

Ethiopia:

1. Enduring Challenge of Ethiopian Diaspora: A discussion on the challenges faced by the Ethiopian diaspora, particularly in professional sports and other areas. Read more
2. It is Time for the United States to Abandon Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia (Part 2): An opinion piece calling for the United States to reconsider its support for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Read more
3. Ethiopian Gov’t Security Gunned Down Young Medical Doctor in Addis Ababa: Reports of a young medical doctor being fatally shot by government security forces in Addis Ababa. Read more
4. USAID Mission Director Visits Gambella Region to Meet Leadership, Discuss Malaria and Refugee Assistance: The USAID Mission Director’s visit to Gambella to discuss malaria control and refugee assistance. Read more
5. News: Family Raises Concern Over Ex-State Minister’s Detention Without Charge, Denial of Access to Family and Lawyers: Concerns raised over the detention of former state minister Taye Dendea without charge and denial of access to family and lawyers. Read more
6. Ethiopian Prime Minister removes another state minister, makes new appointments: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed removes State Minister of Trade Teshale Belihu and appoints Fisiha Yitagesu, former CEO of the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, as his replacement. Read more
7. Sleep expert reveals 3 best positions for your health — and to save your relationship: A sleep expert shares the best sleeping positions for health and relationship benefits. Read more
8. Human Rights Activists Point To Tigray As Ethiopia Faces Default: Ethiopia faces default on a $33 million bond repayment, with human rights activists pointing to the Tigray conflict as a contributing factor. Read more
9. Totti’s ex-wife whom he accused of cheating tells her side of things in new Netflix documentary: Francesco Totti’s ex-wife, Ilary Blasi, shares her perspective in a new Netflix documentary following accusations of cheating. Read more
10. Stoke City manager search latest: Lee Carsley talks, Heckingbottom, Beale and Eustace, Tomasson warning: The latest developments in Stoke City’s search for a new manager following Alex Neil’s sacking. Read more

Ghana:

1. Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, Sam Okudzeto others pay their last respect to Lawyer Akoto Ampaw: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other dignitaries pay their last respects to the late veteran lawyer, Anthony Akoto Ampaw. Read more
2. Akosombo Dam spillage: Phone repairer, labourer remanded for allegedly impersonating Ablakwa: Two individuals are arraigned for allegedly impersonating MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to defraud people affected by the Akosombo and Kpong Dam spillage. Read more
3. EC Stops The Use Of Indelible Ink To Mark Voters: The Electoral Commission of Ghana announces the cessation of using indelible ink on voters’ fingers during elections. Read more
4. MATCH REPORT: Aduana Stars end Bechem United’s ten-game unbeaten run with a narrow win in Dormaa: Aduana Stars defeat Bechem United 1-0, ending their ten-game unbeaten streak in the Ghana Premier League. Read more
5. GHC 3bn Lie & The Billion-Dollar Contract: Another explosive exposee by Manasseh: Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni releases a trailer for his latest documentary, focusing on alleged corruption involving authorities at Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML-Ghana). Read more
6. “I am happy that something from Ghana will go to space” – Elon Musk: Elon Musk expresses his enthusiasm for a project from Ghana involving space exploration. Read more
7. One dead, several injured in fatal accident on Accra-Kumasi Highway: A fatal accident on the Accra-Kumasi Highway results in one death and several injuries. Read more
8. 2023 AFCON: Chris Hughton sends provisional list of 50 players to GFA – Report: Ghana’s national football team coach Chris Hughton submits a provisional list of 50 players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Read more
9. 11 Nollywood Actors And Actresses Who Died In 2023: A tribute to 11 Nollywood actors and actresses who passed away in 2023. Read more
10. Parliament approves $338m loan for reconstruction of Accra-Tema motorway, others: The Ghanaian Parliament approves a $338 million loan for the reconstruction and expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway and other projects. Read more

South Africa:

1. Police Minister Claims Close Associates Murdered AKA: South African Police Minister alleges that close associates were involved in the murder of rapper AKA in Durban. Read more
2. Photos Of Foreigners Traveling Home For Festive Holidays Has Gone Viral, See What People Are Saying: Photos of foreigners, primarily Zimbabweans, traveling home for the holidays with overloaded vehicles go viral. Read more
3. Zuma take another smart move this morning the name and T-shirts o his party show face online.: Former President Jacob Zuma reportedly invests in creating a new political party, with its name and T-shirts emerging online. Read more
4. A lady who ran away with a man R10 000 was zoomed in a CCTV footage & exposed, see video: A woman, Khanya Mjacu, is accused of running away with a man’s R10,000, with CCTV footage exposing her actions. Read more
5. Woman arrested for allegedly killing her family for a life insurance, check how she killed them: A woman in Klerksdorp is arrested for allegedly murdering her family to claim life insurance. Read more
6. Ex-Police Dog Keeps Barking At Tree – Police Make Shocking Discovery Inside: A former police dog’s persistent barking at a tree leads to a surprising discovery by her owner. Read more
7. Everything You Might Not Know About Mpho Xaba, Zahara’s fiancé: Insights into the life of Mpho Xaba, the fiancé of the late South African musician Zahara. Read more
8. Army gang who bomb down ATM machine greeted with sad news, see what happened that got attention: A gang involved in ATM bombings in Johannesburg faces a setback. Read more
9. Woman who dated ex-Chiefs duo reveals she is now a qualified medical doctor: Sizakele Annousca Manonga, known for dating former Kaizer Chiefs players, celebrates becoming a qualified medical doctor. Read more
10. NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS: Wildlife poachers in Pilgrim’s Rest granted bail: Suspects arrested for wildlife poaching in Pilgrim’s Rest are granted bail. Read more

Uganda:

1. RETURN TO WORK: Terminated UNBS Top Boss Reinstated By Museveni Minister: Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Francis Mwebesa reinstates Charles Musekuura as the chairperson of the Council overseeing the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). Read more
2. Gulu University law don interdicted over academic documents: Dr. Shadat Mutyaba Ssemakula, the Dean Faculty of Law at Gulu University, is interdicted over inconsistencies in his academic documents and personal information. Read more
3. OH NO! Omusiisi wa Chapati akutte mukyala we n’omwoki w’enkoko ng’agikubira ntebe: A chapati vendor in Uganda confronts his wife and a chicken roaster over an alleged affair. Read more in Luganda
4. URA eyes ‘Ba-Summer’, set for Christmas operation on foreign registered cars: The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) increases vigilance against foreign registered motor vehicles and those with expired Temporary Road Licenses during the holiday season. Read more
5. VERY SICK RELATIONSHIP! Besigye Fumes after Museveni ‘Saved’ Gaddafi Mosque from Being Sold by Tycoon: Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye expresses concern over President Yoweri Museveni’s intervention in a court decision regarding the Gaddafi National Mosque. Read more
6. ADF Commander Kamusi Injured, His Bodyguards Shot Dead in Kibale Forest: Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) shot and killed two Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the Kibale forest in Western Uganda. In the same encounter, the commander of the rebels, known as Kamusi, was reportedly injured. Read more
7. Are You The President Of This Country To Fire My Permanent Secretaries? M7 Asks Ggoobi, Former State House Boss Narrates How Gov’t Lost Billions After Mafias Forged M7 Signature…: President Yoweri Museveni’s former Senior Press Secretary, Joseph Tamale Mirundi, narrates how the government lost billions due to forgeries of the President’s signature. Read more
8. Konshens Address Concerns Of Not Giving Financial Condolences to The Late Mowzey Radio’s Family: Jamaican dancehall sensation Konshens responds to criticism for not providing financial condolences to the late Mowzey Radio’s mother. Read more
9. Qualified teams for the knockout stages of the Champions League 2023-24: A summary of the 16 teams qualified for the Champions League knockout stages, following the conclusion of the group stage. Read more
10. Police must put a stop to the boda boda terror: An editorial urging the Ugandan police to address the increasing terror caused by boda boda (motorcycle taxi) riders. Read more

Tanzania:

1. Simba SC bounce back, thrash Kagera Sugar 3-0: Simba SC moves to third place in the premier league table after defeating Kagera Sugar 3-0 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Read more
2. Efficiency Boost: State merges 16 public institutions, axes four: The Tanzanian government merges 16 public institutions and abolishes four others to enhance efficiency. Read more
3. Defender of women and girls’ rights attends 75th anniversary of UN body in Paris: Rhobi Samwelly, Director of Hope for Girls and Women in Tanzania, attends a conference in Paris marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Read more
4. Health advocates push for full commitment to eliminating fossil fuel: Health community members at COP28 in Dubai call for a full phase-out of fossil fuels to protect people’s health. Read more
5. Over 4.75bn/- collected to support Hanang disaster victims: Around 4.75 billion Tanzanian Shillings have been raised to support victims of the mudslide in Hanang District, Manyara Region. Read more
6. “Katrina and Hrithik had better chemistry”; Deepika’s Fighter song fails to impress, Ranveer calls it “makkhan” [Watch]: Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan’s song “Sher Khul Gaye” from the movie “Fighter” receives mixed reactions, with some comparing it unfavorably to previous songs. Read more
7. Relief as FIFA lifts transfer ban on Tanzanian club: FIFA lifts the player signing ban on Young Africans after the club settles its dues with former player Gael Bigirimana. Read more
8. Israel deploys world’s toughest all-female ‘Cheetah Battalion’ on secret op in heart of Gaza to hunt for Hamas’s leaders: Israel’s elite all-female Cheetah Battalion is deployed in Gaza for a special operation. Read more
9. Meet Putin’s bodyguard ‘Mr Button’ who carries his nuclear briefcase and could be the man who triggers World War 3: A profile of Vladimir Putin’s bodyguard, known as Mr. Button, who carries the Russian president’s nuclear briefcase. Read more
10. Benchika ready for first league duel: Simba Head Coach Abdelhak Benchikha prepares for his first league match against Kagera Sugar in the Premier League. Read more

Senegal:

1. Bignona: Four Soldiers Killed in Mine Explosion: Four soldiers lost their lives during a mission on the Diokadou-Kadialock axis in the Bignona department after a mine explosion. Three others were injured. The incident occurred during a sweeping operation in the area. Read more
2. Cheikh O. Sy: “If the President Asks Me to Choose Between Atepa and Amadou Ba, I Will Choose Pierre Goudiaby”: Cheikh Oumar Sy expresses his preference for Pierre Goudiaby Atepa over Amadou Ba if asked to choose by the President. Read more
3. Pointe Sarène: Farmers Expropriated of 375 Hectares Through a Decree Signed by Macky Sall and Counter-Signed by Amadou Ba: A land scandal in Pointe Sarène, where farmers were expropriated of 375 hectares of land through a presidential decree. Read more
4. Mido on CAN 2023: “This Country is the Favorite Because Their Coach is Very Intelligent”: Former Egyptian footballer Mido comments on the favorite team for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, highlighting the intelligence of their coach. Read more
5. Garbage Collection: Contractors Decide to Stop Working Starting This Friday: Contractors responsible for garbage collection in Senegal have decided to go on strike starting Friday, December 15, due to unpaid bills. Read more

Haiti:

1. European Parliament Agreement on a ‘Media Freedom Law’ Criticized: The European Parliament and the twenty-seven EU member states have reached an agreement on legislation to ensure media freedom and independence, as well as journalist protection. Read more in French
2. YouTuber Neoxys Accused of Rape: French YouTuber Neoxys, founder of a popular YouTube channel, faces rape accusations from two women. Read more in French
3. Denmark to Impose Ecotax on Airline Tickets for Climate Action: Denmark announces plans to introduce an ecotax on airline tickets, averaging 13.50 euros, to promote environmental sustainability in aviation. Read more in French
4. U.S. Supreme Court to Review Fate of Abortion Pill After Roe vs. Wade: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on the future of the abortion pill mifepristone, following a New Orleans appellate court’s decision to limit access. Read more in French
5. Forty-Five Journalists Killed in 2023, According to RSF, More Than Double According to the International Federation of Journalists: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reports that 45 journalists were killed in 2023, a figure that is disputed by some who argue that it underrepresents the deaths of Palestinian journalists. Read more in French

Liberia:

1. Liberia: Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez Voices Commitment to Work with LACC to Investigate Sanctioned Officials: U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez expresses willingness to collaborate with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) in investigating sanctioned Liberian government officials. Read more
2. Incoming Speaker Of The House Vows To Accelerate Legislative Reform, Tells VOA: Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, the incoming Speaker of the 55th National Legislature, commits to accelerating legislative reforms during his tenure. Read more
3. Ted Cruz’s Election Move Raises Eyebrows: U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s support for legislation to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections sparks controversy. Read more
4. Israeli army has detained 4,420 Palestinians in West Bank, Jerusalem since Oct. 7: NGOs: Palestinian prisoners’ affairs groups report that the Israeli army has detained over 4,400 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since early October. Read more
5. Liberia: Finance Minister Tweah Links U.S. Visa Restriction on Him to U.S. Retaliation for Not Favoring HPX in ArcelorMittal Vs. HPX Railway Fight: Liberia’s Finance Minister Samuel Tweah suggests that U.S. sanctions against him are in retaliation for his stance in the ArcelorMittal and High Power Explorations Inc. (HPX) railway dispute. Read more

Cameroon:

1. Mbeumo will miss AFCON coach confirms: Brentford coach Thomas Frank confirms Bryan Mbeumo’s unavailability for the next three months, including the Africa Cup of Nations, due to an ankle operation. Read more
2. Three Dead As Police Officer Opens Fire On A Woman’s Mother And Uncle After She Rejected His Advances: A police officer in South Africa opens fire, killing a woman’s mother and uncle after she rejected his advances. Read more
3. Israel doing what any normal country will do, says Ambassador Freeman: Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Michael Freeman, defends Israel’s actions against Hamas, stating that any normal country would do the same to protect its citizens. Read more
4. How bandits kidnapped 30 residents at Dei-Dei, Kubwa in FCT: Over 30 residents were kidnapped by bandits in Dei-Dei town, located off Kubwa-Zuba Road in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Read more
5. Hoodlums Go Wild, Kill Four In Plateau Community: Armed hoodlums killed four people in Gundum village, Mangu Local Government of Plateau State, Nigeria. Read more

Global news headlines:

1. Elderly man facing murder charges after stabbing wife in the back over pancakes: police: An elderly man in Washington, D.C., is charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his wife during a dispute over pancakes. Read more
2. Small plane catches fire shortly after forced landing on interstate: A small plane carrying two people catches fire after a forced landing on Interstate 26 in North Carolina. Read more
3. Rudy Giuliani hit with $148M verdict for defaming two Georgia election workers: Rudy Giuliani is ordered to pay $148 million in damages for defaming two Georgia election workers with false accusations of fraud. Read more
4. CDC warns providers of ‘urgent’ need to boost vaccination against COVID, flu, RSV: The CDC issues an alert about the urgent need to increase vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Read more
5. GTA 6: Grand Theft Auto VI could smash revenue records: The upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI is anticipated to surpass its predecessor’s revenue records. Read more
6. Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension gives him ‘opportunity to change,’ Steve Kerr says: Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is indefinitely suspended after striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face. Read more
7. The stock market is soaring. Will it last?: The Dow Jones Industrial Average reaches an all-time high, raising questions about the sustainability of the stock market’s growth. Read more
8. Melania Trump makes rare appearance: Former First Lady Melania Trump speaks about her experience becoming a U.S. citizen at a naturalization ceremony in Washington. Read more
9. Comedian Kenny DeForest dies in NYC bike accident at 37: Stand-up comedian Kenny DeForest passes away following a bicycle accident in New York City. Read more
10. Tiger Woods and son get another crack at PNC Championship: Tiger Woods and his 14-year-old son Charlie participate in the PNC Championship, showcasing their similar golf swings. Read more
11. ‘Reacher’ star Alan Ritchson beefs up for Season 2 of a ‘life-changing’ TV dream role: Alan Ritchson discusses his role in the second season of Amazon Prime’s action show “Reacher.” Read more
12. Albania returns 20 icons to neighboring North Macedonia, a decade after their theft: Albania returns 20 stolen icons to North Macedonia, a decade after their theft. Read more
13. DocuSign’s stock pops as company reportedly considers a sale: DocuSign Inc. considers a sale, potentially leading to one of the largest recent leveraged buyouts. Read more
14. Court Delivers Bad News to Donald Trump: The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules that Donald Trump cannot invoke presidential immunity in a defamation lawsuit. Read more
15. Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine, officials rule: Actor Matthew Perry’s death is attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, along with contributing factors including drowning and coronary artery disease. Read more
16. Biggest solar flare in years temporarily disrupts radio signals on Earth: A NASA telescope captured the biggest solar flare in years, temporarily knocking out radio communication on Earth. Read more
17. National Film Registry’s LGBTQ collection is growing: The Library of Congress’ National Film Registry adds another groundbreaking LGBTQ film, “The Wedding Banquet,” to its collection. Read more
18. New Twist in Hunter Biden’s Case Raises Suspicion: A federal prosecutor accused of obstructing the Hunter Biden investigation has quietly left office, raising questions about the timing and motives behind her exit. Read more
19. Man, 61, charged with Thanksgiving Day murder of beloved NYC woman, 69: cops: A 61-year-old man is charged with the Thanksgiving Day murder of a 69-year-old woman in Brooklyn. Read more
20. Christian Military Veteran Beheads Satanic Statue in State Capitol: ‘My Conscience Is Held Captive to the Word of God’: A former Navy pilot vandalizes a display by the Satanic Temple in the Iowa state Capitol, citing religious beliefs. Read more
21. Man has found a creepy moment from Leave The World Behind which you need to zoom in to see: A viewer discovers a creepy detail in the film “Leave The World Behind” that requires zooming in to see. Read more
22. Foodies shocked by secret ingredient in McDonald’s fries — ‘No wonder my stomach hurts’: An ex-McDonald’s chef reveals the secret ingredient used in their French fries, surprising many food enthusiasts. Read more
23. Video: Press Room Erupts with Laughter After They Hear What Peter Doocy Calls Joe Biden: Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy causes laughter in the press room after accidentally combining President Joe Biden’s name with former President Barack Obama’s. Read more
24. 8-eyed creature — with personality like ‘Satan’ — discovered as new species in Ecuador: Scientists discover a new species of eight-eyed creature with a “bad temperament” in the mountains of Ecuador. Read more
25. Confusion In Court After Trump Trial As Documents Are Burned, Judge Forced To Flee To Safety: A fire at the State Supreme Court Building in New York causes confusion and forces a judge to flee for safety. Read more

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