Researchers discovered the oldest known cremation pyre in Africa, dating back 9,500 years in Malawi, revealing complex funerary practices among early hunter-gatherers and raising questions about their cultural beliefs and social structures.
The US has added seven countries, mostly in Africa, to a list requiring passport holders to post bonds up to $15,000 to apply for visas, as part of stricter immigration measures by the Trump administration, making visa applications more costly and challenging for many citizens from these nations.
The US has expanded its list of countries whose citizens must pay bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for visas, adding seven countries including five in Africa, as part of stricter immigration measures by the Trump administration. The bonds aim to prevent visa overstays but do not guarantee visa approval, and the process has made obtaining US visas more costly and challenging for citizens of these nations.
Researchers in Uganda and Tanzania are developing an AI-powered chatbot trained on local languages and call data to provide mental health support, aiming to address the shortage of mental health workers and reduce stigma. The AI system analyzes call recordings to identify signs of mental health issues and could deliver services via SMS, helping more people access care quickly and discreetly. While promising, regulators are working to ensure safety and address risks associated with AI in healthcare. The project exemplifies how AI can bridge global mental health care gaps.
Several African countries, including Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad, have responded to the US travel bans and visa restrictions by implementing reciprocal measures, such as banning visas for US citizens, amid ongoing tensions and policies affecting international travel.
Scientists discovered the earliest known cremation in Africa, dating back 9,500 years in Malawi, involving a large-scale pyre ritual for a likely middle-aged woman, challenging previous notions about hunter-gatherer mortuary practices and indicating complex social behaviors.
The article discusses Donald Trump's Africa policy, which emphasizes trade and conflict resolution over democracy and human rights, marked by reduced aid, restrictive immigration policies, and limited engagement, reflecting a transactional approach that aligns with rival powers like China and Russia.
In 2025, 17 Catholic missionaries and pastoral workers were killed worldwide, with Africa, especially Nigeria, being the most affected, highlighting ongoing violence and risks faced by religious workers in conflict zones.
2025 has been a tumultuous year for African politics, marked by coups, contested elections, protests, and a perceived decline in governance and democratic space, driven by economic dissatisfaction and youth demands, with regional and global influences shaping the continent's uncertain political future.
African regional bodies strongly oppose Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation, reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty and warning against actions that could threaten peace and stability in the region, amid broader international reactions and diplomatic tensions.
African regional bodies strongly oppose Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming its status as part of Somalia and emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and stability in the region. The move has been met with rejection from the African Union, Somalia, and other regional entities, while Israel’s recognition was part of broader diplomatic efforts linked to the Abraham Accords. The international community largely supports Somalia’s territorial integrity.
A helicopter crashed while descending Mount Kilimanjaro, killing five people including tourists and a pilot, prompting an investigation by Tanzanian authorities.
INTERPOL's Operation Sentinel led to the arrest of 574 suspects across 19 African countries, recovering $3 million and dismantling cybercrime networks involved in BEC, digital extortion, and ransomware, with estimated losses over $21 million. Additionally, a Ukrainian national pleaded guilty in the U.S. for Nefilim ransomware activities, highlighting ongoing international cybercrime efforts.
Africa is slowly splitting into two due to the East African Rift System, which could eventually lead to the formation of a new ocean and the separation of East Africa from the rest of the continent over the next 5 to 10 million years, highlighting Earth's ongoing geological evolution.
Africa has been significantly impacted by Trump's expanded travel restrictions, affecting 20 countries, with largely muted reactions from the continent as nations consider their next steps. The African Union expressed concerns about the negative effects on diplomatic and people-to-people ties, while some countries hope for engagement with the U.S. to review the measures. Critics view the restrictions as unfair and potentially damaging to U.S.-Africa relations, with fears of increased geopolitical competition from rivals like Russia and China.