South Africa’s Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, has hailed the introduction of lenacapavir, the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, as a groundbreaking development in the fight against the disease. However, he cautioned that the initial supply, funded by a $29.2 million Global Fund grant and an additional $5 million from the Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA), will be limited to nearly half a million people in the country with the highest HIV prevalence rate. The rollout is scheduled to begin in April 2026, targeting 23 high-incidence districts across six provinces and 360 high-performing public clinics. Motsoaledi emphasized that prioritizing vulnerable populations in high-burden areas would maximize the impact in preventing new infections. The announcement follows the U.S. government’s recent pledge to purchase 2 million doses of the drug for low-income countries. Despite the optimism, Motsoaledi warned against complacency, citing the severe impact of abrupt funding cuts from USAID and other U.S. sources in early 2025 on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programs. While Gilead Sciences has reduced the annual cost of lenacapavir to $40 per person, South Africa aims to fund the program independently, with long-term sustainability dependent on integrating the drug into local systems. The World Health Organization has endorsed lenacapavir as an additional prevention option, and Gilead is expediting its registration in 18 high-incidence countries, including South Africa, until generic versions become available in 2027. However, the exclusion of South African manufacturers from Gilead’s voluntary licensing agreements has sparked criticism, with civil society leaders accusing the company of neglecting principles of fairness and inclusivity. Despite these challenges, UNAIDS has welcomed the investment, highlighting the potential of long-acting injectable medicines to reduce barriers to HIV prevention and expand choices for at-risk populations.
标签： Africa
非洲
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‘Biggest thing since independence’ – Cape Verde celebrates World Cup spot
In a historic moment for Cape Verde, the small Atlantic archipelago nation secured its first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks achieved this milestone with a decisive 3-0 victory over Eswatini in their final qualifying match, sparking nationwide celebrations. The winning goal, scored by Stopira in the 91st minute, sent fans into a frenzy, with the National Stadium in Praia erupting in a sea of blue, red, and white flags. For Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony with a population of just over half a million, this achievement is being hailed as the most significant event since gaining independence in 1975. Head coach Bubista described the moment as ‘enormous,’ emphasizing its importance during the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence. The celebrations extended beyond the stadium, with fans gathering at fan zones across the islands and the party continuing at the Estadio da Varzea, a venue steeped in historical significance. Cape Verde now joins the ranks of the smallest nations to qualify for the World Cup, following Iceland. The team’s success has ignited hope for future achievements, with technical director Rui Costa drawing parallels to other African nations that have used World Cup qualification as a catalyst for transformation. As Cape Verde prepares for its debut on the global stage, the nation is united in pride and anticipation, ready to showcase its talent and passion for football to the world.
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Congo and M23 rebels agree to create body to oversee potential ceasefire
In a significant development toward ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo, the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 have agreed to establish an oversight body to monitor a potential permanent ceasefire. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, was signed in Doha on Tuesday, as confirmed by Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on social platform X. The oversight body will include representatives from Congo, M23, and the 12-country International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, with the U.N. peacekeeping mission MONUSCO providing logistical support. The body is tasked with investigating alleged ceasefire violations and is expected to convene within seven days of its formation. This marks a critical step in ongoing peace efforts, which had stalled in recent weeks after both sides missed an August 18 deadline to finalize a comprehensive peace deal. The conflict, fueled by control over Congo’s mineral-rich east, has displaced 7 million people and been described by the U.N. as one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises. Earlier this year, M23 escalated tensions by seizing two key cities in eastern Congo, further complicating peace negotiations.
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Suspect in the fatal stabbing of a Kenyan presidential guard will be assessed
NAIROBI, Kenya — A chilling security breach near Kenya’s presidential office has raised alarms after a man allegedly stabbed a guard to death on Monday. The suspect, Kithuka Kimunyi, reportedly approached the State House main gate disguised as a homeless person, armed with a bow and arrow. After fatally shooting the guard, Ramadhan Hamisi Matanka, Kimunyi was apprehended at the scene. The guard succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
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Cape Verde’s fans jubilant following historic success
In a momentous achievement for Cape Verde, the nation’s football team has etched its name in history by securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks triumphed over Eswatini with a commanding 3-0 victory on home soil, ensuring they topped their qualifying group. This remarkable feat makes Cape Verde the second-smallest nation ever to qualify for the prestigious tournament. The win also edged out Cameroon, a formidable opponent, in the race for the coveted spot. Fans across the archipelago erupted in jubilation, celebrating this historic milestone that underscores the growing prowess of African football on the global stage. The team’s success not only brings pride to the nation but also highlights the potential of smaller nations to compete at the highest levels of international sport.
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ICE’s use of full-body restraints during deportations raises concerns over inhumane treatment
A Nigerian man, part of a federal lawsuit, recounted a harrowing experience of being forcibly deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in September. He described being awoken in the middle of the night, shackled, and strapped into a full-body restraint device known as the WRAP. Despite not being from Ghana, he and others were flown there on a 16-hour flight, denied access to their attorneys, and subjected to what he likened to a kidnapping. The WRAP, often referred to as “the burrito” or “the bag,” has become a controversial tool in ICE’s deportation process, with detainees alleging its use as a form of intimidation and punishment. The Associated Press (AP) investigation revealed multiple instances of ICE deploying the WRAP, despite internal concerns raised by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) civil rights division. The device, originally designed as a safety measure for law enforcement, has been linked to fatalities and is now the subject of numerous lawsuits. Detainees claim they were restrained in the WRAP for hours, even when they posed no threat, leading to physical and psychological trauma. ICE and DHS have defended the use of restraints as standard protocol to ensure safety during deportations, but advocates argue the practice is inhumane and violates human rights. The AP’s findings highlight a growing debate over the ethical and legal implications of ICE’s deportation methods, particularly under the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.
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Madagascar’s president, hiding in an unknown location, dissolves parliament to deepen crisis
Madagascar is embroiled in a deepening political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the National Assembly on Tuesday, a move that has escalated tensions in the Indian Ocean nation. The decision came amid a military rebellion and widespread anti-government protests, which forced Rajoelina to flee the country and seek refuge in an undisclosed location. In a statement released on the presidency’s Facebook page, Rajoelina declared the immediate dissolution of the lower house of parliament, effectively halting ongoing impeachment proceedings against him. The president’s abrupt departure followed an apparent coup attempt by an elite military unit, CAPSAT, which joined youth-led protests demanding his resignation. Rajoelina, in a late-night social media address on Monday, claimed he had relocated to a “safe place” due to fears for his life but did not disclose his whereabouts. This latest development marks the most severe political turmoil since 2009, when Rajoelina first assumed power following a military-backed coup. The current crisis stems from weeks of protests led by Gen Z groups, who have voiced grievances over chronic water and electricity shortages, widespread poverty, and alleged government corruption. Inspired by similar movements in Nepal and Sri Lanka, the protesters have called for systemic change. Rajoelina, who was reelected in 2023 amid an opposition boycott, has urged for dialogue and constitutional adherence, resisting calls for his resignation. Meanwhile, the military has undergone leadership changes, with new heads appointed for the armed forces and gendarmerie. The situation remains volatile as Madagascar grapples with its most significant political upheaval in over a decade.
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Cameroon opposition candidate Tchiroma claims victory in presidential election
In a dramatic turn of events, Cameroon’s opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared victory in the October 12 presidential election, challenging the long-standing rule of President Paul Biya, who has governed the nation for over four decades. Tchiroma, in a video statement on Facebook, asserted, ‘Our victory is clear, it must be respected,’ urging Biya to ‘accept the truth of the ballot box’ or risk plunging the country into chaos. However, neither Elections Cameroon, the independent body overseeing the poll, nor the constitutional court has released official results, which are expected by October 26 at the latest. Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) swiftly dismissed Tchiroma’s claim, with Deputy Secretary-General Gregoire Owona stating that the opposition candidate lacks verified polling station results. Tchiroma pledged to share a detailed regional vote report in the coming days, while Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji warned that unauthorized result announcements would be considered ‘high treason.’ Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson and minister under Biya, garnered significant support from opposition parties and civic groups during his campaign. Analysts, however, predict a Biya victory, citing a divided opposition and the disqualification of his strongest rival in August. Biya, the world’s oldest president at 92, has ruled since 1982, facing challenges such as a deadly secessionist movement in the west and systemic corruption. Approximately 8 million voters participated in the single-round election, which awards the presidency to the candidate with the most votes. The 2018 election, marked by irregularities and low turnout, saw Biya secure over 70% of the vote, while opposition leader Maurice Kamto’s premature victory claim led to his arrest and widespread protests.
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Kenyan officer killed in bow-and-arrow attack at gate of president’s residence
A tragic incident unfolded at the heavily guarded State House in Nairobi, Kenya, when a police officer lost his life after being shot with an arrow by an assailant. The attack occurred on Monday morning as a 56-year-old man, armed with a bow and arrows, approached the gates of the presidential residence. Despite orders to surrender, the man advanced and fatally shot PC Ramadhan Matanka in the ribs. The officer was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. This shocking event has sparked concerns over potential security vulnerabilities at one of Kenya’s most secure locations. The assailant, who reportedly disguised himself as a homeless person carrying a sack that concealed his weapons, was swiftly apprehended. Video footage later showed the handcuffed suspect with visible injuries being transported to a hospital. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga condemned the attack, praising the officers’ quick response and extending condolences to PC Matanka’s family. An investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the assault, and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
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Gaza ceasefire deal signed in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh
A landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was formally signed during a high-profile summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 13, 2025. The event, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, brought together leaders from over 20 countries and representatives from regional and international organizations. The summit aimed to address the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, promote Middle Eastern peace and stability, and lay the groundwork for a new era of regional security. The ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, 2025, followed three days of intense negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States. The agreement’s initial phase includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from key areas such as Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis, the opening of five humanitarian aid crossings, and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Hamas confirmed the release of all 20 remaining hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, while Israel began freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. The prolonged conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with over 67,000 fatalities and widespread famine, according to Gaza’s health authorities and UN-backed experts. The summit marks a critical step toward ending the devastating war and fostering long-term peace in the region.