Chinese National Jailed for Smuggling Rare Ants from Kenya
A Chinese national, Zhang Kequn, has been sentenced to one year in prison after attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen garden ants out of Kenya. Zhang was arrested at Nairobi’s main airport while trying to board a flight to China with more than 2,000 ants concealed in his luggage. He initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea. Kenyan authorities say the ants, which can fetch around $220 each, are increasingly sought after by collectors in Europe and Asia. Zhang will be deported after serving his sentence and has 14 days to appeal, a move his lawyer says he intends to pursue.
Nigeria Drops Terrorism Charges Against Former Justice Minister
Nigerian prosecutors have dropped terrorism financing charges against former justice minister Abubakar Malami and his son. Malami, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, now faces a revised charge sheet focused solely on the alleged illegal possession of firearms. The amended charge alleges that firearms and live ammunition were recovered from Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi, a town in northwestern Nigeria. Both Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, pleaded not guilty during a recent court hearing. The case has been adjourned until 26 May for trial. Separately, Malami is also facing money laundering charges alongside his wife and son.
Africa Off Track on Vaccine Targets Despite Measles Gains
Measles vaccinations have saved nearly 20 million lives in Africa since 2000, with more than 500 million children protected through routine immunisation. Yet the continent remains off track in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have released the first detailed analysis of immunisation targets in Africa, covering progress from 2000 to 2024. While 44 countries have introduced a second dose of measles-containing vaccine into routine programmes, immunisation coverage remains uneven and many children are still being missed. WHO and Gavi are calling for continued investment and strong political commitment to sustain gains and protect future generations.
Zimbabwean Diaspora to Protest Mnangagwa’s Constitutional Bid
Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom are planning a protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 on Independence Day in London. The demonstration, organised by the Citizens Protest Movement, will take place outside Zimbabwe House and will focus on protecting the diaspora vote. The protest follows the completion of public hearings on the Bill and mounting pressure from Zanu PF to pass amendments that would allow Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030 without a referendum. Divisions within Zanu PF have deepened, with some members supporting the extension and others demanding adherence to the 2013 Constitution and a national referendum.
Sudan’s Civil War Described as World’s Worst Crisis for Women and Girls
In its fourth year, Sudan’s civil war has been described by the United Nations as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis for women and girls. Sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war, notably by paramilitaries fighting the Sudanese army. Survivors and witnesses report brutal attacks, displacements, and family separations, especially in areas such as Nyala and El-Fasher. Mass atrocities and killings of civilians have been widely documented, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the violence.
