http://allafrica.com/tools/headlines/rdf/latest/headlines.rdf

[MSF] In Benin, before Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) arrived in the southern department of Couffo, the proportion of pregnant women and women of childbearing age who visited a health centre on a regular basis was low. As a consequence, most women did not get medical checkups during their pregnancies, and they often gave birth at home. There was also significant demand for contraception, but around half of women of childbearing age did not have access to it. In this context, the maternal and

[Agenzia Fides] Kinshasa -- "Not a night goes by in Bukavu without finding three or four bodies on the street. Bodies also emerge from the lake," report local church sources in Bukavu, the capital of the Congolese province of South Kivu (in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo), which fell into the hands of the M23 rebel movement in mid-February (see Fides, 17/2/2025). Our sources, who have requested anonymity for security reasons, describe a city where the law of the strongest prevails. "Criminal gangs are still active, but

[Independent (Kampala)] Kampala -- Weather experts say rains are scheduled for next week, but they fear there could be a delay to the end of month because of the influence of a tropical cyclone currently present over the southern Indian Ocean that is affecting Uganda.

[Premium Times] A police spokesperson confirmed the deaths in a post on X, stating that two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, while two more were pulled from the rubble on Thursday morning

[Government of Mauritius] Government is committed to fostering an energy-conscious nation and will invest in renewable energy projects while expanding energy efficiency programmes to promote sustainable consumption habits. As part of this engagement, the introduction of Time-of-Use Tariffs is envisaged to encourage electricity consumption during off-peak hours.

[U.S. Embassy Harare] Advancing Innovative Solutions to Global Challenges

[State Department] On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm wishes to President Mahama and the people of Ghana as they celebrate their National Day. The U.S. partnership with Ghana - rooted in our shared desire for freedom, democracy, economic prosperity, and security - is stronger today than ever before. We commend Ghana for its steadfast leadership in West Africa and across the African continent.

[Egypt Online] Egypt's General Authority for Alexandria Port and the Alexandria Supply Chain Company (ASCC) signed an initial $660 million concession agreement on Thursday to develop a liquid and gas bulk terminal at Dekheila Port. The project is fully financed by Egyptian capital through a strategic partnership between petrochemical companies under the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources--ECHEM, Sidpec, Ethydco, and Gasco--the Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport under the Ministry of Transport, and

[allAfrica] Cape Town -- Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo and several civil society, religious, and opposition leaders signed a "compromise agreement" on Wednesday, March 5, for an "inclusive national dialogue" in Maputo. However, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who says he won the election, did not sign the agreement, and tensions increased after a protest was broken up with tear gas and live ammunition today.

[Independent (Kampala)] Kampala -- The spillway defects at Isimba Dam will be subjected to a Physical Model Test (PMT) in China to determine the root cause of the structural issues and whether a third spillway is required, the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources has resolved.

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- Amnesty International has called on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to condemn the forced return of Eritrean refugees, citing reports that "within the last three months alone, more than 600 Eritreans have been forcibly returned" from Ethiopia to Eritrea.

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- The humanitarian situation in the crisis-hit Amhara region remains a serious concern, with more than half a million displaced people in urgent need of shelter and essential non-food items. According to the Global Shelter Cluster (GSC), the living conditions of over 560,000 individuals residing in 33 internally displaced persons (IDP) sites and collective centers across the region--including those in the North and South Wollo zones--remain "severe due to prolonged use, overcrowding, and structural damage,"

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- Former journalist Moses Dola has been released from prison after completing his 10-year sentence for killing his wife, Sarah Kabiru, a former NTV journalist.

[Nile Post] Claim: A widely circulated statement attributed to UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye claims that the UPDF does not know the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), only hears about them in the media, and that their focus is on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Eastern Congo, not the Kawempe North by-election.

[GroundUp] And Starlink is not the only US company investing in the kingdom

[ISS] Ghana's constitution allows an excessively powerful presidency to influence all levels of administration - it must be reformed.

[CCA] The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) is pleased to announce the election results for its Board of Directors Class of 2027.Following a voting process by the CCA membership, eleven distinguished business leaders have been elected to serve three-year terms beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2027.

[IPS] New York -- The United Nations has chosen "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." as the theme for International Women's Day on March 8, 2025. This theme emphasizes the importance of equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, urging action to create a feminist future where no one is left behind.

[Capital FM] Nakuru -- Over twenty church leaders in Nakuru have condemned the planned protest over Jesus Winner Church by angry youths who are accusing it of taking blood money from politicians.

[Ethiopian Herald] Recent months witnessed a significant shift in Ethio-Somalia relations, transitioning from a heated diplomatic dispute over port access to a renewed focus on strategic cooperation. This transformation, marked by the Ankara Declaration, signals a commitment to de-escalate tensions and foster dialogue, positioning both nations for enhanced regional collaboration and development.