Africa: All of Africa Today - April 28, 2025 (2025)

'Majority Bloc' Seeks Re-Argument of Liberia Legislative Impasse

Lawyers representing the "Majority Bloc" of lawmakers, which seeks to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa, have submitted a petition to the high court forthe conduct of a new argument. The court delivered a landmark ruling on Wednesday, April 23, declaring unconstitutional the removal of Koffa by the "Majority Bloc". Koffa - who was elected in January 2024 at the start of the 55th legislature - was declared removed from office later in the year. In a nationwide address after the Supreme Court's ruling, President Joseph Boakai said his administration will continue to work with what he called a "functioning quorum". Analysts said the president's statement indicates his unwillingness to heed the high court's decision.

Somali President Mohamud Possible Third Term Bid

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said any talk of a third term bid will depend on the "poltical dynamics closer to election", which is still a year away. The Somali leader said his immediate focus is creating a safe and secured Somalia, as well as "improving the economy, and completing the long-awaited implementation of direct elections". Analysts have credited the president with "noticeable improvements" in the security situation in Mogadishu, the country's capiital, since taking office again in May 2022, which has led to the expansion of commercial zones and broader improvement in the economy. The country's elections commission began voter registration earlier this month ahead of the 2026 polls, the first time Somalis will vote directly in 50 years.

Uganda Declared End of Ebola Outbreak After Swift Response

Uganda declared the end of its Ebola outbreak, less than three months after the virus was first confirmed in Kampala on 30 January 2025.The outbreak resulted in 14 cases (12 confirmed, 2 probable) and four deaths, with ten recoveries.The last patient was discharged on 15 March 2025, triggering the 42-day countdown to officially declare the outbreak over, in line with WHO guidelines.Uganda's experience in managing outbreaks enabled a fast and coordinated response, with the Ministry of Health, supported by WHO and partners, activating rapid response teams, reinforcing surveillance, and strengthening border health measures.More than 1,500 samples were tested, and Emergency Medical Teams were deployed to support case investigation, contact tracing, and community engagement.

Ruto's Rome Trip Questioned Amid Kenya's Economic Woes

President William Ruto's unexpected attendance at Pope Francis' funeral in Rome on Saturday sparked fresh criticism,after he had initially nominated National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to represent Kenya.Wetangula had confirmed his attendance on April 24, but Ruto, after concluding a state visit to China, redirected his itinerary to Rome, becoming the only African head of state to attend the funeral in person. Other African countries were represented by senior officials like vice presidents, ministers, and parliamentary leaders. His delegation, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, fueled concerns over excessive spending amid Kenya's economic struggles.Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized Ruto for a "lack of trust" in others and for contributing to wasteful public spending.Since taking office in September 2022, Ruto's frequent international travels had already drawn scrutiny over their cost amid promises of fiscal discipline.

'We Have a Moral Obligation to Educate the Namibian Child'

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, during her first State of the Nation address, has announced groundbreaking reforms, including the proposed100% government subsidy for tertiary educationfrom the 2026 academic year. Nandi-Ndaitwah said free university education would be phased in gradually and that the only "contribution as families and students for now will be towards accommodation and other related costs". Namibia already provides free education in public elementary and high schools, though parents still typically have to pay for school uniforms, stationery, books and hostel fees. The new policy would remove tuition and registration fees at universities and colleges. However, some analysts haveraised concernsabout Budget constraints, the labour market's ability to absorb all graduates, and institutions' capacity to handle an influx of students.

Strong Winds Fuel South Africa's Cape Town Fire, Hundreds Displaced

At least 190 households wereevacuatedfrom fire-threatened neighbourhoods in Cape Town as crews battled at least five active fire lines in the city's South Peninsula. Fire teams weredeployedfrom the Garden Route to help combat the mountain fire, which was fanned by strong winds. The night sky exposed the extent of the fiery necklace stretched across the Table Mountain National Park. Ward councillor Carolynne Franklindescribedthe situation as "Armageddon," with over 100 firefighters tackling five fire fronts, and evacuations ordered in Steenberg Estate, Zwaanswyk, and Noordhoek Manor. Much of the fire burned in mountainous terrain inaccessible to ground crews, while emergency personnel struggled to clear paths for responders.