The sharp decline is attributed to the challenging economic conditions, particularly in key markets like Nigeria, where inflation has consistently exceeded 30% over the past year.
The company attributes this sharp decrease to economic difficulties, particularly in key markets like Nigeria, where inflation has remained above 30% for much of the past year. Additionally, severe power disruptions in Zambia have worsened the situation, impacting the company’s operations.
MultiChoice revealed that over 84% of the lost subscribers were from regions outside South Africa, with Nigeria being the most affected.
In a statement, the company stated, “The loss in the rest of Africa has been primarily due to the significant consumer pressure in Nigeria, where inflation has remained above 30% for the majority of the last 12 months and, more recently, due to extreme power disruptions in Zambia.”
Adding to its challenges, MultiChoice is also under regulatory scrutiny. Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently filed charges against the company for allegedly violating local consumer protection laws, further complicating its position in the region.
According to reports, Wellesley had been battling health issues following a stroke. He was rushed from his home in Trelawny to a hospital in Kingston, where he succumbed to his illness.
Tributes have poured in from across Jamaica, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledging Wellesley’s impact on his son’s career.
“We have all witnessed the deep love and respect you’ve always shown for your family. As you grieve this great loss, the prayers and support of an entire nation are with you. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we honor the memory of your father alongside you,” Holness said.
Minister of Sports Olivia Grange also paid tribute to Wellesley, affectionately known as “Gideon” in his community. “Every success that Usain has achieved can be attributed to the confidence given to him by his ever-supportive mother and father. It is going to be a difficult time, but I encourage them to be comforted by the memory of a very good father,” Grange said.
Wellesley Bolt played a key role in shaping Usain’s career, steering him away from cricket and football to focus on track and field. He remained a constant presence in the stands as his son dominated global athletics, winning eight Olympic gold medals.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their three children, Usain, Sadiki, and Christine Bolt-Hylton.
The study, conducted at the TASK clinical research site in Cape Town, South Africa, is a first-in-human single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) trial. It is assessing the safety and pharmacokinetics of AKG-100 in both healthy volunteers and pulmonary TB patients. The study will enroll approximately 100 participants.
Dr. Daryl Drummond, Chief Science Officer at Akagera Medicines, expressed optimism about the progress. “The completion of the first cohort in this study is an important milestone as we progress a novel long-acting injectable and targeted treatment option for patients with pulmonary TB,” he said.
“AKG-100 demonstrated promising preclinical data, and we believe that its addition to drug-resistant TB treatment regimens will improve anti-TB activity and provide a favorable safety profile.”
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, disproportionately affecting low-income populations. Despite being both preventable and treatable, TB continues to claim nearly two million lives each year, with 400,000 of these deaths occurring in children.
“TB is the greatest killer in human history. One out of seven people who ever lived has died from it. Nearly two million of the poorest people in Russia, India, Africa, and China die from it every year.” said Michael Fairbanks, Executive Chairman of Akagera Medicines.
AKG-100 is a pegylated liposomal formulation of an oxazolidinone antibiotic. Liposomal drug delivery systems offer significant advantages, including improved drug stability, increased drug solubility, and reduced toxicity.
“Liposome-encapsulated drugs are a promising area of drug delivery research. This formulation enhances drug efficacy by increasing uptake and retention by target cells, allowing for higher drug concentrations at the site of action,” explained Dr. Sachin Marulkar, Chief Medical Officer of Akagera Medicines.
The study’s successful completion of its first cohort marks an important step in the development of a more effective TB treatment. AKG-100’s long-acting injectable formulation is expected to provide much-needed flexibility and improve treatment adherence, especially in resource-limited settings.
Many TB patients struggle with the lengthy and demanding treatment regimens currently available, leading to poor compliance and the rise of drug-resistant strains.
Founded in 2018 in Kigali, Akagera Medicines is dedicated to developing innovative lipid nanoparticle formulations of antibacterial drugs and mRNA vaccines. In 2022, it established a 100%-owned subsidiary in Kigali for manufacturing and clinical trials.
Among its founding and current board members are Ambassador Dr. Albrecht Conze, Dr. Paul Farmer of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former Chair of the Global Fund for Malaria, HIV, and TB, and Dr. Eliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF. UN Ambassador Valentine Rugwabiza and Philippe Watrin, Chief Investment Officer of the RSSB, also serve on the board.
Task clinical research, which is conducting the trial, is a leading multinational research institute based in Cape Town, South Africa. It has completed over 100 clinical studies focused on infectious diseases.
It is led by Professor Andreas Diacon, a recognized expert in TB research who received the 2016 Scientific Prize from the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
The global burden of TB extends beyond human health, with significant economic and geopolitical implications. TB-infected mothers are associated with a six-fold increase in perinatal deaths.
The World Health Organization warns that a large TB infection pool, coupled with factors such as drug resistance and inadequate case detection, continues to fuel the epidemic.
Political conflicts further complicate efforts to control TB, while the disease also poses a direct threat to wildlife. Many animal species, particularly primates, are vulnerable to TB due to increased exposure to eco-tourists.
The new digital systems, unveiled in collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), aim to enhance transparency in cargo movement, reduce smuggling, and streamline tax collection on goods imported from East African Community (EAC) member states such as Uganda and Kenya.
With the implementation of RECTS, South Sudanese traders can now track their land cargo in real time, from port of origin to final destination with the E-permit system mandating upfront tax payment before cargo is released for transportation.
This dual approach is expected to significantly minimize delays and eliminate revenue leakages.
“These are major milestones in fostering regional integration and enhancing revenue mobilization for our sister country,” said Hajji Asadu Kigozi Kisitu, Acting Commissioner of the URA Customs Department, who represented the URA Commissioner General during the launch in Kampala.
“Back in 2002, we had to escort cargo across borders manually. Today, we embrace technology for safer, faster, and more accountable cargo movement.”
The E-permit system specifically targets high-risk goods including cigarettes, alcohol, electronics, shisha tobacco, cosmetics, and motor vehicles; commodities often linked to smuggling operations.
SSRA Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng emphasized that the modernization of customs systems is key to improving security, regulatory compliance, and public revenue. “By implementing these systems, we are aligning with international best practices. Our commitment is to end the perception of South Sudan as a smuggling corridor,” he stated.
Both URA and SSRA believe the technology will not only improve accountability but also address long-standing concerns from regional partners such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), which have incurred losses due to cross-border smuggling.
As regional trade continues to expand, Kisitu highlighted the critical role of digital solutions in protecting economic integrity. “These systems will ensure that taxes are paid, cargo is monitored, and the region remains secure,” he said.
The launch marks a significant move toward deeper EAC customs integration and is seen as a model for future cooperation among member states.
The center is designed to equip students with deep technical expertise, enabling them to develop locally relevant software that also meets global standards.
“So rather than Africa being just consumers, we now are creators and contribute to the global ecosystem of open-source products and open-source software,” said Conrad Tucker, Director of CMU Africa.
Beyond fostering innovation, the center also aims to enhance Africa’s technological autonomy, allowing governments to develop and maintain their own software rather than relying on external providers.
“For ample, if the government of Rwanda has a software that is developed and implemented domestically. If that software needs to be updated or replaced, rather than always going externally, we have locally homegrown technical talent that can either develop the software, maintain it, and even export it so that this can also be a new source of revenue for our countries.” Tucker explained.
The establishment of the digital public infrastructure labs, has been made possible through a multi-year partnership with the Gates Foundation.
{{A hub for African digital innovation}}
This center is a key initiative supporting Africa’s digital transformation, according to Assane Gueye, Co-Director of the Upanzi Network and an associate teaching professor at CMU Africa.
“Africa is going digital, there are technologies that we need to support that. Often people want to see technology in action, go to India, Europe, or China and this is an opportunity for us as African countries to step up,” Gueye pointed out.
A major objective of the center is to provide a space where African leaders can explore emerging technologies firsthand. “The people working on these solutions are the sons and daughters of Africa. They know the challenges, they build the solutions, and the digital experience center is a place where we showcase them.”
Among the innovations already underway is a digital ID system, which will allow governments to transition from physical ID cards to secure digital identities. “We create a digital ID for the citizen and give them access to services that the government is offering, showcasing how digital ID can help in the country,” Gueye explained.
One of the most promising projects showcased at the center is a Malaria Diagnosis App, co-developed by Eric Maniraguha, a research associate and geospatial analyst at CMU Africa. The app leverages machine learning to streamline malaria diagnosis, reducing the time and effort required for manual testing.
“We are trying to digitalize the malaria diagnosis process. We are working on this by collecting data from health centers, validating it with RBC, and using machine learning to identify and classify malaria parasites,” Maniraguha explained.
While still undergoing optimization, the app is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. “This will reduce the time required for diagnosis and also automate the process,” he noted.
Another major focus of the center is bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural areas. Unlike traditional research institutions, the digital experience center prioritizes real-world problem-solving.
It is expected set to become a regional hub for digital innovation, allowing policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore, test, and implement new technologies.
Traor announced an “amnesty pardon” in December last year for several people convicted over the 2015 attempt to overthrow the transitional government in place after the fall of former president Blaise Compaor.
“The following persons, who have been convicted or prosecuted before the courts for acts committed on September 15 and 16, 2015, are granted amnesty,” stated the decree, issued last week, listing the 21 soldiers.
Six officers, including two former unit commanders of the former presidential guard, are on the list alongside 15 non-commissioned officers and rank and file soldiers. They were convicted at a military tribunal in Ouagadougou in 2019 for “harming state security,” murder or treason.
Two generals considered the masterminds of the failed coup, Compaor’s former chief of staff Gilbert Diendr and head of diplomacy Djibril Bassol, were sentenced to 20 and 10 years in prison respectively. They were not part of the amnesty.
Burkina Faso has extended amnesty to those involved in failed 2015 coup and those convicted have until June this year to request a pardon.
To do so, they have to “demonstrate a patriotic commitment to the reconquest of the territory” and “express their willingness to actively participate in the fight against terrorism.”
The 21 soldiers pardoned will rejoin the army, which has been fighting jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group for more than 10 years. But the decree stipulates that they will not be eligible for compensation or career progression.
Diendr and Bassol tried to oust the transitional government put in place after Compaor was forced out of office in October 2014 by apopular uprising, after 27 years in power. Loyalist forces put down the attempted coup within two weeks. A total of 14 people died and 270 were wounded.
The justice ministry in December said that some 1,200 people convicted in connection with the coup attempt would be pardoned from 1 January. Burkina Faso’s ruling president announced last May that he will remain in power for another five years under an accord adopted during national consultations.
The deadline for transition to civilian rule was originally set for 1 July 2025. According to the charter, signed by Traor, elections may be organized before the deadline “if the security situation so permits.”
Yet, as time passes, that intensity often diminishes, sometimes gradually, sometimes abruptly. Many interpret this shift as love slipping away, but in reality, the process is more intricate and hopeful than it appears.
{{The science behind changing emotions}}
Love’s initial euphoria is not just a poetic concept but a well-documented chemical phenomenon. The early stages of romance flood the brain with dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, creating a natural high similar to that induced by certain drugs.
This biochemical storm serves an evolutionary function, encouraging deep bonds between individuals while bypassing rational hesitations.
However, the brain cannot sustain this level of chemical intensity indefinitely. The heightened emotions that once felt intoxicating gradually stabilize. What was once an all-consuming passion shifts into a more sustainable emotional state.
This transition is often mistaken for falling out of love, but in reality, it is a necessary adaptation. Love does not disappear; it evolves into something more enduring and stable.
Another crucial factor is the familiarity paradox. In the beginning, everything about a partner is new and exciting. Their quirks, stories, and habits create a continuous stream of discoveries that stimulate dopamine release, reinforcing attraction and emotional engagement.
Over time, however, novelty gives way to predictability. The same qualities that once fascinated now become expected, and in some cases, taken for granted. The security of familiarity is comforting, but it can also diminish the sense of excitement and adventure that originally fueled passion.
{{Unspoken expectations and communication barriers}}
Every relationship carries an invisible rulebook, shaped by personal history, cultural norms, and past experiences. These unspoken expectations influence everything from emotional availability to household responsibilities, yet they are rarely discussed openly.
When reality fails to align with these internalized beliefs, frustration and disappointment take root. It is not necessarily love that fades but rather the disillusionment of unmet expectations accumulating over time.
Communication is often hailed as the solution to relationship struggles, yet it remains one of the most challenging aspects of maintaining a healthy connection. Expressing deep-seated fears, insecurities, or frustrations requires vulnerability, which becomes harder as relationships progress.
In the early stages, sharing personal thoughts feels exhilarating, but as emotional stakes increase, so does the fear of rejection or misunderstanding. When difficult conversations are avoided, emotional distance grows, creating the illusion of love fading when, in reality, it is simply buried beneath unresolved tension.
External pressures also play a significant role in the shifting dynamics of love. Early in a relationship, couples prioritize each other, rearranging schedules and making time for connection.
However, as responsibilities increase, careers, financial obligations, family duties, emotional and physical energy become stretched.
The effort once devoted to nurturing the relationship is often redirected toward managing life’s demands, leading to a perceived decline in love when it is actually an issue of attention and resource allocation.
Personal growth further complicates long-term relationships. No two individuals evolve at the same pace or in the same direction. Over time, differences in ambitions, values, or interests can create emotional distance.
What once felt like a shared journey can start to resemble parallel paths. This does not necessarily mean love has disappeared; rather, it requires a renewed commitment to understanding and adapting to each other’s evolving identities.
Finally, the balance between closeness and independence is essential for sustaining passion. Many couples, in pursuit of unity, unconsciously diminish the distinct identities that once attracted them to each other.
The loss of individuality can lead to a lack of intrigue, making the relationship feel stagnant. Maintaining a degree of separateness allows for continued discovery and rekindles the curiosity that first sparked attraction.
Understanding why love appears to fade provides the opportunity to approach relationships with greater awareness. The disappearance of infatuation does not signify the end of love but rather an invitation to nurture a deeper, more resilient connection.
By recognizing the natural evolution of emotions, addressing unspoken expectations, and fostering open communication, couples can move beyond the transient highs of early romance to build something truly enduring.
The mass action, informally dubbed the Geza revolution after war veteran leader Blessed Geza, saw urban centres largely deserted as businesses, shops, schools, and public institutions remained closed.
From Chirundu in the north to Beitbridge in the south, and across major cities such as Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Masvingo, and Mutare, citizens heeded the call to protest by staying home.
The demonstration, spearheaded by war veterans aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s faction within Zanu-PF, is widely seen as Mnangagwa’s most significant political test since the January 2019 fuel protests, which were met with a violent crackdown that left at least 17 people dead.
While the stayaway remained largely peaceful, there were reports of minor skirmishes in Harare, particularly at Robert Mugabe Square, where police dispersed small groups of people attempting to march.
Security forces maintained a heavy presence in urban areas, but notably, the military, often regarded as Zimbabwe’s ultimate power broker, was absent from the streets.
The protests come amid intensifying factional battles within Zanu-PF, as rival camps loyal to Mnangagwa and Chiwenga clash over the party’s leadership succession. Mnangagwa’s allies have been pushing for a constitutional amendment to extend his rule beyond 2028, a move that has sparked outrage even within his own party.
War veterans, once staunch allies of the ruling party, have now turned against Mnangagwa, calling for his resignation and throwing their weight behind Chiwenga’s camp.
Although their mobilisation efforts appeared weak, the overwhelming public participation in the stayaway signaled deep-seated discontent with Mnangagwa’s rule.
Some political analysts argue that, while war veterans may have their own political motives, the people are sending a clear message. They agree that Mnangagwa has failed,” hence the convergence of frustration, possibly warning of bigger unrest ahead.
Notably absent from today’s protests was Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa. Sources close to Chamisa suggest he is wary of aligning with a factional Zanu-PF power struggle, preferring instead to push for a broad-based national movement demanding democratic change.
Chamisa’s allies reportedly fear a repeat of November 2017, when public frustration was leveraged by the military to remove long-time leader Robert Mugabe, only to replace him with Mnangagwa, another Zanu-PF figure.
The stayaway delivered a significant blow to Zimbabwe’s already fragile economy, bringing commercial activity to a standstill. Many businesses shut their doors, while the informal sector, on which millions of Zimbabweans rely, was largely inactive.
At the core of the economic crisis is the instability of the Zimbabwean dollar, which continues to lose value amid soaring inflation and declining public confidence. Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, unemployment has surged, and an increasing number of Zimbabweans are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
In response to the growing pressure, Mnangagwa has taken a series of preemptive security measures, including the recent dismissal of key military and security officials, among them Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lt-Gen Anselem Sanyatwe, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, and CIO Director-General Isaac Moyo.
These shake-ups are widely viewed as efforts to consolidate power and neutralize internal threats. Despite the crackdown, war veterans have vowed to press on. “We fought for democracy, not for one man’s rule,” said a spokesperson for the group.
As tensions simmer, the question remains: Is this the beginning of a broader movement against Mnangagwa, or merely a momentary flare-up? What is certain is that Zimbabwe’s political landscape is becoming increasingly volatile, and Mnangagwa faces his biggest challenge ahead.
The Make Way programme, a consortium of 14 organizations, with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is working to dismantle these barriers by applying an intersectional approach to policy advocacy and implementation.
“We advocate for better sexual protection, health, and rights for everyone. There are challenges when vulnerable individuals try to access SRHR services, and we aim to remove those obstacles.” said Aliane Dusenge, Country Coordinator of the Make Way consortium.
People with disabilities, those living in extreme poverty, and individuals in remote areas often struggle to obtain vital health information and services. Make Way seeks to address these disparities through the development and dissemination of intersectional tools that analyze policies and identify gaps in inclusivity.
At a recent event, stakeholders gathered to explore the impact of these tools. “The event was about disseminating the tools we use in the programme. These tools help us analyze policies to determine whether they include everyone, particularly marginalized communities. We then provide recommendations for making these policies more inclusive,” Dusenge explained.
One such tool is the Intersectional-Based Policy Analysis (IBPA), which examines policies to identify gaps that may exclude vulnerable populations. Another is the Meaningful Youth Engagement tool, which ensures young people are not just participants in discussions but active contributors to decisions that affect them.
The Budget Analysis tool assesses financial allocations within the health sector to determine whether adequate resources are directed toward reproductive health services.
“These tools enable us to critically analyze how some populations are left behind. More importantly, they help us propose solutions and recommendations,” Dusenge noted.
The programme’s work extends beyond policy analysis to advocacy and capacity building. The tools are designed to be adopted by other organizations, ensuring broader reach and impact. “We want other organizations to borrow a leaf from our work and implement inclusive approaches in their advocacy,” she added.
Franklin Murangira, Chief of Party at Volunteering Services Overseas (VSO), emphasized the importance of intersectionality in addressing the needs of different vulnerable groups.
“The people we work with have multiple vulnerabilities, for example, someone might have a disability and also be a teenage mother. These tools help us assess whether policies are designed to accommodate such intersecting identities,” he explained.
Revealed that VSO’s mission aligns with Make Way’s objectives, ensuring that no one is left behind. “We must ensure that all voices are heard and that policies reflect the real needs of diverse populations,” Murangira stated.
Dr. Beth Mukarwego, Chairperson of the National Union of Disability Organizations in Rwanda (NUDOR), highlighted the importance of societal attitude shifts.
“People with disabilities often face exclusion, even in religious spaces and healthcare facilities. The tools developed by Make Way help communities recognize these challenges and advocate for change,” she said.
The tools are now being introduced at the community level, where trained individuals will champion their use. “Some people are already trained, and they can advocate for the broader adoption of these tools. The goal is to ensure that policies and practices evolve to be more inclusive, Mukarwego explained.
By addressing overlapping vulnerabilities, Make Way is pioneering a holistic approach to SRHR advocacy. Their intersectional tools not only highlight systemic inequalities but also provide actionable solutions, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, can exercise their sexual and reproductive rights without barriers.
With growing awareness and adoption of these tools, the hope is that policymakers, organizations, and communities will work together to create a more equitable and just society.
In a post shared on X, renowned Ugandan journalist Sudhir Byaruhanga, who is also said to be a distant relative of the late Ssali, wrote, “He had requested to be cremated and his ashes sent back home and to other countries in Africa.”
He further stated that the family will honor his request, with details of his sendoff services in Washington, D.C., and Uganda to be announced soon.
“We shall respect his wish, and soon, a date for his sendoff service in Washington, D.C., and Uganda will be communicated. #RIPShakaSsali,” Byaruhanga wrote.
For over two decades, his show, Straight Talk Africa, provided a vital platform for critical discourse, engaging African leaders and intellectuals while bridging the gap between the continent and the global stage.
His signature introduction, “I’m profoundly honored and exceedingly humbled,” along with his famous phrase, “Let’s keep the African hope alive,” became defining elements of his enduring legacy.
