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Travel & Tourism

What’s On in Cape Town in May 2026

Maravi Post Reporter Leave a comment

May in Cape Town is packed with a lineup of events for all ages – from world-class theatre, opera, and comedy festivals to wine experiences in the Winelands, pop-culture events, and more.

Here is your ultimate guide to what’s on in Cape Town in May 2026:

Comic Con Cape Town

Pop culture fans unite at Comic Con Cape Town.

📅 30 April – 3 May 2026 📍 Cape Town International Convention Centre

Cape Town’s biggest pop culture and gaming festival spills into May with Comic Con Cape Town. Expect everything from comics, cosplay, and gaming to film activations, exclusive merchandise, and fan experiences. It’s a must for geeks, gamers, and pop culture lovers. For tickets, visit here.

Lucky Clover Market

📅 2 May 2026📍 Novalis Ubuntu Institute, Wynberg, Cape Town

Wander through a mix of thrift treasures, handmade crafts, holistic goods, and artisan deli stalls. Set in peaceful gardens, this community market comes alive with live music, food stalls, and plenty of hidden gems to discover. Entry is free.

Volunteer Wildfire Services Trail Challenge

Trail running enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers are invited to lace up for a cause at the Volunteer Wildfire Services Trail Challenge.

📅 3 May 📍 Gardens Rugby Football Club

Trail running enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers are invited to lace up for a cause at the Volunteer Wildfire Services Trail Challenge. This much-anticipated event combines adrenaline with breathtaking scenery to support the dedicated volunteer firefighters who protect the Western Cape’s natural landscapes. Starting from the Gardens Rugby Football Club, participants can choose between a 10 km or 20 km route, both of which traverse the trails of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak. Get more information here.

Private Salon – Sar la Rouge – Digital Art & Charity event

At the centre is Franco-Togolese digital artist Sar La Rouge, known for bold, expressive portraits that explore how screens shape perception and reality.

📅 8 and 9 May 2026 📍 Constantia

A private home in Constantia opens its doors for a two-day immersive digital art experience that blends contemporary art, music, and community impact. At the centre is Franco-Togolese digital artist Sar La Rouge, known for bold, expressive portraits that explore how screens shape perception and reality. The opening evening (8 May) is an intimate sunset event featuring live music, curated canapés, drinks, and art throughout the house. The family day (9 May) offers a relaxed, interactive experience with workshops, kids’ activities, and full access to the exhibition. All proceeds support The Bridge Orphanage. Tickets available via Quicket.

RISE ‘76: The Story of June 16th

📅 8-30 May📍 Baxter Theatre Centre

Commissioned by The Market Theatre and The Baxter Theatre to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprisings, Rise ’76: The Story of June 16th is a powerful new South African work of historical fiction by Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni, a two-time Fleur du Cap Award-winning playwright-director.

Set in the fictional Molefe Secondary School in Soweto, the play unfolds over a single school day as students, teachers, and families confront the impact of the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. What begins as an ordinary morning gradually builds towards a moment that will change the course of history. Get your tickets via Webtickets.

The Cableway Charity Challenge

📅 9 May 2026 📍  Table Mountain
The Cableway Charity Challenge is a one-of-a-kind fundraising event hosted on the slopes of Table Mountain. Whether you’re a runner, walker, or casual jogger, the goal is simple: summit Platteklip Gorge as many times as possible between sunrise and sunset on Saturday, 9 May 2026.  Every step taken helps raise vital funds for honoured local charities dedicated to supporting vulnerable women and children across Cape Town. Find out more here.

Candlelight: Tribute to Brenda Fassie

📅 9 May 2026 📍 Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, Cape Town

Candlelight Concerts’ special edition pays tribute to the legendary Brenda Fassie, celebrating her music through a powerful live performance bathed in candlelight. Audiences can expect a 60-minute concert featuring reimagined renditions of some of her most iconic songs, including Vuli Ndlela, Weekend Special, Too Late for Mama, Nomakanjani, and more. Tickets are available via Fever.

Nina Simone Tribute Dinner with Auriol Hays

📅 9 May2026. 📍 Time Out Market Cape Town

Step into an evening with Auriol Hays as she channels the spirit and music of Nina Simone. Through song and storytelling, Hays brings Simone’s legacy to life, capturing the power and vulnerability behind the icon.  For ticket prices and information, visit here.

Musgrave Gin Floral Workshop and High Tea

Hosted by Musgrave Gin in collaboration with uBlom, this exclusive event is elevated by a curated high tea by acclaimed chef Elsa van der Nest.

📅 9 May 2026 📍  Constantia Valley

Hosted by Musgrave Gin in collaboration with uBlom, this exclusive event is elevated by a curated high tea by acclaimed chef Elsa van der Nest. Guests will create their own striking bouquet while enjoying refreshing pours of Musgrave Pink Gin or the non-alcoholic Musgrave Inspirit 0%. Afterwards, sample a high tea menu featuring buttery French sablés, finger sandwiches, a flourless chocolate cake with ganache, and a baked goat’s cheese quiche. For ticket prices, visit here.

Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10KM

📅 10 May 2026 📍 Woodbridge Island, Milnerton

This high-energy road race combines fitness with sightseeing as runners follow a scenic coastal route into the city centre. Even spectators can enjoy live entertainment and a vibrant race-day atmosphere. It’s a ‘proudly South African, proudly Cape Town’ must-experience mass-participation road-running event. Catch our Cape Town Tourism mobile team at the event and enjoy an immersive VR experience of the city. More information here.

The Human League

The Human League - Don't You Want Me (Official Music Video)

📅 12 May 2026 📍 Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World

British synth-pop pioneers The Human League are set to deliver an electrifying night of pure 80s nostalgia, performing a string of timeless hits, including “Don’t You Want Me”, “Human”, “Together in Electric Dreams”, “Mirror Man” and “(Keep Feeling) Fascination.” Joining them as special guests are fellow UK synth-pop favourites Blancmange, whose cult classics “Living on the Ceiling”, “Blind Vision” and “Don’t Tell Me” have earned them a loyal global following. Tickets are on sale here.

Winemaker’s Dinner at Mont Rochelle

📅 15 May 2026📍 Franschhoek

Wine and food in one of the Cape’s most stunning locations? Yes, please! Begin the evening with a guided cellar tour led by winemaker Michael Langenhoven, offering insight into the winemaking process and varietals. Afterwards, tuck into a five-course menu created in collaboration with Executive Chef Terence Morris, with each dish thoughtfully matched to complement the wines and elevate every course. Tickets cost R1350. Email reception@montrochelle.virgin.com

Franschhoek Literary Festival

The Franschhoek Literary Festival, launched in 2007, takes place annually on the third weekend of May.

📅 15 – 17 May 2026📍 Franschhoek

A must for book lovers, this festival brings together leading authors, thinkers, and creatives for talks, debates, and intimate discussions, all set in Franschhoek. The Franschhoek Literary Festival, launched in 2007, takes place annually on the third weekend of May. Tickets from around R125 via the festival website.

Carmen

📅 19 – 31 May 2026 📍 Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town

Cape Town Opera presents a bold new staging of Carmen, Georges Bizet’s timeless opera. Set against a backdrop of jealousy and desire, the story follows the fiery, independent Carmen as she defies convention and captivates all who cross her path, ultimately setting tragedy in motion. Tickets are available via Webtickets.

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

📅 23 – 24 May 2026 📍 Cape Town

One of Africa’s premier running events, the Cape Town Marathon draws elite athletes and casual runners from around the world. Renowned for its scenic yet fast route, the race is a highlight of the global marathon calendar. More information here.

A Night of Wine & Wonder

📅 23 May 📍  Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre

Set in the heart of one of South Africa’s most striking wine regions, this curated experience brings together 17 top wine farms, great music, and plenty of space to relax and socialise. It makes for the perfect night of sipping and discovering your next favourite wine. Get your tickets via Quicket.

ACDC Duet Xchange 2026: The Art of the Duet

📅 22 – 23 May 2026 📍 Star Theatre, Homecoming Centre

This two-night contemporary dance platform is presented by Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography. This artist-led platform is dedicated to duet-based collaboration, bringing together local and international artists to create new choreographic works rooted in dialogue and shared authorship. Guest choreographers and companies featured include New World Dance Theatre, Northern Dance Academy, and Janine Booysens. For more information and tickets, visit here.

Jive Cape Town Funny Festival

📅 28 May – 21 June 2026 📍 Baxter Theatre Centre

The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival has been the Mother City’s ultimate cure for chilly winter evenings for more than two decades. Since its debut in 1997, the festival has consistently drawn sold-out crowds. This year’s edition promises a laugh-a-minute experience, featuring a stellar international and local line-up. Audiences can look forward to the mesmerising Italian shadow artist and illusionist Matteo Fraziano, the UK’s dynamic singing impersonator Mike Woodhams, the wildly inventive Spanish balloon artist Dani Airhead, and some of South Africa’s finest comedic talent, including Jason Goliath and Robby Collins. Get your tickets here.

The Good Life Show

The Good Life Show celebrates conscious living, food innovation, wellness, and sustainable lifestyle inspiration under one roof.

📅 29 – 31 May 2026 📍 Cape Town International Convention Centre

The Good Life Show celebrates conscious living, food innovation, wellness, and sustainable lifestyle inspiration under one roof. Over three days, visitors can explore a curated mix of plant-based cuisine, health and wellness brands, eco-friendly products, and live cooking demonstrations from top chefs and industry experts.  Tickets start at R150 and are available via Quicket.

Bed By 10pm LGBTQIA+ Edition

📅 30 May 2026 📍 The District, Harrington Street

Want to serve face, dance like it’s the early 2000s, and still be tucked up in bed by 10 (ish)?  Bed By 10: LGBTQIA+ Edition is your throwback party for legends who love a big night out but love a good night’s sleep even more. Expect nonstop 80s–00s anthems, iconic drag performances, and live acts, DJ sets. Get your tickets via Howler.

Amapiano Fest Cape Town

📅 30 May 2026 📍 Cape Town High School, Gardens

Amapiano Fest is a major South African outdoor music festival and cultural celebration dedicated to the Amapiano genre, featuring top DJs, producers, and live performances. Book your tickets via Howler.

Sunday Lunch at Connexxion Restaurant

📅 31 May 📍 Garden Court Victoria Junction

Garden Court Victoria Junction hosts a Sunday lunch buffet on the last Sunday of each month. Enjoy a generous selection of fresh salads, artisanal breads, hearty hot dishes such as lamb, chicken, and curry, and classic desserts. Priced at R375 per person, R185 per child under 12, and children under 4 eat for free. For more information, email gcvictoriajunction.reservations@southernsun.com

The post What’s On in Cape Town in May 2026 appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

AMA, Environment

UN Urges Ethiopia to Tackle Pollution at Gold Mine

MaraviPost

Civic Group’s Report Shows Child Health Harms at Lega Dembi Mine

New York, USA, 12 March 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- “The company’s chemicals have contaminated our land, water, and people,” 28-year-old “Elizabeth” recently told Kontomaa Darimu Alliance, an Ethiopian nongovernmental organization. Elizabeth’s 2-year-old son died a few years ago and she suffered miscarriages in 2024 and 2025; she believes the mine is to blame.

Residents living near Lega Dembi mine, located in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, have  complained of serious health impacts for years, including miscarriages, stillbirths, and children born with long-term health conditions. Severalstudies have found high concentrations of  toxic heavy metals and other chemicals, including cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic, near the mine.

A recent decision by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child could bring hope to residents. In February, the committee called on the Ethiopian government to “urgently and effectively” resolve the mine’s “social, health and environmental effects on children.” It urged the government to pay compensation, rehabilitate affected children, and create an “independent mechanism for transparency and accountability from the mining company.”

In 2018, following large-scale demonstrations, the Ethiopian government closed the mine, promising to reopen it only after environmental concerns had been addressed. The government signed an—unpublished—memorandum of understanding with the global company operating the mine, Midroc Investment Group, and reopened the mine in 2021. Midroc stated in a 2023 letter to Human Rights Watch that it had taken steps to address the mine’s impacts, including paying compensation to victims, improving cyanide waste management, and providing clean drinking water.

But local residents have continued to report ill-health and miscarriages since the mine reopened. A new report by  Kontomaa Darimu Alliance with powerful accounts from 2025 includes shocking cases of children’s ill-health and deaths, as well as stillbirths. Residents also say they have to drink water from Midroc’s tailings dams because there is insufficient clean drinking water.

In response to Human Rights Watch questions, Midroc denied that there were any human rights impacts resulting from its operations, stating that its monitoring system found the contaminants to be in the “allowable range of international standards,” and highlighting its recent certification under the International Cyanide Management Code. Midroc also said it constructed a hospital, and that the drinking water provided was sufficient.

The findings of the UN committee and the Kontomaa Darimu Alliance should prompt the Ethiopian government to finally tackle the pollution at the mine fully and transparently. The families of Lega Dembi have waited long enough.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Human Right Watch

The post UN Urges Ethiopia to Tackle Pollution at Gold Mine appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Sports, Technology

TECNO Brought AFCON 2025 to Life Through Ongoing Technology Carnival Activations Across Africa

MaraviPost

RABAT, Morocco, 19th January 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/-As the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 unfolded, TECNO, Official Global Partner of the tournament, was actively extending the matchday experience beyond stadiums and screens through a series of Technology Carnival activations and offline watching parties that took place across multiple African countries.

Launched alongside the tournament and running throughout the AFCON competition period until 18 January 2026, these activations were designed as immersive, fan-first experiences that brought football, technology and entertainment together in public spaces, retail locations and pop-up venues.

Across North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and key AFCON markets, fans gathered at TECNO-organized watching parties featuring live match screenings, interactive product displays, AI-powered demonstrations, performance shows, interactive games, lucky draws and temporary pop-up stores. These shared spaces allowed visitors to engage with TECNO’s AI ecosystem while celebrating the collective energy, emotion and passion that defined African football culture.

At each activation, TECNO showcased how AI-driven technology enhanced the way fans experienced the game, from understanding match dynamics to capturing and sharing standout moments. Visitors discovered TECNO smartphones and devices in hands-on environments, exploring features designed to make football moments clearer, smarter and more immersive.

AFCON Retail Events Deployed Throughout the Tournament

Running in parallel with the offline watching parties, TECNO also rolled out a wide range of AFCON-themed retail events, which were active across multiple countries and continued until 18 January, with schedules adapted to local markets.

These in-store activations translated the excitement of AFCON directly into everyday shopping experiences through interactive consumer mechanics, including :

  • Cashback promotions via lucky draw on selected devices such as POP 10, SPARK 40 and CAMON 40
  • Points-based rewards through TECNO’s Points Mall
  • Interactive AFCON TECNO AI Analysis experiences that allowed fans to explore AI-driven insights around ongoing matches
  • “Rank Your Own AFCON Team” challenges, encouraging fans to build and debate their ideal tournament line-ups
  • Additional localized games, giveaways and fan engagement activities

By integrating football culture into retail environments, TECNO ensured that fans remained connected to the tournament not only during match time, but throughout their daily routines.

Making AFCON a More Participatory Experience Through AI

These Technology Carnival activations reflected TECNO’s broader ambition to make football more participatory, more interactive and more emotionally engaging. Rather than positioning AI as a distant technology, TECNO presented it as an intuitive companion that enhanced how fans followed matches, relived key moments and expressed their passion throughout the tournament.

As an Official Partner of the Confederation of African Football, TECNO activated across stadiums, fan zones, retail spaces and communities, ensuring that AFCON 2025 was experienced not only as a competition, but as a continent-wide cultural celebration powered by TECNO AI.

As the tournament came to a close and momentum peaked during the final stages, TECNO’s Technology Carnival emerged as a powerful demonstration of how technology, football and community came together, transforming every match, reaction and celebration into a moment worth powering.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of TECNO

The post TECNO Brought AFCON 2025 to Life Through Ongoing Technology Carnival Activations Across Africa appeared first on African Media Agency.

Lifestyle

Trump Weighs Options In Iran, Minnesota Sues DHS, SCOTUS Trans Sports Cases

Maravi Post Reporter

Minnesota officials sue the Trump administration, accusing federal immigration agents of unconstitutional conduct, as protests and enforcement intensify after an ICE officer killed 37 year-old Renee Macklin Good.
President Trump is weighing options, including military action, as Iran’s largest protests in years grow deadlier as the regime cracks down on nationwide demonstrations.
And the Supreme Court hears arguments in two cases over whether states can bar transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Gigi Douban, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Kaity Kline.

We get engineering support from Simon Laslo-Janssen. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Trump Weighs Options In Iran
(05:35) Minnesota Sues DHS, 
(08:52) SCOTUS Trans Sports Cases

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AMA, Technology

TECNO Brings Immersive Fan Experience to AFCON 2025 with Pop-Up Stores and Interactive Zones Across Morocco

MaraviPost

Dual-city activation in Rabat and Casablanca showcases AI-powered experiences, creative workshops, and community engagement throughout tournament

CASABLANCA, Morocco, 24 December 2025/African Media Agency (AMA) – Following the opening of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, TECNO extends its tournament presence into public spaces across Morocco through a series of TECNO AI pop-up stores and fan zones in Rabat and Casablanca. Designed to bring AI-powered innovation closer to consumers, these spaces allow visitors to experience how TECNO AI enhances everyday smartphone usage, from photography and gaming to productivity and entertainment. In total, the brand activated four experiential venues, two pop-up stores and two fan zones, with one of each established in both cities, creating a parallel rollout across Morocco’s major urban centers.

The opening ceremony marked the starting point of TECNO’s AFCON “Power Your Moment” campaign, welcoming invited clients, guests, and partners as the tournament officially began. From the same day, the brand opened its physical spaces to the public, shifting from a symbolic brand moment to hands-on consumer engagement.

This approach enables TECNO to stay connected with fans throughout different stages of the competition, offering repeated opportunities to discover TECNO AI features in real-life scenarios rather than limiting interaction to a single event. Special performances featuring live juggling ball demonstrations alongside African song and dance were presented on December 21 and are scheduled to return on January 18, creating a vibrant environment that blended technology, culture, and entertainment.

TECNO AI Pop-Up Stores: An Immersive Fan-First Experience

The TECNO AI pop-up stores, deployed in Casablanca and Rabat and located near Mohammed V Stadium and Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium respectively, are designed as immersive, consumer-centric environments rather than conventional retail spaces. Open for a limited period during the AFCON 2025 tournament, each location combines product discovery with interactive AI demonstrations, allowing visitors to test TECNO AI features directly across multiple touchpoints.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed in a reception area offering complimentary gifts and guided experiences, while simple interactive challenges encourage participation and social sharing. By connecting physical interaction with digital engagement, the pop-up stores translate advanced AI technology into clear, tangible benefits that consumers can immediately understand and enjoy.

At the heart of the TECNO AI pop-up store, the AI Experience Area brings TECNO AI to life through practical, real-world applications showcased on large-format screens and interactive stations. Visitors can test TECNO AI features hands-on, discovering how AI enhances everyday moments such as photography, content creation, and daily productivity. By placing consumers directly in control of the experience, the activation positions TECNO AI not as a distant technology, but as an intuitive, accessible tool designed to make daily smartphone use smarter, easier, and more creative.

A fashion-inspired clothing swap installation offers jerseys representing the 24 national teams competing in AFCON 2025, allowing fans to express tournament allegiances while engaging in a creative, participatory activity. Nearby, the Champions Road installation invites visitors to interact with a team matchup chart using magnetic team markers, encouraging predictions and photo sharing that extend the experience beyond the physical space.

The Product Experience Area provides hands-on access to TECNO’s latest smartphone lineup and connected devices, supported by on-site brand representatives. A customization station allows visitors to personalize their phones with tournament-themed back stickers, creating tangible mementos linked to the AFCON experience. Photo areas throughout the pop-up stores offer opportunities to capture moments against branded backdrops, while a CSR Culture Wall highlights TECNO’s community initiatives and long-term engagement in youth development and grassroots football across Africa.

TECNO Fan Zones: Bringing Fans Together Beyond the Stadium

Alongside the TECNO AI pop-up stores, TECNO’s fan zones are established in Casablanca and Rabat, located at Anfa Park and OLM Souissi respectively, as open-access community spaces operating throughout match days. Freely accessible to the public, without purchase or registration requirements, the fan zones welcome football supporters and passersby alike, emphasizing shared experience over transaction. These spaces feature relaxed product discovery areas, free photo-taking and printing services, and interactive challenges designed to encourage participation.

Skill-based football challenges, including juggling and heading activities, animate both the pop-up stores and fan zones, creating moments of spontaneous interaction and crowd engagement. Giveaway mechanics are tied to simple social media actions, while classification-style photo activities encourage visitors to capture and share moments online without competitive pressure, prioritizing participation and community visibility.

By activating simultaneously in Rabat and Casablanca and maintaining a presence across match days with special programming on key dates, TECNO establishes a sustained physical footprint throughout the AFCON period. Rather than limiting its engagement to the opening ceremony, the brand positions its pop-up stores and fan zones as ongoing touchpoints within the rhythm of the tournament, embedding technology, football, and urban culture into everyday public life during AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of TECNO

About TECNO

TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

Media Contact:

relationspresse@box-com.com

The post TECNO Brings Immersive Fan Experience to AFCON 2025 with Pop-Up Stores and Interactive Zones Across Morocco appeared first on African Media Agency.

Lifestyle

Amnesty International warns of deteriorating global human rights

Maravi Post Reporter

Amnesty International has warned of the deteriorating global human rights crisis as the ‘Trump effect’ accelerates destructive trends.

The annual report entitled ‘The State of the World’s Human Rights’ assessed national, regional and global developments across a wide range of human rights themes.

Among the issues that hinder human rights are violations in armed conflicts, repression of dissent, discrimination, economic and climate injustice, and the misuse of technology to infringe on human rights. 

The report also stated that while Africa’s armed conflicts caused relentless civilian suffering, including increasing levels of sexual and gender-based violence, and death on a massive scale, international and regional responses remained woefully inadequate, with civilians feeling forgotten.

It also highlighted the cost-of-living crisis that has deepened as prices of food, fuel and other necessities spiralled. High taxation levels, unsustainable public debts, widespread and unchecked corruption, escalating conflicts and extreme weather events exacerbated the crisis.

Protesting meant putting one’s life in danger, according to the report. Demonstrations were too often brutally and lethally dispersed and attacks on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association remained rampant.

Repressive tactics used by governments included enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests and detentions of opponents, human rights defenders, activists, journalists and their critics.

Conflict and climate-induced shocks remained the main drivers of forced displacement, and Sudan continued to suffer the largest displacement crisis worldwide.

The number of refugees from conflict zones continued to soar; many refugees lived in squalid conditions or fear of forced return. Discrimination and gender-based violence, fuelled by societal norms, remained a daily reality for women and girls.

Unlawful attacks and killings by government forces and armed groups were reported across the region, including in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.

Operations by government forces often left a trail of civilian deaths. In Burkina Faso, the military reportedly killed at least 223 civilians, including at least 56 children, in the villages of Soro and Nodin in February.

Hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed in May by the military and its proxy forces during a supply operation against besieged towns in the east.

In Ethiopia, following armed clashes in January between government forces and militias in Merawi town, Amhara region, government forces rounded up scores of civilian men from their homes, shops and the streets and executed them.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/13/52/77/04/ED_PYR_1352774_20250429084314.mp4
Lifestyle

Tensions mount in Burkina Faso a week after the coup attempt

Maravi Post Reporter

A week after an attempted coup in Burkina Faso, the situation remains tense in Ouagadougou, particularly among the armed forces.

Local media indicate that a meeting scheduled on April 22 at the headquarters of the general staff, which was supposed to include several army officers, was postponed and then later cancelled as the invited officers failed to show up.

According to Radio France Internationale RFI, an influx of people was seen flocking to the Mogho Naaba palace, a traditional authority in Burkina Faso. Among those seen were army personnel and families of missing civilians, further signaling tension within the West African country.

A cabinet meeting also took place on April 24 at the presidential palace under high security, with sniffer dogs and helicopters seen flying around the area during the meeting.

Some military camps were also placed under high supervision. Military vehicles were seen placed at the entrance of the General Baba Sy military camp in the southern part of the capital.

The government of Captain Ibrahim Traore has now called for massive demonstrations on April 30 in support of the regime. Their main objective is to condemn “Western interference,” especially after recent accusations by U.S. General Michael Langley of diverting the country’s gold reserves to support its own security.

Burkina Faso’s military government said on April 22 that it had foiled a “major plot” to overthrow the country’s junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.  

The military government first gained knowledge of the plot when it intercepted communications between a high-ranking Burkinabé military officer and terrorist leaders.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said on state television that plotters included current and former soldiers, as well as terrorists. He cited Captain René David Ouédraogo as one of the soldiers who rallied to the plan. Ouédraogo is currently on the run.

The coup attempt aimed to “sow total chaos, and place the country under the supervision of an international organisation”, Sana said. Plotters had planned to swarm the presidential palace on 16 April 2025. 

Burkina Faso, along with its neighbors Niger and Mali, has for over a decade battled an insurgency fought by jihadi groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.

Following military coups in all three nations in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French forces and turned to Russia’s mercenary units for security assistance. The three countries have vowed to strengthen their cooperation by establishing a new security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States.

But the security situation in the Sahel, a vast region on the fringes of the Sahara Desert, has significantly worsened since the junta took power, analysts say, with a record number of attacks and civilians killed both by Islamic militants and government forces.

Source: Africanews