Category Archives: P

CRISIS IN GOMA – EASTERN DRC

The fall of Goma has rattled the continent, prompting international condemnation and fears of a humanitarian crisis. Observers say Goma is cautiously starting to come back to life after several days of fighting between Congolese forces and M23 fighters allegedly backed by Rwandan troops. Over the weekend, the Congolese Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said at least 700 people were killed and 2,800 wounded in the fight for control of Goma.
To provide more perspective on the war, ZihindulaMulegwa, attorney and former spokesman for then-President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, spoke to VOA’s Paul Ndiho. He says the rebels have vowed to march on the capital, Kinshasa, after capturing eastern DRC’s most significant city, Goma.

AFRICAN LEADER S CALL FOR CEASEFIRE IN DRC

A summit of eastern and southern African leaders took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, over the weekend to address the conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels threaten the government. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose government is accused of supporting the insurgents, attended the summit, while Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi joined virtually. The meeting included members of the East African and Southern African Development Community (SADC). For more perspective, VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with political analyst Ricky Mukonza for insights.

STAINLESS STEEL STOVES MADE IN ZAMBIA

Arnold Nyendwa, a Zambian inventor, has achieved unprecedented success in his field. His relentless innovative spirit has culminated in creating the stainless-steel stove and a range of other household products that redefine efficiency.

He is about to break ground and build a multimillion-dollar facility to manufacture these stoves in Zambia, creating hundreds of jobs and making the stoves a versatile solution for households. Our technology correspondent
Driven by the challenges faced by his community, Anorld Nyendwa took the initiative to design Zambia’s first stainless-steel stove that can use gas and electricity, demonstrating his commitment to innovation that makes a real difference.

I spoke to Arnold Nyendwa, the founder and CEO of AFNON, a cutting-edge stainless-steel company based in Lusaka, Zambia.

INTENSE FIGHTING IN GOMA, EASTERN D.R.C.

Intense fighting is underway in Eastern DRC as the M23 rebels have advanced swiftly on eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma. According to eyewitnesses on the ground, Congolese government forces struggled to halt an offensive that forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes as the rebels fired their way through the streets. VOA’s reporter on the Ground confirmed these developments. M23, with the help of Rwandan forces, had taken up strategic places in Goma. Even though Rwanda denies accusations. Earlier, via phone, VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Passy Mubalama, a human rights activist based in Goma, who said the situation was intense. 

U.S. IMMIGRATION SOUTHERN BORDER EMERGENCY

On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border through Executive Orders, describing it as a response to an “invasion.” His administration reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring applicants entering the U.S. from Mexico to stay there until their applications are processed. Additionally, an asylum program for those fleeing authoritarian regimes in Central and South America was halted, leaving many stranded in Mexico. For more insight, VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Pamela Asobo-Anchang, publisher and executive editor of “The Immigrant magazine” based in Los Angeles, California, about the implications of this Executive Order.

The Rise of AI in Africa

AI has the potential to revolutionize sectors like Education and agriculture, drive economic growth, and address key challenges in Africa. While skepticism and ethical concerns exist, there is a need to bridge gender gaps in technology, ensuring no one is left behind as the continent embraces AI. VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Sarah Luyele Njamu, CEO of Comp-connect Education and a passionate advocate for Africa’s leadership in the AI revolution based in Johannesburg, South Africa.  

UGANDA’S KIIRA MOTORS RESHAPES PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Uganda’s automotive industry is reshaping public transport and promoting sustainability. Kiira Motors Corporation, a state enterprise, is leading the way with its innovative electric buses, with over 39 of them navigating the streets of Kampala. VOA’s Paul Ndiho recently received an exclusive guided tour of the Kiira Motors facility in Jinja, where CEO Paul Isaac Musasizi shared his visionary plans for the company’s future. Industry analysts say Kiira Motors is not just creating jobs but contributing to wealth creation and setting a new standard for electric mobility in Africa.

TRUMP’S INAUGURATION PLANNING AND SECURITY

Nearly a quarter of a million people are expected to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration. Security in Washington, D.C., is at an all-time high ahead of the event next week. Measures include more than 30 miles of anti-scale fencing, drones, and the support of agents and specialists nationwide to implement a comprehensive range of visible and invisible security measures. VOA’s Paul Ndiho is at Capitol Hill to update us on the situation.

TACKLING UNEMPLOYMENT IN GHANA

With rising unemployment among Ghanaian youth, innovative solutions are emerging to empower the next generation. One such initiative is the Africa Center for Technical Training in Ghana, founded by Penelope Brooks Thompson and driven by the dedication of leaders like Monicia Boahen. 

This center offers technical and vocational skills training, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds unlock new career opportunities. Hands-on workshops and tailored programs aim to reshape the narrative around job readiness and success, fostering a culture of skilled professionals in the region.

 VOA’s Paul Ndiho was recently on assignment in Ghana and visited the Africa Center for Technical Training in Accra.

GHANA’S 40-MILLION-DOLLAR STATE OF THE ART UROLOGY CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE

A new Urology and Nephrology Center for Excellence was recently inaugurated. The healthcare facility has been dubbed as the largest in West Africa.

This 40-million-dollar, three-story center, inaugurated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on October 18, is a significant milestone in healthcare. It offers advanced treatment for genito-urinary conditions and chronic and acute kidney failure. The facility includes a 30-bed dialysis suite, 70 beds for genito-urinary patients, and specialized sections for outpatient care, diagnostics, research, and training. VOA was given exclusive access to this state-of-the-art facility.

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