Madagascar Sentences Ex-Senate President to 10 Years Over Deadly Protest Crackdown
A court in Antananarivo sentenced Richard Ravalomanana, Madagascar’s former Senate president and a retired general, to 10 years of hard labor for his role in the violent crackdown on 2025’s Gen Z protests. Prosecutors accused him of directing security forces to use violence against demonstrators, which left at least 22 people dead; Ravalomanana denies the charges and plans to appeal.
Uber Exits Nigeria and Uganda as Part of Global Restructuring
Uber is shutting down operations in Nigeria and Uganda starting September 2 as part of a broader global restructuring that includes cutting about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10% of its workforce. The company says it remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa despite the exits, framing the move as part of a shift toward reinvesting savings in growth areas like autonomous vehicles and robotaxis.
Guinea-Bissau Voters Approve Constitution Expanding Presidential Power
Guinea-Bissau voters approved a new constitution granting the president sweeping new authority, including the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and dissolve parliament, with 70% backing the changes in a Sunday referendum. The main opposition party boycotted the vote, warning the reforms concentrate too much power in the presidency ahead of December’s elections meant to restore civilian rule after last November’s military takeover.
Kenyan Journalist Abducted, Released Hours Later Near Dam
Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted by armed men near Nakuru, Kenya, last night, Tuesday, September 1, and released hours later more than 200 kilometers away near Masinga Dam. The company’s CEO says the abductors demanded he reveal the newspaper’s sources, marking the second such attempt against Kiprotich since June, as rights groups renew calls for an investigation into a pattern of abductions targeting Kenyan government critics.
Leave a Reply