By Ndiho Media – June 5, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump on Wednesday revived one of the most controversial policies of his first term: a sweeping travel ban targeting foreign nationals from countries deemed high-risk by the administration. The updated proclamation bars entry to the U.S. from 12 countries and imposes additional travel restrictions on seven more. The ban goes into effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., giving travelers and airlines a brief window to adjust and potentially avoid the chaos that marked the rollout of Trump’s original ban in 2017.

By Ndiho Media Uganda's Parliament has passed the 2025 Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, a highly controversial law that would allow civilians to be tried in military courts—defying a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that deemed such trials unconstitutional. If signed by President Yoweri Museveni, the bill would authorize military courts to prosecute civilians accused of crimes allegedly linked to military personnel or operations.

By Ndiho Media, Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration can revoke the legal status of over 500,000 migrants, striking down a federal judge’s block on ending the Biden-era humanitarian parole program. The decision immediately puts migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela at risk of deportation. The program protected people fleeing political and economic turmoil in their home countries.

By Ndiho Media Former President Joseph Kabila has begun holding consultations with residents and civic leaders in the eastern Congolese city of Goma — a stronghold now under the control of the M23 rebel group. His visit comes days after the Congolese Senate voted to strip him of legal immunity, clearing the way for possible prosecution on charges of treason and war crimes.

By Ndiho MediaGhana’s abrupt decision to shut down its embassy in Washington, D.C., has left dozens of citizens stranded, many of whom traveled from across the U.S. to pick up passports and visas. A reporter from Ndiho Media spoke to frustrated applicants gathered outside the embassy, which was locked. “I flew in from Michigan, only to find the place shut down with no explanation,” said Derrick.

By Ndiho Media Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire—Exciting developments emerged earlier this month at the AmCham Business Summit, where U.S. tech firm Cybastion and its American partners unveiled over $500 million in new agreements across Africa. The move was recognized by the U.S. Embassy as part of a larger initiative to enhance trade and innovation on the continent. These agreements encompass a range of sectors, including digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and workforce development.

By Ndiho Media Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila has resurfaced with a scathing attack on President Félix Tshisekedi's government just days after losing his immunity from prosecution. In a 45-minute YouTube speech — now deleted but widely reshared — Kabila labeled the current regime a "dictatorship" and accused it of weaponizing the justice system for political revenge. Authorities are preparing treason and war crimes charges against him, alleging ties to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels occupying parts of eastern Congo.

n a significant meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed land reform and the safety of white farmers in South Africa, shortly after 49 white South Africans were granted refugee status in the U.S. Afrikaner activist Ernst Roets supported the dialogue, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by South Africa. Reactions in South Africa were mixed; some citizens praised the conversation as addressing pressing issues, while others warned it oversimplified complex national matters.

By Ndiho Media Uganda's Parliament has passed a controversial bill giving military courts the power to try civilians, openly defying a Supreme Court ruling that banned the practice just months ago. Opposition lawmakers and legal experts say the move violates Article 92 of the Constitution and undermines judicial independence. The law allows civilians to be court-martialed if their alleged offenses are linked to military operations and requires military judges to be legally trained.

By Ndiho Media It's been five months since President John Dramani Mahama returned to power, and already, his administration is making waves. One of the first high-profile shakeups was the suspension of Ghana's Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo. The move triggered a constitutional process under Article 146 based on petitions filed by three individuals. The president forwarded the petitions to the Council of State, requested a preliminary response from the Chief Justice, and, after establishing a prima facie case, formed a five-member committee to investigate.

By Different Perspectives Former Gabonese president Ali Bongo has officially left the country. Alongside his wife Sylvia and son Noureddin, Bongo flew to Angola late Thursday night, ending nearly a year of post-coup uncertainty. Their departure follows rising pressure from the African Union, which had suspended Gabon after the August 2023 military takeover. While Ali Bongo had been under house arrest, Sylvia and Noureddin faced embezzlement and money laundering charges—and were allegedly tortured in custody, a claim denied by Gabon's transitional government.

By Ndiho MediaA 5% remittance tax suggested by Republicans in the House is cause for alarm among immigrant families, remittance companies, and international finance professionals. The legislation, part of a more comprehensive Republican package tied to President Trump's policies, is aimed explicitly at green card holders and temporary visa workers, not U.S. citizens. Supporters contend that it will dissuade illegal immigration and bring added federal revenue.

By Ndiho Media In a stunning legal twist, a U.S. court has reduced a $ 18 million defamation award to Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas to just $500. The original verdict, handed down in March, found former Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong guilty of defamation for calling Anas a "criminal" and linking him to the murder of journalist Ahmed Suale during a podcast recorded in New Jersey.

By Ndiho Media On January 24, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act into law. The measure allows land to be reclaimed without compensation in specific cases and aims to correct historic land dispossession rooted in colonialism and apartheid. Shortly after, 49 white South Africans—Afrikaners—arrived in the United States under a special refugee program. The U.S. government stated that the individuals were fleeing conditions linked to racial tension and land reform in South Africa.

Ndiho Media | May 11, 2025 A group of 49 white South Africans arrived in the United States today as part of a controversial refugee program launched during former President Donald Trump's administration. The arrivals mark the first wave of Afrikaners—descendants of Dutch settlers—granted asylum status under an executive order signed in February, which cited "racial discrimination" against the group in post-apartheid South Africa.

More than three years since it began, Sudan’s brutal civil war shows no signs of slowing down. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remain locked in deadly combat, while civilians pay the highest price. Renewed fighting in North Darfur has forced even more families to flee. Over 12 million people are now displaced, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophes.

In April, Burkina Faso announced a groundbreaking policy to provide free education from primary school through university, spearheaded by President Ibrahim Traoré. This initiative also includes complimentary textbooks for primary students. The new policy marks a significant stride towards realizing the vision of free education and removing financial barriers for young learners. Advocates believe this shift will empower youth and open personal and professional development doors.

By Ndiho Media Today, 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel to begin the sacred process of electing the next pope. After chanting ancient hymns, the doors closed with "Extra omnes." From here, it's prayer, reflection, and secret ballots. White smoke = New pope. Black smoke = Not yet. The top contenders are Vatican insider Pietro Parolin, Africa's Fridolin Ambongo, Asia's Luis Tagle, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who could be the first Italian pope in decades. It may take a few rounds. The world is watching.

By Ndiho Media It's been five months since President John Dramani Mahama returned to power as Ghana's 14th president, and the momentum is undeniable. As part of his ambitious "First 120 Days Social Contract with the People of Ghana," Mahama pledged to kickstart 26 key initiatives during the first four months of his new administration. Seven major promises have already been fulfilled, signaling a busy start and a determined effort to rebuild trust in leadership and deliver results where it matters most.

By Ndiho Media Last week marked a historic change in Gabon. Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in as president, ending 55 years of Bongo family rule. His inauguration, attended by more than 20 African leaders, symbolized the conclusion of a 19-month military transition. Nguema, a former general and cousin of ousted president Ali Bongo, achieved an impressive 95% victory in last month’s election, significantly defeating former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who received just 3% of the vote.

Changes within USAID and their far-reaching implications for Africa. The current administration's reduction in aid, particularly to crucial health programs like HIV medication, poses a serious threat to the continent's well-being.However, this moment presents a unique opportunity for African nations to seize control of their economic futures and pursue self-reliance. Massad Boulos recognizes Africa's value despite these obstacles as the senior advisor for Africa. Sir Leonard Anyogo, a constitutional lawyer and political analyst based in Abuja, Nigeria, joins me in providing further insight.

By Ndiho Media Ethiopian Airlines is again making history—not just in the skies, but on the ground. On May 3, 2025, the airline's prestigious Aviation University celebrated the graduation of 974 aviation professionals, marking a significant milestone in African aviation. The ceremony in Addis Ababa brought together airline executives, ambassadors, dignitaries, and proud families to honor the new class of pilots, technicians, cabin crew, marketers, and hospitality specialists.

Today, on Different Perspectives, we discuss the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Congo, where the M23 rebel group captured Goma and Bukavu. Since the offensive began, more than 7,000 people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. The international community has urged Rwanda to end its support for the rebels and withdraw its troops, a claim Rwanda denies.

By Paul Ndiho We’ve lost a legend. Dr. Shaka Ssali wasn’t just a journalist—he was a voice of reason, a champion of truth, and a fearless advocate for democracy and press freedom in Africa. From his humble roots in Kabale, Uganda, to becoming the host of Straight Talk Africa on Voice of America, Shaka inspired generations. He gave a platform to the voiceless, held leaders accountable, and reminded us that the African story deserves to be told by Africans.

The past few days have been harsh. Many of my colleagues at Voice of America, including myself, have been placed on administrative leave or given termination notices due to recent executive orders. I want to thank everyone who reached out to check on me—it truly means a lot. After nearly 20 incredible years at VOA, my journey there has ended. It's been an honor telling stories that matter, and I'm deeply grateful to my colleagues, producers, and the fantastic audience that welcomed me into their homes.

A World Bank report reveals that women represent less than a third of the global tech workforce and are often in the minority at major tech companies. Analysts believe empowering women in Africa's tech sector can significantly benefit their communities, as women are equally capable of leading technological advancements. The gender gap in STEM is particularly troubling in Africa, with women…

Tensions have risen sharply after the arrest of several senior officials from the opposition group SPLM-IO by security forces. A fragile power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar is threatened due to conflicts among their allied troops in Upper Nile State. South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, ended a five-year civil war in 2018 with a power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar.

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed his administration initiated the most extensive border and immigration crackdown in history during a speech to Congress. He stated that 21 million immigrants entered the U.S. illegally during Biden's presidency, labeling many as dangerous criminals. According to U.S. Border Patrol statistics, around 7 million migrants were arrested for illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border during that time, including repeat offenders. VOA's Paul Ndiho spoke with Chinwe Esimai, President and CEO of Scepter 3 Global Advisors, about President Trump's immigration policy shift

Calm is returning to Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after M23 fighters entered the city and two deadly explosions. The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement, which has expanded its territory since January, has ordered schools to resume operations after a brief suspension following their takeover. Rwanda denies supporting the M23 rebellion.For an update, VOA's Paul Ndiho Spoke with Fabien Mweze, secretary general of the Center of Political and Strategic Studies, based in Bukavu.

In Ghana, where secondhand clothes are donated to charities worldwide, they often end up in landfills. Two brothers have taken a different approach - giving these secondhand clothes a new life cycle. They are making their mark in the fashion industry. What started as a hobby has now taken them places.Boie and Bill fashion label, founded by brothers Ellisha "Boie" and Calvin "Bill," showcased their unique approach to fashion; they are making a name for themselves in Ghana's fashion scene. Earlier, I spoke to Ellisha about the duo's unique designs using simple technology and recycled materials, who is currently in Helsinki, Finland.

Twapalwa Kangwa, a 23-year-old from Zambia, is an inspiring young woman studying media and journalism at the University of Zambia. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot when she was just three years old, leading to multiple heart surgeries throughout her life. Most recently, she underwent significant surgery at AdventHealth in Florida. Her resilience and determination to overcome these ongoing health challenges are genuinely remarkable.

he Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives advanced President Donald Trump's tax cut and border security agenda earlier this week, significantly boosting his 2025 priorities. The budget resolution called for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years. For more information, VOA's Paul Ndiho is at Capitol Hill. Paul, What does this mean?

Africa can leverage its abundant natural resources to become a global hub for sustainable Bitcoin mining, with significant investments from Bitcoin companies across countries like Ethiopia, Malawi, Kenya, and Zambia.Bitcoin mining uses powerful computers to solve complex problems and consumes significant energy. Despite criticisms of its energy use, Africa has an opportunity to leverage renewable resources for economic growth and job creation, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable blockchain technology. Rober Luft, the CEO of Potential, a company that mines Bitcoin, is here in the studio to share more information.

During his first term as US president, Donald Trump had minimal engagement with Africa, but despite that, President Trump remains hugely popular on the continent and among the African Diaspora. Some African conservatives strongly advocate President Donald Trump's executive orders and suggest that these policies might be good for Africa in his second term. For more perspective, VOA's Paul Ndiho spoke with Chinwe Esimai, President and CEO of Scepter 3 Global Advisors, about why President Trump's policies resonate with the African Diaspora.

Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to pause prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign officials to enhance economic competitiveness. The order calls for revised enforcement guidelines for the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 and instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to halt enforcement until new guidance is issued. This move has raised concerns about the potential encouragement of global corruption.

Earlier this month, the Central African Republic launched a cryptocurrency meme, which initially experienced a surge in value before crashing. This is just one of the most recent examples of the rising interest in cryptocurrency investments across the continent. According to Statista, the number of cryptocurrency users in Africa is expected to reach nearly 54 million by 2025. But what exactly is cryptocurrency?

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) highlights that corruption remains a critical issue worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa again scored the lowest average at 33 out of 100—90 percent of countries in the region scored below 50. However, some nations have made remarkable progress through anti-corruption efforts. The highest scorers include Seychelles, 72; Cabo Verde, 62; Botswana and Rwanda, 57. Conversely, the lowest scorers are Equatorial Guinea, 13; Eritrea, 13; Somalia, 9; and South Sudan, 8. 

From securing a multimillion-dollar contract with one of the world's leading retailers, Walmart, to supplying Unity Girl Dolls and selling the African-themed toys on Amazon's online store, Lagos—Nigeria-based Auldon Toys, a leading manufacturer of Unity Girl Dolls, has done it again. Auldon Toy has expansion plans for the retail toy space. Auldon Toys is expanding into the retail toy market with a multi-million-dollar complex that aims to transform how children and families shop for toys in Nigeria and beyond. The company plans to create a fun atmosphere for kids to enjoy their shopping experience. I earlier spoke with Auldon CEO Paul Orajiaka.

The Democratic Republic of Congo government has urged Rwanda to cease its alleged support for the M23 rebel group. Rwanda denies any links. The M23 has made significant territorial gains, including the capture of Goma in January and Bukavu, where residents welcomed them over the weekend. The DRC government confirmed the rebels have "occupied" this second major city in the eastern mineral-rich region.For an update, VOA's Paul Ndiho Spoke with Fabien Mweze, secretary general of the Center of Political and Strategic Studies, based in Bukavu.

The South African government remains resolute after the Trump administration threatened to cut funding over a new land reform act to address racial disparities in land ownership. Despite three decades since apartheid, most farmland is still owned by white people. The government faces pressure to implement reforms, though critics argue they should proceed cautiously. For more perspective on the Land Land Reform Act, VOA's Paul Ndiho spoke with Ricky Mukonza, a political analyst and professor at Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa.  

U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would "cut off all aid to South Africa until further notice" due to the country's land reform policy. This decision follows an executive order to reduce U.S. financial assistance linked to South Africa's land policy and its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. In response, South Africa's foreign ministry criticized the order for its inaccuracies and its failure to recognize the nation's colonial and apartheid history. VOA's Paul Ndiho spoke with political commentator Dr. Maropeng Mpya in Johannesburg about the impact on U.S.-South Africa relations.

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.

Government leaders and technology company heads gathered at the AI Action Summit in Paris, France, to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and explore the use of Big Data. Leaders called for rules and international governance so people could trust the new technology. Heads of state and technology executives convened in Paris to discuss safely embracing artificial intelligence amid mounting resistance to heavy-handed red tape that businesses say stifles innovation.

Many humanitarian workers worldwide have faced layoffs due to President Trump's closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary source of humanitarian assistance. Tanzania, a rapidly growing economy in Africa with an annual GDP growth rate of nearly 7 percent, is one of the countries significantly affected by this change.USAID initiatives in Tanzania focused on empowering women and youth and tackling health issues like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, family planning, and nutrition.

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.

On January 20th, after U.S. President Donald Trump's return to the White House, his cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, surged 73% to a market value of about $9.2 billion. Melania Trump also launched her meme coin. However, cryptocurrency prices fell earlier this week, with Bitcoin reaching a three-week low.Concerns over a global trade war drove the decline. President Trump initially imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports and 10% on Chinese goods but later reversed his decision. To learn more about cryptocurrencies, I'm joined live by Mussie Haile, CEO and founder of Moya Technologies Inc. in Fairfax, Virginia.

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.

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.

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.

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.