Kenya experienced its worst mass suicide incident in the southeast of the country, with over a hundred confirmed deaths, including children, at the New Life Prayer Centre and Church. Led by Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the church captivated followers from all over Kenya with his apocalyptic narratives and controversial teachings. Autopsies revealed that most victims had starved to death at his urging to “meet Jesus” in the afterlife, while others, including children, had been strangled or suffocated.
South Africa is facing a crucial decision regarding the R350 Social Relief Grant. The Second BRICS Working Group Meeting, held in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, discussed the proposal to replace the grant with a Basic Income Grant (BIG). The urgency of implementing social protection measures was highlighted by Dr. Joni Musabayana, Director for Decent Work for Southern and Eastern Africa at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). With the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and the potential for future crises, integrating social protection measures has become vital.
Ten years ago, on February 24, 2013, the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region was signed, with the aim of bringing peace, security, stability, and development to the region. However, a decade later, the situation remains far from the goals the Framework set out to achieve.
