Africans League

A vaccine against HIV will be trialed in South Africa later this year after meeting the criteria needed to prove it could help fight the epidemic in Africa. In 2015, 2.1 million new infections were reported -- two-thirds of which occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. A small trial, known as HVTN100, took place in South Africa in 2015 to test the safety and strength of immunity the vaccine could provide, ahead of any larger-scale testing in affected populations. Are we on the road to an HIV vaccine? Are we on the road to an HIV vaccine? Two-hundred and fifty-two healthy volunteers were enrolled to receive either the vaccine, known as ALVAC-HIV/gp120, or a placebo to compare the extent of immune response generated. The results were presented Tuesday at the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa. "This was precautionary to see if the vaccine looks promising," said Linda Gail Bekker, deputy director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, and pre...

They were taken from their homes, workplaces and places of worship, placed in unmarked cars or vehicles linked to security services and never seen again. In the midst Kenya's counterterrorism operations to eliminate the threat of the al Qaeda-linked terror group Al-Shabaab, the country's security services have been behind at least 34 enforced disappearances of terror suspects, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) released Wednesday. In another 11 cases, investigators found remains of people who were last seen in the custody of security agents, their bodies found often miles from where they had been arrested. Witnesses interviewed in the report said those who were behind the operations often carried military or police identification, drove cars with government insignia, and in many cases drove those who were arrested to military bases and police stations. This has lead witnesses and the rights group to believe security forces were behind the disappearances. Disapp...

The first commercial planes in Africa to use biofuels carried 300 passengers between Johannesburg and Cape Town on July 15. The Boeing jets, operated by South African Airways (SAA), were partly powered by nicotine-free, high-energy "Solaris" tobacco plants cultivated by farmers in Limpopo Province. The flights represent a major step forward for "Project Solaris," a partnership between biochemists Sunchem SA, fuel specialists SkyNRG, SAA, and Boeing, which launched in 2014 with the aim of delivering "local, sustainable jet fuel production" at large scale. "This is very significant as it proves we can use this biofuel," says Ian Cruickshank, SAA Group Environmental Affairs Specialist. "It shows the industry is really changing. Four or five years ago biofuel was seen as futuristic, and today it's here." New industry Cruikshank says the flights will build confidence among investors, including the South African government, which will...

One of Africa's veteran music stars has issued an apology after he was filmed appearing to kick a woman said to be one of his dancers. Congolese star Koffi Olomide called the incident a "moment of madness" and posted a statement to his Facebook page saying: "Once again I would like to apologize to my friends, brothers, sisters, fans and especially to the woman." He later appeared on a local television station in DR (Democratic Republic) Congo where he told a interviewer: "I deeply regret what happened. It was a moment of madness." Olomide has faced widespread condemnation and outrage since video of the incident which happened at Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International airport on Friday surfaced. Kenyans on Twitter, popularly known as #KOT, immediately called for the arrest and deportation of the singer.

Over the past decade, the rate of new HIV infections has increased in 74 countries, according to a new study presented Tuesday at the 21st International AIDS conference in Durban, South Africa. While the total number of new infections declined globally from 2005 to 2015, certain countries saw a rise in numbers of people becoming infected, calling for better targeting of prevention programs in order to end AIDS by 2030. The greatest increases in infections were seen in Pakistan, Panama, Qatar and Afghanistan, respectively, but countries across four continents were highlighted, including Russia and Mexico. "We must slow down the risk of new infections," said Haidong Wang, assistant professor of global health at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, who led the study. New HIV vaccine to be trialled in South Africa HIV vaccine trial gets go ahead in Africa at AIDS conference The rate at which infections have declined globally over the d...

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 605th meeting held on 13 June 2016, adopted the following decision on the situation in Darfur and the activities of the AU-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID): Council, 1. Takes note of the report of the Joint report of the Chairperson of the Commission and the Secretary General of the United Nations on the situation in Darfur and the activities of UNAMID PSC/PR/2.(DCV), as well as of the introductory remarks made by Ambassador Smaïl Chergui, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, and the briefing provided by Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo, Acting Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator (JSR/JCM) for UNAMID. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representatives of the Government of Sudan, and Ethiopia, Chair of IGAD, as well as the United Nations; 2. Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the situation in Darfur, including communiqués PSC/PR/COMM.(CDXXV) and...

The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, expresses deep concern over reports of border clashes between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Tsorena border area. The Chairperson calls on the two countries to exercise utmost restraint and to refrain from any statement and action likely to aggravate the situation and further endanger regional stability. She underlines that the two countries can resolve their differences and lay the foundation for lasting peace between them only through the recourse of peaceful means. She notes with regret that 16 years after the signing, under the AU auspices, of the Algiers Peace Agreement, the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains stalled. In this respect, and in line with the relevant pronouncements made by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government over the past years, she reiterates the AU's readiness to assist the parties address the challenges at hand and normalize their relations. -...

The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smaïl Chergui, met with the AU Facilitator in the Congolese National Dialogue, former Prime Minister of Togo, Mr Edem Kodjo, together with the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, Ambassador Said Djinnit, and the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Maman Sidikou, to exchange views on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The meeting took place within the context of UN Resolution 2277(2016) and the AU – UN strategic partnership. The discussions centred on how to assist the Congolese stakeholders in their national dialogue through the strengthening of the Facilitation. In this respect, they exchanged views on how to step up their engagements with the various Congolese actors so that the Dialogue can begin in...

A crack down on illegal fishing by foreign commercial fleets operating in western Africa and investment in the region’s maritime industry could lead to major benefits, including more than 300,000 new jobs, according to a new report from the Overseas Development Institute and porCausa, the Spanish investigative journalism organisation. The report, ‘Western Africa’s missing fish’, says weak regulation among governments in the region and a lack of deterrence measures, including coastguard patrols, mean that efforts to curb the plunder of the region’s rich maritime resources are likely to fail. A Sierra Leonean fisherman interviewed for the report illustrated the scale of the problem. He said had his nets slashed by South Korean trawlers which regularly fish inside the five mile coastal zone reserved for artisanal fishers. However, Sierra Leone only had two coastguard boats to patrol its entire coastline in 2013. In the report, the authors analyse, for the first time, the activities of ...

Growing up in Ghana, I learned how harsh the harmattan can be. The dry, dusty wind from the Sahara sweeps across West Africa from November to March. It brings dust storms that damage airways, eyes and skin, and sudden cold spells that can jeopardise vulnerable people. Now climate change threatens to magnify its threat, as the harmattan becomes more severe and less predictable, and carries more dust. The evolving threat of the harmattan is a stark example of how we need to collaborate to protect public health from the effects of climate change. In the case of the harmattan, we need to make sure that accurate weather forecasts travel the “last mile” to reach people in the wind’s path so they can take shelter. The overall threat that climate change poses to human health is huge. The 2015 Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change was unequivocal: “Climate change has the potential to undermine the last 50 years of progress in public health and development.” Climate change will magn...

By Peter Fabricius on July 19, 2016 — For 30 years, Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have been spreading appalling terror in northern Uganda, eastern Central African Republic (CAR), western South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Is it possible they will rise again to cause more destruction? Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) (Photo: Insititute of Security Studies) Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) (Photo: Insititute of Security Studies) By modest estimates, the LRA has killed 100 000 people, displaced about two million, and raped, mutilated or abducted countless others. This includes many children, who have been forced to become soldiers or sex slaves for LRA fighters. It’s barbaric methods include dismembering its victims and slashing off noses, lips, ears and limbs. Yet Kony – a self-styled Christian mystic, though in reality a homicidal psychopath – has somehow eluded death or capture...

By Charles Mafa on July 19, 2016 — Zambia held elections last year to replace Michael Sata, who died near the end of his first term as president. The polls were narrowly won by Edgar Lungu, who is set to face Hakainde Hichilema, his old foe, again in August, in what many see as a two-horse race. File: United Party for National Development Presidential candidate, Hakainde Hichilema (L), casting his vote at a polling station in Lusaka, Zambia, 20 January 2015 Photo :ANP/EPA/Jacoline Schoonees / Gcis. Zambian President Edgar Lungu (R) addresses supporters on May 21, 2016 at the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka as he launches his re-election campaign ahead of polling day on August 11. Photo: ANP/ AFP Salim Dawood File: United Party for National Development Presidential candidate, Hakainde Hichilema (L), casting his vote at a polling station in Lusaka, Zambia, 20 January 2015 Photo :ANP/EPA/Jacoline Schoonees / Gcis. Zambian President Edgar Lungu (R) addresses supporters on May 21, 2016 at the ...

The Island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe just had peaceful elections in which the incumbent President Manuel Pinto da Costa lost to former Prime Minister Evaristo Carvalho. The election and its peaceful conclusion didn’t receive much coverage in the press. Some online are saying it’s because the media isn’t interested in an election happening in an African country if it goes down without incident. Other’s disagree, saying peaceful elections should be the norm in Africa and not a reason to celebrate. With a little help from popular US comedian Chris Rock, let’s get into it. New man in charge: Evaristo Carvalho addresses supporters during the campaign. (Photo: Video still via YouTube) New man in charge: Evaristo Carvalho addresses supporters during the campaign. (Photo: Video still via YouTube) 7 So this happened Photo published for Sao Tome and Principe president loses election to former PM Evaristo Carvalho The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, the tiny island nation j...

The female breasts are very conspicuous parts of the female sexual features. Because they have served as the most attractive parts of the woman, many men have always craved for them but the question is on how cool it is to allow men suck the female breasts. The female breasts, also known as “the twins” or “the girls”, have remained the most conspicuous and attractive feature of the female sexual organ. Perhaps, its strategic positioning and function adds to its importance in the life of a woman. Besides the age long biological function of the breasts as a source of food and nourishment for babies, the bre ast is also a major source of sexual attraction for the male specie, just as it is also a key sexual organ for the woman, highly sensitive to stimulation. The fact that they come in various shapes and sizes, further add to their uniqueness and endearing place in our hearts as humans. As a sexual organ, the breasts have been known to give immense pleasure t...

A –  ACCEPT Accept others for who they are and for the choices they’ve made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions. B – BREAK AWAY Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life. C –  CREATE Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with. D – DECIDE  Decide that you’ll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way. E – EXPLORE Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you’ll learn more about yourself. F – FORGIVE Forgive Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes. G – GROW  Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way. H – HOPE Ho...

Good manners means “practice of doing well’ practice of behaving decently’ having sensibility to act like a decent”. First, we must understand the meaning of “manners”; manner is the way of doing something, the way to perform some action, and the way to behave in specific conditions. Good manners are thus the proper and decent ways to perform some action or to behave well in specific conditions. Having good manners and behaving well is more than important in our routine life. Good manners and well behavior makes a man valuable and respectable. Good manners are not only to talk politely or sufficiently; but the whole meaning of good manner counts many things. The way to eat and drink, the behavior while traveling, the way of sitting in front of elders, the accent of talking to young ones, the performance during lectures, the way of sitting in a meeting, the behavior during some gatherings, and many more. So, it comes to our knowledge that good manners are not only the ways of ta...

Why most States can't pay salaries of workers and the many ills of our economy. THIS IS ASSESSMENT ON AN INSTITUTION WITH ALL POLITICAL PARTIES.  SO NOT A DISCUSSION ON ANY POLITICAL PARTY. 21 senators currently receiving pensions from government as ex-governors and deputy governors. The current senators who once served as governors are Bukola Saraki of Kwara, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano, Kabiru Gaya of Kano, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Theodore Orji of Abia, Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa, Sam Egwu of Ebonyi, Shaaba Lafiagi of Kwara, Joshua Dariye of Plateau Jonah Jang of Plateau, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto, Ahmed Sani Yarima of Zamfara, Danjuma Goje of Gombe, Bukar Abba Ibrahim of Yobe, Adamu Aliero of Kebbi, George Akume of Benue and Isiaka Adeleke of Osun. The  former deputy governors in the Senate are Ms Biodun Olujimi of Ekiti and Enyinaya Harcourt Abaribe of Abia. Danladi Abubakar Sani served as the acting governor of Taraba state. Many former governor...

*The three things that defines a man and where we are at fault in Africa !* Before I proceed, I'll like to tell you I really want to be *MAD* in Africa . A man is the most complicated thing created by God, even the wildest of animals knows this. Hence defining the things that makes a man will be nothing short of complicated. But being a man also - a part of the complicated gem, it isn't easy but you can from yourself and others around suggest the few things that has, that is and that will be defining who a man is. Though that wouldn't answer the question *"who are you?"*. The most difficult question for any man that his eyes and minds function beyond recognizing black from white. But at least, it will answer the question of what made you to be who you are. The first thing that defines you as a man is your birth. Not birth location nor method this time around, but those who orchestrated your birth; your parents. Forget financial prowess that flows from parents...

– The new survey was published on the performance of President Buhari – The respondents from different social groups were given questions about main issues in Nigeria like security, fight against corruption, economy – President Buhari received 84% of support on the fight against corruption – The highest number of citizens who support the incumbent leader are living in his home zone – The new security challenges that appeared in the country under Buhari are casting doubts on the ability to secure the entire federation Buharimeter, the initiative that monitoring and holding how President Muhammadu Buhari is implementing his promises, has provided a new survey on the performance of the incumbent government. In a statement signed by Idayat Hassan, director of Center For Democracy and Development (CDD), said that astonishing number of Nigerians now support President Buhari, Sahara Reporters says. The Buharimeter nationwide survey of citizens has found that 84% of N...

I soo love this piece cos it makes godly sense!        A professor was teaching about Proverbs 15:1. He asked his students, why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?    The students thought for awhile. One said,because we lose our calm. But the professor asked again,why shout when the other person is just next to you? Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you are angry? The students gave some answers but none satisfied the professor.   Finally,he explained, "when two people are angry at each other, there is a distance in their heart psychologically. To cover the distance,they must shout to be able to hear each other The angrier they are,the stronger they will shout to hear each other through that great distance.      Then the professor asked,'' what happens when two people fall in love?  They dont shout at each o...

SAVE THE VAGINA NOW!!! To maintain a healthy vagina you must know what to do to avoid infection and it is equally important to educate your sexual partner on some of them to also help you help the vagina. Here are some few things you can do or avoid. 1. Fingering During foreplay or romance, as part of it some people insert their finger or fingers into the vagina. The question is, how many people wash their hands before sexual intercourse? Some people do not even keep their nails clean so it gathers a lot of germs and during the fingering, these germs are deposited in the vagina...leading to infection. Same thing apply to autopleasure acts or masturbation. 2. Anal sex I am not here to tell anybody to have anal sex or not to but I simply want to draw the attention of those who engage in anal sex with the opposite sex that it is dangerous to have anal sex and continue having penovaginal sex. If this is done, the penis will pick bacteria from the anus and deliver them to the vagina e...

When the lion is crippled, the hare goes to his house for debt recovery ~ Mozambican proverb. Good evening  Africa. https://t.co/ByObtupKmy