Chinese National Jailed for Smuggling over 2,000 Rare Ants Out of Kenya
In a bizarre wildlife smuggling case, Chinese national Zhang Kequn has been sentenced to one year in prison for attempting to transport thousands of live queen garden ants from Kenya to China. The incident unfolded at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where authorities discovered more than 2,000 ants concealed in Zhang’s luggage as he prepared to board a flight to China.
Zhang initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea as evidence mounted against him. Kenyan officials highlighted the rising demand for these rare ants in Europe and Asia, where collectors prize them for their uniqueness. Each queen garden ant can fetch up to $220 on the black market, making them a lucrative target for smugglers.
After completing his prison term, Zhang faces deportation to China. His lawyer has confirmed plans to appeal the sentence within the 14-day window allowed by Kenyan law. This case underscores the ongoing challenges authorities face in curbing the illegal wildlife trade, which continues to threaten biodiversity across Africa.
Nigeria Drops Terrorism Charges Against Ex-Justice Minister in Revised Case
In a significant legal development, Nigerian authorities have withdrawn terrorism financing charges against former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz. Malami, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, now faces a single charge of illegal possession of firearms.
The amended charge sheet alleges that law enforcement recovered firearms and live ammunition from Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi, a town in northwestern Nigeria. Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty during a recent court hearing, with the trial adjourned until May 26.
Malami is also embroiled in a separate money laundering case involving his wife and son. The legal proceedings have drawn widespread attention, raising questions about accountability and the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.
Africa’s Measles Fight: Progress Made, But Challenges Remain, Says WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have reported that measles vaccinations have saved nearly 20 million lives in Africa since 2000. Over 500 million children have been protected through routine immunization programs, marking significant progress in combating vaccine-preventable diseases.
However, Africa remains off track to meet the 90% immunization coverage target outlined in the 2030 Immunisation Agenda. Despite 44 countries introducing a second dose of measles-containing vaccines into their routine programs, coverage remains uneven, leaving many children unprotected.
The WHO and Gavi are calling for sustained investment and political commitment to bridge these gaps. Ensuring universal access to vaccines is crucial to safeguarding future generations and preventing avoidable outbreaks.
Zimbabwean Diaspora to Protest Mnangagwa’s Extended Rule Bid in London
Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom are gearing up to protest President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which aims to extend his rule until 2030 without a referendum. The demonstration, organized by the Citizens Protest Movement, will take place at Zimbabwe House in London on Independence Day.
The bill has sparked controversy both domestically and abroad, with critics accusing Mnangagwa of undermining democracy by bypassing public approval. The protest also highlights the growing divisions within Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu PF party, with some members advocating for constitutional adherence and others supporting the extension.
The diaspora vote has become a focal point of the movement, with Zimbabweans abroad demanding their voices be heard in shaping the country’s future.
Sudan’s Civil War: UN Calls It the World’s Worst Crisis for Women and Girls
The United Nations has described Sudan’s ongoing civil war as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis for women and girls. Now in its fourth year, the conflict has seen widespread use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, particularly by paramilitary groups like the Rapid Support Forces.
Survivors and witnesses have recounted harrowing accounts of brutality, displacement, and family separations in regions such as Nyala and El-Fasher. The UN has called for urgent international intervention to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.
The crisis underscores the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on vulnerable populations, with millions of women and girls facing unimaginable suffering.
— Reported by Nexio News
