Made of out clay, laterite, & other local building materials, here’s the Opera Village in Africa. The village was designed by Burkina Faso-born architect Francis Kere. The village was built on 20 hectares of granite plateau. The Opera village is shaped like a spiral. The village has 26 buildings including workshops, health center, guest houses & a school.

Inside ‘Opera Village’ in Africa’s Burkina Faso

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, and sanctions by the West on Russia, prices of many commodities are surging globally. Now, African nations are feeling the impact of the conflict.

Ukraine crisis impacts African nations as it reports spike in oil, grain prices

Thirty-four countries, including India, have confirmed their presence at the Commonwealth Summit that will take place in Rwanda later this year.

The CHOGM or Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has been scheduled to start in the third week of June with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame being the host of the summit.

The Commonwealth is a group of 54 nations which were once part of the British Empire and are connected to each other on the historic ties.

Rwanda's High Commissioner to India Mukangira Jacqueline earlier this week said, “The commonwealth family gives an opportunity to Rwanda to share its knowledge and experience with other member states. CHOGM 2022 is a special occasion for Rwanda as host and incoming chair in the office.”

&nbsp;The key focus areas at the summit will be governance and rule of law, sustainability (economy and environment), health, technology &amp; innovation and youth.

CHOGM summit was due to take place in Rwanda's capital Kigali in June 2020 but has been postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the British High Commission’s celebration of the Commonwealth Day, the high commissioner highlighted, "Rwanda’s COVID-19 response has been swift and robust. Since the vaccination campaign started in late March 2021, over 95per cent of the adult population has been vaccinated in Kigali and 60 per cent across the country."

The official opening ceremony will be held on June 24 at the Kigali Convention Centre, followed by Heads of Governments Retreat is on the next day at Intare Conference Arena.

Welcome dinner is scheduled on June 26, which will be hosted by Rwanda President Paul Kagame and first lady Jeannette Kagame.

Work is on full swing for the summit. Preparatory meetings have taken place and a protocol guide was shared before the Liaison Committee Meeting that took place on February 22. &nbsp;There are three advance visits organised in March, both physically and virtually.

The last summit of the Commonwealth took place in London in 2018, in which PM Modi had participated. That was the first time that an Indian PM attended such a summit.

Prince Charles had personally visited India to extend an invite to PM Modi for the summit that year. There is no confirmation of PM's participation at the summit this year, but there is an indication that Indian participation could be at a different level.

The UK will be represented by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. For the UK, the group is important in a post-Brexit world, while for India it is the platform to reach out to Africa.

Around 19 members of the group are from African countries.&nbsp;Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009 and will be hosting the summit first time.

High Commissioner Jacqueline said, “Although the youngest member of the family, Rwanda’s accession to the Commonwealth in 2009 was an indicator of the appreciation of the progress that Rwanda has made and strides it continues to make towards meeting its development goals, in line with the objectives set out in the Charter of the Commonwealth."

Thirty-four countries, including India, have confirmed their presence at the Commonwealth Summit that will take place in Rwanda later this year. The CHOGM or Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has been scheduled to start in the third week of June with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame being the host of the summit.

Thirty-four countries, including India, have confirmed their presence at the Commonwealth Summit that will take place in Rwanda later this year. The CHOGM or Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has been scheduled to start in the third week of June with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame being the host of the summit. The Commonwealth is a group of 54 nations which were once part of the British Empire and are connected to each other on the historic ties. Rwanda's High Commissioner to India Mukangira Jacqueline earlier this week said, “The commonwealth family gives an opportunity to Rwanda to share its knowledge and experience with other member states. CHOGM 2022 is a special occasion for Rwanda as host and incoming chair in the office.” The key focus areas at the summit will be governance and rule of law, sustainability (economy and environment), health, technology & innovation and youth. CHOGM summit was due to take place in Rwanda's capital Kigali in June 2020 but has been postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the British High Commission’s celebration of the Commonwealth Day, the high commissioner highlighted, "Rwanda’s COVID-19 response has been swift and robust. Since the vaccination campaign started in late March 2021, over 95per cent of the adult population has been vaccinated in Kigali and 60 per cent across the country." The official opening ceremony will be held on June 24 at the Kigali Convention Centre, followed by Heads of Governments Retreat is on the next day at Intare Conference Arena. Welcome dinner is scheduled on June 26, which will be hosted by Rwanda President Paul Kagame and first lady Jeannette Kagame. Work is on full swing for the summit. Preparatory meetings have taken place and a protocol guide was shared before the Liaison Committee Meeting that took place on February 22. There are three advance visits organised in March, both physically and virtually. The last summit of the Commonwealth took place in London in 2018, in which PM Modi had participated. That was the first time that an Indian PM attended such a summit. Prince Charles had personally visited India to extend an invite to PM Modi for the summit that year. There is no confirmation of PM's participation at the summit this year, but there is an indication that Indian participation could be at a different level. The UK will be represented by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. For the UK, the group is important in a post-Brexit world, while for India it is the platform to reach out to Africa. Around 19 members of the group are from African countries. Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009 and will be hosting the summit first time. High Commissioner Jacqueline said, “Although the youngest member of the family, Rwanda’s accession to the Commonwealth in 2009 was an indicator of the appreciation of the progress that Rwanda has made and strides it continues to make towards meeting its development goals, in line with the objectives set out in the Charter of the Commonwealth."

34 countries, including India, confirm presence at Commonwealth Summit in Rwanda

The issue of animal poaching and trafficking is an ongoing challenge for Wildlife conservation. In the whole of Africa, cheetah smuggling has become rampant.

Cheetahs unsafe in the horn of Africa; Less than 7,000 cheetahs are alive in the wild | WION

Mountain Bongos are poached for their meat and are on the verge of extinction. Kenya wildlife conservancy has 56 Mountain Bongos.

Poached for their meat, mountain Bongos are on the verge of extinction

The number of Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 11,146,001 on Wednesday evening, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). 
 
The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union, said the overall death toll of the continent stands at 247,783. A total of 10,311,143 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease, so far.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-some-in-england-end-of-virus-rules-threatens-more-isolation-455797">&nbsp;For some in England, end of virus rules threatens more isolation</a>

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia are among the countries with the most cases in the continent, Xinhua news agency reported citing Africa CDC. 
 
South Africa has recorded the most Covid-19 cases in Africa with 3,662,032 cases, while the northern African country Morocco reported 1,159,584 as of Wednesday evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-transitioning-from-pandemic-will-have-to-manage-virus-who-452312">Africa transitioning from pandemic, will have to 'manage' virus: WHO</a> 
 
In terms of the caseload, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected in the continent, according to the CDC.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 11,146,001 on Wednesday evening, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union, said the overall death toll of the continent stands at 247,783.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 11,146,001 on Wednesday evening, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union, said the overall death toll of the continent stands at 247,783. A total of 10,311,143 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease, so far. Also read | For some in England, end of virus rules threatens more isolation South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia are among the countries with the most cases in the continent, Xinhua news agency reported citing Africa CDC. South Africa has recorded the most Covid-19 cases in Africa with 3,662,032 cases, while the northern African country Morocco reported 1,159,584 as of Wednesday evening. Also read | Africa transitioning from pandemic, will have to 'manage' virus: WHO In terms of the caseload, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected in the continent, according to the CDC.

Africa's Covid-19 cases pass 11.14 million

Benin bronzes are set to return to their home in Nigeria. Over 90% of African artefacts are in Europe and United States.

Benin bronzes return to Nigeria: Over 90% of African artefacts are in Europe & US

In Africa, the population of Elephants has drastically declined due to poaching. They are the main targets of the illegal ivory trade in the country. But now, the DNA in their tusks could map the trafficking network pointing towards the very criminal groups that poached them.

Africa: Researchers tracing tusk DNA of Elephants to reveal trafficking networks

Paris hosts an Africa summit ahead of expected Mali withdrawal. French President Emmanuel Macron has hosted several African leaders in Paris.

Paris hosts Africa summit ahead of expected Mali withdrawal

European Commission announces mega-investment plan in Africa to counter China and the region. European Union pledged 171 billion dollars investment in Africa as part of Europe's global gateway infrastructure initiative.

EU unveils 171-bn-dollar investment plan for Africa

Madagascar authorities said Wednesday that the death toll from Tropical Cyclone Batsirai rose to 92. The cyclone had hit the country on Saturday night on the sparsely populated and agricultural eastern coastal area.

Madagascar struggles as death toll from Cyclone Batsirai nears 100

The East African country of Uganda has relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. The government says strict curbs stemmed COVID spread.

The East African country of Uganda relaxes COVID-19 restrictions

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident.

Both sources told Reuters that the CODECO militia was responsible for the killings at about 0200 GMT at the Savo camp in Ituri province.

Ituri army spokesman Jules Ngongo confirmed the attack by CODECO and gave a provisional toll of about 20 dead.

Congolese troops came into contact with the militia Tuesday night but the assailants changed direction and got past them to reach the camp, he said.

CODECO is one of an array of militias operating in eastern Congo amid longstanding tensions over land and resources. Its fighters have killed hundreds of civilians in Ituri and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

In recent months it has targeted displacement camps, where some people had settled after fleeing other attacks by CODECO.

"I first heard cries when I was still in bed. Then several minutes of gunshots. I fled and I saw torches and people crying for help and I realized it was the CODECO militiamen who had invaded our site," said Lokana Bale Lussa, a camp resident.

"We have counted more than 60 dead and (more) seriously injured," he said. "We really need security because we can`t access our farms and now we`re pursued even in our camps."

Charite Banza Bavi, president of the humanitarian group for the Bahema-North area, put the death toll at 63.

"Initial reports indicate that as many as 59 civilians were killed and a further 40 injured," the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said in a statement. Two students at a school supported by the NRC were among the dead, it added, and the assailants had used both guns and machetes.

Before Wednesday, the NRC said, about 68 people had been killed in attacks on five different camps in the same area since November.

CODECO`s fighters are drawn mainly from the Lendu farming community, which has long been in conflict with Hema herders.

The Savo displacement site is home to 24,000 people, among 1.7 million displaced in Ituri province, the NRC said. At least 1,200 civilians were killed in Ituri province in 2021.

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident.

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident. Both sources told Reuters that the CODECO militia was responsible for the killings at about 0200 GMT at the Savo camp in Ituri province. Ituri army spokesman Jules Ngongo confirmed the attack by CODECO and gave a provisional toll of about 20 dead. Congolese troops came into contact with the militia Tuesday night but the assailants changed direction and got past them to reach the camp, he said. CODECO is one of an array of militias operating in eastern Congo amid longstanding tensions over land and resources. Its fighters have killed hundreds of civilians in Ituri and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. In recent months it has targeted displacement camps, where some people had settled after fleeing other attacks by CODECO. "I first heard cries when I was still in bed. Then several minutes of gunshots. I fled and I saw torches and people crying for help and I realized it was the CODECO militiamen who had invaded our site," said Lokana Bale Lussa, a camp resident. "We have counted more than 60 dead and (more) seriously injured," he said. "We really need security because we can`t access our farms and now we`re pursued even in our camps." Charite Banza Bavi, president of the humanitarian group for the Bahema-North area, put the death toll at 63. "Initial reports indicate that as many as 59 civilians were killed and a further 40 injured," the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said in a statement. Two students at a school supported by the NRC were among the dead, it added, and the assailants had used both guns and machetes. Before Wednesday, the NRC said, about 68 people had been killed in attacks on five different camps in the same area since November. CODECO`s fighters are drawn mainly from the Lendu farming community, which has long been in conflict with Hema herders. The Savo displacement site is home to 24,000 people, among 1.7 million displaced in Ituri province, the NRC said. At least 1,200 civilians were killed in Ituri province in 2021.

At least 60 people killed in militia attack in eastern DR Congo

One of the biggest challenges in any vaccine rollout is storing vaccines while they are in transit. What if the location of where the vaccines have to be shipped is off the power grid? Our next report gets you all the details.

Storing vaccine doses in areas that are off the grid

Five days after the military takeover in Burkina Faso, West Africa's main regional block, the ECOWAS has suspended Burkina Faso from its governing bodies.

ECOWAS suspends Burkina Faso from its governing bodies amid military takeover

First drought, now floods. Kenyans lose goats, sheep and livelihoods as climate change batters Africa. WION brings you this report.

Drought followed by floods in Kenya, citizens struggle to find food

The East African country of Uganda is planning to curb its borrowing and boost exports in sectors such as meat and dairy.

The East African country of Uganda is planning to curb its borrowing & boost exports

A different kind of geopolitics is unravelling in the African continent. The US, Russia and China are setting up military and naval bases to combat growing concerns.

The US ramps up defence technologies amid growing concerns with Russia & China

COVID-19 infections in South Africa are diminishing after the country saw a massive surge in cases during the fourth wave. According to UN, COVID cases and related deaths have reduced in multiple parts of Africa. The newly reported cases have fallen by almost 20 per cent.

Coronavirus cases lower in South Africa after period of massive surge in infections

After months of massive surge in COVID infection rates, mainly driven by the fast spreading Omicron variant, cases are now plummeting in Africa. According to UN, COVID cases have dropped in Africa and Coronavirus related deaths have also declined since the fourth wave of the virus reached its peak.

COVID cases plummet in Africa after fourth Coronavirus wave

How do we tackle global warming? Some say we could cool the earth by dimming the sun's rays. Scientists say any such experiment will take a toll on Africa, Asia. Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas: Group of scientists oppose dimming the sun's rays

India will dispatch an infantry battalion for the United Nation's peacekeeping operations in the oil rich Abyei region in Africa. It's an area which straddles northern and southern Sudan and is hotly contested by both. The Indian infantry group with around 570 soldiers will be deployed under the UN interim security force for Abyei, it is tasked with monitoring the volatile border between north and south Sudan.

India to dispatch an infantry battalion for UN's peacekeeping ops in Africa

Access to clean renewable energy in the coming decades will define how quickly nations around the world will be able to progress, and the African nation of Mauritania is putting in place the infrastructure for a green and sustainable future.

African nation of Mauritania is putting in place the infrastructure for a green, sustainable future

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is currently on a three-nation tour of Africa. China denies trapping Africa in debt.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is currently on a three-nation tour of Africa

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