Over the weekend, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) officially ceased operations on Sunday, after the UN Security Council failed to renew its mandate.

The collapse of negotiations followed a Russian veto of a US-backed resolution and the rejection of a rival Russian proposal to extend the mission. Established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and facilitate an independence referendum, MINURSO is now entering a liquidation phase. South Africa has over the years reaffirmed its longstanding support for the Saharawi people's right to self-determination and the decolonisation of Western Sahara, which Pretoria considers Africa's last remaining colony. 

Lulu Gaboo spoke to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Ministerial Spokesperson, Phindile Kunene.

Over the weekend, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) officially ceased operations on Sunday, after the UN Security Council failed to renew its mandate.
The collapse of negotiations followed a Russian veto of a US-backed resolution and the rejection of a rival Russian proposal to extend the mission. Established in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and facilitate an independence referendum, MINURSO is now entering a liquidation phase. South Africa has over the years reaffirmed its longstanding support for the Saharawi people's right to self-determination and the decolonisation of Western Sahara, which Pretoria considers Africa's last remaining colony.&nbsp;
Lulu Gaboo spoke to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Ministerial Spokesperson, Phindile Kunene.

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Fast-paced news and current affairs updates, dealing with topical issues &amp; breaking stories.

Africa Update

UN Mission in Western Sahara to cease operations

The United States (US) has announced plans to terminate Rwanda's eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), effective January first, 2027. Washington accuses Rwanda of violating AGOA's eligibility requirements, citing concerns over trade and investment barriers, the rule of law, political pluralism and human rights. It has also raised concerns about Rwanda's role in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This is not the first time Rwanda has faced AGOA restrictions. In 2018, the US suspended duty-free access for Rwandan apparel exports after Kigali restricted imported second-hand clothing.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Alloys Mutabingwa, a Senior Investment Attorney and Managing Partner at Aims Capital.

The United States (US) has announced plans to terminate Rwanda's eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), effective January first, 2027. Washington accuses Rwanda of violating AGOA's eligibility requirements, citing concerns over trade and investment barriers, the rule of law, political pluralism and human rights. It has also raised concerns about Rwanda's role in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This is not the first time Rwanda has faced AGOA restrictions. In 2018, the US suspended duty-free access for Rwandan apparel exports after Kigali restricted imported second-hand clothing.
Lulu Gaboo spoke to Alloys Mutabingwa, a Senior Investment Attorney and Managing Partner at Aims Capital.

US to terminate Rwanda AGOA eligibility in 2027

South Africans are heading to the polls tomorrow for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Advocate Sipho Mantula, a researcher at UNISA's Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, says many citizens view elections as the end of their political participation, when in reality, they should be seen as the beginning.

 Mantula argues that communities must remain actively involved in monitoring local government, holding elected representatives accountable and ensuring that public resources are used to improve people's lives.

He warns that when the social contract is undermined by corruption, incompetence, patronage and neglect, democratic and state institutions become weakened, creating an environment where what he describes as tsotsistocracy takes hold. 

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Advocate Sipho Mantula, a researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at Unisa and a member of the Unisa Domestic Election Observer Mission.

South Africans are heading to the polls tomorrow for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Advocate Sipho Mantula, a researcher at UNISA's Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, says many citizens view elections as the end of their political participation, when in reality, they should be seen as the beginning.
&nbsp;Mantula argues that communities must remain actively involved in monitoring local government, holding elected representatives accountable and ensuring that public resources are used to improve people's lives.
He warns that when the social contract is undermined by corruption, incompetence, patronage and neglect, democratic and state institutions become weakened, creating an environment where what he describes as tsotsistocracy takes hold.&nbsp;
Lulu Gaboo spoke to Advocate Sipho Mantula, a researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at Unisa and a member of the Unisa Domestic Election Observer Mission.

 Mantula calls for greater community participation beyond  Local Government Elections

As South Africa (SA) prepares for what could be one of the most contentious Local Government Elections ever, key questions surround declining voter turnout, rising political fragmentation and the growing dominance of coalition governance.

With major battleground municipalities at stake and smaller parties positioned as potential kingmakers, the upcoming vote could fundamentally reshape the country's local political landscape. Special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections got underway across the country this Monday. 

Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

As South Africa (SA) prepares for what could be one of the most contentious Local Government Elections ever, key questions surround declining voter turnout, rising political fragmentation and the growing dominance of coalition governance.
With major battleground municipalities at stake and smaller parties positioned as potential kingmakers, the upcoming vote could fundamentally reshape the country's local political landscape. Special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections got underway across the country this Monday.&nbsp;
Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

UN Mission in Western Sahara to cease operations

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