Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa

1. Israel – DR Congo

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix Tshisekedi in Jerusalem this week, with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen economic and security relations between their countries.

Netanyahu welcomed Tshisekedi at the Prime Minister’s Office, describing him as a “good friend” of Israel.

Tshisekedi also met Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, accompanied by a senior Congolese delegation.

1. Guinea - Bissau

Guinea-Bissau votes 'yes' in referendum for new constitution

Guinea-Bissau voters approved a referendum on a constitutional change that will give the president more powers, the country's electoral commission said Tuesday, ahead of a general election meant to restore civilian rule later this year.

The referendum vote, held on Sunday, came less than 10 months after a coup in which the military seized power in the West African country and just months before the December 6 presidential election.

1. Kenya – Uganda 

Activists blame Kenya for Ugandan opposition figure's plight

A coalition of Ugandan and Kenyan activists on Tuesday blamed Kenya for the plight of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, whose health is deteriorating as he faces treason charges.

Besigye, a former personal physician to long-ruling Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has been in the authorities' crosshairs since he joined the East African country's opposition more than 25 years ago.

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day, 3 September 1984, when the Vaal Uprising began as Boipatong, Bophelong, Evaton, Sebokeng and Sharpeville Residents Resist Rent Increases.

The Vaal Uprising marked a turning point in the struggle against Apartheid, demonstrating the depth of popular rejection of the government's attempts to create compliant local structures.