Latest news with #Pan-African
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Naked blood-drinking Black Axe 'mafia' feared to be recruiting UK 'money mules'
Members of the Nigerian Black Axe gang - who are inducted via a physically and mentally tortuous blood drinking ritual - are believed to be operating a vast cybercrime network A violent criminal cult known for its bizarre naked blood-drinking initiation rituals has become one of the world's most dangerous mafia groups - and it is now targeting British teens. The Black Axe gang was, once upon, a time a secretive confraternity based in the University of Benin in Benin, Nigeria, established as part of the 1977 Pan-African movement. Early on, it was steered towards "intellectual radicalism in pursuit of Pan-African struggles", and its presence grew throughout several African nations and universities as part of the Neo-Black movement. But now, it has been dubbed a " mafia -style gang" accused of committing a vast array of crimes ranging from election interference to human trafficking, some in the UK. Black Axe members are a mix of volunteers and forced conscripts, join the group following a brutal initiation in which they are stripped naked before being physically and mentally tortured and forced to drink blood. They have long been associated with election fraud, human trafficking, illegal drug trading, initimidation and violence, with images occasionally surfacing online in Nigeria showing dead and mutilated bodies believed to be the Black Axe's handiwork. Their most lucrative criminal enterprise, however, is cybercrime. Investigators believe the Black Axe has a vast global network of cyber criminal cells that generate a staggering $5 billion (£3.7 billion) a year. Around 30,000 people are believed to be working for the group, which has tendrils believed to extend from Nigeria to Malaysia, the Gulf States, Canada, the US, Malaysia and up to a dozen other nations. Law enforcement agencies now believe British and Irish young people are being targeted by the group via Snapchat, the most popular social media network among teens, with thousands believed to be falling into its clutches across Europe. It is believed that students are among those being blackmailed into acting as money mules after criminals receive compromising images of them, with the group known to operate via Snapchat, favouring its disappearing messages function. Recruiters reportedly use straightforward registration forms through which they have mules fill in bank details and other key bits of information, including accounts, which they then use to move fraudulent money. Senior detectives say they have recovered images of completed versions of this form from seized phones. Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan, of the Garda Economic Crime Bureau in Ireland, told the publication people are lured with the promise of "easy money". Speaking last month, he said: "Individuals need to realise that if they act as a money mule, they are interacting with vicious transnational organised criminals. You owe them and they control you. If the money is frozen by the bank, they have been known to demand that you pay up yourself like drug dealers. "The money mules have no idea what their account will be used for, how much or where it was stolen. If stolen in the USA, they may look to extradite you there to charge you and sentencing is very harsh there. "They also need to realise that they are helping organised crime gangs who traffic humans, who run brothels, as well as funding their lavish lifestyles. People who get involved in this are destroying their own futures because they could go to jail, end up with a criminal record and be prevented from getting jobs."
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Pan-African vision: MK party backs strategic alliance with Morocco
The MK Party's support for a strategic partnership between South Africa and Morocco aims to reshape African geopolitics and foster unity, economic emancipation, and territorial integrity. In a bold move to reshape African geopolitics and foster deeper regional cooperation, the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has announced its support for a strategic partnership between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco. This alignment is framed as a step towards African unity, economic emancipation, and territorial integrity, themes deeply embedded in the continent's ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. With historical ties, shared values, and common security and economic interests, the MK Party's proposal lays the groundwork for a powerful bilateral alliance that could redefine Africa's role on the global stage. Pan-African vision The MK Party is advocating for a robust strategic alliance between South Africa and Morocco. The goal is to enhance African unity, uphold territorial integrity, and pursue economic independence. Shared anti-colonial legacy Both nations emerged from anti-colonial struggles: Morocco from French and Spanish rule, South Africa from apartheid. Morocco supported South Africa's liberation movement, including early assistance to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. Mutual respect for sovereignty The MK Party aligns with Morocco's stance on preserving national unity and defending against separatist threats. The defence of South Africa's own territorial integrity is cited as a parallel struggle. Geopolitical alignment Both countries support multipolar diplomacy and UN/African Union reform to amplify African voices. Joint concerns include regional destabilisation caused by foreign-backed separatism. Economic synergy South Africa and Morocco are among Africa's top investors. The MK Party sees potential for increased intra-African trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Key areas for collaboration: agriculture, food security, digital transformation, and infrastructure. Cultural and social exchange Shared cultural diversity and history position both nations to lead in Afrocentric education and youth exchange. Proposals include curriculum sharing, heritage festivals, and language programmes. Controversial but strategic support for Morocco's Sahara position MK supports Morocco's claim over Western Sahara, citing historical legitimacy and tribal allegiance to the Moroccan throne. The 1975 Green March is described as a non-violent decolonisation effort. Morocco's autonomy proposal is seen as a realistic compromise that ensures peace and local governance under Moroccan sovereignty. Roadmap for bilateral strengthening Proposed diplomatic framework for collaboration at the UN and AU. Economic agreement, including a potential free trade deal between the two nations. Joint security initiatives to tackle regional threats. Academic, cultural, and technological cooperation aimed at empowering youth and promoting African identity. MK envisions the South Africa–Morocco partnership as a cornerstone for Africa's renaissance with the alliance grounded in historical solidarity and shared goals of peace, stability, and sustainable development. IOL News
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Mandela's legacy: SA in dire need of decisive, principled leadership
Then ANC President Nelson Mandela (centre) flanked by Cyril Ramaphosa (left) and Jacob Zuma at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) on December 20,1991 in Johannesburg. Mandela's life remains a formidable example. His leadership was principled, resolute, and intolerant of external dictates, internal inefficiency and ill-discipline, says the writer. Image: AFP Reneva Fourie Today, 18 July, we celebrate Mandela Day. The occasion requires that we reflect on the qualities that defined former President Nelson Mandela and consider how they can be applied to South Africa's current woes. As society faces socio-economic challenges, institutional decay and an increasing culture of individualism, Mandela's legacy of decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the erosion of authority that dominates today's political landscape. No country develops by chance. Effective leadership is crucial for fostering economic resilience and driving progress, particularly in the face of global challenges. China, for instance, emerged as an international economic powerhouse after implementing transformative reforms from the late 1970s. By the end of 2020, the country had successfully achieved its objective of lifting more than 850 million people out of absolute poverty. This metamorphosis was propelled by leaders who understood that effective governance should prioritise the needs of the people and must be supported by integrated, strategic, long-term planning. Nelson Mandela was such a transformational leader. In the ANC Youth League, he agitated for a mass-based movement. He was instrumental in the founding of uMkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC's armed wing. He turned down Botha's offer to be released if he agreed to renounce violence. After he was released from prison in 1990, he convinced the ANC to make difficult compromises during the negotiations to ensure peace and a better future. He did not put up with any nonsense from FW De Klerk, as shown in his famous temper speech. He used his strong leadership skills to help calm a country that was close to civil war after Chris Hani was assassinated. His presidency was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of South Africans. His administration delivered water, electricity, public housing and affordable healthcare on a scale that drew admiration from around the world. He saw governance as a tool to serve the people, especially the poor and marginalised. Mandela was a voice for global justice. He continued to oppose poverty, inequality and conflict with unwavering determination and remained a staunch supporter of liberation movements worldwide. He boldly defended the people of Palestine and defied US threats by hosting leaders like Castro and Gaddafi. His belief in Pan-African unity never faded. Leadership is too often viewed in terms of political control, economic influence, or the visibility of social movements. Yet, at its core, leadership is a responsibility that must be shared. Mandela's legacy did not arise in a vacuum. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He was part of a generation of exceptional and selfless cadres. Before 1990, the activists and leaders of the ANC-led alliance and the broader anti-apartheid movement operated with a coherence and discipline that is increasingly hard to find today. Their commitment was forged in sacrifice. Many faced detention, torture, imprisonment, life on the run, exile and the supreme sacrifice. Their common aim was to build a just and democratic South Africa in honour of their efforts and the lives lost during the liberation struggle. When leadership spoke, it was listened to. Recalling a sitting president for personal ambition was unheard of. And the recent attempts at external interference in domestic matters would never have been welcomed, let alone encouraged. Today, the country needs that same discipline and cohesion. Those who hold power in the state must rise to the occasion. Ministers must be effective and accountable. The President should remove those tainted by scandal. The Minister of Public Administration must act quickly to improve the efficiency of the public sector. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs must ensure that municipalities deliver services. National Treasury should stop deferring to international financial institutions and begin asserting national priorities. The security cluster requires a total institutional overhaul to restore public confidence. Parliament must act boldly to oversee the executive and hold it accountable. The judiciary must reaffirm its commitment to impartiality and the pursuit of effective justice. Poor governance is not solely due to corrupt or ineffective public leaders. It also reflects a breakdown in our sense of mutual ownership. A thriving democracy requires participation from those who govern and those who are governed. Although the state bears responsibility, ultimate power resides with the people. It was ordinary citizens, as inspired – among others – by the ANC-led alliance, who made the dream of freedom from apartheid a reality. That same commitment to civic responsibility must now be exercised to ensure that government remains accountable and effective. We must dismiss the notion that leadership is reserved for politicians or elites. Genuine leadership exists within communities, workplaces, homes, and our everyday interactions. This is why Mandela Day and initiatives like the 67 minutes of community service remain so important. These gestures remind us of our shared humanity and collective responsibility, allowing us to connect across divides and channel our discontent into action. But volunteering once a year is not enough. The spirit of Mandela demands sustained civic engagement, critical vigilance, and an unwavering insistence on integrity at every level of government. Effective governance is a partnership. It is not a battleground for self-interest but a space for cooperation and joint leadership. Decisions must reflect the voices and needs of all, not just the few. This will enhance state legitimacy and cultivate a stronger, more resilient society. Mandela's life remains a formidable example. He did not seek power for its own sake. He used it to uplift others. He led by listening, acting, and uniting. His leadership was principled, resolute, and intolerant of external dictates, internal inefficiency and ill-discipline. On this Mandela Day, let us honour his legacy not only with remembrance but with resolve. Let us demand accountability and competence, and a reward principle. Let us insist that those who lead us do so in the service of all. Because in the end, as Mandela himself taught us, what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is about what difference we have made to the lives of others. * Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Trump tariffs unsettle SA farmers as Africa eyes agricultural growth
The overall economic impact on agricultural exports may be modest, but the Western Cape in particular 'could face serious disruption'. Products such as citrus, previously exempt under duty-free access, will now face an uphill battle. Picture: iStock Farmers and analysts have raised concerns over the impact of recently announced US tariffs on South African agricultural exports, warning that although the broader effect may be limited, the consequences for specific regions and commodities could be significant. The issue was highlighted during a panel discussion at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking's Africa Unlocked Conference 2025 – a leading Pan-African event that brings together prominent business leaders and policymakers to discuss the continent's economic future. On Monday 7 July US President Donald Trump followed through on his April threats and hit South Africa with 30% tariffs 'on any and all South African products sent into the United States'. Trump confirmed the decision in an official White House letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa – also shared on Trump's Truth Social platform – stating that the tariffs will take effect from 1 August, unless a new trade deal is reached before August. South Africa is likely to be hardest hit by the new tariffs on vehicle exports as well as steel and aluminium. Read more Ordinary South Africans will feel impact of US tariffs Additionally, agricultural products, previously exempt under duty-free access, will now face the 30% tariff. ALSO READ: Ordinary South Africans will feel impact of US tariffs A hit for agriculture Louw Pienaar, senior analyst at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), says the overall exposure of South African agriculture to the US market is limited – around 4% of total exports – but warns that the impact could be severe in certain sectors and provinces. 'If you can't export to the US at a 30% tariff, where will you go?' he asks. 'Citrus, for example – if you move citrus from the US, which is a premium market, then it might mean that prices will fall [elsewhere].' Pienaar made these comments during a panel discussion of the broader exploration of agriculture's role on the African continent. Other panellists included Francois Rossouw, MD of Mooigezicht Estates, which produces table grapes for the export market, and Louis van Ravesteyn, head of agribusiness at Standard Bank. ALSO READ: Trump's new 30% tariff less about trade and more about power However, Pienaar points out that there is still uncertainty about who exactly will foot the bill of the higher tariff. 'Nobody is sure who exactly will pay the tariff. Will it be the end consumer? Will it be SA producers? Or will the value chain absorb that? 'I still think it's going to be a range – if demand is strong enough, the US retailer will pay that. If there's pushback, it will have to change.' Even though the overall economic impact of the tariffs on agricultural exports may be modest, Pienaar warns that the Western Cape in particular could face serious disruption. 'If you're a table grape producer and exported 50% of your exports to the US … then it's going to be a substantial hit.' ALSO READ: US tariff pause ends on 9 July: Tau says what happens now Western Cape suffers Russel Brueton, chief marketing and innovation officer at Wesgro, echoes Pienaar's concerns, saying the tariff uncertainty was already causing paralysis among businesses in the province. 'The supply chains that have been established cannot be changed overnight. Businesses are struggling to plan.' Brueton was part of an earlier panel discussion on the impact of trade wars on Africa, along with Pienaar and Standard Bank chief economist Goolam Ballim. Wesgro, the Western Cape's agency for tourism, trade and investment promotion, noted earlier that exports to the US from the Western Cape totalled R16.2 billion in 2024 – 8% of total Western Cape exports. The US is the second biggest export market for the Western Cape. Products that are exported include citrus, wine, and fruit juice. ALSO READ: China's clever trade deal with Africa – removal of tariffs on most goods AfCFTA slow out of the starting blocks Panellists participating in the trade war discussion reflected on the challenges of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement . AfCFTA came into effect on 30 May 2019 after 22 countries ratified the agreement. A trade pilot started in October 2022 involving countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Egypt. However, challenges remain. The tariff lines of several sectors are still under negotiation, while trade across the continent is hampered by high costs and infrastructure gaps, including inefficient customs procedures and poor cross-border connectivity. There is also limited awareness among businesses of the benefits of AfCFTA, with many governments seemingly preferring bilateral agreements. Pienaar expressed disappointment that countries are not prioritising regional trade. 'Angola imports beef from Brazil, while Zambia is an excellent beef producer,' he says. Ballim notes that Africa's supply chains remain underdeveloped and fragmented. 'Africa doesn't consume what Africa produces,' he says, adding that the creation of regional trading hubs rather than a continental approach will serve African countries better. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
Finextra
08-07-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Nigeria's SEC and Quidax team on digital asset education
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, in collaboration with leading digital assets exchange Quidax, hosted an educational series aimed at equipping Nigerian finance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving digital assets ecosystem. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. The exclusive two-day event, held at the prestigious Capital Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, convened representatives from commercial banks, asset management firms, pension fund administrators, and securities traders. Some of the participants at the event were from Zenith Bank, ARM, Investment One, FBNQuest, Interswitch, Ecobank, Africa Prudential, Meristem, Wema Bank, Capitafield, Sterling Bank, and several other companies. Driving Adoption Through Education and Regulation Speaking at the event, Abdulrasheed Dan Abu, Head of FinTech and Innovation at the Securities and Exchange Commission, underscored the programme's significance. He stated that the initiative reflects the commission's statutory responsibility not only to regulate the capital market but also to actively develop it. Dan Abu emphasized the integral role of traditional financial institutions in the growth of the digital asset ecosystem. 'The banks hold fiat currency. If they don't understand what is going on, it creates a disconnect in the value chain. The more banks that understand digital assets, the better the playing field for users,' he explained. This educational series builds on a series of significant regulatory milestones in Nigeria's digital finance space. On 29 March 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed into law the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which formally classifies cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets as securities, thereby placing them under the SEC's purview. Prior to this, in June 2024, the commission issued rules for Virtual Asset Service Providers, providing crucial regulatory backing to exchanges and other entities operating in the space. Quidax's Pan-African Mission and the Importance of Collaboration Buchi Okoro, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quidax, highlighted the event's core purpose: supporting adoption by educating both beginners and advanced participants within the financial industry. 'Adoption starts with education. This session caters to people at different knowledge levels, from total beginners to those who have conducted blockchain pilots,' he said. Okoro reiterated Quidax's ambitious Pan-African mission, noting that the exchange already operates in nine countries and plans to expand to all 54 African nations. 'We're solving African problems for Africans, and this event partnership with the SEC helps us do that within regulatory guardrails,' he added. Industry Leaders Endorse the Initiative The event garnered strong support from other key industry players, reinforcing the collaborative spirit essential for digital asset integration. Pascal Maguire, Sales Director for Africa at Fireblocks, stressed the need for such forums: 'We need more finance and payments experts and decision makers to attend such forums as this enables them to see that they have trusted partners in firms like Quidax, Fireblocks, and the SEC who can both educate them and guide them on their adoption and innovation journey.' Ajibade Laolu Adewale, Chairman of the Committee of E-Business Heads in Nigerian Banks and Chief Partnership Officer at Wema Bank, a panelist at the event, highlighted the pressing need for digital assets due to inefficiencies in traditional banking. 'Today, moving money internationally still takes days and depends on informal channels. With blockchain, you can transfer value instantly and securely,' he stated. Attendees also expressed their positive reception. Sunday Joseph Olaniyan, Head of E-Business at Sun Trust Bank, remarked, 'Events like these bring such awareness even closer to us as institutions here in Nigeria and presents us with the opportunity to not be left out of this wave of change. People like myself who have been aware of digital assets are now even more sensitized to the global trend and I sure do not want to be left behind at all.' Adding to the sentiment, Bukola James-Cole, Director of Capital Market at Africa Prudential PLC, spoke about the natural evolution of money. She emphasized, 'Whether we like it or not it will happen so the earlier we start getting educated about digital assets the better for the industry.'
