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In a surprising turn of events, top comedian-turned-politician Micheal Usi has been sworn in as Malawi's vice-president. The 55-year-old assumed office at a ceremony held in the capital, Lilongwe, following the tragic death of his predecessor, Saulos Chilima, in a plane crash earlier this month. Dr. Usi's acceptance speech was met with a standing ovation, where he expressed a mix of sadness and gratitude for the role. He pledged to honor Chilima's memory and thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for entrusting him with this position in the power-sharing government.

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A former judge in South Africa, John Hlophe, who was impeached for misconduct four months ago, has taken on a new role. He has been sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) for ex-President Jacob Zuma's party. This development comes as the party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), ended its boycott of the parliament formed after the 29 May elections.

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Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of children enduring hunger and malnutrition. This crisis is rooted in a combination of political instability, economic challenges, and natural disasters, which have disrupted food production and distribution. The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Darfur region, leading to massive displacement and destruction of livelihoods. As a result, vulnerable populations, especially children, are bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Discreetly tucked under the skin of her upper arm, Halima Hassan's matchstick-sized contraceptive implant has given her a newfound sense of autonomy over her reproductive health and future. The 29-year-old mother of three is among the growing number of African women turning to long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like implants and injectable birth control.

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Niger's junta has officially confirmed that rebels were responsible for damaging an oil pipeline that carries crude oil to neighboring Benin. The Patriotic Liberation Front, a group fighting for the release of former president Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown in a coup last July, claimed responsibility for the attack earlier this week. The incident has raised concerns about the stability of the newly opened 2,000-kilometer (1,243-mile) pipeline, which links Niger's Agadem oilfield to Benin's coast.

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Cyril Ramaphosa, the incumbent president of South Africa, is poised for re-election despite the African National Congress (ANC) suffering its worst election result since the end of apartheid. The ANC secured only 40% of the vote in the recent election, leading to a power-sharing agreement with rival parties—a historic development after 30 years of ANC rule.

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