West Africa: All of Africa Today - April 24, 2025

Kenyan Clinic Denies Organ Trafficking Accusations

The Mediheal Group clinic in Kenya faces organ trafficking allegations. The clinic denies any wrongdoing. They promise full cooperation with a criminal investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

This investigation began after a joint report by Deutsche Welle, ZDF, and Der Spiegel. It revealed a global organ trafficking network involving vulnerable donors from Kenya and wealthy recipients from Israel and Germany.

As a result, Kenyan health authorities suspended all kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal clinics, including Eldoret. The Mediheal Group operates other facilities in Nairobi as well. They insist the accusations are unfounded and promise transparency.

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Rwanda Recalls Aspirin Batch Over Color Change, Quality Concerns

The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) announced an immediate recall of Aspirine Vitamin C tablets. This batch was manufactured by the French company UPSA.

The recall affects batch No. B6224 due to quality concerns. Complaints arose about the tablets changing color from white to brown. This change compromises quality standards.

The FDA ordered a halt to distribution of this batch immediately. Importers, distributors, and health facilities must return the products to suppliers within 10 days. The public is advised to stop using the recalled batch.

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Tanzania Bans South Africa, Malawi Farm Imports in Trade Spat

Tanzania has banned all agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi. This decision follows trade restrictions imposed on Tanzanian farm products by both countries.

Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe cited trade imbalance as the reason for the ban. Fresh apples from South Africa are included in this ban along with all agricultural goods from both countries.

Transit cargo is also prohibited under this new rule. Recent restrictions on Tanzanian exports like rice and maize disrupted regional trade significantly.

Bashe reassured citizens that this decision does not threaten national food security.

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Sexual Violence Used as Weapon of War in DR Congo, UN Says

The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has severe consequences for women and children. Senior UN officials warn that armed groups use sexual violence as a tactic of war.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized key cities like Goma and Bukavu, worsening conditions further. Children face grave human rights violations including recruitment by armed groups.

Since February, at least nine girls have been forced into marriage according to UN reports. The DRC also struggles with one of the world's worst displacement crises: 7.8 million people are internally displaced.

UN officials call for urgent accountability measures and gender-sensitive responses for affected children.