ICYMI: Ghana clears $1.47bn energy debt, Mozambique ‘miracle baby’ dies and other African stories

Carolina Cecilia Chirindza and Rosita were lifted to safety by a South African helicopter helping recovery operations

The government of Ghana says it paid $1.47bn in 2025 to clear long-standing debts in the energy sector, a move officials say has restored stability to the country’s power system and rebuilt investor confidence. The Ministry of Finance said the payments included $597m to fully reinstate a World Bank partial risk guarantee that had been exhausted under the previous administration. The guarantee helped unlock nearly $8bn in private investment for the Offshore Cape Three Points field and the Sankofa Gas Project.

Ghana also cleared about $480m in unpaid gas invoices owed to ENI and Vitol, and settled roughly $393m in legacy debts to independent power producers including Karpowership and Cenpower. Officials said the settlement, completed within President John Dramani Mahama’s first year in office, marks a reset for the power sector after years of arrears.

Read also: Ghana pays $1.47bn to clear energy debts and stabilise power sector

Sudan’s military-led government has returned to the capital, Khartoum, after almost three years of operating from Port Sudan following the outbreak of civil war in 2023.

Prime Minister Kamil Idris said the “government of hope” would now focus on restoring basic services for residents of the war-battered city. The army recaptured Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces in March, a major turning point in the conflict that displaced an estimated five million people from the capital at its peak.

Somalia has announced it is cancelling all port deals and defence and security cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of undermining its sovereignty.

Read also: US suspends aid to Somalia after alleged seizure of food assistance

The decision affects agreements linked to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo, including a $442m investment by Dubai-based DP World to develop the Port of Berbera in Somaliland. The UAE has not yet responded, while DP World declined to comment.

Rosita Salvador Mabuiango, known internationally as Mozambique’s “miracle baby” after being born in a tree during the devastating floods of 2000, has died after a long illness, her family said.

Images of her rescue by helicopter became a symbol of survival during the floods, which killed hundreds and displaced hundreds of thousands. President Daniel Chapo described her as a lasting symbol of hope for Mozambican girls.

Read also: Meet Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo, the world’s tallest president

Morocco says a seven-year drought has ended following abundant winter rainfall that has replenished dams and eased pressure on agriculture.

Water Minister Nizar Baraka said rainfall is up 95 percent  from a year earlier and above the seasonal average, with dam levels rising to 46 percent nationwide. The rains have brought relief after years of water shortages that cut crop yields, reduced livestock numbers and accelerated investment in desalination projects.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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