The continent has a vast history spanning thousands of years, and one place has fended off invaders for the most part.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Ethiopia has a very long history spanning thousands of years.

Africa’s more recent history has been dominated by colonization and passionate conversations are being had about the lasting impact of the slave trade when considering 21st century global affairs. But the continent has a long a varied history that took place before the mass land grab by European empires, with the Egyptians probably the most widely known about and referred to ancient civilization on the continent. Lasting for more than 3,000 years – between 3100 BCE and 30 BCE – Brits are familiar with its pharaohs, pyramids, hieroglyphs, mummification processes, and complex religious beliefs.

These have inspired many a film, such as The Mummy series starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, and not always accurate portrayals of the culture have appeared abundantly elsewhere. However, what you may not know is that documentary evidence suggests that the first kingdom on the continent was that of Aksum, in northern Ethiopia. Likely emerging at some time in the second century, it means Ethiopia is considered to be the oldest independent country in Africa, and one of the most ancient in the world.

Tourists looking at columns with hieroglyphs.
Europeans have long been fascinated by Egyptian culture.

Egpyt was not an independent nation until 1922 under King Fuad I, even though Britain, which colonized the land, had some influence until the 1950s.

Ethiopia is also the second largest state in Africa in terms of population.

Other than a five-year long occupation by Italy under Benito Mussolini, it has never been colonised.

After defeating the Italians at the Battle of Adwa, it ousted them once again in 1935–36 when it was invaded and occupied during the prelude to the Second World War.

Today, the country holds territory that was consolidated during the 19th and 20th centuries, as imperial European countries carved up Africa.

Ethiopia is thought of as Africa’s oldest independent country.

It has therefore served as a symbol of African independence throughout the continent’s colonial period, the BBC reports.

Ethiopia was a founding member of the United Nations (UN), and has acted as the African base for multiple international organisations.

Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has been named a joint recipient of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Award.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Ezekwesili announced the honour in a post on X on Tuesday.

She said the award recognises her “resolute character” and years of consistent work on transparency, accountability, good governance and institution-building.

“It is encouraging to see that my resolute character, consistent work on transparency, accountability, good governance, institution-building, sound economic, human capital and extractive sector policies; and building values-anchored leaders that serve people are what the award values and celebrates,” she said.

Ezekwesili said the recognition was not a personal achievement, noting that the fight against corruption and the quest for good governance are collective efforts.

“And of course, none of these works was or is ever done alone. I always say that the fight against corruption and for good governance are inherently collective and so, this honour belongs to all citizens and reformers who insist that public power must serve the public good.

“Anti-corruption and good governance works are not just about individuals, but ultimately about building institutions and norms that outlive any one person,” she said.

Ezekwesili expressed gratitude to God, her family and supporters for their role in her journey.

“Grateful to God, my unforgettable parents, my incomparable husband, our wonderful daughter and sons; and my loving siblings for being integral to the journey that brought me this honour,” she said.

She thanked those who sent prayers and goodwill messages following the announcement.

“Thanks to all who have celebrated and sent their prayers and well wishes. I am truly grateful,” she said.

Ezekwesili said the push for good governance must continue until Nigeria and Africa achieve lasting institutional reform.

“Our collective dedication to emerge good governance must continue until Nigeria and Africa become,” she said.

We have just spoken to Rabbi Yossi Shuchat, who led the impromptu ceremony at the Bondi Pavilion mourning site. He says it was a spontaneous decision by him and his friends to hold the ceremony.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

“We woke up this morning and we just felt we had the feeling to come down here,” he says, adding that he knew many of the people caught up in the attack.

He said they wanted to hold a menorah lighting ceremony not just to mark Hanukkah, but also to “remember them in the way [the victims] would like to be remembered, which was by adding in light and adding in goodness and kindness”.

Asked about how the community was reacting, he says: “I think it’s fair to say that we are all shocked, and we pray that those are on power, do the appropriate things to ensure that justice is sought, and that everyone is free in Australia to practice their religion, and go about their life in a free way.”

A man kneels after laying flowers at a memorial outside the Bondi Pavilion
Image caption, A man kneels after laying flowers at a memorial outside the Bondi Pavilion

If you’re just joining our live coverage of the aftermath of the shooting at Bondi Beach, here’s what you need to know:

Fifteen people were killed in an attack by two gunmen on Sunday, including a 10-year-old girl. More than 40 have been taken to hospital, as people in Sydney are urged to donate blood
Here’s a minute-by-minute breakdown of how the shooting unfolded
Authorities on Monday revealed more details about the shooters, who were father and son. The 50-year-old father, who was shot dead by police, had arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa. His 24-year-old son, who’s in hospital, is an Australian-born citizen
Police raided the family gunmen’s home last night. One of their former neighbours told the BBC that when she saw the news of the shooting, “I thought oh my goodness, it can’t be them”
Albanese described the shooting as “an act of pure evil” and pledged to discuss tougher gun laws in parliament. For context, here’s a look at Australia’s gun laws
Officials are hailing bystanders who had saved the lives of others during the attack, as well as the off-duty police officers who flocked to Bondi to help out when news of the shooting broke

We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates as we get them. Stay with us.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon is speaking in Sydney and says he has visited the families and police officers who were injured in the attack, praising them for their bravery. At least two officers were injured.

“There are many, many stories of bravery from members of the community as well,” he adds. “Really want to acknowledge the work that was done yesterday. We know that a number of people are alive now because the actions of innocent bystanders.”

Forensic officers are seen on the bridge where two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach

Officials – including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – have just wrapped-up a news conference in Sydney which lasted just under 30 minutes.

Let’s quickly recap some of the key developments:

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirms 15 people, including a child, have been killed and one of the shooters has also died
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says the two gunmen were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son

Police say the 50-year-old man was a licenced firearms holder, had six firearms registered to him and that six firearms were found on Bondi Beach
“Two active improved devices” were found at the scene and have since been rendered safe by police
Two properties have been searched by officers overnight in the western Sydney suburbs of Campsie and Bonnyrigg

Police also say 328 officers have been deployed to provide extra security and support to the Jewish community in Sydney
Albanese has pledged to dedicate every single resource required in order to respond to the attack and also vowed to “stamp out” and “eradicate antisemitism” in Australian society

Some images are coming to us from the western outskirts of Sydney – about 40km away from Bondi Beach – showing a heavy police presence.

Multiple Australian outlets – including ABC and 7News – are reporting that armed police have swarmed a property at Bonnyrigg which is believed to be the home of one of the Bondi Beach gunmen.

This is yet to be confirmed by official police accounts and the BBC could not independently verify these reports.

Police search the home of a suspect in Bonnyrigg, following a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach
Image caption, According to local media, police have swarmed an area in western Sydney as they search the home of a suspect in Bonnyrigg

A woman records on her mobile phone as a police crime scene is established at the home of a suspect in Bonnyrigg,
Image caption, A woman records on her mobile phone at the police crime scene in Bonnyrigg,

A young man speaking in front of a number of police and emergency service cars

A nearby restaurant worker has described the moment he heard multiple shots go off in Bondi Beach.

“I knew it was gunshots immediately,” William Doliente Petty tells Reuters news agency.

The 18-year-old says he saw people start running but didn’t realise the severity of the event at first. Shortly after, he says, all of the customers at the restaurant stood up and began to run towards the back exit.

“Everyone was pushing everyone. There was no semblance, and we just ran in through.”

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says there will be a “significant investigation” led by counter-terrorism. “No stone will be left unturned,” he adds.

He says that the second offender behind the attack is in “a serious condition in hospital”. We previously heard that the other attacker is deceased.

A statement now from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who describes the scenes in Bondi as “shocking and distressing”.

He says he has spoken to the Australian Federal Police commissioner and the New South Wales (NSW) Premier.

“We are working with NSW police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed,” he says.

“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives,” he adds.