AVANT Publications

28/01/2025

Human rights organizations in the United States that advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals are preparing to challenge a decision by the new president, Donald Trump, who has declared that the country will only officially recognize men and women based on biological s*x.

Last Monday, Trump signed an executive order stating that the country will exclusively recognize men and women as defined by their birth s*x. This move has left LGBTQ+ advocacy groups at a crossroads, unsure of how to proceed.

According to Reuters, these organizations are seeking clarity on how the new policy will impact individuals born inters*x, who do not fit strictly into the male or female categories.

Additionally, the groups are demanding answers regarding the status of inters*x individuals serving in the military. They want to know if such individuals will retain their roles or face dismissal under the new directive.

28/01/2025

The United States has officially confirmed that it has stopped providing life-prolonging antiretroviral (ARV) medication to countries supported under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program.

According to The New York Times, the U.S. has also halted the supply of malaria drugs, including LA, and tuberculosis (TB) medication.

The New York Times reports that all organizations working with the U.S. under USAID have been notified of this decision and instructed to cease the provision of this aid effective immediately.

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https://avantmalawi.com/news/us-government-halts-funding-for-ngos-disrupting-hiv-services-and-other-critical-sectors/

28/01/2025

Relief efforts for people living in the Goma region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been disrupted after the M23 rebel group seized the area's airport and landing zones.

Footage captured by Reuters shows the rebels moving around, with some riding in vehicles on the streets of Goma, one of the largest cities in the area.

A large number of people are fleeing the region toward Rwanda, using large lorries as transportation.

The DRC government and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, claiming that Rwandan soldiers have been seen in Goma alongside M23 fighters.

However, the Rwandan government stated that its soldiers are protecting their own country in response to claims by the DRC military. Rwanda has yet to comment on whether its soldiers have crossed the border into the DRC.

Source: Reuters

27/01/2025

Tamia Jah’s Case

Hanna Jabbes, also known as Tamia Jah, is accused of disclosing the HIV status of a woman from Salima on her page on September 9, 2024. This alleged act is considered a violation of Section 11(a) of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Management) Act.

The case, which is yet to result in formal charges, has attracted attention from AIDS advocacy groups. A preliminary hearing at the Lilongwe Magistrates’ Court revealed delays due to the state’s failure to provide case details to Jah’s defense. Speculations also suggest potential violations of the Cybersecurity and Electronic Transactions Act, though this remains unconfirmed.

The hearing has been adjourned to February 20, 2025, with human rights activists, including Bon Kalindo, following the matter closely.

Avant Publications

27/01/2025

Newly promoted TNM Super League side, Songwe Border United from the Northern Region, has appointed Enock Mhone as head coach.

The club has entrusted Mhone with leading the technical panel on a one-year performance-based contract.

Before this appointment, Mhone coached lower league side Topik Academy FC.

(Reported by Vinjeru Ngwira Mzuzu)
27-01-2025
avantmalawi.com

27/01/2025

Mzuzu City Hammers FC has parted ways with head coach Kondwani Ikwanga by mutual agreement.

In a statement, the club wished Ikwanga the best in his next endeavor.

Ikwanga, who took over from Elias Chirambo, led the team for six months, from July to January.

(Reported by Vinjeru Ngwira Mzuzu)
avantmalawi.com
27-01-2025

27/01/2025

The M23 rebel group claims to have seized control of Goma, a major city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Videos shared by residents show M23 fighters patrolling the streets of Goma following a rapid offensive against the Congolese army on Sunday. This attack forced tens of thousands to flee nearby towns.

After hours of heavy gunfire and explosions, the city of Goma, which has over a million residents, is reportedly calm, according to local media.

The development comes as tensions escalate between the DRC and Rwanda. The DRC’s foreign minister accused Rwanda of declaring war by sending troops to support the M23 rebels. Rwanda, in turn, accuses the DRC of backing militias seeking to overthrow its government.

In response to the crisis, Kenya has called for an immediate ceasefire. Kenyan President William Ruto, who chairs the East African Community, announced that an emergency regional summit will take place within two days, with the presidents of both Rwanda and the DRC expected to attend.

The M23 group, active since 2021, has gained control of significant areas in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. Their advance on Goma in recent weeks has intensified, sparking fierce clashes in the region.

Avant Publications

26/01/2025

DRC Army Chief Killed by M23 Rebels in Kivu Region

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered a major blow in its fight against the M23 rebel group, with the killing of Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, the commander of the army in the Kivu region.

DRC military spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge confirmed the death to the BBC, stating that General Cirimwami was fatally shot last Thursday while leading his troops in operations against the M23 rebels in the north of the country. Despite being airlifted to Kinshasa for urgent medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries.

The loss of General Cirimwami marks a significant setback for the DRC military, which has been struggling to contain the M23 insurgency in the eastern region. The conflict has also claimed the lives of three Malawian soldiers and nine South African troops, further underscoring the gravity of the ongoing crisis.

Source: BBC
Avant Publications

26/01/2025

Malawi Silent on Loss

The Malawi government has not made official communication following the confirmed deaths of three Malawian soldiers in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The soldiers were part of a multinational peacekeeping force battling M23 rebels near Goma, a vital city in the mineral-rich North Kivu province.

Rising Death Toll

The death toll from the intense fighting has risen to 13, including nine South African soldiers, three Malawian soldiers, and one Uruguayan peacekeeper. These troops were deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional force and the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

South Africa’s National Defense Force (SANDF) reported that its soldiers were killed while resisting an M23 offensive aimed at capturing Goma. "The M23 hostile forces launched a full-scale attack on our troops with the intention of taking over Goma, but they were unable to advance due to the heroic resistance of our gallant fighters," SANDF said in a statement.

Criticism of Malawi’s Silence

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The Malawi government has not made official communication following the confirmed deaths of three Malawian soldiers in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The soldiers were part of a multinational…

26/01/2025

UNCOMFIRMED

Malipoti osatsimikizika,
Tataya katswiri osewera mu timu ya Red Lions Frank 'Brazil' Musah ku DRC.

Tikumuonayu ndi msilikali wa MDF amene waphedwa ndi gulu lazigawenga la M23 ku DRC.

Mukafukufuku wathu zikusonyeza Chiwerengero cha asilikali a dziko la Malawi amene akuphedwa ku DRC chikupitirira kuchulukira, ngakhale boma silinatsimikize za nkhaniyi.

Chaka ndi chaka asilikali wa amapita kukakhazikitsa bata ku DRC (Peace keeping) ndipo phekesera zikutifika kuti ambiri chaka chino akuphedwa kumeneko

RIP🕊️

Avant Publications

26/01/2025

The United States has halted the processing of passport applications using the gender marker "X" and will now only issue passports identifying individuals as male or female.

This decision follows an executive order by former President Trump, which affirms that the US government recognizes only two s*xes and considers them unchangeable.

As part of this policy, the issuance of passports with the "X" gender marker has been discontinued entirely.

Avant Publications

26/01/2025

Nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers lost their lives during a battle against M23 rebels near Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission, with seven serving under SAMIDRC and two under MONUSCO.

The confrontation erupted when the M23 rebels launched a major offensive to seize Goma. Despite the intensity of the attack, SANDF forces, alongside their allies, managed to repel the rebels, preventing their advance and safeguarding key positions.

SANDF described their troops’ actions as displaying "heroic resistance" in halting the rebel offensive.

The exact number of injured soldiers is yet to be confirmed.

Avant Publications

24/01/2025

END OF MARRIAGE SPARKS DEBATE

A new law signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at abolishing certain regulations governing divorce, has sparked mixed reactions among Malawians on social media and in various forums. While some hail the law as fair, others strongly oppose it.

President Trump argues that the previous law favored women, granting them undue advantages during divorce proceedings, particularly by allowing them to claim half of their husband’s property.

“When a marriage ends, women are given the opportunity to borrow up to $1 million from their ex-husband, provided they can demonstrate their entitlement. However, this is unfair since many women did not work for the wealth,” Trump stated, outlining one of the reforms.

Following this announcement, Malawians have taken to social media to express their opinions, with many men praising Trump for addressing what they see as long-standing injustices. Others believe the law will strengthen marriages by discouraging unnecessary separations.

The debate resonates deeply in Malawi, where divorce laws, particularly concerning property division and child custody, often spark controversy. Many argue that current laws favor women, especially in property disputes and the allocation of child support.

In the U.S., the new law eliminates the consideration of the marriage’s duration in property settlements, a rule Trump deems irrelevant. Regarding child custody, the law states that if a mother is deemed unable to care for the children, custody should automatically go to the father.

The reforms also highlight that divorce has long been treated as a lucrative venture in the U.S., benefiting women disproportionately, which the new law seeks to address.

Avant Publications

24/01/2025

TAMIA JA AKUYEMBEKEZERA KUKAWONEKERA KU BWALO LA MILANDU.

Malingana ndi chikalata chimene ife a Avant Publications taona, titha kutsimikiza kuti Hannah James (Tamia Ja) wayitanitsidwa ku bwalo lamilandu pa mulandu wosadziwika kuchokera ku pulogalamu yake yotchedwa the Background.

Pakutsimikiza za nkhaniyi Msungwanayu walemba pa tsamba lake la Facebook kudziwitsa omutsatira kuti wayitanitsidwa kubwalo a lamilandu pakusowa dongosolo mu pulogalamu la Background limene iye amadzudzula akuluakulu aboma mu nkhani zosiyanasiyana dziko lino.

Chikalata cha bwalo la zamilanduchi chayita mtsikanayu pa 27 January nthawi ya 9 koloko mmawa. Ngakhale izi zili chonchi koma Tamia Ja wanenetsa kuti iye apitilirabe ndi pulogalamu ya Background pa masamba ake a Facebook, tick tok ndi ena

Avant Publications

24/01/2025

https://avantmalawi.com/news/obwande-24-january-2026/

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24/01/2025

https://avantmalawi.com/news/rumphi-police-arrest-man-for-motorcycle-and-fertilizer-theft/

Police in Rumphi have arrested 22-year-old Henry Gondwe of Koyo Village, Traditional Authority Chisovya, on allegations of stealing a motorcycle and a bag of fertilizer, valued at K1,870,000. Rumphi Police…

24/01/2025

The newly promoted TNM Super League team from Northern Region, Songwe Border United FC, was on the verge of signing Steve Nkunika as head coach.

According to an anonymous source, a verbal agreement was reached, with only the contract signing remaining this weekend. However, unforeseen circumstances beyond both parties' control prevented them from finalizing the agreement.

Nkunika is currently the head coach of M'mberwa Warriors FC and has recently obtained his CAF B football license.

(By Dumisani Mwambazi-Mchinji)
avantmalawi.com
(24-01-2025)

24/01/2025

"Prioritize Irrigation and Reduce Farming Input Costs" Kawinga

The leader of Salvation for All Ministries International, Apostle Clifford Kawinga, has called on the government to focus more on irrigation farming and to lower the cost of agricultural inputs, stating that these measures could help address the hunger crisis affecting the nation.

Apostle Kawinga made the remarks on Friday during a prayer event where over 3,000 people received maize assistance in Senior Chief Kanduku’s area in Mwanza District.

He emphasized that his efforts align with the government’s appeal for support from churches, politicians, and non-governmental organizations, among others, to assist those affected by hunger in the country.

In her remarks, Group Village Head Mulongolora, under Senior Chief Kanduku, expressed gratitude to Salvation for All Ministries International, describing the assistance as timely.

In addition to providing maize to over 3,000 people, the ministry also donated Bibles and cash gifts to nearly 30 chiefs who attended the event.

AVANT Publications