Category: Africa

CityBlue Hotels, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, and SMB Properties, a leading property developer in Kenya, today announced a strategic partnership to launch the 256-unit Le Mirage Residences by CityBlue. This landmark collaboration will introduce a new paradigm of upscale residential living in Nairobi, with Le Mirage Residences by CityBlue poised to become one of Kenya’s tallest and most iconic towers.

The announcement, made at the prestigious Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Cape Town, marks a significant milestone for both entities and for Kenya’s real estate market. Le Mirage Residences by CityBlue will offer an unparalleled living experience, combining SMB Properties’ expertise in crafting exquisite residential spaces with CityBlue Hotels’ renowned hospitality management.

Le Mirage Residences by CityBlue, located in the prime Westlands area of Nairobi, is designed to cater to the discerning tastes of high-net-worth individuals and expatriates seeking premium living. The development will feature luxurious 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments, complemented by an extensive array of 22+ world-class amenities.

These include over 52,000 sq. ft. of space dedicated to wellness, lifestyle, and recreational amenities. From Kenya’s highest rooftop infinity pool to a full-service spa, fully equipped gym, squash and pickleball courts, private cinema lounges, and dedicated children’s play areas, creating a vertical city concept that redefines urban luxury.

As Kenya is emerging as a prime investment destination in Africa, Le Mirage Residences by CityBlue presents a unique opportunity for investors to be part of this growth. With projected capital appreciation of up to 30% in 3 years after completion and ROI of up to 23%, the development combines lifestyle with long-term financial returns.

“This partnership demonstrates commitment to a relentless quest for footprint in key African markets and diversifying our offerings beyond traditional hotels,” said Jameel Verjee, CEO of CityBlue Hotels.

“Nairobi’s dynamic real estate landscape presents a unique opportunity to blend our expertise in hospitality with SMB Properties’ vision for luxury residential development. Le Mirage Residences by CityBlue will deliver the signature CityBlue experience, ensuring comfort, convenience, and unparalleled service for our residents.”

Taher Saleh, Managing Director of SMB Properties added, “Le Mirage Residences by CityBlue represents the pinnacle of luxury and architectural innovation in Kenya. We are proud to collaborate with CityBlue Hotels, a brand synonymous with excellence in hospitality, to create a landmark that will stand as a beacon of modern living in Nairobi. This project is a direct response to the growing demand for high-end residential properties in Kenya, and we are confident that its prime location, superior design, and comprehensive amenities will set new benchmarks in the market.”

The project is poised to be one of Kenya’s tallest residential towers, reflecting the nation’s ambitious growth and the increasing sophistication of its urban centers. Its strategic location in Westlands, a vibrant commercial and residential hub, ensures easy access to Nairobi’s business districts, diplomatic missions, and premier lifestyle destinations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.

Contact:
For CityBlue Hotels:
Email: grow@citybluehotels.com

For SMB Properties:
Email: sales@smbproperties.co.ke

About CityBlue Hotels:
CityBlue Hotels is Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, renowned for its customer-centric approach and commitment to providing world-class hospitality across Eastern and Western Africa’s major cities. With a focus on seamless, tech-supported experiences, CityBlue Hotels aims to redefine comfort and convenience for business and leisure travelers alike. The brand is dedicated to expanding its footprint and diversifying its offerings to meet the evolving demands of the African hospitality market.

About SMB Properties:
SMB Properties is a privately-owned luxury property developer based in Kenya, specializing in bringing to life residential projects designed with pristine detail for premium living. With a strong track record of delivering exquisite developments, SMB Properties is committed to transforming spaces into lifestyles, where prime locations meet unparalleled amenities. The company plays a significant role in shaping Kenya’s luxury real estate landscape, catering to discerning buyers seeking high-end finishes and world-class living experiences.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwandan-backed rebels, Congolese troops, and allied militias have all committed human rights abuses, some possibly amounting to war crimes, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in Geneva on Monday.

Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council that the investigation and analysis undertaken by his office, OHCHR, had revealed “an apparent total disregard for the protection of civilians during and after military operations.”

The OHCHR’s Fact-Finding Mission in the eastern DRC is also investigating other alleged violations of international humanitarian law, “many of which may amount to war crimes,” he said.  

Arbitrary Arrests

After capturing cities and villages in early 2025, the M23 Rwanda-backed rebels arbitrarily arrested police officers and large numbers of other civilians, including children, the UN human rights office reported. 

According to witnesses, those captured were, and are, still being held in “inhumane conditions,” and many were forcibly recruited into the ranks of the M23.  

The Mission is also investigating alleged arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of suspected M23 supporters by the military intelligence arm of the DRC armed forces.  

Extrajudicial Killings

OHCHR also reported that members of the M23 carried out summary and extrajudicial executions, which likely amount to war crimes, said Mr. Türk.  

The Mission is also investigating alleged summary executions by members of the DRC armed forces and DRC-backed Wazalendo militias.  

UN human rights is also investigating reports of death threats, detention and other reprisals against human rights defenders, journalists, and members of civil society perceived as critical of the M23; including the alleged killings of at least two activists.  

Sexual Violence

The Mission received reports of “horrific” use of sexual violence by all parties as a means of reprisal against communities, relatives of perceived opponents, and people from other ethnic groups, said Mr. Türk.  

In North and South Kivu, nearly 40 per cent of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are children. The UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) estimated that during the most intense phase of the conflict, a child was raped every 30 minutes.  

Mr. Türk called on “all parties to the conflict to commit immediately to a ceasefire and resume negotiations, and to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.”

– on behalf of UN News.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Against the backdrop of a deepening cost of living and environmental crisis and despite repeatedly committing to upholding economic and social justice for the most disadvantaged, over the past five years Tunisia’s authorities have targeted individuals from marginalized and impoverished communities for peacefully protesting or striking over socioeconomic and environmental issues, Amnesty International said in a new report published today.  

The report, ‘We were only asking for our rights and dignity’, highlights how Tunisia’s authorities have arrested, investigated or prosecuted people for peacefully protesting or striking over socioeconomic and environmental issues such as poor working conditions, pollution and access to water using vague charges of “obstruction.”    

Between February 2020 and January 2025, the authorities have targeted at least 90 peaceful protesters, activists, trade unionists, and workers simply for exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, to form and join a union, and to organize and participate in strikes.

“The right to freedom of peaceful assembly is fundamental to a thriving society and serves as a crucial means to strengthen human rights and protect workers’ rights,” said Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.   

“This report highlights a worrying pattern of unjust criminalization of peaceful activism, usually at a local level where communities or workers have mobilized for their basic socioeconomic or environmental rights. It is another, less visible, manifestation of the repression of peaceful dissent within a broader crackdown on human rights and the rule of law in Tunisia and further threatens civic space in the country. 

“Instead of using vague ‘obstruction’ charges to stifle or punish expressions of peaceful dissent or dissatisfaction over basic rights related to environmental or labour-related concerns Tunisia’s authorities should be working to safeguard and uphold the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in line with their international human rights obligations.” 

Amnesty International has investigated nine cases as illustrative examples of a wider pattern of criminalization of peaceful assemblies using “obstruction” charges, cases which are likely to be under-reported due to their localization, the lack of access to human rights organization by affected communities and the fear of reprisals from authorities and employers.  

The organization interviewed 26 people, eight of their lawyers and four family members to document these cases involving the investigation, arrest or prosecution of 90 people using “obstruction” charges. These vaguely formulated provisions do not meet the principle of legality and do not proscribe an internationally recognized criminal offence.  

The legal proceedings were initiated in reprisal against peaceful assemblies or union activism, often affiliated with the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), and have sought to deter protesters and others from participating in future protests and strikes. Among those targeted, 16 were arrested and detained for periods ranging between three days and 20 months. Individuals targeted include residents and environmental rights activists who protested for their right to water and a healthy environment, and workers and unionists who organized protests and strikes over employment and working conditions.  

As one striking female worker from a shoe factory in Kairouan stated: “It was the last straw, we decided to take action… We are not protected from chemicals we use in the factory… in the summer we have to work in very high temperatures; there is no water, no respect for our welfare… If you get sick you get a pay cut… You are dismissed if unable to work… There is always a lot of verbal abuse and insults.”  

She described how they were summoned by police in November 2024 right before the constitutive meeting for a new union: “[They] wanted us to say that [we were] manipulated into doing something illegal, or that we had other suspicious motives, but there was no basis to it. We were only asking for our rights and our dignity.” 

While most of the individuals concerned were convicted and sentenced to fines or suspended prison terms, or have not been detained pending trial, this pattern has a chilling effect on individuals considering voicing concerns over their social, economic, and environmental rights.  

A local resident from the town of Bargou in the northern region of Siliana who participated in a protest about access to water in February 2023 stated: “It was barely a protest, we stood on the side of the road holding signs, there wasn’t any disruption. They [the police] summoned dozens of people for that’” 

A local activist from the eastern region of Sfax, convicted for his involvement in an environmental protest movement in June 2023, told Amnesty International: “Everyone was taken to court. It was a way to silence us… to say close your mouth or you will go to prison”. 

In February 2020, authorities summoned a group of women forestry maintenance workers in Sfax following a sit-in to protest their working conditions. Police asked them to sign statements in which they would commit not to protest again, infringing on their right to peaceful assembly.  

Compounding this, in five of the cases documented, serious violations of the right to a fair trial and due process took place, including instances where defendants’ rights to information and adequate defense were denied.  

In eight of the nine cases investigated, authorities used Article 136 of the Penal Code on “obstruction of work,” and in one case, they used Article 107 of the Penal Code on “obstruction of a public service.”  

“Obstruction” charges have at times also been used as part of a set of charges brought against prominent political and civil society figures who expressed their opposition to President Kais Said, such as judge Anas Hmedi and opposition party leader Abir Moussi. 

“The arbitrary application of these vaguely worded ‘obstruction’ legal provisions, coupled with fair trial violations, violates Tunisia’s international human rights obligations and sends a chilling message to anyone daring to speak out for their rights,” said Sara Hashash.  

“Tunisia’s authorities must immediately quash convictions and drop charges in all cases relating t individuals’ participation in peaceful street protests and labour strikes. They must also repeal Articles 107 and 136 of the Penal Code or amend them in line with international human rights standards.” 

Following President Kais Saied’s power grab on 25 July 2021, Tunisian authorities have escalated a wider crackdown on human rights including the right to freedom of expression and all forms of dissent, using repressive laws and unfounded charges to prosecute and arbitrarily detain political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders and civil society activists, lawyers and other perceived critics, while eroding judicial independence and the rule of law.  

The rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Tunisia is a state party. Under international human rights law, states have an obligation to tolerate temporary obstruction caused by a peaceful assembly, such as disruption of road traffic, pedestrian movements, or economic activity. The mere obstruction of movement or traffic cannot be equated with violence.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Benin wants to grow its exports, especially by small businesses working in food and technology. The African country believes this is the best way to lift its economy from the ranks of least developed countries.

A key milestone in that effort is the creation of a new Pôle Export, a platform that will make it easier for entrepreneurs to enter international markets.

Pôle Export is the centrepiece of a project at the Interantional Trade Centre (ITC), which is working with both the government and with small businesses to boost the country’s exports.

The government has created new Directorate for Export Promotion, known by its French acronym DPE. It sits within the Import and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx), but it’s more than an organizational change. It’s a new way of thinking about exports, with a targeted approach that focuses on agribusiness and digital trade.

Since February, the Pôle Export is has its own director to coordinate its activities. A team of government trade exports has been assigned to support him, along with eight Beninese consultants recruited by ITC to build up their skills.

Three advisors are focussed on priority export areas, including agribusinesses and textiles and clothing. Three others have already worked with 21 small business on their branding and e-commerce operations. Two more will provide DPE staff with training in market analysis tools. 

The ITC work is under a project called Support to operationalize the APIEx Pôle Export, known simply as ProPex. The Embassy of the Netherlands funds the project, which began in February 2025. A steering committee meeting on 6 May marked ProPex’s official launch.

The Export Promotion Directorate is the backbone of Benin’s ambitions to expand into international markets, offering targeted export support services tailored to priority sectors,’ said ITC country manager Ludmila Azo. ‘Through the PROPEX project, we aim to strengthen this institutional lever by providing it with the skills, tools and systems necessary to provide strategic and high-impact support to SMEs ready to export.’

Upgrading digital services

The APIEx website is being upgraded to include trade information tools, as well as a small business marketplace and sector-specific content.

ProPex stands out because of how it centres participatory governance. Three thematic working groups structure their services within the National Export Strategy, which was also crafted with ITC support.

Regular briefings between ITC, APIEx and other partners ensure close monitoring of progress. By focussing on sustainability and capitalization, ProPex is laying the foundation for a robust export ecosystem in Benin.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.