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 ''Rebels'' -  insist on 


prisoner release: 


before any talks 


with DRC


July 26th, 11:50am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Rebels from the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement


 (AFC/M23) are insisting on the release of prisoners as a 


confidence-building measure before negotiations with 


the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo.


 


Following the signing of the Declaration of Principles with 


representatives from Kinshasa on July 19 in Doha, the 


insurgents emphasized that they will not be in Qatar 


on August 8 for dialogue aimed at a final peace 


agreement if the actions outlined in the 


already signed document are not 


implemented first.


 


However, the insurgents’ demands for the so-called confidence-


building measures outlined in the Declaration go far beyond 


the release of prisoners - and jeopardize the progress of 


talks for a definitive solution to the conflict.


 


In addition to violating the immediate ceasefire, something the 


DRC government has also failed to comply with, the AFC/M23 


is seeking a personal and solemn declaration by Congolese 


President Felix Tshisekedi of the political will to hold 


direct talks with the rebels.


 


Their demands include the annulment of all death sentences, 


prosecutions, and arrest warrants against AFC/M23 leaders,


 as well as the release of all prisoners.


 


They also expect the government to end and sanction hate 


speech, as well as the persecution and discrimination 


against people of other ethnicities and languages 


who, according to the rebels, are being harassed 


under the pretext of collaborating with Rwanda.


 


The AFC/M23 also indicated among the ''confidence-building'' 


measures, the free movement of people and goods, the 


recognition of documentation, and the re-opening 


of banking and other services in areas under 


insurgent control, as well as the return 


of expropriated assets.


 


 


___________________________________________







UN ''denounces'' ----- the violent 


deaths of civilians in Sudan


July 25th, 11:44am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The United Nations denounced in a statement released 


here today the death of more than 30 civilians due to 


''an armed attack'' in the Sudanese region of 


West Kordofan.


 


According to the note, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq 


stated that in Wednesday's assault in the Brima Rashid 


area, where more than 40 people were also injured, 


''unknown elements in combat vehicles'' - opened 


fire indiscriminately against homes and a market.


 


Among the victims were women, children and the elderly, 


and doctors reported the urgent need for surgical care


 for the injured, the source said, quoted by the Sudan 


Tribune digital portal.


 


Within the Darfur region, meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis 


is worsening due to a widespread cholera outbreak and


 food shortages.


 


Humanitarian entities assure that, after more than two years 


of ''civil war'' in Sudan, this country suffers one of the worst 


situations due to the massive displacement of people 


inside and outside the national territory.


 


Since the outbreak of armed clashes in April 2023 between the 


Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces,


 more than 10 million people have been forced to leave 


their homes.


 


In Sudan, on the other hand, at least 25 million human beings now 


depend on humanitarian aid to survive, meanwhile, according to 


data from the United Nations Children's Fund, 3.7 million 


children under five years of age are ''at risk of'' 


suffering from severe malnutrition.


 


 


_______________________________________


 


 


 


Nigerian army -- rescues 


170 kidnapped people


July 25th, 10:40am


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


The Nigerian Ministry of Defense announced today that 


military operations carried out from the 10th to the 


22nd of this month --- left dozens of extremist


 elements dead ...and led to the rescue 


of 170 kidnapped people.


 


Combative actions against radical armed groups took 


place in towns in states such as Borno, Adamawa, 


Plateau and Kaduna, where a large number 


of alleged terrorists, surrendered to the 


authorities - along with their families.


 


He said that in southern areas of the country, Operation 


Delta Safe troops dismantled 14 illegal oil refining 


facilities and intercepted stolen crude oil and


 other types of fuel.


 


The ongoing military operations led to significant progress


 in neutralizing threats and restoring peace in regions 


affected by violence, he said.


 


For several months now, in various areas of Nigeria -- the 


Army and allied forces have been carrying out military 


operations against extremist elements of the Boko 


Haram groups and the West African Province 


of the Islamic State.


 


 


_________________________________________


 


 


 


Millionaire African Bank fund 


benefits Benin farmers


July 25th, 10:22am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The African Development Bank (ADB) today reported 


the approval of a fund of 30.25 million dollars to 


support agricultural producers in Benin.


 


Through a statement, the Board of Directors of the African 


Development Bank Group indicated that the project will 


enable the financing of a pioneering program for 


climate protection - and resilience of the 


agricultural sector, in this West


African country.


 


This plan - reinforces the efforts of the national government 


to also establish insurance for the aforementioned branch, 


whose pilot phase ------ will be managed by the Benin 


Agricultural Development Fund, the source said.


 


The significant investment demonstrates the ADB's commitment 


to strengthening climate resilience in the agricultural sector 


of this territory, while responding to the urgent needs of 


communities considered vulnerable, said the credit


 institution's representative here, 


Robert Masumbuko.


 


Among the 150 thousand Beninese farmers who will benefit 


from financial aid are those from the department of Alibori 


and Atakora, where one in four producers suffers from 


food insecurity due to adverse climatic factors such 


as devastating droughts, or sudden rains.


 


 


_________________________________________


 


 


 


Angola and Portugal value relations 


------- of friendship and cooperation


July 25th, 10:14am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The president of Angola, João Lourenço, and his Portuguese


 counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, today praised 


the historic friendly relations between the two


countries and peoples, and bilateral 


cooperation in various areas.


 


During the meeting ..between the leaders in Lisbon, on the 


occasion of the official visit of the Angolan head of state, 


both parties highlighted the intensity and depth of the 


ties that unite them, as well as the willingness to 


continue strengthening these ties and 


expanding collaboration.


 


Lourenço reaffirmed the joint commitment to turn 


opportunities into concrete actions, with a 


positive impact on strengthening 


cooperation --- and realizing 


the aspirations of their 


respective peoples.


 


Meanwhile.. the Portuguese president referred to the large 


Angolan community that resides in the Portuguese nation 


and the indissoluble cultural and historical unity between 


the two peoples.


 


The heads of state held a private meeting where they addressed 


issues of bilateral interest. The program of Lourenço's visit also 


includes a meeting with the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís 


Montenegro; the form of various legal instruments; polite 


conversations with the president of parliament, Aguiar 


Branco, and meetings with Portuguese and 


Angolan businessmen.


 


The president will participate tomorrow in an interactive 


dialogue with the Portuguese president, where they 


are expected to address current issues.


 


 


_______________________________________


 


 


 


Judicial proceedings against former 


President Kabila began in the DRC


July 25th, 9:38am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The trial -- against the former president of the Democratic 


Republic of the Congo (DRC) Joseph Kabila, for treason


 and other crimes, began today before the Superior 


Military Court - in the absence of the accused.


 


At the opening of the hearing, the Deputy Minister of Justice


for International Litigation, Samuel Mbemba - emphasized 


the independence of the judiciary from political pressure, 


and defended the obligation to “file a civil lawsuit on 


behalf of the Republic”, said Actualité.CD.


 


Kabila is accused of treason, crimes against the peace and 


security of humanity, homicide, rape, torture and 


participation in an insurrectional movement, 


in this case the alleged support for the 


rebellion of the March 23 


Movement (M23).


 


The process, which was able to advance after the lifting of 


parliamentary immunity, has been denounced by the 


former president's supporters as political 


persecution aimed at weakening 


his influence.


 


Kabila is currently located in Congolese territory, but 


in the eastern part of the country under the control 


of the M23.


 


 


__________________________________________


 


 


 


WFP Warns of Worsening Hunger Crisis


 in Nigeria --------- Amid Aid Cuts


July 25th, 6:47am


(teleSUR)


 


Over 30 million Nigerians face hunger amid steep aid cuts, 


with WFP warning of rising instability across the Sahel.


 


The UN’s World Food Programme warns that funding cuts — led 


by the United States and followed by other Western donors — 


are pushing millions in Nigeria and the wider West African 


region ----- to the brink of famine, raising fears of 


broader instability.


 


The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued 


a warning about a worsening hunger crisis in Nigeria, where 


nearly 31 million people are now facing acute food 


insecurity. “This is equivalent to the entire 


population of Texas going hungry,” said 


Margot van der Velden, WFP’s regional 


director for West Africa.


 


Due to significant funding cuts expected from August, WFP says 


over 1.3 million people in Nigeria will lose access to food and 


nutritional aid. In the northeastern state of Borno — a region 


severely affected by years of conflict — 150 nutrition clinics 


may shut down, placing 300,000 children at risk of severe 


malnutrition and leaving 700,000 displaced people 


without any means of survival.


 


The crisis reflects a broader decline in international support. For 


years, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 


played a central role in humanitarian operations across 


northeastern Nigeria. However, foreign aid cuts under


 the Trump administration, followed by reductions 


from other Western governments, have severely 


undermined assistance programs. The WFP is 


now urgently seeking \$130 million to sustain


 its work....... in Nigeria alone.


 


 


 


_______________________________________




 President of Rwanda 
appoints new P.M.

July 24th, 12:01pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, today - appointed 

Justin Nsengiyumva as the country's new prime minister 

by decree, who served as vice-governor of the National 

Central Bank.

 

According to the Government Communications Department, 

Nsengiyumva replaces Edouard Ngirente as prime minister, 

who was dismissed the day before by the current president 

without offering more details about it.

 

The predecessor of the new government representative served 

in that position since July 2017, and became the 11th prime 

minister of Rwanda since its independence in 1962.

 

Before assuming the position of vice-governor of the financial 

institution, Nsenhiyumva, seven months ago, who promised 

to serve the people with dedication and dedication, was 

permanent secretary of the ministries of Commerce 

and Industry and Education.

 

According to the Rwandan Constitution, the appointment of a

 new prime minister implies the formation of a new cabinet 

within a period of 15 days.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

They praise Ethiopia's commitment 

to the African free trade area

July 24th, 11:31am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The Director of Coordination and Secretariat of the African

 Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Program, Tsotetsi 

Makong, today ------ praised Ethiopia's commitment to

 implementing the goal of the continental initiative.

 

Makong, speaking to the Ethiopia News Agency, highlighted 

the vital role the AfCFTA plays in promoting intra-African 

trade and job creation.

 

He described local efforts to achieve the integration of sectors 

such as transportation, commerce and services within the free

 trade zone as commendable, which will generate important 

employment opportunities for many people.

 

“Countries have demonstrated a strong commitment to the 

implementation of the free trade area, and we are closely 

monitoring progress in Addis Ababa under the leadership 

of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. These development 

changes have the potential to generate foreign 

exchange for both Ethiopia and Africa”, 

he said.

 

He specified that the agreement reached with African 

countries to promote duty-free trade relations, will 

stimulate increased production.

 

“Now our traders and farmers have the opportunity to expand

 their production, and investors can expand their businesses

 thanks to the ample opportunities. We are already seeing 

foreign companies starting operations in various parts 

of the continent”, he stressed.

 

He mentioned that Ethiopian companies now have the opportunity 

to invest in other nations within the AfCFTA legal framework, 

which will generate employment opportunities not only at 

the national level, but throughout the continent.

 

Regarding this last aspect, he stressed the urgency of job 

creation --- taking into account that, by 2050, the majority 

of Africa's population, will be young.

 

“By 2050, a third of the world's youth will reside in Africa, which 

means we need to develop sufficient job opportunities. Job 

creation requires production and services ------ and this 

production cannot be limited to national markets”, 

he warned.

 

He considered that, if they do not take advantage of the 

African Continental Free Trade Area, they will face a 

significant shortage of sectors, that generate job 

opportunities.  Hence, the initiative is designed 

to close this gap & create jobs for countries

 and merchants.

 

The Secretariat continues the coordination of efforts between

 member countries to facilitate the effective implementation 

of the agreement.

 

 

__________________________________________

 

 

 

Ethiopia's Ethio Telecom has

record fiscal year revenue 

July 24th, 10:46am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

Ethiopia's state telecommunications company, Ethio Telecom, 

today revealed record annual revenues of 162 billion birr 

(more than $1,174 million) in fiscal year 2024-2025.

 

The company's CEO, Frehiwot Tamiru, reported that this figure

 represents 99% of its objective and marked an increase of 

37 percent -- compared to the last budget period -- when 

presenting the annual performance during a briefing.

 

Tamiru attributed the strong results to expanding services, 

growing digital adoption and improving infrastructure.

 

He specified that the increase in income translates into an 

additional 68.3 billion birr (more than 495 million dollars)

 to last year's profits, while they made a net profit of 

76 billion birr (more than $550 million), exceeding 

their plan by 4%.

 

Other important achievements in the period were that 

Ethio Telecom's customer base grew by 6.2%, with 

total population coverage, of 99.4 percent. A total

of 365 products and services were offered during 

the year: 134 new and 157 updated.

 

The company's digital finance platform, TeleBirr, also 

continued its rapid expansion ---- by processing 4.9 

trillion birr (more than $35 million) in transactions

 since its launch, including 2.3 trillion birr (more 

than $16 million) in transfers during fiscal year

 2024-2025 alone.

 

The directive highlighted that the number of users 

amounted to 54.8 million, which contributes 

significantly to the development of 

Ethiopia's digital economy.

 

He explained that, in support of the national agenda ''Digital 

Ethiopia'', they have several key infrastructure advances 

during the year --- including the implementation of 4G 

services in 512 locations, and 5G in 16 major cities.

 

Likewise, the installation of 1,683 new mobile access points - to 

improve network speed and capacity, the expansion of internet 

access in rural areas with the extension of broadband services

 to 2,388 kebels, reaching 5.9 million new users.

 

The Ethiopian state telecommunications company strengthened 

its cybersecurity framework, successfully neutralizing 462,000 

cyberattack attempts, the presentation added.

 

 

 

______________________________________________

 

 

 

Pope Leo XIV... received

the president of Algeria 

in audience

July 24th, 9:47am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Pope Leo XIV received today, in audience, the president of 

Algeria, Abdelmagjid Tebboune, with whom he addressed 

various international and bilateral issues of 

common interest.

 

According to a statement released by the Holy See press 

office, the contact between the Supreme Pontiff and the

 Algerian president took place at noon this Thursday 

at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

 

After that meeting, Tebboune and the rest of his delegation,

 held an exchange with the Secretary of State, Cardinal 

Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Monsignor 

Daniel Pacho, undersecretary of the Multilateral 

Sector of the Section of Relations with States 

and International Organizations.

 

Topics related to the current geopolitical situation were 

addressed there, with emphasis on the importance of

interreligious dialogue and cultural collaboration for

the cbuildingof peace and fraternity in the world.

 

The Algerian president... arrived in Rome last Wednesday,

to participate in the 5th Italy-Algeria Intergovernmental 

Summit, co-chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni,

-- as well as in a Business Forum, where more than

forty agreements were signed ------------- aimed at 

strengthening relations between both nations.

 

 

 

________________________________________________

 

 

 

President of Angola makes 

official visit to Portugal

July 24th, 8:04am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of Angola, Joao Lourenco, traveled to Portugal 

today for an official visit on July 25 and 26, in response to 

an invitation from the authorities of that country.

 

The president plans meetings with his Portuguese counterpart, 

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and with the Prime Minister, Luís 

Montenegro, with whom he must meet tomorrow in Belém 

and São Bento, respectively, to address issues of 

common interest ---- and strengthen 

bilateral cooperation.

 

This Friday the Angolan head of state will also have a meeting 

with Portuguese businessmen and compatriots who have 

businesses in the former metropolis.

 

The program also includes a visit to the Assembly of the 

Portuguese Republic and a courtesy meeting with the

 president of parliament, Aguiar Branco.

 

Lourenço will participate on Saturday in an interactive dialogue 

with the Portuguese president, where they are expected to 

address current issues.

 

After Angola's independence on November 11, 1975, the country

 and its former metropolis have maintained close relations in 

all areas.

 

It is expected that among the topics to be discussed 

by the Angolan president, are immigration issues.

 

 

 

__________________________________________________




The Mozambican authorities --- are exploring 


the possibility of the country joining BRICS


by Alexey Merkulov (Tunisia)


July 23rd, 6:27pm


(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 


 


Mozambique's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Manuela 


dos Santos Lukas, has stated that the government is 


considering the possibility of joining BRICS, but 


first, intends to explore the mutual benefits. 


 


This was revealed by the head of the foreign policy 


department on the sidelines of an event at the 


Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy 


of Sciences, in an interview with the 


African Initiative news agency.


 


"As Mozambique, we believe ---- that we need to learn a 


little more about BRICS in order to better understand 


this organization, & see how we can benefit from it," 


the minister emphasized. She added that there are 


many international organizations in the world, and


"if you join them and don't contribute anything, it 


doesn't make sense."


 


"We know that BRICS is an alternative to the new world 


order," Lukasz said. "The countries in this group are 


very influential, and we want to be part of this 


movement. However, we are still exploring 


how we can benefit BRICS ...and how 


BRICS can benefit us."


 


The minister clarified, that the association is currently 


developing criteria for new members, adding that the 


Mozambican authorities "need to learn a bit more." 


 


"And then --- we will definitely be able to 


become part of BRICS," she concluded.


 


The statement was made... during the working visit of 


the Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs to Russia.


 


 


________________________________________


 


 


 


Egypt --- has expressed its full 


support for the Sahel Alliance


by Alexey Merkulov (Tunisia)


July 23rd, 6:14pm


(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 


 


Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelaty confirmed 


Cairo's readiness for any forms of cooperation 


with the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) and


 assistance in the fight against terrorism. 


 


This was reported by the administration of Burkinabé 


President Ibrahim Traoré --- following a meeting 


in Ouagadougou.


 


"Egypt --- is committed to supporting the three member 


countries of the Sahel Alliance (Burkina Faso, Niger, 


and Mali) in their common fight against terrorism, 


and we will continue to provide them -- with any 


necessary assistance," the Egyptian minister 


was quoted, by the Traoré administration. 


 


"As part of strengthening our relations -- we are open to 


any form of cooperation with Burkina Faso and other 


fellow member countries of the Sahel Alliance."


 


The Egyptian Foreign Minister visited Burkina Faso --


as a special envoy of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.


 


"I conveyed the President of Egypt's greetings and 


support, to President of Burkina Faso, Captain 


Ibrahim Traoré. I also presented him with a 


written message.. regarding our bilateral 


cooperation ----- and reaffirmed Egypt's 


commitment to further strengthening 


it," Abdellati explained.


 


At the meeting with President Traoré, the parties discussed 


issues of investment, trade, security, and defense, with a 


special focus on anti-terrorism cooperation. Abdellati 


noted that cooperation could expand to the fields 


of agriculture, pharmaceutical production, 


and infrastructure.


 


The Sahel Alliance was established in 2023 to ensure 


collective defense. On January 28th, 2024, Burkina 


Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal 


from the Economic Community of West African 


States (ECOWAS), claiming that it had failed 


to provide support in combating terrorism 


and ensuring territorial security.


 


 


 


____________________________________________





Skepticism grows in Sudan over


 US-led Quad’s ''peace'' efforts


July 23rd, 9:54am


by Abdallah Hussain


Press TV, Khartoum


 


Sudanese citizens are increasingly skeptical of 


the US-led Quad ..tasked with ending war in


their country.


 


As the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE 


prepare to present a delayed peace plan, 


many in Sudan -- accuse the group of 


fueling the very conflict they now 


claim to solve.


 






__________________________________







Angola and Ethiopia sign 


air services agreement


July 22nd, 2:57pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Angola and Ethiopia today signed an Air Services agreement


 that establishes the legal bases for the creation, operation 


and regulation of connections between both countries in 


this way.


 


The legal instrument, aimed at strengthening bilateral 


cooperation, was signed this Tuesday by the Angolan 


transport ministers, Ricardo D'Abreu --- and the 


Ethiopian, Alemu Sime --- in the presence of 


the Angolan foreign minister, Téte António


- at the headquarters of the Ministry of 


Foreign Affairs, in Luanda.


 


The agreement provides... that the airlines designated by 


each signatory country ---- will benefit from traffic and 


overflight rights, respecting the respective national 


legislation; in addition... to establishing the 


principles of equality and reciprocity -- 


providing legal guarantees for safe, 


regular and efficient operations.


 


It also includes clauses that guarantee the priority given to the


 operational safety of civil aviation; it stipulates the multiple 


designation of eligible airlines and includes provisions


 that promote a competitive and sustainable 


environment in the aviation sector.


 


Likewise ---- it contemplates tax exemptions on gross income 


from international traffic, facilitates the transfer of benefits 


and allows the free setting of rates, creating favourable 


conditions for commercial activity.


 


The Ethiopian Minister of Transport considered that the 


agreement --- is much more than a simple technical 


understanding and becomes a bridge between 


the people of the two countries, with a


 particular impact ------- on the 


business community.


 


He also alluded to the role of the António Agostinho Neto 


international airport ....as a strategic gateway to Sub-


Saharan Africa -- with the potential to transform 


the region --- into a true centre of trade 


and tourism.


 


Ricardo D'Abreu maintained for his part that the agreement


 is in line with the objectives of the African single air 


transport market --- and expands connectivity 


opportunities between both countries.


 


He stated -- that Angola intends to absorb Ethiopia's 


experience in this branch, since it is well known 


that the Horn of Africa nation ---- currently 


constitutes the main aviation centre 


of the continent.


 


 


__________________________________________


 


 


 


Fighting continues between DRC 


militias and AFC/M23 ''rebels''


July 22nd, 3:35pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Despite the signing of a Declaration of Principles, between


 the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ....and the 


Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), 


intense fighting continues today in the east of


 the country.


 


The rebel coalition maintains clashes in the territories of 


Masisi and Rutshuru, in the province of North Kivu, with


 the Wazalendo militias belonging to the Nduma group 


for the Defense of the Congo (NDC).


 


Fighting is also taking place in the territory of Walikale, 


although it was expected that ----- after the agreement 


between the DRC and Rwanda, and the Declaration 


signed last Saturday in Qatar..... a pacification 


process will ..gradually begin in the area.


 


The clashes --- are especially concentrated in the villages 


of Kasenyi, Katobotobo, Karoba, Luke and Bukumbiriri - 


located in the Nyamaboko Premier and Mufunyi Kibabi 


clusters -- but there have also been actions in other 


areas, with the consequent displacement of the 


population ------- to flee the violence.


 


Both the Government and the rebels accuse each other 


of betraying the good will... to lay down their weapons 


and begin work on pacification.


 


 


__________________________________________


 


 


 


Zambia ------ Signs $1.1 Billion Deal for 


Oil Refinery and Energy Hub in Ndola


July 22nd, 2:29pm


(teleSUR)


 


Zambia has signed a landmark $1.1 billion agreement


 to construct a crude oil refinery and an integrated 


energy complex in Ndola -- a strategic move -- 


aimed at achieving energy self-sufficiency 


and boosting regional trade.


 


The deal, announced Monday, brings together the Industrial 


Development Corporation (IDC) and China’s Fujian Xiang 


Xin Corporation (FJXX), with support from the Zambia 


Development Agency (ZDA). The facility will process 


60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, enough to meet 


Zambia’s entire fuel demand.....  and generate a


surplus for exports to neighbouring countries.


 


Construction is scheduled to begin in Q3 2025, with the first


 phase of commercial operations expected in 2026. Crude 


oil will be imported from the Middle East via Tanzania’s 


Dar es Salaam port --- reinforcing Zambia’s regional 


logistics ties.


 


Beyond refining petrol and diesel, 


the complex will include:


 


–LPG bottling units


 


-Bitumen and lubricant production


 


-A 130-megawatt power plant, with 


100 MW fed into the national grid


 


The project ----- is expected to create 2,200 jobs during its


construction - and sustain over 3,000 direct and indirect 


jobs once operational. It will also support skills transfer 


programs, to train Zambians in refinery operations - to 


international standards.


 


Officials say the refinery will significantly reduce Zambia’s 


fuel import bill, strengthen the kwacha, and shield the 


economy from regional supply shocks. It is also 


expected ---- to catalyze investment in rail 


networks, storage infrastructure, and 


downstream industries such as 


plastics, fertilizers, 


and asphalt.


 


IDC CEO Cornwell Muleya described the agreement as a


 “major milestone” in Zambia’s industrialization journey, 


while FJXX Chairperson Huang Tieming pledged world


-class engineering -- and long-term economic impact.


 


Author: OSG


 


Source: EFE-Africanews


 


 


 


__________________________________________


 


 


 


Ethiopia closed fiscal year 


------ with record foreign 


exchange earnings


July 22nd, 12:57pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Ethiopia --- generated a record $32.1 billion in foreign 


revenue during fiscal year 2024-2025, a significant 


jump compared to the previous year, of 24.7 


billion dollars, it was known today.


 


The announcement - took place at the Finance Forum 


which brings together policymakers, private sector 


leaders and financial experts....... to discuss 


sustainable development, macroeconomic 


reform - and pressing trade problems.


 


According to Ethiopian National Bank (NBE) Governor 


Mamo Mihretu, the increase in foreign exchange 


inflows indicates the recovery of investor 


confidence and better economic 


performance.


 


For the first time, the Exchange Offices came 


into operation, substantially increasing 


access to foreign currencies, 


Mihretu said.


 


He acknowledged that ------ while inflation fell by 50%


 compared to previous years, it remains a challenge.


 


Looking ahead, he said they will work harder to reduce 


living costs and maintain economic momentum, 


reaffirming the government's commitment


 to long-term financial stability and


 inclusive growth.


 


For his part, the Finance Minister Amed Shide addressed 


the central role of the macroeconomic reform program 


------------ in catalyzing development in agriculture, 


manufacturing, tourism, services and mining.


 


Shide mentioned among the most notable milestones the 


government's decision to refrain, for the first time in the 


nation's history, from borrowing from the NBE. Instead, 


public spending was guided -- by principles of fiscal 


discipline, savings and efficient use of resources,


 he stressed.


 


He mentioned regulatory support for regional integration 


through strategic investments in cross-border energy 


distribution, rail and express rail networks ----- and 


digital infrastructure that strengthens Ethiopia's


economic ties with neighbours.... and fosters 


interconnectivity in the Horn of Africa.


 


He reaffirmed the government's dedication to expanding 


private sector participation in the national economy, 


recognizing its fundamental role in job creation 


and diversification. Policies are adapted to 


eliminate barriers --- and attract more 


private investment, he asserted.


 


He emphasized holding financing forums like the one started


 this day to allow for constructive dialogue. These platforms 


are vital to diagnose challenges within the financial sector 


and identify collective solutions that improve private 


sector participation, he concluded.


 


 


___________________________________________


 


 


 


Red Cross willing to facilitate the 


release of detainees in the DRC


July 22nd, 10:17am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 


expressed its willingness to facilitate the release of 


detainees both in the Democratic Republic of the 


Congo (DRC) and. as part of the implementation 


of a Declaration of Principles, underway today.


 


Following the signing of this roadmap between the DRC 


Government and the rebels of the Congo River Alliance


-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) on July 19 in Qatar, 


the ICRC expressed - that it will contribute to the 


process to release prisoners from both parties 


--- based on the recommended “confidence-


building measures”.


 


“Our team in the DRC will help facilitate the release of 


detainees from both sides so they can return home 


safely and reunite with their families”, 


a statement said.


 


He added that these humanitarian initiatives are


 an essential step...... on the long road to peace.


 


The note added that the conflict in the east of the country 


has trapped generations of civilians in a decades-long 


cycle of suffering, loss of life and displacement, 


therefore, the Declaration constitutes an 


important opportunity - to chart a new 


future based on peace and stability.


 


The ICRC accompanied, between April 30 and May 15, 


the transport of more than 1,300 unarmed members 


of the DRC Army, along with their families, from 


Goma to Kinshasa.


 


 


____________________________________________




President of Angola received 
an envoy from the Congo


July 21st, 3:05pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The president of Angola, Joao Lourenco received today 


at the Presidential Palace of Luanda the Minister of 


Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, Jean 


Claude Gakosso -- bearer of a message from the 


Congolese president, Denis Sassou-N'Guesso.


 


In statements to the press after the meeting, the chancellor


of the neighbouring nation ---- praised the relations of 


brotherhood between the two countries, marked 


by blood, and historical and political ties.


 


Gakosso highlighted the celebration this year, of the 50th 


anniversary of Angola's independence, a fact that he 


classified as very important for his country and for 


which the Congolese president wishes to 


congratulate his counterpart - and all 


the Angolan people.


 


Although the envoy did not detail the content of the message 


sent, he also referred to Sassou-N'Guesso's desire to 


congratulate Lourenco, for his commitment 


to resolving the conflict in the eastern 


Democratic Republic of the Congo 


and also in the entire region of


 the Great Lakes.


 


He also conveyed congratulations on the organization of the 


United States-Africa Business Summit, held at the end of 


last month, and for hosting the next meeting between 


the countries of the continent and the members of 


the EU, focused on strengthening trade ties 


and investments.


 


The chancellor pointed out that the visit to the Angolan 


president also served to present Firmin Édouard Matoko, 


candidate for the elections for the leadership of the 


United Nations Educational Organization, science 


and Culture, UNESCO, a figure that comes from 


the Congo, but who agrees.. to the election to 


the organization - as a representative of the 


entire continent.


 


 


______________________________________________


 


 


 


Mali Reports Major Counterterrorism 


Success as Sahel Alliance Deepens 


Military Integration


July 21st, 2:46pm


(teleSUR)


 


The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have announced the 


neutralization of approximately 70 militants in a 


series of coordinated counterterrorism 


operations conducted between July 


15 and 19 across the volatile 


regions of Menaka, Segou, 


Kidal, and Timbuktu.


 


These operations mark one of the most significant military 


campaigns in recent months and reflect Mali’s intensified 


efforts to reclaim territory and restore stability.


 


According to official statements, the operations involved joint 


ground and aerial strikes, with air support provided by the 


Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — a regional bloc 


comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.


 


The AES, which transitioned into a confederation on July 6th, 


has emerged as a central pillar in the region’s new security 


architecture - following its withdrawal from ECOWAS and 


La Francophonie.


 


Military sources confirmed the destruction of several terrorist 


bases, including logistics hubs and vehicle convoys.. used 


by armed groups. While the army ..did not name specific 


factions, Mali continues to battle a complex insurgency 


involving jihadist networks such as JNIM (al-Qaeda’s 


Sahel affiliate) --- and ISSP (Islamic State Sahel 


Province) --- as well as separatist movements 


seeking ''autonomy'' ...in the north.


 


The operations come amid growing concerns over the Azawad 


Liberation Front, a coalition of five armed groups.... formed in 


December 2024 that seeks independence for northern Mali. 


The government has designated these factions as terrorist 


organizations, and their activities have intensified clashes 


in Kidal and the surrounding areas.


 


The AES’s involvement signals a deepening military integration, 


with the bloc recently announcing the formation of a 5,000-


strong joint rapid response force equipped with its own 


aviation and intelligence capabilities. Russia has 


pledged to support the initiative through arms 


and training, further solidifying its role, as a 


strategic partner in the Sahel.


 


The July operations also follow a failed offensive by JNIM earlier 


this month in western Mali, where the group targeted military 


outposts in Kayes, Nioro, and Diboli. FAMa claimed to have 


repelled the attacks, killing over 80 militants, although 


analysts warn that JNIM’s evolving tactics


— including urban raids and economic 


sabotage — pose a growing threat.


 


Security experts note that Mali’s counterterrorism strategy has 


shifted toward territorial consolidation, aiming to secure trade 


corridors, mining zones, and border posts, critical to national 


revenue. The AES’s confederation framework allows for 


joint planning and resource pooling, which could 


enhance operational efficiency across the 


tri-border region.


 


However, human rights groups have raised concerns about civilian 


casualties.. and a lack of transparency in military operations. The 


Malian government - has pledged to uphold international norms, 


but independent verification remains limited due to restricted 


media access in conflict zones.


 


The AES’s geopolitical realignment has also reshaped regional 


diplomacy. With ties severed from ECOWAS and France, Mali 


and its allies are pursuing alternative partnerships, 


including with Russia, China, and Türkiye, while 


advocating for non-Western models of 


development and security.


 


Despite military gains, Mali’s security crisis remains. Since 


2012, the country has faced waves of rebellion, open and


covert ''foreign'' intervention, and internal displacement. 


 


Over 2 million people remain affected by violence.


 


 


_________________________________________________


 


 


 


President of Cuba received a


 Mozambican party leader


July 21st, 2:46pm


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, received today the 


general secretary of the Liberation Front of Mozambique 


(Frelimo), Chakil Aboobacar, with whom he spoke 


about the relations between the parties of 


both countries and the ways to 


deepen them.


 


The president - conveyed a greeting from the leader of the 


Cuban Revolution, Raúl Castro, to the Mozambican leader.


 


He also conveyed greetings to the president of Mozambique, 


Daniel Chapo, to whom he sent an invitation to visit the 


Island when his agenda allows it.


 


During the dialogue, Díaz-Canel expressed his willingness 


to strengthen interparty, economic and cooperation ties.


 


He recalled his work stay in Mozambique in 2023, where he 


was able to appreciate the friendship between the both 


peoples and the impact of the work of Cuban 


volunteers in the African country.


 


For his part, Chakil Aboobacar appreciated that his visit to 


the island is a reflection of the intensity of the ties of 


friendship between both countries and political 


organizations, which are based on the 


enduring relationship between the 


historical leader, Fidel Castro, 


and the Mozambican leader,


 Samora Machel.


 


Likewise, he commented ------- that this happens within the 


framework of the 50th anniversary of the independence


 of Mozambique, the 63rd anniversary of the founding 


of the Mozambique Liberation Front, and half a 


century of bilateral ties.


 


The Communist Party of Cuba, he stressed, is 


not only a friendly Party, but a strategic ally.


 


“We have come to give them all, the support of Frelimo 


and the President --- in the face of the US blockade.


 


We are together and we are going to continue working. 


Frelimo and the people of Mozambique will always be 


with Cuba”, stressed the Mozambican party leader.


 


As part of his agenda, Chakil Aboobacar also held meetings 


with the president of the National Assembly of People's 


Power, Esteban Lazo, and with the Secretary of the 


Central Committee of the Communist Party of 


Cuba, Roberto Morales.


 


 


_________________________________________________


 


 


 


Venezuela & Ethiopia commemorate 


75 years .....of diplomatic relations 


July 21st, 1:33pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The ties of brotherhood based on respect, unity, sovereignty 


and mutual aid --- stood out today at the commemorative 


event for the 75th anniversary of the establishment 


of diplomatic relations ---- between Venezuela 


and Ethiopia.


 


The Venezuelan ambassador in Addis Ababa, Eddy Córdova 


Córcega, recalled that in the mid-20th century and shortly 


after the creation of the United Nations Organization, the 


governments of both countries signed the historic 


agreement on July 20th, 1950.


 


“For the Homeland of Simón Bolívar it was the first agreement 


with a country on the African continent, opening the way to


 future new, constructive and respectful relations”, 


stated Córdova Córcega.


 


He highlighted that the Venezuelan government awarded Emperor 


Haile Selassie (1930-1974) the “Simón Bolívar Order Liberator 


Necklace” in 1956, the highest decoration of the South 


American nation, currently preserved in the National 


Palace Museum of Ethiopia.


 


The diplomat stressed that the electoral victory of Commander 


Hugo Chávez in December 1998 ----- marked a very important 


turning point for Venezuela's relations with the continent.


 


“We create a multipurpose Africa Agenda; we increase the number 


of embassies and the modalities and forms of cooperation without 


subjection or subordination; we are respectful of the sovereignty 


and independence of our brother countries in Africa and we are 


willing to accompany them --- in building paths to sustainable 


development”, he stated.


 


For his part, the deputy director for Europe and the Americas, of the 


Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mulie Tarekegn, commented 


that, throughout those 75 years, the relationship between Addis 


Ababa and Caracas has been characterized by the support of 


the state class and the shared commitment to a just and 


multipolar world order.


 


Tarekegn emphasized that “during the Cold War (1947-1991) and 


the art of colonization, both Ethiopia and Venezuela remained 


united as active and founding members of the Non-


Aligned Movement”.


 


Likewise, they defended the right of States, to forge their own 


identity, free from external domination, according to the 


fundamental principles of the Charter of the 


United Nations.


 


He urged to expand economic and commercial ties, 


improve technical and scientific cooperation, 


strengthen the bilateral nexus with the 


aspiration for an alliance based on 


unbreakable, peaceful, and 


just principles.


 


 


_______________________________________________


 


 


 


Niger Launches Investigation into 


$5.3 Million Sale of Martian 


Meteorite in the U.S.


July 21st, 7:12am


(teleSUR)


 


Niger investigates the possible illicit export of 


a rare Martian meteorite sold in the US,


seeking to determine ---- how the 


specimen left the country.


 


Nigeria's authorities have opened an investigation after


a very large piece of a meteorite... from the Ténéré 


desert was sold for $5.3 million at a Sotheby’s 


auction in New York. 


 


The government suspects the transaction may involve


 illegal trafficking and is seeking to determine, how 


the huge piece.... left the country.


 


On July 18, Niger’s executive branch announced the 


establishment of a special committee tasked with 


investigating the recent sale.


 


The meteorite was auctioned on July 16 during 


Sotheby’s “Geek Week” event in New York, 


attracting global attention --- due to its 


exceptional size and origin.


 


According to Sotheby’s, the meteorite fragment weighs 


approximately 24.67 kilograms, making it roughly 70%


larger than the second-largest known Martian 


fragment recovered on Earth. 


 


Discovered on November 16, 2023, by a meteorite 


prospector in Agadez, this fragment is part of a 


rare group: only about 400 of the over 77,000 


catalogued meteorites worldwide....... are 


confirmed to have come from Mars.


 


Martian meteorites - hold significant scientific value, 


offering insights into the geology of the Red Planet 


and its history, which adds to the price.


 


The investigative committee includes Niger’s ministers of 


Mines, Higher Education, Public Security, and Justice.


 Its mandate, is to clarify key questions such as the


 identity of the original discoverer, the channels 


through which the meteorite was exported, 


and potential complicity among domestic 


or international actors.


 


An anonymous mining engineer interviewed by EFE 


highlighted the investigation’s complexity, noting 


that it will require “significant financial and 


logistical resources” .........including field 


missions to Niger’s vast desert regions.


 


This is not the first incident - raising concerns about meteorite 


trafficking in Niger. In 2011, a meteorite fell in a millet field, in 


Aikaoua, located in the southern Maradi region. Although the 


authorities confirmed its origin, the current whereabouts of 


the meteorite remain unknown, according to Abdou Rafa, 


a local community leader.


 


The case highlights wider challenges faced by countries in 


the Global South, where valuable natural resources like 


rare meteorites are often targeted by illicit trade. 



Protecting these resources is essential to 


preserve national heritage and ensure 


fair benefits from their scientific
and 
economic potential.


 


As Niger advances its investigation, it could set a precedent 


---- for stronger oversight of meteorite exports --- reinforcing 


global efforts, to prevent illicit trafficking - and safeguard 


countries' natural heritage, from the usual thieves.


 


 


___________________________________________





The ripple effect of Trump’s budget 


cuts -- on refugee camps in Kenya


July 18th, 1:21pm


(teleSUR)


 


Global aid organizations are experiencing the effects 


of the Trump administration’s choice to close USAID 


and reduce funding for other aid groups. The two 


main refugee camps in Kenya have been 


significantly affected by these 


funding cuts.


 


The Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya continues to


 be affectet by the trump’s administration to 


cut USAID.


 


Empty warehouses – at the World Food Program’s 


food storage facilities at the camp...... paint a 


grim picture.


 


A couple of sacks of lentils from the US are among


 the last resources available ------- for the entire 


refugee camp, with warehouse supplies 


reduced to 25%.


 


Since the US --- WFP’s largest donor --- stopped its 


funding in February no additional food has arrived.


 


Situated in the extremely dry northern region of 


Kenya, Kakuma accommodates over 300,000 


refugees from nations such as South Sudan, 


Somalia, and the DRC.


 


With insufficient food available, WFP has been forced


 to significantly reduce food rations. In August, they


 report that more than a third of the refugees will 


receive no food at all. 


 


Regina Ngole, who escaped the conflict in South 


Sudan, shows us the food for her family of seven.


 


Author: OSG


 


Source: EFE-Africanews


 


 


_______________________________


 


 


 


Cuba ---- celebrates Nelson 


Mandela International Day


July 18th, 10:15am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Cuba today celebrates the International Day of Nelson 


Mandela, who ---- with his intelligence and courage, 


challenged the apartheid regime in South Africa.


 


The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, recalled on 


the social network X his gratitude towards the people of 


Cuba, his friendship with Commander in Chief, Fidel 


Castro ....and his contribution to the history of 


South Africa.


 


For his part, the Secretary of Organization of the Central 


Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Roberto 


Morales, noted that ''while the vast majority today 


pay tribute to Mandela, with sincere admiration, 


a few others practice racism, deport migrants 


----- and support the genocide in Gaza.''


 


Every July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated 


in recognition of his contributions to the culture of peace and


 freedom. This date shows that each person can be the 


trigger for a great change within their communities, 


just by carrying out simple actions in their area.


 


The anniversary, decreed by the UN in 2009, has expanded its 


objectives and includes among its priorities, promoting better 


conditions for those deprived of liberty, raising awareness 


--------- about the issue of prisoners and values, in the 


penitentiary work of each nation.


 


 


 


________________________________________


 


 


 


Mediators seek to sign agreement 


between DRC and rebels in July


July 18th, 8:18am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Qatar's mediation seeks today, to achieve the signing of


 a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic 


of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance-


Movement 23 March (AFC/M23) before the end 


of July.


 


According to Actualité.CD, with the support of the African 


Union and the US, negotiations in Doha continue, even


 though clashes between both forces continue on 


the eastern Congolese terrain.


 


Yesterday, the US president's senior advisor for Africa, 


Massad Boulos, met with the Qatari Foreign Minister, 


Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, to evaluate the strategic 


relationship between both countries & strengthen 


their collaboration on international issues, 


including the conflict in the DRC.


 


According to Mediacongo.net, the talks had a central point 


in diplomatic coordination on various African issues, with 


emphasis on the security situation in the eastern 


Congolese area, where increased violence


 threatens regional stability.


 


Both officials --- highlighted the importance of joint action 


to support peace efforts and strengthen local institutions.


 


Qatar has taken the mediation process between Kinshasa 


and the AFC/M23 very seriously, for which they even 


promoted individual meetings of the Ministers of 


the Interior of Rwanda and the DRC with the 


Qatari head of that portfolio.


 


Despite these efforts, it remains to be seen if the aspiration 


to reach an agreement before the end of the month is 


realized, taking into account that the clashes on the 


ground do not stop and neither do the complaints 


from both sides about military operations that 


undermine attempts to achieve peace.


 


The day before, AFC/M23 issued a statement stating 


that “the Kinshasa regime” continues its military 


offensives. “In the face of these attacks, our 


organization reaffirms its determination to 


protect the civilian population --- and 


eliminate any threat --- from its 


origin”, the note said.


 


He added that the rebels will not give in to intimidation 


or the maneuvers of “an illegitimate and bloodthirsty 


regime, which sacrifices peace, for its own 


selfish interests”.


 


 


____________________________________





A princess from Limpopo 


married a Russian man 


and moved to Altai


July 17th, 9:18pm


(RT.ru)


 


Princess Tsanani Zenki Miyen from Limpopo married 


Russian citizen Artem Sidorenko and moved to her 


husband's homeland, in the Altai region.


 


This was reported by Vesti Altai. According to journalists, 


moving to Russia..... was the princess's own suggestion.


 


"But first, Yarovoy resident Artyom performed all the rituals 


necessary to create a family in her homeland, Limpopo,"


 the article says.


 


The second wedding took place in Cape Town. In Russia, 


local schoolchildren come to the princess -- to improve 


their English skills.


 


 


_____________________________________________





 China and South Africa --- 

review bilateral relations

July 17th, 9:47am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The Vice President of China, Han Zheng, met today in 

this capital with the South African Vice President, 

Paul Mashatile, with whom he reviewed the 

state of bilateral relations.

 

In September last year, China and South Africa raised

 their relations to the level of a strategic cooperative 

partnership in all aspects.

 

Han noted that this opened a new chapter in building

 a community with a high-level shared future 

between the two countries.

 

The Chinese vice president ------ called on both sides, to

further implement the important consensus reached
by the two heads of state, 
continuously deepen
mutual 
political trust -- promote the high
quality development 
of bilateral
cooperation, and 
serve the
modernization 
drive --
of both countries.

 

Mashatile, in turn, stated that South Africa -- attaches 

great importance to relations with China and firmly

 adheres to the ‘one China’ policy.

 

Noting that bilateral cooperation in trade, investment 

and other fields has made solid progress, the South 

African vice president affirmed -- that his country
is 
willing to further implement the consensus 

reached by both parties, and contribute to

the development of South Africa-China 

relations ----- as well as those of this 

country with the African continent.




 

_________________________________________






France Signals Openness to Dialogue

 with Niger Over Colonial-Era

 Looted Artifacts

July 15th, 2:21pm

(teleSUR)

 

France has expressed willingness to engage in bilateral dialogue 

with Niger regarding the restitution of cultural artifacts looted 

during its colonial expansion in West Africa, particularly 

during the 1899 Mission Afrique Centrale (MAC) — one

of the most violent campaigns in the region’s history.

 

In a letter to UN Special Rapporteur Bernard Duhaime, French UN 

representative Jérôme Bonnafont stated that France is open to 

provenance research and patrimonial cooperation, though it 

stopped short of acknowledging responsibility for the 

atrocities committed during the MAC expedition.

 

The campaign, led by Captains Paul Voulet and Julien Chanoine, 

resulted in the massacre of thousands, the burning of villages, 

and the looting of cultural treasures across present-day Niger. 

Despite awareness of these crimes at the time, France 

conducted no official inquiry, and no officers were 

held accountable.

 

The current case was initiated by descendants of victims from 

four Nigerien communities, who are demanding access to 

archival records, recognition of the atrocities, and the 

return of stolen artifacts, some of which remain 

in French museums.

 

France’s response cited the non-retroactivity principle of 

international law, arguing that treaties addressing such 

violations were ratified long after the events occurred.

It also noted that no formal restitution requests have

yet been received from the Nigerien authorities.

 

This development comes amid a broader reckoning with France’s

 colonial past. In recent years, Paris has issued formal apologies 

for its role in the Rwandan genocide (2021), the Sétif massacre 

in Algeria (2022), and the Madagascar coup (2023).

 

However, relations between France and Niger have deteriorated 

since the military coup of July 2023, which ousted President 

Mohamed Bazoum. France withdrew its troops from Niger 

in December 2024, ending a strategic alliance that had 

included uranium exports vital to France’s nuclear 

energy sector.

 

The restitution debate --- is part of a wider continental push for 

reparations and cultural justice, with the African Union 

declaring 2025 --------- the Year of Reparations. 

 

The case will be included in the next UN human rights report 

and presented to the General Assembly in October, 

potentially setting a precedent for future claims.

 

 

________________________________________

 

 

 

Al-Shabab Captures Strategic Town of 

Tardo in Somalia as Türkiye Expands 

Military Presence

July 15th, 2:17pm

(teleSUR)

 

The armed group Al-Shabab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has 

taken control of the strategic town of Tardo in central 

Somalia’s Hiiraan region, after ousting government-

allied clan militias known as the Macawisley, 

according to the Somali National Army 

Commander, Mohammad Abdullah.

 

Tardo holds significant strategic value due to its position as 

a vital communications junction, potentially facilitating

Al-Shabab’s push toward larger population centres. 

The group also seized the nearby town of 

Moqokori last week.

 

The militant advance has sparked a large-scale displacement, 

with regional lawmaker Dahar Amin reporting that at least 

12,500 families have fled their homes, amid fears of 

further territorial expansion.

 

Government troops and clan fighters are now mobilizing for 

a counteroffensive. Reinforcements have been deployed, 

although the Somali federal government has yet to

 issue an official response to the fall of Tardo.

 

Al-Shabab, active since 2007 --- aims to overthrow the central 

government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law. 

In recent months --- it has expanded its territorial control 

across Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, intensifying 

pressure on Mogadishu and raising alarm about the 

country’s stability.

 

In response to the growing threat, Somalia has continued to rely 

on international military support. Over 20,000 foreign troops 

from Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti, and Kenya are currently 

deployed under longstanding multinational missions.

 

Additionally, Türkiye has ramped up its presence, deploying 500 

soldiers in April 2025 under a strategic partnership agreement 

that includes military training, energy cooperation, and 

infrastructure defense.

 

Türkiye has also taken command of the multinational Task Force 

151 - responsible for counter-piracy and maritime security in the 

Gulf of Aden. The Turkish-Somali alliance has further expanded

with exploration efforts... in Somali offshore oil and gas blocks.

 

As Al-Shabab pushes closer to the capital, analysts warn of

 a potential territorial collapse if Somalia fails to secure 

sustained international support.

 

The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with displaced families 

facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical care.

 

Would you like a visual map of Al-Shabab’s territorial 

advances or a profile of Türkiye’s strategic role

 in the region? Tough.

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

RSF Attacks Kill Nearly 300 

Civilians in North Kordofan, 

Sudan

July 15th, 1:18 am

(teleSUR)

 

Sudanese rights groups say RSF attacks on villages 

in North Kordofan left nearly 300 civilians dead, 

deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.

 

Displacement in North Kordofan surges after deadly

 RSF attacks, as Sudan’s civil conflict deepens. 

 

Paramilitary units of the RSF launched coordinated 

assaults over the weekend on multiple villages 

near the city of Bara, North Kordofan, an area 

currently under RSF control. The attacks ---- 

resulted in widespread civilian casualties, 

state Sudanese human rights groups.

 

The Emergency Lawyers group reported that on Saturday, RSF 

fighters attacked several villages around Bara. In Shag Alnom, 

more than 200 civilians were killed by gunfire or arson. Raids 

on additional villages left 38 more people dead, while dozens

 remain missing.

 

The following day, the RSF attacked the village of Hilat Hamid, 

killing 46 people, including pregnant women and children, 

the group said.

 

“It has been proven that these targeted villages - were completely 

empty of any military objectives, which makes clear the criminal 

nature of these crimes carried out ----- in complete disregard of 

international humanitarian law,” Emergency Lawyers stated, 

placing responsibility with the RSF leadership.

 

The United Nations confirmed that more than 3,400 

people were displaced as a result of the attacks.

 

Since the outbreak of war, in April 2023, Sudan has been
divided between areas controlled by the army and those
held by the 
RSF. The army has retained control over the
central and 
eastern regions, while the CIA-backed RSF
--- is still
holding western areas, including
North Kordofan.

 

The United States and international human rights organizations 

have publicly accused the RSF of committing war crimes, 

crimes against humanity, and genocide. Fighters under 

RSF command have been implicated in widespread 

looting and violence against civilians -- in areas 

under their control.

 

RSF leadership has pledged to hold those responsible for 

such acts accountable, stating that they “will be 

brought to justice.”

 

With violence escalating and displacement growing, 

international observers stress the urgent need for 

accountability and increased humanitarian 

support to address the crisis in Sudan.

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

DRC develops vaccination campaign

 to stop cholera epidemic

July 15th, 12:21pm

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today promotes 

a vaccination campaign in 11 health zones in four provinces 

of the country, to try to stop the spread of cholera, 

according to the Ministry of Health.

 

Last week the DRC registered 2,085 cases of the disease and

 95 deaths, but in general the numbers of sick people since 

January of this year exceeds 35,000 in 12 of the 26 

provinces, with Tshopo as the most affected.

 

The Minister of Health, Roger Kamba, emphasized the day before 

the need for strict compliance with hygiene standards, such as 

frequent hand washing with soap, disinfection, etc, the good 

handling of food and, above all --- avoiding self-medication 

and seeking medical attention immediately ---- at the 

first symptoms.

 

He highlighted the fact that 80 percent of deaths occur in the 

community, which means --- that people die before reaching 

the hospital because they are slow to seek medical help.

 

Kamba reported that the donation of 20 tons of kits to treat 

the disease, received last week, will soon reach the 

communities and more deliveries are planned.

 

“To date, we have enough equipment to treat all patients for free”, 

he assured and reiterated that as soon as symptoms appear, 

people should go to the treatment centre.

 

 

____________________________________________




The largest Martian meteorite from Africa 

will be auctioned for $4 million

by Alexey Merkulov (Tunisia)

July 14th, 5:22pm

(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 

 

The largest known fragment of Mars ever found on Earth - 

will be auctioned by Sotheby's on July 16, with a pre-sale 

estimate of \$2-4 million. The meteorite, named NWA 

16788 and weighing 24.67 kg, represents 6.5% of 

he total known Martian material on our planet.

 

According to the auction house, this "incredibly rare" object was 

thrown from the surface of Mars by a powerful asteroid impact, 

travelled 140 million miles of outer space and entered the 

Earth's atmosphere before falling in the Sahara Desert. 

It was discovered by a meteorite hunter on November 

16, 2023 in the remote area of Agadez (Niger).

 

NWA 16788 is 70% larger than the previous record holder. Of the 

more than 77,000 recognized meteorites on Earth, only 400 are 

of Martian origin, and their total weight is only about 374 kg. 

 

The special value of the specimen is given by the "reddish-brown 

melting crust", which gives "a unique Martian hue", as well as 

minimal traces of terrestrial weathering, which indicates - the 

preservation of the original physical and chemical properties. 

 

The surface of NWA 16788 has indentations that experts believe

 were caused by friction heating as the Martian rock fell into 

Earth's atmosphere.

 

"In other words, NWA 16788... is probably a relatively recent alien to 

Earth," Sotheby's noted. The lot is being sold as part of the Natural 

History auction, which also features a mounted skeleton of a 

young Ceratosaurus nasicornis, with a preliminary price

 of $4-6 million.

 

 

_________________________________



Burundi, eighth African country
 to eliminate trachoma


July 14th, 3:32pm


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


Burundi eliminated trachoma as a public health problem and 


became the eighth African country to reach this important 


milestone, confirmed the World Health Organization (WHO).


 


Trachoma is also the first neglected tropical 


disease eliminated in this nation.


 


It is “a collective victory, possible thanks to almost 20 years of 


national mobilization and international solidarity. I thank all 


the partners, community actors and institutions in Burundi 


and around the world who made this historic achievement 


possible", said Dr. Lydwine Baradahana, minister of Public 


Health and Fight against AIDS of Burundi.


 


This disease is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis 


and is spread by personal contact, contaminated surfaces 


and through flies that have been in contact with eye or 


nasal secretions.


 


According to experts, repeated infections can lead to 


scarring, inward eyelids, and ultimately blindness.


 


Globally, this disease is endemic in many vulnerable 


communities where access to drinking water and 


sanitation is limited.


 


Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries,


 with approximately 103 million people living in areas 


requiring disease interventions.


 


It is mainly found in the poorest and most rural areas of 


Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western 


Pacific and the Middle East.


 


The WHO Africa Region is disproportionately affected by 


trachoma: as of April 2024, 93 million people were living


 in risk areas, which represents 90 percent of the 


global burden of this disease.


 


Currently, 20 countries in the area require interventions to 


eliminate trachoma: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, 


Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte 


d'Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, 


Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Democratic 


Republic of the Congo, United Republic 


of Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, 


Zambia and Zimbabwe.


 


The other seven countries in the region validated by the WHO


 as nations that eliminated trachoma as a public health 


problem are Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, 


Mauritania and Togo.


 


Four others — Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia 


and Senegal, claim to have achieved prevalence


targets for its eradication.


 


 


________________________________________


 


 


 


Libya frees more than 100 migrants 


kidnapped by criminal network


July 14th, 2:11pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The Libyan Attorney General's Office announced today, 


the release of more than a hundred migrants, including 


five women, kidnapped by a criminal organization in 


the east of the country - to demand a ransom.


 


Through a statement, Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour 


detailed the group's involvement in human trafficking, 


kidnapping and torture - to force families to pay for


 the release of their relatives.


 


The migrants remained held in Ajdabiya, about 160 


kilometres from the city of Benghazi, in the 


northeast of the nation.


 


According to what was disclosed, the authorities 


confirmed the arrest of five suspects of Libyan, 


Sudanese and Egyptian nationality - linked to 


the trafficking network.


 


Press reports warned of Libya's serious migration crisis, 


which has become a main route for those fleeing 


conflict and poverty - to Europe.


 


 


__________________________________________


 


 


 


Niger Army deals severe 


blow to Islamist base


July 14th, 11:42am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


At least 15 insurgents died today, in a Nigerien Army 


operation that included the destruction of a hideout 


of one of the so-called Islamist groups operating
in the south 
of the country.


 


The report reporting on the operation describes the Islamist 


sanctuary in the city of Ghéchémé “SOUTH”, near the 


border with Nigeria as an (important logistical base), 


where Boko Haram operates, the powerful armed 


group of the same ideology, loyal to the 


Islamic State.


 


If the veracity of the statement is proven, the operation, 


endorsed by a military source, represents an important 


success for the Alliance of Sahel States, whose other 


two members are Burkina Faso and Mali, also fighting


scenarios of armed actions by fundamentalist groups.


 


The military text specifies - that preparations for the action 


were planned in the Desso area (southwest), an indication 


of greater and better coordination of the members of the 


AES, which left the Economic Community of West 


African States --- which they described as a 


sounding board for the interests of 


Western powers.


 


Likewise, it represents a political success, since the three broke 


military ties with their former metropolis and strengthened ties 


with Russia, whose special military operation in Ukraine they 


refused to condemn -------- despite demands from Paris 


and Washington.


 


 


__________________________________________


 


 


 


Appreciation in the DRC for 


Francophonie support for


 the peace agreement


July 14th, 5:02am


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


The Democratic Republic of the Congo today --- welcomed the 


resolution adopted by the 50th session of the Parliamentary 


Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) in support of the peace


agreement signed with Rwanda.


 


The meeting, which took place the day before in Paris, France, 


supported the document signed in Washington, as well as 


the Togolese mediation, on behalf of the African Union.


 


The resolution reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and borders 


of the States of the Great Lakes region, condemned military 


incursions and support for armed groups; in addition to 


demanding the inclusive participation of women and 


young people in the peace processes.


 


The APF created a parliamentary monitoring group 


to support implementation of the commitments 


made in the agreement.


 


Congolese media such as Actualité.CD and Mediacongo.net 


highlighted the resolution and support of personalities 


such as the president of the French National 


Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, which urged 


Rwanda and the DRC to establish 


favorable mechanisms... for


 its implementation.


 


Meanwhile, the president of the Congolese National Assembly, Vital 


Kamerhe, maintained that his country is willing to make peace with 


its neighbour, while the vice president of the Rwandan Chamber of 


Deputies assured ------ that Kigali is equally willing to support any 


approach that leads to peace.


 


 


__________________________________






Unicef warns about - severe acute


 malnutrition of Sudanese children


July 11th, 7:50am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The number of children treated for severe acute malnutrition 


in Darfur, Sudan, increased by 46 percent between January 


and May of this year, compared to the same period in 2024, 


Unicef warned today.


 


According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in 


North Darfur alone, more than 40 thousand children were 


admitted for these reasons in the first five months of 


2025, double that during the same period last year.


 


This organization explained that this condition, also known as


severe wasting --- is the most lethal form of malnutrition, well 


minors who suffer from it, are extremely vulnerable to
health complications and have a high mortality rate
if they receive inadequate care.


 


In nine of 13 Darfur localities investigated, the rate of acute 


malnutrition exceeded emergency levels established by 


the World Health Organization. Children are starving 


because of the conflict and are deprived of help 


that could save them, UNICEF representative 


Sheldon Yett recently said.


 


The numbers are dangerously high and are likely to get worse 


if rapid humanitarian action is not taken. This is the moment 


of truth; Children's lives depend on whether the world 


decides to act or look the other way, he asserted.


 


He also indicated that the situation is equally alarming in other 


parts of the country: severe wasting rates --- increased by 


more than 70 percent in North Kordofan, in 174 in the 


state of Khartoum, and in 683 in Al Jazirah.


 


Unicef warned that the risk of mass infant mortality is increasing 


rapidly in areas already close to famine thresholds and, in 


addition, cholera outbreaks, measles cases and the 


collapse of health services, are aggravating 


the crisis.


 


The agency recalled that, since April, the conflict has intensified


 in northern Darfur, especially around Al Fasher and the 


Zamzam displaced persons camp.


 


Entire neighbourhoods are besieged, hospitals bombed and roads 


blocked. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced and 


aid convoys are looted and attacked, he said.


 


For this reason, he urgently called on all parties to facilitate


 rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.


 


 


____________________________________________


 


 


 


Angola prepares 40th edition 


of its largest trade fair


July 11th, 9:30am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Preparations for the Angola International Fair (Filda 2025) continue 


today with only 11 days left until the opening of the 40th edition 


of the largest exhibition-commercial event from the country.


 


National and foreign companies prepare the stands in the
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Luanda, which from July
22 to 27 hosts private and state entities ---- that will
promote their products 
and services.


 


Under the motto “50 years consolidating the economic 


independence of Angola -- and its integration into the 


world”, the edition of Filda 2025 will have the usual 


business spaces, talks, conferences, workshops 


and cultural activities.


 


The Fair has the purpose of making visible the country's 


potential and building bridges towards investment 


opportunities and international association.


 


The organizers of the event point out, that the registration 


process is still open and, therefore, they still do not have 


a definitive number of participants, but it is expected to 


exceed what was achieved in 2024, when more than 


1,700 companies attended.


 


 


_____________________________________________________


 


 


 


South African president 


participates in National 


Dialogue


July 11th, 8:14am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, will hold 


his inaugural meeting today -- with the members of the 


Group of Eminent Persons of the National Dialogue.


 


As recalled by the Presidency in a statement, Ramaphosa 


announced the appointment of the Group of Eminent


 Persons (GPE) to guide and promote the 


National Dialogue.


 


The GPE, the text explains, is made up of prominent 


personalities in society --- with a demonstrated 


commitment to promoting social cohesion 


and national construction.


 


Eminent Persons come from all over the country 


and from various areas of public life.


 


The meeting provides the president with the opportunity to


 present the expectations and mandate of the Group of 


Eminent Persons, and that the members of the GPE 


share their opinions on the role and organization 


of the National Dialogue, it is added in the text.


 


The EPG will receive a briefing from the National Dialogue 


Preparatory Task Force on progress towards the first 


National Convention on August 15, 2025, the 


Presidency announced.


 


The Preparatory Work Team, which is made up of representatives 


---- of various foundations, civil society organizations and the 


Presidency, is responsible for the practical arrangements 


of the National Dialogue until a representative Steering 


Committee has been established.


 


 


__________________________________________


 


 


 


Financing and humanitarian crisis under 


debate ---- in the AU Executive Council 


July 11th, 5:40am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The African Union (AU) budget for 2026, political instability, 


humanitarian crisis and other topics focus on the 47th 


regular period of the Executive Council of the 


continental organization that concludes 


today in Equatorial Guinea.


 


The Chairman of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, 


speaking at the two-day meeting, revealed a modest 


improvement in program budget funding --- from 


9.4 percent in 2025 to 12.7 percent in 2026, 


Member States reported.


 


However, Youssouf expressed concern that only 17 countries 


applied the 0.2 percentage point import levy agreed -- in the 


2016 Kigali Decision on the financing of the African Union.


 


He emphasized: that persistent political instability, 


humanitarian crises and insecurity in countries 


such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of 


the Congo, Somalia and throughout the 


Sahel ......continue to ''hamper'' the 


development of the continent.


 


He also noted as worrying the lack of funding for the change 


from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia to a 


Support and Stabilization Mission.


 


Amid these challenges, he highlighted promising progress, 


including the agreement between the Democratic 


Republic of the Congo and Rwanda ----- the 


restoration of constitutional order in 


Gabon and the planned transition


 in Guinea.


 


He reaffirmed the AU Commission's continued commitment... to


the Regional Economic Communities, the Peace and Security 


Council of the continental organization, and the United 


Nations Security Council... to advance 


stability efforts.


 


The African leader urged member states to accelerate institutional 


reform and ratify all pending protocols of the African Continental 


Free Trade Area ----- to strengthen integration.


 


He thanked President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo 


for hosting the meeting in Malabo.


 


The day before, Francisca Tatchouop Belobe (Equatorial Guinea) 


was elected as Commissioner for Economic Development, 


Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Mining; and Gaspard 


Banyankimbona (Burundi) will head the Department 


of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation 


of the African Union.


 


Both positions were pending appointment at the 38th 


AU Summit of Heads of State and Government 


held last February in Ethiopia.


 


 


 


____________________________________________


 


 


 


Foreign Minister of South Sudan 


makes working visit to Ethiopia


July 11th, 5:02am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation 


of South Sudan, Monday Semaya Kumba, is carrying out a 


working visit today with the aim of strengthening 


relations between both countries, reported 


the local Foreign Ministry.


 


Kumba arrived the day before at the Bole International Airport 


in this capital and was received by the director general of 


African Affairs of that Ethiopian State portfolio, 


Zerihun Abebe.


 


During his stay, the head of South Sudanese diplomacy 


plans to meet with senior government officials to 


discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties,


 the source said.


 


Last March, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos 


traveled to Juba at the head of a high-level delegation 


for a working visit.. for the same purpose.


 


Timothewos and his delegation, held discussions with 


senior local officials on bilateral and regional issues


 of mutual interest.


 


The basis of current diplomatic and political ties between 


Ethiopia and South Sudan, began with the 1972 Addis 


Ababa Agreement ---- negotiated by Emperor Haile 


Selassie (1930-1974) between the Government 


of Sudan ..........and the leaders of the South 


Sudanese Anyanya rebel movement.


 


This fundamental agreement began Addis Ababa's lasting support 


for the Juba cause, which continued under successive Ethiopian 


governments. Ethiopia was one of the first countries to 


recognize South Sudan as a sovereign state and in 


2011 converted its consulate into an embassy.


 


Strong diplomatic relations were complemented 


by multiple agreements aimed at improving 


cooperation in trade, education, security 


and infrastructure development.


 


 


____________________________________________________


 


Gazprom considering participation

 in African energy projects

July 10th, 9:55am

(TASS)

 

 Gazprom is considering participating in energy projects in 

African countries, while Africa is interested in adopting 

Russian gas production technologies, Chairman of 

the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk told TASS 

on the sidelines of the 9th OPEC 

International Seminar.

 

"I was at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum two 

weeks ago and had meetings with many Russian companies,"

 he said. "Gazprom will be considering numerous projects 

across Africa."

 

Ayuk added that Russia possesses economically viable gas 

extraction technologies, and African nations are keen 

to apply them.

 

The head of the African Energy Chamber also noted that Lukoil is 

already operating in several African countries, including Congo 

and Ghana. According to him, the Russian oil company plans 

further investments in African projects.

 

The 9th OPEC International Seminar is taking place on July 9-10 

in Vienna. TASS is the event’s official media partner.

 




___________________________________________________




"Islamic State-style PR: What connects 


Kiev ----- with armed groups in Africa


July 10th, 7:53am


(RT.ru)


 


Kiev supports armed groups in Africa associated with the
terrorist organization ---- "Al-Qaeda"*. As RT's analysis
confirms, the militants use Ukrainian-made drones,
& Ukrainian citizens work in African 
hot spots
as part of Western PMCs.

At the same time, according 
to experts, the reputation
of Kiev structures among local ones 
is ambiguous —
"because of dirty PR.. in the style of the 
"Islamic
State"*: in Kiev, they attribute to themselves, 


any resonant sabotage in the region - and
consider 
Africa as "an excellent training
ground for terrorists."


 


In June, the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 


Organization of Islamic Cooperation was held in Istanbul. Malian 


Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop addressed the participants.


 


“I cannot remain silent about the attempts to destabilize our 


countries by states that sponsor terrorism in the Sahel, 


such as Ukraine,” he said, calling on the international 


community to officially condemn Kiev’s actions.


 


Representative of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, Muhammad al-Sirr,
spoke in early June  --- on the support of armed groups in African 


countries by Kiev  According to him, Ukraine “at very low prices 


provided drones” to the rebel group “Rapid Response Forces” 


(RSF), with which the Sudanese authorities have been 


waging war.... for more than two years.


 


"Ukraine has been found to be involved in supporting other groups 


in Libya, Somalia, and Niger. It supports Boko Haram in Nigeria 


and Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and it also provides support to


 the RSF in Sudan," a Sudanese Foreign Ministry official 


told RT.


 


Degree of confrontation


 


The Sahel is a border region between the Sahara and the savannas, 


spanning several African countries, including Mali, Sudan, 


Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, and others. In recent 


years, the region has become a hotbed of terrorist 


activity and associated threats.


 


The Malian Foreign Minister's statement --- about Kiev's support for 


terrorists came after a series of attacks by extremists on military 


facilities and settlements in the Sahel region. According to a 


statement by the Malian Armed Forces, the attacks were 


carried out by a coalition of armed terrorist groups that 


receives internal and external support, including 


operational, logistical, financial, and 


information support.


 


The militants had access to modern weapons: AK-47s, Kalashnikov 


machine guns, and Ukrainian-made Degtyaryov-Shpagin heavy 


machine guns, which can be used as anti-aircraft weapons or


 to support infantry, said Niger President Abdourahmane 


Tchiani. He emphasized, that the armies of the Sahel 


Alliance did not have such weapons.


 


Ukrainian footprint


 


Ukrainian services are working closely with armed groups affiliated 


with the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda in Mali, Alexander Ivanov, 


head of the Commonwealth of Officers for International Security, 


told RT. 


 


He noted that on May 23, the Malian Armed Forces conducted an 


operation against the Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jamaat Nusrat al Islam
wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in the Sofara region, and discovered
phone with photographs of Ukrainian intelligence 
documents in an abandoned vehicle.


 


On screenshots taken from the mobile, there are excerpts from a 


manual on drone-assisted fire adjustment, which, according to 


the Malian army, belonged to the Ukrainian special services. 


And in the small Malian town of Léré, an attack using FPV 


drones on the Malian army’s positions was recorded, 


Ivanov notes.


 


Confirmation of the supply of Ukrainian drones to militants can


 be found in a Ukrainian-made drone found by the Malian 


Armed Forces. On its body, the production marking in


 Ukrainian is clearly visible: "Not for sale."


 


The Sahelian media refer also to the preliminary results of the 


investigation of the Malian army, according to which drones 


and attack drones of Ukrainian production - similar to the 


Mavic 3, were brought into the territory of Mali through 


neighboring Mauritania, and then handed over to 


terrorists from the JNIM. It is claimed that 


Ukrainian advisers even coordinated 


attacks by militants -- against the 


Malian army in the area of the 


city of Mopti.


 


According to Angelina Paskhina, a specialist on the region and the 


author of the Telegram channel "Engi," whose scientific articles 


are published in the journal "Information Wars" of the Academy 


of Military Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 


JNIM's pro-Al-Qaeda militants could indeed travel from 


Mauritania through Mali to Niger or Burkina Faso and 


then enter the northern states of Nigeria, which are 


plagued - by Islamist gangs' activities..... The RT


 interlocutor does not rule out, that the media 


reports about Ukrainian agents infiltrating 


the Sahel countries through Mauritania 


were referring to the same route.


 


"Mauritania is also a Sahel country. In 2014, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, 


and Burkina Faso joined forces to form the Sahel Group of Five to 


address environmental and natural resource issues. This was 


done to combat the desertification of the Sahel and counter 


radical illegal armed groups. In 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, 


and Niger left this union and formed their own Sahel 


Confederation," explains Paskhina.


 


Kiev officially became the largest supplier of drones to Mauritania, in 


2023 — the West African country purchased drones from Ukraine for 


$1.58 million. Kiev also offered to train “officers and representatives 


of the Armed Forces of Mauritania, to share the technologies and 


achievements that Ukraine has made on the battlefield,” Maxim 


Subkh, Ukraine’s top envoy to Africa, told Reuters. And this is


 in addition to the fact that French military companies are 


already investing in strengthening the Mauritanian 


armed forces.


 


Ukraine in the desert


 


The first large-scale use of drones by militants in northern Mali was


 observed in July 2024 ----- during an ambush on a convoy of Malian 


troops and Russian military specialists from Wagner. The ambush


 was carried out by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which 


includes both Tuaregs and Islamists. JNIM has been 


cooperating with them for the past year. 


 


At the time, Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Security Service 


of Ukraine, acknowledged on a Ukrainian TV channel that they 


had collaborated with the militants, who had "received the 


necessary information to conduct a successful 


military operation."


 


This information was confirmed by the Ambassador of Ukraine 


to Senegal, Yuriy Pivovarov, after which he was immediately 


summoned to the country's Foreign Ministry with an 


explanation: he provided ------ "unambiguous and 


unconditional support for the terrorist attack."


 
The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate, has indeed, claimed to 


be involved in the attack on a convoy of Russian military specialists 


from the Wagner PMC and the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) - in late 


July 2024 near Tinzawatin in northern Mali -- and ordinary Tuareg 


Azawad separatists initially supported the claim on social media. 


 


However, the leader of the opposition group FLA (Front for the 


Liberation of Azawad) has denied any involvement. In an 


interview with Tuareg journalist, Suleiman Ag Anara, in 


January, Billal Ag Sherif said that their movement had 


not received any material support from Ukraine and 


had no intention of asking for it," says Angelina 


Paskhina in an interview with RT.


 


These statements cost Kiev the severance of diplomatic relations 


from Mali and Niger. In addition, the foreign ministers of these 


countries and neighbouring Burkina Faso, addressed a letter 


to the UN Security Council with a condemnation of Ukraine's 


alleged support for international terrorism, including in the 


Sahel. And the prosecutor's office of Mali opened a 


criminal case on Kiev's involvement in 


terrorist activities.


 


According to Angelina Paskina, the negative attitude of the regional 


authorities towards Ukraine ---- is exacerbated by the “dirty PR” of 


certain Ukrainian intelligence officials, who “in the style of the 


media of the Islamic State*, attribute every explosion of a


 wheel or household gas -- to themselves.”


 


Emissaries from Kiev


 


Ukrainian intelligence services are training Tuareg militants to use 


drones and launch attacks ----- while the leader of the Azawad 


Liberation Movement, Billal Ag Sherif, is planning a major 


attack on the city of Kidal -- according to the Malian 


journalist Ibu Si ----- citing his own sources. The 


JNIM branch of Al-Qaeda ------ is also active in 


the area. According to their own statement, 


the jihadists recently executed sabotage 


....at the entrance to Kidal.


 


According to Angelina Paskhina, radical Islamist groups in Africa 


are branches of international terrorist organizations such as Al-


Qaeda and the Islamic State, which Russia is fighting both on 


its own territory and abroad in cooperation with other 


countries, including Western ones.


 


The RT interlocutor notes, that not all Tuareg separatists are 


ideologically jihadist. The current Azawad Liberation Front 


is a conglomeration of all Tuareg and Arab opposition 


groups in northern Mali, which includes both 


religiously neutral separatists and 


Islamist groups.


 


According to her, over the past year, there has been a 


situational alliance between Tuareg groups and 


JNIM jihadist gangs.


 


Kiev has been training Tuareg militants since January last year, 


according to the Nigerian newspaper Leadership. The "Come 


Back Alive" fund, which was supported by the Ukrainian 


embassy in Mauritania ------ was responsible for


 establishing contacts with representatives


 of Azawad.


 


The named fund is headed by Taras Chmut, who in 2016 took 


training courses for sergeants in the combat zone in Donbas 


under the leadership of British instructors and mastered the 


American reconnaissance drone RQ-11 Raven. "Come back 


alive" not only supplies Ukrainian units with drones and 


thermal imagers, but also trains the military of the 


Armed Forces of Ukraine - snipers, sappers, 


artillerymen, UAV operators and 


military medics.


 


In early September 2024, Azawad-related social media channels 


spread a photo that confirms the establishment of contacts 


between Kiev & Tuareg militants. In the photo, a Ukrainian 


official is - supposedly - hosting a representative of the 


Azawad Liberation Movement. The Moroccan agency 


BSPRESS and the French resource La Revue Afrique 


claim that it was Mohammed Eclas, who allegedly 


could become Azawad's "official ambassador" in 


Ukraine & intends to be present in the country 


on a permanent basis, performing


 representative functions.


 


Tuareg and drones with a reset


 


Tuareg militants were looking for foreign sponsors, and Ukrainians 


found this partnership profitable for themselves, says Wassim 


Nasr, a senior researcher at the US research centre, Soufan.


 


"They agreed to train some Tuaregs in military medicine and the use


of mini-drones -- carrying small explosives or grenades. In the early 


summer of 2024, they sent at least one emissary to northern Mali."


 


According to Nasr, the Azavad training took place on the territory of 


Ukraine. This is indicated by the published images of the passports 


of the military leaders of the Azavad Liberation Movement, Ag Ehya 


Matt and Attayub Mahin. Their documents, contain stamps with a 


Moldovan visa --- and stamps of crossing the Moldovan-Ukrainian
border on March 1 last year ---- plus a month-long return transit.


 


The Russian hacker group Nemesis ------ claims that the training of 


Tuareg and Islamist militants is supervised by Lieutenant Colonel 


Andrey Grigoryevich Romanenko of the Ukraine Main Intelligence 


Directorate. He is from Desna village in the Chernihiv region and 


served in the military unit of the same name. He also graduated 


from the National Defense University of Ukraine, which until 


June 2023 --- was named after the Soviet military leader,


 Ivan Chernyakhovsky.


 


According to Nemesis, Romanenko's group in the Sahel, is training 


militants in combat tactics and providing them with weapons and 


drones. One of the groups trained under their control was 


involved in the shooting down of a Russian 


military helicopter.


 


The Armed International


 


The presence of Ukrainian militants has also been observed in 


Sudan, where a civil war has been ongoing since the spring of 


2023, and in the Central African Republic, according to 


Alexander Ivanov, head of the Commonwealth of 


Officers for International Security, in an 


interview with RT.


 


In his opinion, Kiev's activities have two goals. The first is to use 


African conflicts as a field for testing UAV technologies and for


 coordinating with proxy groups: "Ukraine is thus increasing 


its influence ----- by creating new unstable zones."


 


The second goal is to put pressure on those African countries that 


have emerged from the influence of the West and declared their 


independence. For example, in Niger, where, according to a 


representative of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, Kiev 


supports armed gangs, there was the second largest 


grouping of US troops on the continent, including


 two UAV bases and a CIA base.


 


In Somalia --- the Ukrainian military, according to local agency data, 


train the unit of the army "Danab". Their activities are supervised 


by the US PMC Bancroft, providing logistical support to the US 


Armed Forces.


 


"The US-registered private military company Bancroft, which is now 


a contractor for the US-based private military company Amentum


 in Somalia, is indeed ---- recruiting employees from various 


countries, including Ukraine," notes Angelina Paskhina.


 


Paschina sees Ukraine's role in military operations on the African 


continent .....as contributing to the tasks of its senior partners.


 


"Conflicts in Africa are an excellent training ground for terrorists in 


the field: this includes tactical training, the handling of explosive 


devices, as well as "international exchange" of experience and 


ideological training. As for Ukraine's role, it is important to 


understand that it is merely a puppet in the hands of a 


powerful and experienced puppeteer," the 


expert concluded.


 


 


* An organization recognized as a 


terrorist organization in Russia.


 


 


 


______________________________________






Namibia, first country to assume

 license for UPI ------ from India

July 9th, 1:09pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Namibia became the first country to sign a licensing agreement 

to adopt India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI), during today's 

visit to that country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

After his arrival this Wednesday in Windhoek, the Namibian 

capital, the head of Government completed an extensive 

program of activities, which included participation in 

the exchange of bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

 

In a ceremony led by Modi and the Namibian President Netumbo

 Nandi-Ndaitwah, representatives of both countries exchanged

 memoranda of understanding on the creation of a Business 

Development Centre in Namibia and cooperation in the 

fields of health and medicine.

 

Namibia also announced the submission of acceptance letters

 to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 

(CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

 

These mechanisms were announced after delegation-level talks 

between Modi and Nandi-Ndaitwah, with the aim of deepening 

economic collaboration between both countries by exploring 

new areas of cooperation in critical sectors.

 

The head of government also paid tribute to Sam Nujoma, 

founding father of the Namibian nation, at the National 

Heroes Monument in Windhoek.

 

The Indian dignitary received from the Namibian president the 

Order of the Oldest Welwitschia Mirabilis, the highest civil 

recognition of the African nation.

 

Similarly, Modi spoke before the Namibian Parliament about 

India's policy towards Africa and in particular towards 

that particular nation.... Angola.

 

According to the prime minister, India does not seek to 

compete with Africa but rather.... to cooperate and 

build together.

 

Let us create a future defined, not by power, domination

 or exclusion but by collaboration, dialogue and equity, 

he noted.

 

He also believed that Africa should not only be a source 

of raw materials but should lead in value creation and 

sustainable growth.

 

On the other hand, he stressed... that India and Namibia share 

a solid history of cooperation, conservation and compassion 

and highlighted the African country's help in reintroducing 

cheetahs to the South Asian nation.

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

Al-Shabab - attacks military 

academy in Somali capital

July 9th, 12:18pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Al-Shabab carried out an attack today in this capital against a 

military training academy, in the midst of a wave of violence 

in this African country, the Garowe Online publication said.

 

According to a report from the Ministry of Defense, cited by the 

media, the attack against the base, by a suicide bomber with 

explosives in the Hodan district, left numerous victims, 

without specifying the exact number of deaths and 

injuries so far.

 

In the document, the military entity expressed its condolences 

to the families of the victims and promised to intensify its 

operations to protect the Somali people.

 

Al-Shabab (Young People, in Arabic) militants in recent months 

carried out assaults in various parts of the country against 

military and civilian targets.

 

The latest reported incident occurs after the recent takeover by 

Al-Shabab of the strategic city of Moqokori, in Hiiraan region, 

considered a main logistics supply route for this country.

 

After losing some territories in the heat of clashes with the Army, 

Al Shabab, has been trying to impose Islamic Sharia law since 

2009, and carries out suicide and IED bombings 

against facilities.

 

 

______________________________________________

 

 

 

Narendra Modi's visit to Namibia 

culminates in trade agreements

July 9th, 12:16pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Namibia today 

culminated in the signing of four key agreements aimed at 

boosting cooperation in trade, energy, digital technology

 and health.

 

During high-level talks at Government House in Windhoek, Prime 

Minister Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah 

agreed to deepen economic cooperation, taking advantage of 

a bilateral trade relationship that reached approximately 

600 million dollars in 2024.

 

The agreements are expected to generate new opportunities 

for investment, innovation and job creation in both countries.

 

The four memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed today 

cover topics such as Energy and critical minerals, a point at 

which they seek to deepen collaboration in mining, supply 

chain development and clean energy, with special 

attention to Namibia's rich reserves of uranium, 

lithium, cobalt and rare earths.

 

That alliance seeks to support India's energy transition 

and Namibia's ambitions to become a regional centre 

for critical minerals.

 

Likewise, Digital Payments and Fintech, which includes 

the launch of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) 

in Namibia, which facilitates seamless digital 

transactions and financial inclusion.

 

That agreement is considered an important step to 

strengthen fintech cooperation and improve 

bilateral trade flows.

 

In addition, there is an understanding in 

Health and Pharmaceutical Products.

 

At that point, joint initiatives were advocated to expand access 

to affordable medicines, develop health infrastructure and 

promote the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products 

in Namibia.

 

Namibia will thus be able to leverage Indian expertise 

in generic medicines and vaccines..... to benefit 

Namibian healthcare.

 

Regarding Entrepreneurship and Capacity Development, it was 

agreed to establish an Entrepreneurship Development Centre

 in Namibia, with Indian support for information technology 

training programs, digital governance and business skills 

for Namibian youth and officials.

 

During the visit, both leaders expressed their satisfaction with 

the growth of bilateral trade, but noted that its full potential 

still needs to be exploited.

 

In that sense, they called for ------ talks on a Preferential Trade 

Agreement between India and the Southern African Customs 

Union (SACU) to be expedited, with the aim of further 

reducing barriers and improving market access for 

goods and services.

 

In addition to trade, both sides addressed cooperation in 

defense, maritime security, agriculture, education and 

wildlife conservation.

 

Modi also highlighted India's continued support for Namibia's 

development through rapid impact projects in agriculture, 

information technology and women's empowerment.

 

This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Namibia

in almost three decades and the first bilateral state visit 

organized by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, since 

taking office.

 

The visit underlines India's commitment to Africa 

and marks the beginning of a new era of 

collaboration between both countries 

in key sectors.

 

Finally, on the occasion Modi was awarded the Order of 

the Oldest Welwitschia Mirabilis, the highest civilian 

distinction in Namibia.

 

The ceremony was presided over by Nandi-Ndaitwah, who 

highlighted Modi's role in strengthening bilateral ties and

 his contribution to development and international 

cooperation.

 

Named after Namibia's iconic national plant — a symbol of 

resilience and longevity — the award was created in 1995 

to recognize distinguished service and leadership. Modi 

is the first Indian leader to receive this honour, which 

represents a milestone in the relationship between 

the two countries.

 

 

___________________________________________________

 

 

 

Decorations awarded to almost 

600 soldiers in Angola

July 9th, 11:58am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Almost 600 Angolan soldiers will be recognized with different 

decorations, in accordance with a decree released today 

and signed by the president and commander in chief

 of the Armed Forces (FAA), Joao Lourenco.

 

The president, taking into account the recognition system 

established in the FAA for the achievements and merits 

of its members in the military defense of the country 

and the guarantee of constitutional order and 

national unity, determined the awarding of 

different medals.

 

Among the laurels awarded is the Military Palm Medal, Single 

Class, which will be awarded to 38 personalities, many of

 them posthumously, as is the case of former presidents 

António Agostinho Neto and José Eduardo dos Santos.

 

General officers and admirals; senior officers; captains; 

subordinates; Sergeants, troop personnel, and units, 

establishments and agencies, who contributed to 

the exaltation of the FAA ---- appear on the list 

of winners.

 

The decorations that will be awarded correspond to the
medals for Valour of first (21 people), second (24) and
third classes 
(19); and National Defense first (38),
second (5) and third
 class (114).

 

Likewise, medals for Distinguished Military Services will be 

awarded in its three classes; those corresponding to the 

Duration of Military Service, in its three categories; that 

of Solidarity and Military Maintenance, Peace Medal, 

first class; and the FAA Memorial Medal, single 

class, completing 591 honorees.

 

According to the decree, the Military Palm Medal, Single 

Class, and the First Class Medal of Valour are awarded 

by the president; meanwhile, the Minister of State and 

head of the President's Military House; the head of 

National Defense, Veterans of the Homeland, and 

the chief of the General Staff of the FAA..... has 

power to award, in the others.

 

Angola is immersed in an extensive process of awarding 

recognition as part of the celebrations for the 50th 

anniversary of national independence, which is 

celebrated on November 11.

 

 

 

______________________________________________________

 

 

 

Rising teenage pregnancies -

threaten S. Africa's progress

July 9th, 11:30am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

South African officials and civil society leaders in South Africa 

today expressed concern about rising teen pregnancy rates

 in the country.

 

In a meeting held here between the parties involved in 

addressing the issue, participants warned that this

trend represents a significant risk to both the 

development of the nation, and the well-

being of its young people.

 

During the meeting, the Vice Minister of the Presidency for 

Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, 

described the situation as a crisis that extends far 

beyond health and that affects the social fabric 

and future prospects of the country.

 

In his speech, Letsike revealed that, in 2024, more than 90,000 

pregnancies were registered in girls between 10 and 19 years

old, including more than 2,300 cases of girls between 10 

and 14 years old.

 

It's not just about statistics, she emphasized, we're talking 

about girls — some not even teenagers — forced to be 

mothers”, Letsike stated.

 

The Minister emphasized that these early pregnancies not only 

reflect social failure, but also, in the case of younger girls, 

show criminal acts, since girls at an early age - cannot 

give legal consent.

 

The senior official warned: that the consequences of teenage 

pregnancies are far-reaching and endanger the health, rights, 

education and economic opportunities of girls.

 

He further explained ---- that young mothers are less likely to 

complete their studies, face limited job prospects and risk 

becoming trapped in cycles of poverty and inequality.

 

''Today's teenage pregnancy
is 
tomorrow's poverty,''
he emphasized.

 

The vice minister also highlighted the links between teenage 

pregnancy and other critical challenges, such as HIV 

and sexually transmitted infections, child sexual 

abuse, gender violence, poverty and 

educational exclusion.

 

He therefore urged a frank and honest analysis of the root 

causes, including harmful cultural norms and inadequate 

protection of girls.

 

For her part, Asanda Luwaca, the president of the National 

Agency for Youth Development, described the situation as 

a collective failure to safeguard the rights and dreams of 

girls, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

 

Luwaca emphasized that teenage pregnancy is intertwined 

with gender inequality, exploitation and the lack of 

accountability, and demanded decisive action 

from the whole of society.

 

 

__________________________________________

 

 


African entity defends agenda 

-------- on women's land rights

July 9th, 10:55am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The IGAD Regional Agenda for Women's Land Rights is 

our compass, not our destiny, the deputy executive 

secretary of the African entity, Mohamed Abdi 

Ware, stated here today.

 

When speaking on the first day of the Regional Dialogue 

on Gender, Land and Climate Resilience, Ware 

specified that the national dialogues prior 

to that meeting, laid the foundations 

and now ------- they must build a 

movement that lasts, after 

individual mandates.

 

Likewise, transform the structural barriers 

that have limited women......... for so long.

 

“This high-level dialogue is a milestone 

in amplifying women's voices in land 

governance and climate resilience 

across the Horn of Africa”, 

he underlined.

 

Until July 11, the event will bring together 

parliamentarians, rights guarantors and 

experts from across the region to 

promote the inclusion of land 

rights and climate action.

 

The regional dialogue is the culmination of six 

national meetings held in Djibouti, Ethiopia, 

Kenya, Somalia, S. Sudan and Uganda.

 

These consultations brought together women leaders,

including members of key parliamentary committees 

on land, natural resources, climate change and 

agriculture, as well as the representatives of 

women's associations of legislative bodies 

and national land institutions.

 

The IGAD region - remains very vulnerable to the effects 

of climate change, such as prolonged droughts, floods,
desertification and environmental degradation that 

disproportionately affect rural communities and 

exacerbate inequalities in access to land, 

security of tenure and the governance 

of natural resources.

 

The African entity, through its Land Governance Program, 

defends efforts to strengthen land administration, 

support inclusive natural resource governance 

and increase community resilience, 

particularly for women and 

vulnerable groups.

 

The Nairobi Dialogue is part of the ongoing initiative to 

align regional strategies, foster political will and 

catalyze transformative actions that ensure 

equitable rights - and sustainable 

climate responses.

 

 

_________________________________________

 

 


Expulsion by Morocco of defenders
of the Sahrawi cause - 
denounced

July 9th, 10:55am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Moroccan occupation authorities expelled two journalists 

and a human rights activist from Western Sahara who 

were carrying out observation and information 

work on the Sahrawi people's behalf, 

eyewitnesses reported today.

 

The leader of the fight for the independence of his people 

Ahmed Ettanji reported that those expelled ---- were 

intercepted and detained at a police checkpoint 

in Laayoune, the capital of occupied 

Western Sahara.

 

Such people, with their rights violated, are the Asturian 

journalist, Leonor Suárez, the director of the digital 

media El Faradio, Oscar Allende, and the member 

of the organization Cantabria por el Sáhara, 

Raúl Conde, the source specified.

 

After expressing that those involved were working in 

coordination with Equipe Media when they were 

detained, filmmaker Ettanji also described the 

act as illegal and pointed out that this is 

proof of --- “the continued Moroccan 

repression against press freedom 

and human rights defenders in 

the territory usurped”.

 

Those expelled warned, for their part, that ''these arrests

 and expulsions show the harassment suffered not only 

by Sahrawi activists, but also by those who try to 

support them.''

 

They also considered that these actions reflect that Morocco 

does not respect the most basic human rights, and it is 

worrying that it continues to be a preferred partner 

of countries like Spain.

 

Human rights organizations state that in recent years the Rabat 

authorities expelled 330 observers and social activists from 

Western Sahara, which denotes the impunity with which 

that North African country acts.

 

Recently, the president of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic,

 Brahim Gali, denounced to the United Nations the escalation of 

the genocidal war perpetrated by Morocco in the territories

 of Western Sahara.

 

Since October 31, 1975, the Moroccan military forces have

 illegally occupied territories in Western Sahara, without 

taking into account ---- the strong rejection of these 

actions by the international community.

 

 

___________________________________________


 

AU ----- urges decisive action on 

youth unemployment in Africa

July 8th, 5:45am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The African Union (AU) urged decisive and large-scale measures 

to address the youth unemployment crisis, with transformative 

potential in industrialization, innovation and regional 

integration, during an event that continues 

here today.

 

This was expressed by the president of the AU Commission, 

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, speaking at the Third African Forum 

on Job Creation that meets from July 7 to 9 at the Adwa 

Victory Memorial Museum in this capital.

 

Youssouf specified that, with more than 60 percent of the 

African population under 25 years of age, it is necessary 

---- to address the lack of job opportunities for this 

population sector in a sustainable manner --- 

for the economic prospects.... and long-

term social stability of the continent.

 

“Africa contributes less than three percent to global value

 chains. The time has passed, to act gradually. We must 

act on a large scale”, he asserted.

 

He highlighted the agricultural sector as the continent's largest 

employer, supporting more than 60 percent of livelihoods and,

 in that sense, called on companies, both large and small, to 

take advantage of the opportunities offered by the African 

Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for industrial 

growth and trade.

 

Likewise, he emphasized the importance of taking advantage of 

emerging technologies and youth-driven innovation to generate 

job creation in the digital economy, as well as accessible and 

affordable capital to empower entrepreneurs and enhance 

their role in creating value.

 

The forum is jointly organized by the AU, the Government of 

Ethiopia and the Free Trade Area Secretariat under the 

motto: “Drive job creation and economic resilience 

through regional integration, digital and financial 

inclusion in agricultural value chains of the 

AfCFTA market”.

 

Experts and policy makers participate in high-level debates 

on regional integration, labour mobility --- and the full 

operationalization of the financial institutions 

of the continental organization.

 

All of this, according to its organizers, aimed at generating 

decent and sustainable employment opportunities for 

Africa's growing young population.

 

 

__________________________________

 

 

 

Angolan Presidency rejects 

accusations of bribery 

of opponent

July 8th, 9:21am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The Support Bodies of the President of Angola today rejected 

the accusations of the leader of the National Union for the 

Total Independence of Angola (Unita) party, Adalberto 

Costa Júnior, about an alleged bribery attempt.

 

According to the presidential office statement, Costa 

Júnior recently suggested that he was contacted by 

“representatives” or “issuers” of the President of 

who tried to bribe him to review the Angolan 

Constitution, in order to allow a third term 

for Joao Lourenco.

 

Likewise, the president of {Western-backed) Unita implied 

that Angola's assumption of the Presidency of the AU
- was the result of a payment 
made by the
Angolan State, without indicating 

the beneficiary.

 

The statement classified the statements as serious - and 

irresponsible and categorically denied that the head of 

state had authorized any citizen to approach Costa 

Junior.... in order to review the constitution, to 

allow a third presidential term.

 

He challenged the Unita leader to say publicly 

who was the representative who tried to 

bribe him for that purpose.

 

Regarding the Presidency of the AU, he described it as 

“irresponsible” and “unpatriotic” to insinuate that the 

country paid to assume such an important position, 

in addition, such statements tarnish the image 

and good name of Angola and discredit the 

continental organization.

 

“The author of the statements is publicly invited to say who paid, 

how much he paid and who was paid for Angola to assume the 

Presidency of the African Union. Only a non-patriot would 

stop feeling proud to see his country occupy a place 

of great relevance, prominence and prestige on 

our continent”, the message said.

 

The note explains...  that the presidency of the AU follows a 

regional rotation system, which in this case corresponded 

to the southern part of the continent presenting its 

candidate, and Angola was unanimously approved

 by the members of the Southern African 

Development Community on August 

17, 2023.

 

The Presidency statement regretted that the Unita leader's 

statements were not surprising, as he stated that Costa 

Júnior has a history of “irresponsible accusations,

 to date --- unproven”.

 

In this sense, he mentioned the alleged existence of a tunnel 

that connected the headquarters of the National Electoral 

Commission with the Presidential Palace to facilitate 

electoral fraud.

 

“This remains timely and the author is required to prove its 

existence, and is encouraged to accompany the media 

through the tunnel with him”, the note concluded.

 

 

 

___________________________________

 

 

 

increase in prices of communication
services in Angola --- is totally denied

July 8th, 8:17am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The Angolan Institute of Communications (Inacom) today 

denied the rumour about an alleged increase in the 

prices of electronic communications services 

in the country in 2025.

 

In a note to which Prensa Latina had access, the institution 

catalogues the information that circulated on social 

networks and digital platforms as “false and 

decontextualized”, and, he assured ----- that 

this year no increase has been authorized.

 

“The information circulated about the ‘probable’ increase in 

prices of communications services is false. The shared 

content misuses press clippings published in 2024, 

with the intention of deceiving public opinion”, 

Inacom explained.

 

The entity stressed that the purpose of this type of news is “to 

misinform, manipulate the population and generate instability 

in public perception of the management of the 

communications sector”, and he reaffirmed 

that to date no decision has been made 

that implies an increase in 

current values.

 

“We will continue to closely monitor market developments 

and defend consumer interests, in strict compliance with 

the public interest, transparency and legality”, said 

Inacom, and urged citizens to consult only official 

sources and avoid sharing unverified information.

 

Rumours about the increase in prices for communications 

services, occur.. in a context of popular discontent over 

the increase in theprice of diesel and transportation.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

Liberian president apologizes 

to victims of civil war

July 8th, 8:10am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Liberian President Joseph Bokai, apologized on behalf of

 the State to the victims of the civil war that devastated 

this small West African country.

 

The 1980 overthrow of President William Tolbert, by Sergeant 

Samuel Doe, opened a turbulent period that lasted until 2003 

when a national reconciliation agreement ended with the 

orgy of violence that drowned this country with the 

blood of half a million human beings and at an 

estimated cost of 100 million dollars.

 

''To all the victims of our civil war, to all the broken families, 

to all the destroyed dreams, we say Sorry; the State could 

have done more”, the president said at the burial of the
ousted 
President Tolbert and 12 of his closest
collaborators,
 in a symbolic tomb, because
his remains... have 
never been found.

 

Tolbet was the last of the Liberian presidents descended 

from freed slaves repatriated to Africa by order of US

 President James Monroe in the 19th century.

 

The program was based on the settlement of these people

in a territory to return Africans forced into slavery to their 

roots in an artificial state created for them, whose capital 

adopted the surname of the US president who authored 

the idea.

 

But since the road to hell is paved with good intentions, the 

newcomers soon became an elite that subjugated the 

native population of what is now Liberia.

 

It was curious to see how blacks discriminated against black 

aborigines, a situation that erupted decades later, first with 

street protests over the increase of 2 cents per pound of 

rice, a staple food, and sometimes unique, on the 

tables of the majority of the population.

 

At that time, the tallest building in Monrovia, five stories, was 

the headquarters of the US company Firestone, and the 

main source of income, the rental of the national flag 

to shipping companies ----- to avoid taxes in the 

countries where its owners lived.

 

The only national currency was a silver dollar 

with the legend of the country and the rest 

were filthy US bills.

 

The descendants of the former slaves mimicked the way of 

life of their former masters and lived in a Panglosian 

bubble of luxury ..........that contrasted with 

widespread misery.

 

The popular explosion over the increase in rice was extinguished

 to make way for an Organization of the African Union summit in 

1978,but the ferment was alive and in 1980 it exploded with the 

coup d'état of the obscure Sergeant Doe, who inaugurated a 

period of military riots, a civil war that put before the world 

 the phenomenon of recruiting child soldiers, a scourge 

that still persists. 

 

The only positive result of that tumultuous era was the election, 

after the signing in 2003 of a reconciliation agreement that 

gave way to the election of the first African woman, Ellen 

Johnson Sirleaf, to occupy the presidency of her country.

 

The mass grave will remain open pending the appearance of 

the remains of those summarily executed, whose corpses 

are scattered in anonymous graves underground where 

they tried to perpetuate creating an unprecedented 

form of human slavery.

 

 

_________________________________

 

 

 

They call to address climate change 

challenges in vulnerable countries

July 8th, 8:07am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The call of the African Union (AU) to pay special attention to 

the challenges of adaptation to climate change in the most 

vulnerable countries is today highlighted in the 

Angolan press.

 

The need for financing to implement national plans related 

to this matter is one of the issues that hits the continent, 

according to the words of the acting head of the AU, 

Joao Lourenco, read the day before, at the Brics 

summit, by the chancellor, Tete Antonio.

 

Media, such as Jornal de Angola and the Angola Press agency 

reviewed the speech where they also insisted on the urgency 

of strengthening capacities to increase the climate resilience 

of African nations and others vulnerable to these phenomena.

 

The importance - of the upcoming 30th United Nations Climate 

Change Conference (COP30), to be held in November in Brazil, 

was among the aspects referred to in Lourenco's words, who 

urged to ensure the implementation of the general decisions 

taken in this area.

 

“We are convinced that we can only address climate change if 

we are able to collectively meet our obligations”, he stressed 

and expressed the desire for COP30 to reach consensus on 

issues such as climate financing to mitigate greenhouse 

gas emissions.

 

Likewise, he mentioned compensation for loss and damage,

 a fair energy transition to eliminate fossil fuels, and the 

need to reduce the risk of climate change.

 

“It is important to highlight that the African continent, 

despite emitting only 4% of greenhouse gases, has 

established, within the framework of the African 

Union's Agenda 2063 - a comprehensive policy 

on climate change which seeks to accelerate 

climate action and promote resilience”, 

he said.

 

He also alluded to the impact of climate change on global 

health and pointed out that, unfortunately, this 

phenomenon is more prevalent in Africa, 

where dozens of epidemiological 

outbreaks have occurred.

 

These situations --- require coordinated transnational actions 

to successfully address them, he noted and praised Brazil's

 initiative of the International Alliance for the Elimination 

of Socially Determined Diseases and Neglected 

Tropical Diseases.

 

Approximately one billion people suffer from neglected 

tropical diseases in the world, while 40 percent of 

tuberculosis cases are in the Brics countries, 

he recalled.

 

We believe that projects such as the strengthening of the 

Brics platform for Vaccine Research and Development, 

the expansion of the Tuberculosis Research Network, 

strengthening cooperation between public health 

centres in member countries - represents an 

opportunity for cooperation, he said.

 


 

_________________________________




South Africa advances in control of

 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

July 5th, 11:20am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The efforts of the South African Ministry of Agriculture to 

control foot and mouth disease in the country has begun 

to give positive results, according to the minister of the 

sector, John Steenhuisen.

 

The official declared that, as a consequence of a certain 

level of control of the disease - after the intensification 

of the efforts of the veterinary services to contain its 

spread.... it was decided to eliminate the disease 

management zones (DMA) in the Eastern Cape 

and Limpopo provinces.

 

In the Eastern Cape townships of Kouga and Kou-Kamma, 

a WFD (water framework directive - Rhondda Records) 

was established from July 26, 2024 to support the 

control of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. 

Vaccination was implemented, as a control 

measure and 144,424 doses administered, 

the Minister revealed.

 

The latest cases in these districts, 

were reported in September 2024.

 

According to a ministerial statement to this effect, 

“extensive serological surveillance was carried 

out in the WFD to confirm that there are no 

undetected foci of the disease”.

 

For its part, the management of the WFDs in Limpopo 

has been active since September 2022 to control 

an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 

immersion tanks in the municipality

 of Vhembe. 

 

Cattle from 34 immersion tanks were vaccinated in 

two rounds, with a total of 23,024 vaccinations.

 

After exhaustive serological surveillance carried out 

at the end of 2024, according to the text, the

ministry is convinced --- that there is no 

evidence of the foot-and-mouth 

disease virus in AMD.

 

Therefore, he revealed, all restrictions 

on the DMA can be lifted.

 

In statements to the press, Steenhuisen reiterated 

that biosecurity concerns everyone, it is not 

only an agricultural concern, but a shared 

responsibility of every person in S Africa.

 

“Only through our collective efforts can we safeguard 

our agricultural sector, ensure livelihood protection 

and ensure our areas are free of foot and mouth

disease”, he said.

 

On the other hand, in the southeastern province of 

KwaZulu-Natalla the disease management zones 

will remain in force, since there are still signs of 

active circulation of the virus in the district.

 

 

___________________________________

 

 

 

They extend the presence of 

Burundi troops in Somalia

July 5th, 11:14am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Somali media reported today that the African Union (AU), 

made up of 55 countries, has decided to extend the 

presence of Burundian troops in this country

 for six months.

 

Based on a report from the regional organization, the digital 

portal Garowe Online, it is reported that in this way a 

previous plan for the total withdrawal of Burundian 

forces before June 30 --- is reversed.

 

The source indicated that the AU Peace and Security Council's 

decision is due to delays in the deployment of troops to 

Somalia from other contributing countries, 

particularly Egypt.

 

Under the aegis of the AU, a process of transfering armed 

detachments of the African Union Transition Mission in 

Somalia (Atmis) is now taking place in Somalia

to a ''new'' entity called the African Union 

Support and Stabilization Mission in 

Somalia (Aussom).

 

Burundi has been a key troop contributor to African 

Union peacekeeping operations in Somalia for 

almost two decades, the digital portal 

Hiiraan.com reported.

 

The Somali Army, with the support of troops from 

states in the region, fights the radical group 

Al-Shabab, which controls large areas.

 

 

__________________________________________

 

 

 

Nigerian army defuses bombs

 in the north of the country

July 5th, 10:37am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The Nigerian Army today -- announced the deactivation in the 

northern state of Borno of 56 explosive devices - which were 

supposedly placed by the radical Islamist group Boko Haram.

 

After discovering the artisanal bombs.. on a bridge that links the 

towns of Marte and Dikwa (northeast), military forces involved

 in Operation Hadin Kai proceeded to annul the destructive 

means, the armed force said in a statement on 

social networks.

 

The brief document also specified that the deactivation of the

 bombs prevented the collapse of the aforementioned bridge, 

an important communication route, and protected civilian 

lives and other valuable infrastructure.

 

The Boko Haram group and its splinter Islamic State of West 

Africa have been operating in northern Nigeria for several 

years, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries with 

their actions.

 

Added to this is the action of armed gangs that kidnap people 

and free them in exchange for ransom payments, as well as 

the presence of the new Islamist group Lacurawa, which 

recently killed 15 civilians in an area of the northeast 

of the country.

 

 

_______________________________________

 

 

Uruguay will maintain blue helmets 

on the UN mission in the DRC

July 5th, 8:54am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

Uruguay will maintain its contingent of blue helmets in 

the United Nations peace mission in the Democratic 

Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Minister of 

Defense, Sandra Lazo, stated today.

 

This was expressed after receiving, together with 

President Yamandú Orsi, 200 of those troops, 

and firing the replacement.

 

The soldiers who returned are part of the Uruguay 

IV battalion, which went through complicated 

situations last year.

 

They have already completed the committed year and 

have another six months of stay due to the armed 

conflict in the area, where the M23 rebel group 

occupies much of the east and the city of 

Goma in the Congo.

 

In January, the Uruguayan troops lost a soldier, the victim 

of an armed attack that left several injured, one of them 

seriously. Another officer died...... as a result of a 

heart attack.

 

The situation forced the Uruguayan government to 

make intense efforts at the highest level to 

achieve his return, Lazo said.

 

This late replacement -- “does not modify what Uruguay has 

historically contributed to the missions”, and “is not under 

debate or in question” limiting Uruguayan participation 

in international missions, lazo told La Diaria.

 

“They are not unilateral decisions when there is a kind of signed 

contract where we support the mission”, therefore, Uruguay is 

“betting” on the relief of troops in the Congo “until the United 

Nations defines the end of the mission or the withdrawal”, 

he stressed.

 

For the minister, what is truly important is “to be very clear 

about what we are going for”: it is about protecting the 

civilian population, although he noted that “each 

conflict zone is different”.

 

He also highlighted the importance of the role played by the 

Uruguayan contingent in the African country which, in 

addition to the missions established by the UN, also 

adds a humanitarian component.

 

The Uruguayan presence in the Congo has been continuous 

for more than 20 years, and the authorities estimate that it 

contributed to the stability and protection of civilians

 in the region.

 

 

 

_____________________________________



 

RDC finishes selection of members 

of the security mechanism

July 4th, 12:29pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

After the signing of the peace agreement between the

Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, the 

Congolese Government today, takes steps for its 

implementation with the selection of delegates 

for the joint security coordination mechanism.

 

The Minister of State and head of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse 

Kayikwamba Wagner, explained to the press ------ that the

 process to determine who will represent the country in
that structure has already 
concluded and stated that
the 
agreement, represents the return of the State
to the
 areas under the control of the rebels.

 

The joint security mechanism is scheduled for 30 days 

after the document is signed, a time for which the 

DRC is prepared, according to the chancellor.

 

He noted that there are three months left, until the launch 

of the regional economic integration framework, which

 means that they have that time to monitor progress 

in the implementation of the peace agreement.

 

This will allow us to verify --- whether progress is encouraging 

enough to continue towards a regional economic integration 

framework, said Kayikwamba Wagner, he also explained 

....that there is a margin of 45 days to hold the first 

meeting of the joint monitoring committee.

 

The minister noted that the joint security coordination 

mechanism seeks an irreversible and verifiable 

cessation... of the DRC's support --- for the 

Democratic Forces for the Liberation

of Rwanda (FDLR) & associated 

armed groups.

 

Also it will verify compliance with the total prohibition 

of any material, logistical, financial or other support, 

national or foreign, to said groups.

 

It is also committed to implementing relevant provisions 

of the Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the 

FDLR ---- and the Separation of Forces/Lifting of 

Defensive Measures by Rwanda --- in addition 

to verifying the protection of civilians -- and 

respect for international humanitarian law.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

DRC Foreign Minister defends agreement 

with Rwanda ----- in the face of criticism

July 4th, 11:02am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The Minister of State and head of Foreign Affairs of the 

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Thérèse 

Kayikwamba Wagner, defended the peace 

agreement with Rwanda, which is one 

week old today and faces criticisms.

 

The treaty is questioned.. by different voices - both for not 

declaring Kigali as an aggressor of the DRC.. and for the 

absence of provisions related to justice for the victims 

of war and considering it as an economic exchange 

with the neighbouring country and the US - at 

the cost of peace.

 

“We must see it --- as an agreement that has focused on the 

problems that currently constitute the biggest obstacle. 

Does this mean that the issue of justice is irrelevant 

or not a priority --- especially for the Congolese 

government? Not at all”, the chancellor 

said, in statements to the press.

 

The minister insisted that a peace agreement cannot be 

expected to be a capitulation and, to guarantee its 

correct implementation, humiliating the other 

party - was avoided.

 

“This does not mean that the question of justice is irrelevant. 

And it does not mean that the issue of justice is not moving 

forward. It is advancing through our speeches, through the 

International Criminal Court, through the African Court on

 Human and People's Rights”, he stated.

 

Kayikwamba Wagner stressed that the document is not an 

economic agreement between the DRC and the US, nor a 

bilateral trade agreement with Rwanda; but a “political 

and security commitment --- focused on respect for 

sovereignty --- the cessation of hostilities, the 

withdrawal of foreign forces, and the end 

of support for armed groups”.

 

He clarified that he also does not pursue a generalized 

integration of the armed groups, which will be done 

based on the criteria of moral and physical 

aptitude - and without forgetting the

lessons learned from the past.

 

“This is not a covert amnesty, or a recycling of armed 

groups, but rather a rigorous process, respectful
of
 the republican order”, he stressed.

 

The chancellor added that the treaty does not provide 

for any economic compensation or binding economic 

commitment between the DRC and Rwanda, while it 

is expected to restore Congolese state authority
in 
areas currently occupied by the rebels.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

Ethiopian and AU authorities 

received the president 

of Interpol 

July 4th, 9:59am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The presidents of Ethiopia, Taye Atske-Selassie, and of the 

African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, 

today received the highest representative of the 

International Criminal Police Organization 

(Interpol), Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi.

 

According to the Office of the Ethiopian Head of State, 

Selassie thanked Interpol -- for its role in facilitating 

cooperation between police forces and expressed 

the African country's commitment to deepening 

collaboration ------- in the fight against 

transnational crime.

 

For his part, Youssouf praised the international 

organization's performance in promoting 

global security, as well as its support 

for the AU Police Cooperation 

Mechanism, a statement 

revealed.

 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment - to deepening 

collaboration between the AU and Interpol to combat 

transnational crime and improve the rule of law 

across Africa.

 

 

_______________________________________________



Malian Parliament sets 

transition process at 

five years

July 3rd, 11:48am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The provisional parliament of Mali today set the end of the 

transition process of the current authorities at five years, 

with the possibility of unlimited renewal, the APA News 

Agency reported.

 

In accordance with the text approved by the National 

Transitional Council (parliament) the provision seeks 

to guarantee the stability of the country.... until its 

complete pacification, and ensures the possible 

holding of early elections --- if security 

conditions allow it.

 

The 131 members of the legislative body also ruled that 

the Constitution of July 22nd, 2023, now officially 

becomes the supreme legal norm - above the 

Charter of Transition, in cases of conflict 

between both texts.

 

It was also learned that the brand new legal text 

lifts the eligibility ban previously imposed on 

the transitional authorities.

 

In that case, the Transitional President, General Assimi 

Goita, the members of the government ....and the 

advisors of the aforementioned Council will 

now be able to present themselves as 

candidates in future elections.

 

Following the parliament's ruling, Goita himself, who 

has led the transition since May 2021, must 

promulgate the provision for its entry
into 
force, the report stated.

 

The legal norm is promoted at a time when the Malian 

authorities seek to reconcile institutional stability
with transparency requirements - in the face
of the 
persistent security challenges
this territory confronts.

 

Malian opposition sectors have accused Army Chief Goita

 of failing to fulfill his promise to return power to civilian 

bodies in 2024, after entering the government after a 

military coup d'état in 2020.

 

A nation of the Sahel, Mali lives mired in a deep political crisis, 

which has increased - after successive riots that occurred in 

August 2020 and May 2021, and it is also affected by 

continuous clashes between the Army and 

''Islamist'' armed groups.

 

 

_______________________________________

 

 

 

Regional entity and South Sudan 

discussed peace and stability 

July 3rd, 11:13am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Promoting peace and stability, focused today, on conversations 

between the executive secretary of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu,

 and the vice president and president of the South Sudan 

Economic Group, Benjamin Bol Mel Kuol.

 

Both parties addressed the implementation of the Revitalized 

Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in the African 

country (R-Arcss) -- the Intergovernmental Authority on 

Development (IGAD) revealed, on its social network

 account X.

 

Gebeyehu reaffirmed the regional body's firm commitment 

to supporting Juba's path towards lasting peace and 

inclusive development.

 

He thanked the warm hospitality extended to him, and 

the accompanying delegation by the South Sudanese

 government under the leadership of President 

Salva Kiir.

 

The Secretary General of the Authority arrived in this capital 

the day before to evaluate the progress of implementation 

of the R-Arcss. He held talks with the South Sudanese 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International 

Cooperation --- Monday Semaya Kumba, 

followed by consultations with other 

key ministers involved in the 

peace process.

 

He highlighted the crucial importance, of the full and timely 

implementation of the R-Arcss and urged all signatory 

and interested parties to intensify efforts towards 

sustainable stability.

 

He reaffirmed IGAD's strong support for the people and 

Government of South Sudan during this crucial phase.

 

 

_________________________________________

 

 

 

Ethiopian Parliament -- approved 

budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 

July 3rd, 11:12am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The House of Representatives of the People of Ethiopia 

(Parliament) today approved the budget for the fiscal 

year 2025-2026 (2018, local calendar) for an 

amount of 1.93 billion birr (more than 

13,989 million dollars).

 

The decision was adopted unanimously during the 42nd 

ordinary session of the fourth year of Parliament's 

current mandate. The amount -- reflects an 

increase of 34.4 percent, compared to

 the previous period's allocation.

 

Officials indicated that the financial plan was drawn up 

in line with the government's macroeconomic reform 

agenda and fiscal policy adjustments.

 

According to official sources, it prioritizes the advancement 

of existing development projects, plus maintaining social 

protection subsidies, and ensuring the sustainability 

of the country's debt by continuing restructuring 

negotiations with creditors.

 

More than 80 percent of approved spending will be financed 

with internal revenue, while the federal government plans 

to strengthen its fiscal capacity - by expanding the tax 

base with the introduction of new sources of income 

and strengthening the current tax collection system.

 

Previously, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presented the report 

on government management in the fiscal year 2024-2025 

to the legislative body - as well as projections for the 

new period that will begin next week, according 

to the Ethiopian calendar.

 

He answered wide-ranging questions on diplomacy, peace, 

regional integration, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, 

services, inflation, debt and development.

 

MPs praised the government's results in areas such as food 

sovereignty, export performance, infrastructure expansion 

and digital finance, before casting their final vote on the 

draft national budget.

 

 

____________________________________________

 

 

 

Ethiopia closes fiscal year with

 important economic advances

July 3rd, 10:20am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Ethiopia closes the 2024-2025 fiscal period with important 

advances in the production of fertilizers, gas and in the 

mining sector, while it foresees significant growth in 

services for the coming year, an official source

 reported today.

 

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, presenting the 

management report ----- for the concluding budget
year 
to the People's House of Representatives 

(Parliament) - recalled the country's vast 

potential, in mining, one of the richest 

in Africa, but for many years without 

defined leadership to contribute to 

the national economy.

 

Today, we work to change this situation, said Ahmed, 

mentioning that in 2023 they exported 37 tons of 

gold and in 2024, thanks to sustained efforts 

and strategic attention --- they reached an 

unprecedented value of 2,500,000,000 

dollars from the commercialization 

of the precious metal.

 

In the gas sector, he explained, that progress stalled 

for a long time because companies could not obtain 

licenses and start operations.

 

“This is changing. Ethiopia will soon begin marketing 

its gas products, demonstrating --- that we are not 

only resource holders, but active participants”, 

he announced.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian head of government told 

parliamentarians that the construction of an important 

fertilizer factory will soon begin, which, once 

completed, it will be fully operational in 40 

months, supporting the country's 

agricultural productivity and 

reducing dependence 

on imports.

 

Regarding the services sector, he revealed that they foresee

 a growth of 8.1%, covering key areas - such as tourism, transportation, telecommunications, business

 services and technology.

 

He considered that, if developed in an integrated and 

strategic manner, this line has the potential to 

become an important driver of Ethiopia's 

economic growth.

 

In that sense, he emphasized that Addis Ababa hosted more 

than 150 international events during the fiscal year that 

has just concluded, which attracted approximately 

1.3 million foreign visitors.

 

The main projects, such as the infrastructure of the 

Development Corridor, the Unity Park, the National 

Palace, the Science Museum and Friendship Park 

together registered 1.5 million visitors and 

generated more than 500 million birr 

(3,691,000,339 dollars) in revenue,

he continued.

 

Ethiopian Airlines, the country's flag carrier and the 

largest in Africa, has once again established itself 

as a pillar of the sector's success, he said. This 

year alone, the airline added 13 new aircraft, 

expanded to six new destinations and 

transported more than 19 million 

passengers.

 

To conclude the topic, the Ethiopian Prime Minister 

also specified, that railway services played an 

important role in facilitating the export and 

import trade.

 

 

_________________________________________





Ethiopia formalizes debt treatment 


and relief with creditors 


July 2nd, 11:05am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The Government of Ethiopia announced today the signing of a 


memorandum of understanding with its Official Committee of 


Creditors (OCC), formalizing debt treatment and relief of 


more than $3.5 billion.


 


The Ethiopian Ministry of Finance reported that the agreement, 


which includes actions to alleviate the obligation defined last 


March, represents an important milestone in the country's


 trajectory towards long-term public debt sustainability 


and successfully culminates a years-long 


negotiation process.


 


According to the source, Addis Ababa expressed
his sincere gratitude to all members of the OCC,
in particular to the 
co-chairs of the committee
(China and France) for 
their strong support
and collaboration in
 facilitating efforts
to eliminate 
the debt.


 


After signing this agreement, its terms will be 


implemented through bilateral agreements 


with each member of the Committee.


 


Ethiopian Minister of State for Finance Eyob Tekalign Tolina, 


stated that the African nation is confident that the 


collaborative and pragmatic spirit prevailing 


to date will help expedite the process 


of finalizing bilateral agreements.


 


“Ethiopia maintains a good faith relationship with all its other 


participating external creditors --- and seeks to conclude 


restructuring agreements on terms consistent with the 


country's need for debt relief and the principle of 


comparability of treatment”, he expressed.


 


He revealed that the government hopes that what was agreed 


with the OCC will further boost national efforts to reach an 


agreement with the participating external creditors, 


including their bondholders.


 


 


_____________________________________________________


 


 


 


South Africa migrates to digital 


environment processing 


statistical data


July 2nd, 10:42am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the national statistical entity 


of South Africa, began the development of a comprehensive 


business digital transformation strategy, presidential 


Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said today.


 


This marks a significant shift towards modernizing its operations


 and improving the delivery of data-driven services, the senior 


official said during the presentation of the institution's 


Budget Vote before Parliament.


 


The new strategy is closely aligned with South Africa's broader 


Roadmap for Government Digital Transformation, whose 


objective is to promote data exchange and access 


to information, thus improving the provision of


 services throughout the public sector.


 


“Stats SA's digital transformation began with the Household 


Surveys program, moving from a paper data collection 


approach to a computer-aided methodology, thus 


optimizing survey operations -- and generating 


significant cost savings”, Ntshavheni stated.


 


Over the next five years, Stats SA plans to reinvent 


its statistical products and processes, through a 


number of key initiatives, he added.


 


These include research into the use of artificial intelligence 


(AI) in the production of official statistics, the introduction 


of web-based data collection methods in economic 


statistics programs, the application of data 


science techniques to big data and 


alternative data sources, and the 


exploration of the adoption of 


cloud technology, the 


minister listed.


 


“The transition to digital platforms is designed to streamline 


survey operations, making them more efficient and easier 


to use”, he explained.


 


In his speech, Ntshavheni highlighted - the fundamental 


role of official statistics in a constantly changing world.


 


Official statistics, he said, offer us a constant: the truth 


expressed in figures. They serve.. as a mirror through 


which a nation sees itself, not only as it is, but as it 


is evolving, emphasizing the importance of having 


accurate data for informed decision making in 


areas ranging from economic performance


 to health and education.


 


The Minister urged parliamentarians to support the budget 


vote, emphasizing that strong statistical capacity is 


essential to address global changes -- such as 


climate change, advances in AI, the rise of 


digital economies and the evolution of


 social dynamics.


 


By accurately capturing and analyzing these trends, we 


can be better prepared.. to respond to the challenges 


and opportunities they present, Ntshavheni ended.


 


 


____________________________________________________


 


 


 


They will debate G20 Tourism Priorities
in the South African province
July 2nd, 10:17am


(Latin Press)

South Africa's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie
Sotyu, tomorrow, July 3rd, will hold a dialogue
with communities in the Northern Cape
Province ---- about the G20
Tourism Priorities.






The meeting, in accordance with a brief ministerial
statement to this end, will bring together actors
from the sector, academics, senior officials
and provincial authorities and members
of the community.


 


Participants are expected to discuss aspects related to
how the objectives of the G20 tourism priorities can
be enhanced and promoted in the growth of local
economies -- with a strong component of the
so-called smoke-free industry, and doing
it sustainably.


 


At the first virtual meeting of the G20 Technical Working
Group, held in March 2025, under the pro tempore
presidency of South Africa, the Ministry recalls
in the text, member countries agreed on four
priorities that will serve as the basis for the
G20 action plan, on tourism development.


 


Namely: People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Innovation to boost Travel and Tourism Startups and
SMEs; Tourism Financing and Investment to Improve
Equality and Promote Sustainable Development; Air
Connectivity for Uninterrupted Travel Experience;
and Greater Resilience ----- for Inclusive and
Sustainable Tourism Development.


 


Tourism accounts for approximately 8.6 to 9.8 percent
of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ---
according to recent data from the World Travel
and Tourism Council (WTTC) and
academic studies.


 


In 2024, the travel and tourism sector contributed 8.8
percent of South African GDP, showing a sustained
recovery after the pandemic and consolidating
its role as one of the country's key
economic pillars.


 


Furthermore, tourism in South Africa, the largest
in Africa, generates a significant impact on
employment - supporting around 1.6 to
1.68 million direct and indirect jobs.


 


Northern Cape is the largest and least populated
province in South Africa, known mainly for its
mining and agricultural activity - as well as
natural attractions such as the Kgalagadi
National Park and the Kalahari Desert.


 


However.. its economy depends much more on mining
than tourism. Unlike provinces like the Western Cape
(where Cape Town is located), tourism in the North
Cape ----- represents a smaller proportion of
provincial GDP.


 


 


_____________________________________


 


 


 


DRC calls - at the UN - for 


greater commitment: to 


humanitarian response


July 2nd, 8:17am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) warned the United 


Nations about the deterioration of the humanitarian 


situation in the east of the country and asked for 


greater commitment to financing to address 


the crisis, the press reported today.


 


Chargé d'affaires and first advisor of the DRC's 


permanent mission to the UN, Hippolyte Mfulu 


Kingonzila, conveyed to the Security Council 


the pressing need to contribute more to the 


humanitarian response plan --- in order to
address issues --- such 
as increasing
food insecurity.


 


The 2025 humanitarian response plan, launched jointly 


on February 27 by the Congolese Government and its 


partners, presents a serious lack of funds to date, 


Actualité.CD stated.


 


Although the need for funding was reviewed and reduced from 


$2.54 billion to $1.25 billion with the goal of helping at least
 


11 million people out of 21.2 millions who currently need
it, 
contributions are still... far below those required.


 


According to what the special representative of the Secretary 


General of the United Nations and head of the Stabilization 


Mission (Monusco), Bintou Keita, said on June 27, to 


date, the humanitarian response plan only has


 11 percent coverage.


 


 


__________________________________________






What makes Minsk an attractive


African country on the 


Limpopo River


by Yuri Sizov


July 1st, 4:54pm


(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 


 


In the fantastic expanses of South Africa... where Dr. Aybolit, the 


doctor of the continent's wildlife, is known to have treated them


on the banks of the Limpopo River, Belarusian businessmen are


 also ready for multilateral cooperation. However, this aspect of 


bilateral relations was not the only focus of the dialogue 


between Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov


 and his counterpart, Botswana's Minister of


International Relations, Fenyo Butale.


 


First of all, the Belarusian Foreign Minister confirmed his 


country's readiness ----- to further deepen relations in a 


wide range of areas. After the meeting, he described 


the negotiations as "rich and constructive," noting 


that this was the first official visit by the foreign 


minister of an African country, in the history 


of bilateral relations.


 


Moreover, Ryzhenkov called the meeting "actually the 


beginning of political and diplomatic relations", if, 


however, we do not count the conclusion of an 


agreement on the establishment of diplomatic 


relations about twenty years ago.


 


According to news reports, during the Minsk talks, the parties 


discussed the entire bilateral agenda, and as a result, they 


signed a joint statement reflecting their intention not only


 to strengthen cooperation in the international arena, 


but also to develop the legal framework.


 


In particular, it was reported that the signing of an agreement 


on the abolition of visas for diplomatic & service passports, 


as well as the establishment of a trade and economic 


commission, is planned in the near future.


 


In turn, Fenyo Butale thanked the Belarusian side for the 


invitation to visit the country and for the hospitality 


shown, describing his negotiations as excellent. 


According to him, they were a continuation of 


the very successful visit to Minsk by the 


Minister of Agriculture of Botswana,


 in June.


 


Recalling that the country's political leadership changed at 


the end of last year, the African guest made it clear that 


the current government "is in a hurry to move to 


industrialize the economy, to diversify it in 


order to reduce its dependence on 


diamonds," meaning --- that 


Botswana is considered 


a world leader ---- in


 their production.


 


By the way, the parties have already agreed on "specific steps


 in the short, medium, and long term," Butale said, adding that


 the parties have identified the use of Belarusian equipment 


for agricultural needs, the exchange of experience 


between specialized professionals, and the 


training and education of students,


 as pilot projects.


 


He is convinced that the use of Sineokaya's experience, 


competencies, and technologies to enhance the 


mechanization of Botswana's agricultural 


sector will have a positive impact on 


the country's economic situation.


 


For Belarus, on the other hand, cooperation for promoting 


national goods and services on the African market 


could be very promising. The high-ranking guest 


assured that his country has created a 


favorable business environment and 


ensured both economic and 


political stability. In short, 


investments in Botswana 


will be safe & profitable.


 


BELTA observers note that intensifying cooperation with 


African countries is one of the priority tasks set by the 


President of Belarus. Just last month, the Minister of 


Foreign Affairs of Belarus held a series of meetings 


with delegations from African countries, led by


 their respective ministers of agriculture.


 


 


__________________________________________



South Africa’s Eastern Cape Flood 
Death Toll Rises to 102 as Search 


for Missing Children Continues


July 1st, 2:50pm


(teleSUR)


 


The official death toll from the catastrophic floods that struck


 South Africa’s Eastern Cape earlier this month has risen to 


102, with two children still missing, according to the 


latest update from provincial authorities.


 


The floods, triggered by a cold front on June 9–10, devastated


 communities in the OR Tambo and Amathole districts, 


sweeping away homes, cutting power and water 


supplies, and displacing thousands.


 


Among the deceased are 39 children, including a 12-month-old


 infant, and 63 adults. Authorities have identified 96 of the 


victims, while six bodies remain unidentified due to 


decomposition, requiring DNA testing.


 


Zolile Williams, a senior provincial official, described the disaster


as “one of the most agonising chapters” in the region’s history, 


emphasizing ------ the emotional and infrastructural toll on the 


affected communities.


 


The South African government has declared a state of 


national disaster, unlocking emergency funds for 


relief and reconstruction. The estimated cost 


to rebuild damaged infrastructure.... stands 


at R5.1 billion (approx. $288 million USD).


 


President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the worst-hit areas on 


June 13, attributed the floods to climate change, echoing 


findings from the World Meteorological Organization’s 


2024 report, which linked El Niño and other climatic 


shifts to a surge in extreme weather events 


across Africa.


 


Recovery efforts are ongoing, with search and rescue teams, 


including SAPS and EMS helicopters, continuing to comb 


flood-hit zones for the missing. Aid agencies, such as 


Gift of the Givers, are providing food, water, and 


medical supplies.


 


The Department of Social Development ----- is offering trauma 


counseling, while mobile units from Home Affairs are helping 


survivors replace lost identity documents. Over 4,000 


people remain displaced, many housed in 


temporary shelters.


 


Meanwhile, a new cold front has battered the Western Cape, 


causing additional flooding in Cape Town and surrounding 


areas, raising concerns about the country’s 


preparedness for future climate-


related disasters.


 


 


__________________________________________

 


 


Monusco - welcomes cessation 


of hostilities between armed


 groups in the DRC


July 1st, 2:13pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic 


Republic of the Congo (Monusco) today welcomed the 


signing of an agreement to cease hostilities 


between several armed groups that 


operate in the province of Ituri.


 


Through a statement, he celebrated the signing by the Congo 


Development Cooperative (Codeco); Zaire/Self-defense; the 


Patriotic Resistance of Ituri (FRPI); the Patriotic and 


Integrationist Force of the Congo (FPIC); the Ituri 


Popular Self-Defense Movement (MAPI) and 


Chini Ya Tuna.


 


Monusco highlighted the Aru Agreement and urged 


non-signatory armed groups to join the process.


 


“This agreement represents significant progress in the search 


for stability in Ituri. It paves the way for a new era, focused on


 reconciliation, security and development”, said the message 


published on the social network X.


 


Regarding the topic, the deputy special representative of the UN


 Secretary General in the DRC and acting head of Monusco, 


Vivian van de Perre, said that since the main victims of 


the conflict are women and children, it is imperative 


to promote peace that translates into concrete 


actions on the ground.


 


The Mission congratulated the Congolese Government, 


community leaders and all partners who contributed 


to the success of the dialogue known as Aru II, 


and ratified the commitment to support the


 implementation of its recommendations.


 


The statement also encouraged the signatory armed groups 


to continue raising awareness among their ranks to 


guarantee strict respect for what was agreed, 


comply with the obligations of each party 


---- and contribute to the creation of a 


climate of trust and reconciliation 


that favours the return of 


displaced people.


 


“This peace agreement represents a concrete step, as long 


as it is implemented in an effective and inclusive manner, 


towards what we all long for: the end of violence, the 


resettlement of displaced populations and a future 


based on lasting peace and prosperity”,


 Van de Perre noted.


 


He added that the province of Ituri has all 


the necessary resources to recover.


 


This Tuesday, Monusco also expressed sincere condolences to 


the families of the victims of the recent attacks on the Djangi 


internally displaced persons camp, in the territory of Djugu, 


and he strongly condemned these acts of violence 


against the civilian population.


 


His message reiterated ------ that the rapid and complete
implementation of the commitments made in Aru II 


--- is essential to break the cycle of violence 


and restore lasting peace in Ituri.


 


 


______________________________________


 


 


 


Gasoline and diesel prices will 


increase in South Africa


July 1st, 11:48am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources of South 


Africa (DMPR) announced today that starting Wednesday, 


July 2, gasoline prices will increase, for diesel and 


paraffin for lighting.


 


Meanwhile, the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will fall 


throughout the country, except in the southern province of 


Western Cape.


 


According to the DMPR, 93-octane unleaded gasoline will now 


cost the equivalent in rands to three cents more per litre, 


95 octane gasoline will rise 2.9 cents.


 


Meanwhile, according to the Ministry, the price of diesel (0.05 


percent sulphur) will rise 4.6 cents per litre; and diesel (0.005 


percent sulphur) will do so at 4.7 cents $0.047 per litre.


 


On the other hand, the wholesale price of paraffin for lighting (a 


kerosene-like fuel intended to be burned in lamps, domestic 


stoves and heaters) will increase by 3.8 cents per litre, 


and the maximum single sales price to the national 


public will increase by five cents per litre.


 


On the other hand, according to the ministerial statement, the 


maximum retail price of LPG will decrease by 3.2 cents per 


kilogram throughout the country, except in the southern 


province of Western Cape, where it will increase 


almost 11 cents per kilogram.


 


The Ministry attributed the increases to the recent increase


 in international prices of Brent crude oil, which averaged 


$69.36 per barrel during the period analyzed (the past 


30 days), compared to the previous $63.95.


 


The main factor in this increase was growing geopolitical tension


 in the Middle East, particularly over Israel's aggression against 


Iran, which has raised fears of possible supply disruptions.


 


Also, while propane and butane prices decreased slightly during 


the period, the overall impact on fuel prices remains upward.


 


The Ministry also approved a 14 percent increase in Supply Cost


 Recovery over Maximum Refinery Gate Price (MRGP) for LPG 


imported through the port from Saldanha Bay, in the 


Western Cape ----- as a provisional measure for 


24 months.


 


As a result, the provisional maximum retail price (MRGP) in 


that area will be $0.85 per metric ton, excluding VAT, 


from July 2 to August 5, 2025.


 


Consequently, the maximum retail price of LPG in the 


Western Cape will be set at $2.02 per kilogram from 


July 2.


 


The DMPR emphasized that these adjustments are necessary 


to reflect global market trends and ensure the sustainability


 of fuel supply in South Africa.


 


 


____________________________________






Agreement on strategic minerals

 with the US announced in DRC

June 30th, 3:11pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 

Félix Tshisekedi, has announced the upcoming signing of an 

“unprecedented strategic agreement” with the US in the 

mining sector, the press reported today.

 

The president pointed out that the objective of the instrument 

is to strengthen the position of the DRC in the global energy 

transition and assured that national resources “will never 

be sold or given to hidden interests”, but they will 

benefit the Congolese people, above all.

 

Tshisekedi expressed in his speech regarding national 

Independence Day, that the “renewed confidence” in 

Washington, after the peace agreement signed with 

Rwanda under US mediation, will soon result in the 

signing of an “unprecedented strategic agreement”.

 

This “will mark a decisive step to position the DRC as a central 

actor in the global energy transition and the emerging green 

economy”, the president noted, according to Actualité.CD.

 

The head of state explained that the association with the 

US seeks “to sovereignly develop our strategic minerals, 

particularly copper, cobalt and lithium”, at the same 

time “it guarantees a more equitable distribution 

of economic benefits for the benefit of the 

Congolese people”.

 

The president stated that this will also pave the way for local 

transformations, the creation of thousands of jobs, and a 

new economic model, based on sovereignty and 

national added value.

 

“The Democratic Republic of the Congo is back, ready to forge

 strategic, reliable, transparent and, above all, win-win 

alliances”, tshisekedi said, adding that the country 

will not tolerate any concessions on economic 

sovereignty, or sell its future, or dignity.

 

The mining agreement with the United States has been seen

 by various Congolese sectors as a condition imposed by 

Washington to intervene as a mediator in the peace 

treaty signed with Rwanda on December 27 June 

and as guarantor of its compliance.

 

The issue has drawn harsh criticism and led Congolese Foreign 

Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to deny in an interview 

with Congolese national television RTNC that the agreement 

with Kigali was a transfer of the country's natural resources.

 

The minister emphasized that, in the signed document “there is 

no provision on economic issues or strategic minerals”, and he 

added that the text is very clear and lays the foundations for 

a favorable environment in which the return of investors 

and a more dynamic economy, can also be foreseen.

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

Africa advocates: a new 

international financial 

architecture

June 30th, 2:31pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of Angola and incumbent head of the African 

Union (AU), Joao Lourenco, advocated today for the 

reorganization of the international financial 

architecture, during the IV International 

Conference on Development, in 

Seville, Spain.

 

The president considered the event as an opportunity to 

promote initiatives that lead to more agile functional 

mechanisms for mobilizing of financial resources, 

which will help the developing countries face 

their recurring challenges.

 

He mentioned climate crises, fluctuations in raw material 

prices and, fundamentally, “the unsustainable burden of 

sovereign debt, which consumes more resources than

 those allocated to health and education as a whole” 

and drastically limits ------- the margin to finance 

development.

 

He added that this situation constitutes a clear obstacle to 

achieving the Sustainable Development Goals - of the UN 

Agenda 2030 and compliance with the AU Agenda 2063, 

that express the common commitment to building a 

more just, inclusive and resilient world.

 

“There will be no development on the African continent 

without a solid and functional infrastructure”, said 

Lourenco, who referred in his speech to the low 

production and transportation capacity of 

electrical energy, the poor network of 

roads and highways that connects 

countrie ------ and the low 

investment.... in tele-

communications, 

and information 

technologies.

 

These factors hinder economic growth and development, 

as they seriously affect ----- trade and industry, the 

circulation of people and goods, agriculture 

and job creation, he explained.

 

He insisted - that these large investments in infrastructure 

require a more adequate financing model adapted to the 

economic conditions of the nations of the continent, 

where the needs of the region are taken into 

account and those most in need - play 

an active role.

 

The president of the AU, considered the Lomé Declaration 

on the African Debt, adopted in May 2025, very timely, it 

represents an important milestone, in building a 

common African position, and formulates 

concrete proposals to address the 

debt crisis.

 

The creation of more fair and transparent multilateral 

restructuring mechanisms, automatic clauses 

suspending debt service --- in the event of 

external shocks and promoting the use 

of local currency to reduce exposure 

to exchange risks, are some of the 

initiatives included, he specified.

 

He recalled that Africa continues to be one of the most 

vulnerable regions, although it is one of the least 

responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.

 

“This should lead to the continent being given the attention it 

deserves, providing it with a significant increase in climate 

finance for the adaptation and mitigation process, 

support for a fair energy transition and 

incentives ------- to convert debt, into 

concrete environmental actions”, 

he said.

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

Cuba ---- welcomes the national day of 

the Democratic Republic of the Congo

June 30th, 1:56pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba today congratulated 

the people and Government of the Democratic Republic of

 the Congo on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of 

the nation's independence.

 

Through the social network X -- the Cuban Foreign Ministry 

reiterated its willingness to deepen relations of friendship 

and cooperation between both countries.

 

This June 30 marks 65 years since the independence of the 

Democratic Republic of the Congo from the rule of Belgium.

 

Cuba and the African nation reestablished diplomatic relations 

on April 15, 1974 and since then, have maintained ties of 

friendship and cooperation, in various spheres.

 

The support of the Congolese Government, has been invariable 

in its position against the economic, commercial and financial 

blockade imposed by the United States on the Caribbean 

nation ---------- for more than six decades.

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

They state: challenges for the DRC

 after 65 years of independence

June 30th, 12:56pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 

Félix Tshisekedi, today stated the country's challenges, on

the day that marks 65 years of national independence.

 

In a special speech regarding the anniversary, the president 

pointed out the achievement of peace as one of the 

fundamental issues and, in this sense, he 

highlighted the agreement signed with 

Rwanda in Washington on June 27, 

which he considered --- a step --- 

towards a new era of stability.

 

This document, noted the head of state, “materializes 

the achievements of United Nations Security Council 

Resolution 2773 and paves the way towards a new 

era of stability, cooperation and prosperity for our 

nation, the Great Lakes region, and Africa as

 a whole”.

 

Tshisekedi thanked the United States, “for its determined 

commitment to peace”, and President Donald Trump, of 

whom he expressed that he had contributed to uniting

 the parties around a shared vision.

 

He also praised the work of Qatar, “whose discreet and 

effective mediation helped close the gap, and open a 

sincere dialogue between our country and Rwanda”.

 

Regarding the negotiations that continue in Doha with the 

rebels of the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement 

(AFC/M23), the Congolese president meant that the 

ambition is -- “to fully reestablish the authority of 

the State throughout the national territory and

 work for the establishment of real peace, 

durable ----- and shared throughout 

the subregion”.

 

He added that the people's expectations regarding these 

processes are immense, especially those who live in 

the east of the country and have experienced 

the armed conflict more strongly.

 

“We approach this final phase of the process with determination, 

respecting our sovereignty and the legitimate aspirations of our 

people”, he assured and added that the DRC will continue 

“demanding justice for the victims and that those 

responsible for the atrocities ----- be 

held accountable”.

 

The president stressed the need to put the interests of the 

nation before partisan disputes and, in this sense, 

highlighted the meeting on June 5 with the

 opposition leader, Martin Fayulu.

 

“This meeting marks an important step towards a policy of 

reconciliation, mutual listening and reciprocal respect”, 

Tshisekedi said.

 

“The independence we commemorate today..... is not just an 

achievement of the past. It is, above all, a milestone for the 

future. It is a living project, an ideal that is built every day”

--- concluded the head of state.

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

They highlight the social value of 

economic empowerment 

in South Africa

June 30th, 12:02pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, today stressed 

the importance of the country's economic empowerment laws 

as essential tools to correct historical economic injustices 

and promote inclusive growth.

 

He also called on all sectors — business, labour and social — 

to support these laws, since they are crucial to undo the 

injustices of the apartheid era and achieve inclusive 

growth that generates employment and improves 

the quality of life.

 

In his weekly letter, Ramaphosa recalled that while South Africa's

 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) laws are 

distinctive, similar empowerment frameworks exist globally in 

countries such as India, Nigeria and Brazil ------ aimed at 

correcting economic exclusion, based on race.

 

In the letter, the President defended the viability and innovation 

of the South African approach, in particular the Equivalent 

Share Investment Program (EEIP).

 

This program... allows multinational companies, which cannot 

meet requirements through traditional share ownership - due 

to global policies, to invest in socio-economic development, 

professional training and business growth, without 

selling shares.

 

The EEIP, integrated into South African legislation for more than a

 decade, he recalled, has attracted major global companies such 

as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Samsung, IBM and automotive 

giants such as BMW and Toyota.

 

Ramaphosa also rejected the idea that the EEIP weakens

 empowerment laws, stating that it complements the 

B-BBEE and does not constitute circumvention,

 a criterion he called erroneous.

 

In the text, he urged companies to consider compliance with 

empowerment laws not as a burden, but as a long-term 

investment in the stability and economic growth 

of South Africa.

 

He also highlighted the emergence of new industries 

----- such as digital technology, AI, advanced 

manufacturing and renewable energy.

 

At that point, he stressed the need for South Africa to adapt 

its policies to attract foreign and domestic investment in 

these sectors - and avoid being left behind globally.

 

Looking ahead, Ramaphosa emphasized the Government's 

focus -- on creating an enabling political environment, 

promoting structural reforms, fostering innovation 

and reducing regulatory barriers, to maximize 

the potential of emerging and existing 

industries.

 

 

________________________________________






At Least 50 People Die
- as a Gold Mine 
in
Northern Sudan
Collapses


June 28th, 12:20pm


(teleSUR)


 


At least 50 miners died this Saturday when a traditional gold 


mine collapsed in the desert area of Howaid, in northern 


Sudan, a non-governmental organization from the 


northern River Nile state reported, indicating 


that the workers died of asphyxiation.


 


The state’s resistance committees said in a statement that 


“more than 50 miners who were working inside the mine 


at the time of the collapse died of asphyxiation and 


their bodies are being recovered,” as emergency 


teams did not arrive in time, due to the desert 


location of the area and the poor condition 


of the roads.


 


They also denounced that the delay was due to the fact 


that the mine is located in the Red Sea state, but is 


under the administration of the city of Atbara,
in 
the River Nile state --- which “caused 


administrative confusion, in the 


response to the accident, in 


addition --- to the lack of 


specialized emergency 


equipment.”


 


The Howaid area -- is located between the towns of Atbara 


and Haiya, the latter in the northeastern Red Sea state, 


and there are traditional gold mines where this 


precious metal is extracted manually and 


on a small scale.


 


In fact, the same area was the scene of a similar accident


 last April, when part of a mine collapsed and caused 


several injuries.


 


However, the resistance committees denounced that the 


authorities have not implemented significant measures 


to improve safety in the mines and prevent this type 


of accident.


 


According to the Sudanese Ministry of Minerals, the artisanal 


or traditional gold mining sector is widespread throughout 


the country, as it is found in 14 of the 18 states and 


employs more than two million people, while the 


metal is exported to several neighbouring 


and Arab countries.


 


 


____________________________________


 


 


 


Ethiopia: Musical performances


 move Great South Festival


June 28th, 11:44am


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


Performances by Cuban singer-songwriter Raul Paz and his 


group, as well as renowned Ethiopian singer Yema and the 


Uruguayan duo Nai --- are generating high expectations


 today for the second day of the Great South Festival.


 


The headquarters of the Organization for Southern Cooperation,


 sponsor of the event -- under the theme “Peoples in Movement, 


Living Cultures,” will host the fusion of rhythms that has 


attracted a large audience ----- from both local and 


international audiences since its first edition.


 


The National Theatre, meanwhile, will offer the second staging 


of the play “Kalakuta Republik” by the Serge Aime Coulibaly 


group and Faso Dance Theatre (Burkina Faso/Mali/Belgium), 


a composition based on the legacy of Nigerian singer-


songwriter, politician, and human rights activist,


 Fela Kuti.


 


According to the OCS, this event is a dynamic blend of
movement, poetry, and political discourse that offers 


a profound and authentic representation of African 


identity .........in a globalized context.


 


Artists from Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts 


will perform on the same stage. The entire program,
as 
on the previous day, is free admission.


 


The performance includes a variety of artistic expressions, 


including Aspara dances, women’s dances, and Khmer 


scarf dances, as well as harmonica playing.


 


The festival is an annual event, firmly grounded in the 


boundless richness of the heritage of the peoples, 


communities, and nations of the Great South 


--- seeking to create a space for artistic 


exchange, democratise culture, 


and forge alliances.


 


The Organization for Southern Cooperation, established on 


January 29, 2020, in Djibouti, is comprised of 28 states 


from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the 


Asia-Pacific, plus civil society organizations 


and global and regional bodies.


 



____________________________________________







Most news outlets are ignoring Africa -

as the war on Iran, etc, is crowding

out other news.... so...... here's an

article to tickle Africa's interest.


Enjoy!

 

Why African Nations Should
Lean Towards.... BRICS

by Kungu Al-Mahadi Adam

 

In recent years, the BRICS group—Brazil, Russia, India, China, 

and South Africa—has risen as a formidable player in global 

affairs, positioning itself as an alternative to the Western-

dominated geopolitical order, led by the United States.

 

With Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. President, tensions 

between the U.S. and BRICS have intensified. Trump has 

openly criticized BRICS --- threatening tariffs and 

economic measures, if these nations pursue 

initiatives like a new currency to challenge

 the dominance of the U.S. dollar.

 

This hostility underscores the U.S. perception of BRICS, as 

a threat, particularly as a source of geopolitical power for 

developing countries ---- including those in Africa. In this 

context, African nations have a compelling opportunity 

to lean more towards BRICS.... during Trump’s time.

 

By doing so, they can unlock economic opportunities, assert 

their political sovereignty, push for reforms in global 

governance, diversify their international 

partnerships, and pursue shared 

development goals.

 

Economic Opportunities

 

A primary reason for African nations to deepen ties with BRICS

 is the substantial economic potential these countries offer. 

BRICS nations, especially China, have become major 

investors in Africa, driving infrastructure 

development, trade, and 

economic growth.

 

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) --- exemplifies this 

commitment, with projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi 

railway in Kenya.... and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti 

railway transforming transportation and trade 

across East Africa. These initiatives improve

 connectivity, create jobs, and boost local 

economies, offering tangible benefits
to 
African populations.

 

Beyond China, other BRICS members contribute significantly. 

Russia ---- has expanded its footprint in Africa’s energy and 

security sectors, collaborating on nuclear power projects 

in Egypt and South Africa and supplying arms to various 

nations. India has strengthened trade ties, focusing on 

agriculture, plus pharmaceuticals, and information 

technology, while also providing development

 assistance through platforms like the 

India-Africa Forum Summit.

 

Brazil shares its expertise in tropical agriculture, helping African

 countries enhance food security and productivity. South Africa, 

as both a BRICS member and an African nation, plays a 

unique role in facilitating cooperation between the 

bloc and the continent.

 

Additionally, the New Development Bank (NDB), established by 

BRICS, supports infrastructure and sustainable development 

projects, some of which benefit African nations. Unlike 

Western aid, which often comes with stringent 

political or economic conditions, BRICS 

investments tend to prioritize mutual 

benefit - over interference.

 

This transactional approach, appeals to African leaders, seeking 

to preserve their autonomy while securing resources for growth. 

By aligning with BRICS, African nations can tap into alternative 

funding streams, reducing reliance on Western financial
institutions and - potentially - negotiating more 

favourable terms.

 

Politically, BRICS offers African nations a partnership that aligns 

with their aspirations for sovereignty and independence. The 

bloc champions a multipolar world order, challenging the 

hegemony of Western powers, particularly the US.

 

This vision resonates with African countries that have endured 

centuries of colonization, exploitation, and marginalization by 

Western nations. BRICS summit declarations consistently 

emphasize sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual 

respect—principles that contrast with the U.S.’s 

history of imposing sanctions, military 

interventions, or conditional aid... 

on African states.

 

For example, while the U.S. has sometimes tied assistance to 

political reforms or human rights demands, BRICS countries 

generally refrain from such criticism, offering a partnership 

model that respects African autonomy.

 

This approach --- allows African leaders to pursue their own 

development paths without external pressure. By leaning 

towards BRICS -- African nations can strengthen their 

position on the global stage --- asserting their right 

to self-determination in a world often dominated

 by Western interests.

 

A Voice for Africa

 

BRICS also provides African nations - with an ally in advocating 

for a more equitable international system. The BRICS bloc has 

consistently called for reforms in the global governance 

institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), 

the World Bank, and the United Nations Security 

Council (UNSC), which are widely criticized for 

favoring Western powers. 

 

African countries, despite their significant numbers, have long 

been underrepresented in these bodies. BRICS’s push for 

change—such as expanding the UNSC to include more

developing nations — could open opportunities 

for African states to gain greater influence, 

potentially securing permanent seats.

 

By collaborating with BRICS, African nations can amplify their 

demands for fair representation and decision-making power. 

This partnership offers a platform to address historical 

imbalances -- and ensure that global policies better 

reflect the needs and priorities of the developing 

world. In an era where Trump’s administration 

appears focused on maintaining the U.S. 

dominance.... aligning with BRICS, 

strengthens Africa’s ability to 

advocate for a more just 

global order.

 

Trump’s confrontational stance towards BRICS, including threats 

of tariffs and economic penalties, highlights the risks of over-

reliance on the U.S. For African nations, diversifying partner-

ships is a strategic necessity. Programs like the African

 Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty

-free access to the U.S. market, are valuable but come 

with conditions and could be disrupted by shifts in 

U.S. policy. A more hostile Trump administration 

might further complicate these arrangements, 

leaving African economies exposed.

 

Engaging with BRICS offers a buffer against such uncertainties. 

By building stronger ties with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and 

South Africa, African countries can expand their trade, 

investment, and development options. 

 

This diversification enhances economic resilience, allowing 

nations to navigate global tensions ---- without being overly 

dependent on any single power. In a volatile geopolitical 

climate, having multiple partners........ is not just an 

advantage — it’s a safeguard.

 

Shared Goals

 

BRICS and African nations, share common challenges and 

ambitions, including poverty reduction, industrialization, 

and sustainable development. This alignment creates 

a foundation for meaningful collaboration.

 

For instance --- India’s expertise in information technology, could 

help African countries develop digital economies, while China’s 

manufacturing prowess could support industrialization efforts. 

Russia’s advancements in energy and Brazil’s agricultural 

innovations offer additional avenues for cooperation. 

Meanwhile, South Africa’s experience as a 

developing economy within BRICS, 

provides insights.. relevant to 

the continent’s needs.

 

In areas like renewable energy, BRICS countries have made 

significant progress that could benefit Africa’s efforts to 

address energy, poverty, and climate change. 

 

By partnering with BRICS, African nations... gain access to 

technology, expertise, and markets that accelerate their

 development. This synergy -- fosters a relationship 

grounded in mutual benefit, where both sides 

work towards ----- lifting populations out of 

poverty and building sustainable futures.

 

Critics of closer ties with BRICS point to potential risks. Some 

argue that the bloc lacks cohesion, with members like India 

and China clashing over territorial issues, or Brazil and 

South Africa grappling with domestic instability.

 

Others warn of over-dependence on China, which dominates 

BRICS economically, raising concerns about debt traps or 

resource exploitation. These are valid considerations, 

as some BRICS investments have been criticized 

for prioritizing strategic interests, over 

African development.

 

However, African nations can address these challenges through 

strategic engagement. They can negotiate terms that protect 

their sovereignty and ensure equitable partnerships,

 engaging not just with China but with all BRICS 

members --- to balance influence.

 

By diversifying within the bloc and beyond, African countries 

can mitigate risks while maximizing benefits. The key is to 

approach BRICS as a partner, not a savior, leveraging

 these relationships to advance national interests.

 

Leaning towards BRICS offers a path to diversify 

economic and political partnerships, to assert 

sovereignty --- and reform global governance, 

while pursuing shared development goals.

 

The economic investments from China’s railways to India’s tech 

initiatives, the political alignment on sovereignty, and the push 

for a fairer world order all present compelling reasons to 

deepen ties. While challenges like dependency and 

bloc cohesion exist ------ they can be managed, 

through careful strategy and negotiation.

 

In an increasingly multipolar world, African nations could seize 

this moment to chart their own course. By aligning with BRICS 

during Trump’s administration, they can reduce vulnerability 

to U.S. policies, tap into new opportunities, and strengthen 

their global standing.

 

The potential rewards—economic growth, political empowerment, 

and sustainable progress—make this a journey worth embarking 

on, positioning Africa as a proactive player in shaping the future

 

Kungu Al-Mahadi Adam is a Ugandan journalist

with a passion...... for current African Affairs.

 

 










All Africa music winners

Image: Sudan's Wazza instrument

will africa solve hunger by 2030?

Image: bust of queen Nefertiti

ONE UNION

Two weeks before Brexit, the African Union

 announced a new single African passport
that permits holders to enter any of the
 54 AU member states without a visa –
an interesting turn in African history
which NO-ONE in the West knows
or cares about !  What a stunning
reflection of how far our mindset
and media are, from the 'world
community' we say we love.

__________________________________




The above is one reason why Rhondda Records
is devoting this page to Africa - and there
are so many other reasons!

Here are two - one bad - one good.

I was stunned, when I read a year or so
ago, that 40% of Africa has no regular
electricity supply! How could this be?

And, second, Africa is not only the
Mother of the human species...
it is, now, becoming the hope
of the new multipolar world.

Rise up, Africa!





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