The threat of terrorism in the Sahel region was one of
the key topics in a telephone conversation between
Russian President, Vladimir Putin and his
Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou
Diomaye Faye, the Kremlin
press service reported.
"The leaders also discussed the situation in the Sahel
and broader West African regions, focusing on the
ongoing instability caused by the actions of
terrorist groups," the Kremlin said
in a statement.
In recent years, West Africa has been plagued by
the activities of Islamist terrorist mercenaries.
These groups have been attacking government
forces - across several countries. They also
receive support from Ukraine, a fact that
has been openly acknowledged by the
''official'' Kiev authorities.
Senegal shares a border with Mali, one of the West African nations where the terrorists operate. In September 2023, Mali, alongside Niger & Burkina Faso, became founding members of the Alliance of Sahel States, a regional
collective defense organization.
The alliance was established to "create an African
space of sovereignty in the areas of security,
politics, geostrategy, and economics."
On July 6, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger
announced the formation of the Sahel States
confederation --- to deepen cooperation
and integration.
__________________________________
South Africa,guest of honour
at Havana Book Fair in 2025
November 21st, 3:41pm
(Prensa Latina)
The 33rd edition of the Havana International Book Fair
2025 will have South Africa as a guest of honour, Juan Rodriguez, president of the Cuban Book Institute (ICL), informed in Havana on Thursday.
Scheduled from February 13th to 23rd under the theme
“Todo Un Pais En Libros” (A Whole Country In Books),
the literary event will be dedicated to the 25th
anniversary of the Territorial Editions System
and to the 130th anniversary of the death in
war action of Cuba’s National Hero,
Jose Marti.
Researcher and professor Francisca Lopez Civeria,
winner of the 2008 National History Prize and the
2022 National Social and Humanistic Sciences
Prize, and poet, essayist, researcher, and
literary critic Virgilio Lopez Lemus, will also be honoured.
Rodriguez stressed the significance of having South
Africa - as the third African guest of honour, after
Algeria and Angola, at the usual main venue of
San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress, which
shares activities with 17 other places
in Havana.
He underscored that the two nations share a common
history and recalled the strong ties of friendship that
developed between late leader Nelson Mandela and
Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, in addition to all
the bilateral cooperation that has been fostered
since the fall of the Apartheid regime.
He noted that Cuba is proud of having South Afica
at the event, because, “Cubans carry Africa
in their hearts”
South African Ambassador to Havana, Yvonne
Nkwenkwezi, voiced her gratitude on behalf
of her country for such a designation,
which she considered an honour
and a commitment.
_________________________________
Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution Monday
calling for an immediate cease-fire in
the war between Sudan's military
and paramilitary forces
November 19th, 12:11pm
(Rédaction Africanews with AP)
Russia's deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky
told the Security Council that Moscow vetoed the
resolution because - “it should be solely the
government of Sudan” that should be
responsible for what happens in the country.
The main problem with the resolution, he said, is its
“false understanding of who bears responsibility
for the protection of civilians in Sudan and for
border control and security control in the
country --- and who should decide to
invite foreign forces to Sudan.”
Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of arming
the RSF, which the UAE denies. U.N. experts said, in a
report earlier this year that the RSF received support from Arab-allied communities - and new military
supply lines running through Chad, Libya
and South Sudan.
As for the government - Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, who
led a military takeover of Sudan in 2021, has received
Russian support and is a close ally of neighbouring
Egypt and its president, former army chief
Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.
In February, Sudan’s foreign minister held talks
in Tehran, with his Iranian counterpart, amid
unconfirmed reports of drone purchases
for government forces.
Sudan's U.N. Ambassador, Al-Harith Idris, said his
country is ready to cooperate with all countries
who are --- ready to condemn the RSF and its allied militias, stop the flow of weapons to
them --- and “respect the sovereignty
of Sudan through implementing a
plan to protect civilians.”
“Sudan --- is in an existential battle, where choices
are limited,” he said. “Either Sudan remains free,
independent and united, or it vanishes.”
_________________________________________
Russia working to expand
presence in Africa: expert
November 19th, 9:19am
(TASS)
Russia is actively expanding its presence in Africa,
and the countries of the continent could become a
testing ground for advanced Russian technologies,
Director of the Institute for African Studies of the
Russian Academy of Sciences, Irina Abramova,
said at a press conference.
"I believe that, in the current conditions Russia finds
itself, given the resources we have at our disposal,
we are indeed, making very active progress in the African direction," she noted. "I always say that
one of the areas of our cooperation - should
be in the technological sphere, that is, the
transfer of Russian technologies -- which
demonstrates -- our special relationship
with Africa. Moreover, our technologies
are adaptable and can be applied there
and Africa can become a sort of place
for testing our Russian technologies."
The expert emphasized --- that Russian businesses are
now very interested in working in Africa. To facilitate
this, Abramova says that Russia needs to establish
effective mechanisms for public-private partner-
ships to successfully implement projects on
the continent.
"Our main mistake, is the lack of coordination between
the government, an development institutions such as
the Russian Export Centre, VEB, and others, and
entrepreneurs," she said.
"The public-private partnership formula, which should
form the basis of our relations, is still not working
very effectively."
Expanding cooperation - in all areas
Nevertheless, in Abramova's opinion, Russia has
succeeded in building an institutional structure
for relations with African countries.
"Just recently, our embassy was opened in Burkina
Faso, and - by 2026 - seven more new embassies
are planned to be opened in African countries,"
the expert noted.
She also added that, in addition to actively developing
relations in the political sphere - work is underway in
the economic and social sectors.
"Trade missions are opening ------ one has already been
opened in Ethiopia and Nigeria, and both are working
very actively. These countries are key for us, as
they are centres of development in Africa,"
the expert observed.
"New Russian Centres are opening -- not only within the
framework of Rossotrudnichestvo -- but there are also
many private initiatives being supported. Additionally,
60 Sunday schools have been opened, and each
of these Sunday schools has a Russian
language centre."
"We are steadily expanding our presence in Africa,
and of course, this should yield results,"
Abramova concluded.
________________________________
Russia awaiting Egypt's ratification
of industrial zone agreement
— minister
November 18th, 3:26pm
(TASS)
Russia eagerly awaits Egypt's ratification of an
intergovernmental agreement on creating a
Russian industrial zone around the Suez
Canal, Industry and Trade Minister
Anton Alikhanov told reporters.
"We are waiting for Egypt to ratify the agreement.
President el-Sisi said at the meeting in Kazan
that this issue would be reviewed at the
parliament’s session soon," the
minister said.
The intergovernmental agreement between Russia and
Egypt was signed in 2018. The project is stipulated to
last 13 years. Construction of the industrial zone was
set to start in 2020 but it was postponed due to the
a memorandum of naval cooperation, the Russian defense ministry said, after a meeting between
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander
Fomin and National Defense Minister of
the Republic of the Congo, Charles
Richard Mondjo.
"On November 18, 2024, a working meeting between
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General
Alexander Fomin, & National Defense Minister of the Republic of the Congo, Lt General Charles
[Richard] Mondjo, was held in Moscow. The
sides exchanged views on current issues
of Russian-Congolese military & defense
cooperation, discussed promising joint
projects in the defense sphere - and
outlined ways to implement them.
They also agreed --- to continue
close cooperation in all areas
of bilateral cooperation,"
the ministry said.
"The talks were held in a friendly atmosphere..... and
were crowned by the signing of an inter-ministerial memorandum of understanding and cooperation
in the naval sphere, having reiterated Moscow
and Brazzaville’s commitment to the further
expansion of practical cooperation.''
___________________________________
Participation in Municipal
Elections in Libya
Exceeds 74%
November 16th, 4:57pm
(teleSUR)
The turnout at the municipal elections held on
Saturday in Libya, without security incidents,
exceeded 74% -- a rate rated “high” by the
National High Electoral Commission
(HNEC).
“The initial proportion of voters -- was 74% ......as the
screening and counting process continues and the
scheduling process begins tomorrow at UNHCR
headquarters,” the HNEC said.
Municipal elections in Libya... are held in two phases,
this first -- includes 29 municipalities in the western
region, 12 in the eastern region and 17 in the south - both of the area administered by the Government
of National Unity (GUN) of Tripoli ..as of the one
controlled by the parallel Executive ---- under
the tutelage of Marshal Jalifa Haftar.
Abdulhakim al Shaab, a member of the aforementioned
electoral commission ---- reported that the counting,
grading and statistics process has already started
in all polling stations after they closed their doors
at 18:00 local time (20:00 GMT).
Preliminary results will be announced in two or three
days while the final ones will be revealed after the
appeal stage, which according to the law lasts
21 days, he added.
On the other hand, the head of the Government of
National Unity (GUN) --- Abdulhamid Dbeiba ------
confirmed after the close of the polls that the
“success” of the electoral process... went
“smoothly and safely, and represents a
further response ---- to calls for the
imposition of new transitional
stages -- as a condition for
holding elections”.
“The Libyans who use today’s ballot boxes --- to choose
who will manage their municipalities’ affairs are the
same people who can elect their legislative and
executive leaders - through them. Those who
are obstructing this popular will are those
who seek to extend their mandate by
not issuing fair and enforceable
electoral laws,” he said.
__________________________________
Ethiopia and Chinato
enhance ties...... with
law enforcement centre
November 15th, 12:21pm
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia and China agreed on Friday to establish a Law Enforcement Cooperation Centre in this capital,
Addis Ababa, to maintain solid coordinated
cooperation and strengthen capacity
development and other issues.
The agreement followed a meeting between Ethiopia's
Federal Police Commissioner, General Demelash Gebremichael, and Chinese Deputy Public
Security Minister, Qi Yanjun, to discuss
bilateral national issues.
During the meeting, both sides recalled previous
agreements signed to cooperate closely.... in
several fields, the local Federal Police said.
Gebremichael and Qi highlighted the fruitful results
achieved in transnational crime prevention,
extradition, capacity building, and
resource support.
The Addis Ababa City Administration Police
Commission and the Beijing Municipal
Public Security Bureau --- inked a
Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) on cooperation between
the two national security
institutions.
According to the source, the document will help
both parties to cooperate in exchanging
experiences and other issues.
_____________________________________
Kenya:Farmers fight againstGMOs
November 14th, 12:10pm
(teleSUR)
In communities across Kenya, peasant organizations
are mobilizing to defend the right to healthy food
and reject GM crops.
In Karura, a region on the northern outskirts of Nairobi,
community leaders meet with the local peasant
communities - to explain the implications of
GMOs to small farmers, seeds introduced
into the country following a government
authorization to seed patenting by
food multinationals.
In a room with sheet and canvas walls, with the floor
of dirt - twenty Kenyans discuss strategies to resist
a threat they perceive, as imminent. For many, the
entry of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
means the loss of traditional seeds... the
cultivation methods learned from their
grandparents and the threat of an
agriculture dependent on big
corporations and bringing
harmful chemicals.
One of the keys to GMOs --- is their resistance to
agrochemicals that other herbs do not have, so
spraying products like glyphosate on crops kills all competition, and allows intensive production of the plantation of interest.
“Well water is here, the bath is there, everything
shares the same soil,” says Denis Wangila, one
of the representatives --- who debate the
sustainability of the places where
they live.
In this sense, the villagers are moving forward with the
organization of committees at different locations - to
gain organizational advantage against the advance
of the multinationals.
One of the most popular grassroots organisations in
the area is the Kenyan Peasant League (KPL),
which has managed to win temporary
victories in court by maintaining a
ban on GMOs until a final verdict
is reached.
However, the threat persists and
farmers --- continue to mobilize.
Recently, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision
to temporarily ban GMOs on the grounds that the
government did not guarantee adequate public
participation --- which the KPL considers
fundamental. ”The Constitution backs
us, we have a right to be heard,” adds
Susan Otawi of the Kenyan Peasant
League Women’s Collective.
In parallel, the campaign to collect signatures against
the introduction of GMOs is advancing strongly. In the
community of City Park - another point of resistance
in Nairobi, activists and farmers gather to collect
signatures and continue challenging the
government decision.
”We have not been given any guarantees of safety on GMOs, and the government made this decision,
without consulting us. That is unacceptable,”
says one of the spokesmen.
The KPL maintains an active strategy based on legal
and environmental principles. The organization
supports its arguments in the UN Declaration
on the Rights of Peasants & Other Workers
in Rural Areas, and in Article 10 of the
Kenyan Constitution, which
establishes the right to
public consultation.
This legal framework has been the basis for their
struggle against the decisions of a government
that, according to its leaders, is more aligned
with the interests of multinationals than
with the needs of its own citizens.
For many of these farmers, the fight against GMOs, is a
battle for food sovereignty and the right to decide what
kind of food and farming methods they prefer for their
land. With a history of agroecological practices and
indigenous seed cultivation, the fear of farmers is
that the GMOs income will destroy the delicate
ecological balance and make communities
dependent on patented chemicals and
seeds ---- that only enrich the great
corporations of the global North.
“Hunger is not solved with GMOs, but with policies that
eliminate poverty,” insist the KPL, reiterating that the
seeds of the multinationals will not improve their
crops in the soils of Kenya, contrary to what
the government tries to make believe.
__________________________________
Sudan: Cholera Cases -- Rise to
30,880, Dengue Fever to 6,011
November 13th, 12:26pm
(teleSUR)
On Monday November 11, Sudan’s Health Ministry said
that the number of cholera infection cases in Sudan
has climbed to 30,880, while dengue fever cases
reached 6,011.
“The cholera epidemiological situation report revealed
the registration of 138 new cases, including two
deaths, bringing the total to 30,880 cases,
including 887 deaths,” the ministry
said in a statement.
The ministry said 72 out of the 138 new cases were
recorded in Gedaref State in eastern Sudan.
In addition, 91 new cases of dengue fever were
reported, all in Kassala State, raising the total
number of dengue fever cases in the country
to 6,011, including 12 deaths.
Kassala State -- is experiencing high rates of both
cholera and dengue fever, attributed to waves of
displacement from the eastern Gezira region in
central Sudan, as noted by Al-Fadil Mohamed
Mahmoud, director general of the ministry’s
Health Emergencies and Epidemic
Control Department.
The marked increase in cholera and dengue cases
is part of a broader health crisis in Sudan, where
fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces
and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
has raged since April 2023.
Other epidemic diseases, including malaria
and measles, have also been spreading.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in
over 24,850 deaths and displaced millions of
people, according to the latest estimates
from international organizations.
_________________________________
Russia... wrote off
African countries’
debts
November 13th, 10:39am
(Prensa Latina)
Russia has written off debts of African states
worth 20 billion dollars, Deputy Foreign
Minister Mikhail Bogdanov informed
on Wednesday in an interview
with TASS.
Bogdanov...... who is also the Special Representative of
the President of Russia for the Middle East and African
countries added that those funds are being redirected
- among other things - to development projects under
the refinancing program.
The diplomat affirmed that these debts are being
used “to implement socio-economic projects
in those countries.”
Bogdanov also announced - that Russia will open
embassies in that continent’s several countries,
such as Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, and
South Sudan.
The deputy foreign minister recalled that an embassy
in Burkina Faso was just opened, and the possibility
of reopening embassies in some countries.. where
they were once closed, is also being considered.
_______________________________________
Mpox mortality decreases in DRC
November 12th, 11:31am
(Prensa Latina)
Mortality due to monkeypox (Mpox) has decreased in
the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaching
0.36 percent on November 4-9, Health Minister
Roger Kamba informed.
Kamba noted, that three people died out of 834
suspects and 81 confirmed Mpox cases during
the period, resulting in a mortality rate of
0.36 percent, much lower than the
previous week’s 1.6 percent.
In his update on the Mpox epidemic status in the
country, the minister stated that since the
epidemic broke out, 42,912 suspected
cases have been reported, 9,454 of
which have been confirmed and
1,132 deaths have been
recorded.
He specified that Kinshasa reported 123 active
cases, 56 of which are suspected cases and
67 have already been confirmed as
Mpox patients.
___________________________________
Foreign Ministry of PNE: Libya is interested in joining BRICS
November 11th, 9:29pm
(RT.ru)
The Libyan side is interested in joining BRICS, and
the relevant possibility is being studied in the
country's government circles.
This was stated in an interview with TASS, on the
sidelines of the first Russia — Africa ministerial
conference by Acting Foreign Minister of the
Government of National Unity (PNE) of
Libya Taher al-Baur.
"In fact, we are currently studying the possibility of
joining BRICS in government circles. This requires
....a deep study and assessment of the benefits
that Libya will receive from joining the BRICS,"
the diplomat said.
Earlier, Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Cheong Lun
Lai said that the country has received an invitation
to join the BRICS as a partner.
It also became known that Belarus has
officially become a BRICS partner.
___________________________________
Al-Hajj: Russia can play a key role
in ending the conflict in Sudan
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
November 9th, 11:16pm
(Lenta.ru)
Russia - can play a key role in ending the conflict in
Sudan because of its influence in Africa. This was
stated in an interview with RIA Novosti by the
Acting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the African country, Hussein Al-Hajj.
He stressed - that the end of the conflict is necessary to
ensure the security of neighbouring States - and Africa
as a whole. The interlocutor of the agency noted that
Russia, which has a significant influence on the
continent, can contribute to this.
"Some African countries are involved in the war from
the opposite side. Not directly, but mercenaries
coming from all over Africa," he said. Al-Hajj
pointed out that Moscow could explain to
these states ......how important the
sovereignty and inviolability of
Sudan's borders are.
__________________________________
Russia has signed 33 agreements
on military cooperation with
African countries
November 9th, 3:24pm
(RT.ru)
Russia has signed 33 agreements on military-technical
cooperation with African countries, said Anton
Kobyakov - Adviser to the Russian President
and the Executive secretary of the forum's
organizing committee for preparation
and holding of events in the
Russia-Africa format.
"To date --- Russia has signed agreements on
regular military-technical cooperation with
33 countries on the African continent,"
TASS quoted him as saying.
According to Kobyakov --- the role of a
security provider for Africa, is a vital
necessity for the country.
Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov
held working meetings with the defense ministers
of Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger, as
part of the Army 2024 forum.
_______________________________
African Union supports Luanda
Process for peace in DRC
November 9th, 1:21pm
(Prensa Latina)
The special envoy of the African Union (AU) for the
prevention of genocide, Adama Djeng, ratified the
support of the entity to the Luanda Process for
peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC), Radio Okapi reported today.
After a meeting with the provincial governor of North
Kivu yesterday, Djeng said that implementing the
roadmap would help prevent mass crimes ---
and enable people to return to normal life.
He noted the steps taken in this direction, particularly
in the launching, last November 5th, of the Ad-Hoc
Reinforced Verification Mechanism, with the
participation of the foreign ministers of
the DRC and Rwanda.
‘The two foreign ministers - once again - committed
themselves to put everything in place so that there
will be peace, that crimes, which are extremely
serious, will cease’, he emphasized.
Djeng announced that he would meet with the
displaced populations to bring his solidarity,
and the message of compassion from the
African Union, through its president
Muhamed Musa Faki.
According to Radio Okapi, the envoy is also due to
meet in Goma with the authorities of the United
Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC
(Monusco).
__________________________________________
Russia affirms:that Ukraine
sponsors terrorist groups
in Africa
November 9th, 12:12pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Kiev government - openly - sponsors terrorist groups
in Africa, and Moscow will fight against this tendency,
said today the director of the department of threats
and challenges of the Russian Foreign Ministry,
Georgy Mikhno.
The diplomat stressed, Saturday, at the first ministerial
conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum
that the Slavic nation, 'considers the practice of
cooperating with international terrorist groups
unacceptable - and will continue to fight
this evil by all available means’.
Late in July, the Russian-origin paramilitary
organization Wagner -- confirmed that its
fighters suffered casualties in clashes
with irregular armed groups in north-
eastern Mali between July 22 - 27.
The Malian army also reported
losses during the clashes.
On July 30, Senenews media reported that Malian
and Mauritanian authorities --- were investigating
the involvement of Ukrainian military instructors
on the side of the rebels in Mali in the year-long
conflict.
On Saturday, August 3rd, Senegal’s Foreign Ministry
summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to the country,
Yuri Pivovárov, for his expressed support for
fighters in northern Mali ----- who inflicted
heavy losses on government forces.
On the same day, nine Senegalese public organizations
said in a statement that a video released by Ukraine’s
military intelligence spokesman, Andrei Yusov,
confirming Kiev’s involvement in the attack
on Wagner in Mali - was further evidence
of Kiev’s support - for these irregular
armed groups.
They also condemned Ukraine for training fighters in
Africa -- and urged the international community to
hold Kiev accountable for its actions.
On August 20th the permanent missions of Mali, Niger
and Burkina Faso, called on the UN Security Council
to take action against Ukraine ---- for its support of
terrorism in the Sahel region.
____________________________________
Chadflooded by rains and refugees
November 9th, 12:03pm
(Prensa Latina)
Almost six hundred Chadians died since last July
in Chad due to heavy rains, according to the UN
agency for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The tragedy is highlighted by another document of the
same entity.... on the unstoppable flow of refugees to
this Mediterranean country - halfway between North and Central Africa, where 680,000 people displaced
by a civil war in Sudan, found refuge in its territory.
The increased death toll from the rains in Chad
recorded by OCHA is only partial because the
rainy season lasts until December, almost
two months during which - death hangs
like the sword of Damocles - over both
Chadians and expatriates, lacking
safe places to shelter.
The rains cover the 23 provinces of the country. Floods
have forced a mass of 503,000 residents to flee the
provinces of Lac, Mandul, Moyen Chari, and
Tandjilé, who are now wandering on the
roads... for places to settle.
In a separate report, the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees revealed that, in October alone, 60,000
Sudanese entered Chad, mostly children, fleeing
the more than a year-long civil war between the
Sovereign Transitional Council (CST) and the
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
The Army supports the CST, led by General Abdel
Fattah al Burhan; the RSF are loyal to General
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, but both are
responsible for the conflict ---- [that has
pleased the Western powers elites] &
caused the largest refugee crisis
in Sudanese history, 12 million
human beings ---- and about
15,000 deaths, in addition
to the devastation of
the country.
________________________
Angolan Presidentcompletes
Interior Ministry reshuffle
November 8th, 4:40pm
(Prensa Latina)
Angolan President, Joao Lourenco,
completed reshuffling the Interior
Ministry today by appointing two
new ministers for that portfolio.
On October 31, the president dismissed the then head of that ministry, Eugenio Cesar Laborinho, as well as
the Secretaries of State for the Interior, Jose
Paulino Cunha da Silva, and for Technical
Guarantee, Carlos Armando Albino.
On the same date, he appointed Manuel Homem, who
was serving as governor of the province of Luanda,
to occupy the post of minister, but the other posts remained vacant.
On Friday, the Presidency issued a decree in which the
President, in accordance with the Constitution and
after consultation with the National Security
Council, decided to move Commissioner
General Arnaldo Manuel Carlos, who
was the Commander General of the
National Police, to assume the
functions of Secretary of
State for the Interior
of the Ministry of
the Interior.
Meanwhile.... the Vice Governor of the Province of
Luanda for Technical Services and Infrastructure,
Cristino Mario Ndeitunga ---- was appointed as
Secretary of State for Technical Guarantee
of the same ministry.
Chief Commissioner Francisco Monteiro Ribas da Silva,
who served as Provincial Delegate of the Ministry of
the Interior and Provincial Commander of Luanda of
the Angolan National Police --- was promoted to
Police Commissioner General & promoted to
Commander General of the National Police.
These changes complete the overhaul initiated in the
Ministry of the Interior since October 25, when the
Director General of the Criminal Investigation
Service (SIC) and the Director General of
the Migration and Foreign Affairs
Service (SME) were dismissed.
_______________________________
Ethiopia,UNaddress
the challenges - of
organised crime
November 7th, 11pm
(Prensa Latina)
Representatives of the Ethiopian Government and the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
today, discussed the pressing challenges posed
by transnational organised crime in the Horn
of Africa.
The Ethiopian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs --------
Mesganu Arga, & the UNODC Regional Representative
for East Africa Ashita Mittal, focused their discussions
on critical issues such as human trafficking, drug and
arms trafficking, the distribution of counterfeit goods,
smuggling, and money laundering, according to the
Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides stressed the importance of a joint approach
to tackling these interlinked threats, which threaten
the livelihoods of people in the region.
In this regard ----- Arga reiterated the Ethiopian
government’s willingness to work closely with
the international organisation ---- to address
these challenges in a coordinated manner.
For his part, Mittal stressed that the partnership
not only strengthens regional efforts --- but also
contributes positively to continental initiatives.
He pledged the UNODC’s continued commitment
to providing capacity building and technical
assistance to enhance the performance of
African national institutions in the fight
against transnational crime.
_____________________________________________
A way to reduce the incidence of malaria
in Mali by10 times ------has been found
November 7th, 3:25am
(TASS.ru)
The use of toxic sugar --- to eliminate malaria-carrying mosquitoes - has reduced the incidence in Mali (West Africa) by 10 times. Experiments were conducted for several years by an international group of scientists
from Russia, Mali, Germany, Lithuania, and Israel,
the press service of the Russian Ministry of
Education and Science told TASS.
Despite the fact that great progress has been made
in the fight against malaria in the world, hundreds
of millions of people are infected every year, and
hundreds of thousands of them, die. The largest
amount of victims is among preschool children.
This problem is particularly relevant for the countries of West Africa.
"One of the methods tested by scientists gave a good result ------ it allowed to reduce the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes from one person to another, by 10 times.
''The approach is based on establishing a network of stations, in the villages of Mali. There were traps filled with lures in the form of toxic
sugar," the report says.
As a comparative analysis showed, in villages with
traps, the number of mosquitoes was much lower
than in control settlements where bait was
not used.
The data obtained by the researchers will form
the basis of recommendations ----- that will be
developed by the World Health Organization.
______________________________________
Zambia:Recruitment of 3,000
Police Officers Ahead of
General Elections
November 6th, 3:49pm
(teleSUR)
On Wednesday ---- the head of the police in Zambia
appealed to the government for the recruitment
of 3,000 new officers ahead of the 2026
general elections.
Raphael Musamba, the inspector-general of the Zambia
Police, said the recruitment of more police officers
was needed in order to provide adequate peace
ahead of the elections.
“As you may be aware ----- the maintenance of peace and
security during election periods ---- is a mammoth task,
requiring more police officers, as some of our citizens
take advantage --- to bring anarchy and instability to
the nation,” he said during a pass-out parade
of 1,528 new police recruits.
The police chief appealed to the government for funds
to recruit more officers in readiness for the general
elections ---and pledged that the police are
committed to ensuring security and
peace in the country.
President Hakainde Hichilema said the government
recognized the need for a robust police service in
the maintenance of peace and security.
In a speech read for him by Minister of Home Affairs
and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu - the Zambian
president said the government --- is committed to
ensuring a well-trained and professional police
service. He acknowledged - that the demand
for policing services has continued to grow
largely due to population increase as well
as rising economic and social activities.
In a ministerial statement presented to parliament
in November last year, Mwiimbu said the police
service in Zambia --- has a total of 21,944
officers policing a population of about
20 million people, representing a
policing ratio --- of one police
officer, to 894 citizens.
_________________________________________
Sudan:Cholera Cases Rise to 30,880,
Dengue Fever to 6,011
November 6th, 1:39pm
(teleSUR)
On Tuesday, Sudan’s Health Ministry said that the
number of cholera infection cases in Sudan has
climbed to 30,880, while dengue fever cases
reached 6,011.
“The cholera epidemiological situation report
revealed the registration of 138 new cases,
including two deaths, bringing the total to
30,880 cases ----- including 887 deaths,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said 72 out of the 138 new cases were
recorded in Gedaref State in eastern Sudan.
In addition, 91 new cases of dengue fever were
reported, all in Kassala State, raising the total
number of dengue fever cases in the country
to 6,011, including 12 deaths.
Kassala State - is experiencing high rates of both
cholera and dengue fever, attributed to waves of
displacement from the eastern Gezira region in
central Sudan, as noted by Al-Fadil Mohamed
Mahmoud, director general of the ministry’s
Health Emergencies and Epidemic
Control Department.
The marked increase in cholera and dengue cases
is part of a broader health crisis in Sudan, where
fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces
and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
has raged since April 2023.
Other epidemic diseases, including malaria
and measles, have also been spreading.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in over
24,850 deaths and displaced millions of people,
according to the latest estimates from
international organizations.
_________________________________
South Africa: Minister for Harnessing
Africa’s Renewable Energy Potential
November 6th, 1:35 pm
(teleSUR)
On Wednesday, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity
and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, called on
African countries - to harness the potential of
Africa’s rich renewable energy resources to
forge an inclusive and sustainable path for
the continent.
He made the call, when delivering a keynote address
at the opening ceremony of the 2024 African Energy
Week, held in Cape Town from Nov. 4 to 8 under the
theme “Invest in African Energies: Energy Growth
through an Enabling Environment.”
“Africa’s potential for renewable energy --- is unmatched
globally,” Ramokgopa stressed --- in his address. “The
continent... is rich in diverse renewable resources,
each offering a path toward sustainable growth
that is less dependent on fossil fuels and more
aligned with global climate commitments.”
He further noted that Africa’s renewable resources
offer a solution to energy poverty and a strategic
advantage in supporting local industries and
value-added activities.
“If coupled with the right policies ----- the transition to
renewable energy can drive African industrialization
by enhancing the beneficiation of critical minerals
essential for both the renewable and high-tech
industries globally,” Ramokgopa said.
“This path --- also strengthens Africa’s geopolitical
positioning in the global clean energy transition..
making the continent not just a provider of raw
materials -- but a central player in the entire
value chain,” he added.
The minister also promised that South Africa will use
its presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) in 2025
to champion Africa’s energy priorities on a
global platform.
“In leading the G20, South Africa will focus on strategic
interventions to address Africa’s unique energy needs
and support a resilient inclusive future,” beneficiated
Ramokgopa, adding that these interventions will
position Africa as an active participant in the
global energy transition, while addressing
the continent’s development needs.
_______________________________________
Rosatom ready to sign documents
during African Energy Week
November 5th, 2:28pm
(TASS)
The African Energy Week (AEW) is an important forum
for Rosatom, a spokesperson of the Russian state
nuclear corporation told TASS at the forum.
"Rosatom is taking part in AEW activities - for
the second year in a row; this conference is
important for us,"the spokesperson said.
"The delegation of the state corporation comprises
over thirty people. Rosatom has also staged its display at the exhibition - as part of AEW. We
proactively take part in various meetings and intend to sign a number of documents,"he added.
"Rosatom acts - as a key partner of the African Energy
Week,"another spokesperson of the corporation said.
"Rosatom speakers - will present competencies
of the state corporation and energy solutions
adapted to Africa’s energy needs --- as part
of the business program,"he added.
_____________________________________
NPP safety system key component ---
delivered for El Dabaa plant in Egypt
— Rosatom
November 5th, 12:03pm
(TASS)
A key component of the nuclear power plant's safety
system, the so-called "melt trap" ......has been
delivered to the El Dabaa NPP construction
site in Egypt ---- the press service of
Atomstroyexport (ASE, Rosatom's
engineering division) reported.
The vessel with the melt trap left the port of
Novorossiysk in October. Thanks to early
construction readiness.. at power unit
No. 4 ---- the device arrived in Egypt
ahead of schedule, the report says.
The total weight of the melt trap is more than 700 tons,
the weight of the hull is 155 tons. Specialists plan to
begin installation of the device by the end of
this year.
According to Vice President of JSC ASE, Director of the
El-Dabaa NPP construction project, Alexey Kononenko
---- the construction of power units, according to the VVER-1200 design, is a well-established process
for Rosatom.
"We have moved from individual unique projects --- to
an industrial flow-line construction. Today we are
receiving the fourth "trap" for the El Dabaa NPP.
This means that - very soon - we will begin
installing the casing of the device at the
fourth power unit. I would like to note
that in 2023 we installed "traps" at
power units No. 1 and No. 2, and
in 2024 - at power unit No. 3.
''The installation of the "trap" at power unit No. 4 this
year, will show the stability of our process - two
"traps" per year. We are successfully working
on the simultaneous construction of all four
power units of the 1st Egyptian NPP, using
advanced technologies -- and modern
engineering solutions" -- Kononenko
said as quoted by the press service.
El-Dabaa is the first nuclear power plant in Egypt to be
built by Rosatom in the Matrouh Governorate on the
shores of the Mediterranean Sea - about 300 klms northwest of Cairo. This is Rosatom's first major
project in Africa. By 2028, the state corporation
will build four units of the plant with VVER-1200
reactors, & will supply nuclear fuel throughout
the life cycle of the NPP (60 years), as well as
provide training, maintenance and repair
services for 10 years after the start-up
of each unit.
''The contract also provides for the construction of
the first module of dry containerized storage of
spent nuclear fuel by 2028. Egypt expects the
NPP to reach full capacity by 2030.''
_______________________________________
Rebels capture strategic town in
eastern Congo bordering Uganda
November 5th, 6:17am (TASS)
Militants from the March 23 Movement (M23) have
seized Kamandi-Gite - a key town in the eastern
Democratic Republic of the Congo’s North Kivu
province which borders Uganda, South African
radio station SABC reported.
According to the report, M23 forces captured the town
following clashes with the Wazalendo movement ----- a
coalition of rebel groups allied with the official armed
forces. As a result, residents of Kamandi-Gite, a town
with a population of 30,000, and its surrounding
settlements - have begun fleeing.
M23 units resumed their offensive in North Kivu, in
mid-October, capturing over ten major settlements.
While the hostilities have mainly involved fighting
between the M23 and Wazalendo, there have
also been skirmishes between the rebels
and Congolese regular troops in several
areas. Neither side.. has announced an
official withdrawal from the ceasefire,
which has been in place between the
Congolese army and the M23 since
early August this year.
The March 23 Movement was formed in 2012 by
deserters from the Congolese army. The M23
resumed its offensive in eastern Congo in
January 2021 and has since gained
control of several settlements in
North Kivu. The Congolese
government ---- accuses
Rwanda of supporting
the rebels.
The Wazalendo movement was established
last year to support Congolese forces in
the country’s eastern regions.
______________________________
The President of Nigeria... released teenagers
who were threatened with the death penalty
November 4th, 8:01pm
(Vesti.ru)
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release
of all the minors facing the death penalty for treason
charges, after participating in the protests. This
was reported by the Punch newspaper with
reference to the Minister of Information
& National Orientation of the country
- Mohammed Idris Malaga.
"The President ---- has ordered the immediate release of
all minors who were arrested by the Nigerian police,"
the newspaper quoted the minister as saying.
The Nigerian president, Malaga added, also ordered
that the teenagers be taken immediately to their
parents or guardians and "taken care of, for
their well-being."
Tinubu also demanded to conduct a comprehensive
investigation of the incident and bring to justice
the security forces responsible for the
detention of minors.
In August 2024, Nigerians staged a series of protests
under the slogan "End bad governance". In response
to the demonstrations, the Nigerian security forces
arrested 76 people, 30 of them teenagers
between the ages of 14.. and 17. The
detainees were charged with high
treason, destruction of property,
organization of public disorder
and rebellion.
_______________________________
Ambassador Evdokimov: Russia monitors
reports of US troop movements in Benin
November 3rd, 1:47am
(RT.ru)
The Russian diplomatic mission in Cotonou is
monitoring reports of the relocation of US
troops from Niger, to Benin, the Russian
Ambassador to Benin and Togo, Igor
Evdokimov said in an interview
with RIA Novosti.
According to him, until now Cotonou has
not given his comments on this issue.
"We, unlike our Western colleagues, recognize
the right of Cotonou - to freely choose its
partners in the field of defense and
security," the diplomat said.
In the summer, AES INFO reported that the US may establish military bases in Benin,
Ivory Coast and Ghana.
__________________________________________
Russian delegation to participate
in African Energy Week forum
November 2nd, 1:52pm
(TASS)
The Russian delegation headed by Deputy Energy
Minister Roman Marshavin will take part in the
African Energy Week in Cape Town --- from
November 4 to 8, 2024, the Roscongress
Foundation said.
Representatives of Russian energy and financial
companies, such as Gazprom, Lukoil, Rosatom,
Sberbank, Gazprombank and others will be
among delegation members.
"Russian companies have a wealth of experience that
they can offer to African countries, especially in the
oil and gas industry. As one of the world’s largest
oil and gas producers, Russia has demonstrated
a strong commitment to sharing its experience,
investments, and knowledge around the world,
and Africa is a priority market in this regard,"
the Foundation said.
"One of the most important elements of cooperation
between Russia and the countries of the African
continent is the development of energy
infrastructure in Africa.
''Joint work in this sector contributes to the Sustainable
Development Goals --- of ensuring universal access to
affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.
''Russia is a leader among the world’s largest energy
systems in the production of low-carbon electricity,
a fact that is especially important for our African
partners," Adviser to the Russian President
Anton Kobyakov said in a comment.
The African Energy Week serves as a platform
to consolidate the African-global partnership.
"With over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and
620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Africa
has great prospects for exploration and production.
Development is moving along at a rapid pace, and
Russian investments & partnership agreements
will only accelerate this progress and ensure
the success of joint oil and gas projects,"
the Foundation added.
"Russia is a reliable partner for African countries, and
Russian companies - can play a far greater role
throughout the continent. From spearheading
high-impact oil and gas developments..... to
collaborating on key energy infrastructure
projects and supporting policymaking
and skills development, Russia has
demonstrated its commitment to
the energy sector - and to the
development of Africa,"
Executive Chairman of
the African Energy
Chamber.... NJ
Ayuk said.
_______________________________
Sudan: OCHA Reports 124 dead and
119,400 displaced in Aj-Jazirah
October 31st, 1:59pm
(teleSUR)
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Thursday that 124 people have been killed and 119,400 displaced from the AJ-Jazirah area,
in eastern Sudan ------ due to the increase in clashes between the Army --- and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces over the past ten days.
''The armed attacks left at least 124 dead, including at least 10 children, some as young as 10 years old,
while at least 43 others were injured'', said
Catherine Russell, executive director of
the United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF).
The United Nations... also reported on serious human
rights violations committed not only during the last
day --- but throughout the Sudanese conflict.
Among the most persistent human rights violations -
according to UNICEF and the Sudanese Ministry of
Health - is sexual abuse. More than 27 women
aged 6-60 years were reported to be abused.
OCHA also expressed concern about the Sudanese
medical services, which are on the verge of
collapse due to conflict and violence
against health personnel.
International organizations and NGOs have also
denounced the issue of displaced persons,
which are estimated at over 100,000
during the last weeks and over
10 million in the last year
of conflict.
Sudan faces the consequences of clashes between
the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces,
a paramilitary group. The battles.... have affected
dozens of cities including the capital, Khartoum.
According to press reports, bloody clashes have
occurred in North (West) Darfur, where both
sides are accused of crimes which have
been considered by OCHA as crimes
against humanity.
According to the UN, Sudan has become
the country with the largest internal
displacement crisis in the world.
__________________________________
Djibouti daily highlights visit of
Minister of Justice to Cuba
October 30th, 10:39am
(Prensa Latina)
The Minister of Justice and Penitentiary Affairs in
charge of Human Rights of Djibouti --- Ali Hassan
Bahdon, visited Cuba to strengthen cooperation
with judicial institutions on the Caribbean
island, La Nation daily reported.
At the invitation of his Cuban counterpart ---- Oscar
Silvera Martínez, Bahdon led a delegation.... made
up of the President of the Court of First Instance,
Omar-Said Ahmed Mohamed, the judge and
inspector of judicial services, Mohamed
Soultan Mohamed, and they were
accompanied by the Djiboutian
Ambassador in Havana ---
Nasser Mohamed Ousbo.
The ministerial visit that took place last week, began
with an interview between the two ministers during
which, Bahdon conveyed a message of solidarity
& support from President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh
--- in a period marked by the crisis in the
electricity system that for several
days, affected Cuba.
For his part, Silvera Martinez warmly welcomed
the message and promised to convey it to the
Cuban President, Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The two parties signed two agreements, including
the Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons
between Djibouti and Cuba, which will be
reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and the National People’s
Power Assembly of the two
countries.... before its entry into force.
The other initialled document was the immediately
applicable Cooperation Agreement between the
Ministries of Justice, which forms the basis for
technical cooperation ---- covering training,
digitization, the exchange of experience
in the judicial and penitentiary field,
and professional immersion.
______________________________
South Africa, Iran, mark
30 years of relations
October 29th, 7:12pm
by Hassen Seria
Press TV, Cape Town
South Africa and Iran --- are celebrating three decades of relations.
The two countries re-established relations --- after
According to Clause 51, liabilities incurred before
marriage remain the sole responsibility of the
spouse who bore them, unless the property
involved becomes part of the matrimonial
estate, at which point the debt
may be shared.
In a move aimed at curbing bigamy, the bill proposes
penalties for individuals who knowingly marry
someone already in a monogamous union.
Clause 92 recommends a sentence of
up to five years in prison or a fine of
Shs10 million for those found guilty.
This is however is not the first time that a
bill legislating marriage is in the House.
Initially tabled in Parliament as the Marriage and Divorce
Bill in December 2009, the draft sought to modernise
Uganda’s marriage laws by recognising various
forms of marriage, addressing marital rights
and duties and providing clear guidelines
for the dissolution of marriage.
Among its most controversial clauses was the
prohibition of the return of bride price and
the outlawing of widow inheritance.
The original draft also equalised divorce provisions,
correcting prejudices... that allowed men absolute
rights to initiate and control divorce proceedings.
It further challenged customary norms by
introducing a clause that bride price
could not be treated.... as a
prerequisite for marriage.
Speaker Among referred the bill to the Committees of
Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and that of Gender.
Later, the Domestic Relations Bill was introduced
in 2003 but faced strong opposition from Muslim
groups, who rejected its provisions
banning polygamy.
In 2006, after a continued pushback, particularly from
religious groups, the bill was split into two; the
Muslim Personal Law Bill which covered
Muslim marriages and the Marriage
and Divorce Bill that applied to
other recognised marriages
in Uganda.
The revised draft of the Marriage and Divorce Bill
sparked controversy again when religious leaders
and sections of the public argued that the
proposals within it contradicted African
cultural practices. As a result, despite
being tabled multiple times, the bill
was shelved.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of
Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
________________________________________
Review of Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Study to Shed Light on Closing Malawi’s Land Administration Gaps
October 4th, 12:35pm
(Source: UN Economic
Commission for Africa)
The workshop is taking place against the backdrop
of commitments by the Government of Malawi to
implement the AU Declaration on Land Issues
and Challenges in Africa
Land governance stakeholders have convened in
Lilongwe, Malawi to review an assessment study
of the gaps in land administration institutions,
capacity and training needs.
Organised by the Economic Commission for Africa,
the workshop aims to facilitate a collaborative
discussion on challenges and gaps or
inadequacies in the policy, legal and
institutional frameworks governing
women's land tenure security, and
gender-responsive land governance.
The validation of the study will be followed by a high-level
Policy Dialogue ....aimed at creating a multi-stakeholder
platform to deliberate on women’s land tenure security
and gender-responsive land governance and look into
policy and legal issues affecting women’s land rights
and tenure security. It will also be an opportunity to
secure necessary input into a policy brief that
clearly shows the government’s pathways
towards implementing gender-responsive
land governance and also draft a strategy
action plan and roadmap --- to ensure that
women’s land rights issues are addressed.
The workshop is taking place against the backdrop of
commitments by the Government of Malawi to
implement the AU Declaration on Land
Issues and Challenges in Africa.
This aligns with the AU Declaration on land, which calls
on the AU Member States to review their land sectors
and develop comprehensive policies to meet Member
States’ specific land needs. The review of the land
sector includes mainstreaming gender in the
development and implementation of national
land policies that promote economic growth
and preserve the livelihoods of African
communities, as this is considered key
to land policy growth for nation-states
and the continent.
Between 2016 and 2018, Malawi was part of a six-
country project examining opportunities to main-
stream land governance issues in the agricultural
National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP).
One key recommendation of the study was to Empower
Women & Vulnerable Groups in Agriculture to promote
equitable agricultural investments including through
programmes to allocate land and secure rights to
land for women.
Since then, Malawi has made great progress in enacting
laws to support land governance including women’s
rights to land. To show its continuous political will,
Malawi made a request for technical assistance
to ECA in 2019 through the Ministry of Lands,
Urban Housing and Development.
ECA responded by supporting Malawi in a project on
Strengthening Women’s Land Tenure Security and
Entrepreneurship, with training of gender & land
stakeholders conducted in December 2020.
With the outbreak of the COVID-19, Malawi - like many
other countries - faces challenges of ensuring food
security, particularly the availability of agricultural
inputs to meet its demand in view of supply chain
disruptions that emanated from COVID-19 related
restrictions.
Because of pre-existing gender inequalities, deep-rooted
discrimination and feminine poverty, the multifaceted
consequences of the COVID crisis impacted women
more than men, while - at the same time - placing
increased responsibilities on women’s shoulders.
In such an unprecedented and difficult context, ECA
secured funding to continue supporting Malawi
under the project Gender-responsive Land
Governance in Africa as a Pathway for
Enhancing Women’s Resilience in the
Context of COVID-19.
Under this project, the assessment study and
policy dialogue, are being undertaken.
The workshop has assembled a diverse group of stake-
holders -- from the Ministries of Lands, Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Agriculture, Gender, Local
Government, Parliamentarians; Representatives
of parliamentary committees on agriculture;
and legal practitioners.
Others include representatives of farmer organisations,
UN agencies such as FAO, UN Women, UN-Habitat, UN
resident coordinator, OXFAM, Landnet, National Land
Coalition, Centre for Environmental Policy and
Advocacy (CEPA) and NGOs working on land
and women.
Gender advisory committee representatives, gender
and human rights technical working groups and
Representative of the women’s caucus
committee and the Land Justice
Consortium will also be present,
as well as representatives from
academia (LUANAR, University
of Malawi) and research
institutes (such
as Mwapata).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of
United Nations Economic Commission
for Africa (ECA).
____________________________________________
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mali
said that they appreciatethe
efficiency in the supply of
weapons from Russia
October 4th, 1:57am
RT.ru
Mali highly values the prompt delivery of
military equipment purchased
from Russia.
This was stated in an interview with RIA
Novosti by the Mali's Foreign Minister
Abdoulaye Diop.
"We highly appreciate the prompt delivery
of all the military equipment that Mali
buys, and all the support that we
receive from Russia," he said.
In addition, Diop noted the country's interest
in purchasing new Russian weapons.
Earlier, the Malian Foreign Minister expressed
confidence that the results of the
investigation into Kiev's ties
with terrorists will be made
public in a timely manner.
In addition, he expressed Mali's
interest in joining BRICS.
___________________________
South Africa: Sites of the
anti-apartheid history on
UNESCO Heritage List
August 3rd, 5:48pm
teleSUR)
Recently added to the list of UNESCO, are
various sites in S. Africa related to the
long and bloody struggle against
apartheid ---- as World
Heritage sites.
The system of institutionalized racial segregation was
established in South Africa after the Second World
War. It was finally eradicated in the early 1990s –
largely due to the sacrifices of activists like
Nelson Mandela, who came to serve as the
country’s first post-apartheid president.
Recently nominated to UNESCO as “Human Rights,
Struggle for Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson
Mandela Legacy Sites” - the heritage consists of
fourteen component parts scattered throughout
the country, all related to the political history of
South Africa in the twentieth century.
These include the Union buildings, which are now the
official seat of the South African government... and
house the offices of the president. Over the years,
they have hosted many important events, such
as the inauguration of South Africa’s first
democratically elected president
in 1994.
A nine-metre-high bronze statue of Nelson Mandela has
been standing at the foot of the buildings since it was
unveiled one day after his funeral in Qunu – a village
near the birthplace of the late president – in
late 2013.
In the words of Tokyo Sexwale, an anti-apartheid activist
who was in prison with Mandela, The inclusion of the
site on the heritage list symbolizes world
recognition of South Africa’s long
journey towards freedom.
“It’s a great recognition for UNESCO to do that, but for us,
it’s for South Africa, as I said earlier. It is for human
rights, it's for social justice, it's for the recognition
of what democracy has defended. It was for our
own national self-determination, to take the
affairs of our nation into our own hands.
Therefore, it is important that the UN,
UNESCO, in this case, recognise
what happened here,”
said Sexwale.
_____________________________
Lavrov to attend first meeting
of Russia-Africa Forum
October 2nd, 12:32pm (TASS)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in
the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa
Partnership Forum in Sochi on November 9-10,
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria
Zakharova said at a briefing.
"On November 9-10, the first ministerial conference of the
Russia-Africa Partnership Forum will be held at Sirius
University in Sochi," she said. "The event will be
attended by foreign ministers from Russia and
African states, as well as the leadership of
the African Union Commission and the
continent's largest integration
associations."
Zakharova added that the meeting will address a wide
range of issues on the Russian-African agenda,
including --- "security, trade, investment,
agricultural industrialization, mining
development, education, health-
care, and sanitary and
epidemiological
well-being.".
_____________________________________________
Ship with 300 passengers capsizes
in Nigeria, 150 people missing —
newspaper
October 2nd, 11:10am (TASS)
A passenger ferry, carrying 300 passengers,
has capsized on a river in Nigeria.
According to the Vanguard newspaper, 150 have
been rescued, and the rest have gone missing.
Search and rescue operations at the
site of the incident are ongoing.
_____________________________________
Nigeria celebrates independence day -
amid protests over economic hardship
October 1st, 8:27pm
(africanews)
Nigerians on Tuesday staged mass protests against
economic hardship as the West African nation
marked its 64th independence anniversary,
with its president calling for patience.
Waving placards, the protestors demanded better
opportunities and jobs for young people,
especially in a country that has some
of the world’s highest poverty and
hunger levels despite being a top
oil producer on the continent.
It is the second mass protest in two months in Africa’s
most populous country amid worsening hardship
caused by the government’s reforms to save
more money and shore up dwindling foreign
investments. At least 20 protesters were
shot dead and hundreds of others
arrested during the last protest
in August.
Although the government has defended the economic
policies, their immediate impact has contributed to
pushing the inflation rate to a 28-year high while
the currency languishes at record lows
against the dollar.
At least 63% of the population is poor. The government
has struggled to create jobs. And the world’s longest
war on militancy continues to unfold in its northeast.
“The truth is, there’s nothing worth celebrating about
Nigeria,” said Adetayo Babatunde-Daniel, a young
entrepreneur who joined the protests.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who was elected in May
last year on the promise of renewed hope, defended the
reforms as necessary steps for progress that prevented
the country’s economic “collapse.”
Additional sources • AP
_______________________________
Nigeria to join BRICS at right
time — foreign minister
October 1st, 6:14pm (TASS)
Nigeria is interested in joining BRICS and it intends
to do so "at the right time," the country’s Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said.
"We’ll join when the time is right. We never said we are
not joining BRICS. It is about timing. We have already
indicated our interest in joining but we have not
formally written," he was quoted as saying by
the Vanguard newspaper.
Nigeria "will do so at the right time when it is the most
advantageous for [the country] to do so. There are a
lot of reforms going on internally for us to be able
to make that move," the minister added.
Since its inception in 2006, BRICS has experienced two
phases of expansion. In 2011, South Africa joined the
original group -- which included Brazil, Russia, India,
and China. On January 1st, 2024, five new members
officially entered BRICS --- namely Egypt, Iran, the
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia.
Russia assumed the one-year rotating chairmanship of
BRICS on January 1, 2024. On Moscow’s watch, BRICS
will carry out over 250 events covering a wide range of
issues. The key event of Russia’s chairmanship will be
the BRICS summit in October 2024 in Kazan, Tatarstan
- in Russia’s Volga region.
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M23 rebel group generates
approximately $300,000 a
month from mining --- UN
October 1st, 5:47pm
(africanews)
A rebel group in Congo generates around $300,000
a month in revenue through its control of a mining
area in the east of the country, a U.N. official said.
In April, the M23 — a rebel group with alleged links to
Rwanda — seized the Rubaya mining area in eastern
Congo, which holds deposits of a key mineral used
in the production of smartphones and computers.
Over 15% of the world's supply of tantalum, a rare metal
extracted from coltan, comes from Rubaya, Bintou Keita,
head of the U.N. mission in Congo, told the Security
Council on Monday.
“Unless international sanctions are imposed on those
benefiting from this criminal trade, peace will remain
elusive and civilians will continue to suffer,”
Keita said.
Tantalum is among the minerals that were identified
earlier this year in a letter from Congo’s government
questioning Apple about the tech company’s
knowledge of “blood minerals” being
smuggled in its supply chain.
The decades-long conflict in eastern Congo has produced
one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with more
than 120 armed groups fighting for power, land and
valuable mineral resources while others try to
defend their communities. Some armed
groups have been accused of mass
killings, rapes and other human
rights violations. The violence
has displaced some 6 million
people in the country's east.
M23, or the March 23 Movement, is a rebel military group
mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis that broke away from
the Congolese army just over a decade ago. They
staged a large offensive in 2012 ...and took over
the provincial capital of Goma near the border
with Rwanda, the same city they are
threatening again.
Congo alleges that Rwanda has been involved in war
crimes in the east and U.S. and U.N. experts accuse
it of giving military backing to M23. Rwanda denies
the claim, but in February admitted that it has
troops and missile systems in eastern Congo
to safeguard its security, pointing to a
buildup of Congolese forces near
the border.
In July, U.N. experts estimated that between 3,000 and
4,000 Rwandan government forces are deployed in
eastern Congo alongside M23, which has been
making major advances.
Last week, a regional court in East Africa opened
proceedings in a case filed by Congo against
Rwanda, accusing it of violating Congo’s
sovereignty and territorial integrity by
sending troops to help rebels in the
country’s east.
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Russia, Congo ---- to start
implementing oil pipeline
project shortly - minister
October 1st, 4:58pm
(TASS)
Russia and the Republic of the Congo plan to start the implementation of the Pointe-Noire-Lutete-Maloukou Trechot oil pipeline project in the near future, the republic’s Minister of International Cooperation
and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership
Denis-Christel Sassou Nguesso said
in an interview with TASS.
The signing of the intergovernmental agreement on the
pipeline construction will be the first step after which
the creation of a joint venture is planned with
Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey Ltd. and the
National Petroleum Company, which
acts as a customer ------ to become
authorized companies responsible
for implementation of the project
from Russia and the Republic of
the Congo, respectively,
he added.
"We agreed on finalizing the creation of this venture in
a month or less. Heads of authorized companies have
already signed a respective agreement, which will
enable them to start the work quite fast. It will
take us another three months to draft and sign
the concession agreement. Once it is done
the joint venture will provide the schedule
of construction and implementation of
the project. Then it will be possible to
get started immediately. And we are
full of optimism," the minister said.
The republic is facing logistical challenges, which create
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.
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This 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.