At a school fair in Nigeria, 35 children
were killed due to a panic crush
December 19th, 7:44pm
(Izvestia.ru)
A panic crush at a school fair in Nigeria has killed
35 children. This was reported on December 19
by the local publication Punch.
The panic crush occurred at a school in the city of
Ibadan, when participants rushed to get to the
venue through the main gate. The fair was
designed for 5 thousand children, but
more than 7 thousand came to it.
The Oyo State Police launched an investigation into the
incident and arrested the main organizers of the event.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, expressed his
condolences to the families of the victims and
called on the state government to review
and strengthen security measures
at public events.
____________________________________
National Mourning in Mozambique
for the Victims of Cyclone Chido
December 19th, 4:32pm
(teleSUR)
Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi has proclaimed
a two-day national mourning period, in response to
the devastating tragedy caused by Cyclone Chido,
which has left at least 73 dead and thousands
affected in the north of the country.
The cyclone, which made landfall last Sunday with winds
reaching 120 kilometres per hour, has impacted not only
Mozambique but also Malawi & the French archipelago
of Mayotte, where fatalities continue to rise.
In Mozambique, the National Institute for Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (INGD) has reported that
nearly 263,000 people have been affected, and tens
of thousands of homes have been destroyed.
The magnitude of this disaster -- highlights the region’s
vulnerability to extreme weather events exacerbated
by climate change.
President Nyusi’s message resonates in a country facing
persistent economic and social challenges --- calling for
unity and empathy towards those who have lost loved
ones and homes.
During these two days of mourning, flags will be flown at
half-mast on all public buildings, serving as a palpable
symbol of the collective pain sweeping through
the nation.
The effects of Cyclone Chido.... are being felt beyond
Mozambique’s borders; in Malawi, at least 13 people
have been killed, while in Mayotte, at least 22 are
reported dead amid warnings of a possible
increase in the number of victims.
Resilience and the infrastructure needed to mitigate
the impact of such phenomena are critical issues
that local governments and international
organizations --- must address.
___________________________________
Rospotrebnadzor took control
of reports of a new disease
in Uganda
December 17th, 11:14pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Reports of a new disease in Uganda that causes
uncontrolled tremors are being monitored by
Rospotrebnadzor. This was announced on
December 18th, in the press service of
the ministry.
Earlier, the Daily Mail newspaper reported that an
unknown disease is spreading in Uganda, which
causes patients to tremble uncontrollably.
According to the newspaper, the disease, which locals
have nicknamed Dinga Dinga (translated as "shaking
like dancing"), has now affected about 300 people.
Symptoms of the disease reported in the Bundibugio
area, include fever and severe shivering, which
makes it difficult for patients to move. It is
noted that no cases of the disease were
recorded outside the specified area.
"Rospotrebnadzor, within the framework of existing
documents - on cooperation with the Ministry of
Health of Uganda, is in constant contact with
partners --- to receive confirmation of the
outbreak of the disease. The situation
is under control," RIA Novosti
quotes the statement.
__________________________________________
BRICS and Africa: A Trans-
formative Opportunity
by Iqbal Surve -- and
Sesona Mdlokavana
Monday, December 16, 2024
(The Independent)
As BRICS convened its pivotal summit, in Kazan, Russia,
Africa stands on the brink of an unparalleled opportunity.
This meeting -- is not just a gathering of global powers; it
is a moment of profound importance for Africa, offering
the continent a unique platform.. to deepen its
engagement with BRICS and strengthen
its role in the global landscape.
Africa is at a critical juncture, where economic potential
and strategic partnerships - can redefine its future. The
expanding influence of BRICS offers Africa the chance
to diversify its international relationships. Countries
such as Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing
economies, and Egypt, a strategic cornerstone
in North Africa, are now part of BRICS. Their
inclusion reinforces Africa’s capacity to
assert its voice in global trade and
negotiations.
The recent addition of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to
BRICS - introduces substantial financial resources
and opens new doors for African investment ---- in
sectors like energy, infrastructure, & technology.
These Gulf nations ---- eager to diversify their
economies, view Africa as a key destination
for growth ---- particularly in agriculture,
manufacturing, and renewable energy
—industries vital for Africa’s future
development.
Why BRICS Represents a Vital Opportunity for Africa
BRICS provides Africa with a powerful alternative, a path
to forge economic alliances which transcend traditional
reliance on Western markets. By... increasing trade and
investment with BRICS nations, African countries can
reduce their dependence on singular markets and
strengthen economic resilience.
This diversification is essential for creating
more stable and sustainable economies
across the continent.
One of the most promising initiatives within BRICS is
the New Development Bank (NDB), which offers
much-needed infrastructure financing. Many
African nations face infrastructure deficits
that hinder growth.
The NDB provides an alternative to institutions like the
IMF and World Bank -- often associated with stringent
conditions that have disadvantaged Africa. Through
the NDB, African countries can access financing to
drive transformative infrastructure development
and close the gaps that slow progress.
Additionally, the BRICS nations, particularly China and
India, are leaders in technological innovation. Africa’s
participation in BRICS - opens doors to partnerships
that can propel the continent forward in areas like
digital infrastructure, education, and technology-
driven industries. These sectors are critical for
Africa’s future, as they offer pathways for
growth in the global digital economy.
Africa is also home to vast natural resources, and BRICS
countries are key players in global energy markets.
This creates opportunities for mutually beneficial
collaborations in energy production and
sustainable resource management.
Such partnerships --- will enable African nations to
leverage their resources effectively, contributing
to long-term economic stability across
the continent.
A Counterbalance to Western Dominance
BRICS offers Africa a counterbalance to Western-
dominated global institutions such as the IMF,
World Bank, and G7. With the inclusion of
regional powerhouses ---- like Egypt and
Ethiopia, Africa’s position within BRICS
enhances its bargaining power in
international forums.
African countries can push for reforms in global
governance, ensuring their voices are heard
on critical issues such as trade policies,
climate change, and peacekeeping.
As the global political and economic landscape --- shifts,
Africa’s active participation in BRICS -- provides a vital
alternative to the traditional dependence on Western
institutions. BRICS is a platform for South-South
cooperation.... aligning with Africa’s broader
strategic interests - interests that include
advocating for a multipolar world and
ensuring that African voices are
represented in global decision
-making processes.
Shaping Africa’s future
The BRICS summit in Kazan arrives at a time of
significant global transformation. For Africa,
this is not only an opportunity for economic
benefit; it is a chance to influence the
future of global governance and
power dynamics.
As the world moves away from a unipolar model
dominated by Western powers, Africa’s
engagement with BRICS --- helps
to rebalance the global
power structures.
This summit offered African leaders a crucial moment
to advocate for the continent’s interests - and secure
partnerships that will drive sustainable development
for years to come. The expansion of BRICS signals
a new era—an era where Africa plays a defining
role on the global stage, shaping its destiny on
its own terms.
For Africa, BRICS is not just a partnership — it is a
transformative opportunity. The time to seize
that opportunity is now.
Dr. Iqbal Survé, is Past Chair of the BRICS Business
Council & Co-Chair of the BRICS Media Forum and
BRNN and Sesona Mdlokovana, is Associate,
BRICS + Consulting Group.
Source: www.independent.co.ug
________________________________
BRICS Investment in Nigeria
Surges by 189% in 6 Months
by Abdulateef Ahmed
Monday, December 16, 2024
(Central Africa News)
Nigeria saw a remarkable 189% surge in foreign capital
inflows from BRICS nations in the first half of 2024, as
the country intensifies efforts -- to join the expanded
BRICS coalition. Data from the National Bureau of
Statistics (NBS) reveals.. that capital importation
from BRICS countries - increased from $438.72
million in H1 2023 to $1.27 billion in H1 2024.
The BRICS group—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South
Africa—expanded in January 2024 by welcoming five
new members: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia,
and the UAE. While Nigeria was not included in
this wave of expansion, it is actively working
towards membership within the next two
years ---- aiming to boost trade and
investment opportunities.
South Africa and Saudi Arabia....... led the surge in capital
inflows, with South Africa contributing $838.32 million in
H1 2024, marking a 267% increase compared to the
previous year.
Saudi Arabia, a new BRICS member, saw its investment rise
from $0.03 million to $147.07 million, signalling deepening
financial ties.
China also saw a notable increase, driven by its Belt and
Road Initiative, with capital flows rising from $0.25
million to $35.64 million, reinforcing Nigeria’s
role as a key African partner.
Despite the overall growth, some BRICS members—
Brazil, Russia, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia—recorded
no foreign capital inflows into Nigeria during both
H1 2023 and H1 2024. This lack of investment
highlights some geopolitical and economic
differences - that may influence each
country’s investment strategies.
Nigeria remains committed to improving these
relationships -- aiming to join the BRICS bloc
and elevate its global economic standing.
Nigeria continues its strategic push to secure BRICS
membership, recognising the potential economic
benefits. The nation has already seen positive
capital flows from key BRICS members and is
positioned to leverage further investment if
it succeeds in joining the influential bloc.
As the government prepares to formally apply
...Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen trade and
infrastructure ties with BRICS countries
remain critical for its economic growth.
Source: newscentral.africa
______________________________
Alleged Islamists kill
39 in western Niger
December 16th, 4:35pm
(Prensa Latina)
Unidentified gunmen killed 39 people in two separate
attacks, on two villages in western Niger... on an
unspecified date according to official sources,
but unofficial media today assured that they
were perpetrated over the weekend.
A release from Niger’s military command --------- said the
attackers, identified as terrorists – a category used to
refer to members of Islamist groups, broke into the
villages of Kokorou and Libiri --- on motorcycles,
without specifying whether the victims were
civilians or military personnel.
Both scenes of the killings are located on the border
with Burkina Faso, also a member of the Alliance of
Sahel States (AES) -- along with Niger and Mali --
governed by popular patriotic military juntas
after they overthrew the respective
civilian governments.
In a separate event, the 3 AES members -- were given
a weekend respective ultimatum from the Western
oriented.. Economic Community of West African
States, in the form of a program ----- to hand
over power to civilian governments -- with
a deadline starting January 29th and
expiring on July 29th of 2025.
__________________________________
The Nairobi Process -- will be key
to the peace process in the DRC
December 16th, 11:33am
(Prensa Latina)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda --
agreed to resolve differences regarding the March 23
Movement (M23) rebels through the Nairobi Process,
the Angolan Foreign Minister, Téte António,
reported today.
After a meeting held in Luanda between the president of
the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi; the former head of state of
Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and the Angolan president,
João Lourenço; the minister explained the issues
discussed at the meeting and the reason for the
suspension of the tripartite summit between
the DRC, Rwanda and Angola.
António explained that the peace agreement formulated
for Kinshasa and Kigali, by Lourenço last August - had
been negotiated and approved by the parties to the
extent of over 90 percent, and they had agreed
on two of the three fundamental issues.
These were the implementation of the Harmonized Plan
for the Neutralization of the Democratic Forces for the
Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the Separation of
Forces/Lifting of defense measures in Rwanda.
However, the parties failed to reach an agreement on the
issue of the M23, an issue that was discussed until late
the day before --- between the Foreign Ministers of
Rwanda, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, and of the
DRC, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner.
The Angolan foreign minister specified --- that the issue
of the M23 must be divided into three parts. The first
---- is the mechanism for its treatment, on which
Rwanda and DRC agreed, that this should
be done through the Nairobi Process.
The second is the facilitator, where they also agreed
that Kenyatta should be the mediator; and the third
is how the facilitator will carry out his mission, on
which they could not agree, according to António.
The minister said that the dispute is on the method,
since it could be the direct meeting between the
parties or the conversation of the facilitator
separately with each of the elements.
Without specifying who, António added that in view of
this disagreement one of the parties asked to wait
until they reach an agreement to carry out the
tripartite summit between DRC, Rwanda and
Angola as a mediator designated by the
African Union.
However... the Congolese Presidency revealed that
Rwanda made direct dialogue between Kinshasa
and the M23 a condition for the signing of a
peace agreement. On his account on the
social network X, he said that this is
the reason ------- why the Rwandan
delegation did not participate in
the tripartite summit scheduled
for this Sunday and which was
supposed to put an end to the
hostilities in eastern Congo.
“On Saturday, during a meeting of the foreign ministers
of the three countries concerned, Rwanda made the
signing of the agreement --- conditional on the
organization of a direct dialogue between
the Democratic Republic of Congo and
the M23 terrorists. An offer rejected
by the Congolese side,” the
Presidency specified.
The DRC and Rwanda are in the middle of a conflict
because Kinshasa accuses Kigali ---- of providing
support to the M23 rebels, who are occupying
several cities and communes in eastern
Congo, as well as of directly involving
themselves --------- and stealing
mineral resources.
On the other hand, the Congolese government refuses
to negotiate with the M23 because it considers them
puppets of Rwanda whose armed forces participate
in the aggression against Congolese territory,
according to information documented by
United Nations experts.
_________________________________________
Millions affected by unprecedented
flooding in Chad, says UNFPA
by Dominic Wabwireh
December 13th, 5:41pm
(africanews)
Since July 2024, catastrophic flooding in Chad ---
has wreaked havoc on nearly two million people,
marking it as one of the most severe disasters
in recent memory.
Homes have been swept away, and lives have been
shattered. As the floodwaters surged, countless
families sought safety on higher ground,
grabbing whatever belongings they
could carry.
No region has been untouched by this disaster.
Numerous individuals have lost everything, with
over 13,000 people displaced and compelled to
find shelter in temporary camps.
Gloria Nadgitssen, a woman forced from her home,
expressed her despair, saying, “This is where I
live. Here is where I sleep. This is all I have to
eat. The water has destroyed everything—
the rice, the sorrel, the okra. Everything
is submerged.”
The global climate crisis is amplifying the frequency and
severity of natural disasters like floods, droughts, and
cyclones --- undermining health, education, and
agricultural systems and devastating the lives
and livelihoods of countless individuals.
Countries like Chad, which are among the most
affected and least equipped to handle climate
change, are currently facing --- dire
humanitarian challenges.
In N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, residents found
themselves in a desperate situation as the River
Chari and its tributary, the Logone, swelled to
unprecedented levels due to heavy rainfall
in October ----- inundating entire
neighbourhoods.
The rising floodwaters have increased dangers for
women and girls, especially those in the
Chari-Baguirmi displacement camp.
Midwife Lucille Denembaye... shared a heart-breaking
story: “I met a woman whose husband gave her HIV.
She is just twenty-seven, a mother of five, and her
home has collapsed. Now, she can’t care for her
children; she has no shelter and no food. Her
situation is truly dire.”
Suddenly deprived of essential services like healthcare,
food, shelter, and clean drinking water, childbirth turns
into a life-threatening ordeal for expectant mothers.
Additionally, mothers facing malnutrition ------ found
themselves unable to provide milk for their infants.
Displaced woman Chanceline Milamem lamented, “Look
at me! I’ve become so thin because there’s no food. If
there were food, I could eat, and I could produce
milk for my baby, but there’s nothing, and my
baby is getting thinner. I’m losing weight
every day. Thankfully --- the midwives
have been taking good care of me.”
Around 4,000 people have sought refuge in the Chari-
Baguirmi displacement camp in the Toukra area of
Chad's capital, N’Djamena.
The risks of violence and exploitation have surged,
particularly for adolescent girls, as schools have
closed their doors.
In response, UNFPA, the United Nations agency focused
on sexual and reproductive health, is stepping in to
address these urgent needs.
A total of 248 humanitarian midwives have
been dispatched --- throughout Chad,
including in displacement camps
like Chari-Baguirmi.
These midwives are specially trained to handle
obstetric emergencies and provide support
to survivors of violence.
UNFPA has also supplied them with essential
resources for safe childbirth and the clinical
management of rape.
The COP29 climate conference -- which wrapped up
on November 24, 2024, achieved significant global
agreements on climate action - including a new
collective target for climate-related financing
to reach USD 300 billion annually by 2035.
Now, these agreements must be implemented, with
specific funding allocated for women and girls
impacted by disasters in climate-vulnerable
countries like Chad.
Investments in adaptation and resilience strategies
are crucial to safeguard women and girls from
future climate-related catastrophes.
This embodies the essence of climate justice.
Additional sources • Other agencies
_________________________________________
Nambian court grants opposition
parties access to election data
(December 13th, 3:48pm
(africanews)
On Friday, a court in Namibia granted two
opposition parties the right to inspect
material from the country’s recent
disputed election.
They have claimed.. there were irregularities
in the presidential and parliamentary polls
held on November the 27th.
Namibia’s ruling party, South West Africa People’s
Party (SWAPO), won both the votes, extending
its 34-year grip on power.
The Independent Patriots for Change, were joined
by the Landless People’s Movement in the court
bid to access the data.
They said they wanted to see it, in order
to substantiate their allegations - and
potentially launch a legal challenge
against the validity of the election.
Following the ruling on Friday morning,
Namibia’s electoral court ordered the
electoral commission to provide the
parties with the information... by
next week.
This includes.... documentation of the number of
votes cast and counted, at each polling station.
The election was marred by a shortage of ballot
papers and technical challenges which resulted
in polling stations staying open for up to three
days, in some areas.
Namibia’s electoral commission
declared the vote free and fair.
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
has also dismissed allegations that
the election was flawed.
She is due to take office in March, becoming
the country’s first female president.
__________________________________
Ghana's Kente cloth recognized
as UNESCO cultural heritage
December 13th, 12:54pm
(africanews)
Ghana’s iconic Kente cloth has been inscribed
------ onto UNESCO’s Representative List of
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This global recognition under the 2003 Convention for
Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights
the cultural and historical significance of the
vibrant, handwoven textile.
Originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities,
Kente is renowned worldwide, for its bold colours,
intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings,
embodying the creativity and identity of the
Ghanaian people.
Tourism Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer described the
recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to
preserving its cultural heritage. “This achievement
places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to
safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,”
he noted.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) - has
expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa
Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and all the artisans, cultural
institutions, and traditional authorities ---- who
contributed to this milestone.
Special acknowledgement was given to the Bonwire
and Agotime communities for their enduring role as
custodians of the craft.
As Ghana celebrates this historic moment,
MoTAC reaffirmed its dedication to
promoting and preserving... the
nation’s rich cultural legacy.
______________________________________
Russia approves pact on peaceful
space exploration with Algeria
December 13th, 10:37am
(TASS)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law
the ratification of an intergovernmental agreement
with Algeria ---- focused on cooperation in the
peaceful exploration and utilization of
outer space.
The document, now on the official legal information
portal --- establishes the organizational and legal
framework for Russian-Algerian collaboration
in joint space activities.
Russia's Roscosmos and the Algerian
Space Agency will be the primary
executing bodies under
this agreement.
The agreement encompasses various areas
of cooperation, including space science,
astrophysical phenomena studies,
planetary research, and remote
Earth sensing.
It also addresses satellite communications, navigation
systems, and associated information technologies
and services.
Both nations will work together on human space
operations, space geodesy, meteorology,
space biology, and medicine, as well
as the provision and utilization of
space launch services.
Additionally -- the agreement promotes collaboration in
training specialists, protecting the space environment,
mitigating space debris, and addressing international
legal regulations for space activities.
The document further outlines terms for funding joint
activities, conducting expert oversight, exchanging
information, resolving disputes, and addressing
issues related to liability and damages.
The agreement will become effective, once the final
written notifications from both parties confirming
the completion of domestic procedures, are
received via diplomatic channels.
It will remain in force for an initial period of 10 years,
and automatically renew for five-year terms unless
one party provides notice of termination.
____________________________________________
New wave of displaced Sudanese
triggers alarm at UN agency
December 11th, 2:19pm
(Prensa Latina)
The number of Sudanese inhabitants pouring into
neighbouring South Sudan to escape the local
armed conflict on Wednesday set off the UN
alarms, after confirming 20,000 new
migrants in the last week.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) informed that the rate of daily arrivals has
tripled the figures recorded in previous weeks.
The majority of those displaced are women
and children.
Some left under the direct impact of violence, and
others were fearful of the situation further
deteriorating in the next few days.
UNHCR Spokesperson Olga Sarrado said, “Our teams
are on the ground, but of course, the situation is
extremely worrying in terms of humanitarian
assistance.”
The UN agency reported people arriving at the
main border crossing at Joda, but also at
informal crossing points that are
extremely difficult to access.
________________________________
Cuba acknowledges Togo’s support