Logo: Rhondda Records logo 2

Africa Page

Focus on Mother Africa, news and events

A ''rousing'' dance song 

for everyone who loves

Mother Africa





















 
 

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

 for its fight against US hostility

December 9th, 5:13pm

 (Prensa Latina)

 

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Monday 

acknowledged Togo's support for Cuba's 

fight against the hostility by the 

Government of the US.

 

I would like to express my special thanks for Togo’s 

solidarity and leadership in supporting Cuba and 

demanding the lifting of the economic, 

commercial and financial blockade 

imposed on Cuba by the US, the

 foreign minister said.

 

At a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African 

Integration and Togolese Abroad, Robert Dussey, the 

head of Cuban diplomacy also expressed the 

Government’s intention - to strengthen its

relations with the West African nation.

 

“Dear friend, you can count on us to continue to work 

together for the development of these historic and 

foundational ties,” he said.

 

Rodríguez highlighted Togo’s performance in the African 

Union, a regional organization which --- every year ---

 condemns the US blockade and Cuba’s inclusion

 on Washington’s State Sponsors of Terrorism 

(SSOT) list.

 

Prior to the meeting, Dussey spoke at the International 

Conference Cuba 2024, Decade of Afro-Descendants, 

Equality – Equity – Social Justice, which opened 

on Monday.

 

In this regard, Bruno Rodríguez commented that his 

presence in Cuba and “his participation in this 

important event --- is an expression of the 

special ties between Africa and Cuba, 

between the Togolese Republic 

and Cuba.”

 

“All Cubans feel African. Before the scientific 

confirmation of the studies of the human 

genome, we already knew that we 

were Cuban-African,” he said.

 

“We knew it because of our culture, our music, 

our religiosity, our idiosyncrasy, and we also 

knew it because of our common history,” 

he stressed.

 

Rodríguez pointed out that --- “the mere idea of the

 existence of a Cuban culture, identity and nation 

was born together with the idea of recognizing 

the contribution of the children of Africa to 

our people.”

 

We know, he said, “that your extraordinary presentation 

before the congress that began this morning is a 

significant contribution to those ties.” 

 

The Togolese foreign minister explained that, in Cuba he 

feels like he is in Africa and expressed his gratitude for

 fulfilling the purpose of meeting with a delegation

 from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

I would like to remind you, he stressed, that the people 

and government of Togo deeply support and admire 

the Cuban people’s resilience in the face of the 

effects of the economic, commercial and 

financial blockade that has been 

imposed ------- by successive 

governments of the US.

 

According to him, Togo “and most African countries” 

always support “the resolutions against this 

blockade, because it is inhumane, unjust 

and unacceptable.”

 

Each country - has the right to follow the path it 

has chosen and here we would like to reiterate

 our strong solidarity with Cuba, he noted.

 

 

_________________________________________




Ethiopian Prime Minister 

congratulates Ghana´s

president-elect

December 9th, 11:52am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today 

congratulated John Dramani Mahama, who 

was elected as president of Ghana in the 

elections held on Saturday in that West 

African nation.

 

‘Congratulations to President-elect John Mahama
@JDMahama of Ghana on his election. 
We wish
him every success in his
journey as a leader 
and... in his future endeavours,’    Ahmed
wrote 
on his X social network account.

 

The National Democratic Congress party candidate won 

the presidential election, a position that was contested 

by 11 other candidates, including his main rival from 

the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the current vice 

president, Mahamudu Bawumia.

 

Mahama, who already ruled Ghana between 2012 and 

2017, was the first president born after the African 

country’s independence from the UK in 1957.

 

After his triumph, he will again take over as 

head of state ------- for a new four-year term.




 

_________________________________



 

Italy ramps up health controls

 over new disease in DRC

December 7th, 9:45am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The Italian Ministry of Health has ordered to increase 

control measures to detect the possible entry into 

the country of a new disease that has already 

caused more than 130 deaths in the 

Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

A directive from that ministry -- published on the website 

of the daily La Repubblica and other local news outlets: 

instructs the Offices of Maritime, Air and Border Health

(USMAF) to raise the level of attention to this new 

threat, although experts point out.... that the

situation in this nation is not alarming.

 

In seven of the 30 health zones in the DRC’s Kwango 

province, more than 130 deaths from an unknown 

disease have been reported since November 10, 

and, according to a statement from the World 

Health Organization, “a respiratory pathogen 

such as influenza or Covid-19 is being 

investigated as a possible cause.”

 

Carlo Perno, head of Microbiology and Immunological 

Diagnostics at the Bambino Gesú paediatric hospital 

in Rome, said: “It is necessary to act quickly to 

make a diagnosis, activating the mobile 

laboratories available in Italy.”

 




__________________________________________





Lefaso: President of the transitional


 period of Burkina Faso announced 


the dissolution of the Cabinet 


December 6th, 9:09pm


(RT.ru)


 


The Government of Burkina Faso will be dissolved and its


 Chairman will resign. The corresponding decision was


 made by the President of the transitional period,


 Ibrahim Traore.


 


As the Lefaso portal reports with reference to the decree, 


the dismissed government will continue to work until a 


new one is appointed.


 


"Captain Ibrahim Traore has terminated the powers of 


Prime Minister Apollinaire Kjelem de Tambel and his 


Government," the statement said.


 


In early October, it was reported that the authorities 


of Burkina Faso decided to revoke the license of 


a number of foreign gold miners.


 


 


_________________________________________




 Mystery illness puts Congolese 


health officials on general alert


December 5th, 4:34pm


(TASS)


 


 The Democratic Republic of the Congo put its health care system 


on full alert over an unidentified disease affecting people in the 


southwest of the country, Health Minister Roger Kamba said.


 


"We are on maximum alert," he said at a news conference in 


the capital Kinshasa, according to AFP. "We believe that


 the epidemic has reached a level where it should be 


closely monitored."


 


According to the minister, the disease is spreading from its centre


 in the Kwango province, 700 kilometres from Kinshasa. Health


 officials describe the ailment, which was first detected at 


the end of October, as "previously unknown."


 


Kamba said the disease killed 27 people in hospitals, with 17 of the 


deaths caused by respiratory failure, and the rest by a severe form 


of anemia. Kwango authorities reported 143 deaths and 376 


infected people.


 


The symptoms include fever and severe headache.


 


"We don't know if we are dealing with a viral or bacterial disease," 


said the director general of the country’s National Public Health 


Institute, Dieudonne Mwamba.


 


How the disease is transmitted remains unknown. Experts 


working in Congo are inclined to believe that it is a 


respiratory disease. They said it is not 


a COVID variant.


 


According to the latest data, 40% of all deaths 


happen among children under the age of five.


 


Several research teams are now working in Kwango 


to establish the source of the disease and its 


biological mechanism.


 


 


_________________________________
 


 


 


Egypt intensifies contacts 


to reduce tension in 


the Middle East


December 5th, 8:52am 


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Egypt continues its diplomatic offensive to try to reduce 


tension in the region, amid a precarious truce in 


Lebanon, continued Israeli attacks in Gaza 


and a large-scale offensive by extremist 


groups in Syria.


 


The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a 


statement that in the last few hours Foreign Minister 


Badr Abdelatty spoke by telephone with his 


counterparts from Russia, Iran, the US, 


and Syria.


 


Abdelatty spoke with his Syrian counterpart, Bassam Sabbagh,


 with whom he analyzed strategies to strengthen Arab support 


for Syria in the face of the escalation of the conflict. During 


the exchange, the official ratified Egypt’s support for 


Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.


 


Abdelatty also exchanged opinions on the same subject.. with


 the head of Russian diplomacy, Sergei Lavrov. Both ministers 


agreed on the importance of maintaining continuous and 


effective coordination. They also expressed their deep 


concern about the significant escalation of the 


conflict in Syria - and stressed the need to 


prevent terrorism from spreading and 


destabilizing the region.


 


Shortly after, the Egyptian minister spoke with US Secretary of 


State Antony Blinken on the same issue and the need to reach 


a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been under Israeli fire


 for 14 months.


 


Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s position on support for Syria’s 


national institutions and the protection of civilians. He 


also explained to Blinken the need to intensify 


regional and international efforts to stop


 Israel’s war campaign in the Strip, 


where more than 44,000 deaths 


have been reported --- since 


October 2023.


 


 


_______________________________







Biden needed help stepping onto


a low six inch podium in Angola


December 3rd, 8:17pm


(RT.ru)


 


US President Joe Biden needed help 


climbing the step of a low podium 


during a visit to Angola.


 


This is reported by RIA Novosti.


 


Footage shows Biden's entourage showing 


him directions, and Angola's President 


Joao Lorenzo grabbing his hand and 


helping him up to the podium.


 


Earlier, Biden made a reservation and 


called himself his own husband.


 


 


 


_________________________________




Africa
will contribute varieties

 to Global Seed Vault

December 3rd, 2:26pm

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

At a time when armed conflicts and climate are stoking food 

insecurity across Africa, several of its countries are voicing

 their will this week to contribute local varieties to the 

Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

 

Often called the “Doomsday Vault,” the genebank located deep 

in the Arctic safeguards the genetic diversity of the world’s 

food supply, the DowntoEarth website reported.

 

A case in point is Sudan, which despite the war ravaging it , has 

assembled and shipped samples of pearl millet and sorghum 

this month, said Lynda Mwakisha from Crop Trust, an 

international organization working to preserve crop 

diversity, as one way to protect global food and 

nutrition security.

 

Chad will be depositing 1,145 samples of 

sesame, rice, maize, and sorghum.

 

This contribution is particularly significant as these seed varieties 

are adapted to Chad’s harsh climate and are, therefore, crucial to 

developing crops that can withstand rising temperatures and 

erratic rainfall, Crop Trust stated, focused on agricultural 

biodiversity, conservation, food security, and 

germplasm banking.

 

 

 

________________________________________________



 

France Must Close Its Military Bases 

in Senegal: says President Faye

November 29th, 10:24am

(teleSUR)

 

Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also decided 

to terminate their security agreements with France.

 

On Thursday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye 

declared that France must close its military

 bases, as their presence is incompatible 

with Senegal’s sovereignty.

 

“Senegal is an independent and sovereign country. 

Sovereignty is not compatible with the presence 

of military bases in the country,” he stated, 

clarifying --- that Senegal does not seek 

a rupture with France... but rather, a 

redefinition of their relationship ----- 

based on a “renewed partnership.”

 

His remarks, however, confirm the decline of France’s 

influence in its former African colonies. Previously, 

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger --- also decided 

to terminate their security agreements 

with France.

 

Faye noted that Senegal maintains relations with

 Russia, Türkiye, China, the United States, and 

Saudi Arabia, none of which - have military 

bases in Senegal.

 

A text reads --- “’France enslaved, colonised and stayed. 

If the roles were reversed, it would be very difficult to 

imagine another army having a military base in 

France,’ President Bassirou Diomaye Faye 

said of the French military presence

 in Senegal.”

 

“The presence or absence of military forces -- should 

not equate to a rupture… It is necessary that there 

be no military bases from any country, in Senegal. 

A renewed partnership -- can only be established 

on truth and the fullness of truth,” affirmed Faye.

 

Also on Thursday, Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman 

Koulamallah announced his government’s decision to 

end its security and defense cooperation with Paris.

 

“France is an essential partner, but now, it must also 

recognize that Chad has grown and matured. Chad 

is a sovereign state and deeply protective of its 

sovereignty,” he said.

 

“After 66 years since the proclamation of the Republic, 

it is time for Chad to assert its full sovereignty and 

redefine its strategic partnerships according 

to national priorities,” he added.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

Libyan Coast Guard Separates Migrant 

Families Stranded in Mediterranean

November 29th, 9:27am

(teleSUR)

 

‘They experienced the horror of being separated 

from their wives and children,’ Doctors Without 

Borders denounced.

 

On Thursday, armed men, claiming to be members of 

the Libyan Coast Guard intercepted a boat carrying
112 migrants in the central Mediterranean waters.

 

The coast guards -- arbitrarily transferred 29 women 

and children onto their vessel, leaving 83 men and 

unaccompanied minors on the distressed boat. 

More than 70 people ended up falling into the 

water due to threats --- and even gunshots 

fired into the air.

 

On Friday, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans 

Frontières, MSF) called on all institutions and 

authorities - for assistance in reuniting the

 migrant families traveling on the boat.

 

“Yesterday -- we witnessed yet another tragic event in 

the central Mediterranean. Many people were on an 

overcrowded, deflating boat and were threatened 

by armed individuals who also fired shots,” said 

Mara Eliana Tunno, the psychologist aboard 

MSF’s vessel, Geo Barents.

 

A text reads -- “Dozens of migrants were rescued in the 

central Mediterranean by the Geo Barents, the Doctors

 Without Borders search and rescue ship. The group, 

made up of 83 men, many of them minors, was 

left adrift in a small boat.”

 

“They experienced the horror - of being separated from 

their wives and children, who were taken away from 

them. Currently - we have extremely desperate and 

traumatized people on board, constantly asking us 

to help reunite them with their families. Those on

 board report having endured violence, torture, 

abuse, and inhumane treatment in terrible 

living conditions in Libya,” she added.

 

“One man tried to throw himself into the sea -- to retrieve

his wife and their children -- aged just 4 months and 10 

years, repeatedly saying that Libya is not a safe place. 

 

“We appeal to all competent authorities, organizations,

to immediately begin efforts to reunite the families 

- that have already suffered immensely” the MSF 

psychologist emphasized.

 

Following this rescue, the Geo Barents set course for 

the Italian port of Brindisi but was later instructed 

to head to Crotone, where disembarkation is 

expected in the coming hours.

 

 

 

__________________________________________




Chad ----- breaks military
cooperation 
agreement
with France

November 28th, 11:19pm

(RT.ru)

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chad reported that 

the government of the African country breaks the 

agreement on defense cooperation with France.

 

As RIA Novosti notes with reference to the ministry's 

communique, the Chadian authorities express 

gratitude to France for its cooperation and 

state that they are ready to continue a 

constructive dialogue in search of 

new forms of partnership.

 

Last summer, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov 

said that Chad is interested in expanding defense 

cooperation with Russia.

 

The Pentagon also reported that the United States will 

withdraw part of its military contingent from Chad.

 

 

 

__________________________________________




Namibia - extends voting in presidential 


and parliamentary elections by 2 days 


November 29th, 10pm


(Izvestia.ru)


 


The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) 


has extended voting in the presidential and 


parliamentary elections by two days, in 


some areas affected by procedural 


delays. This was reported on 


November 28 by Bloomberg.


 


Commission Chair Elsie Ngikembua said the decision 


to recommend an extension of the term of office to 


President Nangolo Mbumbe was in line with her 


duty to allow all citizens the opportunity to 


exercise their democratic rights and


took into account complaints 


about the process.


 


It is specified that the lack of ballots, the late arrival of 


mobile groups at polling stations - and the malfunction 


of identity verification devices - led to the formation
of 
queues, and some were not able to vote until
the 
official end of voting - on November 27. 


 


In this regard, 36 polling stations will continue 


to operate on Friday and Saturday.


 


The agency informed that the counting of votes is 


already underway in the districts that were not 


affected by the extension. The Electoral 


Commission urged citizens to remain 


calm and patient until the process 


is completed, and stressed its 


commitment to fairness 


and transparency.


 


Earlier, on February 4th, Acting President of Namibia 


Nangolo Mbumba was sworn in as President of the


 African state. In addition - the new leader of the 


country appointed Foreign Minister Netumbo 


Nandi-Ndaitwa, as vice-president.


 


Earlier in the day, 82-year-old Namibian President 


Hage Geingob died. Russian President Vladimir 


Putin expressed his condolences.. and noted 


Geingob's contribution to the development 


of friendly relations between the 


two countries. 


 


The Russian leader recalled that he had 


personally met with his colleague, and 


noted ---- that he would keep a bright 


memory of him.


 


 


__________________________________
 


 


Red Cross: Landslide in 


Uganda kills 13 people


November 28th, 4:14pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The Ugandan Red Cross confirmed on February 28th,
13 deaths in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in
the 
country's eastern region.


 


The landslide affected the villages of Masubu, 


Nameche, Mamono, Tangalu, Buzemulili, and 


Masoola, in the Bulambuli district, where 


rescuers are still searching for victims.


 


According to officials, the avalanche buried about 40 


houses and swept away in its path.... vehicles, trees 


...power lines, and other houses. The death toll is 


feared to rise in the coming hours, as rescue 


efforts continue.


 


The situation has also been aggravated, by the effects 


of the “El Niño” phenomenon, which caused a change 


in atmospheric dynamics due to a rise in the Pacific 


Ocean temperature, which has brought torrential 


rains in the continent’s northern countries and 


severe drought in the southern regions.


 


 


__________________________________________



 
India approves funding for solar 

projects --- in Pacific Islands

----- and Madagascar

November 27th, 11:04am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

India has committed to invest two million dollars in

 solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and 

Seychelles - as of the signing of an agreement 

between the Ministry of External Affairs and

 the International Solar Alliance (ISA), 

officials said on Wednesday.

 

As a project implementing agency, ISA will provide 

programmatic support to those nations -- with
financial assistance from the Government 
of
India, the Ministry informed in a statement.

 

A study conducted by the organization stated that 

such nations have energy problems.. that affect 

the sustainability of agricultural products, as 

well as unreliable electricity in healthcare 

centres or no electricity in remote areas.

 

The Indian Government ----- has been discussing with 

those Pacific islands’ counterparts the feasibility of 

those projects to enable the smooth functioning of 

cold storage facilities, medical facilities, and 

water pumping systems, the Ministry noted.

 

New Delhi hopes that the successful implementation of 

these initiatives improves access to energy, generates 

employment, and ensures reliable and quality power 

supplies in all these countries.

 

 

__________________________________



Ethiopia --- recognizes 


achievements of SCO


November 27th, 8am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos praised 


the achievements of the Organization of Southern 


Cooperation (OSC) during the ongoing General 


Assembly and reaffirmed the commitment 


to support its mission.


 


The second ordinary session of the Assembly 


convened the member states and partners of 


the OSC, from November 25th to 28th, to 


promote a third path of development 


and foster a new multilateralism 


based on equity.


 


Timothewos highlighted the potential of the 


organization - to become a crucial platform 


for South-South cooperation and called for
collaboration with other institutions and 


centres of excellence ---- to promote
i
ts objectives. 


 


“Our interests focus on encouraging peace and 


sustainable development. The OSC has the 


potential to serve as a fundamental 


platform --- to explore alliances & 


address the challenges faced by 


countries in the Global South


--- and to promote equitable 


international cooperation 


& new multilateralism,” 


he said.


 


The General Assembly is the highest governing body


--- which approves the organization’s programmatic 


activities, including its operational performance, 


and its budget and management, a press 


release revealed.


 


The discussions will shape the future direction of the 


organization through the adoption of the 2025-2026 


biennial program ---- and the establishment of the 


International Solidarity Fund for Development, 


which will also mark a significant transition 


in the leadership of the General Assembly - 


with the conclusion of the first presidency 


and the election of a new president who 


will serve until November 2026.


 


The OSC, created on January 29th, 2020 in Djibouti, is 


composed of 28 States from Africa, the Middle East, 


Latin America and the Asia Pacific, as well as civil 


society organizations and global and 


regional bodies.


 


 


_____________________________________



AES INFO: Ukraine ------ supplies
white phosphorus ammunition

 to terrorists in Mali

November 26th, 6:06pm

(RT.ru)

 

Ukraine supplies terrorist groups in Mali with 

ammunition containing white phosphorus, 

which is prohibited by international law.

 

According to the AES INFO agency, this information 

was provided by one of the participants of the anti-

government armed groups in Mali, who fell into the 

hands of the military.

 

"He claimed that his group was equipped with Soviet 

2B11 mortars firing 120-millimetre shells with white 

phosphorus, which are supplied by Ukraine," the 

publication says.

 

Earlier, the Malian Foreign Ministry reported that the 

terrorists in the north of the country recognized the 

fact of their cooperation with Ukraine.

 

 

_________________________________________



DRC reports over 800 suspected 


Mpox cases - each week


November 26th, 10:47am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Roger Kamba, the Health Minister of the Democratic 


Republic of Congo (DRC), informed this Tuesday, 


that his country maintains a weekly average of 


more than 800 suspected Mpox cases.


 


In a post on X, the minister updated the data 


corresponding to the epidemic’s behaviour 


until November 23, and the possible Mpox 


cases once again exceeded 800, as has 


been happening for several weeks.


 


Kamba stated that 893 suspected cases, including 42 


confirmed ones and nine deaths, were recorded, and 


stressed that no deaths among those confirmed 


contagions were registered.


 


He added that the lethality rate has increased from 


0.21 percent to one percent, and South Kivu and 


Equateur are the most affected provinces. 


 


Since the outbreak of the epidemic, some 49,566 


suspected cases have been reported, 10,846 of 


which have been confirmed and 1,193 deaths 


have been registered.


 


 


_____________________________
 


 


 


Ethiopia and Sudan discuss 


bilateral issues and 


armed conflict


November 26th, 8:52am 


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, spoke 


with his Sudanese counterpart, Ali Youssef Ahmed 


Al-Sharif on a number of bilateral issues and the
current situation in the neighbouring country.


 


Al-Sharif commented on the developments in Sudan 


---- and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the 


Sudanese people --- for the warm hospitality 


and support of Addis Ababa, in welcoming 


Sudanese citizens fleeing the conflict, 


the local Foreign Ministry reported.


 


Gedion, in turn, reaffirmed solidarity with Sudan, 


expressing that “it is our duty as neighbours
to 
welcome our Sudanese brothers.” 


 


He also stressed Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting 


a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Sudan,
in a manner that respects the country’s sovereignty 


& territorial integrity. He stressed the importance 


of direct dialogue and accountability on mutual 


concerns, including negotiations on the 


Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.


 


Both sides.. agreed on the need for regular bilateral 


political consultations to strengthen ties, promote 


peace and stability, and advance regional 


economic integration.


 


Clashes in Sudan erupted on April 15th, 2023 over 


contradictions amid an integration process of the 


Rapid Support Forces led by Mohamed Hamdan 


Dagalo, Vice President of the Transitional 


Sovereign Council (TSC); & the head of


 the Army, and Chairman of the TSC, 


Abdel Fattah al-Burhan --- both
with 
the rank of general.


 


Dagalo and Al-Burhan have been contending
for control 
of the country -- after the 2019
overthrow of President 
Omar al-Bashir.


 


 


______________________________________





Central African Republic grateful to 
Russia for helping lift embargo
on 
diamond exports

 November 25th, 9:19am

(TASS)

 

President of the Central African Republic (CAR)

 Faustin-Archange Touadera has thanked 

Russian President Vladimir Putin for 

helping to lift the embargo on the 

export of diamonds within the 

Kimberley Process (KP), the 

Russian embassy in 

Bangui reported.

 

CAR’s president has sent a message directly to Putin 

expressing his gratitude, the embassy said in a r

eport released on its Telegram channel. 

 

"Touadera noted the special role of Russian Finance 

Minister Anton Siluanov, employees of the Russian 

Finance Ministry and Russian experts working on 

CAR soil, who focused their efforts on restoring 

peace and security in the country," the 

embassy said.

 

The removal of trade restrictions on precious stones,

 will create favorable conditions for stable economic 

development in the CAR, thus improving the 

standard of living for citizens in the 

country, the report said.

 

On November 21st, the Kimberley Process lifted all 

restrictions on the export of diamonds from the 

Central African Republic. 

 

The embargo on diamond exports from CAR was 

introduced in 2013. It was partly lifted in 2016 

---- allowing the country to supply diamonds 

from five zones not affected by conflicts.

 

The Kimberley Process --------- (established in 2,000 in 

Kimberley, South Africa) is an international initiative 

under the aegis of the United Nations, headed by 

the governments of over 80 member-states. 

 

Its participants are countries producing and importing 

diamonds, which set the goal of removing ‘conflict’ 

diamonds ------ used for arms and support of anti 

governmental and terrorist organizations from 

being traded internationally. 

 

The Kimberley Process ensures control over export-

import operations covering up to 99% of the global 

turnover of diamonds.

 

 

___________________________________________



Army Ousts Paramilitaries From

 a Major City in Eastern Sudan

November 23rd, 2:39pm

(teleSUR)

 

On Saturday --- the Sudanese Army expelled the 

paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (FAR) 

from the town of Sinja, capital of Sennar state 

in the south-east of the country, which since 

last June was under insurgent control.

 

In a message on its social media, the Sudanese Army 

stated that - “they cleared the entire territory of the 

homeland from the FAR militia”; an announcement 

that was published accompanied by videos 

shared by officers and soldiers of the 

Armed Forces --- confirming their 

control over the town.

 

Chairman of the Sovereign Council and commander-

in-chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdelfatah 

al Burhan, travelled to Sinja to personally 

congratulate the troops who took 

control of the city on 

the operation.

 

Al Burhan said in a statement by the Council that they 

were dedicating this “great victory” to the Sudanese 

people ---- who “suffered murder, displacement, 

oppression, looting and all kinds of fires 

and rapes by the militia”.

 

Previously, in September, the regular army took control 

of Ruru and Jagalni, two areas in the Blue Nile region 

in the south-east of the country, and expelled the 

remnants of the FAR - after intense fighting.

 

The war broke out on April the 15th, in 2023 -------- due to 

disagreement between the Army and the FAR over the 

inclusion of paramilitaries in power, after the 2021

coup, It ended the attempt to democratize the 

country.... after the overthrow of former 

president Omar al Bashir in 2019.

 

Since the outbreak of the conflict, tens of thousands of 

people have died and more than 11 million have been 

forced to leave their homes, making Sudan the 

scene of the worst displacement crisis

 in the world, according to the UN.

 

 

_____________________________________




 

Angola reaffirms its commitment to 

peace in the Democratic Republic

 of Congo

November 23rd, 1pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Angola today --- reaffirmed its commitment to peace in 

the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by signing 

a memorandum of understanding with the United
Nations Stabilisation Mission (Monusco) in that 

neighbouring country.

 

The signing ceremony... took place this Saturday, at 

the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

in Luanda - and was led by the Angolan Foreign 

Minister, Téte António, and the UN Secretary

-General’s Special Representative in the 

DRC & head of Monusco, Bintou Keita.

 

Angola is acting as a mediator.. in the conflict between 

the DRC and Rwanda and is promoting various actions 

to end the confrontations in eastern Congo under the

 name of the Luanda process.

 

The document - reflects Angola’s commitment to work

 with international organisations to restore stability in 

the neighbouring country, protect its territorial 

integrity and contribute to regional security.

 

It also seeks to define the terms of cooperation 

between the parties in order to mitigate armed
conflicts, protect civilians & promote security, 

according to a release from the Angolan 

Foreign Ministry.

 

Among other things, the legal instrument provides 

for the exchange of intelligence and field reports.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, the Foreign Minister António

 said that this agreement symbolises the UN’s support 

for Angolan President João Lourenço’s efforts to 

bring stability and security to the Great Lakes 

region, and is an extension.... of the close 

cooperation between his country and 

the UN.

 

The ceremony was also attended --- by the UN 

Resident Coordinator in Angola, Zahira Virani, 

& the Secretary of State for Administration, 

Finance and Heritage of the Angolan 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Osvaldo 

dos Santos Varela.

 

A ceasefire is currently in force between 

the parties ---- and a proposal for a final 

peace agreement is under discussion.

 

 

 

______________________________________




Putin discusses terrorist threat 


in West Africa with Senegalese 


counterpart


November 22nd, 7:40am


(TASS)


 


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 

coronavirus pandemic.

 

 

___________________________________________________




 


Russia, Republic of the Congo - sign 


memorandum of naval cooperation


November 18th, 1pm


(TASS)


 


 Russia and the Republic of the Congo have signed 


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 China to 

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 against GMOs


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.


 


 














All Africa music winners

Image: Sudan's Wazza instrument

will africa solve hunger by 2030?

Image: bust of queen Nefertiti

ONE UNION

Two weeks before Brexit, the African Union

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

__________________________________




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.

Rise up, Africa!





Other pages:


This is the text-only version of this page. Click here to see this page with graphics.
Edit this page | Manage website
Make Your Own Website: 2-Minute-Website.com