Niger's withdrawal.. from the
International Criminal Court
is confirmed
Niamey, June 24th, 1:32pm
(Prensa Latina)
The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed Niger's
decision to leave that entity, nine months after
announcing its intention, it was known
here today.
The ICC's notification of withdrawal was confirmed on
Wednesday by a spokesman for the organization, who
also specified that Niger deposited its instrument of
withdrawal with the United Nations Secretary-
General in his capacity as depositary of
the treaty, on June 18, 2026.
Niger explained its withdrawal from the body on the grounds
that, while the court had generated great hopes among
peoples who value peace and justice, it has been
misused and exploited.
In this way, the departure will come into force
on June 18, 2027, a year after the notification.
Niger joins Burundi and the Philippines in doing
the same in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
Together with Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali announced
on 22 September last year their decision to withdraw
from the Rome Statute, considering that the court
....has become an instrument of neocolonial
repression, and an example of selective
justice, although the latter two have
not yet submitted their request
to leave the ICC.
______________________________________________
Murder charges against
Kenyan students
approved
Nairobi, June 24th, 12:26pm
(Prensa Latina)
Kenya's Public Prosecutor's Office today issued charges
against several students arrested for being involved in
a fire that cost the lives of 16 of their classmates.
It was also learned that the prosecutorial authority
approved the charges against the detained
students after a careful analysis of the
evidence and stated that the suspects
face 16 counts of murder, due to the
consequences the incident caused.
Kenyan police announced at the end of May the arrest of
eight students suspected of planning and setting fire at
the Utumushi Women's Academy in the town of Gilgil,
located in the centre of the country.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in the early hours
of the morning in a dormitory building that housed more than
200 students, in many cases daughters of police officers, as
this institution was the school's sponsor. Observers recall
that fires in Kenyan schools are common due in many
cases to electrical failures, lack of safety and
maintenance measures, without ruling out
those of arson origin. All generally leave
a high number of dead and wounded.
In 2001.... a total of 67 students died in a dormitory fire
in Machakos County and in 2024 another 21 students
also perished in another school fire in the centre of
the country.
________________________________________________
The Djibouti Secretary of State
Receives Cuba's Ambassador
Djibouti, June 24th, 8:11am
(Prensa Latina)
The Secretary of State for Sports of Djibouti, Fatouma Ali
Abdallah, received the Cuban ambassador here, Marcelo
Caballero, to review the current state of bilateral
cooperation in the sector, Prensa Latina
learned today.
According to information sent to this agency by the
Caribbean diplomatic headquarters, the meeting
took place in an atmosphere of cordiality,
respect and mutual understanding.
Both parties highlighted the convenience and interest of
continuing and expanding the existing collaboration
ties, as evidenced by the signing on May 4 of the
renewal of the contract for the provision of
services that gives continuity to Cuban
sports cooperation in this
African nation.
Abdallah reiterated his full willingness to continue working
closely with the Cuban side to raise bilateral cooperation
to higher levels, for the benefit of both countries.
During the meeting, Caballero conveyed to the Djiboutian
Secretary of State a verbal message of congratulations
on her recent appointment by the president of the
National Institute of Sports, Physical Education
and Recreation (INDER), Osvaldo
Vento Montiller.
He recalled that 2027 will mark 20 years since the arrival in
Djibouti of the first Cuban sports aid workers. Since then,
24 specialists have provided services in modalities such
as athletics, aerobics, volleyball, handball, basketball,
among other disciplines.
_________________________________________________
DRC doctors' union announces
general strike
Kinshasa, June 24th, 7:42am
(Prensa Latina)
Professionals affiliated with the National Union of Doctors
(Synamed) announced the start of a general strike today
in all public hospitals in the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC), in protest against the government's
failure to comply with its commitments.
According to Synamed, the Executive has failed to respect
promises regarding the improvement of doctors' working
conditions and the payment of salary arrears,
estimated at 161 days, or almost six
months; hence the assemblies of
the organization decided
to strike.
During the strike period, only emergency services and blood
banks will remain operational, said the union's leadership,
which also organized a triage system in certain hospitals
for the care of urgent cases.
As reported by Actualité.CD, the union organization pointed out
that a minimum service will be maintained in health institutions
which will include the early discharge of hospitalized patients,
priority care for postoperative patients, the cancellation of
scheduled elective procedures and surgeries and the
suspension of outpatient consultations.
Synamed plans to hold an evaluation meeting
on Thursday, July 2, 2026, they added.
________________________________________________
Kenya halts U.S.
''health clinic''
construction
Nairobi, June 23rd, 11:37am
(Prensa Latina)
The construction of a camp erected by the US on
a Kenyan military base to use it as a quarantine
centre for its expatriate subjects suspected
of infection with the Ebola virus... was
announced here today by the
Ministry of Health.
The measure came into force, after a court declared Kenyan
Public Health Minister, Duale Said, ''displeased'' for ignoring
his order to halt construction work on the camp at Laikipia
Air Base.
I have ordered the complete and immediate cessation
of construction work or related activities, says the
statement ......issued by the health ministry
and distributed to the press through
social networks.
For their part, ''U.S. sources'' reported that the centre
was built in case of a need to evacuate its citizens
residing in this country - from areas where there
was a ''risk of contagion'' with the lethal virus
that ''broke out'' in the Democratic Republic
of Congo.
__________________________________________
Ethiopia calls for expanding access
to electricity at international event
London, June 23rd, 11:17am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia today called for accelerating progress in
expanding access to electricity and improving
the affordability of climate finance, during an
event held in the framework of the London
Climate Action Week.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister and President-designate
of the 32nd United Nations Climate Change
Conference (COP32), Gedion Timothewos,
made the call ...while speaking at the
Global Dialogue on Electrification.
Timothewos supported a key proposal under
consideration at the meeting, which is to
raise electrification... to 35% of global
final energy consumption, by 2035.
In this regard, the head of Ethiopian diplomacy said it
could help to translate climate commitments into
concrete investments in power generation,
transmission networks and access to
clean cooking systems.
He stressed - that financing remains the main constraint
for many developing economies. Even when renewable
energy projects are viable, high borrowing costs often
delay - or prevent - their implementation, he warned.
This, he noted, reflects perceived risks related to
exchange rate volatility, political conditions
and regulatory uncertainty.
He called for stronger international instruments for
risk mitigation, including guarantees, insurance
mechanisms and greater access to local
currency finance.
He also stressed that electrification should
be understood as more than just a
decarbonization tool.
Expanding access to reliable electricity - is critical
for economic development, energy security and
industrial growth, especially in countries
where significant gaps in energy
access persist, he concluded.
The meeting, convened by the International Energy
Agency and the COP31 Presidency of Türkiye and
Australia, brought together ministers,
international organizations and
energy experts focused on
--- the implementation of
global climate goals.
Discussions addressed how to scale up clean
electricity systems, while meeting existing
climate commitments.
The dialogue is part of the preparatory process for COP31,
where governments are expected to focus increasingly
on the implementation of commitments. It served as
an informal platform to define priorities for the
next round of UN climate negotiations.
__________________________________________
Africa --- looks to Ethiopia
as an inspiring example
of transformation
Addis Ababa, June 23rd, 10:31am
(Prensa Latina)
The executive secretary of the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, today
praised Ethiopia ...as an inspiring example of
transformative reform in environmental
restoration, renewable energy,
sustainable transport
and aviation.
Gatete, at the Ethiopia Delivers national summit under the
theme "From Reform to Lasting Change", highlighted the
Green Legacy Initiative, the energy advancement driven
by the Ethiopian Renaissance Grand Dam, the transition
to electric mobility and the continued expansion of
Ethiopian Airlines as fundamental pillars of the
national development trajectory.
He underlined that these initiatives demonstrate how
strategic reforms and long-term investments can
boost inclusive growth..... while promoting
sustainability & economic resilience.
He mentioned that Ethiopia's growing international profile
is perhaps most clearly reflected in its choice to host the
32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP
32) in November 2027, describing the decision as a
powerful recognition - of the country's leadership
in climate action and sustainable development.
"The choice of Ethiopia to host COP32 sends a strong
message: Africa... is not only responding to global
challenges, but is increasingly contributing to
the formulation of solutions, and leading
international dialogue," he stressed.
Reaffirming ECA's commitment to the Addis Ababa
development agenda, Gatete pledged the UN
Commission's continued support for reform
efforts and its broader aspirations for
economic transformation --- while
underlining the importance.. of
advancing Africa's collective
development goals.
On the other hand, the CEO of Ethiopian Investment
Holdings, Brook Taye, highlighted the country's
trajectory in infrastructure, from centuries of
bold national ambitions to an era of reforms
defined by discipline, clear principles ---
and structured execution.
Taye said the reformist government took a decisive turn
towards a more conducive, sequenced and disciplined
funding approach, combining ambition with
institutional strength, transforming
infrastructure into sustainable
national value and inter-
generational wealth.
With strategic sectors such as clean energy, digital expansion,
transport, construction and green technology as pillars of the
future agenda, Ethiopia is moving towards an escape
velocity, where growth becomes self-sustaining
and transformative, he said.
__________________________________________
African Union congratulates Ethiopia
on success in general elections
Addis Ababa, June 23rd, 10:14am
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud
Ali Youssouf, today congratulated the Government and
people of Ethiopia for the successful holding of the
Seventh General Elections.... on June 1.
Youssouf, in a statement, stressed --- that the electoral
process demonstrated the commitment of Ethiopians
to further consolidate democracy as a fundamental
pillar of socio-economic development.
He also recognized the professionalism and commitment
shown by the Ethiopian National Electoral Board...
for the smooth running of the elections.
The president took the opportunity to congratulate Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed and the ruling Prosperity Party on
their victory by winning a majority of the seats
contested..... for the House of People's
Representatives (parliament) - and
Regional Councils, the electoral
body announced last Sunday.
He reiterated the full commitment of the African
Union Commission --- to consolidate democratic
governance in member States through credible,
peaceful and transparent electoral processes.
_____________________________________________
South Africa, they
don't even need
to win
2026 WORLD CUP
Mexico City, June 23rd, 10:13am
(Prensa Latina)
Victory is the main desire for any team, but South Africa has
only needed a draw in the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the
United States and Canada.... to win a juicy prize.
The South Africans conceded a setback in their opener
against Mexico, but left with a 1-1 draw against the
Czech Republic on matchday two of Group A.
After that draw, the 26 players and coaching staff received
personalized luxury jewelry and watches.. valued at more
than $50,000 each... thanks to a commercial agreement
between the South African Football Association (SAFA)
and a US jewelry store based in Atlanta.
The African team managed to equalize in the 83rd minute
with a penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena, and with
that first point they have options to advance to the
next instance.... if they manage to beat South
Korea tomorrow.
The popular Neymar has been less lucky,
still recovering from a calf muscle injury.
The Brazilian striker went viral thanks to a
comment by his president, Luiz Inácio
Lula da Silva, who commented that
the striker was teleworking.
The memes were not long in coming, and in the case of
the former striker of the Barcelona and Paris Saint
Germain clubs, the story of Russia 2018 --- is
repeated, when his somersaults provoked
global mockery on social networks.
_________________________________________
Senegal truncates smuggling of
undocumented immigrants
Dakar, June 22nd, 1:40pm
(Prensa Latina)
The planned journey of 13 undocumented Africans to Europe
was interrupted by the Senegalese authorities who
truncated the expedition before setting sail,
media outlets cited official sources
announced here today.
The destination of the precarious vessel was the Canary Islands,
Spain, according to the details provided by two of the operators
of the ship, detained at the place which, according to the
authorities, hides part of a larger network.
Every year, hundreds of humans... mostly from sub-Saharan
African countries, risk their lives to reach European shores
in search of new horizons or fleeing conflicts.
Many of them die in pursuit of that mirage, that most of the
time --- ends with the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean
Sea ....as a sepulchre.
______________________________________________________
Ethiopian President Receives
UN High Commissioner
for Refugees
Addis Ababa, June 22nd, 11:08am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie spoke today with
the United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees,
Barham Salih, about issues related to these people
and efforts to integrate them in host communities.
Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, Salih said the meeting
was fruitful ...and an opportunity to express the UN agency's
appreciation for the role played by Addis Ababa in hosting
a large number of asylum seekers and providing them
with protection.
He noted the importance of the African country's recently
launched integration roadmap, which aims to integrate
refugees into national systems and enable them to be
self-reliant, rather than completely dependent on
humanitarian assistance.
He highlighted -- the commitment of the Office of the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to work
closely with the Government of Ethiopia to implement this
initiative, which calls on the international community to
strengthen its support .....and share responsibility in
responding to expatriate issues.
Finally, he expressed his congratulations to the president on
the success of the Seventh General Elections, while
recognizing its progress ..and results.
_______________________________________________________
Meditex advances in services in
Angola with pacemaker implant
Luanda, June 22nd, 10:40am
(Prensa Latina)
Angolan Sebão Felipe said that if he is alive today it is thanks
to the professionals of the Meditex clinic, who diagnosed his
heart condition and successfully implanted a pacemaker.
The health institution.... with more than 30 years of experience,
has a trained medical team, made up of Cubans and Angolans,
& the technological conditions in its operating room, so there
was no hesitation in performing the procedure when Felipe
was diagnosed with an advanced atrioventricular block.
The patient arrived accompanying his wife, both with malaria,
and although he felt bad..... he always thought that the most
complicated situation was hers, Dr. Mario Delgado, general
director of Meditex, told Prensa Latina.
As soon as the doctors took her heart rate, they realized that it
was very low, she added, so other specific cardiology tests
were done and the need to implant a pacemaker could be
verified, a procedure that had never been done before
in this clinic.
However, the Cuban professionals who serve in the institution
have performed this type of surgery on multiple occasions,
so.... from the beginning --- there was confidence that all
would go well.
The health centre also has an operating room, with the
appropriate conditions and the necessary technology,
and an intensive care room that allows the follow-up
that the patient requires, Delgado said.
In Luanda, not all hospitals and clinics meet all the conditions
to perform this type of surgery, which is why for Meditex it is
a relevant step in the provision of services.
Sebão Felipe, who is already at home with his family... after a
successful recovery, according to the protocols established
for these procedures, assures that the clinic did everything
for him and earned his trust.... with very professional and
dedicated work.
"Meditex is a sophisticated clinic for the purposes of the heart.
Thank you very much to your medical team ...and the team of
the Salud+ insurance company for bringing me to this place,"
he said and dedicated special words to the surgeons and
cardiologists who treated him.
His case opens a new path in the work of the institution, which
since 1993 has been based in Luanda and is distinguished by
the professionalism, quality and warmth ....with which its
patients are treated, according to their testimonies.
Integrating Cuban and Angolan health personnel, the centre
underwent a technological renovation in 2024 that put into
service 71 high-tech medical equipment for all specialties,
including the devices for imaging studies, the endoscopy
tower and the operating room equipment.
With the availability of hospitalization beds in basic services:
intensive care, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, and
surgery, the clinic is equipped with what is necessary to
perform minimally access surgeries, maxillo-facial
surgeries and differentiated cardiology studies.
It also has a program of care for the infertile couple,
which includes complementary studies and
integrates several specialties.
_______________________________
African Union warns of
deteriorating security
in Sudan
Addis Ababa, June 22nd, 9:27am
(Prensa Latina)
The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud
Ali Youssouf, today expressed his deep concern over the
escalation of violence in and around El Obeid, in the
Sudanese state of North Kordofan.
Youssouf, in a statement.... also warned of the
continued deterioration of the humanitarian
and security situation in Khartoum.
In it he urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities,
exercise maximum restraint ...and comply with their
obligations under international humanitarian law
and the commitments contained in the Jeddah
Declaration ------ including the protection of
civilians and the facilitation of safe and
unhindered humanitarian access.
He repeated the need for accountability for all violations
and abuses committed against civilians and called on
all external actors to refrain from actions that could
exacerbate the conflict.
The African Union reaffirms its firm commitment to Sudan's
sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity
and calls for redoubling efforts to achieve an inclusive
political process to restore peace, stability and
constitutional order in the country, the
statement concluded.
The day before, the Rapid Support Forces attacked the states
of North and South Kordofan in central Sudan with drones,
causing at least three deaths, while the UN and the
EU called for.... a ceasefire in that region.
[Rhondda Records adds: just words... don't help.
Try stopping the West and Ukraine and Israel
and an Arab Emirate --- giving the Rapid
Support Forces ---- their cash and
armaments backing!]
___________________________________________
Nigerian Army --- Releases 22
Kidnapped by Gang Members
Abuja, June 20th, 10:06am
(Prensa Latina)
Nigerian troops managed to rescue 22 civilians kidnapped
by gangs operating in the northwest of the country, the
Ministry of Defense reported today in a statement.
In separate operations in Sokoto state, the military first
rescued 17 civilians abducted last Thursday as they
traveled on a passenger service bus on the highway
between the cities of Sabon Birni and Shinkafi, in
an operation in which a civilian whose identity
is not mentioned ...was killed.
Hours later, the statement added, another task force located
and neutralized the members of the gang that kidnapped
five peasants in the town of Chohi and .........freed the
hostages ..unharmed.
The Ministry of Defence characterized both operations - as a
tangible sign that the Nigerian Armed Forces are capable of
successfully fulfilling their missions.
Armed gangs, made up of common law criminals, have been
swarming for several years in areas of northern and central
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country with 182 million
inhabitants and one of the largest oil producers in
the south of the continent, along with Angola.
These groups without political identification raid rural
communities, churches and cities and kidnap people
for cash ransoms.
_____________________________________
Ethiopia launches digital app
that unifies state services
Addis Ababa, June 20th, 9:50am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today inaugurated
the Unified Mesob application, describing it as Africa's
first digital platform ....that integrates services from
multiple government institutions into one system.
Ahmed made the launch during the "Digital for Excellence"
Summit held in this capital, which, in his opinion, marks
an important milestone --- in the country's digital
transformation journey and reflects Ethiopia's
investment in technology and innovation.
He stressed that the app constitutes a critical economic
infrastructure, allowing citizens to access a wide range
of government services through a single platform
while saving time in obtaining public benefits.
It will also help to close corruption gaps, strengthen
institutional integrity, and improve state efficiency.
The head of government said that the successful
development of the platform .....demonstrates
Ethiopia's ability to translate its ambitions
into tangible achievements, through its
own skill and sustained commitment
to technological advancement.
In this regard, he called for consolidating the achievements
made through this initiative, sharing the experience with
other African countries and maintaining the momentum
to achieve greater progress in the country's digital
transformation agenda.
____________________________________
Ethiopia bets on another historic
tree-planting campaign
Addis Ababa, June 20th, 12:23am
(Prensa Latina)
The start of the national tree planting campaign, as part
of the Green Legacy Initiative, and the recognition of
their contributions to all African countries marked
the week that ends today in Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday officially launched the
planting season, which this year aims to target eight billion
seedlings across the country.
Ahmed, on his X social media account, said the campaign
marks another step toward the nation's broader goal of
planting 65 billion trees under a reforestation program.
"Leave your green legacy for future generations,"
the publication concluded.
Launched in 2019 by the Ethiopian head of government, the
Green Legacy Initiative became the flagship environmental
restoration program, restoring degraded landscapes,
expanding forest cover, strengthening climate
resilience and conserving biodiversity.
Ethiopia has planted more than 48 billion tree seedlings
under the initiative, making it one of the largest
campaigns of its kind in the world.
It takes place annually during the main rainy season in the
African country (June-September), mobilizing millions of
citizens in urban and rural areas ...as part of broader
efforts to build a climate-resilient green economy.
On the subject, the Environmental Affairs Officer of the
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Charles Akol,
said that the Green Legacy Initiative became a
transformative force in environmental
restoration and water sustainability
that could be replicated
throughout Africa.
Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, Akol stressed
that the reforestation program contributed to restoring
landscapes, protecting water resources and improving
climate resilience.
He noted that Addis Ababa has a strategically important
ecological position in Africa, with its mountainous and
upland ecosystems serving as critical sources of
water for millions of people across the region.
"The Green Legacy Initiative is truly a game-changer. It
recognizes that without replanting trees and restoring
forest cover, we cannot sustain water resources. I
have seen the initiative moving very quickly to
ensure ---- that forests are recovering,"
he stressed.
He stressed that forest restoration is critical to safe-
guarding watersheds, replenishing water systems
and reversing environmental degradation caused
by decades of deforestation and unsustainable
land use practices.
"The initiative needs to be replicated across Africa," the
ECA environmental officer said, adding that large-scale
reforestation programs can play a critical role in
addressing climate change while improving
the resilience of ecosystems.
He highlighted the potential synergy between the local
program and the African-led Great Green Wall initiative,
noting that together they could significantly improve
water management, land restoration, food security
and employment opportunities across Africa.
Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is the answer to decades
of environmental degradation, which reduced the country's
forest cover from about 40% in the early 20th century --- to
about 3% in the late 1990s.
This has increased from approximately 17 to 23% through
sustained reforestation efforts. The program includes
fruit trees, fodder species, firewood and ornamental
plants, while attracting growing international
recognition and cooperation from
neighboring countries and
development partners.
___________________________
2026 World Cup: South Africa
draws with Czech Republic
Atlanta, June 18th, 2:02pm
(Prensa Latina)
The battle - between the Czech Republic and South Africa
ended today in a 1-1 draw at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium,
in a duel of the needy that left open accounts in Group A
of the 2026 World Cup.
The European team, coached by Miroslav Koubek, and with the
historical weight of ten World Cup participations and two-time
finalists, struck with an early whiplash from Michal Sadílek
at 5 minutes and 8 seconds, the fastest goal of the
tournament, after an assist from Alexandr Sojka.
That initial flash marked a Czech dominance that slipped
like sand between the fingers, while the veteran Hugo
Broos team grew.... in confidence although without
translating their possession into any real danger
during the first half.
The second half repeated the score, with South Africa pushing
from the will and circulation, and a Czech Republic that,
despite generating more chances and holding firm at
the back, was unable to finish off the match.
The equaliser came as a belated blow of justice, when a
handball by Pavel Sulc in the area opened the door to a
penalty that Teboho Mokoena converted with mettle
in the 83rd minute..
Both teams, who had debuted with defeats – the Czechs 1-2
against South Korea and the South Africans 0-2 against
Mexico – keep alive their hopes of advancing without
depending on third parties in a group that is still
boiling. The modern Atlanta stage, with its
retractable roof and 360-degree surround
screen, witnessed a clash that also had
a single distant precedent, that of 2-2
in 1997, in Riyadh.
Now, with qualification at stake, the Czechs and South
Africans are looking askance.. at the duel between
South Korea and Mexico, aware that the margin
for error is narrowing.... as the World
Cup progresses.
______________________________________
UN warns of danger of new
''catastrophe'' in Sudan
Khartoum, June 18th, 1:26pm
(Prensa Latina)
An imminent paramilitary offensive on the Sudanese city
of El Obeid - in the centre of the country - could trigger
a humanitarian catastrophe, United Nations sources
proclaimed here today.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
Volker Turk, warned on Thursday of the ''catastrophic''
impact on the civilian population that such an
operation would cause --- in the face of a
growing concentration of troops from
the so-called Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) and allied groups (backed
by the UAE and Israel) in the
vicinity of the city.
The official also added that there is also an increase in drone
attacks and artillery fire in the area, so he demanded that
new offensive attempts be avoided in that town.
Capital of the state of North Kordofan, El Obeid has already
endured a year and a half of siege and the situation
experienced last year in the city of El Fasher,
capital of North Darfur, in northwestern
Sudan, will be repeated, if the states
that proclaim a new world order
fail to act..
Turk said that the people of Sudan need peace and urgent
action must be taken ----- to protect civilians and prevent
further atrocities, further displacements and suffering.
_______________________________________________
Nigerien capital airport
attacked by gunmen
Niamey,June 18th, 12:20pm
(Prensa Latina)
Niamey's main airport was attacked today by armed men,
which caused a tiny exchange of gunfire and explosions,
local sources said here.
The Nigerien news portal Actuniger -- citing security sources --
indicated that a group of armed individuals.. not yet identified
- arrived at the Diori Hamani International Airport and opened
fire, which caused a confrontation with the police that
lasted about 10 minutes.
It was also stressed that the situation is under control
and that the air terminal has already reopened
its operations.
Niamey Airport is also home to a Nigerien air force base,
and the headquarters of the Niger-Burkina Faso-Mali
Joint Military Force.
_______________________________________________
African body cooperates:
at Islamic Bank meeting
Baku, June 18th, 12:14pm
(Prensa Latina)
The IGAD Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, spoke
today, with the authorities of Azerbaijan.. and the Islamic
Development Bank (IsDB) on issues of common interest
and cooperation in key areas.... favourable to the Horn
of Africa.
Gebeyehu, head of the delegation of the Intergovernmental
Authority on Development (IGAD) participating in the IsDB
2026 meetings in this capital, met with Azerbaijani Deputy
Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev to discuss peace and
security issues.
The meeting also discussed issues such as climate change,
education and capacity building...... in the digitalization of
government services, Gebeyehu revealed on his account
on the X social network.
Both sides agreed on a roadmap to institutionalize bilateral
collaboration and create more opportunities for the people
of the Horn of Africa.
On the other hand, the IGAD Executive Secretary held a meeting
with the IsDB Group's Director General of Global Practices and
Partnerships, Issa Faye, on how to strengthen the alliance in
the areas of climate change, infrastructure, health and
social affairs... to reduce regional fragility.
The African body looks forward to this agreement
as we work to address complex regional
challenges, Gebeeyehu concluded.
Under the theme "Regional Integration for Sustainable
Prosperity", the flagship meeting of the IsDB Group,
the AAA-rated multilateral development institution
of the Global South (the highest awarded by
agencies such as Standard & Poor's,
Moody's and Fitch Ratings) brings
policymakers.... development
practitioners - and financial
leaders together from the
57 member countries and
beyond, from 16-19 June.
This year's theme reflects the growing importance of regional
integration as a driver of sustainable development and
shared prosperity, closely aligned with the Bank's
Ten-Year Strategic Framework (2026-2035).
The latter, identified as a fundamental pillar to promote
inclusive, resilient and sustainable development in all
its members.
The event provides a high-level platform for dialogue,
collaboration and knowledge sharing aimed at
addressing common development priorities
and advancing sustainable socio-
economic progress.
Throughout the meetings, attendees will engage in
substantive discussions on new development
challenges and opportunities, with a focus
on identifying innovative and practical
solutions....... that contribute to long-
term global growth and resilience.
_____________________________________
Benin and Niger to reopen
their common border
Porto Novo, June 18th, 11:34am
(Prensa Latina)
The governments of Benin and Niger confirmed their intentions
to reopen their common border, it was learned here today.
The decision confirmed the day before in a joint statement is
the result of talks held at the beginning of this month, during
the visit made by the new Beninese president, Romuald
Wadagni, with his Nigerien counterpart,
Abdurahmane Tiani.
In the talks, the two leaders agreed on a nine-point plan that sets
out the leaders' commitment to boost bilateral cooperation and
create a committee to examine the conditions for reopening
the border.
The presidents also pledged to join forces against terrorism and
banditry in the region, by strengthening security coordination
and gradually normalizing bilateral relations.
The border between Benin and Niger was interrupted to passage
and trade, initially due to sanctions enacted by the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and then...
by political disagreements.
For his part, since his inauguration, Wadagni stressed the
importance of rebuilding cooperation with neighbouring
countries and improving bilateral relations.
_____________________________________________
One of South Africa's biggest musicians,
Ibrahim, has died .......at the age of 91
June 15th, 7:16pm
(Izvestia.ru)
South African jazz composer and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim
died at the age of 91. This was reported on June 15 by
local TV channel eNCA, citing a statement from the
musician's family.
"Abdullah ...passed away peacefully with South Africa and its
people in his heart. His love for his country never wavered,
no matter where he was in the world," his partner,
Marina Umari, said.
According to a statement from Ibrahim's family, the jazz
musician passed away in Germany after a brief illness,
surrounded by his loved ones. The musician's funeral
will take place in Bavaria, where he had been
residing in his final years.
The musician is considered one of the most significant figures
in the history of South African jazz. His creative career
spanned over 70 years, according to eNCA.
Ibrahim gained worldwide fame for his own style, which
combined traditional African motifs, gospel, jazz, and
other musical styles. He is also considered one of
the key figures in Cape Jazz ---- which was
influenced by the release of the album
Jazz in Africa, in 1960.
Ibrahim became especially famous for the composition
Mannenberg - which became a symbol of the struggle
against the apartheid regime in South Africa. During
the presence of racial segregation in his homeland
the musician moved to the US --- and returned to
South Africa only in the early 1990s.
Ibrahim's last performance in South Africa, was
in March 2026 at the Cape Town International
Jazz Festival.
_______________________________________________
African Union.... welcomes
US-Iran deal to cease war
Addis Ababa, June 15th, 6:08am
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud
Ali Youssouf, today welcomed the agreement between
the US and Iran for the immediate cessation of the
war ...on all fronts.
Youssouf encouraged all parties to remain committed to the
full implementation of the agreement and to continue to
push forward efforts that promote lasting peace,
stability and cooperation in the Middle East...
and beyond.
The US and Iran announced on Monday - the achievement of an
agreement for the immediate cessation of the war on all fronts,
including the Lebanese scenario, and the opening of a new
stage of negotiations --------- aimed at reaching a
definitive settlement.
According to Iranian media reports, the Pakistani Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif reported that the two sides reached a peace
agreement that is scheduled to be officially signed next
Friday in Switzerland......... after several weeks of
diplomatic efforts and international mediation.
According to the head of the Pakistani government, the
understanding establishes an immediate, permanent
ceasefire in all scenarios of confrontation and
contemplates... the holding of new meetings
between the parties -------- to advance in the
implementation of the commitments made.
For its part, Iran's Supreme National Security Council
confirmed that it had completed the drafting of the
memorandum of understanding re negotiations
with Washington and assured that the
agreement -- provides for the end of
military operations, including the
Lebanese front, as well as the
lifting of the naval blockade
imposed ---- against the
Persian country.
The organization thanked Pakistan and Qatar for
their mediation, to whose efforts it attributed
the progress made in the talks.
The announcement marks one of the most significant
diplomatic advances since the beginning of the
confrontation between the US and Iran and
opens the possibility... of a stage of
dialogue - aimed at consolidating
regional stability and avoiding
a new escalation of
the conflict.
__________________
Violence against opposition
protesters condemned
in DRC
Kinshasa, June 13th, 1:38pm
(Prensa Latina)
Several voices are raised today in the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) to condemn the violence against an opposition
demonstration, held the day before, and demand an
independent investigation.
This Friday, different groups that oppose reforms in the
Constitution, gathered in front of the People's Palace,
seat of Parliament, for a "sit-in" protest called by the
C64 coalition.
The gathering was not authorized by the government, but the
participants persisted and were dispersed with tear gas,
gunfire and beatings, according to organizers, who
reported several serious injuries and two deaths.
Human rights organizations denounced the excessive use of
force and demanded an independent investigation,
including that of Voice of the Voiceless, which
called the events a "brutal, bloody and
disproportionate repression."
In a statement, it also questioned the attitude of the security
forces, which remained passive in the face of certain acts
of violence, such as those directed against the H.Q. of
ECiDé, the party of opposition leader Martin Fayulu.
The New Congolese Civil Society (NSCC) expressed similar
concerns, Radio Okapi reported; while the 2018 Nobel
Peace Prize winner, Denis Mukwege, described the
situation as a "constitutional coup d'état in
the making".
"It is unacceptable that the Kinshasa regime is mobilizing and
instrumentalizing the army, the police and a private militia of
the presidential party to shoot at citizens and brutalize
opposition leaders," he said in a statement.
Similarly, the citizens' movement Lucha por el Cambio (Lucha)
condemned the repression and echoed reports of two deaths
and several injuries ---- as well as numerous arrests
considered arbitrary.
The People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD),
of former President Joseph Kabila and the main component
of the Common Front for Congo (FCC), expressed its deep
indignation and strongly condemned the repression
against the participants in the sit-in.
In a statement, the PRPD rejected the alleged involvement of
unauthorized groups in the violence, particularly individuals
who claimed to represent the Force of Progress.
In this regard, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress
(UDPS), the party of President Félix Tshisekedi, refuted the
accusations about the involvement of Fuerza del Progreso
......a youth movement close to his organization.
The secretary general of the UDPS, Augustin Kabuya,
considered these allegations as a "provocative
strategy", as well as the entire act of the sit-in
itself, designed to provoke a reaction from
the authorities and generate a political
incident, he said.
He added that there is no evidence to confirm the
figures of victims presented by the opposition.
Deputy Interior Minister Eugénie Tshiela Kamba, for her part,
said that the images of injured people circulating on social
networks were a montage orchestrated by the opposition,
for which ''animal blood transported in bottles'' was
allegedly used. He maintained that the Congolese
National Police had acted professionally and in
strict compliance with the law, denying the
use of live ammunition, Actualité.CD said.
The almost unanimous demand is for an independent
investigation into what happened, a fact that could
be repeated taking into account the Congolese
political scenario, with one bloc defending a
reform of the Constitution, while another
group rejects it.
The National Assembly (lower house) approved on June 9
the bill that establishes the conditions for organizing
a referendum, which paves the way for a change,
although it has not yet been presented to or
approved by the Senate.
For the opposition coalition C64, the aim of these changes
is to legally allow a new term for Félix Tshisekedi, who
must finish his second and final term in 2028, based
on the current Constitution.
_____________________________________________________
Angola raises diesel prices again
Luanda, June 12th, 5:47pm
(Prensa Latina)
Angola's Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute (IRDP)
announced today the increase in the price of diesel to
420 kwanzas per litre, approximately 0.45 cents of
the US dollar.
The measure comes into force tomorrow, and implies an
increase of 20 kwanzas compared to the price of fuel
since July 4, 2025.
The previous rise in this petroleum derivative, which has an
impact on transport services, provoked protests by the
population last year, which triggered riots in several
cities in the country and left some thirty dead,
several injured and hundreds arrested.
The IRDP clarified that the increase only applies to diesel,
so gasoline and kerosene will continue to be sold at
current prices.
Since 2023, Angola has been making periodic adjustments
to the retail prices of petroleum products since 2023,
taking into account market levels.
________________________________
Angola to begin process of
updating electoral register
Luanda, June 12th, 5:18pm
(Prensa Latina)
Angola's Minister of Territorial Administration, Daniel Felix Neto,
announced today the beginning of the process of updating the
electoral registry with a view to the 2027 elections, starting
on June 15.
In a conference at the Aníbal de Melo Press Center, together
with the Minister of State and head of the Civil House of the
President, Dionísio da Fonseca, he clarified that the
campaign will be carried out until March 31,
2027 and should reach more than
16 million people.
The intention is to update the database of citizens over
18 years of age, who are the ones who can vote,
whether they are in Angola or outside.
The Ministry of Territorial Administration, which will be
responsible for the process, must put into operation
634 Single Windows for Public Assistance through
out the country, to which citizens must go to
register, taking into account that electoral
registration --- is a legal obligation.
People will only have to present the identity document or
the electoral card, and in the case of residents abroad
they can also go to the diplomatic and consular
missions with their passport, regardless of
whether any of these is expired.
Neto commented that a part of the force that will intervene
in the registration campaign is already trained, which does
not include the issuance of new electoral credentials.
He specified that the information collected will be sent to the
National Electoral Commission (CNE) and will be used in the
delimitation of voting centres and the preparation of the
electoral roll.
At the meeting, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Marcy
Lopes, insisted on the need to have the identity document and
commented on the measures that have been adopted.... to
facilitate and speed up this procedure.
In this sense, he mentioned the installation of printers in
different locations, and the movement of work brigades
to the most remote areas ...so that people can obtain
the card.
Lopes drew attention to the fact that more than 100,000 national
identity documents remain uncollected at identification centres
nationwide, while 2,300 documents are waiting abroad.
The data update process is carried out under the slogan
Angola calls you ---- and spaces have been created to
interact with the population about their doubts, via
www.angolachamaporti.ao website, social media
accounts, a Whatsapp contact... and the free
hotline under the number 136.
____________________________________________
Book on SADR struggle
for sovereignty ----- is
presented in Brazil
Brasilia, June 12th, 11:47am
(Prensa Latina)
The book SADR 50 years, the long march for the independence
of Africa's last colony, was presented in Brazil as one of the
most complete works in the Portuguese language on the
subject, a diplomatic source said today.
According to the ambassador representing the Polisario Front
in the South American giant, Ahmed Mulay Ali Hamadi, the
publication addresses the historical formation of the
aharawi people.
Also, the text by the Brazilian specialist in International
Relations and geopolitical analyst Sayid Marcos
Tenório refers to the trajectory of this force
and the process of construction of the
Sahrawi Arab Democratic
Republic (SADR).
Presented the day before, the work analyzes one of the longest
anti-colonial struggles that remain in force in the world and is
the result of years of research by its author, who has
maintained a close link with the cause of
Western Sahara.
The historical roots of the conflict are examined and the main
political and diplomatic events that marked the resistance of
the Saharawi people from the colonial period to the present
day are exposed, the diplomat stressed.
Based on a combination of desk research, legal analysis and
first-hand testimony, the book argues that Western Sahara
remains Africa's last colony, despite international
resolutions upholding its population's right
to self-determination.
It also reflects Tenório's direct experience with the Saharawi
people, as the writer visited the refugee camps installed in
the Algerian desert on five occasions.
There, Hamadi said, he interviewed leaders of the Polisario
Front, SADR authorities and former combatants of the war
of liberation.
During one of these visits he participated in the Sahara
Marathon, a traditional race organized in solidarity with
the Saharawi cause and considered one of the main
international events in support of that population.
Among the topics addressed in the volume are also the role of
women and youth in the political and social organisation of
SADR, and the forms of diplomatic and military resistance
developed over decades.
In addition, the book devotes special attention to the obstacles
that have impeded the implementation of United Nations
resolutions on the conflict and analyzes the influence
of the great powers in prolonging the
territorial dispute.
Beyond its academic dimension, SADR 50 years aims
to preserve the historical memory of the Saharawi
resistance and contribute to the contemporary
debate on anti-colonial and anti-
imperialist struggles.
In this way, the publication joins the dissemination and solidarity
efforts promoted in Brazil in favour of the Saharawi people,
whose cause continues to receive support from those
movements and sectors committed to the right of
eoples to freely decide their destiny.
_____________________________________________
Unprecedented levels in Russia-
Ethiopia relations ------ stand out
Addis Ababa, June 12th, 9:18am
(Prensa Latina)
Russia's ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, said that
bilateral relations reached an unprecedented level marked
by the expansion of cooperation in a wide range of
sectors, the Ethiopian News Agency said today.
Terekhin, in statements to the local media, emphasized that the
two countries strengthen their collaboration in education,
trade, technology, science and other strategic areas.
"It's actually impossible to mention any area of
cooperation where we don't have ties," he said.
He noted the remarkable transformation of people-to-people
ies thanks to growing cultural exchanges and the depth of
ties between Moscow and Addis Ababa.
The ambassador's remarks came after the celebration of
Russian Language Day here on June 6, the date that
marks the birthday .....of Alexander Pushkin, the
renowned Russian poet of Ethiopian descent
whose legacy is widely regarded as the
foundation of modern literature in
the Eurasian nation.
Terekhin further stressed that events like that play a vital role in
promoting cultural exchange, enhancing mutual understanding
and facilitating knowledge transfers.. between the 2 countries.
He acknowledged that Ethiopians have a strong appreciation
of Russian culture and literature, which helps create a solid
foundation for closer people-to-people ties and deeper
bilateral cooperation.
Finally, he reaffirmed Russia's commitment to further
strengthen..... its long-standing partnership with
Ethiopia, describing cultural & educational
cooperation as key pillars of their
growing relationship.
____________________________________________
Ethiopia-India agreement
strengthens healthcare
Addis Ababa, June 12th, 8:54am
(Prensa Latina)
The Ethiopian Ministry of Defense and India's Padiyath
Health Care Group today signed an important
collaboration agreement to strengthen
specialized health services and
expand access to top-
level treatments.
Ethiopian sector head Aisha Mohammed and Indian group
chairman Hazeeb Rahman signed the document in the
presence of Health Minister Mekdes Daba, New
Delhi's ambassador here Anil Kumar Rai, and
senior officials from the Specialized
Reference Hospital and Defense
Diagnostic Group.
This alliance seeks..... to modernize medical infrastructure,
introduce advanced health technologies, and promote the
transfer of knowledge and skills .....to raise the quality of
specialized medical services to international standards.
Mohammed described the agreement as an historic milestone
that supports ongoing military modernization efforts,
including reforms across the health system, from
frontline medical units.... to specialized
referral centres.
Daba, for his part, stressed that this agreement reflects
the government's commitment to the creation of
centres of excellence and the strengthening
of national sovereignty in health.
Kumar Rai called the initiative a significant step in
strengthening patient-centred healthcare services
for both military personnel and civilians. He
stressed that this area became a key pillar
of the growing collaboration between
Ethiopia and India.
For his part, Rahman said that the alliance seeks to establish
a first-class referral network in Addis Ababa that provides
advanced health services ''at affordable prices''.
"Our goal is not only to provide top-notch health care, but also
to ensure that these services remain accessible and
affordable for the entire population," he said.
With operations in Africa and Asia, the Padiyath Healthcare
Group is focused on reducing overseas medical tourism,
bringing specialized treatments, advanced diagnostics,
and modern healthcare technologies ---- to the
communities it serves.
According to those responsible, this strategic alliance
represents an important step --- towards the trans-
formation of the Specialized Defense Reference
Hospital and the Diagnostic Group into a highly
competitive centre of excellence that provides
services to both military personnel and the
general public.
_________________________________________
Number of recovered Ebola
patients -------- rises in DRC
Kinshasa, June 12th, 12:30am
(Prensa Latina)
The number of recovered Ebola patients in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) rises today to 32, according to
he latest data from the Ministry of Public Health.
The latest additions to the list of those who beat the disease,
are two people from the health zone of Bunia, in the province
of Ituri, "a strong sign" that Ebola is curable, the
ministry said.
As of the end of June 10, the DRC confirmed 676 cases of the
disease, of which 629 correspond to Ituri, 44 to North Kivu
and three to South Kivu, while 28 health zones are
affected by the epidemic, after the incorporation
of Masereka and Vuhovi in North Kivu, and
Kambala in Ituri.
The Ministry highlighted the reinforcement of surveillance in all
areas involved in the outbreak decreed on May 15, and insisted
on the need for people to quickly go to treatment centres --- as
soon as the first symptoms appear, as early treatment..........
saves lives.
______________________________________________________
COMESA, Africa's largest economic
association, wants to cooperate
with Russia ------- on security
June 1st, 10:05pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
countries are interested in Russia's experience in combating
terrorism. Oita Etiyang, the head of the organization's
program on governance, peace, and security,
told Izvestia about this.
"Yes, support could be in the form of technical assistance, when
Russian experts come to our member countries and help them
analyze such challenges, using new technologies to identify
these security threats, and prepare them for response.
That is, to understand how to respond to these
challenges," he said, answering a question
about the possible training of African
military personnel.
Etiang also emphasized the importance.. of transferring Russian
technologies to the African continent. According to him, Russia
has made significant progress in the technological field --- and
the transfer of these technologies is crucial for the countries
of the region to develop their own internal capabilities and
be prepared for any modern challenges.
_____________________________________________
A Rescue Friend: Dozens of African Countries
Seek Russian Assistance in the Fight
Against Terrorism
by Daniel Sechkin
June 1st, 9:01pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Why.... is the largest economic association on
the continent counting on Moscow's support?
The largest market in East and South Africa, COMESA, is
looking for Russian support to ensure internal security.
Moscow could send military specialists and share its
anti-terrorism technologies, the organization
told Izvestia.
These countries are plagued by armed groups, which disrupt
trade, logistics, and investment. According to experts,
previous cooperation formats with Europe... have
disappointed African countries, and they are
looking for new partners.
Additionally, Russia could contribute to the development
of COMESA's digital payment platform for local currency
transactions. This will expand domestic companies'
access to the markets of 21 countries.... with a
population of over 600 million people.
How can Russia help Africa fight terrorism?
Security remains one of the most pressing issues for African
countries. The countries of the largest trade and economic
association on the continent, COMESA, have expressed
an interest in Russia's expertise, according to Oita
Etiyang ---- head of the organization's program
on governance, peace ---- and security. The
association is seeking Moscow's support
in combating terrorism, transnational
crime, and other threats.
The organization's representatives came to Russia.... for the
International Security Forum, which was held on May 26-29
under the auspices of the Russian Security Council.
The event was attended... by over 140 foreign delegations from
over 120 countries. Africa was widely represented, with 50 of
the 54 countries on the continent, sending representatives.
It is for the COMESA countries that security issues are
particularly relevant. Instability on the continent,
frequent regional conflicts, and a large number
of terrorist groups prevent full development
of their national economies.
The association represents the entire Common Market for
Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). It currently
includes 21 countries, including the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.. Egypt, Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan,
Tunisia, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Some of these countries - regularly face
armed groups - either within their own
borders or in neighbouring countries.
In Somalia, there is Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda,
as well as the local branch of ISIS (all of these organizations
are listed as terrorists and extremists and banned in the
Russian Federation).
In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
there is the ADF (affiliated with ISIS), which is linked to ISIS,
and the M23, which has been active in the provinces of
North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. Since 2023, Sudan
has been experiencing a civil war, which poses a
significant threat to regional security.
In addition, many African countries are familiar with the
problems of cross-border crime and cybercrime.
Mozambique is a clear example --- of how terrorism affects the
economy. Although the country is not a member of COMESA,
the situation in Cabo Delgado Province is a common
scenario in the region. In 2021 ---- TotalEnergies
halted the Mozambique LNG project... which
was worth approximately \$20 billion, due
to attacks --- by Islamist militants. The
project's restart took several years,
and the cost increased by billions
of dollars. This resulted -- in job
losses, reduced tax revenues,
& loss of investor confidence
for the neighbouring African
countries. COMESA -------
obviously..... wanted to
avoid such a collapse.
Russia has significant experience in countering such threats,
according to Maya Nikolskaya, Head of the Africa in the
Focus of Russian Interests program at the Institute for
International Studies ...at MGIMO University. This
includes various training programs, including
those aimed at preventing radicalization
and terrorist activities.
"First of all, it's about training local specialists. This is how
knowledge and practical experience.. are transferred. The
focus can be not only on technical solutions, but also, on
methods of working with the population in areas of high
terrorist activity, such as citizen warning systems,"
the expert emphasized.
Moscow is already actively countering terrorist groups in Africa
and strengthening security cooperation with the Sahel states,
including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, plus ----- the Central
African Republic. These countries have long relied on the
French military presence, but Paris --- was forced to
withdraw its operations and troops ----- due to
protests from national governments.
The activities of the French contingents have not led to
stabilization in the region. Local authorities have
become more active in seeking new security
partners. According to Nikolskaya, the
existing formats of cooperation with
European countries are no longer
sufficient --- for many African
countries, and..... they are
interested in expanding
their network........ of
external partners.
Trade cooperation -- between the
Russian Federation and COMESA
At the same time, competition for Africa is increasing not only in
the field of security, but also in trade. Europe remains one of
the continent's key partners, but its position is gradually
weakening: after the peak of 2022, the EU's trade
turnover with Africa has declined and in recent
years has actually stagnated —— in total, it
decreased by about 13% in 2022-2025.
At the same time, the role of Asian countries, primarily China and
India, is growing, which opens up additional opportunities for
Russia, given the close partnership.
COMESA is now interested in cooperating with Russia in its
direct economic profile. The parties can work together to
develop the union's new digital payment platform - the
Digital Retail Payments Platform, which is a system
for cross-border payments in local currencies.
This platform aims to reduce dependence on dollar-based
payments --- and lower costs for small and medium-sized
businesses. A pilot project, has already been launched
between Malawi and Zambia, and plans are underway
to expand it... to other union countries. According to
Etiang, COMESA may also involve external players
in the platform.
"Yes, this is an area that we could use. Since the association is
a trade organization, such a platform would give the region's
population the opportunity to trade more actively. This is
an area where Russia could support COMESA in terms
of developing a regional digital payment platform,"
he said.
Supply - for Victory: Nigeria Interested in
Russian Weapons Due to Terror Attacks
For the Russian Federation, participation in the development of
such infrastructure .....could become an additional channel for
reaching the countries of the union. Firstly, this is the largest
market in East & South Africa, with a population of over 600
million people. Secondly, these countries need more food,
fertilizers, energy, and infrastructure solutions. Thirdly,
settlements in national currencies... will reduce the
role of Western financial infrastructure, in trade
with Africa.
"I see this as a mutually beneficial arrangement: not only would
we develop our own infrastructure, but Russia would also gain
access to the markets that COMESA provides," Etiyang said.
Russia has already significantly increased its trade with African
countries. Over the past 5 years, Russia's trade turnover with
the countries of the continent has grown by more than 60%
— from $16.8 billion to $27.7 billion.
According to Sergey Katyrin, head of the Russian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, $50 billion is expected by the end
of the decade. Growth is ensured by the supply of food,
mineral fertilizers, energy carriers, plus mechanical
engineering and chemical industry products.
COMESA's interest in Russia --- is quite logical. The fight against
terrorism & transnational crime, which Moscow can help with,
should reduce the risks to trade and infrastructure... and the
digital payment platform should link all of this into a single
effective mechanism. For Russia, this is a significant
opportunity to gain a foothold in the market of 21
African countries, while the member states:
will gain a new -- and reliable -- partner.
____________________________________
High levels of compliance & order
revealed... in Ethiopian elections
Addis Ababa, June 1st, 2:53pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Ethiopian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations today
confirmed high levels of compliance and orderly conduct
during the 17th General Elections, whose procedures
were largely aligned with established frameworks.
Presenting the election observation report, the Chairman of the
Coalition Board, Sahlesilassie Abebe, stated that 99% of its
staff reported performing their duties freely, while 97% of
election officials arrived at the polling stations on time.
Abebe said that the election materials were fully available in all
precincts and that 97% were set up in appropriate locations
in accordance with the guidelines for the exercise.
Regarding the environments of the venues, it revealed that 96%
complied with the required distance regulations regarding
the materials, posters and campaign activities of the
political parties.
The coalition's report also indicated, that 99% of polling
stations were empty.... before the ballot boxes were
sealed and voting began.
She stressed that 96% of those facilities
were evaluated, to provide an enabling
environment for women voters.
Despite the positive aspects noted, observers identified a
number of challenges during the first half of the voting
process and, although they were not mentioned, they
will be included in subsequent reports.... as the
extended voting progresses until midnight.
The latter was announced by Ethiopia's National Electoral Board
(NEBE) before the ranks of people who have not yet exercised
their constitutional right to vote. Voting was initially
scheduled from 06:00 to 18:00 local time.
NEBE emphasized that the decision is fully consistent with the
country's electoral legal framework, citing Article 49(4) of
Proclamation No. 1162/2019, which grants the Board
the power to extend voting hours --- in exceptional
circumstances when necessary.... to ensure
universal suffrage.
According to the report of the Coalition of Civil Society
Organizations, they deployed 3,149 observers
throughout the country, comprising 2,258
stationary observers ...and 891 mobile
observers. They obtained the results
from 2,258 voting centers evaluated
with 10 key electoral indicators.
A total of 54,57,871 citizens registered to elect
representatives to the new federal parliament
and regional state councils.
________________________________________
Electoral body - extends
voting hours in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, June 1st, 12:45pm
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia's National Electoral Board (NEBE) decided to
extend the hours of operation of polling stations due
to the long lines of people waiting today to cast
their vote in the 17th general election.
As the process continues across the country, election
officials, observers, and stakeholders are overseeing
its smooth and orderly development.
A total of 54,57,871 citizens registered to elect
representatives to the new federal parliament
and regional state councils.
At 06:00, local time, approximately 50,188 polling stations
opened their doors to begin the general elections in
which 42 political parties compete with over
10,000 candidates.
The NEBE reported that 143 schools across the
country did not open due to safety-related
concerns, without offering other details.
After the start of voting, the electoral process was
interrupted in parts of the Oromia (south) and
Amhara (north) regions due to a "security
problem" reported in "certain areas".
The interruptions were reported in the towns of Bilonopa,
Mekosachi, Qersa and Kutaber, the electoral body said.
__________________________________________________________
Nigerian strikes over kidnapping
of teachers and students
Abuja, June 1st, 12:07pm
(Prensa Latina)
Teachers in Nigeria went on strike today in the state of Oyó
in protest against the kidnapping of dozens of children
and their teachers.
Officials of the Teachers' Union recalled that on May 15 alleged
Islamists from Boko Haram kidnapped seven teachers and a
figure of about 39 children between two and 16 years old,
in three schools in the state of Oyo, in the southwest
of the country, who have not yet been rescued.
The union directed primary and secondary school teachers in
the state of Oyo to withdraw their services from schools
from this day and until further notice.
The union also added that the situation caused fear and
hopelessness in teachers, which discouraged parents
from sending their children to schools and caused
panic and tension in all communities in the state.
In northern Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, several
Islamist groups operate, such as Boko Haram and its West
African faction of the Islamic State (Iswap), or the so-
called Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which
are dedicated to kidnapping and armed attacks
on Christian villages, schools and churches.
________________________________________________________
Kenya Protests Against
Quarantine Centre for
Americans
Nairobi, June 1st, 11:14 am
(Prensa Latina)
In the Kenyan city of Nanyuki, hundreds of demonstrators
took to the streets today to protest the opening of an
Ebola quarantine center for U.S. citizens.
The health facility will operate for citizens exposed to the
virus in different countries, but over the weekend, the
Kenyan High Court suspended the establishment of
the facility, and the arrival of any foreign patients.
Kenyan legal authorities denounced the danger this poses,
given Kenya's fragile health system, as the reason why
foreign Ebola patients should not be quarantined in
the country.
For his part, Health Minister Aden Duale said the day before
that the quarantine centre was not exclusively for U.S.
citizens, but the governor of Laikipia County, Joshua
Irungu, expressed opposition to the establishment
of such a health entity in that city, in territory
under his jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Uganda, with nine cases, has already closed its
border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has
already reported 282 confirmed cases and more than
a thousand suspected cases.
___________________________________
China - to send aid and
medical equipment to
fight Ebola in Africa
Beijing, June 1st, 10:39am
(Prensa Latina)
China announced today emergency humanitarian aid for the
Democratic Republic of Congo in the face of the spread of
Ebola and confirmed the sending of a group of medical
experts, to support the response efforts.
According to the China International Development Cooperation
Agency, the epidemiological situation in some African regions
continues to worsen.
The entity pointed out that the World Health Organization
(WHO) classified the outbreak as a public health
emergency of international concern.
According to the Chinese authorities, the decision responds
to the evolution of the epidemic and the needs raised by
the African side.
China will send urgent humanitarian assistance to the
Democratic Republic of the Congo ...and deploy a
group of specialists to provide medical services
and technical support.
In addition to bilateral aid, the Chinese government will provide
assistance to the African Union Commission and strengthen
cooperation in epidemiological prevention and control.
The agency said Beijing will also support the work of the
African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to
strengthen the regional capacity -- to respond to
the epidemic.
China maintains active health cooperation with African countries
and regional organizations, including training medical personnel
and supporting public health systems --- to deal with infectious
diseases and other health emergencies.
The African Union's public health agency on Thursday put
the number of deaths in the DRC at 246 from the 17th
Ebola epidemic recorded in the country since the
virus was first detected in 1976.
______________________________________________
Blocks against and in favour of
the constitutional changes
to collide --- in the DRC
Kinshasa, May 30th, 1pm
(Prensa Latina)
The polarisation in the political environment of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) rose this week and culminates
with the announcement of demonstrations in support of
the amendment of the Constitution and also in
rejection of these changes.
After approval by the National Assembly (lower house), on the
27th of may, the conclusions of the report on the draft law
on the organisation of referendums in the DRC, which
redefines the legal framework of the consultations,
the opposition called a general strike.
The coalition C64, created by several political parties to stop
the initiative of the changes in the Constitution , called a
national strike for Wednesday, June 3, in order to block
the bill that was sent to the Senate, for a 2nd reading.
In the meantime, the presidential majority, grouped under the
coalition that goes by the name C4 and defend the reform,
announced a march in support --- for the same date.
The journal congolese Le Quotidien called the general strike
a proposal without sense and defended the legality of the
analysis - and resolutions - of the National Assembly.
“The opposition is losing rationality as opposed to a legal
instrument explicitly provided for in the Constitution of
18 February 2006,” said the publication.
The opposition points out that -------- the amendment of the
Fundamental Law seeks to circumvent the constitutional
guarantees to grant to the president, Félix Tshisekedi, a
third mandate, eliminating articles 219 and 220 of the
text of the constitution - prohibiting any referendum
during a state of siege, & regulating the limitation
of referenda mandates.
By the announcements of demonstrations, including a march in
support of the reform to the 5th day of June, convened by the
pastors belonging to the Church of the Awakening of the
Congo (CKD); the Congolese National Police already
provides for a preventive deployment ---- and a
mobilization --- and reinforced their units.
According to Actualité.CD, forces are preparing to be present
at key points of Kinshasa and ensure the safety of the city.
____________________________________
Director WHO recognizes
experience of the RDC
fight against ebola
Kinshasa, May 30th, 8:52am
(Prensa Latina)
The director-general of the World Health Organization
(WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged
the experience of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC) in confronting ebola & expressed
confidence in the improvement of the
current epidemic.
After a meeting with the first minister in the congo, Judith
Suminwa Tuluka, on the eve of the night, Adhanom
Ghebreyesus, reaffirmed the organization's
support -- for the response to this new
outbreak of the disease... reported
today by the head of Government.
“We know that this is a quite complex crisis, but the DRC
already has a wide experience in the fight against the
virus. We are confident that we will be able to
contain this outbreak once more”, said the
director of the WHO, who felt that this
crisis can become an opportunity to
strengthen a sustainable health
care system in the country.
He commented that for the strain Bundibugyo of the Ebola virus,
which circulates today, you don't have a vaccine or specific
treatment, as it was identified for the first time in 2007 in
Uganda, and the number of cases has been relatively
limited since then, so that the scientific research
has not been fast enough.
However, in moments we have developed several
vaccine and treatment candidates, he said.
He criticized the restrictive measures taken by some countries,
for “many studies have shown that closing the borders you
can slow down the spread for a few days or weeks, but
this ---- does not contain the epidemic.”
He emphasized that the best strategy - is to support the fight at
the epicentre, and added, that the restrictions even put at risk
international cooperation, by discouraging affected countries
to report on the occurrence of new outbreaks.
The director of the WHO... who made a working visit to the DRC
referred to the recurrence of outbreaks of ebola in the country
and the need to insist on educating about certain practices of
the community, in particular, during funerals, and burials,
which continue to facilitate the transmission of the
virus when people do not respect the necessary
sanitary measures.
____________________________________
Angola promotes regulation
to boost coffee production
Luanda, May 29th, 3:51pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Council of Ministers of Angola discussed today
the Regulation of Export of Green Coffee, intended
to promote the quality and value of coffee in
international markets.
During the fifth ordinary session of the governing body,
headed by the Angolan president, João Lourenço, the
participants discussed the proposal, which seeks to
become an incentive for the economic and social
development of the producing regions.
In the meeting, as assessed by a decree which suppresses
emissions and eliminates the requirement of compulsory
licensing, advertising issued by bodies of local public
administration for the identification of commercial
establishments, industrial, hospitality, catering,
education, health ....and other services.
The document --- forms part of the measures for
administrative simplification, and promotion
of the business environment, the
statement said.
Other decrees discussed ......were the one who approves the
distribution of the percentage of the gross income from the
social gaming concession and of the unclaimed prizes; as
well as on the creation of the Open Access Repository
of Angola.
This last is an information system intended for the storage,
maintenance, organization, and dissemination ..of the
intellectual and scientific institutions of Angolan
higher education, for scientific research,
and innovation.
The Council of Ministers also discussed, for presentation to
the National Assembly, the bill authorizing the issuance of
a commemorative coin for the 50th anniversary of the
National Bank of Angola.
The legislation regulates the issuance and putting
into circulation - a commemorative metal coin as
legal tender.
Other legislation analyzed was the bill that approved the Code
of Procedure for the Payment and Execution of Debts to
Social Security, which has the purpose of regulating
the recovery of the compulsory credits of social
security by payment mechanisms, and the
enforcement of tax debts.
______________________________________________
Require return: of two journalists
- Argentinian prisoners - in Libya
May 29th, 3:36pm
(Prensa Latina)
Family, colleagues, MPs, trade unionists, social activists
and human rights defenders rallied today in front of the
argentine ministry of foreign affairs, to demand that
they act immediately - to release and bring home
two journalists jailed in Libya.
Paula Gimenez and Lucas Aguilera, directors of research
News from Latin America and the Caribbean (Nodal),
were arrested on Sunday in Sirte, east of Libya,
along with 8 other members of the medical
mission of the caravan of humanitarian
assistance to the Palestinian people.
Forming part of the health care team who accompanied the
international humanitarian convoy, they bore ambulances,
medical supplies, food and assistance --- to a population
that, for months, survived in Gaza between bombings,
hunger & destruction, Elisa Garcia, editor of Nodal
explained to the audience.
They were arrested by troops of the Libyan National Army of
marshal Khalifa Haftar, who exercises political and military
de facto control of Sirte – not recognised by the UN.
Since then, not heard of until Wednesday, the Italian consul
in Libya visited two of their compatriots also arrested and
it became known that all of the 10 ...are alive.
The family of Paula and Luke went today to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Worship to request that the argentine
government act immediately to secure their release, so
that they can soon return home.
“We lived for those three days with a lot of concern and anxiety
without knowing anything about them; now we know that they
are living, but we do not know yet about theirr state of health,
if they are well”, Sol Martínez, a journalist of Nodal, primary
convener of the concentration of accompanying family
members, told Prensa Latina.
A large group of people responded to the call and concentrated
at the entrance of the Chancellery on Esmeralda street of
Buenos Aires, among which were the members of the
national parliament of the Patriotic Union, Lorena
Pokoik -as well as Horacio Pietragalla and the
legislator ...of the City of Buenos Aires,
Vanina Biasi, of the Workers' Party.
Also joined to the concentration was the famed Father Paco
Olveira, of Cures in the Option for the poor, as well as union
leaders, and members of political and social groups.
“We are here --- because no person should be punished for trying
to help a community that goes through a genocide. We're here
---- because we sympathise which those who carry aid to
the persecuted, imprisoned or silenced .......while the
suffering of millions of palestinians --- continues:
in front of the eyes of the world,” said Elisa
Garcia, to the demonstration.
“We are talking about civilians, professionals, members of
an international humanitarian mission , which sought to
bring assistance ---- to a population subjected to a
genocide,” she emphasized.
After stating that solidarity cannot be a crime, the editor of
Nodal emphasized that “this is why we demand answers.
We require evidence of life. We demand guarantees for
their physical integrity. We require ---- the active
intervention of the Argentine ministry of
foreign affairs and all international
agencies.... that apply”.
Elisa Garcia thanked the solidarity and support they are
receiving from multiple human rights organizations,
social groupings, and pollities ---- intellectuals,
activists, civil society organizations... and
fem. artists from all over the country,
the region and the world.
______________________________________________
Iran go to the Gambia in party mood
preparing to head --- to World Cup
Banjul, May 29th, 3:02pm
(Prensa Latina)
Iran thrashed Gambia today, in a preparatory
match -------- before heading to the Football
World Cup.
The defender Omar Colley put the team of Gambia
on the scoreboard at the 42nd minute of the first
half by taking advantage of a cross to beat the
rival goalkeeper.
Right at the start of the second half the answer
came to Iran through the centre Aria Yousefi,
who took a pass behind the defense -- to
score the equalizer.
On the 59th minute of the second half, the midfielder
Ramin Rezaeian - pulled out a powerful shot - to foil
the effort of goalkeeper Gambia Baboucarr Gaye
and giving the advantage to his own side.
The midfielder Mehdi Taremi, scored the third goal
by Iran to confirm a win in the 68th minute of the
second half.
Team Melli appears placed in group G of the World
Cup - together with Belgium, New Zealand, and
Egypt in a contest that will start on June 15.
______________________________________________
Confirmed ---- in Uganda,
two new cases of ebola
Kampala, May 29th, 1:19pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Health Authorities of Uganda confirmed today
two new cases of ebola, bringing to nine the total
number of people affected in this country.
The director general of Health of Uganda, Charles Olaro,
identified new cases as a person who introduced clear
symptoms of ebola and other contacts of a case
previously confirmed.
Also, the official specified that both patients are isolated
and their contacts are under close surveillance.
This Wednesday, the border between Uganda and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was closed
except for those authorized in the fight against
ebola, humanitarian operations, and the
transport of food and goods.
Also, the Ugandan authorities stated that all those who
cross the border will be required to fill out forms,
location, and undergo health checks, and stay
under surveillance, in accordance with the
established national health protocols.
The health agency of the African Union (AU) said on the eve
that the number of infected suspects is 1,077, with 246
deaths, of which 129 cases in the DRC are confirmed,
with 18 deaths.
Ebola is a disease that years ago resulted in hundreds of
deaths in countries of various continents, among them
doctors and health workers who fought to contain it
and prevent it from becoming a pandemic.
________________________________________________
The killing of civilians in Sudan's
southern Kordofan: Denounced
Khartoum, May 29, 11:59am
(Prensa Latina)
The allies of the paramilitary sudanese were accused of
executing more than 25 civilians in an attack in areas
close to the city of Barca, in the state of Kordofan
North, medical sources reported today, .
According to the civil organization Committee of Doctors
of Sudan, it is a new crime - where you killed unarmed
people ---- in an area with no military presence.
The note states that the attack was carried out by a force
allied to the so-called RSF, in the area of Al-Murra, to the
west of Bara - where they executed 27 people without
any link to the military, including several elderly men.
The organization also stressed that this type of attack against
civilians increases the humanitarian crisis and called on the
international community to condemn these violations, and
demanded protection for the threatened villages.
[Rhondda Records adds in sorrow and righteous anger - that
since mid-April 2023, Sudan has suffered a foreign backed
and funded internal war, deliberately obscured... by both
the author and editor of this article, yet still hosted by
an oddly changed news agency, supposedly Cuban!]
________________________________________________
Eight students in Kenya arrested
for setting a girl's school on fire
Nairobi, May 29th, 11:40am
(Prensa Latina)
Eight students all Kenyan, were charged today
as alleged perpetrators of the fire at a girls'
school, which ended the lives of 16
female students.
The incident occurred the day before in the
boarding school of the Female Academy
Utumishi ---- in Gilgi, Nakuru county.
According to a press release from the Directorate of
Criminal Investigations (DCI) posted this on Friday,
after preliminary investigations, eight students
were arrested as the alleged perpetrators of
the arson and are now in police custody.
Also, the police added, we are trying to establish
the full circumstances of the incident .....and to
determine the reason.
Both governmental authorities of Education
announced the suspension of the board of
directors of the school ......for failing to
conform to the required safety
standards, plus - possible
negligence in the case
of two teachers.
Meanwhile, the remains of the 16 fatalities were
transferred to the morgue of the Hospital of
Reference of the Sub-Naivasha, for
formal identification.
79 other students were hospitalized for burns and
fractures while trying to escape from the flames,
but the majority were discharged.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in the
building of a dormitory that housed more than
200 students, in many cases, daughters of
police officers, as a state institution was
the sponsor of the school.
________________________________
DRC expects -- to contain ebola
epidemic in at most - 6 months
Kinshasa, May 29th, 6:10am
(Prensa Latina)
The minister of Public Health of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (DRC), Roger Kamba, said the country now
is working to contain the current outbreak of ebola -
in about four to six months.
The minister commented that the DRC has experience
of epidemics in the past and the duration of the
response could be shortened; “although no
one can predict - how many cases and
how many deaths there will be” - we
are devoting the resources needed
for the figure to be... as low as
possible, he said.
In a press conference held the day before at night in Bunia,
in the Ituri province, one of the three that are currently
registered patients with the disease, Kamba, recalled
that epidemics of the past ..were only controlled in
years, as it did in 2018, which lasted until 2020.
“When you talk about six months, it can be seen that we
have accelerated considerably the response,” he said
and added that everything possible will be done to
finish it ...as soon as possible.
He reaffirmed the commitment of providing medical care
to all patients of ebola in the affected areas, and
acknowledged the work of front-line health
personnel ....which should improve the
conditions of work.
He rejected the circulation of alarming rumours and
false information --- which damage the response,
as they create panic ...and generate distrust.
He assured --- that the Government is not going to hide
the numbers. “An epidemic is not stopped because it
is hiding the numbers,” he said, and added that, “if
we hide five or ten cases, tomorrow there will be
fifty. We can not hide an epidemic; we must
work together to detect and contain it”.
__________________________________________
Tourism in Egypt continues to rise,
despite regional crisis
Cairo, May 29th, 12:47am
(Prensa Latina)
Egypt received 6.1 million tourists in the first 4 months
of 2026, an annual growth of 7%, an official press
release reported today.
A brief statement of the egyptian cabinet stressed that
in the same period last year 5.7 million visitors arrived.
The new data ----- defies the US and Israeli wars.
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities revealed
that Egypt received nearly 19 million tourists by 2025,
a growth year-on-year ---- of 21%.
__________________________________________________
Uganda closes border with DRC
Kampala, May 28th, 11:22am
(Prensa Latina)
The ugandan government has temporarily closed its border
with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to prevent
further spread of the outbreak of ebola from the
neighbouring country, say local media.
The information of the chain UBC TV Uganda - indicates that
seven cases and one death from this disease, have already
been confirmed at the time that the border between the
two countries was closed the day before, except for
those authorized in the fight against ebola, plus
humanitarian operations, as well as the
transport of food and goods.
For its part, the health authorities in DRC reported the
detection of 1,000 cases and over 200 suspicious
deaths, of which --- 100 have been confirmed.
Also, Ugandan authorities stated that all those who cross
the border will be required to fill out forms, location, and
undergo health checks, and inn addition to stay under
surveillance in accordance with the established
national health protocols.
Ebola is a disease that years ago resulted in hundreds of
deaths in the countries of various continents, among
them doctors and health workers who fought to
contain it .......and prevent it from becoming
a pandemic.
___________________________________
Fire at girls school in kenya
leaves 16 dead
Nairobi, May 28th, 10:55am
(Prensa Latina)
A fire occurred today in a girls' school in Kenya's Gilgi
town in the centre of the country, leaving - up to this
time - 16 deaths and 79 wounded.
The minister of Education of Kenya, Julius Ogamba, said
Thursday that there is no known cause of the loss that
occurred in the Female Utumishi Academy and lasted
for three hours before being extinguished.
Ogamba also pointed out that seven of the students
who were injured remain hospitalized, while the
rest have already received medical care.
On the other hand, the newspaper in Kenya, The Standard,
stated that 808 of the 815 students of the centre were in
place at the time of the fire, the causes of which, are
already being investigated.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in the early hours
of the morning in the building of a dormitory that housed
over 200 students, in many cases, daughters of police
officers, as a state institution was the sponsor of
the school.
Fires in the schools of Kenya are common due in many cases to
electrical failures, a lack of safety measures and maintenance,
without ruling out the source caused, and all usually result in
a high number of dead and wounded.
In 2001, 67 students were killed in a fire in a bedroom
in the county of Machakos, and, in 2024, another 21
students perished, also in another fire, in a school
in the centre of the country.
___________________________________
Opponent in the DRC to seek the support of
coalition --- against constitutional reform
Kishasa, May 28th, 8:49am
(Prensa Latina)
The leader of the opposition party, Engagement for citizenship
and development, Martin Fayulu, was called to support the
coalition against the constitutional reform in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Fayulu urged all congolese ---- to join the grouping C64 for,
according to his words, defence of the constitutional
order and to block the president Félix Tshisekedi
and his allies, said Actualité.CD, today.
The opposition accused the president of the DRC of conspiring
for the dismemberment of the country, as it considers that the
process of review or change of the Magna Carta can lead to
the balkanization of the Congolese.
“What Felix (Tshisekedi) is doing is a conspiracy that is now
being exposed,” he quoted from the publication, which
referred to the accusations made by the opposition
during an internal meeting of the C64, in which he
asserted that the head of the DRC works with
Rwandan president Paul Kagame, towards
balkanizing the country.
The day before, the National Assembly (lower house) approved,
with some amendments, the conclusions of the report on the
draft law on the organisation of referenda in the DRC which
--- redefines the legal framework of popular votes.
According to the text, the decision to call a referendum will
now rest exclusively with the President of the Republic by
presidential decree, and the voting shall be organised by
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the proposal, in the event of a malfunction of
important institutions, the Head of State may establish a
national commission to identify any deficiency in the
constitutional provisions.
Other aspects contained in the project have to do with
the requirements for approval within the Parliament,
deadlines, and other matters.
The approval of this project is a step closer: to
the possibility of a constitutional amendment.
______________________________________
Broad potential in Angola
for clean energy
Luanda, May 28th, 7:35am
(Prensa Latina)
Angola has vast potential for the development of renewable
sources of energy -- was acknowledged here today during
the opening of the II International Conference on Energy
and Water.
The country can produce about 18 thousand megawatts from
hydropower, 50,000 megawatts of solar energy and 3,000
thousand by wind energy and biomass, hence the main
current projects .....are in the function of extending
those capabilities.
During the event, which is carried out until morning in the
Conference Centre in Talatona, Luanda, this and other
topics will be on the table, as the initiatives for the
growth of the distribution network.
As announced by the secretary of State for Energy, Arlindo
Carlos, Angola currently has an installed capacity of 6,400
megawatts, of which 70% comes from renewable sources
---- however, all this has only been able to get to... 48% of
electrification in the national territory.
He added that the ongoing investment to expand the electricity
network, including the interconnection of the provinces of the
south ------- and the project to connect the Cabinda national
electric system, has the goal to exceed 50% ---- by 2027.
Also, there are agreements --- to sell the excess power to
neighbouring countries, specifically to the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.
The II International Conference on Energy and Water aims to
analyze the challenges, opportunities, and sustainability of
electricity and water in the next few years, and has the
theme of Energy and Water: 50 years at the service
of the country, towards sustainability.
The inaugural session was presided over by the minister of
State for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano,
and was attended by around 500 participants from
about 20 countries.
The event also includes a technology fair and working
sessions .....with a view to ---- promoting innovation,
cooperation, and institutional and investment
opportunities.
_________________________________________
A period of silence began prior to
the general elections in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, May 28th, 6:24am
(Prensa Latina)
The “Quiet Period” required before the Seventh General Election
held on 1 June in Ethiopia today, comes after the completion of
the discussions of the political parties at the national level.
The National Election Board (NEBE), reported that the meetings
provided the political groupings with a vital platform to present
their policies, programs and visions to the public, and - at the
time ---- it helped voters when making electoral decisions.
The president of the NEBE, Melatwork Hailu, described the
initiative of the debate as historic - and instrumental to
strengthen the consciousness of the voters, and
democratic participation.
“The debate has created an opportunity for voters to
assess the political parties according to their
policies and programmes, and to take
informed decisions,” he said.
For his part, the vice-president of the Board, Tesfaye Neway,
also praised the process, describing it as inclusive,
participatory, and a potential model for
future elections.
He revealed that it is the first program of national
debate, organized directly by the electoral entity.
According to figures from the NEBE, 33 political parties
took part in the initiative --- on 19 important national
issues, moderated by independent experts.
After its conclusion, the Board officially launched the
“Period of Silence”, a phase pre-election four days
during which all forms of election campaigning
are banned by the directive.
During this period, the political parties, candidates and their
supporters are prohibited from campaign activities, public
events, or giving interviews to the media, related to
the election.
The measure aims to provide voters sufficient time to reflect
on the partisan proposals and prepare to cast their vote
without political pressure.
Most of the 50.5 million Ethiopians are enrolled to participate
in the upcoming elections, making it the largest exercise of
the registration of voters in the country's history and one
of the biggest democratic exercises.... of Africa.
__________________________________________________
Direct flights between Russia and
Tanzania are scheduled to start
on July 2
May 27th, 5:59pm
(RT.ru)
Direct flights between Russia and Tanzania
are scheduled to start on July 2, operated
by Air Tanzania.
This was announced by Transport
Minister Andrey Nikitin.
"Preliminarily, direct flights on the Dar es Salaam
- Moscow (Vnukovo) Zanzibar route will start
on July 2," RIA Novosti quoted him
as saying.
He clarified that the flights will be operated
three times a week ....using Boeing 787
Dreamliner aircraft.
Earlier, the Minister of Economic Development,
Maxim Reshetnikov said that Russia is ready
to increase the supply of grain products,
sunflower oil and mineral fertilizers..
to Tanzania.
