++++++++++++++++++++++
Macron suffers fiasco in Niger,
Africa to go more independent
in security matters — expert
September 25th, 5:39pm (TASS)
French President Emmanuel Macron's policy in Niger and other
countries of the Sahara-Sahel region has suffered a fiasco,
as the African continent will continue to gain greater
independence from the former Western colonial
powers in security matters, says Vsevolod
Sviridov, an expert of the Centre for
African Studies of the National
Research University Higher
School of Economics.
Yesterday, Macron said that Paris had decided to recall its
ambassador to Niger and also announced that France
intended.. to pull out its military by the end of the
year. These moves, Sviridov believes, are sure
signs that the French leader's policy in the
countries of the Sahara-Sahel region,
has fallen through - with a crash.
"Macron invested a great deal of his political capital in the
reassembly of Franco-African relations, but failed to
achieve their overall stabilization," Sviridov
told TASS.
According to the expert, in this context, it is important to note
that in security matters Africa is being sovereignized and this
trend will continue.
"Former colonial powers are reducing their involvement in
security issues on the continent, handing them over to
African countries," Sviridov explained.
At the same time, the analyst cautioned against interpreting
Paris' obvious failures in the Sahara-Sahel region as signs
of France's complete decline in Africa.
"France still has strong positions in other countries of the
region - in Cameroon, in Cote d'Ivoire and in Benin," the
expert recalled. "Besides, we do not yet know exactly
how France will be leaving Niger. Possibly, it will try
to stay. Maybe it will be making artificial delays.
When France was leaving Mali, almost the
entire contingent, was moved to Niger.
Niger has become the main base for
French forces. Now the question is
where they will go from Niger. It
could be other countries in the
region traditionally friendly to
France. It is important to
understand who will fill
this power vacuum."
________________________
Ethiopia temporarily bans export
of coffee by air passengers —
Russian embassy
September 25th, 4:41pm (TASS)
The Ethiopian authorities have temporarily banned the export
of coffee from the country in any form and in any quantity.
This, is according to a warning to air passengers, that
was issued by the Russian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
"Due to the introduction of a new order by the customs
authorities of Ethiopia, the export of Ethiopian coffee
by air passengers in any form and in any quantity, is
temporarily prohibited. When planning trips ------ to
avoid unpleasant situations at Ethiopia's airport,
we advise you to take this information into
account," the statement says published
in the embassy’s Telegram channel.
Coffee is considered the main export crop for Ethiopia.
According to the International Coffee Organization,
Ethiopia is the leader among African countries in
coffee production and ranks fifth in the world
for this indicator --- being overtaken only by
Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia and Indonesia.
________________________________________
Trade ties between Russia, Egypt
growing fast, trade turnover hits
$6 bln — Lavrov
September 25th, 12:11pm (TASS)
Russia is developing relations with Egypt on an equal footing
despite the attempts by some countries to legitimize global
domination, with trade turnover between the two countries
growing fast, having reached $6 bln, Russian Foreign
Minister Sergey Lavrov said --- at the opening of an
exhibition devoted to the 80th anniversary since
the establishment of diplomatic relations
between Russia and Egypt.
"We see more attempts to legitimize the domination of a
narrow group of countries on the global arena, but self-
respecting countries -- that put value on their history,
their traditions, protect their right to independently
define their development paths & independently,
without any prompting or bans from outside
----- choose their friends. We develop our
strategic, partnership relations - with
Egypt particularly - on such grounds,
on the grounds of respecting each
other’s national interests. Our
trade and economic ties - are
growing fast. Trade turnover
rose to $6 bln in 2022,"
he said.
This is an almost 30% increase compared with the previous
year, the minister stressed. "Another meeting of the trade
and economic intergovernmental commission took place
in March, which saw new decisions on the further
promotion of our joint projects taken,"
he added.
_________________________________________
Lavrov announced plans to
develop infrastructure
projects with African
countries
September 23rd, 7:13pm
(RT.ru)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, commented
on relations between Russia and African countries.
"The negotiations were very constructive and fruitful. First of
all, we considered the tasks that need to be solved in order
to implement the decisions of the Russia — Africa summit,
which was held in St. Petersburg in July," Lavrov said,
answering RT's question about the results of
meetings with African colleagues on the
sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The Russian Foreign Minister noted that
there are two main areas of work.
"It's trade... and joint investment projects, infrastructure
projects, educational and cultural projects... medicine,
healthcare," Lavrov said.
According to him, in many African countries there is an
understanding that Russia comes "not just to develop
natural resources, export them and process them at
home, but to really create the foundations of its
own economy."
"The President of Uganda spoke at the Russia-Africa summit...
He gave very interesting statistics of the global coffee market,
which is estimated at about $460 billion a year... From this
money, Africa receives, now I'm afraid to make a mistake,
but definitely less than 10%," Lavrov said.
He noted that this is a vivid example of the fact
that Africa continues to be used as a source
of resources, as in colonial times.
"All our plans are aimed at the development of modern
technologies, and we are talking with many countries
about the placement of ground-based facilities of our
GLONASS satellite navigation system, the creation
of facilities through Rosatom," the Russian
Foreign Minister added.
Earlier, Russian Leader Vladimir Putin said that Russia
intends to develop cooperation with Africa in trade
and investment, in the fight against poverty and
ensuring food security.
________________________________________
Niger's military accused the UN
Secretary General of colluding
with France --- against the
new government
by Sergey Gapchuk
September 22nd, 11:56pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
TO SHARE
The official representative of the military transitional
government of Niger, Amadou Abdraman -- said on
RTN that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,
together with the French authorities, prevented
the participation of representatives of Niger in
the UN General Assembly.
"The UN Secretary-General, with the connivance of France
and the Francophone heads of State of ECOWAS, failed
in his mission - by preventing Niger from participating
in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly,"
Abdraman said.
The military in power in Niger strongly condemns the
decision of the UN Secretary-General and calls it
interference in the internal affairs of the state.
As the KP website wrote.EN, On July 27, a group of Niger
military personnel made a video message on national
television, saying that they had overthrown President
Mohamed Bazoum. It was noted - that Major Colonel
Amadou Abdraman, who is at the head of the plot,
said that "the defense and security forces
decided to put an end to the regime
with which we were familiar."
Niger was considered one of the last strongholds of
Western influence on the continent, especially
because of its strategic uranium reserves,
which are a key resource for France's
nuclear power industry.
Up to 40% of the uranium consumed by the French
comes from Niger. Moreover, it was in Niger that
the French troops were relocated, after their
withdrawal from Mali.
_____________________________
Russia already back in Africa
— Russia’s envoy to UN
September 22nd, 7:27pm (TASS)
Russia’s return to Africa has already happened --- and African
countries take note of their good ties with Moscow, Russia’s
Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, told
reporters, commenting on African countries’ growing
interest in Russia.
"Russia is not 'coming back' --- it has come back to Africa," he
said. "All the African ministers who meet with Sergey Lavrov,
confirm -- that our economic trade is going up and we have
good political ties."
Nebenzya pointed out that Russia is in close cooperation
with African nations through the UN, where Russia rests
its position on the principle: "African solutions to
African countries."
"This means, that Africans cannot be told how they should
live, but instead.... it is better to help them do as they
themselves want," he added.
______________________________________
Egypt calls on Israel to stop
violence on Palestinian
territories
September 22nd, 12:06pm
(Prensa Latina)
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on Israel to stop
the escalation of violence on the occupied Palestinian
territories, due to the danger it poses to the
Middle East.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a
press release that Shoukry’s call came at a meeting in
New York with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, on
the sidelines of the 78th United Nations
General Assembly.
According to the text, the head of Egyptian diplomacy
warned that the wave of violence pushed away the
possibility of achieving peace.
Abu Zeid stressed that a comprehensive and just peace is the
only guarantee to achieve prosperity, stability, and peaceful
coexistence in the region, based on restoring Palestinians’
rights, including establishing an independent State with
East Jerusalem as its capital.
This week, Egypt issued separate statements - criticizing
the Israeli settlers’ 'incursions' into the Esplanade of the
Mosques in East Jerusalem -- and the Army’s systematic
attacks on the Palestinian population in the West Bank.
__________________________________________
Guterres considers Ethiopia
an 'essential player' in
multilateral body
September 22nd, 11:36am
(Prensa Latina)
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed
that Ethiopia is an essential player in the multilateral body,
and reiterated the commitment to strengthening relations
between the two sides, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs stressed on Friday.
Addressing a meeting with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister
and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the sidelines of
the 78th UN General Assembly, the head of the UN said he
felt deep solidarity with the people of that African nation,
after recalling his days at the multilateral organization’s
Refugee Agency.
I wish Ethiopia -- success in addressing its
socio-economic challenges, Guterres said.
Mekonnen, in turn, praised the United Nations, and Guterres
in particular, for his dedication in supporting Ethiopia
during the difficult times of the past, as he reported
about the implementation of the peace agreement
that ended the armed conflict in his country’s
northern region, in November 2022.
He called on the world community to support
reconstruction, rehabilitation, and other
humanitarian efforts.
Mekonnen’s agenda also included a meeting with his Dutch
counterpart Hanke Bruins Slot, who expressed support for
Ethiopia’s development efforts and commitment to further
deepening economic ties.
______________________________
Angola defends multilateralism
against terrorism in Africa
September 22nd, 8:30am
(Prensa Latina)
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, Téte António,
defended the reinforced role of multilateralism in the
face of the evolution and persistence of terrorist
threats in Africa.
During the ministerial meeting of African countries, on
“Strengthening regional cooperation and institutional
development to fight the evolving threat of terrorism
in Africa”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs also called
for international support to regional efforts.
“The threat requires a new generation of anti-terrorist
measures, developed by regional Member States,”
he added, and considered appropriate the ones
outlined by the Secretary General of the
United Nations, António Guterres,
in his note on the New
Agenda for Peace.
“It is essential that the international community join forces
with existing regional initiatives and redouble its support
for capacity building in African countries affected by
terrorism,” the minister stressed, adding that this
support must be global, inclusive, adaptable and
specific, and should prioritize efforts in
neighbouring countries, to prevent
any further spread.
At the meeting, organized by the United Nations Office on
Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Republic of Nigeria,
participants shared their views on the terrorist threat
in the continent and the results they would like to
see at the African Counter Terrorism Summit.
The event is planned for the first half of 2024, in
Abuja, jointly organized by UNOCT and Nigeria.
Terrorism and violent extremism continue to be a major
challenge for sustainable peace and development in
Africa, where terrorist groups such as Daesh and
Al-Qaeda affiliates.... have expanded in recent
years, as conflicts, international crises, the
lack of development opportunities....
competition for natural resources,
human rights violations and
abuses --- have created
favourable conditions
for their spread.
_____________________________________
Gunmen have killed nine people who
were ambushed on a road in Ghana.
by Sergey Chikov
September 21st, 3:10pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
TO SHARE
Graphic news portal reported that in the Republic of Ghana
in West Africa, a group of armed men ambushed and killed
at least nine people.
According to the newspaper, a group of people with weapons
attacked a convoy, which included people traveling to the
market accompanied by local police. As a result of the
attack, six women and three men were killed, and
one policeman was wounded.
Local authorities have linked the attack to tensions between
two neighboring communities on the border between Ghana
and Burkina Faso.
Recently ----- a group of armed bandits attacked a group of
French tourists in Niger. The attack occurred on the road
to the local giraffe reserve. According to preliminary
versions, the purpose of the attack was robbery.
As a result, six tourists from France and two
residents of Niger, were killed.
____________________________________
Multilateral Banks' Mandates ---
Must Be Reframed: Ramaphosa
September 21st (teleSUR)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the margins of
the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), speaking at
the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development
Summit, outlined the situation from the perspective
of the countries of the Global South.
On Wednesday, he named the following acute problems
facing the world community: convergence of a climate
crisis, recession, increased conflicts, environmental
degradation, growing food insecurity, deepening
poverty and unacceptable levels of hunger.
This is particularly relevant for countries in the Global South,
and in particular the African continent. It was expected that
the most vulnerable populations would receive the support
they need.
"Agreed international commitments were not honoured.
Principles such as common but differentiated
responsibilities, are not being respected,"
Ramaphosa said, pointing out the
deepening gap ----- between the
developed countries, and the
Global South, which affects
all aspects of life --- for
people in developing
countries.
"Sustainable and inclusive growth requires that more be done.
We must strengthen and reform the international financial
architecture. Developing economy countries must
participate equally and meaningfully in the
decision-making processes of the
international economic order,"
the South African president
pointed out.
"The mandates of multilateral development banks -- must be
reframed to respond to the needs of developing economies.
We must assert the principle of country ownership.”
He also called for the incorporation of objective data
on the needs and capacities of both developed and
developing countries --- into the workings of the
international tax system.
“Multilateral development banks should support projects and
programmes that are aligned to the development priorities
and climate commitments of these countries,"
Ramaphosa said.
"More innovation is required to enable the private sector
to play a greater role in addressing the finance gap.
This includes a new approach to blended finance
with a focus on the developmental impact
of investments.“
He also emphasised the critical importance of public finance
for the development of countries and called for developed
countries to meet their commitment to allocate at least
0.7 per cent of their gross national income to official
development assistance. They also need to fulfil
their commitment - to mobilise US$100 billion
a year - to fight climate change.
_______________________________________
Nigerian president says there
should be equal partnerships
with Africa
September 20th, 10pm
(africanews)
In his inaugural speech at the United Nations, Nigeria’s
president, Bola Tinubu, emphasised the need for
Africa to overcome the constraints of foreign
exploitation and unlock its vast potential.
"Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But
broken promises, unfair treatment, and outright
exploitation from abroad have also exerted
a heavy toll on our ability to progress,”
he said.
“African nations will improve our economies so that our
people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and
streets of other nations.”
Tinubu stressed the importance of the international
investments, saying partners should see Africa’s
development as a priority, but adding that this
should be in an equal and mutually
beneficial manner.
"What we seek is an equal, firm commitment to
partnership. Walk with us as true friends and
partners,” he said.
“Africa is not a problem to be avoided. Nor is it to
be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to
the world’s future."
Tinubu also spoke out against coups.... saying
democratic governance is the best guarantor
of the will and well-being of the people.
And he highlighted the urgency - of addressing
the impact of climate change on the continent.
_____________________________________
Africa: How To Stop the Health
Worker Brain Drain in Africa?
Invest in People & Innovations
September 20th, 2023
(allAfrica.com)
This year the World Health Organization added 37 African
countries to a list of nations at risk of facing worsening
health worker shortages due to the “brain drain”, a well-
documented phenomenon of health workers emigrating
to work in high-income countries like the U.S., Canada
and Europe.
This exodus of clinicians from African nations is impeding
access to quality healthcare, leading to patients facing
long queues and lack of specialized medical services.
They may even get turned away as health centres
struggle to manage demand with limited staff.
The brain drain isn’t a new issue. But it’s contributed to a reality
where the vast majority of countries across the continent
have fewer than two health workers ---- for every 1,000
people, a far cry from countries like Sweden, which
has 4,3 doctors and 10,9 nurses..... for every
1,000 people.
Rapidly changing demographics and population growth,
rising inflation, and weak health workforce governance
all exacerbate the issue. By 2030 ------ it’s projected
that Africa will have a shortage of 6,1 million
health workers.
Many strategies to address the health-worker shortage have
focused on preventing overseas recruitment of nurses and
doctors. But systemic issues like poor working conditions
& limited professional training opportunities are driving
the shortage, compounded by difficulties in deploying
health workers to rural, remote and under-reached
communities. Countries therefore must invest in
the people and systems needed to address
unmet health needs.
First, countries must ensure that health providers always have
the medical supplies they need, when they need them. When
health products are out of stock, it adds undue stress on
overstretched doctors and nurses already struggling to
keep up with patient demand. Public health supply
chains must ensure that products are consistently
delivered where they need to go, which requires
they be people-centred, equitable, responsive,
and resilient.
This can only be made possible with a well-trained technical
workforce, yet public health supply chain management has
yet to be formalized and recognized as a discipline in most
countries. Academic and government programs that train
these professionals ---- provide continuing professional
development opportunities, and offer formal supply
chain management certification which could
create jobs, strengthen health systems, and
fortify the future of healthcare delivery.
Governments and universities in countries like Ethiopia,
Tanzania and Rwanda are actively taking steps toward
professionalizing public health supply chain
management, and others should follow in
their footsteps.
Second, countries must professionalize the broad base of
community health workers (CHWs) to fully unlock their
potential to increase access to health services,
especially at the last mile.
CHWs are often the primary link between under-reached
communities and the healthcare system, performing
simple but crucial healthcare activities that help
prevent and address common health issues,
and easing the demand.. on health centres.
Task shifting, has long proven to ease the
burden on the scarce doctors and nurses
on the continent.
But many countries fail to include CHWs in health sector
planning, leaving them without adequate resources,
support or training to provide care.
“Professionalizing” CHWs makes them salaried, skilled,
supervised, and supplied so they are fully integrated
into primary healthcare systems. For example... in
Liberia --- policymakers are working with Village
Reach and other partners like Last Mile Health
to add CHWs to the national health budget line
- ensuring they're allocated the supplies they
need to provide care in the farthest villages.
Finally, digital solutions can play a crucial role in alleviating
the burden of patient caseloads for health workers. Tele-
health continues to be one of Africa’s fastest-growing
healthcare delivery solutions, and is among the most
cost-efficient strategies.
For example, in Malawi, the Health Centre by 'Phone solution
co-developed by VillageReach, and the Ministry of Health,
acts as a first point of care that a patient can access via
call or text to receive accurate health information from
well-trained health workers, and self-assess their
symptoms before journeying to a health centre.
The hotline provides referrals as needed, but also helps
prevent people...... who have concerns that can be
resolved over the phone from visiting hospitals
unnecessarily, reducing exposures to
hospital-acquired infections.
In addition to serving patients, Health Center by Phone also
provides remote training for health workers, and supports
governments by enhancing data visibility, offering feed-
back on health services, and helping to identifying
outbreaks. Many countries already have a health
hotline in place and can look towards Malawi’s
example to fully unlock its potential.
These solutions are just one piece of the puzzle, in addressing
the shortage and strengthening the entire health care system.
However, retaining and supporting the full cadre of health
workers will also require better pay, professional
development opportunities, and increased
mental health support. Countries must
also continue to invest in growing the
total number of health workers
across the continent.
Collaborative work toward these goals has already begun
under continent-wide initiatives like the Africa CDC’s
plan for a New Public Health Order . The upcoming
3rd International Conference on Public Health in
Africa ( CPHIA 2023 ), co-hosted by the Africa
CDC, the Zambia National Public Health
Institute, and the Zambian Ministry of
Health, will serve as a forum for
countries, organizations, and
international partners --- to
align on further strategies
to address the shortage
of healthcare workers.
This meeting will also be an opportunity to intensify political
and financial commitment towards a genuine transformation
of healthcare systems. Only then can Africa bridge the gap
in its health workforce and realize a future where safe,
high-quality healthcare is accessible to all.
By Claudia Shilumani, VP Partnerships and Impact,
VillageReach, Rebecca Alban, Senior Manager,
Global Technical Team, VillageReach and
Edwin Mulwa, Director & Team Lead,
Digital Solutions, VillageReach.
____________________________________
Crimes charged against close
associates... of former
Gabonese president
September 20th,1:22pm
(Prensa Latina)
Gabonese military authorities arrested several ministers
in the government of former president Ali Bongo and
one of his sons, accused of high treason and active
corruption, the capital's Prosecutor's Office
informed today.
Among those arrested are Noureddin, the former president’s
eldest son, former presidential spokesman Jessye Ella
Ekogha and four others, who have been charged and
taken into police custody, capital prosecutor
André-Patrick Roponat said.
Gabon has been in chaos since last August 30, less than
an hour after the announcement of President Bongo’s
re-election, the head of the presidential guard,
General Brice Oligui Nguema, announced the
deposition of the ruler and accused him of
massive embezzlement of public funds.
That same day this African country was shaken by television
images of trunks and suitcases full of bank bills found in the
offices and residences of Bongo, his wife Sylvia, and high-
ranking officials, according to the description of the
narrator of the film.
For his part, the former president, who was under house
arrest for several days, was released and can travel
abroad or remain in the country, as he prefers,
according to spokesmen for the new
transitional government.
_______________________________
Ethiopian Army Says Al-Shabaab
Attempted Attack ---- was
'Completely Thwarted'
September 20th
(Addis Standard)
The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) said
its forces have "completely thwarted" a group of
Al-Shabaab fighters in an area called Robdirre
inside Somalia, after the group's attempt to
attack Ethiopian forces stationed
in Somalia.
In the first official statement since reports of attacks by Al-
Shabaab against Ethiopian forces over the weekend, which
resulted in causalities the army admitted that "alShabaab
planned to attack Ethiopia's Defense Forces at a place
called Robdirre, inside in Somalia, but the plan was
completely thwarted by our defense forces," the
army's statement quoted Colonel Fayisa Ayele,
the commander of the Ethiopian contingent,
as saying.
According to Colonel Faysa, Al-Shabaab forces "deployed
three explosive-laden vehicles, and 12 explosive-armed
militants, as well as more than 450 of their members,
but they were destroyed by the defense forces in
the area."
Somali officials told the VOA over the weekend that "Al-Shabab
militants attacked convoys carrying Ethiopian soldiers in
Somalia's southwestern Bakool region, early Sunday."
The ambush targeted two convoys, one traveling from the
Somali town of Yeed to Wajid and the second convoy as
it travelled from El Barde, to the town of Huddur.
Ethiopian troops have bases in Wajid
and Huddur.
The militant group subsequently claimed killing as many as
167 Ethiopian soldiers and capturing others, including
medical personnel. The claim has not been
independently verified.
The Ethiopian army's statement this morning
did not mention casualities as a result of
the attack.
An official of the Somalia federal government forces operating
in Huddur district of Bakool region told local media that more
than 55 members of the Al-Shabaab group were killed in a
subsequent joint counteroffensive by Somali and
Ethiopian forces.
Marshal Tilahun Demsie, another member of the Ethiopian
contingent - on his part - admitted that the group has
"deployed a large number of forces --- and moved to
carry out the attack" aided by vehicle explosives.
However, two units of the ENDF moved to destroy the group
through coordinated attack. The Ethiopian army is still in
pursuit of the remainder of Al-Shabaab members into
the group's location, the army further said.
It is recalled that in 20 July last year, Al-Shabaab militants
overran the Somali region in Ethiopia, after attacking
Aato and Yeed, where Liyu police were encamped.
Both towns are located in the Bakool region of
southwestern Somalia and bordering Ethiopia.
The militants then entered through the Afdheer zone into the
Somali region on the same day, according to the Somali
Regional State Security Council. The council detailed,
that 100+ members of Al-Shabaab militants, were
killed in a three-day operation against the group,
adding, "13 vehicles were burnt & the weapons
and supplies they brought with them, seized".
On the 25 July, reinforcement members of the ENDF were
dispatched to join the Somali region's security forces in
the fight and According to Maj. Gen Tesfaye, the group
attempted to attack through 5 different border areas,
namely Yeed, Aato, El-Barde, Washaaqo, and Ferfer,
however, they were repulsed by security forces.
However, a year later in June this year, the group organized
another attack against Ethiopian forces stationed in the
border area. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
said that Ethiopian forces "foiled an attack by the
terrorist Al-Shabaab group in Dolow town on the
Ethiopia-Somalia border."
_________________________________________
Rwanda: Nyungwe National Park
World Heritage Status, UNESCO
September 20th, 2023 (teleSUR)
Rwanda welcomed the inscription of the country's Nyungwe
National Park on the World Heritage List Tuesday, making
it the country's first site to attain such status.
The announcement was made... during an ongoing meeting
of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee in the
Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
"This is a significant designation that will reinforce Rwanda's
ongoing conservation efforts," said Rwanda government
spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, on the social media
network X, formerly known as Twitter.
Representing the government at the meeting, Jean
Damascene Bizimana --- the Rwandan minister of
National Unity and Civic Engagement, said that
this move would increase the park's worldwide
popularity, spur tourist visits to the park, and
enhance research activities related to
the park.
"This inscription is not only a contribution to the preservation
of Rwanda's natural heritage ----- but also of particular
significance to the Rwandan people since it is the
first site inscribed on this universal list,"
Bizimana said, in a statement.
Furthermore, UNESCO noted that the serial property
represents an important area for rainforest
conservation in Central Africa.
Established as a nature reserve in 1933, the forest became a
national park in 2005 following the Rwandan government's
efforts to enhance its protection and safeguard the
thousands of endangered and endemic species
it harbours.
Covering an expanse of 101,900 hectares, Nyungwe National
Park stands as the largest block of natural forest in the
region. Boasting remarkable biodiversity, it is home
to over a dozen species of primates, 322 bird
species, 200 identified orchids, and nearly
300 butterfly species, including several
endemic to the park.
Official data... shows that that the park is managed by the
African Parks Network, a non-governmental organization
specializing in conservation, in partnership with the
Rwandan government.
_______________________________________
South Africa leader says
money spent on war is
'indictment' of world'
September 20th, 10:06am
(africanews)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday
--- denounced the billions of dollars spent on war
instead of development, as he renewed his
call for diplomacy in Ukraine.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Ramaphosa
said it was time to "massively scale up" aid on development
as the world falls short on ambitious UN-backed goals to
end extreme poverty by 2030.
"It is a grave indictment of this international community that
we can spend so much on war, but we cannot support
action that needs to be taken to meet the most basic
needs of billions of people," he said.
Ramaphosa said he spoke at the summit in New York, to
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about a peace
initiative by African nations.
"As the international community, we must do everything within
our means to enable meaningful dialogue, just as we should
refrain from any actions that fuel the conflict," he said.
South Africa, along with other developing nations, considers
itself neutral in the Ukraine war and has refused to isolate
Moscow, recalling the former Soviet Union's support
for ending apartheid.
______________________________________
Botswana’s Annual Inflation Rate
Drops to 1.2 Percent in August
September 20th, 2023
(source - Xinhua)
Pan-African News Wire
Despite uncertainties in the micro- & macroeconomic
environment.... Botswana’s annual inflation rate
performance continues to decline, Statistics
Botswana, the country’s data authority,
announced Monday.
According to Statistics Botswana, the annual inflation rate
stood at 1.2 percent in August, registering a decrease of
0.3 percentage points from 1.5 percent in July.
“The main contributors to the annual inflation rate in August,
were the following groups: transport, food and non-alcoholic
beverages, and miscellaneous goods and services,” said
Statistician General Burton Mguni, adding that the group
indices generally moved at a stable pace between July
and August.
Botswanan Finance Minister Peggy Serame recently
highlighted that Botswana’s monetary policy frame
work focuses on maintaining price stability by
ensuring.... that inflation is kept within the
Bank of Botswana’s target range -- of 3
to 6 percent, adding that the inflation
is forecast - to remain within the
target range during the next
few months.
____________________________________________
EU aggravates standoff
between Paris and
Niger junta
September 19th, 2:06pm
(Prensa Latina)
The standoff between the Nigerien military junta and
its former metropolis, France, reached new levels of
complication on Tuesday after the EU threw all its
power in favour of Paris.
Niger and France have been involved in a trial of strength
since the head of Niger’s presidential guard, General
Abdourahamane Tiani, overthrew President
Mohamed Bazoum in a bloodless coup
d’Etat on July 26.
''We reiterate our solidarity with France on the situation of its
ambassador on the ground and with President Bazoum,''
High Representative of the EU, for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy, Josep Borrell, told reporters in
New York.
One of the first measures adopted by the Nigerien military
force, was to break off the agreements with France and
request the ambassador’s withdrawal and the French
contingent deployed in the country after their
expulsion from Mali, where a transitional
military cabinet is also in place.
French President, Emmanuel Macron, refused to comply with
the decisions and rejected the measures, described as null,
after being decreed by authorities that ''his'' Government
considers illegitimate.
Meanwhile the military operation of the Economic Commission
of West African Countries to reinstate President Bazoum,
rejected by Algeria and Chad and condemned by
Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, remains
on hold.
_________________________________________
Mysterious disease kills nine
children in Côte d’Ivoire
September 19th, 1:25pm
(Prensa Latina)
The small village of Niangban is the focus of national
attention in Côte d'Ivoire, where seven of its
inhabitants died of a disease of
unknown origin.
Another 59 residents of the village, mostly children and
teenagers, were urgently admitted in the hospital, in
the city of Bouaké - as they suffered from vomiting
& diarrhea for reasons that are yet undetermined,
according to doctors, who said that the patients
who died, were minors.
The story circulating among the population, is that the
infected persons consumed corn porridge of a certain
brand, but for the time, there is no report to determine
the degree of responsibility of the product.
_____________________________________________
Human rights violations
reported in Amhara,
Ethiopia
September 19th, 12:08pm
(Prensa Latina)
Human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests and displacement of
civilians in the Amhara region, have been confirmed by the
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (ECHR), it was
learned on Tuesday.
An ECHR report revealed that civilian injuries, deaths and
arbitrary imprisonment, are among the most urgent
concerns in that area under a state of emergency
since August 4, due to clashes between regional
forces and armed groups from the FANO militia.
The commission called on all parties to respect human rights
& international law, after gathering information from victims,
witnesses and local residents. The testimonies
corroborated reports on an escalating armed
conflict in numerous districts, endangering
the civilian population.
“Farmers working in the fields, as well as those seeking
refuge in their homes, have been caught in crossfire
with heavy weapons,” the report said.
The Commission recommended the proper execution of the
emergency decree and strict adherence to legal protocols
as an effective means to solve the crisis.
This independent federal state agency is established by
the Constitution and reports to the representatives of
the House of Peoples (Parliament) ...as a national
institute for the promotion and protection of
human rights.
_____________________________________
Egypt/BRICS: New Horizons
September 19th, 2023
(english.ahram.org.eg)
By opening the door to new members, BRICS, the five-nation
— Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — group of
emerging economies is inching towards its goal of having
a stronger say in shaping the international order and
acting as a counterweight to Western influence.
The bloc invited Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab
Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Argentina to join earlier
this month.
Welcoming the invitation, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi
said: “We value the trust bestowed upon us by all the
member states of the bloc, with whom we share
robust ties - and we look forward to fruitful
collaboration with them, in the coming
period, as well as with the other
invited countries.”
Membership will take effect starting 1 January 2024.
Professor of political science Tarek Fahmi says BRICS
membership will open up opportunities for Egypt on
both the political and economic fronts. While an
expanded BRICS will not change the world
monetary order or establish a multipolar
world overnight, by joining -- “Egypt is
reserving an advance place -- in the
strategic, economic, and security
order of the world, thanks to its
foreign policy and presidential
diplomacy it has recently
adopted.”
Selecting Egypt to be among the first tranche of an expanded
grouping signals BRICS’ members appreciation of Egypt’s
role, argues Fahmi, while also underlining Egypt’s
position in an emerging multipolar world.
Former deputy foreign minister Mohamed Hegazi believes
Egypt’s successful application to join BRICS is partly
due to the skillful way Cairo has cast light on
disparities in development, support,
investment, and trade, in
international forums.
Membership of BRICS, he says, will amplify Egypt’s voice in
international negotiations over issues like migration, trade,
debts, and the way international organisations like the IMF
and the World Bank ------ deal with Third World countries.
“BRICS can offer an alternative development framework -- that
aims for justice, partnership and mutual interests, as well as
freeing Third World countries from the vicious circle of the
loans offered by established financing organisations.”
Despite differences between the BRICS founder members,
including border conflicts between China and India and
Russia and China, the organisation may yet form
an alternative UN, argues Hegazi.
On the bilateral level, membership will help Egypt strengthen
its already good relations with member nations -- especially
Russia, China, and India. With Russia -- Egypt enjoys a 2+2
meeting format between the Russian and Egyptian foreign
and defence ministers, something that does not exist
with the US, despite the strategic relationship
between Cairo and Washington, points
out Fahmi.
Egypt has long maintained strong relations with Russia and
India --- and has growing trade ties with China. Working
together within the framework of BRICS, is likely to
strengthen these relations. And given that, from
January, both Egypt and Iran will be BRICS
members, their mutual relations, which
have recently improved --- will likely
develop further in terms of trade,
tourism, and development
cooperation.
BRICS, adds Hegazi, expands its members’ horizons when
it comes to resolving bilateral and regional problems and
could impact on ongoing disputes between Egypt and
Ethiopia and Iran and Saudi Arabia.
“BRICS can offer the strategic framework
for cooperation --- rather than conflict,”
he says.
In June 2023 --- weeks after Egypt’s membership of
BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB) was ratified,
Cairo submitted a formal application to join
the group.
Under the NDB agreement, Egypt will
contribute $1.196 billion in capital.
____________________________________
Angola and El Salvador
sign joint agreement -
to establish relations
September 19th, 8:30am
(Prensa Latina)
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Angola, Téte António, and
El Salvador, Alexandra Hill Tinoco, signed on behalf of their
governments a joint statement for the establishment of
diplomatic relations, the Angolan Foreign
Ministry reported.
This --- is the first legal instrument to promote mutual
understanding and strengthening ties of friendship
and cooperation in areas of common interest
between their two countries and peoples,
signed in New York, on Monday.
The document reaffirms the commitment to the principles and
purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and
in international laws, which include respect for the
promotion of international peace and security,
equality among States, respect for national
sovereignty, territorial integrity and
non-interference.
According to the statement from the Angolan Foreign Ministry,
the parties decided to establish diplomatic relations under
the terms of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations of April 18th, 1961 and the Vienna
Convention on Consular Relations of
April 24th, 1963.
_____________________________________
Liberians rally in support of
opposition leader ahead of
presidential elections
September 18th, 1:14pm
(PressTV)
Thousands of people gathered in Liberia's capital Monrovia as
opposition leader Joseph Boakai launched his campaign
ahead of October elections that will test the popularity
of ex-football star President George Weah, after a
chaotic first term.
Supporters of softly spoken Boakia, 78, who came second to
Weah in 2017 elections and who has been dubbed "Sleepy
Joe" by detractors for allegedly napping at public events,
braved the rain at a stadium to dance, wave flags and
demand change.
Present were some former Weah fans..... disillusioned by what
they said was his failure to improve living standards or stamp
out corruption in the impoverished West African country that
has been hit this century by a civil war, a devastating Ebola
outbreak, and downturns in commodities prices.
It remains to be seen if Boakai and his Unity Party - can turn
the tide. Weah remains popular across much of the country,
and the economy grew nearly 5% last year, driven by gains
in agriculture and mining, the World Bank says.
(Source: Reuters)
_______________________________________
Russian embassy ------ quashes rumours
of coup attempt in Congo as fake news
September 18th, 11:27am (TASS)
Reports from some media outlets about a coup in the
Republic of the Congo, are untrue, the Russian
embassy told TASS.
"Reports that appeared in foreign and Russian media outlets
about a state coup in the Republic of the Congo, are fake
news," its source said. "The situation in the country
is calm," he added.
Earlier, rumours that a coup was underway in the Republic
of the Congo were spread via social media. Thierry Lezin
Moungalla, Congolese Minister of Communications and
Media & Government Spokesman, denied the rumours.
______________________________________________________
Horn of Africa at G77 Summit
calls for greater access to
science
September 16th, 9:38am
(Prensa Latina)
Strongly condemning --- the unilateral sanctions imposed
on developing countries, greater access to science and
technology --- were major proposals that nations from
the Horn of Africa issued at the G77+China Summit
that concludes today in Havana, Cuba.
Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke
Mekonnen called for a real reform to accommodate decisions
and opportunities for the benefit of the Global South ahead
of the historical disparity in accessing to scientific
knowledge and technology.
Mekonnen condemned that sanctions and coercive economic
measures that violate UN principles and international law
really impact on progress in that sector - and on
economic development.
''Ethiopia strongly rejects any unilateral sanctions and
coercive economic measures imposed on developing
countries and calls for their removal as a gesture of
goodwill for global harmony,'' Mekonnen stressed,
while pointing out that facilitating knowledge &
technology transfer from developing countries
and South-South cooperation, really fosters
innovation & accelerates implementation
of the Millennium Development Goals.
''Providing local capacities will create conditions
- particularly for Africa - to become the next
frontier of the industrial revolution.''
In this regard, Mekonnen explained that Addis Ababa drew up
its first economic strategic plan and a 10-year development
plan, in 2021, aimed at an inclusive economy in further
development - and enlivening global and regional
value shifts.
He noted the top favorable trend in rolling out such a strategy,
and the Ethiopian government is currently trying to improve
business operations, along with a search for support.
''We have a plan, and we think that the global digital system
holds the solution to many of challenges the international
community can undertake to fulfill its ambitions.''
The G77+China is widely recognized for its commitment
to technology transfer and the UN Charter, and for its
inclusive international support, Mekonnen concluded.
Djigouti Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, on the
other hand, praised Cuba’s work as pro-tempore president
and negotiations to strengthen cohesion among member
states, which he considered a strong motivating factor
to contribute to ambitious goals & common interests.
Mohamed recalled that inequalities among the countries
of 4the North and the South are increasingly widening
and face an unfortunate situation in which they are
wasting years of effort... for the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
''Our countries in the South are the most affected and face
runaway inflation, high external debt costs, war, food
insecurity and geopolitical conflicts, the negative
effects of climate change and environmental
degradation,'' he emphasized.
To meet such challenges, he added, science, technology
and innovation --- will help speed up productivity and
competitiveness and facilitate the full integration
of developing countries into the world economy.
Kamil Mohamed considered that scientific and technical
progress - is pivotal to achieve the SDGs and addressed
the effects of climate change; however, most countries
in the South do not have access to new technologies.
''This needs to be solved as quickly as possible, in order to
have a fairer, less unequal and more inclusive world, that
privileges solidarity and international cooperation, while
allowing the mobilization of the necessary resources
to support the efforts of these countries to achieve
development,'' Kamil Mohamed added.
The unity of the G77+China in international discussions
is essential for the legitimate integration of our peoples
and, within the group, discussions are important to
identify points of convergence and explore
mechanisms and initiatives.... that
contribute to complementarity.
________________________________
Burkina Faso’s authorities demand
French military attache leave
the country – agency
September 15th, 9:43pm (TASS)
The authorities of Burkina Faso have demanded that the
French military attache leave the country, Reuters
reports --- citing a statement from the African
state's government.
The demand stems from -- the attache's
disruptive actions, the agency explains.
The country's government -- also ordered
the closure of its military mission in Paris.
________________________________________
US aims to redirect military
''assistance'' from Egypt
to Taiwan
September 15th, 6:51pm
(PressTV)
The administration of US President Joe Biden has notified
Congress, that it aims to divert money it promised to
Egypt ----- to Taiwan instead, sources familiar
with the matter told CNN.
The administration notified Congress it will decrease
$85 million in aid to Egypt that had been conditioned
on Cairo’s ''progress'' in its treatment of political
prisoners, and instead, divert that money to
Taiwan, as well as Lebanon, the
sources said on Thursday.
The sources said 55 million dollars worth of the assistance
will be reallocated to Taiwan and the rest of the $85 million
will go to Lebanon, which Washington regularly supports
with military equipment, including tens of Humvee
military vehicles, despite the dire conditions in
the country and the nation needing huge
financial aid.
However, the administration will still allow Cairo to access
$235 million of the total of $320 million in foreign military
financing it had promised to Egypt, according to a senior
official at the US State Department.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had “determined that it is
in the US national security interest to waive certain human
rights related conditions” and allow the $235 million to go
to Egypt.
“What I’m describing today reflects our current assessment
that Egypt’s cooperation merits the national security waiver
for fiscal year 2022,” said the official, whose name was not
mentioned in the reports.
In the meantime, the Biden administration has
been working to increase arms shipments to
Chinese Taipei.
It announced in July, that a shipment of weapons for the
island valued at up to $345 million had been earmarked
for the wayward island’s secessionist leaders.
Until recently, the US had sold $19 billion worth of weapons,
munitions, and military equipment to Taipei, but most of
that remains undelivered - due to the two sides' failure
to reach an agreement on the payment terms.
“We have an obligation to make sure that we fill the backlog of
foreign military sales that exist now between our countries,”
US Congressman Rob Wittman said earlier this month
when heading a Congressional delegation visiting
Chinese Taipei ----- without notifying China.
China recognizes Taipei as a sovereign part of China
---- emphasizing the internationally recognized
“one China” principle.
_______________________________________________
Sibur to sell 60,000 tons of
petrochemicals to Africa in
2023, to double volumes
in 2024
September 15th, 4:40pm (TASS)
Sibur plans to sell up to 60,000 tons of petrochemical
products to Africa, in 2023, and boost those volumes
1.5-2-fold in 2024, Board Member Executive Director
of the Russian petrochemical company --- Pavel
Lyakhovich said, in an interview with TASS
at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
"We are already present in Africa now, mainly in North Africa.
This year we will sell up to 60,000 tons of petrochemical
products, and 1.5-2 times more, next year, I think,"
he said.
The consumption of polymers in Africa grows
by around 6% each year, Lyakhovich added.
The 8th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) was held in
Vladivostok on September 10-13. The slogan
of this year’s forum was: On the Path to
Partnership, Peace and Prosperity.
___________________________________________
Reasons for Surovikin's
appearance in Algeria
revealed
September 15th, 4:11pm
(Lenta.ru)
Former commander of the Joint Group of Troops in
the Special Military Operation Zone (SVO) Sergey
Surovikin arrived in Algeria... as part of a
delegation of the Ministry of Defense.
This was reported Kommersant by a source
in the military commander's entourage.
On September 14, it became known about the
ex-commander's presence in the SVO zone
in Africa.
The inclusion of Surovikin in the official delegation of the
military department indicates that the leadership of the
Ministry of Defense retains confidence in the general,
the source said. He also did not rule out that
Surovikin's visit to Algeria... may be
connected with his new work
"in the eastern direction".
Earlier, blogger Sergey Kolyasnikov published a photo with the
military commander and announced the departure of General
Surovikin abroad. In the frame, Surovikin is sitting in the hall
where the official event is taking place.
In September, the former commander of the Joint Group
of Forces in the Free Defense Zone was appointed
to the post of Chairman of the Coordinating
Committee on Air Defense Issues, under
the Council of Defense Ministers of
the CIS States.
____________________________________
Tanzania ------ President Swears In
24 New Judges, Admin Of Justice
September 15th, 2:29am
(teleSUR)
On Thursday, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan
swore in 24 High Court and Court of Appeal judges, in a
move aimed at enhancing the administration of justice
in the country.
Hassan swore in 20 High Court judges and four Court of
Appeal judges she had appointed recently, bringing
the total of judges to 105 in the country.
"You have a workload ahead of you to clear pending cases in
High Courts and Courts of Appeal," President Hassan told
the judges, after she had sworn them in at the State
House in Dar es Salaam.
The head of state also urged the judiciary to restore people's
trust, by working hard towards the administration of justice.
Chief Justice Ibrahim Juma thanked the president for
appointing and swearing in the new judges, saying
in total, Hassan has appointed 19 Court of Appeal
judges and 63 High Court judges during the two
and half years of her administration.
Furthermore, Juma also called on the judges to strive
to conduct themselves with integrity, saying those
failing to do so --- will be taken to task.
_______________________________________
West Africa: U.S. Resumes
Drone Operations in Niger
by Jerry Chifamba
September 14th
allAfrica.com
Harare — The U.S. resumed flying drones and other aircraft
out of Niger's air bases - according to the commander of
the Air Forces in Europe and Africa, Al Jazeera reports.
This comes more than a month after a coup put an end to the
operations of more than a thousand U.S. forces stationed in
the West African nation. Since the July coup -- the officers
were restricted to their military outposts. General James
Hecker said the move was a consequence of talks with
the military leadership of Niger.
Niger is a key regional outpost for the U.S. military's drone
patrols and other operations against militants and rebel
groupings, who have taken land in the area, killed
civilians, and engaged in armed conflict.
More than 1,800 rebel attacks were reported in West Africa in
the first half of this year, resulting in close to 4,600 fatalities,
according to the Economic Community of West African
States (Ecowas).
Around 1,500 soldiers from former colonial power France
are still stationed in the country. Officials in Paris have
dubbed the coup and its officials as illegitimate, and
declared their continuing support for the ousted
president NAME.
Earlier this month, the military government in Niger, accused
France of stationing troops in various West African countries
in preparation for "military intervention". Niger, a Sahel
state now led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, is
also at odds with Ecowas --- which had threatened
military action to reinstate Bazoum as president.
The military administrations of Burkina Faso and Mali also
issued warnings: that any military action against Niger's
military leaders will be viewed as a "declaration of
war" against both their countries.
____________________________________
Nigeria: Blackout Across Nigeria
As National Grid Collapses
by Mary Izuaka
September 14th 2023
Premium Times (Abuja)
Due to this development, one of the distribution
companies said all its interface TCN stations
are out of supply.
Nigerians were - on Thursday morning - thrown into
darkness after the national grid system collapsed.
The system is operated by the Transmission
Company of Nigeria (TCN) from Osogbo,
Osun State.
Some of the nation's Distribution Companies confirmed
that the grid collapsed in the early hours of Thursday,
as most of their feeders are out.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC)
in a statement said that "a total system collapse"
occurred at 12:40 a.m. on Thursday.
"This has resulted in the loss of supply currently being
experienced across the network," the company
said, in a statement signed by Emeka Ezeh,
Head of Corporate Communications.
Due to this development, the distribution company said all its
interface TCN stations are out of supply, and it will be unable
to provide services to customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi,
Enugu and Imo States.
"We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the
collapse and restoration of supply from the National
Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo," it said.
The General Manager, Public Affairs at the TCN, Ndidi
Mbah, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning that
the public would soon be updated... about
the development.
_________________________________
In China, Zambia's Hichilema
eyes collaboration after tour
of top tech firms
September 14th, 2:48pm
(africanews)
Zambia's President is in China this week at
the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.
Business featured high on the agenda of Hakainde
Hichilema's Shenzhen stop-off, with the leader
visiting five leading companies over the
course of two days.
Earlier this week, Hichilema toured the headquarters of top
telecoms company Huawei, and was presented with a
talent program which prepares young Zambians for
a career in Information and Communication
Technology, also known as ICT .
"It was my first time... to actually meet the president in
person", Cyber security engineer Violet Nyakunzu said.
"I really wanted to encourage the youth to take on such ICT
programs, especially females, because where I come from,
a lot of females think ICT is a male-dominated industry
and that's what shies them away. But you need to
face your fears head-on."
Hichilema who will reportedly end his state visit on
Saturday (Sep. 16), has high hopes on the impact
of closer ties with China.
"We can do more, faster, because the needs are tremendous
in Zambia. I heard some of the solutions are here. All we
need to do is to combine the two together."
Zambi is building up its digital infrastructure, to
improve government efficiency and streamline
the business environment.
The southern African nation is the continent's second-largest
producer of copper, a vital resource used in electric vehicle
production, charging facilities.... and solar panels. Working
with a top Chinese EV and battery manufacturer like BYD
could -- potentially -- see Zambia upgrading its mining
resource exports --- and open up new opportunities
in the global transition towards greener energy.
"If Zambia is interested in going electric in transportation, BYD
stands ready to offer technological support. Developing EVs
will make you less dependent on oil and reduce air pollution
in cities. Most importantly, it increases the value of
Zambia's copper resources," said Wang Chuanfu,
the founder and CEO of BYD.
_________________________________________________
Antonov: Russia aims to help
Africa become an influential
development centre
September 12th, 11:50pm
(RT.ru)
Russia intends to provide tangible assistance to African
countries, in turning the continent into an original and
influential centre of global development, Russian
Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov said.
"Our main idea --- is that Russia is aimed at providing
real assistance to Africa in turning the continent's
countries into an original and influential centre
of global development," RIA Novosti quoted
Antonov as saying.
According to him, at the Russia-Africa summit,
the Russian side offered real assistance to
the countries of the continent, in the
field of food security, including
the supply of fertilizers.
Earlier, Russian Leader Vladimir Putin said that Russia
intends to develop cooperation with Africa in trade
and investment, in the fight against poverty
and in ensuring food security.
_____________________________________________
Tuareg rebel movement resumes
armed fight against Malian
authorities — statement
September 12th, 5:23pm (TASS)
Tuareg rebels announced the resumption of
the armed fight against the government of
Mali, which stopped after the 2015
Algiers peace agreements.
The statement, published on social media, contains a call
for Tuaregs to "come to the battlefield to contribute to
protection of the homeland, and to regain control
over ....the entire territory of Azawad [self-
proclaimed Tuareg state in northern
Mali, which existed for less
than a year].''
The agreement.. between the Malian government and the
rebels was signed in in Algiers after peace talks in 2015.
The agreement ended hostilities in northern Mali, where
the Tuaregs live. The agreement implies the expansion
of the autonomy of the northern and eastern regions,
as well as the integration of the rebels into Mali's
Armed Forces.
____________________________
President Raeisi says -- Iran ready to
send relief aid, medical assistance
to flood-stricken Libya
September 12th, 3:44pm
(PressTV)
President Ebrahim Raeisi has voiced Iran’s readiness
to send relief aid and provide medical assistance
and supplies to Libya over the deadly flood in
the North African country.
“The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its
readiness to send relief aid and dispatch medical assistance
and supplies to [the flood-] stricken areas,” Raeisi wrote, in
a message addressed to Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid
Dbeibah, on Tuesday, while offering condolences to the
Libyan nation.
The storm and devastating flooding in vast parts of the
country, which left a number of people dead, injured
or missing, has been deeply touching and
saddening, Raeisi said.
On behalf of the people and government of the
Islamic Republic of Iran, he also sympathized
with the bereaved families.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
also sympathized with the Libyan government
and the nation, over the deadly storm
and flooding.
Amir-Abdollahian expressed compassion, over the death
and injury of thousands of people in Libya following the
storm and flooding. Iran’s top diplomat wrote on the X
social media platform --- formerly known as Twitter,
that he too personally offered his condolences.
Meanwhile, the head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society (IRCS)
also wrote a message to Omar Agouda, the president of
the Libyan Red Crescent Society, offering to help the
flood-hit country.
“In this difficult situation, on behalf of the IRCS and myself,
I would like to express my condolences to you and your
colleagues in the Libyan Red Crescent and announce
our readiness to send humanitarian relief aid, relief
items as well as dispatch medical and relief teams
to assist the flood-affected people and [help with]
the humanitarian operation in Libya,” Pir-Hossein
Kolivand said.
The authorities in eastern Libya say as many as 2,300 people
have been killed and thousands more gone missing after a
raging flood ripped through the city of Derna following a
heavy storm and rain -- and the collapse of two dams.
The head of Libya’s Emergency and Ambulance authority,
Osama Aly, explained that after the two dams burst “all
of the water headed to an area near Derna, which is a
mountainous coastal area.”
According to Aly, residences situated in valleys were
swept away by forceful muddy currents that carried
vehicles and debris.
Ahmed Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan National
Army (LNA) that controls eastern Libya, claimed that
5,000 to 6,000 had gone missing.
Meanwhile, countries worldwide are sending humanitarian
aid to Libya, where rescue teams are working diligently
to locate survivors amidst the debris and rubble.
“The United Nations in Libya is closely following the
emergency caused by severe weather conditions
in the eastern region of the country,” stated
the United Nations Support Mission
in Libya, in a post on X.
The rain experienced over the weekend is attributed to the
residual effects of a strong low-pressure system, officially
named Storm Daniel by the national meteorological
services in southeastern Europe.
This storm caused severe flooding in Greece before moving
into a tropical cyclone, causing dangerous conditions in
the Mediterranean Sea and coastal regions.
The remnants of this storm are currently impacting northern
Libya and are expected to move eastward towards northern
Egypt... gradually.
The anticipated rainfall for the next two days could exceed
50 mm, a significant increase from the average of less than
10 mm recorded in this region throughout September.
__________________________________
Africa Will Never Forget that
West Caged its Children
- Putin
September 12th, 1:04pm
(al Manar)
Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on Tuesday that
African nations will always remember the dark chapter of
Western colonial oppression -- when European powers
trafficked children from the continent, putting them
on display - in cages. He also claimed, that these
same countries are trying to push their former
dominions into indentured servitude.
Speaking at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic
Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said he was sure it would
not be too difficult for Russia to restore close
relations with Africa to the level of the
Soviet era when Moscow provided
the continent with ample
economic aid.
The Russian leader argued that African countries remember
Moscow’s help in the struggle for independence and that
Moscow had never acted as a colonizer. “Our
cooperation has always been based on
either mutual grounds or the desire
to help,” he said.
However, Putin noted that these countries remember not only
Soviet aid but also Western ruthlessness. As late as 1957,
“people from Africa were taken to Europe in cages… You
can’t watch that without tears. Children sitting in cages,
displayed for everyone to see,” Putin recalled. “No one
in Africa will ever forget it.”
The Russian president said the West has not abandoned its
subjugation attempts. “Even now --- they are trying to boss
around and pursue their generally neo-colonial policies,”
Putin said, explaining that Western countries have
imposed trillions of dollars worth of loans on
the region.''
''The West --- has concocted a credit system with African
countries, which “by definition - does not allow them to
pay back their loans. These, are not credit relations;
this is some kind of [punitive] indemnity,” he added.
However, Russia adheres to a different approach,
which gives it an advantage in fostering ties
with its partners worldwide, Putin argued.
Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed
out, that African countries are ready to talk with their
Western counterparts. However, the latter should
not expect spectacular results, if they reduce
dialogue to “patting on the back” while
failing to address the continent’s
“pressing needs.”
To foster closer ties with the region, Russia hosted a landmark
Russia-Africa forum in St. Petersburg this summer --- that
produced many bilateral agreements in various fields.
Dozens of African delegations also attended it despite
what Moscow described as “unprecedented pressure
from the West” to skip the summit.
Source: RT
___________________________________
African countries’ debts to
Russia ---- to be converted
into investments, projects
— MFA
September 12th, 12:03pm (TASS)
The debts African countries owe Moscow can be swept into
investments or certain development projects, Russian
Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Secretariat of
the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, Oleg Ozerov,
told TASS.
Asked whether the Russian side will write off the African
countries’ remaining debt, the diplomat said that "such
issues, are being discussed. As the French put it, au
cas par cas, which means each case is considered
separately if necessary. Sometimes.. this debt can
be swung into investments, or some development
projects. Why not? These issues are, of course,
naturally discussed. This is an international
practice, not only ours," he said.
Ozerov said in an interview with TASS in July that
Africa’s debt to Russia, had been 90% settled.
_____________________________________________
African Economic Leadership Council
calls on BRICS ------ to create
their own currency
September 11th, 3:14pm
(RT.ru)
BRICS countries need to develop their own currency for
trading within the bloc. This was stated by the Vice-
President of the African Economic Leadership
Council, Percy Morapedi Koji.
"We need a new currency - that will be beneficial to our own
conditions. It's time to do things the way we want them to
be done. We need to be able to choose who we want to
trade with," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.
According to Koji, the new currency will help
strengthen trade ties within the BRICS.
On September 1, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
said that 90% of the EAEU's trade turnover in 2023 will
be in national currencies.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova
said that, at the moment, de-dollarization is a reality,
as the dollar has become a problem currency.
_________________________________________________
President of Equatorial Guinea
will attend the G77 Summit
in Cuba
September 11th, 1:15pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang
Nguema, confirmed today his participation in the
Summit of the Group of 77 and China, to be
held in Havana, next Friday and Saturday.
The Summit constitutes an opportunity to work together for
the unity and determined action of the countries of the
South, added the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs on
its account on X, formerly Twitter.
Leaders and personalities from several countries confirmed
their participation in the Summit, which will be held under
the theme “The current challenges of development:
role of science, technology and innovation.”
This event constitutes an opportunity to continue advancing
in dialogue and agreement from the South, and a broad and
diverse space to agree on cooperation strategies, vital in
these times.
The meeting, called by the Cuban president and pro tempore
president of the bloc, Miguel Díaz-Canel, seeks to reinforce
the unity of the member countries, as well as decide on
collective and practical actions --- in the effective
confrontation of contemporary challenges.
Since January of this year, Cuba assumed, for the first
time, the temporary presidency of the Group with the
commitment to advance the common interests
of the South.
With 134 member states, the G77 plus China
represents 80% of the world’s population
--- and more than two-thirds of the
United Nations membership.
___________________________________
Somali Army expels radical
group from important city
September 11th, 11:49am
(Prensa Latina)
The Somali Army expelled the radical group Al-Shabab
from the strategic city of El Garas, in the central
state of Galmudug, a government source said.
The deputy minister of Information, Culture and Tourism,
Abdirahman Yusuf Al-adala, informed television media
--- that the extremist elements of the formation
considered terrorist, fled from the referred
demarcation, after government troops
began to surround the area.
After remarking that the achievement of removing Al-Shabab
from El Garas is an important victory for the Army, Al-Adala
assured that this entity has already started a cleaning
operation in the captured area to guarantee the
security of the inhabitants.
The new success of the military operation against the militant
group comes a day after more than 60 fighters of the radical
formation were eliminated by the military forces in the city
of Awghegle, in the southern region of Lower Shabelle,
according to an official report.
Both in the central and southern regions of the country,
military operations against Al-Shabab have intensified
in recent months, which, according to press reports,
suffered numerous casualties and losses of
logistics and weapons.
______________________________________________
Senator Dzhabarov: Europe has
