Africa Page

Putin discusses terrorist threat

in West Africa with Senegalese

counterpart

November 22nd, 7:40am

(TASS)

The threat of terrorism in the Sahel region was one of

the key topics in a telephone conversation between

Russian President, Vladimir Putin and his

Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou

Diomaye Faye, the Kremlin

press service reported.

"The leaders also discussed the situation in the Sahel

and broader West African regions, focusing on the

ongoing instability caused by the actions of

terrorist groups," the Kremlin said

in a statement.

In recent years, West Africa has been plagued by

the activities of Islamist terrorist mercenaries.

These groups have been attacking government

forces - across several countries. They also

receive support from Ukraine, a fact that

has been openly acknowledged by the

''official'' Kiev authorities.

Senegal shares a border with Mali, one of the West African
nations where the terrorists operate. In September 2023,
Mali, alongside Niger & Burkina Faso, became founding
members of the Alliance of Sahel States, a regional

collective defense organization.

The alliance was established to "create an African

space of sovereignty in the areas of security,

politics, geostrategy, and economics."

On July 6, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger

announced the formation of the Sahel States

confederation --- to deepen cooperation

and integration.

__________________________________

South Africa, guest of honour

at Havana Book Fair in 2025

November 21st, 3:41pm

(Prensa Latina)

The 33rd edition of the Havana International Book Fair

2025 will have South Africa as a guest of honour,
Juan Rodriguez, president of the Cuban Book
Institute (ICL), informed in Havana
on Thursday.

Scheduled from February 13th to 23rd under the theme

“Todo Un Pais En Libros” (A Whole Country In Books),

the literary event will be dedicated to the 25th

anniversary of the Territorial Editions System

and to the 130th anniversary of the death in

war action of Cuba’s National Hero,

Jose Marti.

Researcher and professor Francisca Lopez Civeria,

winner of the 2008 National History Prize and the

2022 National Social and Humanistic Sciences

Prize, and poet, essayist, researcher, and

literary critic Virgilio Lopez Lemus,
will also be honoured.

Rodriguez stressed the significance of having South

Africa - as the third African guest of honour, after

Algeria and Angola, at the usual main venue of

San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress, which

shares activities with 17 other places

in Havana.

He underscored that the two nations share a common

history and recalled the strong ties of friendship that

developed between late leader Nelson Mandela and

Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, in addition to all

the bilateral cooperation that has been fostered

since the fall of the Apartheid regime.

He noted that Cuba is proud of having South Afica

at the event, because, “Cubans carry Africa

in their hearts”

South African Ambassador to Havana, Yvonne

Nkwenkwezi, voiced her gratitude on behalf

of her country for such a designation,

which she considered an honour

and a commitment.

_________________________________

Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution Monday

calling for an immediate cease-fire in

the war between Sudan's military

and paramilitary forces

November 19th, 12:11pm

(Rédaction Africanews with AP)

Russia's deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky

told the Security Council that Moscow vetoed the

resolution because - “it should be solely the

government of Sudan” that should be

responsible for what happens
in the country.

The main problem with the resolution, he said, is its

“false understanding of who bears responsibility

for the protection of civilians in Sudan and for

border control and security control in the

country --- and who should decide to

invite foreign forces to Sudan.”

Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of arming

the RSF, which the UAE denies. U.N. experts said, in a

report earlier this year that the RSF received support
from Arab-allied communities - and new military

supply lines running through Chad, Libya

and South Sudan.

As for the government - Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, who

led a military takeover of Sudan in 2021, has received

Russian support and is a close ally of neighbouring

Egypt and its president, former army chief

Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

In February, Sudan’s foreign minister held talks

in Tehran, with his Iranian counterpart, amid

unconfirmed reports of drone purchases

for government forces.

Sudan's U.N. Ambassador, Al-Harith Idris, said his

country is ready to cooperate with all countries

who are --- ready to condemn the RSF and its
allied militias, stop the flow of weapons to

them --- and “respect the sovereignty

of Sudan through implementing a

plan to protect civilians.”

“Sudan --- is in an existential battle, where choices

are limited,” he said. “Either Sudan remains free,

independent and united, or it vanishes.”

_________________________________________

Russia working to expand

presence in Africa: expert

November 19th, 9:19am

(TASS)

Russia is actively expanding its presence in Africa,

and the countries of the continent could become a

testing ground for advanced Russian technologies,

Director of the Institute for African Studies of the

Russian Academy of Sciences, Irina Abramova,

said at a press conference.

"I believe that, in the current conditions Russia finds

itself, given the resources we have at our disposal,

we are indeed, making very active progress in the
African direction," she noted. "I always say that

one of the areas of our cooperation - should

be in the technological sphere, that is, the

transfer of Russian technologies -- which

demonstrates -- our special relationship

with Africa. Moreover, our technologies

are adaptable and can be applied there

and Africa can become a sort of place

for testing our Russian technologies."

The expert emphasized --- that Russian businesses are

now very interested in working in Africa. To facilitate

this, Abramova says that Russia needs to establish

effective mechanisms for public-private partner-

ships to successfully implement projects on

the continent.

"Our main mistake, is the lack of coordination between

the government, an development institutions such as

the Russian Export Centre, VEB, and others, and

entrepreneurs," she said.

"The public-private partnership formula, which should

form the basis of our relations, is still not working

very effectively."

Expanding cooperation - in all areas

Nevertheless, in Abramova's opinion, Russia has

succeeded in building an institutional structure

for relations with African countries.

"Just recently, our embassy was opened in Burkina

Faso, and - by 2026 - seven more new embassies

are planned to be opened in African countries,"

the expert noted.

She also added that, in addition to actively developing

relations in the political sphere - work is underway in

the economic and social sectors.

"Trade missions are opening ------ one has already been

opened in Ethiopia and Nigeria, and both are working

very actively. These countries are key for us, as

they are centres of development in Africa,"

the expert observed.

"New Russian Centres are opening -- not only within the

framework of Rossotrudnichestvo -- but there are also

many private initiatives being supported. Additionally,

60 Sunday schools have been opened, and each

of these Sunday schools has a Russian

language centre."

"We are steadily expanding our presence in Africa,

and of course, this should yield results,"

Abramova concluded.

________________________________

Russia awaiting Egypt's ratification

of industrial zone agreement

— minister

November 18th, 3:26pm

(TASS)

Russia eagerly awaits Egypt's ratification of an

intergovernmental agreement on creating a

Russian industrial zone around the Suez

Canal, Industry and Trade Minister

Anton Alikhanov told reporters.

"We are waiting for Egypt to ratify the agreement.

President el-Sisi said at the meeting in Kazan

that this issue would be reviewed at the

parliament’s session soon," the

minister said.

The intergovernmental agreement between Russia and

Egypt was signed in 2018. The project is stipulated to

last 13 years. Construction of the industrial zone was

set to start in 2020 but it was postponed due to the

coronavirus pandemic.

___________________________________________________

Russia, Republic of the Congo - sign

memorandum of naval cooperation

November 18th, 1pm

(TASS)

Russia and the Republic of the Congo have signed

a memorandum of naval cooperation, the Russian
defense ministry said, after a meeting between

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander

Fomin and National Defense Minister of

the Republic of the Congo, Charles

Richard Mondjo.

"On November 18, 2024, a working meeting between

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General

Alexander Fomin, & National Defense Minister of
the Republic of the Congo, Lt General Charles

[Richard] Mondjo, was held in Moscow. The

sides exchanged views on current issues

of Russian-Congolese military & defense

cooperation, discussed promising joint

projects in the defense sphere - and

outlined ways to implement them.

They also agreed --- to continue

close cooperation in all areas

of bilateral cooperation,"

the ministry said.

"The talks were held in a friendly atmosphere..... and

were crowned by the signing of an inter-ministerial
memorandum of understanding and cooperation

in the naval sphere, having reiterated Moscow

and Brazzaville’s commitment to the further

expansion of practical cooperation.''

___________________________________

Participation in Municipal

Elections in Libya

Exceeds 74%

November 16th, 4:57pm

(teleSUR)

The turnout at the municipal elections held on

Saturday in Libya, without security incidents,

exceeded 74% -- a rate rated “high” by the

National High Electoral Commission

(HNEC).

“The initial proportion of voters -- was 74% ......as the

screening and counting process continues and the

scheduling process begins tomorrow at UNHCR

headquarters,” the HNEC said.

Municipal elections in Libya... are held in two phases,

this first -- includes 29 municipalities in the western

region, 12 in the eastern region and 17 in the south
- both of the area administered by the Government

of National Unity (GUN) of Tripoli ..as of the one

controlled by the parallel Executive ---- under

the tutelage of Marshal Jalifa Haftar.

Abdulhakim al Shaab, a member of the aforementioned

electoral commission ---- reported that the counting,

grading and statistics process has already started

in all polling stations after they closed their doors

at 18:00 local time (20:00 GMT).

Preliminary results will be announced in two or three

days while the final ones will be revealed after the

appeal stage, which according to the law lasts

21 days, he added.

On the other hand, the head of the Government of

National Unity (GUN) --- Abdulhamid Dbeiba ------

confirmed after the close of the polls that the

“success” of the electoral process... went

“smoothly and safely, and represents a

further response ---- to calls for the

imposition of new transitional

stages -- as a condition for

holding elections”.

“The Libyans who use today’s ballot boxes --- to choose

who will manage their municipalities’ affairs are the

same people who can elect their legislative and

executive leaders - through them. Those who

are obstructing this popular will are those

who seek to extend their mandate by

not issuing fair and enforceable

electoral laws,” he said.

__________________________________

Ethiopia and China to

enhance ties...... with

law enforcement centre

November 15th, 12:21pm

(Prensa Latina)

Ethiopia and China agreed on Friday to establish a Law
Enforcement Cooperation Centre in this capital,

Addis Ababa, to maintain solid coordinated

cooperation and strengthen capacity

development and other issues.

The agreement followed a meeting between Ethiopia's

Federal Police Commissioner, General Demelash
Gebremichael, and Chinese Deputy Public

Security Minister, Qi Yanjun, to discuss

bilateral national issues.

During the meeting, both sides recalled previous

agreements signed to cooperate closely.... in

several fields, the local Federal Police said.

Gebremichael and Qi highlighted the fruitful results

achieved in transnational crime prevention,

extradition, capacity building, and

resource support.

The Addis Ababa City Administration Police

Commission and the Beijing Municipal

Public Security Bureau --- inked a

Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) on cooperation between

the two national security

institutions.

According to the source, the document will help

both parties to cooperate in exchanging

experiences and other issues.

_____________________________________

Kenya: Farmers fight against GMOs

November 14th, 12:10pm

(teleSUR)

In communities across Kenya, peasant organizations

are mobilizing to defend the right to healthy food

and reject GM crops.

In Karura, a region on the northern outskirts of Nairobi,

community leaders meet with the local peasant

communities - to explain the implications of

GMOs to small farmers, seeds introduced

into the country following a government

authorization to seed patenting by

food multinationals.

In a room with sheet and canvas walls, with the floor

of dirt - twenty Kenyans discuss strategies to resist

a threat they perceive, as imminent. For many, the

entry of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

means the loss of traditional seeds... the

cultivation methods learned from their

grandparents and the threat of an

agriculture dependent on big

corporations and bringing

harmful chemicals.

One of the keys to GMOs --- is their resistance to

agrochemicals that other herbs do not have, so

spraying products like glyphosate on crops
kills all competition, and allows intensive
production of the plantation of interest.

“Well water is here, the bath is there, everything

shares the same soil,” says Denis Wangila, one

of the representatives --- who debate the

sustainability of the places where

they live.

In this sense, the villagers are moving forward with the

organization of committees at different locations - to

gain organizational advantage against the advance

of the multinationals.

One of the most popular grassroots organisations in

the area is the Kenyan Peasant League (KPL),

which has managed to win temporary

victories in court by maintaining a

ban on GMOs until a final verdict

is reached.

However, the threat persists and

farmers --- continue to mobilize.

Recently, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision

to temporarily ban GMOs on the grounds that the

government did not guarantee adequate public

participation --- which the KPL considers

fundamental. ”The Constitution backs

us, we have a right to be heard,” adds

Susan Otawi of the Kenyan Peasant

League Women’s Collective.

In parallel, the campaign to collect signatures against

the introduction of GMOs is advancing strongly. In the

community of City Park - another point of resistance

in Nairobi, activists and farmers gather to collect

signatures and continue challenging the

government decision.

”We have not been given any guarantees of safety on
GMOs, and the government made this decision,

without consulting us. That is unacceptable,”

says one of the spokesmen.

The KPL maintains an active strategy based on legal

and environmental principles. The organization

supports its arguments in the UN Declaration

on the Rights of Peasants & Other Workers

in Rural Areas, and in Article 10 of the

Kenyan Constitution, which

establishes the right to

public consultation.

This legal framework has been the basis for their

struggle against the decisions of a government

that, according to its leaders, is more aligned

with the interests of multinationals than

with the needs of its own citizens.

For many of these farmers, the fight against GMOs, is a

battle for food sovereignty and the right to decide what

kind of food and farming methods they prefer for their

land. With a history of agroecological practices and

indigenous seed cultivation, the fear of farmers is

that the GMOs income will destroy the delicate

ecological balance and make communities

dependent on patented chemicals and

seeds ---- that only enrich the great

corporations of the global North.

“Hunger is not solved with GMOs, but with policies that

eliminate poverty,” insist the KPL, reiterating that the

seeds of the multinationals will not improve their

crops in the soils of Kenya, contrary to what

the government tries to make believe.

__________________________________

Sudan: Cholera Cases -- Rise to

30,880, Dengue Fever to 6,011

November 13th, 12:26pm

(teleSUR)

On Monday November 11, Sudan’s Health Ministry said

that the number of cholera infection cases in Sudan

has climbed to 30,880, while dengue fever cases

reached 6,011.

“The cholera epidemiological situation report revealed

the registration of 138 new cases, including two

deaths, bringing the total to 30,880 cases,

including 887 deaths,” the ministry

said in a statement.

The ministry said 72 out of the 138 new cases were

recorded in Gedaref State in eastern Sudan.

In addition, 91 new cases of dengue fever were

reported, all in Kassala State, raising the total

number of dengue fever cases in the country

to 6,011, including 12 deaths.

Kassala State -- is experiencing high rates of both

cholera and dengue fever, attributed to waves of

displacement from the eastern Gezira region in

central Sudan, as noted by Al-Fadil Mohamed

Mahmoud, director general of the ministry’s

Health Emergencies and Epidemic

Control Department.

The marked increase in cholera and dengue cases

is part of a broader health crisis in Sudan, where

fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces

and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces

has raged since April 2023.

Other epidemic diseases, including malaria

and measles, have also been spreading.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in

over 24,850 deaths and displaced millions of

people, according to the latest estimates

from international organizations.

_________________________________

Russia... wrote off

African countries’

debts

November 13th, 10:39am

(Prensa Latina)

Russia has written off debts of African states

worth 20 billion dollars, Deputy Foreign

Minister Mikhail Bogdanov informed

on Wednesday in an interview

with TASS.

Bogdanov...... who is also the Special Representative of

the President of Russia for the Middle East and African

countries added that those funds are being redirected

- among other things - to development projects under

the refinancing program.

The diplomat affirmed that these debts are being

used “to implement socio-economic projects

in those countries.”

Bogdanov also announced - that Russia will open

embassies in that continent’s several countries,

such as Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, and

South Sudan.

The deputy foreign minister recalled that an embassy

in Burkina Faso was just opened, and the possibility

of reopening embassies in some countries.. where

they were once closed, is also being considered.

_______________________________________

Mpox mortality decreases in DRC

November 12th, 11:31am

(Prensa Latina)

Mortality due to monkeypox (Mpox) has decreased in

the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaching

0.36 percent on November 4-9, Health Minister

Roger Kamba informed.

Kamba noted, that three people died out of 834

suspects and 81 confirmed Mpox cases during

the period, resulting in a mortality rate of

0.36 percent, much lower than the

previous week’s 1.6 percent.

In his update on the Mpox epidemic status in the

country, the minister stated that since the

epidemic broke out, 42,912 suspected

cases have been reported, 9,454 of

which have been confirmed and

1,132 deaths have been

recorded.

He specified that Kinshasa reported 123 active

cases, 56 of which are suspected cases and

67 have already been confirmed as

Mpox patients.

___________________________________

Foreign Ministry of PNE: Libya
is interested in joining BRICS

November 11th, 9:29pm

(RT.ru)

The Libyan side is interested in joining BRICS, and

the relevant possibility is being studied in the

country's government circles.

This was stated in an interview with TASS, on the

sidelines of the first Russia — Africa ministerial

conference by Acting Foreign Minister of the

Government of National Unity (PNE) of

Libya Taher al-Baur.

"In fact, we are currently studying the possibility of

joining BRICS in government circles. This requires

....a deep study and assessment of the benefits

that Libya will receive from joining the BRICS,"

the diplomat said.

Earlier, Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Cheong Lun

Lai said that the country has received an invitation

to join the BRICS as a partner.

It also became known that Belarus has

officially become a BRICS partner.

___________________________________

Al-Hajj: Russia can play a key role

in ending the conflict in Sudan

by Marina Sovina (Editor of the

Operational Information Dept)

November 9th, 11:16pm

(Lenta.ru)

Russia - can play a key role in ending the conflict in

Sudan because of its influence in Africa. This was

stated in an interview with RIA Novosti by the

Acting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of

the African country, Hussein Al-Hajj.

He stressed - that the end of the conflict is necessary to

ensure the security of neighbouring States - and Africa

as a whole. The interlocutor of the agency noted that

Russia, which has a significant influence on the

continent, can contribute to this.

"Some African countries are involved in the war from

the opposite side. Not directly, but mercenaries

coming from all over Africa," he said. Al-Hajj

pointed out that Moscow could explain to

these states ......how important the

sovereignty and inviolability of

Sudan's borders are.

__________________________________

Russia has signed 33 agreements

on military cooperation with

African countries

November 9th, 3:24pm

(RT.ru)

Russia has signed 33 agreements on military-technical

cooperation with African countries, said Anton

Kobyakov - Adviser to the Russian President

and the Executive secretary of the forum's

organizing committee for preparation

and holding of events in the

Russia-Africa format.

"To date --- Russia has signed agreements on

regular military-technical cooperation with

33 countries on the African continent,"

TASS quoted him as saying.

According to Kobyakov --- the role of a

security provider for Africa, is a vital

necessity for the country.

Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov

held working meetings with the defense ministers

of Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger, as

part of the Army 2024 forum.

_______________________________

African Union supports Luanda

Process for peace in DRC

November 9th, 1:21pm

(Prensa Latina)

The special envoy of the African Union (AU) for the

prevention of genocide, Adama Djeng, ratified the

support of the entity to the Luanda Process for

peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo

(DRC), Radio Okapi reported today.

After a meeting with the provincial governor of North

Kivu yesterday, Djeng said that implementing the

roadmap would help prevent mass crimes ---

and enable people to return to normal life.

He noted the steps taken in this direction, particularly

in the launching, last November 5th, of the Ad-Hoc

Reinforced Verification Mechanism, with the

participation of the foreign ministers of

the DRC and Rwanda.

‘The two foreign ministers - once again - committed

themselves to put everything in place so that there

will be peace, that crimes, which are extremely

serious, will cease’, he emphasized.

Djeng announced that he would meet with the

displaced populations to bring his solidarity,

and the message of compassion from the

African Union, through its president

Muhamed Musa Faki.

According to Radio Okapi, the envoy is also due to

meet in Goma with the authorities of the United

Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC

(Monusco).

__________________________________________

Russia affirms: that Ukraine

sponsors terrorist groups

in Africa

November 9th, 12:12pm

(Prensa Latina)

The Kiev government - openly - sponsors terrorist groups

in Africa, and Moscow will fight against this tendency,

said today the director of the department of threats

and challenges of the Russian Foreign Ministry,

Georgy Mikhno.

The diplomat stressed, Saturday, at the first ministerial

conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

that the Slavic nation, 'considers the practice of

cooperating with international terrorist groups

unacceptable - and will continue to fight

this evil by all available means’.

Late in July, the Russian-origin paramilitary

organization Wagner -- confirmed that its

fighters suffered casualties in clashes

with irregular armed groups in north-

eastern Mali between July 22 - 27.

The Malian army also reported

losses during the clashes.

On July 30, Senenews media reported that Malian

and Mauritanian authorities --- were investigating

the involvement of Ukrainian military instructors

on the side of the rebels in Mali in the year-long

conflict.

On Saturday, August 3rd, Senegal’s Foreign Ministry

summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to the country,

Yuri Pivovárov, for his expressed support for

fighters in northern Mali ----- who inflicted

heavy losses on government forces.

On the same day, nine Senegalese public organizations

said in a statement that a video released by Ukraine’s

military intelligence spokesman, Andrei Yusov,

confirming Kiev’s involvement in the attack

on Wagner in Mali - was further evidence

of Kiev’s support - for these irregular

armed groups.

They also condemned Ukraine for training fighters in

Africa -- and urged the international community to

hold Kiev accountable for its actions.

On August 20th the permanent missions of Mali, Niger

and Burkina Faso, called on the UN Security Council

to take action against Ukraine ---- for its support of

terrorism in the Sahel region.

____________________________________

Chad flooded by rains
and refugees

November 9th, 12:03pm

(Prensa Latina)

Almost six hundred Chadians died since last July

in Chad due to heavy rains, according to the UN

agency for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The tragedy is highlighted by another document of the

same entity.... on the unstoppable flow of refugees to

this Mediterranean country - halfway between North
and Central Africa, where 680,000 people displaced

by a civil war in Sudan, found refuge in its territory.

The increased death toll from the rains in Chad

recorded by OCHA is only partial because the

rainy season lasts until December, almost

two months during which - death hangs

like the sword of Damocles - over both

Chadians and expatriates, lacking

safe places to shelter.

The rains cover the 23 provinces of the country. Floods

have forced a mass of 503,000 residents to flee the

provinces of Lac, Mandul, Moyen Chari, and

Tandjilé, who are now wandering on the

roads... for places to settle.

In a separate report, the UN High Commissioner for

Refugees revealed that, in October alone, 60,000

Sudanese entered Chad, mostly children, fleeing

the more than a year-long civil war between the

Sovereign Transitional Council (CST) and the

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.

The Army supports the CST, led by General Abdel

Fattah al Burhan; the RSF are loyal to General

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, but both are

responsible for the conflict ---- [that has

pleased the Western powers elites] &

caused the largest refugee crisis

in Sudanese history, 12 million

human beings ---- and about

15,000 deaths, in addition

to the devastation of

the country.

________________________

Angolan President completes

Interior Ministry reshuffle

November 8th, 4:40pm

(Prensa Latina)

Angolan President, Joao Lourenco,

completed reshuffling the Interior

Ministry today by appointing two

new ministers for that portfolio.

On October 31, the president dismissed the then head of
that ministry, Eugenio Cesar Laborinho, as well as

the Secretaries of State for the Interior, Jose

Paulino Cunha da Silva, and for Technical

Guarantee, Carlos Armando Albino.

On the same date, he appointed Manuel Homem, who

was serving as governor of the province of Luanda,

to occupy the post of minister, but the other
posts remained vacant.

On Friday, the Presidency issued a decree in which the

President, in accordance with the Constitution and

after consultation with the National Security

Council, decided to move Commissioner

General Arnaldo Manuel Carlos, who

was the Commander General of the

National Police, to assume the

functions of Secretary of

State for the Interior

of the Ministry of

the Interior.

Meanwhile.... the Vice Governor of the Province of

Luanda for Technical Services and Infrastructure,

Cristino Mario Ndeitunga ---- was appointed as

Secretary of State for Technical Guarantee

of the same ministry.

Chief Commissioner Francisco Monteiro Ribas da Silva,

who served as Provincial Delegate of the Ministry of

the Interior and Provincial Commander of Luanda of

the Angolan National Police --- was promoted to

Police Commissioner General & promoted to

Commander General of the National Police.

These changes complete the overhaul initiated in the

Ministry of the Interior since October 25, when the

Director General of the Criminal Investigation

Service (SIC) and the Director General of

the Migration and Foreign Affairs

Service (SME) were dismissed.

_______________________________

Ethiopia, UN address

the challenges - of

organised crime

November 7th, 11pm

(Prensa Latina)

Representatives of the Ethiopian Government and the

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

today, discussed the pressing challenges posed

by transnational organised crime in the Horn

of Africa.

The Ethiopian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs --------

Mesganu Arga, & the UNODC Regional Representative

for East Africa Ashita Mittal, focused their discussions

on critical issues such as human trafficking, drug and

arms trafficking, the distribution of counterfeit goods,

smuggling, and money laundering, according to the

Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both sides stressed the importance of a joint approach

to tackling these interlinked threats, which threaten

the livelihoods of people in the region.

In this regard ----- Arga reiterated the Ethiopian

government’s willingness to work closely with

the international organisation ---- to address

these challenges in a coordinated manner.

For his part, Mittal stressed that the partnership

not only strengthens regional efforts --- but also

contributes positively to continental initiatives.

He pledged the UNODC’s continued commitment

to providing capacity building and technical

assistance to enhance the performance of

African national institutions in the fight

against transnational crime.

_____________________________________________

A way to reduce the incidence of malaria

in Mali by 10 times ------ has been found

November 7th, 3:25am

(TASS.ru)

The use of toxic sugar --- to eliminate malaria-carrying
mosquitoes - has reduced the incidence in Mali (West
Africa) by 10 times. Experiments were conducted for
several years by an international group of scientists

from Russia, Mali, Germany, Lithuania, and Israel,

the press service of the Russian Ministry of

Education and Science told TASS.

Despite the fact that great progress has been made

in the fight against malaria in the world, hundreds

of millions of people are infected every year, and

hundreds of thousands of them, die. The largest

amount of victims is among preschool children.

This problem is particularly relevant
for the countries of West Africa.

"One of the methods tested by scientists gave a good result
------ it allowed to reduce the number of malaria-carrying
mosquitoes from one person to another, by 10 times.

''The approach is based on establishing a network
of stations, in the villages of Mali. There were
traps filled with lures in the form of toxic

sugar," the report says.

As a comparative analysis showed, in villages with

traps, the number of mosquitoes was much lower

than in control settlements where bait was

not used.

The data obtained by the researchers will form

the basis of recommendations ----- that will be

developed by the World Health Organization.

______________________________________

Zambia: Recruitment of 3,000

Police Officers Ahead of

General Elections

November 6th, 3:49pm

(teleSUR)

On Wednesday ---- the head of the police in Zambia

appealed to the government for the recruitment

of 3,000 new officers ahead of the 2026

general elections.

Raphael Musamba, the inspector-general of the Zambia

Police, said the recruitment of more police officers

was needed in order to provide adequate peace

ahead of the elections.

“As you may be aware ----- the maintenance of peace and

security during election periods ---- is a mammoth task,

requiring more police officers, as some of our citizens

take advantage --- to bring anarchy and instability to

the nation,” he said during a pass-out parade

of 1,528 new police recruits.

The police chief appealed to the government for funds

to recruit more officers in readiness for the general

elections ---and pledged that the police are

committed to ensuring security and

peace in the country.

President Hakainde Hichilema said the government

recognized the need for a robust police service in

the maintenance of peace and security.

In a speech read for him by Minister of Home Affairs

and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu - the Zambian

president said the government --- is committed to

ensuring a well-trained and professional police

service. He acknowledged - that the demand

for policing services has continued to grow

largely due to population increase as well

as rising economic and social activities.

In a ministerial statement presented to parliament

in November last year, Mwiimbu said the police

service in Zambia --- has a total of 21,944

officers policing a population of about

20 million people, representing a

policing ratio --- of one police

officer, to 894 citizens.

_________________________________________

Sudan: Cholera Cases Rise to 30,880,

Dengue Fever to 6,011

November 6th, 1:39pm

(teleSUR)

On Tuesday, Sudan’s Health Ministry said that the

number of cholera infection cases in Sudan has

climbed to 30,880, while dengue fever cases

reached 6,011.

“The cholera epidemiological situation report

revealed the registration of 138 new cases,

including two deaths, bringing the total to

30,880 cases ----- including 887 deaths,”
the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said 72 out of the 138 new cases were

recorded in Gedaref State in eastern Sudan.

In addition, 91 new cases of dengue fever were

reported, all in Kassala State, raising the total

number of dengue fever cases in the country

to 6,011, including 12 deaths.

Kassala State - is experiencing high rates of both

cholera and dengue fever, attributed to waves of

displacement from the eastern Gezira region in

central Sudan, as noted by Al-Fadil Mohamed

Mahmoud, director general of the ministry’s

Health Emergencies and Epidemic

Control Department.

The marked increase in cholera and dengue cases

is part of a broader health crisis in Sudan, where

fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces

and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces

has raged since April 2023.

Other epidemic diseases, including malaria

and measles, have also been spreading.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in over

24,850 deaths and displaced millions of people,

according to the latest estimates from

international organizations.

_________________________________

South Africa: Minister for Harnessing

Africa’s Renewable Energy Potential

November 6th, 1:35 pm

(teleSUR)

On Wednesday, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity

and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, called on

African countries - to harness the potential of

Africa’s rich renewable energy resources to

forge an inclusive and sustainable path for

the continent.

He made the call, when delivering a keynote address

at the opening ceremony of the 2024 African Energy

Week, held in Cape Town from Nov. 4 to 8 under the

theme “Invest in African Energies: Energy Growth

through an Enabling Environment.”

“Africa’s potential for renewable energy --- is unmatched

globally,” Ramokgopa stressed --- in his address. “The

continent... is rich in diverse renewable resources,

each offering a path toward sustainable growth

that is less dependent on fossil fuels and more

aligned with global climate commitments.”

He further noted that Africa’s renewable resources

offer a solution to energy poverty and a strategic

advantage in supporting local industries and

value-added activities.

“If coupled with the right policies ----- the transition to

renewable energy can drive African industrialization

by enhancing the beneficiation of critical minerals

essential for both the renewable and high-tech

industries globally,” Ramokgopa said.

“This path --- also strengthens Africa’s geopolitical

positioning in the global clean energy transition..

making the continent not just a provider of raw

materials -- but a central player in the entire

value chain,” he added.

The minister also promised that South Africa will use

its presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) in 2025

to champion Africa’s energy priorities on a

global platform.

“In leading the G20, South Africa will focus on strategic

interventions to address Africa’s unique energy needs

and support a resilient inclusive future,” beneficiated

Ramokgopa, adding that these interventions will

position Africa as an active participant in the

global energy transition, while addressing

the continent’s development needs.

_______________________________________

Rosatom ready to sign documents

during African Energy Week

November 5th, 2:28pm

(TASS)

The African Energy Week (AEW) is an important forum

for Rosatom, a spokesperson of the Russian state

nuclear corporation told TASS at the forum.

"Rosatom is taking part in AEW activities - for

the second year in a row; this conference is

important for us," the spokesperson said.

"The delegation of the state corporation comprises

over thirty people. Rosatom has also staged its
display at the exhibition - as part of AEW. We

proactively take part in various meetings
and intend to sign a number of
documents," he added.

"Rosatom acts - as a key partner of the African Energy

Week," another spokesperson of the corporation said.

"Rosatom speakers - will present competencies

of the state corporation and energy solutions

adapted to Africa’s energy needs --- as part

of the business program," he added.

_____________________________________

NPP safety system key component ---

delivered for El Dabaa plant in Egypt

— Rosatom

November 5th, 12:03pm

(TASS)

A key component of the nuclear power plant's safety

system, the so-called "melt trap" ......has been

delivered to the El Dabaa NPP construction

site in Egypt ---- the press service of

Atomstroyexport (ASE, Rosatom's

engineering division) reported.

The vessel with the melt trap left the port of

Novorossiysk in October. Thanks to early

construction readiness.. at power unit

No. 4 ---- the device arrived in Egypt

ahead of schedule, the report says.

The total weight of the melt trap is more than 700 tons,

the weight of the hull is 155 tons. Specialists plan to

begin installation of the device by the end of

this year.

According to Vice President of JSC ASE, Director of the

El-Dabaa NPP construction project, Alexey Kononenko

---- the construction of power units, according to the
VVER-1200 design, is a well-established process

for Rosatom.

"We have moved from individual unique projects --- to

an industrial flow-line construction. Today we are

receiving the fourth "trap" for the El Dabaa NPP.

This means that - very soon - we will begin

installing the casing of the device at the

fourth power unit. I would like to note

that in 2023 we installed "traps" at

power units No. 1 and No. 2, and

in 2024 - at power unit No. 3.

''The installation of the "trap" at power unit No. 4 this

year, will show the stability of our process - two

"traps" per year. We are successfully working

on the simultaneous construction of all four

power units of the 1st Egyptian NPP, using

advanced technologies -- and modern

engineering solutions" -- Kononenko

said as quoted by the press service.

El-Dabaa is the first nuclear power plant in Egypt to be

built by Rosatom in the Matrouh Governorate on the

shores of the Mediterranean Sea - about 300 klms
northwest of Cairo. This is Rosatom's first major

project in Africa. By 2028, the state corporation

will build four units of the plant with VVER-1200

reactors, & will supply nuclear fuel throughout

the life cycle of the NPP (60 years), as well as

provide training, maintenance and repair

services for 10 years after the start-up

of each unit.

''The contract also provides for the construction of

the first module of dry containerized storage of

spent nuclear fuel by 2028. Egypt expects the

NPP to reach full capacity by 2030.''

_______________________________________

Rebels capture strategic town in

eastern Congo bordering Uganda

November 5th, 6:17am (TASS)

Militants from the March 23 Movement (M23) have

seized Kamandi-Gite - a key town in the eastern

Democratic Republic of the Congo’s North Kivu

province which borders Uganda, South African

radio station SABC reported.

According to the report, M23 forces captured the town

following clashes with the Wazalendo movement ----- a

coalition of rebel groups allied with the official armed

forces. As a result, residents of Kamandi-Gite, a town

with a population of 30,000, and its surrounding

settlements - have begun fleeing.

M23 units resumed their offensive in North Kivu, in

mid-October, capturing over ten major settlements.

While the hostilities have mainly involved fighting

between the M23 and Wazalendo, there have

also been skirmishes between the rebels

and Congolese regular troops in several

areas. Neither side.. has announced an

official withdrawal from the ceasefire,

which has been in place between the

Congolese army and the M23 since

early August this year.

The March 23 Movement was formed in 2012 by

deserters from the Congolese army. The M23

resumed its offensive in eastern Congo in

January 2021 and has since gained

control of several settlements in

North Kivu. The Congolese

government ---- accuses

Rwanda of supporting

the rebels.

The Wazalendo movement was established

last year to support Congolese forces in

the country’s eastern regions.

______________________________

The President of Nigeria... released teenagers

who were threatened with the death penalty

November 4th, 8:01pm

(Vesti.ru)

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release

of all the minors facing the death penalty for treason

charges, after participating in the protests. This

was reported by the Punch newspaper with

reference to the Minister of Information

& National Orientation of the country

- Mohammed Idris Malaga.

"The President ---- has ordered the immediate release of

all minors who were arrested by the Nigerian police,"

the newspaper quoted the minister as saying.

The Nigerian president, Malaga added, also ordered

that the teenagers be taken immediately to their

parents or guardians and "taken care of, for

their well-being."

Tinubu also demanded to conduct a comprehensive

investigation of the incident and bring to justice

the security forces responsible for the

detention of minors.

In August 2024, Nigerians staged a series of protests

under the slogan "End bad governance". In response

to the demonstrations, the Nigerian security forces

arrested 76 people, 30 of them teenagers

between the ages of 14.. and 17. The

detainees were charged with high

treason, destruction of property,

organization of public disorder

and rebellion.

_______________________________

Ambassador Evdokimov: Russia monitors

reports of US troop movements in Benin

November 3rd, 1:47am

(RT.ru)

The Russian diplomatic mission in Cotonou is

monitoring reports of the relocation of US

troops from Niger, to Benin, the Russian

Ambassador to Benin and Togo, Igor

Evdokimov said in an interview

with RIA Novosti.

According to him, until now Cotonou has

not given his comments on this issue.

"We, unlike our Western colleagues, recognize

the right of Cotonou - to freely choose its

partners in the field of defense and

security," the diplomat said.

In the summer, AES INFO reported that the
US may establish military bases in Benin,

Ivory Coast and Ghana.

__________________________________________

Russian delegation to participate

in African Energy Week forum

November 2nd, 1:52pm

(TASS)

The Russian delegation headed by Deputy Energy

Minister Roman Marshavin will take part in the

African Energy Week in Cape Town --- from

November 4 to 8, 2024, the Roscongress

Foundation said.

Representatives of Russian energy and financial

companies, such as Gazprom, Lukoil, Rosatom,

Sberbank, Gazprombank and others will be

among delegation members.

"Russian companies have a wealth of experience that

they can offer to African countries, especially in the

oil and gas industry. As one of the world’s largest

oil and gas producers, Russia has demonstrated

a strong commitment to sharing its experience,

investments, and knowledge around the world,

and Africa is a priority market in this regard,"

the Foundation said.

"One of the most important elements of cooperation

between Russia and the countries of the African

continent is the development of energy

infrastructure in Africa.

''Joint work in this sector contributes to the Sustainable

Development Goals --- of ensuring universal access to

affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.

''Russia is a leader among the world’s largest energy

systems in the production of low-carbon electricity,

a fact that is especially important for our African

partners," Adviser to the Russian President

Anton Kobyakov said in a comment.

The African Energy Week serves as a platform

to consolidate the African-global partnership.

"With over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and

620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Africa

has great prospects for exploration and production.

Development is moving along at a rapid pace, and

Russian investments & partnership agreements

will only accelerate this progress and ensure

the success of joint oil and gas projects,"

the Foundation added.

"Russia is a reliable partner for African countries, and

Russian companies - can play a far greater role

throughout the continent. From spearheading

high-impact oil and gas developments..... to

collaborating on key energy infrastructure

projects and supporting policymaking

and skills development, Russia has

demonstrated its commitment to

the energy sector - and to the

development of Africa,"

Executive Chairman of

the African Energy

Chamber.... NJ

Ayuk said.

_______________________________

Sudan: OCHA Reports 124 dead and

119,400 displaced in Aj-Jazirah

October 31st, 1:59pm

(teleSUR)

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA) reported on Thursday that 124 people have been
killed and 119,400 displaced from the AJ-Jazirah area,

in eastern Sudan ------ due to the increase in clashes
between the Army --- and the paramilitary group
Rapid Support Forces over the past ten days.

''The armed attacks left at least 124 dead, including at
least 10 children, some as young as 10 years old,

while at least 43 others were injured'', said

Catherine Russell, executive director of

the United Nations Children’s Fund

(UNICEF).

The United Nations... also reported on serious human

rights violations committed not only during the last

day --- but throughout the Sudanese conflict.

Among the most persistent human rights violations -

according to UNICEF and the Sudanese Ministry of

Health - is sexual abuse. More than 27 women

aged 6-60 years were reported to be abused.

OCHA also expressed concern about the Sudanese

medical services, which are on the verge of

collapse due to conflict and violence

against health personnel.

International organizations and NGOs have also

denounced the issue of displaced persons,

which are estimated at over 100,000

during the last weeks and over

10 million in the last year

of conflict.

Sudan faces the consequences of clashes between

the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces,

a paramilitary group. The battles.... have affected

dozens of cities including the capital, Khartoum.

According to press reports, bloody clashes have

occurred in North (West) Darfur, where both

sides are accused of crimes which have

been considered by OCHA as crimes

against humanity.

According to the UN, Sudan has become

the country with the largest internal

displacement crisis in the world.

__________________________________

Djibouti daily highlights visit of

Minister of Justice to Cuba

October 30th, 10:39am

(Prensa Latina)

The Minister of Justice and Penitentiary Affairs in

charge of Human Rights of Djibouti --- Ali Hassan

Bahdon, visited Cuba to strengthen cooperation

with judicial institutions on the Caribbean

island, La Nation daily reported.

At the invitation of his Cuban counterpart ---- Oscar

Silvera Martínez, Bahdon led a delegation.... made

up of the President of the Court of First Instance,

Omar-Said Ahmed Mohamed, the judge and

inspector of judicial services, Mohamed

Soultan Mohamed, and they were

accompanied by the Djiboutian

Ambassador in Havana ---

Nasser Mohamed Ousbo.

The ministerial visit that took place last week, began

with an interview between the two ministers during

which, Bahdon conveyed a message of solidarity

& support from President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh

--- in a period marked by the crisis in the

electricity system that for several

days, affected Cuba.

For his part, Silvera Martinez warmly welcomed

the message and promised to convey it to the

Cuban President, Miguel Díaz-Canel.

The two parties signed two agreements, including

the Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons

between Djibouti and Cuba, which will be

reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and the National People’s

Power Assembly of the two

countries.... before its
entry into force.

The other initialled document was the immediately

applicable Cooperation Agreement between the

Ministries of Justice, which forms the basis for

technical cooperation ---- covering training,

digitization, the exchange of experience

in the judicial and penitentiary field,

and professional immersion.

______________________________

South Africa, Iran, mark

30 years of relations

October 29th, 7:12pm

by Hassen Seria

Press TV, Cape Town

South Africa and Iran --- are
celebrating three decades
of relations.

The two countries re-established relations --- after

the African nation defeated the Apartheid regime.

____________________________________________________

South Sudan: Cholera Outbreak

in Refugee Camp Declared

October 29th, 1:33pm

(teleSUR)

The minister disclosed, that the Ministry of Health and

WHO have taken steps to manage the cases reported,

adding that they are ensuring that every contact on

the ground is followed up.

On Monday, South Sudan’s Ministry of Health declared

a cholera outbreak in the congested Renk transit

camp in the northern Upper Nile State, which is

currently hosting people fleeing conflict from

neighbouring Sudan.

Yolanda Awel Deng, the minister of health -- said that

they have since Sunday confirmed 49 cholera cases

among refugees, returnees and the host community.

“The Ministry of Health is aware --- of the difficult

conditions refugees and returnees face, such as

overcrowding and poor water and sanitation,

which can lead to outbreaks; however, the

ministry is working with health and water

sanitation and hygiene cluster partners

on the ground to ensure that the risk

of the outbreak spreading is

minimized,” Awel said, in a

joint statement with WHO,

issued in Juba the capital

of South Sudan.

The minister disclosed, that the Ministry of Health and

WHO have taken steps to manage the cases reported,

adding that they are ensuring that every contact on

the ground is followed up. She urged communities

to practice good and safe behaviours, such as

consistent handwashing, the use of latrines,

and proper food handling, throughout the

outbreak season.

The declaration of the cholera outbreak comes after

reports of 44 suspected cholera cases ..and six

laboratory-confirmed cases on Oct. 23 in Renk.

It follows a meeting with President Salva Kiir

aimed at securing government support for

better access to the affected areas.

The ministry said that the first suspected case, was

reported on Sept. 28 after the Renk County Health

Department got a report of a suspected cholera

patient at Renk’s point of entry.

Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO representative for South

Sudan, believed the announcement by the Ministry of

Health about the outbreak enables the public to take

prevention measures and helps health partners

take the necessary steps to contain it, and

unlocks the required resources for

fighting the outbreak.

Karamagi said.. that the UN health agency remains

committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in

enhancing disease surveillance, improving

response coordination and ensuring the

availability of medical supplies.

“This includes assistance with case management,

laboratory testing, sample collection,

transportation, and follow-up.”

South Sudan is currently hosting more than 810,000

individuals, including returnees and refugees who

fled fighting in mid-April 2023 in neighboring

Sudan, according to the UN Refugee

Agency ...or UNHCR.

__________________________________

Russia, Tanzania - have potential

in energy cooperation -- minister

October 29th, 5:46am

(TASS)

Russia’s Economic Development Minister Maxim

Reshetnikov has noted the potential of energy

cooperation between Russia and Tanzania,

including the areas of the peaceful atom -

renewable energy & mineral production,

he said, at the opening of a business

forum between Russia & Tanzania.

Agriculture, pharma, digitalization of the economy,

urban environment and tourism are also the focus

of attention, the minister added.

_________________________________

Cuba & Ethiopia assess
their trade potential

October 26th, 10:27am

(Prensa Latina)

The charge d'affaires of the Cuban Embassy here ---

Natalys Dinza, and the Chairman of the Chamber of

Commerce and Sectoral Associations of Ethiopia,

Sebsib Abafira, today.. addressed the potential
of collaboration between the two nations.

Abafira highlighted the ties of friendship between

the two governments and his desire to expand

cooperation ties with the island in several

fields, the Cuban Embassy reported.

In turn.... Dinza extended an invitation to the Ethiopian

Chamber to attend the 40th Havana International Fair

to be held next November, as a way to explore new

forms of bilateral collaboration.

The meeting was also attended.... by the secretary

general of the Chamber of Commerce, Kenenisa

Lemi Debela, who assured her participation in

the exhibition event in the Cuban capital.

_____________________________________

UN agencies call for access

to Sudan - to address crisis

October 26th, 10:24am

(Prensa Latina)

Access limitations in Sudan are hampering the ability

to deliver supplies and protection to the most

vulnerable communities, United Nations

agencies warned today --- calling for

ways to help this conflict-troubled

African country.

In a joint statement, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

raised their alarm and called for access to

effectively monitor the delivery of aid

and ensure that it reaches its

intended recipients.

The agencies stated that at least 14 Sudanese

regions are on the brink of famine, while in

Zamzam camp in North Darfur, famine

conditions have already

been confirmed.

UNHCR and UNICEF estimate - that 3.7 million children

under 5 will suffer from severe acute malnutrition this

year and are in urgent need of life-saving treatment.

The country is experiencing the worst displacement

crisis on the planet ---- with over 10 million people

forced to flee their homes, even several times.

International agencies further estimate that over

800,000 refugees are within its borders.

Without sustained international support, including

attention to a political way of addressing the

conflict and the removal of bureaucratic

and security obstacles, the situation

will continue to worsen, the

agencies said.

______________________________________

Cuba reaffirms commitment to

health collaboration in Angola

October 26th, 10:18am

Luanda, Oct 25

(Prensa Latina)

Cuba's Health Minister, Dr. José Angel Portal, today

reaffirmed his country's commitment to continue

providing health cooperation with Angola and

thus contribute to the welfare of the people.

Portal ---- who toured two reference hospitals in Luanda

on Friday... was pleasantly impressed by the conditions
of these institutions - with 1st-rate technology placed

free of charge at the service of Angolans in addition

to good organization, the development of work

teams and a high scientific level.

The Cuban minister remarked that this shows the full

intention of the country’s leadership and the Health

Ministry to continue defending life, and assured he

his Angolan counterpart, Sílvia Lutucuta, of the

commitment to continue cooperation and to

study ways to expand it.

At the same time, he reiterated that Cuba has the

capacity to train specialists in different fields,

since it is currently working on training

courses in 64 specialties, in addition

to Master’s and Doctorate studies.

Another field for exchange can go in the direction

the Cuban... biotechnology and pharmaceutical

industry and take advantage of an agreement

signed a year ago by the drug regulatory

agencies of both countries, he

further said.

Portal, who toured the Cardeal Dom Alexandre do

Nascimento Cardiopulmonary Diseases Hospital

Complex and the Dr. Victoria Do Espirito Santo

Pediatric Hematology Institute, expressed

satisfaction for visiting Angola for the

second time.

He added that it has been especially relevant to

have been able to get to know closel -, health

care facilities ....where there is an important

participation of Cuban health professionals

together with the Angolans, giving their

contribution for the health and life of

the people.

_______________________________________

African Union - reaffirmed call to

lift sanctions against Zimbabwe

October 25th, 11:10am

(Prensa Latina)

The chairman of the African Union Commission,

Moussa Faki Mahamat, today renewed the

continental organization's call - for the

immediate and unconditional - lifting

of all remaining sanctions imposed

against Zimbabwe.

Through an official communiqué -- Mahamat reiterated

the call on the ocassion of the Day against Sanctions

that the Southern African Development Community

declared this October 25th, at its 40th Summit.

He acknowledged... the engagement with the EU

through political talks and, in this regard,

encouraged all parties to continue a

constructive exchange ------ with a

view of - removing the remaining

sanctions against Zimbabwean

institutions and individuals.

He expressed concern about the negative impact of

continued sanctions against the African nation - on

socio-economic development and recovery efforts.

Mahamat reaffirmed the African Union’s full support for

the actions and position taken by SADC on the issue.

The illegal and unjust measures imposed by the US

and EU for over two decades -- violate the basic

human rights of all Zimbabwean citizens.

________________________________________

Putin welcomes the African

Union's entry into the G20

October 24th, 7:08pm

(Izvestia.ru)

Russia ..welcomes the African Union's entry into the

G20. Russian President Vladimir Putin said this at a

meeting with Mauritanian President Mohamed

Ould al-Sheikh al-Ghazouani in Kazan

on October 24th.

"We welcome the entry of the African Union into

the G20 as a full member. For our part, we fully

support this process," Putin said.

He noted that Russia's trade turnover with Africa... is

growing from year to year. For example, in 2023, the

increase was more than 30%, and in January-July

2024, compared to the same period last year,

the indicator increased by another 25%.

The African Union, which unites 55 countries on the

continent, became a permanent member of the

G20 on September 9th, 2023.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that

this will allow Africa to fully participate in shaping

the international agenda and in the work of

global governance mechanisms.

_________________________________________

Rise of mobile payments, transfers,

and bank cards: How Algeria is

moving to digital payments

by François Chignac

October 24th, 3:08pm

(africanews)

Algeria is moving towards a digital payments

system. The country saw a 71% increase

in digital financial transactions in

the first quarter of 2024.

The government's push for a modernised financial

infrastructure ---- aims to improve efficiency

and transparency.

Algeria's evolving payments landscape represents

an important step towards a more connected,

cashless economy.

______________________________________

Elon Musk's Starlink boosts

------ internet in Zimbabwe

October 24th, 2:56pm

(africanews)

Despite being ranked among the countries with the

highest data costs, the arrival of Starlink in

Zimbabwe has compelled internet

providers to restructure their

services and lower prices.

____________________________

Nigeria: Transforming
Cassava Farming

October 24th, 2:56pm

(africanews)

Cassava, a vital crop in Nigeria's economy, is being

transformed into high-quality products ------ at a

processing unit in Oyo, Southwest Nigeria.

This local unit is reducing the country's reliance

on imports and turning raw cassava into

export-ready products.

________________________________________

Ethiopia's role in world affairs

increases, Putin believes

October 24th, 8:44am

(TASS)

Russian President Vladimir Putin predicts

that Ethiopia's role in global affairs

will continue to grow.

"Ethiopia..... has actively engaged in the work of BRICS.

I am confident --- it will contribute to our association's

efforts in the future, given the pace of your country's

development and its increasing significance both in

Africa and worldwide," the Russian president said

during the meeting in the Outreach/BRICS Plus

format --- after listening to the speech of the

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.

Ethiopia joined BRICS on January 1, 2024, alongside

Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi

Arabia. Previously..... the association included

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

______________________________________________

Russia attaches special importance

--- to strengthening relations
with Africa, Putin says

October 22nd, 11:57am

(TASS)

Russia attaches great importance to strengthening ties

with African countries, Russia's President, Vladimir

Putin said - in opening remarks at a meeting with

his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa,

in the Kazan Governor’s Palace in the Kazan

Kremlin, on the sidelines of the BRICS

Summit on Tuesday.

"Russia attaches a special importance to strengthening

relations with countries on the African continent, as it

works with them toward putting into practice joint

documents adopted at the Russia-Africa summit

in St. Petersburg, namely, the declaration and

the action plan until 2026," the Russian

leader said.

Russia looks forward to receiving South Africa’s top

diplomat at the first ministerial conference of the

Russia-Africa Partnership Forum to be held in

Sochi on November 9-10, Putin added.

Commenting on international issues, the Russian

leader said: "Russia and South Africa.. mostly

coordinate their efforts in the international

arena with a view to establishing a just,

multipolar world order."

"As regards bilateral relations --- they are based on the

principles of a comprehensive strategic partnership,

equality and mutual respect," he concluded.

___________________________________________

WHO declares Egypt malaria-free

after 100-year effort

October 21st, 5:33pm

(africanews)

Egypt has officially been declared free of malaria by

the World Health Organization (WHO), a major

success for the country. The WHO called

this achievement "truly historic."

Malaria has been a problem in Egypt, for thousands of

years, but now the disease is part of the past. WHO

chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said,

"Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization,

but it no longer exists in the country."

Egypt started working to get rid of malaria nearly 100

years ago. To be declared malaria-free, a country

must show that no local transmission of the

disease has happened for at least 3 years.

Malaria still kills over 600,000 people every year,

mostly in Africa. But Egypt is now one of 44

countries and one territory around the

world that have eliminated

the disease.

It is also the third country in the WHO’s Eastern

Mediterranean Region to achieve this, after

the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.

The WHO praised Egypt for its efforts but warned that

the country must stay alert to keep malaria from

returning. The organization explained that

Egypt's work to fight malaria... began in

the 1920s -- when they started limiting

crops like rice that attract mosquitoes.

Malaria is caused by a parasite carried by mosquitoes.

While vaccines are now being used in some areas,

the best ways to prevent malaria are still avoiding

mosquito bites & closely monitoring the disease.

___________________________________________

Fighting erupts in eastern DRC
- marking an end to ceasefire;
M23 take control of Kalembe

October 21st, 2:36pm

(africanews)

According to residents in the Democratic Republic

of Congo's north Kivu region, Fighting erupted

early Sunday between M23 rebels and

government-allied militia, leaving

more than a dozen civilians

wounded.

M23 then claimed they had seized

the town of Kalembe.

The fighting marks the end to an Angola-mediated

ceasefire deal between the Congolese army and

the M23, a group allegedly supported by

Rwanda, that was agreed in August.

But peace discussions between Kinshasa and

the Rwandan authorities have since ground

to a halt; fresh discussions are to be held

in the coming days.

Rwanda deems the Hutu extremist group, FDLR,

in eastern DRC --- to be a danger to its frontier.

The M23 rebels, mainly composed of Tutsi fighters,

have taken swathes of territory in eastern DRC

after their offensive began 3 years ago.

Millions have been forced from their

homes as a result of the fighting;

The violence has also triggered a humanitarian crisis,

with the north Kivu region --- hit particularly hard.

According to the Norwegian Refugee Council,

13.7 million children ------ are in need of

humanitarian assistance.

_______________________________________

Nigeria: Third National Grid Collapse

Leading To Nationwide Blackout

October 19th, 6:02pm

(teleSUR)

The Nigerian authorities revealed ---- that Saturday’s

national grid collapse, was caused by an explosion

of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission

station, & an associated cascade of power plants

shut down --- arising from the loss of load.

While the problem seemed to have been fixed, a recent

report reveals that the national grid has collapsed for

the third time this week.

The pattern of Nigerians enduring power outages

throughout the week appears to be ongoing,

as reports of another power grid break-

down surfaces.

The power grid in Nigeria, which has failed numerous

times during the year, broke down twice during the

week, leaving many households without power

for most of the week.

Nigeria’s national grid has collapsed for the third time

this week. However, the country’s power authorities

have noted that they are in the process of looking

for a lasting solution to the reoccurring

inconvenience.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission notes

with concern the recent escalating incidence of grid

disturbances often leading to marked outages in

several states.

The Commission stated that “However, efforts to

restore supply have advanced --- with power

significantly restored, as at 1300hrs,

in 33 states.

______________________________________

Protesters in Senegal rally

- for Lebanon, Gaza peace

October 19th, 3:34pm

(PressTV)

Protesters marched through Senegal's capital Dakar

on Saturday, protesting Israel's actions in Gaza and

Lebanon and calling for a ceasefire in the

escalating conflict in West Asia.

The demonstrators, many from Dakar's Lebanese

community, waved flags and carried banners

demanding peace. Protesters expressed

concern, over the conflict's spread

to Lebanon and Yemen.

Participants highlighted long-standing ties between

Senegal and Lebanon ---- emphasizing both their
Lebanese heritage and Senegalese citizenship.

They voiced solidarity with the Palestinians

and Lebanese affected by the violence.

The march featured posters --- showing destruction in

Gaza. Protesters urged stronger international action

to stop the violence --- and criticized what they

described as the unequal treatment of Israel

in global forums.

(Source: Agencies)

_______________________________

Putin predicts: that Southeast Asia

--- and Africa --- will become

centres of global growth

October 18th, 2:04pm

(Izvestia.ru)

Southeast Asia and Africa will become centres of global

growth. This was stated on October 18 by Russian

President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the

heads of leading media outlets of the

BRICS member countries.

"The formation of new development centres is the main

thing. And this development, according to experts

whom I trust and listen to -- will objectively

proceed, primarily, in the BRICS member

countries - South-East Asia and Africa,"

the Russian leader said.

He also stressed that economic growth in

these countries will outstrip the pace of

Russia, China and India itself.

Earlier in the day.... Putin said that the BRICS countries '

economic growth will increasingly depend on their

external influence, as their combined GDP

is $60 trillion.

In addition, it is expected that this year the average

economic growth in each member state of the

association will be 4%.

The General Director of the state corporation "Rosatom"

Alexey Likhachev said that the BRICS countries

occupy a leading place in the world in terms

of their influence in both the political and

economic aspects of life. In addition,

according to him... in the coming

decades --- the association will

become the largest consumer

and producer of electricity

on the planet.

On October 17---18, 2024, the Moscow World Trade Centre

hosts the Annual Meeting of the BRICS Business Council
and the BRICS Business Forum ------- dedicated to

strengthening cooperation for the sustainable

development of the economy and

international trade.

BRICS is an interstate association of countries. The last

summit at the level of the heads of its member states...

was held in Johannesburg in August 2023. As a result -

the BRICS members decided on an historic expansion.

From January 1, 2024, Brazil, Russia, India, China and

South Africa were joined by Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia

and the United Arab Emirates.

The association's summit in Kazan will be

held from October the 22nd to 24th, 2024.

_____________________________________________

BRICS can serve ---- as example of

a new reformed financial system:

Ethiopian prime minister

October 18th, 12:55pm

(TASS)

BRICS can serve as an example of a reformed

global financial system -- that meets the

interests of developing economies,

the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy

Ahmed said, during his speech

at the BRICS Business Forum.

"The current international financial architecture, does not

fully meet the aspirations of developing economies and

does not support the acceleration of sustainable

development. Therefore, we advocate ---- for a

comprehensive reform of the global financial

system in order to create a fairer structure,"

the prime minister noted.

From his point of view, "BRICS can serve - as a standard

example of a new reformed global financial system that

meets not only the needs of the member countries [of

the group], but also supports the development goals

and objectives of other developing economies."

The BRICS group has gone through two waves of expansion

since its founding in 2006. In 2011, South Africa joined the

original membership, which included Brazil, Russia, India

and China. In August 2023, six more countries were

invited to join the association, including Argentina,

but after the election of Javier Miley as president

in late December, it declined to join.

Five new members - Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates,

Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia - began full-fledged work in

BRICS on January 1, 2024.

Since January 1st, Russia took over the BRICS’ year-long

presidency. It will last until the end of the year and will

include more than 200 various events. The BRICS

summit in Kazan will be the association’s main

event during Russia’s presidency.

_______________________________________________

Angola: Malaria

Malawi: Usi 100 Days in Office - Experts

Give Him 70 Percent Delivery Rate,

Say He Has Gained Clout

October 8th

Nyasa Times (Leeds)

by Our Reporter

(AllAfrica)

Vice-President Michael Usi, yesterday, crossed the 100-

day mark in the role, & experts are saying; his growing

political and public service stature could make him an

asset to the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Political and governance analysts have since hailed Usi

for finding his own political identity as a people-centric

and local development-oriented leader who has shown

the potential to command a following.

President Lazarus Chakwera..... appointed Usi as the

country's Vice-President on June 20 2024 to replace

Saulos Chilima who died in a plane crash on June 10

2024 alongside eight others at Nthungwa on the

Nkhata Bay side of Viphya Plantation.

Usi, who clocked 110 days in office yesterday, has used

his position to push for increased access to National

Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) loans by

small-scale businesses.

He has also conducted surprise visits to some public

offices to improving working culture and efficiency

in service delivery while projecting himself as a

man of the people.

In his assessment in an interview yesterday, Human

Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) chairperson Gift

Trapence said Usi has tried to bring a sense of

professionalism in the public sector.

He said: "I would give him a 70 percent score. He has

been a balancing factor and was a good choice both

politically and administratively at a time when the
country lost a man that was the hope of

this country."

On his part, governance analyst George Chaima said he

found Usi's performance impressive, considering that

the UTM Party, which he leads by virtue of being

Chilima's running mate in the disputed 2019

Presidential Election, left the governing

Tonse Alliance less than a month

after his appointment.

In 2020, UTM and MCP were part of the Tonse Alliance,

which won the court-sanctioned fresh presidential

election on June 23 that year.

But in July this year, UTM secretary general, Patricia

Kaliati said the party was leaving the governing bloc

because MCP had undermined terms of the alliance.

Said Chaima --- "After the shake-up in the alliance, Usi

chose to continue serving Malawians by championing

pro-poor programmes and now he seems to have won

the support of the people."

However, Centre for Social Accountability and

Transparency executive director Wily

Kambwandira, said in a separate

interview that Usi can do better

in his role by focusing on public

sector reforms as a solution to

addressing service delivery

challenges.

UTM is set to hold a national elective conference on

November 17 this year where Usi could face

competition for the party presidency from

Kaliati, former Reserve Bank governor

Dalitso Kabambe, engineer-cum-

motivational speaker and

entrepreneur Matthews

Mtumbuka and UTM

patron.... Engineer

Newton Kambala.

In the face of the 50-percent-plus-one law as interpreted

by the High Court sitting as a Constitutional Court in

2020 and upheld by the Malawi Supreme Court of

Appeal, MCP is yet to find an alliance partner for

the September 16th 2025 General Elections,

making Usi's perceived growing political

capital crucial to the ruling party's

electoral calculations.

In separate interviews yesterday, political analysts

Wonderful Mkhutche and Chimwemwe Tsitsi, said

despite the strong start, Usi has his work cut out

for him to win back control of UTM and convince

the party's rank and file to support another

alliance with MCP.

Last week, Usi told a rally in Lilongwe that his role

and that of others in UTM Party is to ensure that

the legacy and vision of UTM Party founding

president Chilima, does not die.

Read the original article on Nyasa Times.

_____________________________________________

UN Security Council to meet

on crisis in DR Congo

October 8th, 8:57am

(Prensa Latina)

The UN Security Council will meet on the tense

humanitarian and security situation in the

eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

as threats to the Great Lakes

region increase.

According to the agenda, the meeting will include the

participation of the organization’s special envoy for

the region, Huang Xia, and coincides with

concerns about the progress of the

ceasefire agreement signed

in Luanda.

Despite peace initiatives, which were supported by

Angolan President João Lourenço, tensions

between the Democratic Republic of

Congo and Rwanda in the densely

populated Great Lakes area

have not been eased.

UN reports confirm the course of clashes between the

Congolese Armed Forces and the March 23 Movement

(M23) rebel group in North Kivu, the epicentre of the

conflict. According to the latest information, the

M23 has expanded its control to several areas

and laid siege to Goma, the provincial capital.

The United Nations Refugee Agency estimated that more

than 940,000 people have been displaced as a result of

violence by non-state armed groups in the first six

months of this year alone. As of today, more than

6.4 million people have been forced to flee their

homes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

threatening neighbouring countries and even

the region.

The Great Lakes region includes all of Rwanda, Burundi,

and Uganda, as well as parts of the Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya.

It is one of the most densely populated regions in

the world, with around 107 million inhabitants.

_________________________________________________

Burundi has announced its desire

to host a football match with the

Russian national team

October 7th, 6:31pm

(Izvestia.ru)

The Burundi national football team is ready to play a

friendly match with Russia. This was announced on

Monday, October 7, by the President of the Football

Federation of the African state, Alexander Muenge.

"We understand that politics interfering in sports now is a

big problem. Our national team is interested in a friendly

match with the Russian national team. However, the

match will depend on the conditions that can be

offered by the Russian Football Union,"

Muenge said.

The game may take place in November.

The Burundi national team is ranked 136th in the FIFA

World Cup rankings. The Russian national team is

in 34th place.

The training camp of the Russian national team began on

October 7 in the city of Novogorsk, Moscow region. The

last friendly match was held on September 5 with the

Vietnam national team. The match ended with the

victory of the Russian team with the score 3:0.

On October 7th, it became known that the Football

Federation of Tajikistan (FFT) on Monday refused

the offer of the Russian Football Union (RFU) to

host a friendly match of the national teams in

November, as it already had other

games planned.

__________________________________

Somalia: Former Somali Leaders Decry

Collapse of Mogadishu Talks, Accuse

President of Illegal Term Extension

October 7th

(Shabelle Media Network Mogadishu)

Former Somali leaders Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, Hassan Ali

Khaire, and Abdirahman Abdishakur have publicly

criticized the recent breakdown of reconciliation

talks between federal and state leaders

in Mogadishu.

They have accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

of orchestrating these talks as a cover for extending

his presidential term, an action they deem illegal.

In a joint statement, the trio vehemently opposed any

move towards extending the president's term,

recalling a similar controversy under the

previous administration which they

assert was rightfully rejected.

"We will use every legal avenue at our disposal to block

such unconstitutional maneuvers," the statement
read, emphasizing their commitment to
democratic processes.

The former leaders further accused President Mohamud

of misleading the populace with the promise of

implementing a "one person, one vote"

electoral system, which they claim

is merely a distraction --- from his

real agenda of clinging to power.

This criticism comes at a time... when Somalia's political

landscape is already fraught with tensions over security,

governance, and the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab,

now rebranded as Khawarij.

The condemnation coincides.... with reports of Al-

Shabaab's continued resilience, casting doubt on

government claims of nearing victory in the fight

against terrorism. Critics argue that the focus on

term extensions detracts from urgent issues like

national security, governance reforms, and the

broader stabilization of Somalia.

The international community has expressed concern

over these developments, with observers noting that

such internal strife could further destabilize Somalia,

especially as African Union forces are set to with-

draw by December, leaving the country's

security in a precarious state.

This political standoff not only challenges President

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's leadership but also

underscores the deep-seated governance

issues in Somalia, where the balance

between maintaining power.... and

advancing the nation's interests

seems increasingly delicate.

_______________________________________

Nigeria: How States Are Managing

Devastating Effects of Flooding

October 7th

(This Day)

Chuks Okocha explores how various Nigerian states

are managing the devastating effects of flooding.

State governors in Nigeria.... have ramped up efforts to

manage the widespread flooding affecting many flood-

prone regions. The flooding has caused significant

damage, particularly in states along the Rivers

Benue and Niger, impacting over 610,000

people, destroying key infrastructure,

and heightening the risks of food

insecurity and the spread of

infectious diseases.

More than 225,000 people have been displaced, with

201 deaths reported in 15 of the country's 36 states.

Approximately 300,000 hectares of farmland have been

submerged. In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in

the northeast, over 230,000 people have been

affected by floods after a dam collapsed

following heavy rainfall. This deluge

has obstructed access to health

facilities, schools, and markets.

The flooding in Maiduguri has impacted 14 health

facilities --- leading to outbreaks of acute watery

diarrhea, malaria & other water-borne diseases.

Malnutrition is also a major concern.

Governors of the affected states, as expected, have

risen to the challenge. The most recent example is

Kogi State's response. The federal government,

led by President Bola Tinubu, has provided

support, including financial and

logistical aid.

For instance, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo

authorized the formation of a Flood Disaster Response

Team in response to warnings that states along the

Rivers Niger and Benue were at risk of flooding.

This team will coordinate the state's flood response

strategies and implement the State Action Plan on

Flooding to minimize damage in communities

along the rivers.

Kogi, located at the confluence of these rivers, has a

history of severe flooding. The team will be led by

the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, and

include officials from various ministries.

In Benue State, between September 4 and 9, 2024, the

Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) --- in collaboration

with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency

(BENSEMA), identified 22 locations affected by floods.

Over 7,000 people in 1,089 households were displaced.

While 23% of the affected houses are habitable but in

need of repair, 13% are partially damaged, and 2%

are completely destroyed. Crop farming, a key

source of income, has been heavily impacted.

The Taraba State government - has also responded to the

risk of flooding, particularly with the imminent release of

water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. Governor Agbu

Kefas announced the creation of a flood control team

to manage emergency responses and prevent future

disasters. He emphasized the need for long-term

strategies, as outlined in the Taraba

Development Master Plan

2023-2050.

In Kwara State, the National Emergency Management

Agency (NEMA) warned of impending floods in five

local government areas: Pategi, Edu, Kaiama,

Asa, and Baruten. NEMA called on the Kwara

government to take proactive measures to

mitigate the risk.

Similarly, in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, local

governments have started educating residents on

how to prevent flooding. In Kebbi, local leaders

have been involved... in developing preventive

strategies, including the clearing of drainage

systems and encouraging tree planting to

combat erosion. The state plans to plant

one million trees to reduce flood risk.

Bashir Ahmad, director of information at the Ministry of

Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social

Development in Zamfara, highlighted the government's

collaboration with NiMet and other agencies to provide

early warning systems and take preventive measures.

NEMA's Sokoto operation has also emphasized the need

for early warnings and better preparedness in flood-

prone areas. The agency has been working with

stakeholders to ensure proactive responses

to flooding risks.

NiMet previously predicted that states such as Sokoto,

Zamfara, and Kebbi would experience early rainfall

between June 20 and July 7, 2023, increasing

the risk of flooding.

The federal government, through NEMA.... has mounted a

multi-sectoral emergency response in collaboration with

local health authorities -- and international partners like

WHO. In Jigawa, one of the worst-hit states, authorities

have converted public buildings and schools into

shelters and distributed essential supplies. WHO

has provided Jigawa with medical kits and anti-

malarial drugs, and similar support is being

sent to Bauchi and Kogi.

Dr. Mohammed Kainuwa, the Commissioner of Health for

Jigawa, expressed gratitude for WHO's contributions,

noting that they would help protect vulnerable

populations, including pregnant women

and children.

NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel warned that the

flooding could worsen as floodwaters move from

northern states towards the central and

southern regions of the country.

The flooding has caused significant damage, particularly

in states along the Rivers Benue and Niger, impacting

over 610,000 people, destroying key infrastructure,

and heightening the risks of food insecurity and

the spread of infectious diseases. More than

225,000 people have been displaced, with

201 deaths reported in 15 of the country's

36 states. Approximately 300,000

hectares of farmland have

been submerged

_________________________________________

Tunisia gears up for October 6th

Presidential election

October 4th, 5pm

(africanews)

As Tunisia is drawing ever closer to its Presidential

election on October 6th, there are mixed feelings

among the country's youth towards politics and

the vote itself.

Citing a lack of opportunity, some aspire to move abroad.

Seddik Malki, a fruit vendor, says, “I want to tell the

youth: leave through the sea; there is nothing that

keeps us here in Tunisia... I have no future here.”

Meanwhile, others are hopeful,, that the election will

bring about change. "I hope that whoever wins the

presidential elections will fix the country and pay

attention to the youth, especially the high cost

of living,'' Lotfi Hamdi, a 32-year-old street

vendor, says.

Current president Kais Saied is seeking another term

in the upcoming election. With his major opponents

in prison or barred from running, Saied has been

accused of stamping out his political

competition and accumulating

power in his own hands.

Only two candidates have been given the green light

to run against Saied, who has suspended parliement

since he came to power in 2019.

_____________________________

Sudan war intensifies,

devastation spreads

October 4th, 4:59pm

(africanews)

The battle for Khartoum is raging in war-torn Sudan.

New fighting rocked the nation's capital in late

September as the Sudanese military launched

an operation aimed at taking control of parts

of the city which have been ruled by the

paramilitary Rapid Support Forces,

or RSF.

AP footage shot in the immediate aftermath showed

Sudanese soldiers in pickup trucks driving through

the damaged roads of Bahri city, to the north

of Khartoum.

The Halfaya Bridge was reopened after

being under the control of the RSF.

According to local media reports, the army and allied

forces are attempting to seize the Khartoum oil

refinery in al-Jaili, about 70 km north of

the capital.

Other strategic battlegrounds include Jebel Moya

in southeastern Sudan; as well as El-Fasher, the

capital of the North-Darfur state.

Fighting is expected to intensify as the

rainy season draws to a close.

The head of Sudan's military told the UN General

Assembly last week that the militias fighting in

his country must put down their weapons.

Sudan has been locked in a violent

conflict since mid-April last year.

According to a spokesperson for the U.N. human rights

office in Geneva, at least 78 civilians were killed by

fighting in the Khartoum area since the beginning

of September.

_____________________________________

Uganda: New Marriage Bill --- provides

for Property Rights, Child Protection

October 4th, 12:39pm

(Source: Parliament of

the Republic of Uganda)

The bill also deals with financial responsibilities

within marriages, specifically addressing

pre-marital debts

A bill that will brings series of landmark reforms aimed at

updating Uganda’s marriage laws... has been presented

before Parliament. The bill, proposed by Tororo District

Woman Representative, Hon. Sarah Opendi was tabled

on her behalf on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, by

Alebtong District Woman MP, Hon. Dorcus Acen.

The focuses strongly on equal property rights,

the protection of minors, and new regulations

on marital arrangements.

The bill was presented without a certificate of financial

implication from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and

Economic Planning.

According to the Speaker Anita Among who presided over

the sitting, whereas section 76 of the Public Finance

Management Act requires a bill at the First Reading

to be accompanied with a certificate of financial

implication, the particular bill was not granted a

certificate of financial implication within 60

days of the date of request.

“Section 76(4) of the Public Finance Management Act

provides that, a certificate of financial implication

shall be deemed to have been issued after 60

days of the date request of the certificate,”

the Speaker ruled.

One of the key proposals ensures equal rights

to matrimonial property for both spouses,

whether their contributions are financial

or non-financial.

"This bill recognises that domestic work, child-rearing,

and other non-monetary efforts are just as valuable as

monetary contributions. Every spouse, regardless of

their income, has equal rights to property,"

says Opendi.

The bill also addresses spousal gifts stipulating that

any gifts exchanged during marriage belong solely

to the receiving spouse.

This proposal, intended to prevent disputes over gifts

in the event of separation, comes with a penalty for

those demanding the return of gifts.

Under Clause 87, a person found guilty could face up

to three years in prison or a Shs10 million fine.

Opendi has also proposed establishing a National

Marriage Register to electronically store the

details of all married people in Uganda.

Accessible by the public at a fee, the

marital status.

"This will reduce instances of fraudulent claims

of marriage and give Ugandans a secure way

to verify marital status," Opendi states

in her bill.

Another pivotal aspect of the bill tackles child marriages.

Clause 101 proposes a 10-year jail sentence for anyone

who conducts, attends, or arranges a marriage

involving a minor.

"We must protect our children from exploitation.

This bill seeks to ensure that child marriages

are completely eradicated,'' she said.

The bill also proposes a requirement for marital

consummation. According to Clause 41, newly-

wed couples are required to consummate their

marriage within six months or risk having

their marriage declared voidable.

"This clause ensures that marriages are genuine

and not just ceremonial unions," the bill states.

The bill also deals with financial responsibilities within

marriages, specifically addressing pre-marital debts.

According to Clause 51, liabilities incurred before

marriage remain the sole responsibility of the

spouse who bore them, unless the property

involved becomes part of the matrimonial

estate, at which point the debt

may be shared.

In a move aimed at curbing bigamy, the bill proposes

penalties for individuals who knowingly marry

someone already in a monogamous union.

Clause 92 recommends a sentence of

up to five years in prison or a fine of

Shs10 million for those found guilty.

This is however is not the first time that a

bill legislating marriage is in the House.

Initially tabled in Parliament as the Marriage and Divorce

Bill in December 2009, the draft sought to modernise

Uganda’s marriage laws by recognising various

forms of marriage, addressing marital rights

and duties and providing clear guidelines

for the dissolution of marriage.

Among its most controversial clauses was the

prohibition of the return of bride price and

the outlawing of widow inheritance.

The original draft also equalised divorce provisions,

correcting prejudices... that allowed men absolute

rights to initiate and control divorce proceedings.

It further challenged customary norms by

introducing a clause that bride price

could not be treated.... as a

prerequisite for marriage.

Speaker Among referred the bill to the Committees of

Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and that of Gender.

Later, the Domestic Relations Bill was introduced

in 2003 but faced strong opposition from Muslim

groups, who rejected its provisions

banning polygamy.

In 2006, after a continued pushback, particularly from

religious groups, the bill was split into two; the

Muslim Personal Law Bill which covered

Muslim marriages and the Marriage

and Divorce Bill that applied to

other recognised marriages

in Uganda.

The revised draft of the Marriage and Divorce Bill

sparked controversy again when religious leaders

and sections of the public argued that the

proposals within it contradicted African

cultural practices. As a result, despite

being tabled multiple times, the bill

was shelved.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of

Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

________________________________________

Review of Economic Commission for Africa
(ECA) Study to Shed Light on Closing
Malawi’s Land Administration Gaps

October 4th, 12:35pm

(Source: UN Economic

Commission for Africa)

The workshop is taking place against the backdrop

of commitments by the Government of Malawi to

implement the AU Declaration on Land Issues

and Challenges in Africa

Land governance stakeholders have convened in

Lilongwe, Malawi to review an assessment study

of the gaps in land administration institutions,

capacity and training needs.

Organised by the Economic Commission for Africa,

the workshop aims to facilitate a collaborative

discussion on challenges and gaps or

inadequacies in the policy, legal and

institutional frameworks governing

women's land tenure security, and

gender-responsive land governance.

The validation of the study will be followed by a high-level

Policy Dialogue ....aimed at creating a multi-stakeholder

platform to deliberate on women’s land tenure security

and gender-responsive land governance and look into

policy and legal issues affecting women’s land rights

and tenure security. It will also be an opportunity to

secure necessary input into a policy brief that

clearly shows the government’s pathways

towards implementing gender-responsive

land governance and also draft a strategy

action plan and roadmap --- to ensure that

women’s land rights issues are addressed.

The workshop is taking place against the backdrop of

commitments by the Government of Malawi to

implement the AU Declaration on Land

Issues and Challenges in Africa.

This aligns with the AU Declaration on land, which calls

on the AU Member States to review their land sectors

and develop comprehensive policies to meet Member

States’ specific land needs. The review of the land

sector includes mainstreaming gender in the

development and implementation of national

land policies that promote economic growth

and preserve the livelihoods of African

communities, as this is considered key

to land policy growth for nation-states

and the continent.

Between 2016 and 2018, Malawi was part of a six-

country project examining opportunities to main-

stream land governance issues in the agricultural

National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP).

One key recommendation of the study was to Empower

Women & Vulnerable Groups in Agriculture to promote

equitable agricultural investments including through

programmes to allocate land and secure rights to

land for women.

Since then, Malawi has made great progress in enacting

laws to support land governance including women’s

rights to land. To show its continuous political will,

Malawi made a request for technical assistance

to ECA in 2019 through the Ministry of Lands,

Urban Housing and Development.

ECA responded by supporting Malawi in a project on

Strengthening Women’s Land Tenure Security and

Entrepreneurship, with training of gender & land

stakeholders conducted in December 2020.

With the outbreak of the COVID-19, Malawi - like many

other countries - faces challenges of ensuring food

security, particularly the availability of agricultural

inputs to meet its demand in view of supply chain

disruptions that emanated from COVID-19 related

restrictions.

Because of pre-existing gender inequalities, deep-rooted

discrimination and feminine poverty, the multifaceted

consequences of the COVID crisis impacted women

more than men, while - at the same time - placing

increased responsibilities on women’s shoulders.

In such an unprecedented and difficult context, ECA

secured funding to continue supporting Malawi

under the project Gender-responsive Land

Governance in Africa as a Pathway for

Enhancing Women’s Resilience in the

Context of COVID-19.

Under this project, the assessment study and

policy dialogue, are being undertaken.

The workshop has assembled a diverse group of stake-

holders -- from the Ministries of Lands, Justice and
Constitutional Affairs, Agriculture, Gender, Local

Government, Parliamentarians; Representatives

of parliamentary committees on agriculture;

and legal practitioners.

Others include representatives of farmer organisations,

UN agencies such as FAO, UN Women, UN-Habitat, UN

resident coordinator, OXFAM, Landnet, National Land

Coalition, Centre for Environmental Policy and

Advocacy (CEPA) and NGOs working on land

and women.

Gender advisory committee representatives, gender

and human rights technical working groups and

Representative of the women’s caucus

committee and the Land Justice

Consortium will also be present,

as well as representatives from

academia (LUANAR, University

of Malawi) and research

institutes (such

as Mwapata).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of

United Nations Economic Commission

for Africa (ECA).

____________________________________________

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mali

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