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'Made in Ethiopia' Exhibition Boosts
--- Domestic Manufacturing Sector
May 2nd, 7:29am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Addis Ababa International Convention Center today 
hosts --- the Fourth "Made in Ethiopia" Exhibition, 
considered a national reference event --- that 
seeks to position the manufacturing sector 
as a cornerstone of the country's 
economic growth.
 
Until May 8, the event will be held under the theme "Made in 
Ethiopia for multifaceted sovereignty" with over 150,000 
local and international visitors, plus manufacturers, 
investors, policy makers and innovators.
 
The Ethiopian Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said the initiative 
improves the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers by 
increasing productivity. It said it addresses structural 
bottlenecks and expands market access through 
coordinated policy support.... and 
targeted interventions.
 
Alebel revealed.. that the exhibition could generate over 850 trade 
deals worth over 5 billion birr ($31,848,133), highlighting its role 
as a shopping centre and the policy-driven platform.... for
 industrial expansion.
 
The event is designed not only to promote Ethiopian-made 
products, but also to accelerate innovation, technology 
transfers and knowledge sharing between sectors, 
he added.
 
Startups ---- will have a dedicated space... to connect 
with established companies & develop business ties.
 
In addition to the exhibits, the program will include panel 
discussions, product development competitions, and 
recognition awards ---- aimed at strengthening 
Ethiopia's broader industrial ecosystem.
 
The initiative is aligned with national efforts - to strengthen 
food sovereignty through stronger agro-industrial linkages. 
It also reflects a broader push to reposition Ethiopia's 
manufacturing sector ---- as a driver of economic 
transformation and global competitiveness.
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
Ethiopian Prime Minister visits 
Gobeze solar panel plant
May 2nd, 7:13am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, visited the Huajian Special 
Economic Zone today where he verified the development of the 
Gobeze solar cell manufacturing plant established in 2025.
 
Ahmed, on his account on the social network X, recalled - that the 
factory was the result of an agreement signed with the company 
Gobez Electric Manufacturing of Singapore at the Investment
 Forum last year, with an initial budget of 100 million dollars.
 
He specified that, thanks to the effective support and exhaustive 
monitoring, the facility was operational ---- in just six months. 
Equipped with modern machinery and technology, it 
generated employment opportunities for many 
citizens, he stressed.
 
The Ethiopian head of government explained that, in its first phase, 
the plant has an annual production capacity of 2 gigawatts, which 
contributes to the achievement of the national vision ....of fully 
meeting energy its demand, through renewable sources.
 
The visit to the special economic zone included a shoe factory and 
electrical substation located within the Hawassa industrial park.
 
The latter continues to serve as a hub for Ethiopia's 
industrialization by boosting high-tech 
manufacturing and export-
oriented growth.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
Nigerian army - bombs bases of 
armed groups in the northeast
May 2nd, 7:09am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Nigeria - carried out an air offensive in the northeast of the country 
against the bases of armed factions in the Sambisa forest and the 
Tumbuns region, it was learned here today from military sources.
 
According to a military statement published on social networks,
 the attacks precisely hit the strategic structures of these 
armed groups.
 
It was also said... that the air operations were carried out on 
Thursday and Friday of this week against logistics centres 
identified as belonging to groups classified as insurgents 
that he did not specify, where dozens of militiamen were 
located, as well as storage infrastructure and defensive 
systems based on trenches.
 
In northern Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, several Islamist 
groups operate, such as Boko Haram and its West African faction 
of the Islamic State (Iswap) or the so-called Jama'at Nusrat al-
Islam wal-Muslimin, which are dedicated to kidnapping and 
armed attacks on Christian villages, schools, & churches.
 
 
___________________________________________________________


  More than a billion Africans.. 
cannot afford a healthy diet
May 1st, 2:19pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
More than one billion Africans cannot afford a healthy diet, 
according to a report published today that warned of the
 continent's departure from its food and nutrition goals 
for 2030.
 
With less than four years to go to meet Sustainable Development 
Goal 2 on Zero Hunger by 2030, 66.6% of Africa's population 
could not afford a healthy diet in 2024, which is more than 
double the global average of 31.9 per cent.
 
The report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
 Nations, the World Food Programme, the Economic Commission 
for Africa and the African Union Commission identified rising 
food costs --- as a driver of the crisis.
 
By region, East Africa accounted for the largest proportion, with 
365.5 million people affected, while Southern Africa had the 
lowest level with 45.3 million, the Down to Earth 
portal reflected.
 
The proportion of people who cannot afford a healthy 
diet varied widely by country, the paper adds.
 
In nine nations, more than 80 percent of the population could 
not afford nutritious food, highlighting serious challenges to 
food security and nutrition.
 
These include Burundi, the Central African Republic, 
Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, South 
Sudan and Zambia.
 
Some countries showed progress -- such as Benin, Botswana, 
Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eswatini, 
Ethiopia, Liberia, Namibia, Senegal, Sudan, Kenya, 
Tanzania and Uganda that between 2019 and 
2024 reduced the proportion of people 
unable to afford a healthy diet.
 
Likewise, in 2024 more than 306 million Africans were 
undernourished, for an increase of 10 million people 
over 2023 estimates and 73 million people, since 
the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
The burden of hunger, as measured by the prevalence of 
undernutrition, has worsened significantly since 2010, 
reversing the gains made between 2000 and 2010.
 
20.2% of Africa's population was undernourished in 2024, 
an increase of 4.3% since 2010, which contrasts with 
global trends and highlights the disproportionate 
impact of food insecurity on the continent.
 
While Africa reduced undernourishment to 15.9% in 2015, levels 
have since risen again, widening the gap with global averages.
 
As a result, one in five Africans is undernourished, a proportion 
that has risen steadily since 2010, reflecting a deepening, 
persistent food security crisis.
 
 
_________________________________________
 
 
Angolan President ----
greets Workers' Day
May 1st, 11:56am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Angolan President João Lourenço today addressed a message 
on the occasion of International Workers' Day, where he 
affirms that the Executive does everything possible 
to improve the living conditions of the workers
and their families.
 
In the note, published on the Presidency's social networks, 
the president acknowledged the difficulties that persist 
for workers -- and mentioned that they are working to 
guarantee access to well-paid jobs and to create 
legislation that protects them in every way.
 
He maintained that the anniversary "values the commitment of 
those who ensure with their effort, so often anonymous and 
undervalued, the production of goods and services 
essential for human existence."
 
He pointed out that workers around the world celebrate the 
fraternal ties and solidarity that unite them, regardless of 
the systems of government in which they participate,
 in their work activity.
 
"On this day in May, I greet all Angolan workers, on all fronts 
and services, in which they contribute to the development 
and international projection of our country," he concluded.
 
In Angola, May 1 is a holiday and, although it does not happen 
in all provinces, in some such as Cabinda, after coordination 
with the authorities, some trade union organizations 
marched peacefully this Friday celebrating their 
achievements or reiterating their demands 
such as a salary increase.
 
According to the yearbook of the 2025 employment survey, 
carried out by the National Institute of Statistics and 
published last April, the employment rate in the 
country was estimated at 63.7% - 
13,366,038 people.
 
Informal employment comprised approximately four-fifths 
of the employed population, while the underemployment 
rate was 2.1%.
 
The unemployment rate in the population aged 15 years 
or older, was estimated at 28.3% --- 5,284,316 people.
 
So the real unemployment rate 
for adults, was much lower.
 
 
____________________________
 
 
 
Angola... invites Japan to 
invest in various sectors
May 1st, 9:28am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António today invited the Japanese 
public and private sectors to explore investment opportunities in 
agribusiness, the blue economy, renewable energy sources 
and digitalization.
 
The Angolan foreign minister, in talks with his counterpart from the 
Asian nation, Motegi Toshimitsu, highlighted the reform program 
promoted by the government to improve the business 
environment and diversify the economy, and urged 
Japan to become a key player in this.
 
Toshimitsu, who arrived in Luanda the day before for a 48-hour 
working visit, met on Friday with Angolan President João 
Lourenço, with whom he discussed aspects related to 
the State and the prospects for strengthening 
bilateral cooperation.
 
Both sides agreed --- on strengthening ties in the 
political-diplomatic, economic and commercial
 fields, the Angolan Presidency said.
 
The Japanese diplomat, during his talks with Foreign Minister 
Téte António, also reviewed the current state of cooperation 
and identified new areas of cooperation, particularly in rare 
earth and oil deposits, the local Foreign Ministry said.
 
At the multilateral level, they exchanged views on cooperation 
within the framework of the African Union and the Tokyo 
International Conference on African Development 
(TICAD), on which Minister António highlighted 
the pioneering nature of this partnership; 
while Toshimitsu reiterated Japan's 
position as a strategic partner 
of Africa.
 
The Japanese diplomat ......expressed his solidarity with the 
populations affected by the recent floods in the province of 
Benguela, and for his part the Angolan foreign minister 
praised the visit of the Japanese -- as a clear sign of 
the vitality of relations between the two countries.
 
Japan remains a long-standing partner, whose capacity for 
technological innovation and resilience serves as an 
inspiration for Angola's reconstruction and 
economic development process, 
António said.
 
He thanked Japan for its support --- in sectors considered to be of 
fundamental importance, and especially for the role of the Japan 
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the implementation 
of technical cooperation programs and projects.
 
Angola & Japan established relations on September 9, 1976, 
so this year ----- they will commemorate half a century.
 
 
________________________________________________________


Somali troops demand death 
of dozens of Islamists
April 30th, 10:19am
(Prensa Latina) 


Somalia's military command today claimed responsibility 
for the death in combat of more than 22 members of its 
deadly enemy, the Islamist group Al Shabab.
 
The clash occurred in the Baix Sabelle region, south of this 
capital, where the army's presence has increased 
substantially in recent weeks thanks to the 
action of local clans..... and with the 
"support of international allies" 
that the statement does 
not identify.
 
Among the Islamist group's casualties is one of its senior 
commanders, Cabdiraxmaan Jiri in the report, lacking 
independent confirmation due to difficulties in 
accessing the area of the operation.
 
The emphasis of the Somali strategy seems to be focused 
on dislodging al-Shabab, which - in recent months - has 
increased its operations in towns north of the capital.
 
 
 
________________________________________________________
 
 
 
Foreign Ministry and UNDP discuss 
support for diplomatic reform 
in Ethiopia
April 30th, 10:05pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, in collaboration with the 
United Nations Development Program (UNDP), today convened the 
Partners' Roundtable to support ongoing institutional programs.
 
The ministry's reform program, aimed to strengthen human 
resources capacity, improve efficiency and effectiveness, 
and establish a modern personnel management system 
aligned with the evolving demands of contemporary 
diplomacy, the Foreign Ministry reported on its X 
social network account.
 
During the event, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Berhanu 
Tsegaye stated that the initiative is designed to strengthen 
the ministry's ability to effectively implement Ethiopia's 
new foreign policy ----- and respond to evolving 
international dynamics.
 
Tsegaye also mentioned supporting ongoing internal reforms 
and providing a modern, efficient and professional 
diplomatic service.
 
UNDP's resident representative here, Samuel Doe, highlighted
 the importance of strengthening sector capacity and 
institutional reform.
 
Doe described the African nation as a diplomatic hub and 
stabilizing force in the region, and reiterated that the UN 
agency's continued commitment to supporting the 
ministry's efforts to foster a capable and skilled 
workforce in order to elevate Ethiopia's voice 
on global platforms.
 
Closing the roundtable, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 
Hadera Abera affirmed that the Foreign Ministry remains 
fully committed to implementing the reform with clarity, 
transparency, accountability and measurable results.
 
Abera emphasized that these are transformations necessary 
to ensure that the ministry remains relevant, responsive and 
able to advance national interests in a rapidly evolving 
global environment, as well as contribute to global 
well-being.
 
The meeting provided a platform for information exchange, 
alliance building, and coordinated support for the 
envisioned reform agenda. On the occasion, 
the development partners pledged to 
support ongoing initiatives.
 
 
___________________________________________


China expands zero tariffs ----- to 
share opportunities with Africa
by Ma Tong and Zhang Yiyi
April 29th, 7:07pm
 (Global Times)  
 
In Nairobi, officials and business groups from China and Kenya 
have been discussing.... how they could leverage Beijing's 
zero-tariff policy to open wider opportunities for Kenyan
companies in the vast Chinese market --- while African 
traders in China are already scouting for more goods 
to export there, as the new policy begins to clear 
a smoother path for China-Africa trade.
 
China has noted the earnest expectation and positive 
feedback from Africa regarding the zero-tariff 
treatment. This is an important measure of 
China taking the initiative to expand 
unilateral opening up, the Chinese 
Foreign Ministry spokesperson 
Lin Jian said on Wednesday.  
 
As protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise, and 
continents near the Middle East are hit by spillovers 
of the situation there, China shares opportunities 
and pursues common development with Africa 
through the zero-tariff policy, and contributes 
to global peace and development with 
greater stability in China-Africa ties, 
the spokesperson stressed.
 
China will continue to sign agreements on economic partnership 
for shared development with African countries, and, at the same 
time upgrade "green lanes" ...for importing African agricultural 
and food products to China, so as to further improve China-
Africa trade facilitation, Lin said.  
 
According to the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council 
on Tuesday, China will grant zero-tariff treatment, in the form of 
preferential tariff rates, to an additional 20 African countries 
that have established diplomatic ties with China and are 
not classified as the least developed countries, from 
May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028. 
 
This came after China had granted zero-tariff treatment on 100%
of tariff lines since December 1, 2024 for 33 of least developed
African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. 
That means the country will expand zero-tariff treatment to all
African countries that have diplomatic relations with it 
starting Friday. 
 
The move marks the full upgrade of the zero-tariff policy for Africa 
to its highest level, and comes at an historic moment, as China 
and Africa mark the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, 
reflecting the consistency of China's Africa policy.
 
 Du Xiaohui, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's 
Department of African Affairs called the measure a 
"golden name card" of bilateral cooperation.
 
The new policy responds to the practical difficulty that these 
African countries face in completing negotiations in the 
short run, while negotiations between the two sides 
will continue, China's Ministry of Commerce 
(MOFCOM) said on Wednesday.
 
Institutional empowerment 
 
Also on Wednesday, China's customs authority released a 
detailed interpretation of rules of origin for imports from 
eligible African countries under the zero-tariff policy, 
adding what experts describe as "operational 
clarity" to the landmark market-opening 
measure and helping translate it into 
customs practice.
 
The clarification came, after the Customs Tariff Commission set 
out the tariff policy on Tuesday and the General Administration 
of Customs (GAC) later.... issued the corresponding origin 
management measures.
 
The GAC interpretation details how eligible imports can qualify for
 preferential treatment, covering origin determination, certificates 
of origin, direct shipment and customs declaration procedures, 
according to the customs authority's official statement.
 
For African exporters and traders, the customs clarification is 
more than a technical document, as it gives businesses a 
clearer path ---- to tailor production, logistics and sales 
plans - for the Chinese market, Song Wei, a professor 
at the School of International Relations and 
Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies 
University, told the Global Times 
on Wednesday.
 
Sourakhata Tirera, a Senegalese businessman who has been 
engaged in China-Africa trade since 2003, told the Global 
Times that he is actively looking for higher-quality 
African products to export to China, hoping to 
leverage the new zero-tariff policy, to 
expand business opportunities.
 
"The policy opens access to the world's largest consumer market 
and gives African businesses a chance to shift from importing to 
exporting," Tirera said, adding that it could also help drive 
industrial development and job creation if African 
governments support the private sector in 
seizing this major opportunity.
 
The Greater Bay Area Importers and Exporters Association, 
a chamber of commerce covering the southern Chinese 
region's 11 cities, has close trade links with Africa. Its 
president Lam Lung-on told the Global Times on 
Wednesday that "quality African consumer 
goods, such as Namibian lobsters and 
Tanzanian mud crabs... are entering 
the area's market at a faster pace."
 
Citing agriculture as an example, Lam said that the zero-tariff 
policy will remove the tariff disadvantage of processed 
goods compared with raw materials, encouraging 
local primary and deep processing in Africa, 
while also strengthening supply and 
production links, in sectors such 
as machinery and electronics,
 textiles and minerals.
 
China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 17 
consecutive years. In the first quarter of 2026, China-
Africa trade reached 646.56 billion yuan ($94.56 
billion), up 23.7 percent year-on-year, official 
data showed.
 
Business groups in Africa -- have urged firms to seize the 
opportunity. In a statement published on its website on 
Monday, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (KNCCI) said that China's zero-tariff policy 
offers "unprecedented export growth" prospects, 
with its president Erick Rutto noting ---- that the
opportunities for Kenyan products ------- could 
become "virtually limitless" - if businesses 
act decisively.
 
Responsibility of a major country
 
Song views the zero-tariff policy as a strategic step that could 
help move bilateral cooperation beyond individual projects 
toward full industrial-chain collaboration that will support 
Africa's economic autonomy, with implications that 
extend beyond bilateral ties. 
 
African officials have voiced similar expectations. According to 
Xinhua, Abraham Korir Sing'Oei, principal secretary at Kenya's 
State Department for Foreign Affairs, described the zero-tariff 
agreement at a high-level symposium on Monday as a land-
mark framework for boosting mutually beneficial trade and 
investment, plus --- a blueprint for other African countries. 
 
Effective implementation of the policy would be important not 
only for Kenya and China, but also as a demonstration of the 
two sides' joint efforts to implement the outcomes of the 
2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and uphold 
WTO rules, the report cited Regina Akoth Ombam, 
principal secretary of Kenya's State Department 
for Trade, as saying. 
 
In recent years, some Western media outlets have portrayed 
China's role in Africa ..in a negative light, warning of over-
dependence on raw material exports, describing the 
relationship as "asymmetrical" and even framing 
African countries as "pawns" in some broader 
geopolitical competition. However, such 
nfalse arratives to smear China-Africa 
cooperation have been increasingly 
dismissed as baseless ---- as their 
mutually beneficial engagement 
advances, analysts said.
 
While the US tightens its market and imposes restrictions, China 
is opening its market and creating a new preferential trade 
framework for African nations, an analysis by RT said, 
pointing to the pragmatic drivers behind China-Africa 
cooperation, from restructuring trade flows and 
standardizing market access rules - to forging 
deeper economic ties.... between African 
partners and the Chinese market.
 
China's zero-tariff policy is now drawing more development 
resources to the African continent, materially advancing 
regional integration - and strengthening its capacity for 
self-driven development, while demonstrating China's 
commitment to sharing market dividends with the 
world and supporting the development of the 
Global South, Song noted.
 
China-Africa trade has expanded 27.5-fold over the past two 
decades, rising from 87.38 billion yuan in 2000 to 2.49 
trillion yuan in 2025, according to customs data, 
underscoring the strong momentum and 
deepening integration of bilateral 
economic ties.
 
MOFCOM said in its Wednesday statement -- that China's 
decision to take the lead in cutting tariffs demonstrates 
its responsibility as a major country and advances the 
Global Governance Initiative and Global Development 
Initiative, amid rising unilateralism & protectionism.
 
China-Africa economic and trade cooperation has repeatedly 
proven to be mutually beneficial and win-win, experts said. 
As the Kenyan media Business Daily Africa put it, the 
message from China is "clear and consistent": 
"We are partners,"  "We respect your 
sovereignty," and there are "no 
political conditions."


 
________________________________________



22 Al Shabaab Islamists 
are killed in Somalia
April 29th, midday
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Somalia's US-backed authorities reported today that 
their Army eliminated some 22 members of Al 
Shabaab during actions carried out in the 
Lower Shabelle region.
 
The Somali Ministry of Defense announced this Wednesday 
that the operation took place in the last 72 hours and had 
international air support - whose origin it did not specify.
 
He also specified that among the fatal victims of the Islamists 
is a senior Al Shabaab official named Abdirahman Jeri, who 
was known for terrorizing the civilian population.
 
The actions included direct ground clashes and aerial 
bombardments, and took place in Buulo Abdalla, 
between Mubarak and Ugunji, in the south 
of the country.
 
Al Shabab, is an Islamist faction allied to Al Qaeda that 
carries out continuous attacks against military and 
civilian facilities in Somalia and seeks to establish 
an Islamic state and operates mainly in rural 
areas of the country, in central and 
southern Somalia.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Nigerien Army eliminates 13 
alleged Islamists in combat
April 29th, 11:48am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Government of Niger confirmed: that 13 alleged 
Islamists were eliminated in recent days, in several 
military operations, as reported here today by 
military sources.
 
In a report published this Wednesday, the Niger Integrated 
Operations Coordination Centre said that during the 
period from April 20 to 26, the Defense and 
Security Forces maintained constant 
operational pressure throughout 
the national territory.
 
The military report added that in these armed actions, war 
material and significant quantities of what it described 
as prohibited goods - were seized.
 
Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, is a member of 
the Alliance of Sahel States after leaving the Economic 
Community of West African States because they
considered it too attached to the interests on 
the continent --- of the European colonial 
powers and the US, and strengthenied 
its military cooperation ties with 
Russia, instead.
 
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
IATA urged African governments 
to prioritize aviation sector
April 29th, 11:35am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged African 
governments here today to prioritize aviation as a strategic 
engine of economic and social development, highlighting 
its role as essential economic infrastructure for 
the continent.
 
IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil 
Alawadhi, speaking at the Focus Africa Conference, declared that 
aviation is economic infrastructure for the continent and its value 
lies in the long-term benefits it generates.
 
Alawadhi noted that focusing on security, cost competitiveness,
 energy security and sustainability, as well as ease of doing 
business, would boost employment, trade, tourism and 
regional integration.
 
He stressed that aviation safety performance in Africa improved, 
with the accident rate decreasing from 12.13 per million sectors 
in 2024 to 7.86 in 2025, although this figure remains above the 
world average of 1.32.
 
In that sense, he urged greater application of the Standards 
and Recommended Methods of the International Civil 
Aviation Organization, improving the publication of 
accident investigation reports and increasing the 
implementation of global safety audit systems.
 
The vice president stated that the cost of operating in the 
aviation sector on the continent remains approximately 
15% higher than the world average, mainly due to 
taxes and fees.
 
Expressed concern about the high API-PNR rates in several 
countries (imposed by some governments on airlines to 
finance border control, security and computer 
systems for processing passenger data).
 
In this regard, it requested the implementation of the decision 
of the Economic Community of West African States to 
eliminate taxes on aviation and reduce certain fees 
by 25%, while warning about source-based 
corporate taxation proposals, which 
could lead to double taxation.
 
In terms of sustainability and energy security, IATA highlighted 
Africa's potential in sustainable aviation fuel production and 
its participation in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction 
Plan for International Aviation.
 
It revealed that the continent could supply 57.6 million Eligible 
Emission Units and up to 106 million tons of raw materials 
suitable for sustainable fuels by 2050 from agricultural 
waste, forest waste and urban solid waste.
 
The latter, he stressed, as long as there are support
 policies and adequate investment frameworks.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
Leaders debate in Ethiopia about 
the future of aviation in Africa
April 29th, 11:06am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Global and regional aviation leaders discuss today in Ethiopia 
the future of air transport on the continent under the Focus 
Africa initiative ----- of the International Air Transport 
Association (IATA).
 
The two-day meeting, hosted by the Ethiopian Airlines Group,
 brought together airline executives, regulators and policy
makers to review continued progress and set priorities 
as ------ strengthening safety, improving connectivity 
and improving African operational efficiency.
 
The discussions are part of IATA's broader Focus Africa initiative, 
which seeks to address ''structural challenges'' in the sector, 
while unlocking growth potential through policy alignment, 
infrastructure development and regulatory cooperation.
 
Key agenda items include strengthening aviation safety systems, 
the advancement of intra-African connectivity in line with the 
African Single Air Transport Market and the acceleration of 
digital transformation in airline and airport operations.
 
Participants will also explore measures to reduce operating 
costs and improve competitiveness across the sector.
 
Africa's aviation industry remains seen as a key driver 
of economic integration and development, and stake
holders stress the need for coordinated reforms 
to address --- regulatory fragmentation and 
cost inefficiencies.
 
Ethiopian Airlines, a leading continental airline present at major 
aviation forums, plays a central role in facilitating discussions, 
which will continue tomorrow through technical sessions 
and policy dialogues.
 
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Energy policies focused A
side event in South Africa
April 29th, 10:44am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Africa's transition from design to implementation of energy 
policies today focused on one of the parallel events of the 
Fifth Regular Session of the Specialized Technical 
Committee of Transport and Energy of the 
African Union (AU).
 
Discussions addressed the African Single Electricity Market,
the Grand Inga Hydroelectric Project and the African Green 
Hydrogen Programme.
 
Notable developments include improved coordination, 
regulatory harmonization and planning frameworks, 
but significant gaps in financing, governance and
 implementation... remain.
 
Participants recognized that the African Single Electricity 
Market drives integration and cross-border trade, but it 
requires greater political commitment and reforms in
 the energy sector.
 
The Grand Inga project, with a potential of 44 gigawatts, 
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - and seen as
an emblematic proposal of the AU Agenda 2063 - 
offers large-scale energy for industrialization. 
However, it faces complex financial and 
coordination challenges.
 
Green hydrogen - presents future opportunities for clean 
energy & industrial growth, it emerged during the event.
 
They agreed that success depends on mobilizing 
investments, strengthening institutions and 
ensuring coordinated .....and demand-
oriented implementation.
 
The African Union Commission, in collaboration with the 
South African Government, organized the event in 
Johannesburg from April 27 to 30 --- under the 
theme:  “The Africa we build: Transport and 
energy as catalysts for Africa's prosperity”.
 
Ministers and experts assist, to advance the continental 
infrastructure, transport and energy agenda - serving as 
a high-level platform to review all progress, address the
emerging challenges ...and accelerate implementation 
of key continental programmes, including the Africa
Infrastructure Development Programme.
 
 
__________________________________________



Government of Ethiopia announced
 restoration of diesel supply
April 29th, 6:21am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The government of Ethiopia announced today the decision 
to restore the nine million litres of diesel per day, which 
decreased to 4.5 million due to the increase in diesel 
prices & oil due to the conflict in the Middle East.
 
Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide stated that after 
the measure was announced, transportation from 
Djibouti to Addis Ababa began this Tuesday, 
while to regional states it will do so today.
 
Shide noted that the supply of gasoline and jet fuel continued at 
full capacity during crisis-related disruptions in the Middle East 
due to US and Israeli aggression against Iran. To avoid the 
pressure of global supply disruptions on the economy, he 
explained that the government maintained fuel supplies 
by purchasing them at high prices through special 
acquisitions, he revealed.
 
Consequently, fuel is currently subsidized at an additional 
20 billion birr (more than $127 million) per month beyond 
previous levels.
 
 
________________________________



 Angola --- takes another step 
in its digital transformation
April 28th, 3:31pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of Angola, João Lourenço, inaugurated today, 
a new Government Data Centre, a structure that represents 
another step towards the digital transformation of the 
country in the work for technological sovereignty.
 
Located in the area between Camama and Kilamba, in the 
Angolan capital, the Centre will operate 24 hours a day 
and will guarantee data storage and processing 
services for government systems, as well as 
for public and private digital platforms.
 
With an area of 6,225 sq metres and an estimated investment 
of 89 million US dollars, the Data Centre was designed in 
accordance with international reliability standards 
and will serve as the basis for implementation 
of the Angolan National Cloud.
 
The purpose is to centralize and integrate the computer systems 
of ministries, public institutions and sovereign organizations, so 
the migration of information to the new platform will be carried 
out on a mandatory and progressive basis.
 
The Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies 
& Social Communication, Mário Oliveira, highlighted that data 
is one of the main strategic assets of nations, hence the 
importance of them staying under national jurisdiction
and institutional protection ----- 
with all the right
conditions ------- such as those in the
recently inaugurated centre.
 
He valued among the main benefits, the 
increase in investor confidence, and 
the reduction in operating costs.
 
The new centre is expected to contribute to the 
modernization of public administration -- and 
strengthen cybersecurity; while promoting 
the digital economy --- via innovation in 
areas such as artificial intelligence, 
Big Data and smart cities.
 
 
____________________________________
 
 
They recognize Cuba's resistance 
in Angola and express solidarity
April 28th, 2:43pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Cuba has always demonstrated an admirable ability to 
face difficulties - with dignity, courage and unity, the 
general secretary of the Forum of Combatants of 
the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale (Focobacc), 
Espírito Santo José Malanga,
said today.
 
During an event at the Museum-Memorial of the Battle of 
Kifangondo, in Luanda --- the manager expressed the 
deep solidarity of his organization with the Cuban 
people at this very challenging time; as well as 
respect -- “for their strength and resistance 
throughout history”.
 
At the meeting, dedicated to remembering the 65th 
anniversaries of the Cuban victory over invading 
forces in Playa Girón (April 19, 1961), and the 
49th anniversary of the first visit to Angola 
of the historic leader of the Revolution -- 
Fidel Castro (March 1977), the general 
secretary of Focobacc highlighted 
the resilience - of those born in
the Antillean islands.
 
He argued that current times are marked by sacrifices 
and that it is in these circumstances --- that hope 
becomes more valuable. “May there never be 
a lack of confidence - that better days will 
come, built with perseverance, dialogue 
& the resilient spirit that characterizes
 the Cuban people”, he added.
 
In the presence of members of the Cuban state mission, 
led by the ambassador, Oscar León, and the military 
attaché, Colonel Enrique Kindelán; representatives 
of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country 
and members of organizations in solidarity with 
the island --- ratified their admiration for Cuba.
 
“The world accompanies, recognizes and values their 
struggle with courage and a notable capacity for 
improvement. Today more than ever, those 
values remain firm in the strength of 
their people”, he stressed.
 
In his words, he expressed his hope that the country 
“finds paths of stability, progress and well-being for 
all its citizens”, and reaffirmed respect, support 
and consideration for the Caribbean nation.
 
We trust that the strength of his people will always
be greater ----- than any challenge, he concluded.
 
Ambassador Oscar León stressed that, 65 years after 
the defeat of imperialism and its mercenaries, in 
Playa Girón, the administration of US President 
Donald Trump has significantly intensified the 
economic commercial and financial blockade
against Cuba, with the false pretext of it
being - 
an ''unusual and extraordinary
threat''.
 
He explained - that the main measures include a blockade 
of oil supplies, the inclusion on the list of countries that 
supposedly sponsor terrorism ---- and the increase in 
financial sanctions --- as a collective punishment 
for the island's population.
 
“Today we reaffirm our conviction that any strategy that 
seeks to destroy the Cuban Revolution - will face the 
firmest rejection of the Cuban people and will fail”, 
he emphasized.
 
He added that Girón is a sign of victory and meaning 
of the conviction of Cubans when we say Homeland 
or death! We will win!
 
“It is also a lesson in patriotism, independence and 
sovereignty”, he noted and meant that we will 
continue defending our essences: 
independence, sovereignty, 
socialist democracy.... 
peace --- and all the 
achievements of 
social justice.
 
 
_________________________________


 
They remember Girón's victory 
and the visit of Fidel Castro 
in Angola
April 28th, 12:42pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Museum-Memorial of the Battle of Kifangondo today 
hosted a meeting with history, remembering the 65th 
anniversaries of the Cuban victory over invading 
forces in Playa Girón - and Fidel Castro's first 
visit to Angola.
 
Members of the Cuban state mission, led by ambassador, 
Oscar León, and the military attaché, Colonel Enrique 
Kindelán; representatives of the diplomatic corps 
accredited in the country and members of 
solidarity organizations with the island 
reviewed the friendship between 
Angola and Cuba.... at the 
historic site.
 
The placing of a wreath in the mounds that serve as a tribute 
to the soldiers of both nations who gave their lives in battle, 
decisive for the declaration of Angolan independence 
(November 1975) was the activity ....that began 
the program.
 
Those present learned details of the site and its creation, from 
the visit of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro 
(1926-2016), and... the first Angolan president, António 
Agostinho Neto (1922-1979), who laid the first stone 
of what would become the Memorial, on March 
24th, in 1977.
 
The director of the museum, Colonel Elísio Rodrigues, 
remembered the Cuban Commander in Chief, as a 
man who stood out for his firmness & principles, 
his capacity for mobilization & strategic vision, 
and he considered him a symbol of resistance 
against external domination ---- with a great 
global impact.
 
On the centenary of such a huge figure in contemporary 
history, as Angolans, we also assume his teachings of 
courage and his commitment to the noblest causes, 
he said.
 
The general secretary of the Forum of Combatants of the 
Battle of Cuito Cuanavale (Focobacc), Espírito Santo 
José Malanga..... recalled the friendship between 
Angola and Cuba, consolidated over 50 years, 
and where the military cooperation of the 
Caribbean nation --- stands out.
 
He expressed solidarity with the island - in the midst of the
current difficult circumstances marked by US aggression 
and stressed that the world recognizes the heroism of 
the Cuban people.
 
Ambassador Oscar León offered details about how the events
of the mercenary invasion of Playa Girón occurred in 1961, 
since the terrorist attacks that preceded it and the 
bombings of the airports of Santiago de Cuba, 
Ciudad Libertad and San Antonio de los 
Baños on April 15.
 
He also referred to the proclamation of the socialist character
 of the Revolution on the 16th, the mercenary landing on the
 17th and the defeat, 66 hours later, on April 19.
 
“Girón --- is for Cubans a symbol of freedom, synonymous with 
victory, confirmation of the indestructible unity of a people 
and its revolution; it is also a battle flag, that will never 
be lowered, and that always leads the Cuban people 
to victory”, he maintained.
 
On the day, the embassy gave a portrait of Fidel Castro
 to the Kifangondo Battle Memorial Museum.
 
 
________________________________________________


Mali airline announces
suspension of flights
April 28th, 11:50am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The airline Sky Mali announced today the temporary 
suspension of flights from this capital to the cities 
of Gao and Mopti, in the midst of the current 
situation of insecurity that this African 
country is experiencing.
 
The cancellation of air travel comes after last weekend allies of 
radical groups and Tuareg militias carried out attacks against 
targets in Damascus and other cities in the national territory,
 in what is considered one of the largest local attacks that 
have occurred in the last decade.
 
Through a statement, the airline announced after its decision 
that “the safety of our passengers, crew and operations 
remain our top priority”.
 
Media reported that despite the prevailing unrest in the 
Sahel nation, in recent hours in various local parts 
schools and offices reopened their doors, as 
signs of the return to normality.
 
Controls were also lifted - around military sites in Bamako 
and other territories - although the movement of soldiers 
around those enclaves was visible.
 
The coordinated attacks by terrorist and Tuareg formations 
were intended to seize power and dismantle Malian 
institutions, said Malian Prime Minister General 
Abdoulaye Maiga.
 
Military sources confirmed, in this context, that the city 
of Kidal, in the north of the country, was captured by 
Tuareg separatists.
 
According to Moscow security sources, together with the 
Malian Army, Russia's collaborating African Corps made 
it possible for enemy casualties to rise to more than 
2,500 troops during their military operations, 
with 102 vehicles and 152 motorcycles, 
destroyed - among others.


[Rhondda Records adds:
Hurrah - a mention of
Russia - at last!
Not a peep - re
 the UAE tho']


_________________________________________________


Sudan’s RSF leaders build
 Dubai property empire 
with UAE backing: 
Investigative group
April 28th, 9:33am
 (PressTV)
 
Leaders of Sudan’s so-called Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and 
their network have amassed millions in luxury assets in 
Dubai, an investigation reveals, as the United Arab 
Emirates (UAE) is accused of helping a financial 
lifeline --- for a militant group that committed 
genocide in the crisis-hit African country.
 
A detailed investigation by the Sentry, a US investigative group, 
showed that individuals tied to the RSF, led by Mohamed 
Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, have 
accumulated more than 20 high-end 
properties in Dubai worth 
£17.7 million.
 
The report further exposed a sprawling “paramilitary-industrial 
complex” stretching across Africa and West Asia, with the 
UAE functioning as a critical hub for both wealth storage 
and financial operations linked to the militant group.
 
The probe by the Sentry maintained that the UAE acted as a 
“safe haven” for RSF leaders and their relatives, as well as 
for wealth derived from smuggled Sudanese gold.
 
After seizing Darfur’s largest gold mine back in 2017, Hemedti 
and his network reportedly leveraged UAE-based companies 
to convert illicit gold into hard currency, taking advantage 
of Dubai’s booming gold trade.
 
“In addition to arming the militia, the UAE allows the RSF to 
base part of its paramilitary-industrial complex in Dubai. 
Our investigation shows the Dagalo family --- has also 
found a safe haven for its wealth in the Emirates,” 
Nick Donovan, senior investigator at the 
Sentry, said.
 
‘Hallmarks of genocide’ found in Sudan’s 
El Fasher, UN investigators say
 
A UN fact-finding mission says militants from the so-called Rapid 
Support Forces (RSF) carried out ethnically targeted killings, 
widespread sexual violence and enforced disappearances 
during their late-October takeover of El Fasher in
Sudan’s 
Darfur region.
 
Leaked real estate records - also indicate that properties linked 
directly to the RSF network are worth about £7.4 million, while 
assets held by their sanctioned associates add another 
£10.3 million to it. Among them are luxury six-bed
room villas near Dubai’s Meydan racecourse 
acquired through a UAE-registered firm - 
Prodigious Real Estate Management 
Supervision Services ---- tied to an 
individual sanctioned by the US
for supplying funding and 
military equipment to 
the RSF.
 
According to the probe, Dagalo family members clustered in 
these compounds, while Hemedti’s wife purchased land 
worth £627,000 in the vicinity of Trump International 
Golf Club ---- six months into Sudan’s war.
 
Sanctioned RSF-linked figure Mustafa Ibrahim Abdel 
Nabi Mohamed is also reported to own a £516,000 
apartment in Burj Khalifa.
 
The RSF – commanded by Hemedti and his sanctioned 
brothers – has been accused --- by both the United 
Nations and the US, of atrocities amounting to 
genocide, including during an assault on 
El Fasher in the Darfur region.
 
Despite mounting evidence, the UAE, widely seen as the 
militant group’s chief foreign backer, “categorically 
rejects” claims that it has provided “weapons, 
funding, trainers or logistical support to 
the RSF.”
 
Citing a separate report last week, the Sentry also said 
that UAE-backed Colombian mercenaries played a 
decisive role in the fall of El Fasher.
 
UAE --- paid Colombian mercenaries to help
 Sudan militants commit genocide: Report
 
A new report reveals that the UAE paid Colombian 
mercenaries --- to help Sudanese militants 
massacre thousands of civilians
 in the African country.
 
Meanwhile, RSF-linked individuals deny any wrongdoing, 
insisting assets were legally obtained and commercial 
activities were legitimate, even as Sudan’s war drives 
what is now the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, 
with 33 million people of the country’s 50 million 
population needing aid and at least 19 million 
facing hunger. 
 
The RSF, which has been fighting the Sudanese army over 
the past few years, currently controls large swathes of 
the country’s southwestern territories, including 
most of the region of Darfur.
 
The militants captured el-Fasher on October 26, 2025, 
with reports saying they massacred thousands of 
civilians who failed to flee the city.
 
A UN fact-finding mission found that RSF actions in 
el-Fasher show “hallmarks of genocide” against 
the Zaghawa and Fur ethnic communities.
 
Despite denials by the UAE, several reports have 
suggested that the Persian Gulf Arab country 
supports RSF militants in Sudan in a bid to 
get access to gold ...and secure control 
over Red Sea shipping lanes, as well 
as agricultural land.

 
_______________________________________________



President of Angola removes 
head of the Military House 
April 28th, 8:37am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of Angola, João Lourenço, today removed 
the Minister of State and head of the President's Military 
House from his position, gen. Francisco Pereira Furtado.
 
The decision was announced through a decree published on 
the Presidency's channels, in which it is stated, that the 
action responds to “reasons of service” and is adopted
 in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
 
In another document, the president appointed João Ernesto 
dos Santos, who served as Minister of National Defense, 
Ex-Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland, to 
assume the functions as the new Minister of 
State and head of the Military House.
 
Dos Santos, 72, had been in charge of the 
Defense portfolio since September 2022.
 
The Military House of the Presidency is an auxiliary body 
whose mission is to provide direct immediate assistance
 advice and technical support to the President in the 
performance of his duties - especially in matters of 
national security and in guaranteeing presidential 
security and defense.
 
It has the character of a Ministerial Department and among 
its responsibilities it coordinates with the bodies of the 
National Security System, as well as with the bodies 
responsible for the execution of policy & strategy.
 

__________________________________________________


MONUSCO reiterates 
commitment to 
peace in DRC
April 27th, 11:31am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the 
Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), James Swan, 
ratified the commitment to favour the de-escalation of 
hostilities in eastern Congo and a lasting peace.
 
In a message released today, on the occasion of the conclusion 
of his working visit to the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, the 
special representative of the UN secretary-general in the DRC 
stressed MONUSCO's responsibility for the protection of 
civilians and the monitoring of the ceasefire.
 
Swan thanked the interlocutors he met in the cities of Beni, Bunia
 and Goma, "for the quality of the exchanges" and added that the 
visit allowed him to assess the persistent security challenges 
and listen to the concerns of conflict-affected communities, 
regarding displacement and insecurity.
 
He added that .....during the tour of eastern DRC, he was able to 
work with the teams on the ground to identify their operational 
priorities, in particular on the protection of civilians and 
sustaining the ceasefire, as well as to coordinate 
issues related to participation in the extended 
verification mechanism.
 
"We hope to contribute to the strengthening of the dynamics 
in favour of de-escalation and the rapid implementation of 
a lasting ceasefire in eastern DRC," the head of 
MONUSCO said.
 
He reaffirmed the Mission's commitment to UN Security 
Council resolutions, as well as respect for the 
independence, sovereignty and territorial 
unity and integrity of the DRC.
 
He mentioned that they will contribute to the operationalization of 
the mechanisms for monitoring the verification of the ceasefire 
and concrete measures to advance the Doha and Washington 
processes, in addition to the initiatives of the African Union.
 
"I call on all parties to respect the commitments they have made
 within the framework of the different processes and, for its part, 
MONUSCO will continue to work in accordance with its 
mandate, side by side with the Congolese in order to 
sustain efforts for de-escalation, strengthen the 
protection of civilians ..and contribute to the 
return of lasting peace," he said.
 
He also pointed out that they will contribute to 
the restoration of the authority of the State 
for the benefit of the Congolese people.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopia and Mozambique --- make 
progress in military cooperation
April 27th, 11:30am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia and Mozambique today reaffirmed their commitment 
to strengthen military cooperation after talks between the 
Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed and her counterpart 
Cristóvão Artur Chume.
 
Both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration within
 the sector, focusing on ways to further cement the long-
standing defense relations between Addis Ababa and 
Maputo, dating back to 2009.
 
During the dialogue -- it was proposed to establish a joint 
committee to serve as a structured platform to promote 
bilateral military cooperation ....and address priority 
areas of mutual interest.
 
They noted - that greater collaboration would contribute to 
building greater capacity and achieving effective defence 
results - in a relatively short period of time.
 
The Ethiopian National Defense Forces, speaking to Fana Digital, 
hope that the meeting will play an important role in establishing 
the joint committee and strengthening future military relations 
between Ethiopia and Mozambique.
 
A high-level Mozambican delegation, led by President Daniel 
Francisco Chapo, arrived in this capital today as part of 
ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation 
in various sectors.
 
Chapo was greeted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy 
Ahmed upon his arrival at Bole International Airport.
 
Ahmed wrote on his social network account X that, as a land 
of origins, Ethiopia is a place of limitless opportunities, 
which opens its arms to the world and invites its 
partners to rediscover their common roots 
and grow through cooperation.
 
"Through our true partnership, we affirm that Ethiopia is much 
more than a destination; it is a second home for all those who 
seek visionary growth and transformation -- based on mutual 
respect," he stressed.
 
The Ethiopian head of government expressed hope 
that Chapo's official visit will bring productive 
results, laying the foundations for shared 
success and lasting friendship.
 
Ahmed accompanied Chapo during a tour of the Science 
Museum and later, the distinguished visitor placed a 
wreath to the fallen in the battle of Adwa in the 
museum ------ commemorating the victory of 
local troops against Italian forces in 1896.
 
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
Sahel states condemn attacks 
by ''radical entities'' in Mali
April 27th, 11:25am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) today condemned 
the armed attacks perpetrated since last Saturday, by 
irregular entities against Malian targets in Bamako 
and other territories, which left 16 injured.
 
In a statement, the leader of the subregional organisation, 
which includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the 
president of the Burkinabe military junta, 
Ibrahim Traoré, said - that these 
atrocious acts demonstrate 
once again the barbaric 
nature of the groups 
involved in such 
excesses.
 
Traoré said that violent actions planned and coordinated 
in advance ---- threaten peace, security and stability 
in West Africa, whose forces must unite ---- to 
"combat these scourges".
 
The illegal armed movements seek to inflict numerous casualties 
within the defence and security forces and to sow terror among 
the innocent civilian population of the AES, and in particular, 
Mali, the leader said.
 
After Traoré's statements, the Malian Army General Staff declared 
that the military entity maintains control of territories and denied
 that the radical Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims and 
its allies of the Tuareg separatist entity Azawad Liberation 
Front, captured the northern cities of Gao and Kidal.
 
On the other hand, the Community of West African States,  
----- 15 countries, called to join the common effort to 
eradicate radical groups, with the help of the
governments, security forces, regional 
mechanisms and populations
of West Africa.
 
In the same vein, the Secretary-General of the United 
Nations, António Guterres, called for urgent 
international solutions to curb violent 
extremism in the Sahel.
 
The leader of the world body called for solid coordination 
and collaboration between the various security actors 
in the African subregion, together with --- better 
attention to the urgent humanitarian needs 
of local populations.
 
Ruled by a military junta after successive coups d'état in August 
2020 and May 2021, Mali has been suffering from instability for 
several years caused by the activity of radical Islamic 
insurgencies, which are determined to take power.
 
[RR adds: funded, guided, and bolstered by the West
and the two-faced United Arab Emirates - sending 
mercenaries - including from the criminal regime 
installed by the West in Ukraine.]
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
Water, an economic, environmental 
and security imperative for Africa
April 27th, 11:05am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
When millions of people still lack safely managed services, it 
is evident that water is no longer a social solution, it is an 
economic, environmental and security imperative, an 
official source said today.
 
The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, on the eve 
of the XII Session of the African Regional Forum on 
Sustainable Development, warned of geopolitical 
tensions and slowing growth -- that are putting 
increasing pressure on natural resources.
 
Gatete warned that, globally, progress on water and 
sanitation remains slow, while climate change 
makes the precious liquid more essential.
 
For Africa, he said, those implications are more profound. 
The continent has vast water resources, but more than 
400 million people still lack access to basic drinking 
water, and nearly twice as many ------- lack basic 
sanitation, he revealed.
 
Meanwhile, he continued, more than 60 percent of African 
territory lies within transboundary river basins, making 
cooperation not an option, but a necessity.
 
He stressed that water is critical for productivity, resilience and 
structural transformation. He mentioned that ---- countries like 
Morocco integrate the management of this natural resource 
into renewable energy systems, improving efficiency and 
reducing emissions.
 
In some parts of West Africa and the Sahel, investments 
in irrigation transform agricultural productivity and 
strengthen food security, he added.
 
However, the ECA executive secretary acknowledged, 
despite these encouraging signs, these advances 
remain uneven and ..........far from sufficient.
 
With the African Union declaring 2026 as the Year of Water 
and with African Water Vision 2063 underway, this 
moment is of utmost strategic importance, 
he said.
 
To guide collective efforts, he proposed elevating water to the 
status of economic infrastructure, moving from fragmented 
approaches to integrated planning, strengthening cross-
border cooperation, increasing financing, both national 
and international, and defining a common position on 
the issue in Africa.
 
"If water is, indeed, the common thread that connects our 
economies, our ecosystems and our societies, can we 
afford to consider it ''less essential'' for our future 
development?" he said.
 
To advance this path, he considered strong partnerships and 
effective facilitation to be essential. In this regard, he 
expressed the ECA's commitment --- to support 
through rigorous policy research, convening 
capacity, and technical assistance, to
turn 
this vision ....into reality.
 
 
_________________________________________
 
 
 
Congolese President travels to Russia
 to strengthen cooperation
April 27th, 10:34am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Congolese President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso travelled to Russia 
at the invitation of his counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on a visit 
focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, the 
Congolese Presidency said today.
 
This is the president's first trip abroad, after assuming the head 
of state on April 16 for a new five-year term and, according to 
the account of the Presidency in X, demonstrates the good 
state of relations and the strategic partnership between
 the two countries.
 
Both sides maintain close cooperation in areas such as energy, 
hydrocarbons, infrastructure, defense and education, and it is 
expected that on this trip the agreements related to the 
project to build a 2,000-kilometre pipeline in Congo 
will be signed.
 
On 17 April, after participating in Sassou-N'Guesso's inauguration 
ceremony, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexandre Novak met 
with the Congolese president and discussed this initiative, 
among other issues.
 
Novak -- who represented the Russian leader at the inauguration 
ceremony of the Congolese head of state, pointed out that both 
parties agree on strengthening ties in sectors such as the 
exploitation of hydrocarbons; energy, in particular 
electricity and the construction of small 
nuclear power plants.
 
Also in areas such as transport, agriculture,
 industry and digital technology.
 
He pointed out that there are also proposals in the social domain, 
with emphasis on health, education and sports, as well as the 
comprehensive plan for economic-social cooperation for
 the period 2026-2028.
 
Novak said that the signing of 7 agreements is in the 
pipeline, which could be finalized during this visit.
 
 
 
__________________________________________





Official statement by the
Russian Africa Corps:
 
Yesterday, at approximately 05:30 on 25 April 2026, the terrorist 
groupings “Azawad Liberation Front” and “Al-Qaeda in the 
Islamic Maghreb,” prepared by Western intelligence 
services, launched an attempted coup d’état in 
Mali with large-scale forces (some 10–12 
thousand personnel).
 
Attempts were made to seize key facilities in the capital, first 
and foremost the presidential palace. In addition, the 
country’s major cities (Gao, Kidal, Kati, and Sévaré) 
were attacked with the aim of capturing municipal 
administration buildings. In areas of the cities 
of Kidal and Gao, Ukrainian and European 
mercenaries operating in Africa... took 
part in the assault on state facilities 
and units of the government forces 
---- employing Western-pattern 
MANPADS of the “Stinger” 
and “Mistral” types.
 
Thanks to the courage and heroism of the servicemen of the
 Africa Corps of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, 
it was possible to prevent a “Syrian scenario” in Mali. The 
Africa Corps held all significant positions and airfields, 
as well as the national arsenal in the city of Kati.
 
Through the skilful actions of the Corps’ soldiers and 
officers, a sound defense was also organized by 
units of the presidential guard and the national 
forces of Mali, which prevented the seizure of 
the presidential palace.
 
Militant losses amounted to more than 1,000 terrorists (in 
Bamako — more than 200; in the locality of Gao — 500; in 
the locality of Kati — 300; in the locality of Kidal — 200), 
as well as more than 100 vehicles.
 
The Africa Corps of the Armed Forces of the Russian 
Federation is Russia’s pride on the African continent.
 
Through the effective actions of the Africa Corps’ servicemen, 
who repelled a large-scale attack along a line of contact 
stretching more than 2,000 kilometers, an attempt  
- meticulously prepared by Western intelligence 
services to forcibly overthrow the government 
- and to demonstrate Russia’s “inability,” 
following Syria, to defend its strategic 
partners on the African continent, 
has been halted.
 
Russians cannot understand the position of the Embassy of 
the Russian Federation in Mali and of the Foreign Ministry 
as a whole, on whose websites no information has been 
provided regarding the events in the country and the 
heroic actions of the soldiers of the Russian 
Federation who secured the stability of 
the current government. [!]
 
The comprehensive actions of our soldiers and officers, 
in the difficult conditions of coordinated operations 
by armed gangs, led by Western and Ukrainian 
instructors - made it possible to thwart the 
enemy’s plans to carry out a coup d’état 
- and to ensure the stability of the 
country’s governance.
 
At present, the situation in Mali remains grave. Regrettably, 
there are wounded among the servicemen of the Africa 
Corps. They are being given all necessary aid and are 
being evacuated. The personnel stand ready and 
continue to carry out their assigned tasks.
 
Also:
 
https://x.com/YuriPodolyaka/status/2048137202631323715?s=20
 
Have you kept up with Micron and ê‘­elensky’s disastrous 
headchopper attack in Mali? It’s at least as bad a 
defeat for NATO as ê‘­elensky’s Great Summer
 Counteroffensive of 2023.
 
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha
 | Apr 26 2026 15:25 utc | 4
on Moon of Alabama.
 
 
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UAE paid Colombian mercenaries
 to help Sudan militants commit 
genocide: Report
April 26th, 6:25am
 (PressTV)
 
The United Arab Emirates paid Colombian mercenaries to 
help Sudan’s militant group, the Rapid Support Forces 
(RSF) ---- massacre thousands of civilians in the 
northeastern African country, a report says.
 
The BBC released the report on Saturday, citing an investigation 
by the Conflict Insights Group (CIG) ...that collected data from 
tracking the mobile phones of the Colombian mercenaries.
 
CIG director Justin Lynch told the BBC that the investigation 
by the security analysis organization is "the first research 
where we can prove UAE involvement with certainty" 
in the Sudan conflict.
 
"We are making public what governments have long known - that 
there is a direct link between Abu Dhabi and the RSF," he added.
 
The RSF, which has been fighting the Sudanese army over the 
past few years, currently controls large swathes of the 
country’s southwestern territories, including 
most of the region of Darfur.
 
The militants captured el-Fasher on October 26, 2025, with 
reports saying they massacred thousands of civilians 
who failed to flee the city. 
 
A UN fact-finding mission found that RSF actions in el-Fasher 
show “hallmarks of genocide” against the Zaghawa and 
Fur communities.
 
CIG tracked the mobile phones of over 50 Colombian 
mercenaries present in Sudan between April 2025 
and January 2026.
 
It found - that the Colombian mercenaries were stationed at 
several regional staging areas, such as an Emirati military 
training site in Ghayathi, Abu Dhabi, before travelling 
to Sudan.
 
Operating as drone pilots, artillerymen, and instructors in 
a brigade - known as the Desert Wolves, the Colombian 
mercenaries are employed by a UAE-based company 
with ties to senior Emirati government officials, 
according to the CIG research.
 
Lynch said, "The scale of atrocities and siege in el-Fasher 
wouldn't have happened without the drone operations 
the mercenaries provided.”
 
Despite denials by the UAE, several reports have suggested 
that the Persian Gulf Arab country supports RSF militants 
in Sudan ----- in a bid to get access to gold and secure 
control over Red Sea shipping lanes, as well as
agricultural land.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 


Russian troops - have repelled the
 largest ''Islamist'' attack in Mali
by Konstantin Lysyakov 
(Editor, Russia Dept)
April 25th, 6:07pm
(Lenta.ru)
 
Russian troops in the African Corps are repelling the largest 
attack by radical Islamists from Azawad in Mali. This was 
reported by Mash on Telegram.
 
According to the publication, at around 10 a.m. Moscow time, 
more than 2,000 militants attacked military positions in four 
cities: Kidal, Gao, Sevar, and Kati.
 
In Sevar, the Islamists shelled the airport, but - were defeated on 
the approach to residential buildings and failed to enter the city. 
 
The African Corps is believed to have used KA-52 helicopters 
and drones. The militants also failed to enter Qati, suffering 
significant losses. Their forces are scattered throughout 
the residential area.
 
Details about the clashes in the Gao and Kidal areas, have not 
been provided, but it is known that they are under the control 
of government forces. The fighting is still ongoing.
 
Earlier, the African Corps liberated in Mali two Russian and 
Ukrainian citizens captured in July 2024 by terrorists in 
Niger. Oleg Greta and Yuri Yurov, who were released 
during the operation, underwent an initial medical 
examination that revealed numerous illnesses 
and severe physical exhaustion.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
Nicaragua congratulates Tanzania 
on the occasion of Union Day
April 25th, 5:31pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The co-presidents of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega and Rosario 
Murillo, today conveyed a message of greeting and 
congratulations to the president of Tanzania, 
Samia Suluhu Hassan, on the occasion of 
the celebration of Union Day, in that 
African nation.
 
In the communiqué, sent on behalf of the people and the 
Government of Reconciliation and National Unity - as 
well as in their own ------- the Nicaraguan leaders 
expressed their most sincere congratulations 
to the president, her Government and the 
brotherly Tanzanian people.
 
The letter highlights that this historic date commemorates 
the transcendental union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, an 
event that they describe as an exemplary milestone of 
unity, political vision ...........and the commitment to 
national integration.
 
"This fact consolidated a State based on peaceful coexistence, 
cultural diversity and the construction of a common destiny," 
the text states.
 
Nicaragua also recognizes Tanzania as a brotherly country, 
with which it shares historic ties of friendship, solidarity 
and cooperation, as well as common principles in the 
defence of multilateralism, peace ......and mutual 
respect among States.
 
In this spirit, the Co-Chairs reiterated the firm will to continue 
strengthening bilateral relations and to continue working 
together --- in the face of current global challenges.
 
The message concludes with a fraternal and revolutionary 
embrace, accompanied by the solidarity of Nicaraguan 
families, towards the brotherly people of Tanzania.
 
 
_____________________________________________________



There was an attempted military 
coup in Mali. What you need 
to know...
April 25th, 4:15pm
(Izvestia.ru)
 
The Tuareg separatist rebel group, the Azawad Liberation Front 
(FLA), has announced that it has taken control of the city of 
Kidal in northern Mali. Across the country, radical armed 
groups of jihadists have launched coordinated attacks. 
 
The situation in Mali
 
• Mali has been hit by simultaneous attacks by armed radical
 groups. Fighting continues across the country as security 
forces try to repel the attacks. This is one of the largest 
coordinated attacks... in recent years. Media reports 
indicate explosions at a military base in Kati near 
Bamako, where roads have been blocked and 
military positions occupied. Clashes are 
also taking place in Gao and Kidal in 
the north of the country and in 
Sevare in the centre. Check-
points have been set up at 
Modibo Keita Airport and 
on roads leading to it, 
...and vehicles are 
being checked. 
 
The United States has urged its citizens
 to stay indoors due to the explosions 
and gunfire.
 
• The attacks may be attributed to jihadist groups Jamaat-Nusrat
 al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and rebels, of the Azawad Tuareg 
Liberation Front (FLA), associated with Al-Qaeda (a terrorist 
organization banned in Russia). The terrorists claim to 
ave captured individual positions in Gao and Kidal, 
but there is no confirmation of these claims.
 
Who is currently ruling in Mali
 
• In 2013, UN forces and the French army were deployed in Mali 
to combat rebels, but they later withdrew from the country. 
Since 2020, Mali has been ruled by a military junta led by 
Assimi Goita. Despite this, significant parts of the north 
and east remain outside the government's control. In 
2024, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso established the 
Sahel Confederation of States after withdrawing 
from ECOWAS. 
 
The authorities have declared a common course on sovereignty, 
collective defense and the fight against terrorism. The region 
remains a zone of high instability, where armed jihadist 
groups operate: in 2024, the number of victims of 
attacks ...exceeded 300.
 
• The withdrawal of these three countries from ECOWAS 
has deepened the political rift with the regional bloc 
and worsened relations with France. At the same 
time, cooperation with Russia, China, and 
Türkiye, has increased in the military 
and resource sectors.
 
• Mali's economy is among the weakest in the world and relies 
mainly on agriculture and gold mining. About 80% of the 
population works in the agricultural sector, where 
cotton, peanuts, millet, rice, and corn are grown, 
as well as livestock farming. At the same time, 
Mali ranks third in Africa, in terms of gold 
production, with a volume of about 60-
70 tons per year. Gold --- provides 
about 70% of export revenues. 
GDP per capita remains low 
at around $750.
 
• The economy -- is highly dependent on external aid and 
international financing --- which covers a significant 
portion of investments (up to 90%). Its industry, is 
underdeveloped, infrastructure remains limited, 
and the climate - poses risks of droughts and 
unstable harvests. Political instability and 
conflicts --- further complicate the 
functioning of the economy, 
including logistics and 
investments.
 
Who are the Tuareg rebels?
 
• The Tuaregs live in the Sahel region (an African region between 
the Sahara in the north and more fertile lands in the south) and 
the Sahara Desert, but primarily in northern Mali. The Tuaregs 
live a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle and are pastoralists. 
They use the vast desert territories as a space for 
movement and control. Within the community, 
there is a complex structure of clans and 
tribes, where local leaders influence 
decision-making and mobilization.
 
• The main political goal of some of the Tuareg movements is to 
create an autonomous or independent region in northern Mali 
called Azawad. The first major uprisings occurred in 1961-
1964, then in 1990-1995 and in 2007-2009. In 2012, a 
new major uprising took place, which led to the 
brief declaration of independence of Azawad 
and the capture of a number of cities in the 
north of the country. In the following years, 
various Tuareg structures were divided 
and united -- including political and 
military coalitions - such as the 
FLA, which was established 
in 2024.
 
• Modern Tuareg rebel groups are involved in the conflict in Mali, 
along with other armed forces in the region. Their influence is 
concentrated in the northern and desert regions, where 
state control remains limited.
 
Instability in Africa
 
• This is not the first coup attempt in Africa over the past year. On 
December 7, 2025, the military tried to seize power in Benin. 
They announced the removal of President Patrice Talon, 
creating a "military committee" under the leadership 
of Lt Colonel Pascal Tigri. Later, the authorities 
said that part of the army regained control, 
the mutiny mainly held the TV centre, 
13 people were arrested - and the 
president and his family were 
not injured.
 
• Also instability was seen in Guinea-Bissau, where President 
Umaro Sissoco Embaló was removed from power. This was 
part of a chain of military coups and violent power shifts 
in recent years in West Africa, which has already 
affected Guinea, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
 
• Since 2020, there have been more than ten military coups in 
Africa, especially in the Sahel countries and former French 
colonies. The causes of instability include the legacy of 
colonialism, artificial borders, weak government 
institutions, poverty, and high unemployment.
 
When writing this article, Izvestia took 
into account the following opinions:
 
Head of the Centre for the Study of Tropical African
Countries at the Institute of Africa of the Russian
Academy of Sciences, Tatyana Denisova;
 
Sergey Kostelyanets, Head of the Centre for Sociological
and Political Research at the Institute of Africa of the
Russian Academy of Sciences.
 
Friendship with Benefits: How Russia and Africa are 
Increasing their mutual trade. By the end of the 
decade, it could increase to $50 billion.
 


_________________________________________
 
 

Slight decrease.. in malaria
 cases in Angola from 2025
April 25th, 2:09pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Angola registered a discreet decrease in malaria cases 
in 2025 compared to 2024, concluding the year... with 
11,236,521, 47,000 less than in the previous period.
 
According to data from the Ministry of Health released today, 
on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, last year 11,260 
Angolans died due to this disease, 200 fewer than in 
the previous calendar.
 
Health Minister Sílvia Lutucuta told the Angola Press agency 
that the country has improved in early diagnosis, timely 
treatment and the reduction of mortality, associated 
with the disease.
 
However, the minister insisted, malaria remains the 
leading cause of death in Angola and must be 
managed in a comprehensive manner.
 
He added that it is not only a health problem, but a social 
challenge, since the confrontation involves improving 
basic sanitation, strengthening vector control and 
continuing to educate the population.
 
He said that the government is preparing for the introduction 
of the malaria vaccine, scheduled for 2026, considered an 
effective and safe weapon to strengthen 
prevention strategies.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Angolan artists join solidarity 
campaign --- with Benguela
April 25th, 2:08pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Dozens of Angolan artists offered a benefit show today to 
raise aid for the victims of the intense rains and floods 
that occurred in the province of Benguela.
 
Under the name of "Solidarity Embrace", names such as Matias 
Damásio... Anselmo Ralph, Yola Araújo, Kyaku Kyadaff, Pérola, 
Jéssica Pitbull, Noite e Dia, Gerilson Insrael, Anderson Mário, 
Maya Zuda, Anna Joyce and Puto Português, among others, 
were presented in the courtyard of Luanda's Sports City.
 
From 2:00 p.m., local time, the presentations began, 
which could be accessed by delivering a donation.
 
The great concert was organized by the Ministry of 
Telecommunications, Information Technologies 
and Social Communication, and joins various 
initiatives promoted by civil society and the 
Government to support the victims of the
recent natural disasters.
 
Among the actions was the collection of aid at the 
headquarters of Angolan Public Television and 
other local television channels, which closed 
this Saturday with some 300 tons of various 
supplies collected.
 
Benguela has been affected by heavy rains in April, 
which on the 4th caused the death of 23 people.
 
Meanwhile, on April 12, the Cavaco River overflowed its course 
and broke the dike on the left bank, which cost the lives of 19 
people and 31 are still missing, while some 10 thousand 
Angolans were displaced and around three thousand 
homes were damaged.
 
For this reason, hundreds of people continue in reception 
centres, to which the delivery of aid is mobilized, while 
epidemiological surveillance is strengthened,
mainly in the city of Benguela, to prevent 
the spread of diseases.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
The Pre-African Forum, on 
Sustainable Development 
Events is --------- Open
April 25th, 12:06am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The events leading up to the XII Session of the African 
Regional Forum on Sustainable Development - will 
begin today in Ethiopia, with an agenda focused 
on water and sanitation, affordable energy, 
industry and innovation, and sustainable 
communities.
 
The meetings convened by the United Nations Economic 
Commission for Africa (ECA) and other institutions will 
be held until April 29 with a view to the forum (April 
28-30) that seeks to define the continent's course 
before the imminent deadline --- of 2030, for the 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete underlined that, 
with less than five years to go before the SDG deadline, 
progress in much of the continent lags far behind, 
making this year's session a crucial moment to 
consolidate a strategy and dramatically 
accelerate its implementation.
 
Gatete said Africa cannot afford another year 
without decisive and coordinated action 
on the Goals.
 
The forum is not only an exercise in review, but a call to 
transform commitments into concrete results for the 
peoples of this continent," he said.
 
Its results will directly influence some of the most 
momentous global political moments of 2026, 
he continued.
 
It will .....generate Africa's formal inputs to the UN High-Level 
Political Forum, in New York, the 2026 UN Water Conference, 
the 2026 African Urban Forum & the XIII World Urban Forum.
 
It will also boost the continental position, in the follow-up to the 
Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development,
 the Second World Summit for Social Development and the 
30th United Nations Climate Change Conference - held 
in 2025.
 
Parallel programming further enriches the week's agenda. A 
Knowledge Fair and Impact Labs are some of the events 
designed to accelerate peer-to-peer learning 
and translate rigorous analysis.... into 
practical implementation.
 
The overall theme of the forum also closely mirrors that of the 
2026 High-Level Political Forum: "Transformative, equitable, 
innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda 
and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all", which 
aligns with Africa's intention to come to the 
global forum with a unified, evidence-
based voice.
 
 
_____________________________________



Demand for a greater presence of 
the Spanish language in Africa
April 23rd, 2:44pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The need - to include the Spanish language in the translations 
of official African events ------and its importance in promoting 
multilingualism on the continent - was revealed today at the 
headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission 
for Africa (ECA).
 
At the event for the Day of Spanish, held for the eighth time at the 
ECA, ambassadors from Spanish-speaking countries highlighted 
the cultural richness, the words of each nation that enrich the 
vocabulary of the language .....and the interest in a greater 
presence in Africa.
 
The Cuban ambassador to Ethiopia, Meylín Suárez, stressed: that 
the human language is not only a tool of communication, it is the 
reflection of its history and an essential pillar in the formation of
the nationality of the Caribbean island, as in ---- coffee, tobacco, 
music, painting or literature.
 
Suárez mentioned the book fairs held in Havana since the last 
century and which, since 2000, have been considered the 
most massive event in Cuban culture.
 
Of the Cubans, he mentioned their particular way of speaking 
with the use of their hands, rapid pronunciation, as well as 
with revelry, affective, awake -- and cheerful attitudes.
 
The representation of Equatorial Guinea, the only country in 
Africa with Spanish as its official language, advocated for 
the addition of that language in the translations of the 
events of the African Union and the ECA. In this 
sense, he called for the unity of the rest of the 
Spanish-speaking countries...... to promote
 this call.
 
As a culmination of the celebration, the Cambridge Academy 
children's choir performed the song El almendrón, by Cuban 
singer-songwriter Arnaldo Rodríguez, causing an ovation 
in the attendees.
 
World Spanish Language Day was chosen for April 23 because 
it coincides with the anniversary of the death of Miguel de 
Cervantes Saavedra, author of Don Quixote, one of the 
most universal works of literature.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
 
Opposition leader rejects agreement
 to welcome US migrants in DRC
April 23rd, 12:42pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The leader of the opposition party Committed to Citizenship 
and Development, Martin Fayulu, today rejected the 
agreement between the Democratic Republic of 
Congo (DRC) and the US for the deportation 
of migrants to Congolese territory.
 
The issue - has sparked controversy since its announcement 
on April 5, but has intensified in recent days after the arrival 
of the first 15 deportees and information that Washington 
intends to send Afghans who fought for its army during 
the war in Afghanistan (2001-2021) ---- to the DRC.
 
In this regard, Fayulu said on his X account that it would be 
"sabotage" for the country if President Felix Tshisekedi 
accepted the Afghans currently residing in a camp
in 
Doha, Qatar.
 
The DRC government -- has agreed to an agreement with the 
US to receive migrants from third countries, on a temporary 
basis, respecting its laws and with the costs of operations 
at Washington's expense.
 
The issue has aroused rejection in several Congolese sectors,
 which consider the country's situation to be too precarious 
to assimilate the arrival of new people, in the midst of a 
crisis with some 7 million internally displaced people.
 
Other voices recall what happened during the genocide in 
Rwanda -- and blame the decision to receive displaced 
people then as the cause of the current conflict in 
the east of the country involving Kigali and the 
Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement 
(AFC/M23).
 
More than 1,100 Afghans who supported the United States 
during the war in Afghanistan reject the Trump regime's 
plan to transfer them to the DRC, as it would expose 
them to another situation of hostilities in a nation 
where they have no family --- and do not speak 
the language.
 
In a statement issued the day before ....and ''reviewed'' by
Actualité.CD, they reiterated that they can no longer 
return to their country, due to their collaboration 
with the northern nation --- and demanded the 
fulfillment of U.S. ''promises'' ...to return to 
the country they served.
 
 
______________________________________________
 
 
Nigerian army repels attack, 
says military
April 23rd, 11:36am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Nigerian troops repelled an attack by commandos 
in the northeast of the country, early today, 
according to a report from the 
Ministry of Defense.
 
The action occurred in the northeastern state of Yobe 
and the assailants suffered 25 fatalities while the 
military reported two wounded, according to 
the official communication distributed 
through social networks.
 
The same source praises what it describes as a "rapid, 
coordinated and effective response by the military", 
but refrains from identifying the affiliation of the 
attackers, who may have been.... anything.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
Economic Commission for Africa 
to celebrate Spanish Day
April 23rd, 12:19am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa will 
celebrate Spanish Day today, an occasion to promote 
its use as one of the official languages, in addition 
to highlighting the culture, tradition and 
gastronomy of the Spanish
speaking countries.
 
Within the framework of the UN's commitment to promote 
multilingualism and cultural diversity, the event is 
organized by the United Nations Educational, 
Scientific and Cultural Organization, the 
embassies of Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, 
Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, 
Spain and Equatorial Guinea.
 
Also, by the Commission's 
multilingualism partners.
 
The activity, as every year, will feature speeches, poetry 
readings, musical performances and video projections, 
followed by a closing reception with gastronomic 
proposals from the participating embassies, 
which will highlight the richness, history 
and global importance..... of the 
Spanish language.
 
 
____________________________________

 
MONUSCO's contribution to 
the protection of civilians 
in DRC ''praised''
April 22nd, 4:57pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The military governor of Ituri province, General Luboya Nkashama, 
today praised the contribution of the United Nations Organization 
Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in the
 protection of civilians.
 
During a meeting with the head of MONUSCO and special 
representative of the UN secretary-general in the DRC, 
James Swan, the governor described the peace-
keepers as a key partner in protecting the 
population and condemned the many
disinformation campaigns.

Continues-Chief-of-the-Monusco-situation-analysis-in-east-of-DRC

 
Both sides discussed this issue, the fight against armed groups 
and the achievement of lasting stability, according to 
MONUSCO's X-account.
 
Swan arrived in Ituri the day before, as part of his tour to assess 
the security situation in eastern Congo, and immediately had a 
meeting with the teams of the blue helmets and the United 
Nations to assess the challenges and define future 
priorities, in the interest of the protection of 
the civilian population.
 
Several civil society organizations awaited his arrival, from Beni
 in the neighbouring province of North Kivu, to express the 
hope that MONUSCO would strengthen its support to the 
Government to eradicate armed groups and allow the 
return .....of more than a million displaced people.


 
____________________________________________________



Angola approves credit --- for 
companies affected by rains
April 22nd, 2:11pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Economic Commission of the Council of Ministers of Angola, 
headed by President João Lourenço, today approved a line of 
credit for companies affected by the recent rains.
 
The planned capital amounts to 30 billion kwanzas (more than 32 
million dollars), and was decided at the first extraordinary 
meeting of the governing body, where immediate 
measures were evaluated to support and 
alleviate the impact --- on families, 
agents ....and economic units of
 this year's natural disasters.
 
The credit line seeks to create exceptional mechanisms 
for the recovery of economic activities, so that the 
affected entities can resume their operations 
and maintain jobs.
 
At the meeting, they also discussed the effects of the conflict 
in the Middle East on the Angolan economy, evaluating a 
memorandum outlining the implications of rising oil 
prices on the international market.
 
"The meeting made it clear that, although the country obtains 
additional income thanks to the higher value of crude oil on 
the world market, it also allocates more financial 
resources to the import of refined petroleum 
products that it needs on a daily basis,"
 said the Angolan Presidency.
 
In this regard, they indicated the urgent creation of reserves of 
strategic goods such as fuel, food, medicines and chemicals 
for water treatment, among others, as a precautionary 
measure in the face of instability in the Middle East.
 
According to the memorandum, Angola has felt the impact of these 
events in areas such as public finances, investments, transport, 
tourism, access to fertilizers, and food prices, among others.
 
 
____________________________________________________________
 
 
 
Mercenaries ''may be'' supporting 
the rebel paramilitaries in Sudan
April 22nd, 1:50pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Colombian mercenaries could be collaborating with the 
so-called Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the fighting 
against the Sudanese army, it was learned 
here today.
 
According to a group of United Nations (UN) Experts, which 
worked in Libya, the transfer of recruits was carried out 
through the Subul al-Salam Battalion of that country, 
which would also have smuggled weapons and war 
materiel across the border to support the RSF.
 
Subul al-Salam is part of the self-styled Libyan National Army, 
commanded by General Khalifa Hifter, which dominates its
 eastern and southern regions.
 
The UN report - detailed the benefits RSF gained through Libya, 
including a rear base about 75 kilometres southwest of Kufra.
 
Other sources such as the private organization Conflicts Insights 
Group (CIG) ..also linked the seizure of El Fasher by the RSF, in 
North Darfur, after an 18-month siege -- with the participation 
of Colombian mercenaries - introduced by ''external agents''.
 
Local media also highlighted a report last February on the fall of 
the city, by the UN Human Rights Office, which states that the 
paramilitaries unleashed an escalation of brutality and 
''possible'' crimes against humanity.
 
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Government and utility 
systems advance in 
Ethiopia
April 22nd, 10:29am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia is making far-reaching progress in strengthening 
government systems ....and improving the delivery of 
public services, thanks to the reform undertaken
in recent years, the Fana Media Corporation 
said today.
 
This was reported by the Ethiopian Minister of Planning and 
Development, Fitsum Assefa, within the framework of the 
third performance review of the Council of Ministers --- 
corresponding to... the 100 days of the current fiscal 
year and an evaluation of the national performance 
of the last 9 months held recently, media reported.
 
Assefa, in presenting his report, stated that the main constraint 
in previous years was not planning, target-setting or resource 
mobilization, but weaknesses in institutional systems.
 
He pointed out that, therefore, the strengthening of the system 
became the central axis of the ongoing reform agenda. He 
explained that these transformations... are being 
implemented - alongside broader development 
initiatives, particularly in response to the
increasingly complex political and 
economic conditions.
 
He said some challenges are addressed through short-term 
policy measures, while others require sustained long-term 
solutions, supported by inclusive national consultations.
 
In the justice sector, the Ethiopian minister reported on 
progress in ...expanding access to justice and fighting 
corruption, with improvements in both the federal 
and regional institutions.
 
Likewise, efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, 
including the National Electoral Board and the media.
 
Regarding the Digital Ethiopia strategy, he stated that 
they achieved ''significant results'' - in transforming 
public service delivery. This - includes expansion 
of comprehensive care centres, which improved 
efficiency, reduced corruption, & decreased 
the burden of time and costs, for citizens.
 
He also highlighted the implementation of digital 
identification systems, which, he indicated, 
strengthened equity in care, improved 
legal compliance and expanded 
access to the sector.
 
He highlighted the training of five million programmers 
as a key initiative for the development of human 
capital in the digital area, along with the 
establishment of training centres in 
various institutions.
 
The report also noted: that the expansion of online government 
services advanced significantly, with digital payment systems 
now outpacing traditional banking transactions in use.
 
 
 
________________________________________________________
 
 
 
Somalia announces death of leaders 
and members of ''Islamist group''
April 22nd, 9:56am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Somali intelligence agency announced today 
the death of 33 members of the Islamist group 
Al Shabab, including its commanders.
 
The summary of the National Intelligence and Security 
Agency (ANIS) assures.. that the casualties were the 
result of two separate operations, against a house 
and the other search and capture, both --- in the 
Middle Shabelle region, north of the capital 
of this East African country.
 
It also specifies that the actions were supported by 
"international allies" - a possible allusion to the air 
assets deployed by Türkiye to support the central 
authorities in their fight against the Islamist 
group Al Shabab (The Youth --- in Arabic), 
said to be loyal to Al Qaeda network.
 
It also adds that the ANIS detachment did not suffer 
any casualties in either of the two actions, which 
occurred in the town of Gulane.
 
Military operations in the Middle Shanelle region have 
been in the headlines of the Somali press for weeks, 
which suggests that the strategy of President 
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's government is 
based on attacking segments of the 
national territory to encircle the 
Islamist group.
 
Somalia also faces ''separatist'' groups 
from various parts of its territory.
 


________________________________________



Ethiopian President - Receives 
Bangladeshi Foreign Minister
April 21st, 2:03pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie held talks today 
with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on 
several areas of mutual interest and to strengthen 
bilateral relations.
 
During the discussion, Selassie praised the strong partner-
ship between the countries, stressing the need to 
strengthen diplomatic partnership, people-to-
people ties, trade and investment, said 
Dewano Kedir, Director General for 
Middle East, Asia-Pacific Affairs 
at the local Foreign Ministry.
 
For his part, Rahman said trade and investment cooperation 
between Dhaka and Addis Ababa is growing rapidly, noting 
that his country is committed to deepening its ties with 
the African nation.
 
He also assured Bangladesh's readiness to elevate bilateral 
and multilateral diplomatic cooperation ........to a new level.
 
According to Kedir, Bangladeshi entrepreneurs invest 
in textiles, the pharmaceutical industry and other 
local sectors.
 
He stressed that the talks have a fundamental role to play 
in boosting the trade and investment cooperation of the 
two countries.
 
Earlier, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos 
received Rahman, where they exchanged views 
on areas of cooperation in both bilateral 
and multilateral ties.
 
Timothewos noted that Ethiopia is experiencing sustained 
economic growth, and invited Bangladeshi companies to 
participate in the priority investment sectors identified 
by the Government.
 
The latter include renewable energy generation, agro-
processing, the pharmaceutical and medical 
equipment manufacturing industries, as
 well as the manufacturing sector 
in general.
 
The head of Bangladesh's diplomacy reiterated his country's 
commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with
Addis Ababa, particularly in the areas of trade 
cooperation and investment.
 
At the conclusion of their discussions, the two ministers 
agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher 
level - through enhanced economic cooperation.
 
 
__________________________________________
 


Chadian troops to travel to 
Haiti ---- to confront gangs
April 21st, 12:40pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Troops of the Chadian Army -- will travel half the world, 
to Haiti, to join the multinational contingent in charge 
of containing the armed gangs that devastate that
 island, official sources announced today.
 
The decision was taken hours ago by Chadian President 
Mahamat Idriss Déby, who said in a statement - that the 
contingent will be made up of 1,500 troops in addition 
to the police and military personnel sent by Kenya 
last year.
 
In addition to the Kenyan -- and now Chadian military, the 
so-called Gang Suppression Force has the participation 
of troops from Jamaica, a Caribbean country like Haiti.
 
The gangs of common law criminals, which possess a 
firepower superior to the Haitian forces of order, are 
the main obstacle - to the reestablishment of 
constitutionality - in the half of the island 
that Haiti shares - with the Dominican 
Republic, the first territory in what 
would become America, in which 
Christopher Columbus' ships 
anchored, on their journey 
in search of the Indies...
 to the west.
 
 
______________________________________________
 
 
 
Nigerian prosecutor charges 
six accused of treason
April 21st, 8:36am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Six people accused of a foiled plot to overthrow 
President Bola Tinubu in 2025, were charged 
today ....by the prosecutor's office of this 
capital, before the Federal High Court 
of Abuja.
 
The defendants include a retired Major General 
and a serving police inspector and they are 
charged with terrorism - and treason.
 
A seventh suspect, former Bayelsa state governor 
Timpre Sylva, is accused of helping to cover up
 the plot and is ....at large.
 
According to the authorities, these defendants were 
part of a group of 16 officers arrested in 2025 for 
what the military authorities described as acts 
of indiscipline and violations of the rules, 
although it was later acknowledged 
that a coup d'état was planned.
 
The defendants are due to appear before the High Court 
in Abuja on Wednesday and a military trial may follow.
 
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is also facing 
several Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and its 
West African faction of the Islamic State (Iswap) or 
a so-called Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, 
which are dedicated to kidnapping and armed 
attacks against Christian villages, schools 
and churches, & which keeps the army 
in a long-lasting struggle.
 
 
________________________________________


The Sudanese capital 
is still like a minefield
April 20th, 5:19pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Sudanese capital still constitutes an intense minefield, 
almost eight months after being back in the hands of the 
Army, local media comment here today.
 
Among the most dangerous areas is what was a recreation 
park in the centre of this capital and where sappers work 
long days clearing it.
 
The authorities say Khartoum is still littered with explosive 
debris that the military is struggling to clear, and danger 
signs are deployed across numerous parts of the city, 
which was in the hands of the so-called Rapid 
Support Forces (RSF), since the beginning 
of the war.
 
According to military sources, a large number of mines 
have been planted in an area of 4.5 square kilometres 
and although an area has been cleared, there are 
still dangerous sectors.


________________________________________


 Pope calls on the Church in Angola 
to stand with the people
April 20th, 3:54pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Pope Leo XIV today urged the Catholic Church in Angola to 
stand alongside the people, especially alongside the poor, 
during a meeting with bishops, priests, consecrated 
persons and pastoral agents.
 
In the Parish of Our Lady of Fátima, in Luanda, the Supreme 
Pontiff recalled the words from Pope Paul VI, who said that 
“development - is the new name for peace”, and he invited 
all - to keep being “a generous church that collaborates 
for the comprehensive development of its country”,
and 
fundamentally, in education and health.
 
The leader of the Catholic Church in the world.. meant that 
the mission in Angola, as elsewhere, is particularly linked 
to the announcement of peace, and he recalled that the 
Church sought paths of dialogue.. to end the armed 
conflict that affected the country for 27 years 
(1975-2002).
 
“But this work did not end”, Leo XIV insisted, adding 
that “we need to educate everyone for harmony”.
 
At another time, the Supreme Pontiff thanked them for 
“continuing to persevere to build the progress of this 
nation on the solid foundation of reconciliation and 
peace” and stressed that all Angolans, without 
exception, have the right to build the country.
 
He invited forgiveness, despite the pain, and not to 
give up denouncing injustices .....and expressed 
gratitude to all those who transmit the Gospel 
in the country and recognize the “Christian 
vitality felt in the community”.
 
The bishop of Rome classified these efforts as an inspiration
 for the Catholic communities of the world and insisted that 
they not separate themselves from the people, especially 
the poor, just as he called for them to: avoid the pursuit 
of privileges.
 
His holiness -- transmitted a message directly to the young 
people in the seminaries and formation houses, whom he 
asked not to be afraid to consecrate their lives to God.
 
At the meeting, the president of the Episcopal Conference of
 Angola and Sao Tome, José Manuel Imbamba, thanked Leo
 XIV for his presence, affection and the messages.... full 
of wisdom.
 
He commented that in addition to the Catholic community, 
representatives of the Council of Christian Churches of 
Angola were present at the meeting, with which there 
is “a fruitful ecumenical path”; and from the Islamic 
Community of Angola, with whom... they began
an 
inter-religious dialogue.
 
“The Church in Angola remains strong and deeply committed 
to its missionary action. We have bravely assumed our 
mission: of mediation and formation of consciences, 
placing our firm faith in our children, adolescents 
and young people”, he assured.
 
Pope Leo XIV, who since his arrival in Angola on Saturday, 
April 18, has received constant expressions of affection 
from the crowd that hails him on his tours, concludes 
his visit tomorrow and leaves for Equatorial Guinea, 
the last country on his African tour.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
Platform collects ''criteria'' ----- on
amendments to DRC Constitution
April 20th, 1:03pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The political platform Sacred Union of the Nation 
(USN) --- which supports the president of the 
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix
Tshisekedi, today launched a call to 
''collect opinions'' on a possible 
constitutional reform.
 
Through a statement, signed by the permanent secretary of 
the USN, André Mbata, the group invited political actors, 
civil society and citizens.... to contribute with their 
proposals on the subject before May 20, 2026.
 
The idea, the document noted, is to gather the criteria, have 
a technical committee summarize and evaluate them, and 
then present them to the head of state.
 
The declaration details the call to political parties and 
groups, associations, prominent members of the USN, 
religious denominations, non-governmental human 
rights organizations, professional associations, 
unions and academics in general.
 
It emphasizes inviting lawyers, as well as interested 
Congolese patriots, both in the country and in the 
diaspora, to present their proposals.
 
The idea of reforming the Constitution raises divergent 
criteria within Congolese society, but the USN seems 
determined to carry it out - and, with it, allow a new 
mandate for Tshisekedi, which concludes in 2028 
and ---- with the current constitution ---- cannot 
aspire to re-election.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Top authorities of Ethiopia & the AU
- received the chancellor of Austria
April 20th, 10:06am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Leaders of Ethiopia and the African Union (AU) received 
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger today, 
to strengthen their bilateral partnership and expand 
cooperation to key areas.
 
The Ethiopian head of state, Taye Atske-Selassie, spoke 
with Meinl-Reisinger, about deepening relations with 
both countries and strengthening collaboration for 
common progress, as reported by the president's 
Office on its social network account X.
 
For his part, the president of the AU Commission... Mahmoud
 Ali Youssouf, during a meeting with the Austrian Chancellor, 
noted that the European nation assumes an increasingly 
active global role and celebrated its commitment to a 
strategic and strengthened alliance with Africa.
 
Meinl-Reisinger praised the long relationship between 
Vienna and the continental organization, while 
reaffirming the commitment to continue 
strengthening this alliance.
 
In the face of the changing global context, both stressed
the need to strengthen the multilateral system and the 
rules-based international order.
 
The meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum 
of understanding ....covering key areas of cooperation, 
including -- peace and security, governance, human 
rights, economic development ...and multilateral 
cooperation, revealed a statement from the AU.
 
 
__________________________________________________


Pope Leo XIV arrives
 in Angola..... on a 
pastoral visit
April 18th, 10:34am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Angola today on a pastoral
 visit from Cameroon, and was received at the
 "4 de Fevereiro" international airport by 
President Joao Lourenco.
 
After the reception on the tarmac, where bishops from 
the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé 
were present, both went to the protocol area of 
the air terminal, where they spoke briefly 
before moving to the Presidential 
Palace of Ciudad Alta for 
official talks.
 
Together with the entourage that accompanies him on
this trip to Africa, which began on April 13 and before 
that, had stops in Algeria and Cameroon, the 
supreme pontiff received on the way the 
affection of thousands of Angolans 
who were waiting around the 
airport to welcome him.
 
Angola has a Catholic population estimated at around 
15 million people (over 40 percent), according to 
data from the 2024 General Population and 
Housing Census, so the third visit of a 
leader of this Church (John Paul II, 
June 1992, and Benedict XVI, 
March 2009) is very well 
received by people.
 
Tonight the bishop of Rome will talk with representatives 
of civil society, the diplomatic corps accredited in the 
country and the national authorities, where..... it is 
estimated that some 400 guests will participate.
 
Saturday's day will close with a private meeting with the 
Angolan bishops and tomorrow a mass will take place 
in the Kilamba neighbourhood of Luanda --- where 
around a million people are expected to attend.
 
In the afternoon, the pope will travel to the shrine of the 
Virgin Mary of Muxima, patron saint of Angola, where 
he will accompany pilgrims in the recitation of the 
rosary, and on Monday he will travel to the 
province of Lunda Sur, where he will visit 
a home for the elderly in Saurimo and 
officiate a Mass that is expected to 
be attended by 40,000 people.
 
Back in Luanda, he will meet with bishops, priests, 
consecrated persons and pastoral workers in the 
parish of Our Lady of Fatima.
 
His departure is scheduled for Tuesday 
morning, heading to Equatorial Guinea.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
The first group of ejected US humans
arrive 
in the DRC by 'an agreement'
with the US
April 18th, 9:03am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) received the first 
group of third-country migrants from the US, as part of an 
enforced ''reception agreement'' signed by the two.
 
According to a government statement released today by 
Radio Okapi, 15 people arrived in Kinshasa the day 
before, marking the beginning of the operational 
phase of the temporary reception programme, 
a term that the DRC government stresses, 
as it is not a permanent settlement or a 
relocation to Congolese territory.
 
The note also stressed that all expenses related to the 
reception and care of migrants are borne by the US.
 
"The affected people are admitted to the national territory 
with short-term permits.... in compliance with national 
legislation on entry and international commitments 
freely assumed by the DRC," the statement said.
 
On 5 April, Kinshasa announced the implementation of the 
mechanism and, from the outset, noted that it would have 
no impact on public coffers and ''would respect'' the 
country's national sovereignty, security needs
and legal commitments.
 
It added that people will remain in the capital to ensure 
an effective administrative, security and humanitarian 
follow-up, and assured.... that each situation will be
subject to individual examination in accordance 
with national security requirements.
 
He stressed that the management of foreigners' access
 to the territory of the DRC is part of international and 
regional commitments on the protection of migrants' 
rights as well as the country's decision to promote 
''human dignity'' and ''international solidarity.''
 
However, the decision has generated debates and 
questions, in both the opposition and civil society.
 
In the National Assembly (lower house) several deputies 
expressed doubts about the length of stay of migrants, 
reception facilities and security guarantees.
 
They also recalled that previous experiences had serious 
consequences, particularly in the east of the country, 
in addition to the fact that the DRC is in the midst of 
a humanitarian crisis ----------- due to the millions of 
internally displaced people fleeing the conflict.
 
In Kinshasa, the Fuerzas Vives platform strongly opposes 
this initiative, as the country is already facing security, 
humanitarian and social crises, hence the measure 
is considered to be truly inopportune ---------- and 
potentially dangerous.
 
 
_____________________________________


Bishosftu International Airport 
will boost tourism in Ethiopia
April 17th, 11:12am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopian Tourism Minister Sileshi Girma --- stated that they 
expect the Bishoftu International Airport, currently under 
construction ------- to significantly boost the sector by 
potentially doubling international visitor arrivals 
once completed, Gazette Plus reported today.
 
Girma recalled that the port facility is considered the largest 
aviation centre in Africa and will serve as a key driver of 
growth for the country's tourism industry.
 
He described the project as an important national milestone, 
highlighting Addis Ababa's growing ability to implement 
large-scale infrastructure projects ...using national 
knowledge and resources.
 
By anticipating an increase in the number of visitors, the 
Ministry adapts its strategies.. to ensure that tourism 
infrastructure, social care services, and standards 
are well prepared to accommodate the expected 
volume of international arrivals, he added.
 
Located about 40 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa 
and at an altitude of 1,910 metres, Bishoftu offers 
optimal conditions for aircraft performance and 
efficient passenger management, both from 
origin and destination, and in transit, 
according to official sources.
 
The project, promoted by the Ethiopian Airlines Group, also 
includes the construction of a modern multi-lane highway 
that will connect the new airport with the capital, as well
 as a 38-kilometre high-speed railway line with operating 
speeds of between 120 and 200 km/h.
 
It will have the capacity to serve 60 million passengers 
a year. Once its master plan is completed, it will be 
able to serve up to 110 million travelers a year, 
positioning Ethiopia .....among the world's 
leading aviation hubs.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
 Government of Ethiopia... evaluated 
progress in preparations for COP32
April 17th, 10:44am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, today chaired 
the evaluation of progress in preparations for the United 
Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 
November 2027.
 
“As the host country of COP32 ------- Ethiopia has started 
preparations in advance through the formal creation of 
the National Steering Committee. We have brought 
together key leaders to guide this process with 
clarity and purpose”, Ahmed wrote on his X 
social network account.
 
He specified that the Presidency began its initial 
tasks to lay the foundations for a coordinated 
and ambitious effort.
 
The session of the National Steering Committee, made
 up of representatives from various sectors, also 
identified areas for improvement to ensure 
that all actions remain aligned with the 
national vision, the item noted.
 
The Ethiopian head of government stressed: that this 
platform serves not only as a space for review, but 
also for a collective definition of the direction to 
follow, as well as a shared commitment to 
excellence in the organization of this 
global program.
 
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos was
named president and appointee of the climate 
event - last November.
 
Timothewos, as part of his duties, will lead preparations 
for the summit, coordinating with national authorities, 
the agencies of the United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 
and international partners.
 
Following the support of Ethiopia's candidacy at COP30 
held in Brazil in November 2025, the Government 
expressed its gratitude to all UNFCCC Member 
States for entrusting hosting duties, while 
looking forward to working with the 
global climate community 
under Timothewos.
 
COP32 in this capital, returns the world's 
largest annual climate meeting to Africa.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
Burkina Faso announces death
 of a hundred Islamists
April 17th, 10:28am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Burquiné Army troops eliminated over 100 Islamists 
during the offensive underway since last Monday, 
states an official report issued here today.
 
The main leadership pointed to a concentration of 
members of a militia belonging to the Al Qaeda 
network in the province of Soum (northwest).
 
The theatre of operations is close to the border 
with Mali, which together with Burkina Faso 
and Niger make up the Alliance of Sahel 
States, after those three countries left 
the Economic Community of West 
African States -- because they 
considered it too identified 
with the colonial powers 
and the United States - 
& approached Russia.
 
This will be the second favourable result since the start of 
the Burquiné offensive against their Islamist adversaries 
last Monday when they killed “several commanders” 
and captured significant quantities of weapons 
and equipment, always according to military 
reports released through official channels.
 
 
__________________________________________



Angolan youth - win 
Mixed Martial Arts 
championship
April 16th, 3:31pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Angola's youth athletes conquered the top of the African 
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship, held here --- by 
adding 64 medals won by the women's & men's teams.
 
Wednesday's day, led by team A, put the final seal on the 
winning streak started on Tuesday by teams B and C, 
by adding 17 medals to complete a total of 30 gold 
metals, 27 silver and seven bronze, the Angola 
Press agency reported today.
 
Angola remains the continent's champion in the youth 
category, with a wide advantage over Cameroon, in 
second place with six medals, and South Africa in 
third, with four.
 
This Thursday the qualifying fights for the quarterfinals 
in the senior category continued, which will take 
place tomorrow at the Ciudadela Deportiva 
de Luanda.
 
The African MMA Championships take place until Sunday 
with the participation of athletes from 12 countries, 
including the host country.
 
 
______________________________________________
 
 
Re-elected president commits to
 the development of the Congo
April 16th, 3:07pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
In a packed Concorde stadium in Kintélé and amidst 
applause, the president of the Congo, Denis Sassou
-N'Guesso, took the oath today in front of the 
National Flag for a new term of office, 
the fifth in a row.
 
At the ceremony, attended by numerous heads of State 
and Governments from all over Africa, the president 
reaffirmed his commitment -- to govern for all the
Congolese, those who voted for him and those 
who did not, and to.... accelerate the march 
towards the development of the country.
 
“In front of the Congolese nation and people, I solemnly 
swear to respect and enforce the Constitution, defend 
the nation ---- and the republican form of the State, 
loyally fulfill the functions that the nation and 
the people have entrusted to me ------ to 
guarantee peace and justice for all, 
preserve national unity, territorial 
integrity, and our sovereignty...
 and independence”.
 
In his investiture remarks, after receiving greetings from 
invited dignitaries, Sassou-N'Guesso highlighted the 
transparency and democracy of the electoral 
process --- and he thanked the people for 
their extensive participation in all its
stages; plus the six contenders.
 
“The election is over. I am the president of all Congolese, 
without exception, and we must continue together 
working for our beautiful country and accelerate
 the march towards development”, he said.
 
He added that he is attentive to all constructive proposals 
for the Congo, within the idea of a fraternal & supportive 
republic; and he meant that it is “with great emotion 
and humility” that he will respond to the new call 
of duty, in addition to emphasizing that he will 
never betray the faith and trust that the 
people have placed in him.
 
He committed to making all possible efforts for the
development of the country, in a nation where 
national peace, security and sovereignty.. 
have been consolidated, as well as the 
national unity and institutions of the 
country ---- being reinforced.
 
He pointed out --- that the route is marked by the 
mobilization of public financial and resources, 
boosting the national economy, prioritizing 
vocational training, plus agriculture and 
industry.... creating jobs, advancing 
infrastructure for development, 
technological innovation and
 environmental preservation.
 
He declared that the country will continue to defend 
Pan-Africanism, peace, multilateralism, as well as 
strengthening regional ties and participation in 
African economic integration projects.
 
He referred to actions regarding energy production, 
creation of drinking water distribution networks 
and jobs for young people and women, 
among others.
 
He dedicated a few words to the youth: “the largest 
sector of the population and the most valuable in 
accelerating the country's march -- towards 
development”, and ---- he asked for each
person to contribute to the endeavour.
 
''The Congo needs your energy and vitality, as essential 
drivers for creativity and leadership in the country's 
transformation, he said, adding that youth must 
prepare ---- knowing the national history and 
loving the nation, as well as inviting them 
to join the tasks of development, since 
they are both the present and future.
 
The ceremony concluded with
 a military programme.
 
 
________________________________
 
 

Gabonese party condemns 
the arrest of its leader
April 16th, 11:53am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Together for Gabon (JPG) party today condemned 
the arrest of its leader, Alain-Claude, Bilie-By-Nze 
which he described as violating the guarantees 
of the rule of law.
 
Police officers - broke into Bilie-By-Nze's home 
last night and took him to a police station as 
a detainee.
 
“We consider the detention brutal, arbitrary and clearly 
contrary to the fundamental principles of the rule of 
law”, states the FPG statement .....distributed 
through social networks.
 
The group adds that the detainee is under investigation
 for presiding over the organizing committee of the 
Culture Festival in 2008, but in reality the goal 
is to marginalize the main opposition voice 
of this West African country.
 
 
______________________________________________
 
 
Fire in refugee camp in Sudan 
leaves four dead
April 16th, 10:20am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
A fire in a Sudanese refugee camp located in 
the Western Darfur region left four dead, 
including three children, medical 
sources said here today.
 
The event occurred the day before, coinciding with 
the third anniversary of the start of the war 
between the Army and the Paramilitaries 
of the so-called Rapid Support Forces 
(RSF), and caused serious damage 
to the camp facilities.
 
According to the Sudanese news portal Sudan Tribune, 
the incident took place in extremely adverse weather 
conditions, with strong winds that contributed to the 
rapid spread of the flames, which left about 1,400 
people without shelter.
 
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been suffering an internal 
war, after contradictions over power issues, fueled by US
deep state actors.
 
 
______________________________________________
 
 
Nigerian airlines will suspend flights 
-------- due to fuel increases
April 16th, 10:04am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The rise in fuel prices in Nigeria seriously affects 
national airlines, and today... the suspension 
of flights was announced --- starting on
the 20th of April.
 
The measure will seriously affect national links, 
which could be completely interrupted.
 
For their part, operators point out that the cost 
of Jet A1 fuel has already increased to 
unsustainable levels, which has put 
serious financial pressure 
on airlines.
 
Meanwhile, the continuous variation in prices 
affects travel costs and at any given time, 
makes them unsustainable.
 
The suspension of domestic flights in Nigeria may 
create a crisis situation due to damage to the 
commercial movement of air cargo and 
tourism, therefore, companies have 
requested State intervention, in 
a country that represents the
 largest economy in Africa.
 
The rise in fuel prices worldwide - is a direct 
consequence - of the war started by Israel 
and the US on Iran - which has unleashed 
a crisis throughout the Wet Asian region, 
& seriously affected trade & oil prices.
 
 
______________________________________________




Africa exhibits results in 
vaccination campaign
against measles
April 15th, 2:03pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) today highlighted 
the importance of the measles vaccination campaign 
that began in Africa in 2000, which made it possible 
to avoid almost 20 million deaths.
 
In addition to the 19.5 million deaths avoided, more than 
500 million children on the aforementioned continent 
are protected through systematic immunization 
between 2000 and 2024, the WHO stated 
in its report.
 
“Since 2000, 44 African countries have added a 2nd dose 
of the measles vaccine to their routine vaccination 
programs, which has contributed to increasing 
coverage from 5% in 2000 to 55% in 2024”, 
the document highlights.
 
In 2023 and 2024, nine nations recorded incidence rates
 of less than five cases per million, and in 2025, Cape 
Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles became the first 
territories in Africa... (text disappears)
 
According to medical literature, measles is a highly 
contagious viral disease that primarily affects 
children ---- and can cause severe health 
problems, including severe diarrhea 
.....ear infections, blindness, 
pneumonia & encephalitis 
(brain inflammation). 
 
Some of these complications
 can lead to death.
 
 
_____________________________
 
 
 
Everything ready in Angola 
to receive Pope Leo XIV
April 15th, 1:50pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Everything is ready in Angola to receive Pope Leo XIV, 
the general coordinator of the commission created 
by the Episcopal Conference of Angola and Sao 
Tome (Ceast) for the organization of the visit 
stated today.
 
In a conference held at the Aníbal de Melo Press Centre, 
Monsignor Belmiro Tchissenguetí explained that the 
conditions were created for the arrival on April 18, 
and for the religious meetings and services 
planned until the moment of farewell
on
 the 21st.
 
He specified that the Supreme Pontiff will arrive in Luanda 
on Saturday around 3:00 p.m. local time, and that -- in the 
surroundings of the international airport “4 of Fevereiro” 
there will be people to offer him the welcome greeting, 
as well as along the entire road to the Presidential 
Palace of Ciudad Alta, where he will talk with 
the president, Joao Lourenco.
 
A meeting with representatives of civil society, the 
diplomatic corps accredited in the country and 
the national authorities is scheduled for that 
same day, to which, some 400 participants 
are invited.
 
On that first day he will also have a private 
meeting with the Angolan bishops.
 
Tchissenguetí commented that for the mass in Kilamba, 
on Sunday the 19th, entry to an area where it will take 
place will begin..... from 3:00 local time, until 8:00 
several buses will be moving to the place that 
will take people from many points in Luanda.
 
Around one million people are expected to attend.... so 
even when safety conditions are created -- and from a 
health care point of view, the organizers recommend 
that the population bring water and light food, as
 there will be many hours of waiting.
 
That same day.... the Pope will travel by helicopter to the 
Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary of Muxima (Mamá Muxima, 
as Angolans call her), patron saint of Angola, where he 
will accompany the pilgrims in praying via the rosary.
 
Tomorrow, the organizing committee will travel to the city 
of Saurimo, in the province of Lunda Sur -- to check the 
final details in that town where the Holy Father of 
the Catholic Church will travel on Monday,
on 
April 20.
 
In that territory the program includes a visit to a nursing 
home, as well as a mass on the city esplanade; back in 
Luanda, around 5:30 p.m, Leo XIV will hold a meeting 
with bishops, priests, consecrated persons and 
pastoral agents.. in the Parish of Our Lady 
of Fátima.
 
Tchissenguetí highlighted the Executive's efforts to prepare
the conditions for this trip of the Pope, under the motto
of 
Pilgrim of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.
 
In particular, he highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of 
Health, headed by the minister, Sílvia Lutucuta, in 
addition to the portfolios of Transportation, and 
Telecommunications, Information Technology
and Social Communication, with emphasis
.....on the media.
 
 
______________________________________________


 
DRC National Assembly ratified 
agreements with Rwanda 
and the US
April 14th, 4:35pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The National Assembly (lower house) of the Democratic 
Republic of the Congo approved the proposed laws on 
the ratification of the agreements signed for peace 
with Rwanda and that of a strategic partnership 
with the United States. [Why?!!!!]
 
After a debate where opposition members asked questions 
to Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, both 
bills were approved by a large majority, with 346 
votes of the 355 cast, Radio Okapi 
reported today.
 
The chancellor stated before parliamentarians that the legal 
instruments signed by the Government seek to lay the 
foundations for lasting stability in the region, while 
paving the way for a strategic alliance in key 
sectors such as critical minerals, energy, 
infrastructure and security.
 
However, members of the opposition expressed concern 
about transparency --- and the protection of national 
resources, particularly -- in the alliance with the 
US, due to a structurally unbalanced position, 
with weak institutions compared to multi-
national corporations.
 
Kayikwamba Wagner meant that both texts are public, 
available online and even translated into national 
languages, therefore, he assured that the 
Government has nothing to hide and 
works for the well-being of
 the population.
 
 
____________________________________
 
 
 
Angola opens with victories in the 
Mixed Martial Arts Championship
April 14th, 4:17pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Angola today opened its participation in the African Mixed 
Martial Arts (MMA) Championship with victories, which 
takes place in the Pavilion of the Luanda Citadel 
with the presence of teams from 12 countries.
 
The harvest of the locals this Tuesday, who are the defending 
champions, won 19 gold and 14 silver medals in the youth 
category fights (B and C) in both sexes.
 
According to the Angola Press agency, Ildrio António stood out in 
the men's competition, winning gold in the 44 kilogram category, 
after defeating his compatriot Arlindo Tonito, in the final.
 
Other gold medalists of the day were Rosário Gomes (48 kg), 
Hilario Tolentino (52 kg), Elino da Cunha (34 kg), Leontino 
da Graca (30 kg), Caetano Cardoso (34 kg), Gelvani 
Ginga (37 kg) and Graciano Vasco (40 kg).
 
On this day of competition Armando Panzo (40kg), Amadeu da 
Graça (48kg), Isaías Motondo (52kg) and Neves Alfredo 
(57kg) won medals in the absence of their opponents.
 
For women... Gabriela Cerqueira (44kg), Stelvia Muhanha (48kg), 
Fernanda Sebastiao (62kg), Albertina Ntyamba (67kg), Serafina 
Fernando (40kg) and Alexandrina Neto (57kg) all won the 
top award.
 
The IX African MMA Championship is the third organized by Angola
 and runs until April 19 with the participation of the national teams 
of .....Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the 
Congo, Ghana, Mauritius, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia, 
Zimbabwe and the Republic of the Congo, in addition 
to the host country.
 
Angola presented a team made up of 148 athletes: 
83 youth competitors, 41 senior and 24 junior.
 
Fights are scheduled for tomorrow in 
the youth A and junior categories.
 
 
_________________________________________________
 
 
 
Recovery continues 
in Angolan province 
affected by floods
April 14th, 3:32pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Recovery efforts in the province of Benguela, in central Angola, 
they continue today to mitigate the damage caused by the
 flooding of the Cavaco River and the rupture of the dam 
on the left bank.
 
The weekend floods, caused by intense rains, have so far left 
18 dead in the territory, 11 missing, more than 450 houses 
destroyed and a number of citizens receiving shelter of 
more than nine thousand, according to the Civil 
Protection and Fire Service.
 
Local authorities reported that an emergency intervention is 
underway to restore the dam and contain the Cavaco River, 
with a view to minimizing the risk of new floods ---- and 
guaranteeing the safety of surrounding populations.
 
The force of the waters - caused the collapse of approximately 
300 metres of the structure, which caused significant flooding 
in several areas of the city of Benguela, particularly in the 
Seta Antiga neighbourhood, where citizens had to be 
rescued by the Navy and the Armed Forces.
 
The provincial governor, Manuel Nunes Júnior, explained to the 
press that there are other vulnerable areas along the river that 
also require intervention, due to the danger of something 
similar to what happened last Sunday.... happening.
 
In this regard, he pointed out that a more in-depth study 
will be carried out with specialists, to provide an 
adequate and definitive solution.
 
The Angolan Presidency announced this Tuesday that the 
president, Joao Lourenco, will travel to the province of 
Benguela tomorrow ---- to verify the damage and 
supervise recovery efforts -- as well as talk
with the displaced population and people 
temporarily housed in shelters.
 
 
________________________________
 
 
 
25 suspected Islamists
die in combat with the 
Somali army
April 14th, 2:50pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Ministry of Defense of Somalia today released data 
on a combat action carried out in the Lower Juba and 
Middle Juba regions, in the south of this country of
 the so-called Horn of Africa.
 
According to a military statement, published on social 
networks on Tuesday, bombings supported by foreign 
forces - unidentified - were carried out in the 
operations, leaving some 27 alleged 
members of Al Shabaab dead.
 
This Islamist faction operates in areas north of Mogadishu,
from where it is accused... of having carried out attacks 
against military and economic objects of this country.
 
Recently, Somali authorities also announced that federal 
government troops occupied the main towns around 
Baidoa, capital of the Bay administrative region in 
the rebellious state of Southwest, after intense 
fighting against the militias of the dissident 
regional president, Abdiaziz Laftagareen.
 
In the midst of this situation, the federals are also carrying out 
actions against the Islamist faction Al-Shabaab in the vicinity 
of Baidoa, which further complicates the fragile situation in 
that nation.
 
 
___________________________________________________
 
 

Mali army bombs camp 
of alleged Islamists
April 14th, 2:24pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Malian Air Force bombed a base of alleged Islamists 
in the Koulikoro region, in areas surrounding the capital, 
military sources announced here today.
 
The attack was carried out as part of operations against 
armed factions operating in this African country.
 
According to sources, the base was located in a wooded 
area 45 kilometres from Didiéni and in the attack about 
15 militiamen were neutralized and the base camp 
was destroyed.
 
Due to the escalation of clashes between Islamist factions
operating in Mali and that country's security forces, 
tensions have increased.
 
One of these Islamist groups is the so-called Support Group 
for Islam and Muslims (Jnim), which attacks villages, 
imposes the payment of a religious tax and the
 use of the black veil on women.
 
During recent months, the Khnim, linked to Al Qaeda, attacks 
fuel caravans traveling towards Bamako, capital of Mali, to
 try to paralyze the country's economy, therefore, military 
operations against them --- have increased.
 
Mali also faces the coalition of Tuareg groups, known as Berbers, 
determined to achieve the separation of the northern region 
from the rest of the country to create an independent state.
 
A Nation of the Sahel, Mali lives mired in a deep political crisis, 
which has increased despite successive popular coups d'état 
that occurred in August 2020 and May 2021.
 
 
__________________________________________________
 
 
Visit of the president of Liberia marks
a milestone in ties with Ethiopia
April 14th, 11:15am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, considered today 
that the official visit of the President of Liberia, Joseph 
Nyuma Boakai, will mark a significant milestone in 
diplomatic relations and strengthen their shared 
aspirations ---- with concrete actions.
 
Ahmed, upon receiving Boakai at the National Palace, high-lit on 
his social network account X ......that both countries share long-
standing and highly prestigious relationships, rooted in a 
common history of resilience.
 
The latter, he stressed, having remained free of colonization 
and in their pioneering role ....as firm defenders of the 
independence and unity of the African continent.
 
“Today, as always, Ethiopia maintains an open, generous 
attitude, offering its immense potential.... and enduring 
friendship, to all those who accompany us”, he stated.
 
The Ethiopian head of government received the Liberian 
president the day before upon his arrival at the Bole
 International Airport in this capital.
 
«Welcome to the Land of Origins, where the future is forged, 
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of the Republic of Liberia. 
I look forward to our fruitful collaboration, during your 
stay», Ahmed wrote on the same digital platform.
 
This Tuesday, Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed and 
her Liberian counterpart, Brigadier General Geraldine Janet
George, addressed growing bilateral military cooperation.
 
Highlighting the historical importance of the meeting, Mohammed 
noted that, as the two main symbols of African independence, 
Addis Ababa and Monrovia share a unique bond that 
serves as the basis for their modern 
security partnership.
 
He reaffirmed his country's willingness to collaborate in 
military industrial development and capacity building.
 
George, for his part, expressed Liberia's keen interest in 
leveraging Ethiopia's extensive experience in military 
science, modernization and international 
peacekeeping missions.
 
He emphasized the Liberian interest in deepening 
cooperation specifically within the training and 
technical sectors.
 
 
__________________________________________________
 
 
 
African Union and UNESCO seek to
 promote cultural cooperation
April 14th, 7am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of the African Union Commission -- Mahmoud Ali 
Youssouf, spoke with the director general of UNESCO, Khaled 
El-Enany --- about promoting their collaboration in culture, 
education and knowledge management, a statement 
noted today.
 
The meeting took place the day before at the headquarters of the 
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 
(UNESCO) in Paris, on the sidelines of the third session of the 
strategic dialogue between the AU and France.
 
According to the text, Youssouf and El-Enany explored ways to 
further strengthen cooperation within the framework of the 
current Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming - their 
shared commitment to promoting inclusive development, 
preserve cultural heritage & promote equitable access 
to knowledge throughout the African continent.
 
The president of the AU Commission and the French Minister of 
Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot.... chaired the 
strategic dialogue, in which they addressed: the need to 
reform the UN Security Council, security issues on 
the continent, among others.
 
He also met with President Emmanuel Macron, whom he 
thanked for his support in the operationalization of the 
African Continental Free Trade Area and the provision 
of experience for the benefit of the Commission to 
contribute to the implementation of Agenda 2063.
 
Both parties --- reaffirmed their willingness to consolidate an
association based on common values and mutual interests, 
and agreed to continue their regular dialogue through the 
joint mechanism for monitoring decisions and guidance 
arising from the strategic dialogue, the next session 
of which, will be held in Ethiopia.
 
 
__________________________________________________




Sudan War enters its third year 
with apocalyptic figures
April 13th, 11:54am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
A few hours before turning three years old tomorrow, the 
civil war in Sudan puts before the world statistics that 
shock ---- even in the current circumstances of 
tribulation for humanity.
 
The conflict between General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, 
president of the Sovereign Transitional Council and 
the Rapid Support Forces militia, led by his former 
ally who has become a staunch enemy, general 
Mohamed Jamdan Dagalo has the dubious 
honour of having generated the largest
 refugee crisis in history: 14 million 
displaced people.
 
Of that total, almost a third, four million 500 thousand are settled
in neighbouring countries, namely Chad, Egypt and South Sudan, 
where they reside in more than precarious conditions, 
threatened by famine --- and the victims of curable 
diseases due to a shortage of humanitarian aid, 
according to statistics from the UN 
Refugee Agency.
 
From that human wave, hundreds of people were victims of 
sexual abuse and war crimes and crimes against humanity 
of which, both contenders accuse each other.
 
As collateral damage, what has been called Sudan's forgotten 
war revives ethnic conflicts that they capitalize on to swell 
their ranks, a burden that will drag down this country
 if it ever achieves peace.
 
As if these sufferings were not enough, the same source 
certifies the death of 11,400 people --- although other 
media claim that the figure rises to 24,000, mostly 
civilians caught between two fires.
 
Several attempts at mediation foundered due to the 
reluctance of the rivals who at this point -- still 
swear that they will not give up until they 
kill the other.
 
Meanwhile, the conflict continues... 
with no end in sight to the tragedy.
 
 
_________________________________________________
 
 
Venezuela ----- ratifies Congo's 
willingness to work together
April 13th, 10:35am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Venezuela ratified to the Democratic Republic of the Congo a 
willingness to work together in new areas of collaboration, 
the Bolivarian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ivan Gil,
reported today.
 
Through his Instagram account, the senior diplomat revealed 
that he had “a pleasant telephone conversation” with the 
Congolese Foreign Minister, Jean-Claude Gakosso.
 
He stressed that they agreed on the importance of continuing to 
strengthen bilateral cooperation --- and advancing in the prompt 
implementation of the Joint Commission that “will be essential 
to consolidate alliances between our nations”.
 
Gil ratified his Government's willingness to “work together in 
new areas of collaboration and to continue articulating 
efforts in multilateral spaces of common interest”.
 
The Bolivarian Republic and the Congo held the First 
Joint Commission in Caracas.... in August 2023.
 
The meeting was chaired by the Congolese Minister of International 
Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership, Denis 
Christel Sassou Nguesso, and by Ricardo Menéndez, sectoral 
vice president of Planning.
 
The ministers of Construction, Urban Planning and Housing also 
attended for the African State; Forest Economy; Tourism and 
Artistic Industry and Recreation; and the ambassador of 
the Congo, resident in Brazil and concurrent in 
Venezuela, Sylvain Goma.
 
The president of the Congo-Venezuela Friendship Group, the 
mayor of Brazzaville (capital) and the president of the 
University, Dennis Sassou Nguesso, among other
 officials, also attended.
 
Bilateral relations between the two nations were established 
on April 6, 2006 and two years later were consolidated with 
the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the 
establishment ........of a political Consultations and 
Cooperation Framework Agreement Mechanism.
 
 
_________________________________________________
 
 
Ethiopia & African Bank promote 
continental cooperation
April 13th, 10:35am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Government of Ethiopia, and the African Export-Import Bank 
(Afreximbank) today ------- intensified their high-level contacts to 
promote economic self-sufficiency and strengthen continental
cooperation --- in the face of growing global pressures.
 
According to the local Finance Ministry, senior Ethiopian officials 
held strategic talks with the Afreximbank leadership, focusing 
on coordinated approaches ------ to strengthen Africa's 
independence and economic resilience.
 
The head of the sector, Ahmed Shide, and the governor of the National 
Bank of Ethiopia, Eyob Tekalign, participated in the dialogue with the 
president of the bank, George Elombi, to analyze short- & long-term 
strategies aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and 
accelerating the continent's development agenda.
 
During the exchange --- the urgency of building a more resilient African 
economy through greater regional integration, the expansion of intra-
African trade and increasing the mobilization of national financial 
resources --- was highlighted.
 
They emphasized that «Africa's long-term stability depends 
on reducing external vulnerabilities and strengthening 
internal capacity».
 
They addressed the need for a unified continental response to 
current global challenges, including supply chain disruptions 
and economic volatility.
 
Likewise, they stressed the importance of coordinated mechanisms
 to stabilize the flows of essential commodities and safeguard 
macro-economic stability.
 
According to the source, they identified industrial development,
 infrastructure financing and strengthening alliances in the 
financial sector among key areas for greater cooperation.
 
The parties paid special attention to collaboration with the 
National Bank of Ethiopia to boost regional payment and 
settlement systems, in order to facilitate smoother 
trade in African markets.
 
They reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration 
and agreed to deepen cooperation in support of priority 
initiatives aligned with Africa's broader vision of 
economic resilience and self-reliance.
 
 
_________________________________________________


Regional entity congratulated the 
re-elected president of Djibouti
April 11th, 7:56am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority 
on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, today 
congratulated Ismail Omar Guelleh... on his 
re-election as president of Djibouti for 
a sixth term.
 
Gebeyehu congratulated the Djiboutian people for the peaceful 
holding of the presidential elections held the day before and 
their participation in the process, reflecting their continued 
commitment to peace, stability and national development.
 
He also underlined that country's long-standing role as a 
bastion of diplomacy and regional cooperation -- and its 
continued contribution to promoting dialogue, stability
 and collective action in the Horn of Africa.
 
He also commended Mulatu Teshome, former president of 
Ethiopia and the head of the IGAD Electoral Observation 
Mission, along with the rest of the members, for their
professionalism and dedication in the performance 
of their duties during the elections.
 
Finally, he reiterated the African entity's continued 
commitment to working with the Government and 
people of Djibouti ---- to promote regional 
cooperation, peace, stability and 
shared prosperity.
 
Guelleh won the presidential elections held the day before 
with 97.8 percent of the votes, against his opponent 
Mohamed Farah Samatar -- representative of the 
Centre for Unity and Democracy.... state radio 
and television Djibouti reported on Saturday.
 
The 78-year-old president confirmed the result on his 
social network account X with an image of himself 
with the phrase «RÉÉLU» (re-elected in French).
 
 
____________________________________


Sahrawi government
refutes 
autonomy
thesis 
April 10th, 1:25pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Sahrawi government refuted the thesis that autonomy is
the only solution to the conflict in the Western Sahara, 
occupied since 1975 by Morocco, reported media 
here today.
 
Morocco is acting in bad faith, said the chancellor of the Sahrawi 
Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, 
in an allusion to the position of that country in the ongoing 
negotiations sponsored by the US and the UN, which 
recognizes the right of the Saharawi people --- to 
self-determination.
 
Chancellor Beissat stated that his government is not against 
discussing the issue of autonomy, but independence must 
also be included, in line with the rule of law and 
international law.
 
SADR has diplomatic relations with 87 states, occupies a 
seat as a full member of the African Union and appears 
in the relation of states, as under colonial occupation 
states the UN.
 
The next May 10th, the Sahrawi republic marks 50 years of
its 
founding, during which it has fought the occupying
Moroccan military --- with its armed wing,
the people's Liberation Army.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
satisfactory preparations for 
the Pope's visit to Angola
April 10th, 1:16pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of Angola, João Lourenço, evaluated today, 
the preparations for the pastoral visit of Pope Leo XIV 
to the country, from 18 to 21 next, which he sees as
progressing in a satisfactory manner.
 
During a meeting with members of the multi-sectoral 
commission created for the organization of the trip, 
the president received details about the created 
conditions and actions to ensure the success 
of the events that will take place...... due to 
the presence of the Supreme Pontiff.
 
According to the Presidency, the meeting included a review 
of the agenda, within which is expected an outdoor mass 
in Kilamba, in Luanda province; a visit to the Shrine of 
Muxima, in the province of Icolo and Bengo, and also 
to the city of Saurimo in Lunda sul, where.... he will 
arrive at a nursing home.
 
The preparations for the assembly of the structure that 
will house the religious service in the outdoors in 
Kilamba is progressing favorably.. according to 
a report of the Public Television of Angola, 
who pointed out they were engaged in 
reinforcing structures every 10 
metres to ensure the safety 
& soundness necessary.
 
They pointed out that the April 4 tests were carried out 
under rain and strong winds, plus... the sound system.
 
In the same way, the director general of the National 
Institute of Medical Emergencies of Angola, António 
Matemba said to the TPA that they are creating all 
the conditions to attend the activities related to
the visit ........of the Bishop of Rome.
 
 
____________________________________________



Africa demands changes in 
approaches to climate 
risk management
April 10th, 6:35am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The deputy prime minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, 
called for a decisive shift towards preventive approaches 
and science-based management of climate risk, said the 
Ethiopian News Agency today.
 
Tiruneh, speaking at the XVI Session of the African Conference 
on Risk Management Capabilities held on 8 and 9 April in 
Addis Ababa, urged the countries of the continent to 
go beyond reactive responses and build resilient 
systems based on the unit, the forecast and 
institutional strength.
 
He stressed that the african union must be a practical force 
to confront the growing impacts of climate change and 
forge a future that is more resilient.
 
He pointed out that climate change is not a distant or abstract threat,
but a present reality and each time more intense, that affects
livelihoods. That challenge requires determination, 
coordinated action and a radical change, with
respect to 
the present fragmented
responses, he said.
 
The Ethiopian deputy prime minister, stressed that 
Africa - can no longer afford to operate in a cycle 
of crisis and dependence, where aid is sought 
only after disasters happen.
 
In this regard, he called to invest in a sustained way 
in prevention, preparedness, and systems based 
on data and science, able to anticipate risks 
------ before they become a crisis of 
great magnitude.
 
This approach, he stressed, is essential not only to 
protect lives and livelihoods, but also to safeguard 
national sovereignty ---- and the achievement of 
long-term development.
 
Addressing the role of Ethiopia, he spoke of the national 
efforts underway to strengthen resilience to climate 
change, including environmental restoration on a 
large scale --- in the framework of the Initiative 
Green Legacy --- the expansion of renewable 
energies and strategies to strengthen food 
sovereignty and regional connectivity.
 
He warned that both natural and man-made disasters increase, at
a time in which the mechanisms of overall support are becoming 
less & less predictable, which reinforces the urgency of
Africa depending more ----- on its own capabilities
and institutions.
 
He reiterated the crucial importance ---- of strengthening the
continental mechanisms, such as the Ability of African Risk 
Management, considering it essential ---- to improve the
identification of hazards, enhancing preparedness, 
and allowing for rapid, effective and dignified 
responses, in the face of disaster.
 
Finally, he reaffirmed the provision of Ethiopia to work closely 
with its african partners to promote a future defined not by 
their vulnerability, but because of their resilience, 
sovereignty, and shared progress.


 
_____________________________________


Lobito Corridor strengthens 
Angola-Tanzania ties 
April 9th, 3:45pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The ambassador of Tanzania in Angola, Matheus Edward 
Mkingule, said today ---- that the historic relationship 
between the two countries ---- will be strengthened 
much more with the launch of the Lobito Corridor.
 
The diplomat, after giving his farewell message to Angola's 
president, João Lourenço, pointed out to the press the 
excellent relations between the two governments, 
and commented ..that the railway project linking 
Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
and Angola, will be very beneficial.
 
The initiative, which in the future also aims to connect with 
Tanzania, will have a positive impact in the promotion of 
economic cooperation and the logistics between the 
countries involved, by connecting the Atlantic and 
Indian oceans, considered Mkingule.
 
The Tanzanian representative to Luanda from November 2024, 
served as ambassador to non-residents and is currently
their functionary here and in Zambia, since he was
appointed as ambassador to Cuba.
 
Mkingule expressed his gratitude to the Angolan representative  
for the support received and ratified his country's commitment 
to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation that 
dates from August 25, 1981, after a period of close 
cooperation -- during the Angolan national
liberation struggle.
 
 
_________________________________________________
 
 
 
Deputy defends the right to self-
determination of the Saharawi 
April 9th, 12:14pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The parliamentarian of the United Left (IU) and general 
secretary of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), 
Enrique Santiago, defended today, “the right to 
self-determination of the Sahrawi people”.
 
From the Saharawi refugee camps in Tindouf (Algeria), the 
spokesman of IU in the Congress of Spain, claimed the 
need of holding the referendum, long advocated by 
the United Nations, but which is being prevented 
in practice ------------ since decades ago.
 
In a statement released by IU, he realized that James had 
appealed to the international community to take urgent 
measures to allow the referendum, as “the only way 
for this heroic people........ to enjoy a well-
deserved peace.”
 
The also vice-president of the Commission for Foreign 
affairs of the Congress spoke on Thursday in the acts 
of commemoration ....of the 50th anniversary of the 
proclamation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic 
Republic (SADR).
 
James - denounced the illegal occupation by Morocco, of the 
saharawi people's territories, and criticized the international 
position, that leads the president of Spain's Government, 
Pedro Sanchez, to defend the socialists of the PSOE.
 
He took the opportunity to reiterate its “strong support” to the 
Polisario Front, to the long time.. that he recalled has passed 
“50 shameful years - of the delivery” of the Western Sahara 
to Morocco, the period in which the Sahrawi people “have 
fought ---- have had to resist the human rights violations, 
and forced to go into exile and live in refugee camps.”
 
In another part of his speech, he pointed out that a good part 
of the Saharawi population remains sheltered in the desert 
of Algeria, as both those who live in the area occupied by 
Morocco, endure attacks ..and the continuing violation 
of their human rights.
 
“Our desire is that the next commemoration anniversary 
takes place in the territory of Western Sahara, today 
occupied by the colonial invasion and criminal 
Morocco”, he added.
 
“Spain ------ sold the Western Sahara to Morocco” by an
agreement “illegal and contrary to International Law”, 
he said.
 
 
_____________________________________________________
 
 
 
Vatican detailed aspects of the apostolic
 journey of pope Leo XIV in Africa
April 9th, 11:55am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The apostolic journey of Pope Leo XIV to Algeria, Cameroon, 
Angola and Equatorial Guinea, from 13 to 23 April, is
characterised by its richness and the diversity of 
its histories, cultures and traditions, a
spokes-
person .......said today.
 
Matteo Bruni, director of the Press Office of the Holy see, said 
on Thursday, in a contact with representatives of various 
media outlets, details of such visits, which in the case 
of Algeria will be the first visit of a pontiff, to the 
nation, while in the other countries --- the last 
visit took place more than thirty years ago.
 
During the 11 days visiting four countries, pope Leo XIV is due 
to move in a plane or helicopter to a dozen cities, where he
will address issues such as peace, the environment, 
migration, family, youth and colonialism, added 
the spokesman.
 
“He will be immersed in a world of multi-faceted languages, 
cultures, histories, and different traditions - exploring the 
complex realities, marked by violence, fundamentalism, 
and the tragedy of migration,” he said.
 
Bruni also referred to the enthusiasm of the new generations, 
the leading role of religion in the promotion of peace and the 
challenge of coexistence between different faiths, in “a 
journey through the wealth of that great continent, 
populated by diverse peoples and worlds.”
 
The director of the vatican press stressed that Algeria is a land 
steeped in the testimony and legacy of Saint Augustine, father 
of the religious order to which ''Robert Francis Prevost,'' 
belonged, which he traveled to several times already, 
but now returns as the Pope.
 
He also pointed out that the various speeches of the leader of 
the catholic Church includes references to the “risk of the
exploitation of resources on the part of others, whether 
individuals or organizations”. [not countries, ie USA?)
 
From Algeria, the Bishop of Rome was transferred to Cameroon, 
“a country that cuts through complex tests ..........due to the 
coexistence of different realities, as the crisis in the North, 
the Southwest, and in the Far North, or the poison of 
fundamentalism, particularly among young 
people” means.
 
The third visit will be in Angola, “a land as young as its people”, 
as he described, where the main topics that will address the 
Holy Father will be “the peace, the natural and human 
resources, youth, and the wounds of corruption, 
exploitation and colonialism”.
 
This apostolic journey, the third pope Leo XIV during his 
pontificate, after the made-to- Türkiye, Lebanon, and
Monaco, concludes in Equatorial Guinea, “a zone 
of the continent ...rich in mineral resources, 
archaeological sites and, even more, in 
humanity, cultures... and languages”, 
with a large christian community, 
said Bruni.
 
On the 21st of April, they will conclude their stay in Angola and
travel to Malabo, capital of equatorial guinea, pope Leo XIV 
will remind you of Pope Francis, on the first anniversary 
of his death, said the Vatican spokesman.
 
In the stadium of that city, pope Leo XIV will preside over a mass 
in the morning of 23 April, as the last activity before his
 departure at 12:45 that day, to return to Rome.
 
 
__________________________________________________
 
 
child-killer in Uganda 
sent to the courts
April 9th, 10:52am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The murderer of the four children of a nursery in this city, 
the capital of Uganda, appeared in court to hear the 
charges against him, official media reported today.
 
In his plea, the accused, identified as Christopher Okello Onyum, 
a US/Ugandan citizen, believed that human sacrifices would
 ensure his further health --- and wealth.
 
The magnitude of the crime causes a huge impact on the 
states of the zone, in which abound requests for capital
punishment  abounded.
 
The remission of sentence applied for to the courts, 
issued after psychiatric tests -- was thrown out, as 
the US cannibal enjoyed perfect mental health.
 
Days ago, the accused entered the nursery, reduced by force
the administrator of the site, invaded the classroom, and 
--- after stabbing four children between 15 months and 
10 years of age --- tried to escape, but was captured 
by neighbours who were preparing to lynch him.
 
Saved at the last minute by the forces of law and order, 
the defendant will remain in custody, until the 
conclusion of the trial --- according to the 
opinion of the court.
 
 
________________________________________


 Islamists ''blamed'' for attack
and looting of Cameroon city
April 8th, 10:07am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Unknown armed men attacked a city in northern Cameroon, 
killed two people and looted several businesses, unofficial 
media reported here today.
 
The assailants broke into the town of Gouzda Wayam, located in 
the Lake Chad basin. They shot at passers-by at will and - after 
spreading terror, they stole food and other merchandise from 
businesses, according to the account of witnesses to the 
attack ...who blame the action on the Islamist group 
Boko Haram.
 
However, the Cameroonian authorities remain silent about the 
operation and its perpetrators as do spokespersons for Boko 
Haram, which has its headquarters in the Nigerian state 
of Borno.
 
The Islamists have Cameroon on their list of enemies because 
the army of this country is part of a military alliance with 
Nigeria.. as well as that of Chad --- to combat it.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
More than 40 dead due to
 intense rains ..in Angola
April 8th, 6:05am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The toll of those killed - due to the intense rains on Saturday and 
Sunday in Angola continues to grow today and amounts to more 
than 40, after confirming 26 deaths in the province of Benguela 
and 13 in Luanda.
 
The Civil Protection and Fire Service (SPCB) reported that these 
two territories also recorded 16 injured and five missing, while 
the province of Malanje reported the death of two people and 
Cuanza Sul... one.
 
Although the situation is currently under control, the damage 
is significant, in addition to the loss of human life.
 
According to the SPCB, more than 600 homes collapsed, around 
nine thousand were left under water and at least 51 thousand 
people were affected by the natural phenomenon, in addition 
to reporting damage to social infrastructure, such as roads, 
schools (23), health centers (five), power lines and water 
supply networks.
 
There was also damage to farming areas and fishing boats.
 
On Monday, Angolan President João Lourenço expressed 
his condolences to families affected by the heavy rains 
over the weekend.
 
“We deeply regret the loss of human life and the disappearance 
of other citizens, forcing us to embark on a race against time 
to locate them, rescue them and provide them with medical 
assistance”, the head of state said.
 
He added that, given the dramatic situation, the Executive 
will guarantee assistance to the victims “with the utmost 
dedication”, through various State entities designated 
for the corresponding interventions.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
More than 1,500 people died 
in the occupation of Uvira, 
according to the DRC
April 8th, 5:52am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of 
the Congo (DRC), Samuel Mbemba, maintained that more 
than 1,500 people died during the occupation of Uvira, 
in South Kivu province, local press reported today.
 
The head of the portfolio told the media elements of a compilation 
report of what happened in that town from December 10, 2025 to 
January 18, 2026, when it was under the control of the rebels 
of the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).
 
He noted that --- approximately 14,400 women were raped, more 
than 300 thousand people were forced to flee their homes and 
around 12 thousand children were affected and exposed 
to dropping out of school, psychological trauma and 
family separation.
 
During the presentation, held the day before, Mbemba also 
alluded to the discovery of several mass graves in 
different locations, which contained hundreds 
of bodies.
 
He further explained that the bombings, summary executions, 
kidnappings, sexual violence and looting, created a climate 
of widespread terror in Uvira --- at this stage.
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
They warn about risks at a mining site 
due to a radiological emergency
April 8th, 5:38am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Civil society in Lualaba, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
warned about the risks in Remblai T17 in Kolwezi due to the 
lack of effective safety measures in the face of the 
radiological emergency in force today.
 
According to the civil society coordinator, Lambert Menda 
Lubamba, since last March 24, the DRC Government 
confirmed the presence of radioactive materials, 
and the actions implemented to protect the 
population ......have been insufficient.
 
He told Radio Okapi that, despite the risks of radiation and 
contamination, artisanal miners continue to access the 
place to extract minerals, and the police officers on 
site are not effectively preventing intrusions into 
the area.
 
He added that, even though it is a small number and despite 
warnings from the authorities, human health ------- is at risk.
 
The day before, the Assistance and Support Service for Artisanal 
and Small-Scale Mining (Saemape) announced a plan to relocate 
artisanal miners who worked at Remblai T17 in Kolwezi, who 
will be transferred to designated areas, mainly in Kasulo, 
UCK and Menuiserie.
 
Since Saturday, the entity launched an operation to identify 
the miners and take a step towards the regulation and 
formalization of their work, with a view to better 
regulating the actors in the sector.
 
The general director of Saemape... Jean-Paul Kapongo Kadiobo, 
stated that the intention is to guarantee the safety of artisanal 
miners and structure their activities ---- in accordance with 
current regulations.
 
The radiological emergency was decreed, after the detection of 
residues of natural uranium extracted from the mine, enriched 
natural uranium, depleted uranium, fuel (new, in use, spent 
and waste), separated plutonium, uranium from the 
reprocessing of spent fuel, thorium and 
suspended matter.
 
Through a statement, the Minister of Higher Education, University, 
Scientific Research and Innovation, Marie-Thérèse Sombo, who 
is also the nuclear authority, explained - that all the security 
measures were implemented ..and qualified experts are 
on site.
 
She added that protective and decontamination equipment is 
available, in addition to maintaining surveillance; however, 
in the opinion of civil society, actions on the ground - so 
far - are insufficient.
 
 
________________________________________


Second African Union Urban
 Forum meets in Kenya
April 8th, 4:44am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Kenya hosts the Second Urban Forum today, established by 
the African Union to facilitate dialogue and coordination 
on sustainable urbanization and human settlements.
 
Under the theme «Suitable housing for all: Promoting 
socioeconomic and environmental transformation 
towards the achievement of Agenda 2063», the 
event scheduled until April 10 brings together 
political leaders... representatives of local 
and regional governments, development
partners, the private sector, etc, etc.
 
The high-level event -- seeks to elevate housing as 
a central development priority and position it as 
a transformative lever for Africa's urban future.
 
It also aims to mobilize political leadership, align legislative 
frameworks ....and catalyze collective action in support of 
affordable, inclusive and sustainable real estate across 
the continent.
 
An important aspect is to raise awareness about the 
fundamental role of housing in achieving the 
aspirations of Agenda 2063, particularly
 in the context of rapid urbanization, 
demographic change and 
climate pressures.
 
The forum is expected to further increase the visibility 
of innovation and leadership in housing and urban 
development, in which ....Africa will contribute.
 
The event will adopt the Nairobi Declaration, which will 
articulate the continent's shared political priorities and
 positions on housing and human settlements and 
inform African participation in the 13th Session 
of the World Urban Forum, the latter planned
 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17 to 22.
 
The African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Public 
Service, Local Governments, Urban Development, and 
Decentralization, at its Fourth Regular Session held 
on August 31, 2022 in Egypt, decided to establish 
the Africa Urban Forum as a dedicated platform 
to advance the urban agenda.
 
This contributes to shaping a shared urban agenda, promotes 
policy coherence and strengthens institutional collaboration 
between Member States. It enables the exchange of 
knowledge, experiences, best practices, and 
innovations that support sustainable urban 
development .....across the continent.
 
 
_____________________________________


A state of emergency has been declared 
in Madagascar due to power outages
by Vladislav Shablovsky
April 7th, 7:09pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 
 
To share
 
The Malagasy authorities have declared a state of emergency 
in the energy sector due to the consequences of the conflict 
surrounding Iran. This was reported by the national 
television of Madagascar, citing a 
government decree.
 
It is reported that the state of emergency will be in effect in the 
island nation for 15 days. According to the government's order, 
the authorities had to take this step due to the constant 
power outages. However, it is still unclear what 
measures the state of emergency in 
Madagascar will entail.
 
According to local television, the authorities are trying to 
normalize the supply of petroleum products to various 
regions of Madagascar. In particular, this concerns
 the island of Nosy Be ....a tourist attraction.
 
 
____________________________________________



New MONUSCO chief reaffirms 
commitment to protecting 
civilians
April 7th, 5:31pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The new special representative of the United Nations Secretary-
General and head of the Stabilization Mission in the Democratic 
Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), James Swan, today reaffirmed 
the commitment of the blue helmets ------- to the protection 
of civilians.
 
The US diplomat assumed his duties on Tuesday and in his first 
statements to the press sent a message of solidarity to the 
Congolese people, in the face of the deeply worrying 
humanitarian and security situation in the east 
of the country.
 
He noted that the priority of his work will be the implementation 
of MONUSCO's mandate, with the protection of the civilian 
population at its core, and within that mission, support 
for de-escalation and the creation of conditions 
conducive to lasting peace.
 
"Progress will require dialogue, regional participation and the 
fulfilment of commitments already made. The protection of 
the civilian population will continue to be fundamental to 
the work of MONUSCO," Swan said, according to 
Radio Okapi.
 
MONUSCO, which had begun its withdrawal from the DRC in 2024,
 received an extension of its mandate until December this year 
due to the persistent deterioration of the security situation 
in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
 
His current assignment includes overseeing the ceasefire 
between the rebels of the Congo River Alliance-March 23 
Movement (AFC/M23) and the DRC Armed Forces.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
Angola and Côte d'Ivoire.......
launch direct air connection
April 7th, 5:10pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Traveling between Angola and Ivory Coast becomes easier today 
after the premiere of the direct air connection between Luanda 
and Abidjan, with a service of three weekly frequencies.
 
Operations are carried out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 
mainly with Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a capacity for 137 
passengers, which are designed to provide comfort 
to travellers.
 
According to the Angolan Foreign Ministry, the inaugural flight 
took place on April 6 and the commemoration ceremony was 
held ....at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport 
in Abidjan.
 
The meeting was attended by the Angolan ambassador 
accredited to Côte d'Ivoire, Oliveira Francisco Joaquim 
Encoge, and the Ivorian ambassador accredited to 
Angola, Santiero Jean-Marie Somet; as well as 
representatives of the main civil aviation 
institutions of both countries.
 
The new route also means progress in cargo transport, the 
mobility of communities and promotes the deepening of 
bilateral relations, with new opportunities for 
cooperation in the political-diplomatic, 
economic and commercial fields.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
Sudanese Army announces advances
 in the south of the country
April 7th, 1:40pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Sudanese Ministry of Defence, loyal to the president of 
the Sovereign Transitional Council, announced today the 
reopening of the strategic road from the city of Dilling 
that connects the state of South Kordofan with its 
twin state North Kordofan.
 
Through an official statement circulated on social networks, the 
ministry describes the event as a "decisive victory in the fight 
against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and its allies".
 
The Sovereign Transitional Council, loyal to General Abdel Fattah 
al Burhan and the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, 
are leading what has come to be called Sudan's forgotten war, 
which in a week will ''celebrate'' its third year....... of death 
and devastation.
 
The conflict, which moved weeks ago to the south of the country, 
after the RSF was evicted from this capital and the city of 
Omdurman, both belligerents are impervious to several 
mediations to reach a peace agreement and, on the 
contrary, swear that they will not rest ...until the 
death of the other. 
 
 
_______________________________________



President of Angola expresses 
condolences to those 
affected by rains
by Karina Marrón González
April 6th, 1:54pm
 (Prensa Latina)
 
 The president of Angola, João Lourenço, today expressed 
condolences to the families affected by the intense 
rains this weekend, which so far leaves 32 dead 
and several injured and missing.
 
Through a message published by the Presidency, the president 
referred to the “tragic consequences” of the heavy rainfall in 
recent days in the country, which caused damage to the 
population and material infrastructure.
 
“We deeply regret the loss of human life and the disappearance 
of other citizens, forcing us to embark on a race against time 
to locate them, rescue them and provide them with medical 
assistance”, the head of state said.
 
He added that numerous homes were flooded or collapsed, some 
roads are closed and various public services, such as water 
supply systems, suffered serious damage, interrupting 
the normal functioning of cities, towns and 
other human settlements.
 
“Given the dramatic situation caused by this natural phenomenon, 
I express, on behalf of the Executive and on my own behalf, my 
deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones 
and I urge that every effort be made for the speedy recovery 
of those who have suffered injuries and others damage”, 
he noted.
 
He added - that assistance to victims, is a commitment that the 
Government will fulfill “without hesitation and with the utmost 
dedication”, through various State entities designated for 
the corresponding interventions.
 
According to the latest report from the Civil Protection and Fire 
Service, Benguela was the province with the greatest loss of 
human life, registering 23 deaths, followed by Luanda with 
six, Malanje with two and Cuanza Sul one.
 
More than 20 injuries were reported in these 
territories, while four people remain missing.
 
Some 6,752 homes were flooded due to heavy rainfall and 
114 collapsed, affecting 34,355 people in the provinces 
of Luanda and Benguela alone.
 
Traffic between the latter and Huambo was interrupted since 
Sunday through National Highway 260, due to the collapse 
of the bridge pillars over the Hâlo River, in the 
municipality of Caimbambo.
 
The National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics (Inamet) 
predicted light to moderate rains for the next 24 hours, with 
the probability of isolated storms, in the provinces of 
Cabinda, Uíge, Lunda-Norte, Lunda-Sul, Benguela, 
Huambo, Bié, Cubango and When.
 
Meanwhile.. light rains are expected in Zaire, Malanje, Cuanza 
Norte, Cuanza Sur and Cunene, and moderate rains, possibly 
intense in some areas, with a probability of thunderstorms, 
in Moxico, Moxico Leste, Huíla and Namibe.
 
Inamet also predicts drizzle in Bengo and Icolo e Bengo 
for the next few hours, and partly cloudy skies 
in Luanda.
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
 
ADF attack in DRC sows 
panic in the population
April 6th, 9:33am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Media from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today 
report a new attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in
 the city of Mambasa, province of Ituri, which spread panic
 in the population.
 
The action, which occurred the night before, left a provisional toll 
of two civilians injured and two commercial buildings set on fire, 
according to Radio Okapi; while Actualité.CD indicated three 
injured, at least 15 stores attacked and several people 
kidnapped .....and forced to work as porters for 
the attackers.
 
The intense shooting -- which occurred at around 10:00 pm in the 
Arua 2 neighbourhood, forced many residents of the peripheral 
neighbourhoods to flee to the city centre, while an alleged 
ADF fighter was intercepted and subsequently lynched 
by angry residents.
 
Local sources told Radio Okapi that the attackers came from their
 bastion, located about 4 kilometres away, in the direction of
 Ndimo, which reinforces the concern of civil society 
about the effectiveness of military operations.
 
The spokesman for the DRC Armed Forces in Ituri, Jules Ngongo, 
stated that this Sunday's intervention was quick and effective, 
which made it possible to neutralize five ADF combatants 
and recover weapons after the defeat of the attackers.
 
“The security situation is currently under control”, he said, 
adding that tracking and pursuit operations continue to 
locate the remaining fugitives.
 
An attack by the armed group associated with the Islamic State 
last week -- left more than 45 civilians dead in the territory of 
Mambasa, therefore, the feeling of insecurity grows in the 
population ....despite the presence of security forces.
 
Since the beginning of 2026, the territory has experienced an 
intensification of ADF attacks, with at least six major waves 
of attacks recorded and more than a hundred deaths.
 
 
____________________________________________
 
 
 
Djibouti Foreign Minister has received 
the African Union electoral mission
April 6th, 8:53am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation 
of Djibouti, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, today received the
delegation of the African Union Electoral Observation 
Mission, headed by the former Prime Minister of 
Rwanda, Bernard Makuza.
 
The meeting focused on the organizational framework for the 
presidential elections scheduled for April 10 in the African
 country, as well as the deployment of observers 
throughout the national territory, the local 
Foreign Ministry specified in its social 
network account X.
 
Omar praised the African Union's strong commitment to 
strengthening democratic processes across the 
continent, in accordance with the African 
Charter on Democracy, Elections 
and Governance.
 
Likewise, he reiterated Djibouti's full cooperation 
with the Electoral Observation Mission of the 
continental organization.
 
A joint statement from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and 
International Cooperation and the Interior announced the 
arrival the day before of delegations from the four main 
regional and international organizations to observe 
the development of the elections - a clear desire 
for transparency and credibility of the vote.
 
Invited by the Djiboutian Government, these missions also 
come from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 
& the League of Arab States. A total of 67 international 
observers are expected in the national territory, 
the text stressed.
 
The AU is the largest delegation with 47 members, 
followed by the Intergovernmental Authority on 
Development with 16 representatives.
 
The OIC and the League of Arab States complement the plan 
with two observers each. Each of the missions are led by 
high-level personalities, in a guarantee of experience 
and credibility.
 
President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Union candidate for the 
presidential majority.... and Mohamed Farah Samatar, 
representative of the Centre for Unity & Democracy, 
participate in the electoral contest.
 
According to the joint declaration, all logistical and 
organizational arrangements were adopted --- to 
ensure an optimal reception and facilitate the 
deployment of observers throughout the 
territory. This organization aims to 
allow complete coverage of the 
vote, even in the most remote 
areas of the country.
 
 
____________________________


 
Scientific era brand research 
complex in Ethiopia & Africa
April 4th, 11:25am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia today has a cutting-edge research complex, located at 
the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, the centre that marks 
the beginning of a new scientific era for the country and the 
African continent.
 
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the complex 
that he says, goes beyond physical infrastructure, describing
it as a «strategic leap» to position Addis Ababa as a leading 
centre in scientific research, health security and techno-
logical advances. It has 40 fully equipped laboratories, 
advanced genomics and bioinformatics platforms 
---- tools that will allow local scientists to 
participate in cutting-edge research 
on a global scale.
 
A key aspect of the facility, is its bioequivalence centre, 
which will ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness 
of domestically produced medicines.
 
This development... is expected to significantly reduce 
Ethiopia's dependence on imported pharmaceuticals, 
while strengthening local production capacity.
 
“By linking science with policymaking, the complex will support 
the improvement of healthcare ----- it will strengthen emergency 
preparedness and strengthen resilience against future threats 
to public health”, Ahmed said.. on X social network account.
 
He further stressed - that the initiative aligns with the broader 
ambition to achieve greater independence in critical sectors 
through national innovation and sustainable development.
 
The new Armauer Hansen Research Institute complex is more 
than a research centre; It is a bold symbol of Ethiopia's 
commitment to a healthier, more self-sufficient future, 
and a significant contribution to African science, 
he concluded.
 

__________________________________________________________



3rd mass grave in Uvira, DRC, brings 
the number of bodies to over 200
April 3rd, 1:06pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The governor of the province of South Kivu, in the Democratic 
Republic of Congo (DRC), Jean-Jacques Purusi, reported the 
discovery of a third mass grave in Uvira, which today 
brings the number of bodies found to 210.
 
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security, 
Decentralization and Customary Affairs, Jacquemain Shabani, 
reported to the Council of Ministers at the end of February 
about two multiple burials found in the neighbourhoods 
of Kavinvira and Kilomoni, with a total of 151 bodies.
 
However, the day before, Governor Purusi, during a press 
conference with the Minister of Communication and 
Media, Patrick Muyaya, indicated that they also 
discovered a mass grave in Kimanga.
 
The authority thanked the sending of forensic experts, as 
well as inspectors and agents of the judicial police, who 
participate in the investigations ----- to determine the
responsibility for the massacres perpetrated and 
identify the bodies of the victims.
 
 
___________________________________


Agreements in the justice sector mark 
a milestone in Ethiopia-Algeria ties
April 1st, 11:49am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia and Algeria today signed a set of agreements on justice 
and legal cooperation and marked a milestone in strengthening 
diplomatic ties and improving institutional collaboration.
 
The agreement, signed by the Ethiopian head of the sector, Hana 
Arayasilassie, and her Algerian counterpart, Lotfi Boudjemaa, 
derived from intense consultations between technical 
teams from both countries, held last year.
 
Arayasilassie explained that the new legal cooperation is 
focused on critical areas, such as civil law, criminal 
affairs and official prisoner exchanges.
 
He specified that, in addition to the primary agreement, Addis 
Ababa and Algiers signed a memorandum of understanding 
aimed at deepening synergy at the institutional level, and 
facilitating the continuous exchange of legal knowledge.
 
He emphasized that this partnership serves as a vital tool to 
strengthen bilateral ties and build collective resistance 
against modern security threats.
 
He specifically mentioned that the framework will provide a solid 
foundation for joint efforts to combat cybercrime, transnational 
organized crime and terrorism.
 
He reaffirmed Ethiopia's firm readiness to work in close 
coordination with Algeria to uphold regional security 
and legal integrity.
 
Boudjemaa, for his part, stressed that the agreement is the direct 
result - of fruitful high-level discussions previously held between 
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Algerian president
Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the modernization of justice systems.
 
He highlighted - that the text is a cornerstone for capacity-building
 and the exchange of experiences between judicial agents of both 
countries. He underlined its central role in combating corruption, 
cross-border crime and strengthening the rule of law.
 
He stated that this new chapter of judicial cooperation elevates 
long-standing relations between both countries to a higher 
strategic level, ensuring that both parties benefit from 
a more integrated and efficient sector.
 
 
__________________________________
 
 
 
Former Algerian president
 Liamine Zéroual has died
April 1st, 10:48am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Algerian Presidency announced today the death at 
the age of 85 ......of former president Liamine Zeroual.
 
The statement, released through social networks and 
taken up by the media, indicates... that the death 
occurred last Saturday “due to a long illness”, 
whose nature is not precise.
 
Zeroual served as president between 1994 and 1999 
as interim and was elected president in elections 
held that year.
 
That five years was characterized by the violent clash 
between the government and the Islamic Salvation 
Front, whose followers resorted to violent ways 
to take over the Presidency and caused 
enormous economic and social 
damage to this country.
 
 
_________________________________
 
 
 
Health, a strategic 
economic asset 
for Africa
April 1st, 9:05am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Health is not a cost, it is a strategic economic asset, the 
president of the African Union (AU) Commission 
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, stated here today, 
speaking at a high-level event.
 
Africa must invest in its health systems to protect sovereignty, 
drive growth and build resilience, Youssouf said at the Forum 
on Sustainable Health Financing, held on the sidelines of the 
58th Regular Session of the Economic Commission for Africa 
and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, 
Planning and Economic Development.
 
He specified that the current model ------ marked by low public 
financing and high out-of-pocket payments, is unsustainable, 
pushing millions into poverty. With the increase in debt and 
fiscal pressure, “the time for reform is now”, he asserted.
 
He stressed that linking budget reform, innovative 
financing, digital governance and regional 
integration.. can open a new paradigm.
 
He considered the African Centres for Disease Control and 
Prevention and the AU African Continental Free Trade 
Area to be fundamental to this transformation, 
because --- they strengthen preparedness, 
reduce costs, promote pharmaceutical 
sovereignty and access to vaccines.
 
The Chairman of the African Union Commission stated that 
“today's forum must take action - a coalition of countries 
ready to move faster and concrete commitments, with 
limited and responsible deadlines”. Health --- must 
become a pillar of Africa's sovereignty, 
he concluded.
 
The high-level forum is one of the six events that meet in parallel 
to the ministerial meeting convened by the United Nations 
Economic Commission for Africa, scheduled from 
March 28 to April 3 in the Moroccan city 
of Tangier.
 
The agenda includes: the Continental Youth Symposium on 
“African youth at the forefront of technologies, innovation, 
sovereignty and employment in the digital age”, “Improve 
Africa's trade flows .....by optimizing port infrastructure 
and operations”.
 
Meetings focused on “Leveraging data and technology to 
strengthen domestic resource mobilization and debt 
governance in Africa” and the Ministerial Policy 
Dialogue entitled “Financial Inclusion and 
Women's Economics for Sustainable 
Development in Africa: Data 
Leverage and Innovation”.
 
The “Innovation Finance: The Role of African Multilateral 
Financial Institutions in Accelerating Africa's Economic 
Technology Transformation” will highlight --- new 
financing models... to drive local innovation.
 
 
_________________________________________
 
 
 
Euphoria in the DRC due to the team's 
qualification -------- for the World Cup
April 1st, 6:14am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Ministry of Employment and Labour of the Democratic 
Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared today as a paid 
holiday for the qualification of the national soccer 
team to the 2026 World Cup, after beating 
Jamaica 1-0.
 
The country is experiencing the euphoria of triumph with 
celebrations in the streets until dawn, and in Kinshasa 
with thousands of people --- who left their homes to 
celebrate, despite the rain..... well, the national 
team had not been able to reach the world 
championship ...for 52 years.
 
President Félix Tshisekedi and first lady Denise Nyakeru 
Tshisekedi celebrated the victory of the DRC Leopards 
in the final of the intercontinental play-offs, held in 
Guadalajara, Mexico, indicated the Congolese 
Press Agency.
 
The president congratulated the players on the return of the 
national team to the World Cup after more than half a 
century and for fulfilling the dream of an entire 
generation ....which helps to strengthen 
national unity and cohesion, the 
source indicated.
 
 
_________________________________________



Panama beats South Africa 
in a soccer friendly
March 31st, 5:24pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Panamanian soccer team today played a well-organized 
and competitive game to beat South Africa 2-1 in a friendly
 match, played at the DHL Stadium in Capetown.
 
The team led by Thomas Christiansen opened the scoring with 
a goal from José Córdoba in the 58th minute, but the Africans 
equalized with a strong long-distance shot from Mbekezeli 
Mbokazi (64).
 
Already in the final stretch, Jiovany Ramos (77) 
appeared to seal victory in a set piece action.
 
Panama resisted the pressure at the end of the match 
and secured a positive result as a visitor to end their 
tour of African territory with a draw and a victory.
 
Japan surprised England 1-0 at Wembley.


_________________________________________


Kinshasa ready for
third 
Angola-DRC
economic forum
March 31st, 4:31pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Kinshasa is ready to hold the third Angola-Democratic Republic 
of the Congo (DRC) economic forum, for which a delegation 
from the neighbouring country arrived in this capital today.
 
The Angolan delegation to the event, scheduled from tomorrow 
until Thursday under the motto “Subregional Integration and 
Development of Cross-Border Trade”, is headed by the 
Minister of State for Economic Coordination, 
José de Lima Massano.
 
The group is made up of the holders of the Industry and 
Commerce, and Fisheries and Marine Resources 
portfolios; as well as the secretaries of State 
responsible for areas... such as land 
transportation, oil and gas, and 
finances, plus other chappies.
 
The event aims to be a strategic platform for
dialogue, 
paths to strengthen commercial
relations between both nations.
 
According to government spokesman and DRC Communication 
Minister Patrick Muyaya, the meeting must favour the 
coordination of economic policies that fully exploit 
the potential ...of the geographical proximity and
complementary strengths of the two countries.
 
According to the planned programme, the forum will discuss
 issues such as bilateral trade facilitation, investment 
promotion and the functioning of cross-border 
economic corridors, among which the 
Lobito Corridor stands out.
 
DRC and Angola work together - to strengthen their ties in 
economic matters, as demonstrated by the organization 
of the event and the continuity of the work of the 
Angola-DRC Interministerial Commission.
 
In mid-March, both parties held a virtual preparatory meeting for 
the next meeting of that cooperation mechanism, which will be 
focused on the organization and consolidation of bilateral 
economic exchange.
 
Among other issues... delegations from the two countries 
addressed the proposed Economic Agreement between 
governments, an instrument aimed at establishing a 
broader framework for cooperation, addressing 
areas such as trade in goods and services, 
investment, transportation, logistics, 
industrial cooperation...... and the
 development of border regions.
 
The project also includes institutional mechanisms designed 
to strengthen coordination between the authorities of 
both countries, and create better conditions for 
economic exchange.
 
 
________________________________________________________
 
 

Angola & Brazil recognize potential 
for mutually beneficial relations
March 31st, 3:18pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira, and of 
Angola, Téte António, acknowledged today during a working 
meeting in Luanda, the potential for ..cooperative relations. 
 
The foreign ministers agreed to promote initiatives that contribute
to the economic development of the two nations, valuing the role 
of the private sector and financial institutions, in consolidating 
these alliances.
 
According to the Angolan Foreign Ministry,  they carried out an 
exhaustive analysis of the state of relations, with special 
emphasis on strengthening cooperation.
 
“The parties highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue 
and strategic coordination on matters of common interest, 
including the promotion ------- of peace, security and 
sustainable development”, the statement noted.
 
The ties between the two countries have been close since the 
declaration of Angolan independence in 1975, and in recent 
years they have been strengthened with the visit of the 
heads of state in both directions... and the signing of 
agreements in different, vague, unspecified areas.
 
This Tuesday, in the Brazilian capital, the Ministers of 
Culture of the two nations.... signed agreements to 
strengthen institutional ties in the vague sector, 
expanding collaboration between its cultural
institutions and promoting new stuff.
 
Last week, the Ministry of Energy and Water of Angola
and the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil signed
a Memorandum 
of Understanding..... on Technical
Cooperation in the Electricity Sector, covering
the scientific, technological, regulatory,
administrative & commercial fields.
 
 
__________________________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopia intensifies measures 
due to fuel shortages
March 31st, 12:25pm.
(Prensa Latina) 
 
A total of 658 people, including government officials, were 
arrested in Ethiopia ---- for illegal fuel trade and hoarding, 
amid the shortages caused by the crisis in West Asia, 
a man said today.
 
Ethiopian Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kasahun
Gofe, told of the seizure of more than 720,000 litres of fuel 
- since measures for state control were implemented on 
March 23, due to losses in the national supply chain.
 
Gofe stressed that the arrests are part of supervising the 
supply and distribution of fuel throughout the country.
 
He warned that any marketing outside the designated framework 
will be treated as illegal and subject to strict sanctions, as the
authorities continue with their efforts to contain illicit sales 
and stabilize the market.
 
The measures come amid a sharp decline in fuel imports, due to
the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which began on February 28th.. 
with the aggression of the US and Israel against Iran.. which 
interrupted long-standing supplies and raised world prices.
 
The Ethiopian minister declared that the operation, carried
out in 6 regional states and two city administrations,
resulted in the 
confiscation of 250,221 litres of
gasoline ....and 198,432 litres 
of diesel,
generating more than 48.6 million
birr (over
 $313,701) in income
for the state treasury.
 
 
_________________________________________



Digital governance focused discussions 
of the African Committee of Experts
March 31st, 6:32am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Strengthening digital governance - and positioning Africa as 
a strategic actor in the global digital economy focused the 
discussions of the Committee of Experts, prior to the 58th 
Ministerial Conference scheduled in Morocco, an official 
source reported today.
 
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) --- in a statement sent 
to Prensa Latina, specified that the meeting held from March 28 
to 30 in the city of Tangier laid the technical foundations for 
the ministerial debates on the advance of the economic 
transformation of the continent through innovation, 
data and cutting-edge technologies.
 
The 58th Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and
Economic Development, the main forum for dialogue & exchange 
of opinions with central bank governors .....on issues related to 
the economic transformation of the continent, will take place 
on April 2 and 3.
 
In her closing remarks, ECA Executive Undersecretary Hanan 
Morsy - praised the participants for the depth and quality of 
their approaches, pointing out that their contributions 
could be a basis for ministerial decision-making.
 
“Its rigorous analysis and well-informed recommendations form 
the technical basis that will guide our ministers and define 
priorities at global, regional and national levels”, 
she said.
 
Morsy stated that the decisions made will determine whether 
Africa simply adapts to global change or actively shapes 
its own future
 
The Committee met in a context of rapid technological change, 
global economic dynamics and growing competition around 
data governance and artificial intelligence, the 
statement stressed.
 
Experts highlighted that... while these trends present risks, they 
also offer unprecedented opportunities for Africa to accelerate 
its structural transformation.
 
Throughout the session, they discussed how innovation, 
digital technologies, and better data governance.. can 
drive productivity, diversification, & inclusive growth.
 
They stressed the need for Africa to stop being a mere consumer 
of global technologies and become a key player in shaping the 
rules that govern the digital economy.
 
Furthermore, they reviewed the progress of the work program 
of the Economic Commission for Africa, and made 
recommendations.. aimed at improving support 
to Member States - particularly in the areas 
of data governance, digital infrastructure 
and evidence-based policy formulation.
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopia invites Chinese businessmen 
to invest in transportation
March 31st, 5:20am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia today invited businessmen from China to make 
strategic investments in transportation and logistics, 
emphasizing the opportunities offered ------- by 
sustainable and renewable energy projects.
 
This was expressed by the head of the local State portfolio, 
Alemu Sime, during a meeting with leaders of the Ethiopia
-China Friendship and Cooperation Committee, in which 
he highlighted a long history of bilateral collaboration 
and reaffirmed the African country's commitment to 
facilitating foreign investment in key areas.
 
Sime assured that investors will receive all the necessary 
support to participate in areas such as logistics, public 
transport & the adoption of new energy technologies.
 
Likewise, he noted Ethiopia's recent decision -- to ban the 
import of gasoline vehicles as a significant step towards 
promoting renewable energy and advancing the 
transition to cleaner solutions.
 
«The country offers ample investment potential, especially 
in railways, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and 
the conversion of gasoline to electric or natural gas 
vehicles», he emphasized.
 
For its part, the leaders of the Ethiopia-China Friendship and 
Cooperation Committee expressed interest in establishing 
an electric car assembly plant, & exploring opportunities 
in the hydrogen media sector and related areas.
 
The meeting highlighted Addis Ababa's growing interest in 
sustainable transport solutions and its strategy to attract 
international investment in infrastructure.
 


_____________________________________________




Somali federal troops - occupy key 
points in the southwestern state
March 30th, 10:47am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Somalia's authorities announced today that federal government 
troops occupied the main towns around Baidoa, capital of the 
Bay administrative region, in the rebellious state of S. West.
 
According to an official military statement, the troops of the Federal 
Government of Somalia took over these strategic points, after 
intense fighting against the militias of the regional 
president, Abdiaziz Laftagareen.
 
Likewise, it was learned that the armed clashes caused thousands of 
local inhabitants to flee to Baidoa, where official sources indicate 
that over 430 thousand people are displaced from their homes, 
which complicates the humanitarian situation in that city.
 
Political observers highlight this Monday that these confrontations 
occur due to Laftagareen's disagreements, and with the Central 
Government just announcing the expiration of his term as 
regional president and rejecting any attempt to prolong 
his authority.
 
For his part, the local leader opposes the constitutional amendments 
promoted by federal president Hasan Sheikh Mohamud, which seek 
to modify the balance of power between the centre and local 
administrations, add the sources.
 
In the midst of this situation, the federalists are also carrying out 
actions against the Islamist faction Al-Shabaab in the vicinity of 
Baidoa, which further complicates the fragile situation in this 
country.. in the Horn of Africa.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 

The number of Malian refugees 
in Mauritania ------- increases
March 30th, 9:04am
 (Prensa Latina)
 
International organizations indicated that more than 13 thousand 
Malians moved to the southeast of Mauritania during the last six 
months to escape clashes between the military and Islamists. 
 
According to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) - these 
displaced people - who now number around 300,000 - are mainly 
concentrated in Hodh Ech Chargi region, S. East of Mauritania.
 
The largest refugee camp is Mbera, about 60 kilometres from the 
border, where nearly 120 thousand people are concentrated,
 
Due to the escalation of clashes between Islamist factions operating 
in Mali and that country's security forces -- tensions have increased.
 
One of these Islamist groups is the so-called Support Group for Islam
 and Muslims (Jnim), which attacks villages, & imposes the payment 
of a religious tax and the use of the black veil on women.
 
During recent months, the Khnim, linked to Al Qaeda, attacks fuel 
caravans traveling towards Bamako, capital of Mali, to try to 
paralyze the country's economy, therefore, military 
operations against them have increased.
 
Mali also faces the coalition of Tuareg groups, known as Berbers,
determined to achieve the separation of the northern region 
and create an independent state there.
 
A nation of the Sahel, Mali lives mired in a deep political crisis, 
which has increased after successive coups d'état that 
occurred in August 2020 and May 2021.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
Every 30 seconds, a dead 
baby is born ---- in Africa
March 30th, 6:54am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Every 30 seconds, a baby is stillborn somewhere in Africa and, with 
almost a million fetal deaths a year, the continent supplies over
half of the world's burden, an official source warned today.
 
The director general of the African Centres for Disease Control and 
Prevention (Africa CDC), Jean Kaseya, regretted that behind every 
loss there is a mother, a family and a community whose pain 
often goes unnoticed. A tragedy that, in most cases, is 
avoidable, he said.
 
Kaseya acknowledged that stillbirths remain one of the most invisible 
problems in African health systems, often underestimated, under-
reported and overlooked in political decisions, planning 
and financing.
 
This invisibility, he stressed, not only constitutes a moral failure --- but 
also a risk to health security. Fetal death is one of the most sensitive 
indicators - of the quality, equity and resilience of the sector.
 
It reveals deficiencies in primary care, weaknesses in referral 
and emergency preparedness, & failures in surveillance and 
data mechanisms ---- essential for learning, accountability 
and a rapid response, he added.
 
In this sense, he declared that the report on the situation of 
stillbirth in Africa, recently presented, represents a 
fundamental step ---- to break this silence.
 
Driven by African leadership and developed through extensive 
continental collaboration (governments, UN agencies, civil 
society, communities, among others), it is the first 
balance sheet --- at the continental level --- 
dedicated exclusively to the topic.
 
The text brings together evidence, country experiences and the 
voices of affected parents to illustrate both the magnitude of 
the problem ....and the opportunities for action.
 
It further shows that most stillbirths are preventable through evidence-
based investments in robust primary health care, high-quality prenatal 
and delivery services, and, effective emergency obstetric and 
neonatal care --- as well as robust data systems.
 
These investments not only reduce stillbirth and maternal and neonatal 
mortality, but also strengthen the resilience of the sector, they promote 
universal health coverage and improve the sector's preparedness for 
future pandemics and emergencies.
 
The mandate of the Africa CDC, within the framework of the African 
Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, to strengthen continent-
led resilience and reduce dependence on external systems, 
makes the fight against the invisibility of stillbirth, a 
fundamental institutional priority, rather than 
a secondary concern.
 
As Africa advances its vision of Agenda 2063, preventing stillbirth 
is both a moral imperative and a strategic investment in health 
security, sovereignty and the collective future.
 
 
_________________________________________



 Senegal defeated Peru 
in a soccer friendly
March 28th, 2:06pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Senegal defeated Peru two goals to zero today
 in a friendly soccer match played at the 
Stade de France.
 
The Africans went into the break with an advantage 
thanks to Nicolas Jackson's score in the 41st 
minute, after an assist from Ibrahim Mbaye.
 
Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 54th minute, to 
ruin the debut of Brazilian coach Mano Menezes 
at the helm of the albirroja.
 
In other international friendlies, Sudan 
beat Saudi Arabia 2-1, and the Faroe 
Islands beat San Marino 2-1.
 
For its part, also this Saturday Ivory Coast beat 
South Korea 4-0 and Madagascar beat
 Kyrgyzstan 5-2.
 
 
___________________________________
 
 
 
Burundian Kwizera did a double
 in the Prague half marathon
March 28th, 12:27pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Burundian long-distance runner Rodrigue Kwizera won the 
Prague half marathon today for the second consecutive 
time, and he also shattered the record of the event 
and that of his country.
 
Kwizera won this Saturday with a time of 58:15 minutes, 
improving the 58:24 set by Kenyan Sabastian Sawe
 in 2024.
 
The 26-year-old runner reached the finish line alone ahead 
of Kenyans Samwel Chebolei and Owen Korir, whom he 
led by 32 and 42 seconds, respectively.
 
In last year's edition, Kwizera won the race in a sprint with 
58:54 minutes, and with his second place in Valencia 
he established himself as one of the best runners 
in the distance.
 
Kenyan Caroline Gitonga won the women's category, with 
a personal best of one hour, six minutes and 15 seconds, 
better than her compatriots Jesca Chelangat and 
Cynthia Chepkwony.
 
 
___________________________________
 
 
 
Investment forum in Ethiopia 
marked a milestone with the
 signing of agreements
March 28th, 11:37am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Investing in Ethiopia Forum marked an important 
milestone with the signing of agreements for more 
than 13 billion dollars in key sectors, a topic that 
marked the agenda for the week - ending today.
 
The high-level meeting held on March 26 and 27 under the 
theme “Ethiopia is ready for investment”, was organized 
by the Investment Commission (EIC), in collaboration 
with the Ministry of Finance and international 
development partners with the ambitious 
plan to raise more than $2.4 million in 
new investment commitments.
 
The aforementioned figure - exceeded the initial objective. 
The manufacturing, agriculture, energy and construction 
sectors.. are the beneficiaries of the agreements signed 
in the fourth edition of the forum, according to the EIC.
 
It's not just about numbers, the source said, but about 
creating jobs, driving innovation, strengthening 
currencies and forging long-term alliances.
 
He stressed that, taking advantage of the momentum of 
the 2025 edition, the year in which projects worth 
1.6 billion dollars are already in operation, the 
2026 results send a clear message.
 
“Ethiopia is open, prepared and rising ----- as a leading 
investment destination. From dialogue to negotiating 
agreements, the Forum has once again proven to be
 a powerful platform ---- to shape the country's 
economic future”, the Commission said.
 
The event program had parallel sessions, including the topic 
“Promoting the growth of agriculture and agribusiness”, 
in which Ethiopia's growing investment opportunities 
in those sectors, driven by ongoing reforms, were 
highlighted ---- improved productivity and a more 
conducive environment -- for non-state profits.
 
Discussions focused on strengthening value chains, 
expanding processing capacity ...and promoting 
export potential - emphasizing the importance 
of financing, infrastructure and public-private 
alliances... to develop sustainable growth.
 
On the other hand, “Invest in Ethiopia's Special Economic 
Zones: Export to the world”, occupied another space for 
discussions, in which the more than 29 local ecological 
industrial parks stood out ------- under international 
standards and with ready-to-use infrastructure.
 
Likewise, they have solid air and rail connectivity 
that drives sustainable export-oriented growth.
 
Thanks to comprehensive one-stop services that support 
investors, global partners were encouraged to take 
advantage of these ready opportunities... to 
operate and invest in the African nation.
 
 
________________________________________


More than nine thousand homes 
connected to the energy grid 
in the DRC
March 27th, 11:11am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
More than nine thousand homes today benefit from connection 
to the electrical grid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
after the inauguration of a distribution circuit connected to 
the Kakobola hydroelectric plant.
 
As reported by the DRC Presidency, President Félix Tshisekedi 
was in charge of the official launch ceremony of the network, 
which supplies the city of Kikwit and will bring energy to the
 provinces of Kwilu, Kwango and Maï-Ndombe......... in a 
progressive and controlled manner.
 
Around six million inhabitants will be able to have access 
to electricity gradually, in accordance with the technical 
requirements for the start-up & stabilization of the plant.
 
The Kakobola hydroelectric plant, the first and only dam built 
in Kwilu province since colonial times, is a civil engineering 
infrastructure project that has a generation capacity of 
10.5 megawatts, from 3 units of 3.5 megawatts each.
 
Located 70 kilometres southeast of the city of Kikwit, and 790 
kilometres east of the city of Kinshasa, the enclave will allow
a transformation of life in the region... not only improving the 
comfort of homes, but also revitalizing the local economy 
and generating employment opportunities.
 
Likewise... it must have a positive impact on basic 
social services and the reduction of energy costs.
 
 
_______________________________________________
 
 
 
More than 2,500 human rights 
violations in the DRC
 in 5 months
March 27th, 7:07am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human 
Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, reports that from October 2025 to 
February 2026, 2,560 human rights violations were
 recorded in the DRC.
 
According to a report published today by Actualité.CD, since 
the last report was carried out in September of last year, 
monitoring reveals a deterioration in the security and 
human rights situation in the east of the country, 
where the civilian population is the target of 
attacks --- by various armed groups.
 
Human rights violations recorded in the five-month period 
starting in October affected 6,760 victims, the vast 
majority in the provinces of North Kivu, South 
Kivu, Ituri and Maniema.
 
The real figure may be higher, the high commissioner warned, 
since on the ground confrontations and attacks by armed 
groups are frequent and civilians are the ones who 
suffer the consequences.
 
Al-Nashif affirmed that the Congolese people are trapped in 
a complex network of crises, which manifests itself in the 
proliferation of armed groups, foreign interference, 
ethnic tensions and the fragility of governance, 
all in a context of fierce competition -------
 for natural resources.
 
 
_______________________________________________
 
 
 
Withdrawal of rebels from Lubero 
areas in the DRC confirmed
March 27th, 6:46am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Government sources from the Democratic Republic of the 
Congo (DRC) today confirmed the withdrawal of fighters 
rom the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement 
(AFC/M23) of several occupied villages in the 
territory of Lubero, North Kivu province.
 
According to Radio Okapi --- the rebel movement was probably 
accompanied by Rwandan army troops and occurred on the 
night of March 24, to regroup in the towns of Alimbongo, 
Kirumba and Kanyabayonga.
 
The governor of North Kivu province..... Evariste Kakule Somo, 
confirmed to the media, this displacement of Rwandan troops 
and the AFC/M23, that maintained control over these villages 
south and east of Lubero-centre......... for more than a year.
 
It was also observed that in the Kamandi Lake area there were 
logistical movements, including the evacuation of military 
equipment by ship to Vitshumbi, in the neighbouring 
territory of Rutshuru.
 
The local population views these actions..... with uncertainty, 
which is why Kakule Somo called for calm and said that this 
movement is part of the implementation of the peace 
agreements, in particular those derived from the 
Washington process.
 
On March 18th, representatives of the DRC and Rwanda - 
met in the US and agreed on concrete measures for the
implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement.
 
According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, both 
parties coordinated a series of actions aimed at reducing 
tensions and improving the situation on the ground, 
with the commitment --- to respect sovereignty 
and territorial integrity.
 
The dossier discussed -- included the withdrawal of Rwandan 
forces and the lifting of defensive measures in certain areas 
of eastern DRC ------ as well as the strengthening and 
achievement of defined deadlines to neutralize 
the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of 
Rwanda (FDLR).
 
However, we will have to wait.. to know if specifically the 
movements that occurred in the province of North Kivu 
correspond to an implementation of the agreements.
 
 
__________________________________________________


 
Unicef warns of worsening 
crisis in child protection
March 26th, 2:27pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The regional director of the United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF) for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou,
warned of the worsening child protection crisis in 
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
 
After a five-day visit to the country... Fagninou called for 
intensified mobilization in response to an increasingly 
alarming humanitarian situation, with around seven 
million displaced by the conflict, of which 2.5 
million are children, Radio Okapi 
published today.
 
He mentioned in a statement that in 2024, nearly 4,000
serious violations of children's rights were recorded, 
and children represent over 40% of the victims of 
sexual violence; in addition to the impact of the 
conflict on civil infrastructure, including 
schools, health centres and other 
essential services.
 
These actions deprive thousands of children of a safe 
environment and access to their fundamental rights, 
he stressed.
 
The regional director of Unicef also referred to the 
growing threats against humanitarian workers in 
eastern DRC, who are increasingly targeted.
 
He gave as an example that in 2025 over 626 incidents 
against humanitarian personnel were recorded 
throughout the country, which not only 
affects them as individuals, but also
------- directly endangers access to 
the vital help required --- by the
children and families who
depend on this help.
 
“Every time access is blocked ---- food, water and medicine 
do not reach those who need them most”, he emphasized 
and recalled that all parties to the conflict must respect 
international humanitarian law, in particular the 
protection of the civilian population and 
humanitarian access.
 
 
__________________________________
 
 
 
Monusco advocated reopening
 airports in eastern DRC
March 26th, 1:45pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The special representative of the secretary general and 
acting head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission 
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Monusco), 
Vivian van de Perre, advocated today --- for the 
reopening of Goma and Bukavu airports.
 
Before the UN Security Council, meeting this Thursday in New 
York, US, Van de Perre insisted on the need for this entity to 
exert its influence to reopen the airports of Goma, in the 
province of North Kivu, and Kavumu, in Bukavu, 
south Kivu Province.
 
As reported by Radio Okapi, the interim head of Monusco 
stressed that both terminals are essential for the 
resumption of humanitarian flights in an area 
where there are countless needs and 
people in vulnerable situations.
 
The airports have been closed --- since the occupation of the 
region by the rebellion of the Congo River Alliance-March 23 
Movement (ACF-M23), supported by Rwanda, and despite 
the progress from a political point of view, with the 
peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, 
and the talks with the insurgents, still ------
an 
unresolved issue.
 
Van Perre also referred to the situation on the ground, where 
despite the commitments assumed by the parties in conflict 
and the current ceasefire between the Government and 
the AFC/M23 since February 18 -- fighting and the use 
of sophisticated weapons... continue.
 
The special representative of the UN Secretary General in the 
DRC condemned the use of drones outside Tshopo province, 
as well as attacks against humanitarian workers, with ten 
incidents recorded since November 2025, including the 
one on March 11, which claimed the life of a Unicef 
staff member.
 
 
_________________________________________
 
 
 
Spain and Senegal raise bilateral rank 
to Strategic Association
March 26th, 12:53pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Spain and Senegal today, elevated their bilateral relationship 
to a Strategic Association, after signing several agreements 
led by the highest authorities of both countries.
 
The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, 
highlighted --- that Senegal is the first country in sub-
Saharan Africa with which his country adopts 
this type of political framework.
 
When receiving the president of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye 
Faye, at the Moncloa Palace, Sánchez highlighted the 
elevation of ties to a Strategic Association, via
the adoption of a Joint Declaration.
 
The agreements signed this Thursday will allow for deepening
 cooperation between the two countries in matters of trade, 
fishing, tourism and cultural issues such as language
learning or the protection of underwater heritage.
 
Sánchez and Faye.. addressed the good results
of the circular migration program now in place
started in 2024, from which ------ 560 workers 
in the agricultural sector benefited in 2025.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
 
Geopolitical turbulence casts a shadow 
over the WTO meeting in Cameroon
March 26th, 12:53pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO), 
opened its debates today in this city, the capital of Cameroon, 
marked by dissent - generated by the increasing geopolitical 
turbulence underway.
 
Among the most acute issues are the paralysis of an agreement 
on the reform of the dispute settlement system & in particular 
the entry into force of the next chapter of the multilateral 
trading system, in accordance with the details shared 
with the press by Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, director 
general of the WTO.
 
At the meeting they plan to discuss, although without it
appearing on the agenda..... the US-Israeli military 
aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, 
whose final consequences remain to be seen 
and the imposition left and right of taxes by 
the government of the president of the US, 
Donald Trump ---- against any countries 
''reluctant'' to join his foreign policy.
 
 
____________________________________
 
 

President of Ethiopia in Malabo 
for transcontinental summit
March 26th, 12:51pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of Ethiopia, Taye Atske-Selassie, arrived in 
Equatorial Guinea to participate in the XI Summit of 
Heads of State and Government of the 
Organization of African, Caribbean 
and Pacific States (OASP).
 
Selassie was received at the Malabo International Airport by 
the Equatoguinean Prime Minister, Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, 
and other senior local government officials, the 
president's Office reported.
 
The summit, scheduled for March 27-29, brings together 
leaders -- from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, 
along with representatives of the United Nations, 
the African Union and the EU, underscoring 
OASP's growing geopolitical importance.
 
Under the motto «A transformed and renewed OEAP at 
the service of inclusive, sustainable and trust-based 
multilateralism», the meeting also commemorates 
the 50th anniversary of the bloc, established in 
1975 through the Georgetown Agreement.
 
Under the leadership of Secretary-General Moussa Saleh 
Batraki, who took office in March 2025, the 79-member 
organization is preparing for a major strategic shift, 
with the aim of transforming structural 
vulnerabilities into greater 
global influence.
 
The Organization remains one of the largest transcontinental 
groupings in the Global South, bringing together nations
from three regions.
 
Since its founding in Georgetown, Guyana, the bloc has evolved
from a trade-focused alliance - to a key political and economic 
platform ------ that now promotes development, solidarity and 
global equity.
 
 
_____________________________________________________



Equatorial Guinea....... defeats 
Kyrgyzstan in soccer friendly
March 25th, 3:40pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Equatorial Guinea soccer team defeated Kyrgyzstan 
1-0 today in a friendly soccer match, played at the 
Mardan Stadium in this city, and achieved its 
second consecutive victory.
 
A penalty goal from Josete Miranda in the 45th minute 
gave the victory to the Africans, who knew how to be 
more organized and effective, in a match with few 
offensive actions.
 
In another friendly match of the day, Kazakhstan 
led Namibia 2-0 at the Astana Arena with goals 
from Yan Vorogovskiy (m. 13) and 
Alibek Kasym (79).
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
They exalt Cuba's role - in the 
liberation of Southern Africa
March 25th, 10:37am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The commemoration in Zimbabwe for the Liberation Day 
of Southern Africa today exalted Cuba's role in ending 
apartheid, with the assertion of the Historical Leader 
of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, that continental 
history must be written before and after.... 
the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale.
 
Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations 
celebrated the 38th Anniversary of the victory over 
apartheid at the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, in the 
territory of Angola, with words of praise for the 
contribution of the Caribbean nation, in the 
presence of its Ambassador, Suselys 
Pérez Mesa.
 
Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade 
of Zimbabwe, the Angolan Lieutenant General Remigio do
Santos and the Ambassador of that country Balthazar 
Diego Cristovao agreed in describing Cuba's role in 
the independence of the nations of this region 
as decisive for the planet.
 
In a speech to those present, the senior Angolan officer 
asserted that the success in that battle on March 23, 
1988 was the turning point for the liberation of
 the continent.
 
Cuban internationalist troops and their fighter pilots played 
a key role, stated Lieutenant General do Santos, also 
explaining, the training of the Antillean military to 
national combatants and the Organization of 
the African People of Southwest 
Namibia (Swapo).
 
Previously, the heads of diplomatic missions of member 
states planted trees in the independent square of the 
African Liberation Museum, which, in the opinion of 
the Regional Director of the Foreign Ministry, 
Mqabuko Spencer Dube -- are symbols of 
healing and resilience, as a reminder 
that, from wounds we have had, is
cultivated strength - and unity.
 
The member nations of the SADC, by decision of their Heads 
of State and Government, established in 2018... to begin
celebrating March 23 as Southern African Liberation 
Day ---- starting the following year.
 
 
_________________________________
 
 
 
Twin births recorded -- among
 mountain gorillas in the DRC
March 25th, 6:22am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The workers of the Virunga National Park, in the Democratic 
Republic of the Congo (DRC), celebrate the birth of twins 
within the family of mountain gorillas that live in the 
area, an endangered species.
 
This is a rare event, as scientists point out that less than one 
percent of pregnancies in these animals result in twins, the 
AfricaNews portal reported today.
 
The newborns are males and are in good health, indicated the 
media outlet, which stated that the DRC registered a previous 
case of double birth in 2020, also in the Virunga reserve.
 
After noticing the birth, the park rangers implemented 
surveillance and protection measures to increase 
their chances of survival, in an area.... also 
subjected to the onslaught of war.
 
Virunga National Park, inaugurated in 1925 and registered as 
a World Heritage Site since 1979, is considered the oldest 
nature reserve in Africa and since last year a significant 
portion of its territory has been under the control of 
the rebels of the Congo River Alliance Movement 
23 of march.
 
With an area of 790 thousand hectares, it is home to an 
extraordinary diversity of habitats... from swamps and 
steppes to the snow fields of Rwenzori, at over 5,000
metres above sea level, and from lava plains.... to 
savannahs on the slopes of volcanoes.
 
About a thousand mountain gorillas live in the wild in the park, 
around 20 thousand hippos live in its rivers and Siberian birds 
spend the winter there.
 
 
__________________________________


Eritrea seeks to eradicate 
tuberculosis ---- by 2030
March 24th, 1:21pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Eritrea today commemorated World Tuberculosis Day 
with a call to all institutions and partners to join 
forces in order to eradicate this disease 
by 2030.
 
The facilities of the Orotta National Reference Hospital 
were the centre of activities nationwide under the 
motto «Yes! We can end tuberculosis».
 
The director of Communicable Disease Control of the Eritrean 
Ministry of Health, Araya Berhane, stated that, in the African 
nation, as in the rest of the world, tuberculosis is one of 
the most painful and deadly pathologies.
 
Berhane specified that, in the last five years, 10 thousand 
positive cases were detected in Eritrea, who were cured 
through appropriate treatment. Likewise, he pointed 
out that the fact that 18 percent of the patients 
were children under 15 years of age 
requires special attention.
 
For her part, the Representative of the World Health 
Organization (WHO) in Eritrea, Mary Stephen, she 
highlighted major local advances in eradicating 
the disease with a consistent reporting rate 
of 87% and 100% treatment coverage.
 
Stephen mentioned that the indicator of treatment success
is 90 percent for all forms of the infection. She added that 
mortality decreased from 8.5 ....to 3.4 per 100 thousand 
inhabitants in 2024.
 
Meanwhile, the head of Communication and Training of the 
Ministry of Health, Amanuel Girmatsion, asserted that 
these results are due to the conscious participation 
of citizens, added to --------- the commitment of 
professionals in the sector.
 
In this regard, Girmatsion announced that they will carry out 
continuous advocacy activities --- until the desired goal of 
eliminating tuberculosis by 2030 in Eritrea is achieved.
 
World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated this March 24 with a 
call for prevention and the commitment of governments 
to increase their investments in pursuit of solutions 
that minimize the impact of this lethal ailment.
 
According to the WHO, despite scientific advances and
 the availability of a vaccine, it is still one of the most
 persistent and deadly infectious diseases on 
the planet.
 
It is estimated that a quarter of the world's population is 
infected by the tuberculosis bacillus, but has not yet 
become ill ..nor can they transmit the infection.
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
One of the ADF leaders in the 
DRC Army operation dies
March 24th, 12:48pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
(DRC) today reported the death of one of the leaders of the 
Allied Democratic Forces (ADF for its acronym in English), 
during an operation in the province of Ituri.
 
Difenda Kasibandi - one of the leaders of the Islamic State-
affiliated group, was killed while a joint military operation 
between the DRC and Ugandan armies was underway in
 Asangwa, near the Lindi River, on the border between
 the territories of Lubero (North Kibu) and 
Mambasa (Ituri).
 
According to the statement, along with Kasibandi were 
four other ADF fighters who also perished, while the 
armed forces managed to free three hostages.
 
Meanwhile -- the military prosecutor's office of the Butembo 
garrison, in North Kivu, issued two arrest warrants against 
Moussa Seka Baluku, leader of the ADF, and several of his 
collaborators, for the deadly attacks against civilians in
 the territory of Lubero.
 
According to Radio Okapi, Seka Baluku is considered the 
author of the attacks that occurred on January 1 in the 
towns of Katanga, Maendeleo and Kilonge, in the 
Bapere sector, where at least 20 civilians were 
killed and significant material damage 
was caused.
 
ADF commanders Abou Akasi, Chalamanda, Docta Kabogo, 
Difenda Kabibande and Seka Umaru, were also charged, 
and are accused of the ambushes and deadly attacks 
committed between January 7 and 24, 2026 in 
Mahusa, Musenge .....and along the 
Njiapanda-Manguredjipa axis.
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
Tuberculosis - is the third 
cause of death in Angola
March 24th, 12:03pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Tuberculosis is today the third cause of mortality in Angola, 
according to the Ministry of Health, despite reducing the 
mortality rate from 3.4 to 1.8 deaths per 100 thousand 
inhabitants in 2025.
 
Last year, the country registered 85,793 cases of the disease 
in all its forms, with the 25 to 34 year old group being the 
most affected, with 25% of the total patients reported.
 
The Ministry of Health considered tuberculosis a serious 
public health problem, even though data shows a 4%
reduction in cases ....compared to 2024.
 
Regarding World Tuberculosis Day being celebrated this 
Tuesday, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment 
to intensify its prevention, diagnosis and 
treatment actions.
 
Likewise, he called on the population to join the fight against 
the disease, which has negative repercussions on public 
health and the economy ------- affecting families, 
communities and national development.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
Spanish Foreign Minister 
will travel to Algeria
March 24th, 9:51am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
After more than three years without exchanges of visits, the 
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, José Manuel Albares, 
will travel to Algeria this Thursday, official sources 
announced today.
 
In 2022, Algerian President Abdelmayid Tebune called his 
ambassador in Madrid for consultations, underlining his 
rejection of Pedro Sánchez's letter to Mohamed VI 
supporting the Moroccan autonomy plan as «the 
most solid basis, credible and realistic» ....to 
resolve the conflict in Western Sahara.
 
Albares, who will also travel from Algiers to Oran on Friday, 
commented in a press conference after the Council of 
Ministers that «Algeria is a neighbouring country, a 
strategic partner, a friend with Spain, with whom 
we share strong common interests».
 
There was interest in settling the diplomatic conflict with 
a trip scheduled for February 2024 to the Arab country, 
but he was suspended due to agenda problems of the 
Algerian Government and then.. the situation cooled 
down again.
 
In any case, Albares held four meetings with his Algerian 
counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, from 2025 until the most 
recent on March 8 in Madrid, on the margins of a 
meeting, precisely.... about Western Sahara.
 
Clearly, there is interest on both sides in 
organizing a bilateral summit, probably 
this year.
 
 
_____________________________________



DRC prepares 2nd population census
Forty two years........ after the first
March 23rd, 2:50pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 
Félix Tshisekedi, today chaired the sessions of the donor 
round table for the financing of the second General 
Census of Population and Housing.
 
42 years after the first census (1984), the Ministry of Planning 
and Coordination of Development Assistance organized the 
event, which included financing commitments for more 
than 200 million US dollars.
 
The DRC president, during the meeting, insisted on 
the fundamental importance - of carrying out this 
investigation - given the demographic growth of 
the country, whose population increased from 
about 30 million ---- to almost 112.8 million 
inhabitants today.
 
“Continuing to plan without complete, reliable and up-
to-date demographic data would be tantamount to 
governing without visibility and would therefore 
weaken the State's ability to accurately meet 
population expectations”, the head of 
state emphasized.
 
He added that a country that does not know itself cannot 
be fully governed, hence he stressed: that carrying out 
the census... is not only rectifying an historical delay, 
but opening a new chapter in national governance.
 
He specified that the objective is “to ensure that, over the 
coming decades, important public decisions in the DRC 
are based more on knowledge than estimation; in 
rigour rather than approximation; in territorial 
equity rather than in statistical blindness”.
 
Tshisekedi expressed his deep gratitude to all technical and
 financial partners, as well as the United Nations system, 
and especially to Côte d'Ivoire, which agreed to support 
the process.
 
The second General Population and Housing Census of the 
DRC should serve as a pillar for the main reforms initiated 
in 2019, he mentioned, and listed free basic education, 
universal health coverage, free maternal care and 
the Local Development Program..... for the 
145 Territories.
 

[RR adds - 42 years of ''
civil wars''
generously provided by the C.I.A.]


________________________________________________
 
 

President of Angola
highlighted Cuba's
 participation in...
Cuito Cuanavale
March 23rd, 2:16pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of Angola, Joao Lourenco, today highlighted 
the participation of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of 
Cuba in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, whose victory 
was achieved on March 23, 1988.
 
In a message regarding the 38th anniversary of that victory, 
which marked the end of the apartheid regime and the
 consolidation of peace in southern Africa ------ the 
president also highlighted the firm leadership 
of the Cuban Commander in Chief, Fidel 
Castro Ruz.
 
“On this day, we pay deep tribute - to the heroes and heroines 
who, with supreme sacrifice - contributed to the conquest of 
freedom, the dignity and self-determination - of the peoples 
of southern Africa”, said the Angolan head of state in the 
note, published on the Presidency's social networks.
 
Lourenço congratulated the Angolan Armed Forces on behalf 
of the people, and urged them to continue keeping alive, 
with a “deep sense of patriotism and reverence”, the 
legacy of March 23, consecrated as Southern 
African Liberation Day.
 
He said that this anniversary symbolizes the courage, bravery, 
resistance and determination of the Angolan people and the 
people of the African continent in the fight against colonial 
oppression, apartheid and all forms of domination.
 
He noted.... that the legacy of its “heroic 
combatants” remains alive, as a source
of inspiration 
for the present and
future generations.
 
He reaffirmed the commitment to the preservation of peace, 
unity and sovereignty of the States of the southern region 
of the continent, in addition to considering the date as a 
moment of reflection on current challenges.
 
In this sense, he mentioned the need to strengthen democratic
 institutions, promote social justice and consolidate political 
stability, for “the construction of a future ---- based on 
freedom, equality, and a collective progress”.
 
 
_________________________________________________
 
 

They define: the order of parties and
 candidates on the ballot in Ethiopia
March 23rd, 12:06pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) held the draw 
today... to determine the order on the ballot of the names and 
symbols of the political parties and independent candidates
registered for the Seventh General Elections.
 
So far, according to the NEBE, more than 18 million voters are 
registered to participate in the elections scheduled for June 
1, a process that takes place both digitally and manually.
 
Board President Melatwork Hailu stated that the draw 
represents a key step in preparations for the general 
election, while they promote other activities... to 
guarantee a proper development of the vote.
 
Hailu stressed close coordination with civil society 
organizations, political parties, media, security 
institutions & other stakeholders throughout
 the process.
 
He confirmed that the registration of candidates nominated 
by the political parties was completed and the lists of 
candidates were officially published in their 
respective constituencies.
 
He indicated --- that the electoral material 
was distributed to 46,757 voting centres 
throughout the country.
 
Official figures released by the Electoral Board specify that 
there are 47 registered political parties, with a total of 
10,934 candidates. Of these, 2,098 are competing for 
seats in the House of People's Representatives 
(Parliament), while 8,736 are running for 
positions in regional councils.
 
73 candidates are registered
to compete as independents.
 
 
______________________________
 
 
Switzerland is interested in 
strengthening cooperation 
with Angola
March 23rd, 11:57am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The vice president and minister of Foreign Affairs of the 
Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, today expressed 
his country's interest in strengthening economic 
cooperation with Angola ....and increasing 
private investment.
 
In statements to the press after a meeting with the Angolan 
president, Joao Lourenco, the Swiss foreign minister 
commented that the meeting focused on these 
aspects and others of interest, at the same 
time, he praised the president's role as 
leader of the African Union and in 
resolving conflicts in Africa.
 
He classified bilateral relations as very good, particularly in 
the economic field, within which he mentioned that around 
30 Swiss companies operate in the country, with whom 
he met during his stay in Luanda to evaluate aspects 
that could strengthen their activity.
 
In the political and diplomatic area ---- Cassis highlighted 
cooperation in peace and diplomacy, and Angola's role 
in promoting stability in the Great Lakes region, 
especially in mediating conflicts between 
the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
and Rwanda.
 
This Monday the Swiss also held a working meeting with the 
Angolan Foreign Minister, Tete Antonio, where both 
reviewed the current state of bilateral relations, 
identified new areas of cooperation and 
exchanged opinions on matters of 
common interest.
 
At the meeting, Antonio advocated strengthening 
political dialogue at the highest level, as well as
creating conditions for greater collaboration 
between economic agents ...and the 
development of the public and 
the private sectors.... of 
both countries.
 
He noted that, for more effective cooperation, deepening 
business relationships with a view to establishing 
mutually beneficial alliances - is a priority.
 
In this sense, he referred to the structural reforms that Angola
 has made to attract foreign direct investment, including the 
granting of tax incentives in strategic areas of the country, 
and he reiterated that Swiss businessmen are welcome 
to invest and actively participate in the economic 
diversification process.
 
According to the Angolan Foreign Ministry.. during the bilateral 
talks special attention was paid to strengthening cooperation 
on food security, in the area of critical minerals and in the 
Lobito Corridor.
 
The Angolan Foreign Minister ---- also took the opportunity to
report that Angola presented the candidacy of Ambassador 
Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, for the position of Director
General of the United Nations Organization food and 
Agriculture (FAO), for the period 2027-2031, 
whose elections will be held in 2027.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopia implements measures 
to address fuel shortages
March 23rd, 6:19am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Ethiopian Fuel and Energy Authority today announced 
new measures to address fuel shortages and curb illicit 
trade, due to significant losses throughout the 
country's supply chain.
 
The move responds to findings...... that billions of birr are lost 
annually to fuel theft. Last week, the Authority introduced a 
technology-backed regulatory system aimed at improving
 supervision and ensuring more controlled distribution.
 
According to the Director General of that Body, Destaw 
Mekuanent, the problem covers the entire supply 
chain, starting from the Djibouti corridor and 
continuing through transport routes.. to 
retail stations.
 
Mekuanent revealed that fuel is diverted from trucks during 
transit, while losses at the retail level can reach up to 10%
through practices such as “air sales”, where customers 
are charged for undispensed gasoline or oil.
 
He stressed that the new system will be based on criteria 
that include ----- the number of stations operated, storage 
capacity, and the dispensing infrastructure.
 
As part of the reforms, the Authorityis  installing sensors on 
fuel trucks to detect tampering during transport. At retail 
stations, it implements a digital monitoring system to 
track pump activity and dispensed volumes...... in
 real time.
 
In the past six months, authorities seized 1.2 million litres of 
illegally transported fuel and administrative sanctions were 
imposed on 352 retail stations and 256 tankers. Despite 
these measures, officials acknowledge that ...losses 
remain substantial, contributing to shortages in 
the country.
 
The Body stated that the new regulatory system is expected 
to improve transparency and reduce leaks, although its 
effectiveness will depend on its application and 
compliance ....across the sector.
 
Last week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed --- called on 
fuel distributors, stations and consumers to use petroleum 
products responsibly, due to crisis-related disruptions in 
the Middle East --- due to the US and Israeli aggression 
against Iran.
 
Ahmed, on his social media account X, stated that “until the 
problem is resolved and we return to a normal oil supply 
system, we must use oil economically and prioritize 
basic needs”.
 
He called on distributors and service stations to act 
responsibly and ensure that available supplies go
towards essential services and priority needs.
 
 

All Africa music winners

Sudan's Wazza instrument

will africa solve hunger by 2030?

bust of  queen Nefertiti

ONE UNION

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

__________________________________


The above is one reason why Rhondda Records
is devoting this page to Africa - and there
are so many other reasons!

Here are two - one bad - one good.

I was stunned, when I read a year or so
ago, that 40% of Africa has no regular
electricity supply! How could this be?

And, second, Africa is not only the
Mother of the human species...
it is, now, becoming the hope
of the new multipolar world.

Rise up, Africa!




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