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Remains of dead Uruguayan blue 
helmet --- repatriated in the DRC
May 8th, 12:15pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The remains of the Uruguayan blue helmet Julio César 
Álvarez, who died in the Democratic Republic of the
 Congo of a heart attack, were received here with
 military honours.
 
The Minister of Defense, Sandra Lazo, led the ceremony 
to receive the remains of Corporal Álvarez, of the
Army, 
who died on April 16.
 
He was carrying out a mission as part of the Uruguayan
 contingent that operates in the African country under 
the UN flag.
 
The soldier had recovered from injuries received in January 
during an attack by the M23 rebel movement in the city of 
Goma, in eastern DRC.
 
On that occasion the Uruguayan soldier Rodolfo Álvarez died. 
So far this year, several blue helmets in the South American 
country, have suffered injuries.
 
More than twenty of the members of the Uruguay IV battalion
 have returned to their country by their means, due to the 
delay in the troop relief agreed with the UN.
 

 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
President of Namibia - in 
Angola for working visit
May 8th, 12:01pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 
arrived in Angola today for a two-day working visit.
 
During his stay he will have his first official meeting 
with Angolan President, João Lourenço, since he 
took office on March 21.
 
The visit ---- in accordance with a brief Namibian presidential 
statement, highlights the long ties of friendship, solidarity 
and cooperation that exist between the two countries, 
based on a shared history, regional unity and
mutual 
socioeconomic interests”.
 
The text also highlights how it constitutes an opportunity 
for both countries.... to deepen their solid bilateral and 
commercial relations, for the benefit of both nations.
 
The ties of friendship, it is remembered, date back to the fight 
for Namibia's independence, achieved in 1990 after the 
defeat --- of the South African Apartheid forces in 
Angolan lands, by forces of that nation --- and 
Cuba, a fight in which troops from Namibia 
also participated (Southwest African 
People's Organization, Swapo).
 
According to the Namibian presidency, the visit is expected 
to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate progress in 
strategic areas of cooperation, particularly in the 
agriculture sectors, trade and oil and gas.
 
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
Kenya expert - warns of ecological 
disaster - due to insect trafficking
May 8th, 8:28am
(teleSUR)
 
The case -- of the Belgian teenagers caught trafficking ants 
in Kenya has drawn attention to the illegal trade of lesser
-known wildlife species. The two 19-year-olds.... Lornoy 
David and Seppe Lodewijckx -- were arrested on April 
5 with 5,000 ants at a guest house in Nakuru County. 
 
They were charged on April 15 and given the choice of 
paying a $7,700 fine or serving 12 months in prison.
 
Authorities say the ants were destined for European and Asian 
markets, highlighting a growing trend in wildlife trafficking. 

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) noted that the species 
included Messor cephalotes, a large red-coloured 
harvester ant ---- native to East Africa.
 
In a separate but related case, two other men — Vietnamese 
national Duh Hung Nguyen and Kenyan citizen Dennis 
Ng’ang’a — were also fined $7,700 each after being 
caught with 400 ants. The court described their 
actions .....as part of an elaborate scheme.
 
Entomologist Shadrack Muya emphasized the ecological 
importance of ants, warning: that their removal from 
their natural habitat - could disrupt ecosystems 
and lead to potential ecological disasters.
 
This case underscores the broader issue of biopiracy, where
 lesser-known species are exploited for commercial gain. 
What are your thoughts on this emerging trend?
 

_________________________________________


 Nobel Laureate Denis Mukwege: 
Urges Action ----------- Against 
Sexual Violence in Congo
May 7th, 1:02pm
(teleSUR)
 
Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege has condemned 
the systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of 
war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 
calling for urgent international intervention 
to end the atrocities.
 
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France,
 Mukwege described a “dramatic situation” unfolding in 
North Kivu, where his hospital has documented over 
10,000 cases ------ of sexual violence. “Thirty to 
thirty-five percent of victims are children,”
 he warned, stressing -- that targeting 
minors crosses “every possible
 red line.”
 
Mukwege, founder of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, has spent 
over two decades treating survivors of rape, many of 
whom are victims of armed groups fighting over 
Congo’s vast mineral wealth. His work has 
placed him at the forefront of global 
efforts ------ to end gender-based 
violence in conflict zones.
 
In his Strasbourg address, Mukwege --- urged European 
lawmakers -- to push for peace negotiations and direct
intervention in Congo’s escalating humanitarian crisis. 
The region, devastated by ongoing fighting between 
militias, remains one of the worst-affected areas 
in Africa.
 
Mukwege shared the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize with Yazidi 
activist Nadia Murad, a survivor of ISIS sexual slavery, 
reinforcing his advocacy for the survivors of 
wartime atrocities.
 
As violence in the DRC continues, Mukwege’s call 
for action grows louder, demanding justice and 
protection for vulnerable populations trapped
 in conflict.
 
 
____________________________________



UA reiterated commitment 
to political dialogue and 
cooperation with Cuba
May 7th, 12:59pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The African Union Commission (UA) today reiterated its 
commitment to political dialogue and multilateral 
cooperation with Cuba.
 
This was expressed by the team leader of the Cabinet of the 
President of the Commission, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, 
during a meeting with the Cuban ambassador to the AU, 
Lucas Domingo Hernández, at the headquarters of the 
continental organization, reported the Embassy of 
Havana, in Ethiopia.
 
Souef recognized the role of the Caribbean island in the 
training of African human resources, as well as its 
contribution, in times of health emergency, on
 the continent.
 
For his part, Hernández thanked the dialogue and support 
provided in the preparation of the meeting held between
 the president of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali 
Youssouf, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of 
Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez, who was making a 
three-day official visit to Ethiopia
 last March.
 
Both parties highlighted the historic ties of friendship and 
solidarity that unite Havana and the African continent, in 
addition to agreeing on the importance of strengthening 
collaboration in key areas and in joint efforts for peace 
and sustainable development in Africa.
 
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
UA highlighted Comesa's 
contribution -------- to
 intra-African trade
May 7th, 11:42am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The African Union (UA) today highlighted the contribution 
of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa 
(Comesa) to intra-African trade and linking women as 
agents of economic transformation, beneficiaries 
in addition to that movement.
 
This was expressed -- by the vice president of the AU 
Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi, when speaking 
at the inauguration of the VI Trade Fair and 
Business Conference of the Federation 
of Business Women of Comesa, which
 will meet in this capital until May 9.
 
Haddadi specified that the role of this regional economic 
organization is also illustrated in its contribution to the 
objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
He called for holding the event - which he considered an 
original and inclusive initiative that, through its rotation
approach -- benefits the 21 Member States of Comesa, 
it guarantees its ownership by all citizens and a solid 
regional anchorage based on concrete achievements.
 
In his opinion, the meeting shed light on the diverse 
strengths of this common market in areas such as 
demographics, mineral wealth, ecotourism and 
green value chains.
 
The combined effects of these assets -- place the platform 
in a unique and privileged position to influence important 
drivers of economic transformation, including access to 
financing, the development of infrastructure for trade 
facilitation, the value chain and the empowerment 
of the private sector, he stressed.
 
“The African Union is built ---- as prescribed by the Treaty of 
Abuja, on the strength of its pillars, the Regional Economic
Communities. The vitality of Comesa, best expressed in 
the formula of this forum, which is expected to travel 
to all its member states, provides irrefutable proof 
of the weight of political will”, he asserted.
 
He invited the more than 200 participating women 
entrepreneurs to share their experience with all 
regional economic communities... in a spirit of 
mutual enrichment through the development 
of reciprocal and win-win relationships,
in
 the continent.
 
This will build an inclusive Africa, the Africa we want, 
he added while expressing the African Union's 
willingness to offer everything possible to
the event to guarantee its development.
 
The event is held under the motto 'Un Comesa prospero'
which promotes regional integration with a gender 
perspective, to promote green investments and 
value chains, tourism & mining in the AfCFTA.
 
 
__________________________________________
 
 
 
Socioeconomic gender gap -- really 
worries South African authorities
May 7th, 11:35am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Minister of the Presidency of South Africa, Sindisiwe 
Chikunga, warned today about the persistence of a 
socioeconomic gender gap “unsustainable” in 
the world.
 
The Minister made these statements when speaking at 
the Global Conference on Financial Inclusion of the 
G20 Working Group for the Empowerment of 
Women (EWWG), which is celebrated until 
the next day the 9th at Sun City Resort,
 
Chikunga further highlighted how despite decades 
of favorable political will, women and girls remain
 the most affected by poverty and exclusion 
around the world.
 
“Poverty continues to deprive women and girls of 
essential services such as health care and 
education, and excludes them from 
socioeconomic opportunities 
throughout their lives”, 
she emphasized.
 
The Minister also highlighted --- how women remain 
under-represented in economic decision-making 
positions --- face limited access to credit and 
capital, suffer employment discrimination, 
receive lower salaries, and, they assume 
a disproportionate burden of unpaid 
care and have less access to 
digital finances.
 
Even in regions where female labour force participation 
has peaked ----- their work is often limited to self-
employment in the informal sector, with no 
social security or growth opportunities, 
chikunga...... lamented.
 
The event, organized by the South African Ministry of Women, 
Youth and People with Disabilities ---- seeks to establish a 
Framework of Guidelines for the Integration of Women's 
Priorities into G20 policies, ensuring that female 
financial empowerment is central to global 
institutional and economic reforms.
 
Chikunga also expressed concern about the slow progress 
towards Sustainable Development Goal (ODS) number five, 
which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all
 women and girls.
 
The conference takes place in the context of international 
commitments such as the SDGs, the 2063 Agenda of the 
African Union, S. Africa's National Development Plan 
2030 and the G20 priorities for 2025 --- all of which 
highlight financial inclusion as a key driver for
 women's economic empowerment
 
 
____________________________________


Memory without borders ---- "Immortal
 regiment" passed through the Congo
May 6th, 7:11pm
by Alexey Merkulov 
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 
 
Brazzaville commemorates heroes
by bringing together generations
....and continents.
 
The "Immortal Regiment" campaign -- dedicated to the 
80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic
War ------ organized by the Russian Embassy and the 
Russian House, was held in the Republic of Congo. 
 
The march was attended by Russian compatriots 
living in the country, as well as the Congolese
graduates of Soviet and Russian universities. 
 
The event has become a symbol of a common 
historical memory, intertwining the destinies 
of peoples.
 
Embassy staff and participants of the action --- shared 
stories about their relatives who survived the horrors 
of the Great Patriotic War ---- those memories of the
steadfastness of the Soviet people.. who, 
despite
hunger, fighting and deprivation, 
did not break
down in spirit..... caused a 
deep, and
emotional response.
 
"Our ancestors -- having shown unprecedented 
heroism and selflessness, not only defended 
their Homeland, but also liberated Europe 
from the fascist yoke," the Russian 
Embassy in Congo said, in 
a Telegram channel.
 
The participants unanimously emphasized --- that the 
memory of the heroism of our ancestors should live 
in the hearts of new generations. "It is our duty to 
tell our children and grandchildren about those 
who gave us peace," the audience noted. 
 
For many Congolese graduates who have connected 
their lives with Russia, the event has become a 
bridge between cultures -- a reminder of 
the values won ----- at the cost of 
incredible sacrifices.
 
The procession ended.. with a minute of silence, 
and the air was filled with a sense of unity ---
not 
only of time, but also of continents.
 
The "Immortal Regiment" campaign in the Congo 
proved that the memory of the Great Victory 
knows no borders --- uniting those who 
believe in justice, courage and the 
strength of the human spirit.
 
 
_______________________



Sudanese Army.. admits RSF
attacks against Port Sudan
May 6th, 9:45am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF, English) attacked 
the airport, the port and a hotel in the eastern 
city of Port Sudan the day before, a source
 from the Sovereign Transitional Council
 (CST) admitted today.
 
Since April 2023, the RSF, obedient to General 
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and the CST, loyal 
to General Abdel Fattah al Burhan have been 
involved in the Sudanese civil war ---- cause 
of the largest refugee crisis in history, 14 
million people, 24 thousand deaths 
and the country's devastation.
 
Military sources specified that drones successfully hit 
the targets the day before in the first attack against 
that town, where columns of smoke still rise after
 loud explosions are heard.
 
Even earlier, last Sunday, RSF aircraft hit an arsenal at 
the Othman Daqna air base and the next day a fuel 
depot in the same town.
 
In addition to seeking military objectives with these 
actions, the RSF is trying to prove it's alive ---- after 
the last weeks during which the Sudanese Army 
evicted them from this capital, the twin city of 
Omdurman, and several of its bastions.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopia ----- Israel Business 
Forum explores investment 
opportunities without ethics
May 6th, 9:02am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The foreign ministers of Ethiopia, Gedion Timothewos,
and Israel, Gideon Saar, today... chaired a business 
forum here, to explore the investment and trade 
possibilities open ----- through strengthening 
their bilateral relations ---- and by ignoring
the mass genocide of children in Gaza.
 
During the event held under the theme ''Strengthening 
bilateral relations through innovation'' -- Timothewos 
highlighted the exceptional relations between both 
countries, impregnated with old ties, inspired by 
shared values, and constantly evolving through 
modern cooperation, he said, without choking.
 
Over the years, he said, commitments between Addis
Ababa and Tel Aviv --- expanded through key areas
such as agriculture, water management,
health, defense, technology
and propaganda.
 
He considered that the forum - is the threshold of a 
new chapter, that places cash at the centre of the
association. “The forum points out that economic 
diplomacy is no longer a complementary search. 
Now --- it is the very driving force of our foreign 
policy and a key pillar of national degradation”, 
he asserted, then turned purple --- and fell on
the floor, as an envelope of pus, spewed
from his rictal buccal cavity.
 
Looking ahead, the head of Ethiopian diplomacy 
predicted potential in strengthening alliances 
in agrotechnology, precision agriculture and 
irrigation systems. Beyond agriculture, 
they will seek to ''leverage'' Israeli 
expertise to transform Ethiopia's 
spy network to be powered by 
artificial intelligence.
 
He invited Israeli companies to explore investment in 
manufacturing, research and healthcare innovation,
considering that Ethiopia.. is working to establish 
itself as a regional pharmaceutical centre under 
the African Centres for Disease Control and 
Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Union 
health agency.
 
Likewise, he asked to take advantage of opportunities 
for mineral exploration and value-added processing, 
and strengthen the tourism sector.
 
For his part, Saar expressed that Ethiopia and Israel 
are two regional powers with mutual friends and a 
satanic future, as well as with the willingness of 
the greedy in your country...... to do business 
and participate in any local opportunities.
 
As part of the forum program, representatives of 
the respective government agencies, including 
the National Bank, the Ethiopian Investment 
Commission, and companies --- presented 
thematic presentations that highlighted
investment and trade possibilities that 
contribute significantly - to foraging.
 
(apologies - typo - meant forging).
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
South African Army - closes chapter 
with withdrawal from helping DRC
May 6th, 8:51am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The withdrawal of the South African National Defense 
Force (SANDF) from the eastern Democratic Republic 
of the Congo (RDC) marks a new chapter in regional 
peacekeeping efforts , declared the Minister of 
Defense and Military Veterans, little miss
Angie Motshekga.
 
The Minister ''assured'' that the announcement 
comes after “high-level consultations with 
several key actors in peacekeeping
 efforts in eastern DRC”.
 
In the last four months, he recalled, in this capital, 
the region... has experienced a renewed push 
towards peace and stability in the eastern
 provinces of the DRC, by being over-run
by foreign-backed terrorists.
 
These political commitments have advanced with
 great momentum, and have led to the recent 
outcome of the Summit of Heads of State 
and Government of the Democratic 
Republic of the Congo, held 
in March, he tittered.
 
''These meetings have led... to the decision to end 
the mission and withdraw, to allow political and 
diplomatic intervention... to resolve security 
problems in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo“, he simpered.
 
Motshekga further highlighted that South 
Africa's diplomatic progress.... and 
humanitarian commitments, 
will continue to fail.
 
By withdrawing from active combat deployment, 
he emphasized -- we reinforce our lack of any
commitment to truly African-led solutions, 
based on rejecting the values of the 
African Union's Agenda 2063.
 
The SANDF withdrawal is expected to conclude 
by the end of May 2025, as the movement had
already started on April 29, 2025.
 
During the SANDF deployment in eastern DRC, 14 
South African soldiers lost their lives and others 
were injured.. at the hands of the irregular 
armed group M23 during the escalation 
of fighting in the Goma region - which
led to this dishonorable withdrawal.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
Fuel prices will fall 
in South Africa
May 6th 8:51am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum 
Resources, Gwede Mantashe, announced a 
decrease in fuel prices in the country, 
valid from tomorrow the 7th, for 
the entire month of May.
 
According to the information revealed, the price of 93
 octane unleaded gasoline will drop by 22 rand cents 
per litre (approximately 1.25 US cents), while the 95 
octane one will be at 22 cents rand 
(1.23 cents dollar).
 
On the other hand, the price of Diesel with 0.05
percent sulphur will decrease by 42 cents per
 litre (about 2.2 cents), and the diesel with 
0.005 percent sulfphur will do so at 
41 rand cents per litre (about 
2.2 usd) cents.
 
Meanwhile, the price per litre of kerosene for 
wholesale sale will drop 31 cents rand
 (approximately 1.5 cents) dollar.
 
On the other hand, according to the Ministry, the 
Maximum Retail Price of Liquefied Petroleum
Gas (GLP) will increase by 46 cents per
kilogram (2.5 cents).
 
This price variation responds, according to Mantashe, 
to the fact that the average price of Brent crude oil 
decreased from 71.04 US dollars to 66.40 dollars 
during the past 30 days.
 
The Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources ---
added that the tariff and trade war started by the 
US, as well as possible lower demand for crude 
oil, the ''over-supply'' from non-OPEC countries 
and the looming world economic depression,
plus an expected increase in oil production
by OPEC+ members -- are the main factors 
that contributed to the drop in fuel prices.
 
The price of LPG, he explained.... increased 
due to the increase in transportation
costs 
during the month of April.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
 
Network for agroclimatic advice 
under debate in Horn of Africa 
May 6th, 5:03am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The establishment of the (Dacas) Agroclimatic 
Advisory Services Knowledge Network of the 
Intergovernmental Authority on Development
(IGAD) holds a regional meeting that 
continues today in Ethiopia.
 
The city of Bishoftu, Oromia region, hosts the event 
that from May 5 to 7 brings together experts from
 IGAD Member States (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, 
Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan... and South 
Sudan) and technical partners, organized
 by the African entity.
 
It also has the collaboration of Accelerating the 
Impacts of Climate Research of the public 
agricultural innovation network, Cgiar 
for Africa.
 
Dacas seeks to strengthen regional collaboration 
and innovation - to contribute to the creation of 
climate resilient food systems in East Africa.
 
Its objectives include the exchange of knowledge 
and experiences in key thematic areas, such as 
soil health, climate-smart agriculture and 
climate resilience.
 
Likewise, the creation of an online platform where 
interested parties will be able to share valuable 
information and access resources to improve 
food security and sustainability.
 
Participants.. are expected to discuss and approve the 
draft terms of reference and action plan for the Dacas 
Knowledge Network, as well as its official launch.
 
In his speech, the Ethiopian Minister of State 
for Agriculture Meles Mekonen stated that 
establishing the network will not only
help mitigate the impacts of climate 
change, but it will also allow you to
 anticipate and prepare for future
 challenges, while letting the
government off the hook.
 
For his part, the director of Environment and Natural
Resources of IGAD, Daher Elmi Houssein, stated 
that the regional entity, with financing from the 
World Bank, implements a 7-year program
 on the resilience of food systems.
 
 And if you understood all that quango
driven jargon - you weren't 
meant to.



____________________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopia hosted First Global Public 
Security Cooperation Forum 
May 6th, 4:31am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia hosted the First Forum for Global Cooperation 
in Public Security, an event that offered an important 
opportunity to work together to prevent terrorism 
and cross-border crimes, Fana Broadcasting 
Corporate,  highlighted today.
 
Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner General
Demelash Gebremichael Forum President Andy 
Tsang, members of the East African Police 
Chiefs Cooperation Organization and the
representatives of police commissions 
from several African countries.... 
participated in the meeting 
held the day before.
 
Gebremichael explained that the meeting prioritizes 
collective security --- and added that Addis Ababa 
makes an important contribution to promoting 
peace at the continental level.
 
With its participation, Ethiopia raised key issues for 
the protection of citizens and their property, as 
well as the maintenance of internal order, 
he stressed.
 
He also reported on the benefits of the platform 
to combat transnational organized crime and 
guarantee public safety.
 
For his part, Tsang specified that the forum makes 
global efforts to address conflicts and their root 
causes, as well as the promotion of collective 
actions. The platform works... to ensure 
lasting peace and development 
globally, he said.
 
The implementation of innovative ideas is another 
dimension... which contributes to the defense of 
public well-being and promoting collaboration 
for economic development, he concluded.
 
Ethiopia was elected to the Board of Directors of the 
Global Public Security Cooperation Forum held 
last year in Lianyungang, eastern China's 
Jiangsu province.
 

 
___________________________________________



48 Migrants Die in a Shipwreck 
in the Mediterranean Sea
May 5th, 12:49pm
(teleSUR)
 
Previously, Alarm Phone alerted the authorities that 
about 50 people had gone missing after setting 
sail.... from the coast of Libya.
 
On Monday, Alarm Phone, a telephone alert 
organization for maritime rescues ------ 
reported that 48 out of 50 migrants 
died in a shipwreck in the 
Mediterranean Sea.
 
“We learned that this boat, with around 50 people - was
 shipwrecked. According to the survivors - a fire broke 
out, forcing people to jump into the sea. Fishermen 
rescued two people and brought them to Tunisia. 
Both claim to be ....the only survivors,” 
Alarm Phone explained.
 
On April 29, the organization alerted authorities that 
about 50 people had gone missing after setting sail 
from the coast of Libya in a blue wooden boat.
 
 “The Libyan Coast Guard -- claimed that the boat had 
been rescued by Italy, but we cannot confirm this 
information,” Alarm Phone said at the time.
 
The Mediterranean route, is one of the busiest paths 
for migrants traveling from North Africa to Europe, 
as well as one of the most dangerous migration 
routes in the world, where deadly shipwrecks 
are commonly reported.
 
 
_______________________________
 
 
 
They advocate - in Angola: 
for rigorous and patriotic 
journalism
May 5th, 12:04pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Secretary of State for Social Communication 
of Angola, Nuno Caldas Albino, here - urged the 
country's media professionals to practice 
increasingly competent, rigorous, 
responsible, impartial and 
patriotic journalism.
 
When speaking at the second edition of the Press 
Freedom Award, attached to the Angolan 
Journalists Union (SJA) --- the official 
highlighted how - it is increasingly 
imperative that journalism leads
 to the production of truthful 
news of public interest.
 
Furthermore, he continued, ensure the promotion and
 social, cultural and political construction of society.
 
Consequently, he confirmed --- the national executive
seeks to implement actions to strengthen the sector.
 
In his words, Caldas recalled how in Angola's 50 years
 of independence, Angolan journalists were the main 
drivers of innovation in civil society, becoming
the 
soldiers of democracy.
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
Credits to the non-financial 
sector increase - in Angola
May 5th, 11:25am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Credit to the non-financial sector in Angola amounted 
to 7.8 trillion kwanzas (about 8.5 billion dollars) last
 March, which represents a 21.4 percent year-on-
year increase, according to National Bank.
 
In accordance with a report from that entity, of the 
total credit, 88.4% represented private sector 
debt (private companies and individuals) 
and 11.6% was public sector debt 
(administration and the
public companies).
 
Likewise, the BNA highlights that the stock of credit 
to the economy, in national currency, had an 
increase of 32.2% compared to March 
2024 --- and 3.7% compared to 
December 2024.
 
Also in March 2025, gross credit directed to the Real 
Sector of the Economy observed an increase of 
34.4% compared to the corresponding period 
of the previous year.
 
The main contributors to this were, according to the 
BNA, the increase in resources made available to 
the Extractive Industry subsector --- which 
recorded an increase in value of 79.1%.
 
Furthermore, the total credit granted for the 
promotion of the Real Sector, reached 
...1.3 billion kwanzas (approximately 
1.4 billion dolares) --- representing
80.8% of the total credit granted 
to this sector, and 17.3 of the
 gross credit portfolio of
 the banking system.
 
 
__________________________
 
 
 
South Africa --- hosts meeting of 
the G20 Culture Working Group
May 5th, 7:25am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
South Africa's Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, 
kicks off today at the Sandton Convention Centre, 
in north Johannesburg, to the second meeting
of 
the G20 Culture Working Group.
 
As announced by the minister of the sector, Gayton 
McKenzie, the 2-day event will be held under the
motto of the G20.... under the pro tempore 
presidency of South Africa: “Solidarity,
 Equality and Sustainability”.
 
This motto, he explained, underlines the commitment
 to position culture ------- as a catalyst for solidarity, 
inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
 
McKenzie is expected to deliver the keynote speech
 during the official opening ceremony, according
to 
the program.
 
This meeting is part of the South African Presidency 
of the G20, the first to be held on African soil. The 
session will serve as a platform --- to discuss 
four key priorities in depth.
 
The first addresses the safeguarding and restitution of 
cultural heritage - to defend and protect human rights.
 
Added to this is the integration of cultural policies into 
socioeconomic strategies, to promote inclusive and 
rights-based development, and the use of digital 
technologies for the preservation, promotion 
and sustainability, of culture.
 
Finally, exploring the intersection between culture and 
climate change ---- and formulating global responses 
through the cultural perspective.
 
The inclusion of Culture as a specific Working Group 
------- reflects the growing global recognition of its 
fundamental role in achieving the Sustainable 
Development Goals, as described in Africa's
 Agenda 2063, the Minister highlighted.
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
 
Electricity plans for winter -  
announced in South Africa
May 5th, 6:47am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
South Africa's national electricity company, Eskom, 
reveals the generation projections for the coming 
winter months today, in Johannesburg city.
 
Last week ---- the company said the power system 
remains stable, backed by adequate emergency 
reserves that are strategically deployed, when 
necessary, to manage peak demand periods.
 
This proactive management, he added in a statement 
to this effect, contributes to the overall reliability
and 
resilience of the electricity supply.
 
On the other hand, he indicated in the text ---- that 
planned maintenance activities are ongoing, as 
part of the efforts to prepare for the expected 
winter peak demand ---- while ensuring 
compliance with all the regulatory 
standards and environmental
 requirements.
 
So far in fiscal year (from April 1 to May 1), he added, 
an average of 6,928 megaWatts (MW) -- equivalent 
to 14.82 percent of the total national generation 
capacity, has been under planned maintenance.
 
This, together with the fact that the Unplanned 
Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which measures 
unplanned interruptions, stands at 28.26% in 
the period, it leads to rational expectations 
that dependence on diesel will decrease 
....as the maintenance is completed, 
increasing available generating 
capacity, Eskom added.
 
 
__________________________________
 
 
 
African Commission on Human 
and People's Rights ---- meets
May 5th, 5:37am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Gambia today hosts the 83rd Ordinary Session of the 
African Commission on Human and People's Rights
--- a space that will analyze reports from States 
Parties, the work of commissioners, and the 
human rights situation on the continent.
 
The meeting will be held until May 22nd, with the 
participation of all States Parties, bodies of the 
African Union (UA), national human rights 
institutions, several non-governmental 
organizations and the general public, 
a press release stated.
 
The 2025 theme - will focus on reparations under
the AU of the Year theme: ''Justice for Africans 
and Afro-descendants --- through reparations''.
 
Discussions will focus on economic reparations for 
sustainable development, slavery and exploitation 
today, gender justice in reparations ----- corporate 
responsibility and ethical practices, governance
 frameworks and policies, among other topics.
 
In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, 
countries are required to submit periodic reports to
 the Commission every 2 years. On this occasion, 
it will examine the reports from Ethiopia (2015-
2023) and Zimbabwe (2019-2023).
 
The African Commission on Human and People's 
Rights is the main human rights body of the AU, 
established under Article 30 of the African 
Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights,
 the founding treaty of the African 
human rights system.
 
It promotes and protects human rights -- throughout 
the continent and is made up of 11 commissioners 
elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and 
Government of the continental organization. 
 
They serve in a personal, independent 
and impartial capacity.
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
Iran condemns attack on
air base --- in Port Sudan
May 5th, 5:37am
(Prensa latina) 
 
Iran condemned the massive drone attack against the
 airport in Port Sudan, the city that is the seat of the 
Sudanese government, and expressed its concern 
about the attacks against civilian facilities in 
that country, it was known here today.
 
The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs, Esmaeil Baqaei, condemned the drone 
attack that targeted the airport and civilian 
facilities in Port Sudan the day before, as 
highlighted this Monday, by the 
Tasnim agency.
 
Baqaei also expressed his concern ----- about the 
continuation of military attacks against civilian 
and municipal facilities in Sudan, such as 
power plants, hospitals, and water 
treatment plants, in the 
African country.
 
The Sudanese army confirmed the day before, that 
the so-called Rapid Support Forces (RSF, English) 
carried out their first attack against Port Sudan, 
marking a turning point in the armed conflict 
that has plagued the country since 2023.
 
According to the military spokesman, the FAR 
attacked the Osman Digna air base, a goods 
warehouse and several civilian facilities
around the coastal city's airport.
 
This incident occurs in a context of escalating 
conflict, with recent aggression by the RSF 
in the states of the Nile, North and 
West Kordofan.
 
The Sudanese military called the aggression against 
Port Sudan “a dangerous turn” in the civil war, and 
authorities warned --- of possible repercussions
for 
regional security in the Red Sea.
 
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan..... has been mired in an 
internal war, after contradictions over power issues 
were fueled between Army Chief Abdel Fatah al-
Burhan ---- and the leader of the paramilitary 
Rapid Support Forces - Mohamed Hamdan 
Daglo - with a suspicion of outside ''aid''.
 
The conflict keeps more than 11 million Sudanese 
out of their homes, in what experts consider the 
planet's main displacement crisis.
 
 
____________________________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopian president - highlighted 
legacy - of Patriots Victory Day 
May 5th, 5:22am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
President Taye Atske-Selassie, today, highlighted the 
love of Ethiopia and the commitment to freedom as 
the greatest legacy inherited ------ on the 84th 
anniversary of the Day of the Victory 
of the Patriots.
 
Selassie, on his X social network account, specified
 that this heritage includes the determination 
to defend sovereignty and respect for 
Ethiopian identity.
 
On the occasion of the date ---- that marks the victory 
of local troops in their fight against the occupation 
by fascist Italy, which lasted from 1936 to 1941, 
the dignitary laid a wreath at the Patriots 
Victory Monument, known locally as 
Miyaziya 27, located in the Arat
 Kilo area of Addis Ababa.
 
Attending were members of the diplomatic community,
 senior government officials... leaders and members
of 
the National Defense Forces, president of the 
Association of Former Ethiopian Patriots...
Daniel 
Jote Mesfin --- and resistance
veterans.... and 
special guests.
 
The anniversary, also commemorates the end of the 
Italian occupation and the return of Emperor Haile 
Selassie (1930-1974) to Addis Ababa on May 5, 
1941, symbolizing the defense of national 
sovereignty.
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
 
Resignations in the middle of the
Gabonese government -- before
the new president
May 5th, 5:21am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Gabonese government -- headed by Prime Minister 
Raymond Ndong Sima -- presented its resignation to 
the country's newly elected president, Brice Oligui 
Nguema, local media reflect here today.
 
According to official sources, the head of state 
acknowledged the day before, the work 
carried out by Ndong Sima, whose 
contribution, he said - has been 
essential for the success
 of the transition.
 
Nguema took office as the country's president last 
Saturday, after leading a 19-month transitional 
government, leading a military junta, and he 
announced the calling of legislative 
elections.. for the country's total 
return to constitutional order.
 
The general ratified his favouritism in the April 
elections - with 94.85 percent of the votes, 
after leading a coup d'état, on August
 30th, in 2023.
 
The victory --- gives him a seven-year term under the 
new constitution approved last November and ends 
more than 50 years of control by former president 
Ali Bongo's family.
 
According to press reports, among President Oligui 
Nguema's main concerns... are the aging of the 
electricity grid, youth unemployment, road 
infrastructure and the country's debt.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Manufacturing sector advances ---- 
stand out at exhibition in Ethiopia
May 5th, 12:35am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
A total of 288 manufacturers, from seven sectors 
participate in the Third Expo, Made in Ethiopia, 
that continues here today - to show the main 
advances of the manufacturing sector, key
in the national economic transformation.
 
This was expressed, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed 
regarding the event scheduled for May 3 to 7 - at
Addis Ababa International Convention Centre, 
and he revealed: that 13,800 new small and
 medium-sized businesses (pymes) -- came 
into operation, thanks to that movement 
to boost the industry.
 
Ahmed specified that in the first nine months of 
the current Ethiopian fiscal year 2024/2025 
-- they manufactured import substitute 
products worth three billion dollars. 
Factories already operational in 
various sectors - contributed 
to improving..... the export 
performance, he noted.
 
For example, he continued, gold exports generated 
$2.5 billion in the last ten months, reinforced by 
the opening of modern, precious metal 
production factories.
 
They are also making preparations to begin exporting 
and producing cement for local use - by launching 
new industries. Since the launch of the Made in 
Ethiopia movement ----- industrial production 
capacity has increased from 46 to 61%, 
he stressed.
 
The Ethiopian head of government added - that 830 
non-operational factories --- resumed production, 
contributing to the revitalization of the sector.
 
 
________________________________________________


 TASS: Russian instructors helped 
repel militant attack in CAR
May 3rd, 9:02pm
(RT.ru)
 
Russian instructors helped soldiers of the Armed 
Forces of the Central African Republic (CAR), to 
repel the attack of illegal formations in Zemio. 
 
This was told to TASS by the Commonwealth 
of Officers for International Security.
 
The attack on the security forces' positions
 in Zemio, took place on April 30.
 
"As a result of the battle, one Russian instructor 
received a slight tangential wound... and two 
more Central African security officers were 
wounded," the Commonwealth noted.
 
Four soldiers of the CAR Armed Forces were killed. 
Among the representatives of illegal formations,
 eight people were killed.
 
Earlier it became known that, in the Central African 
Republic, about 700 militants surrendered to 
Russian instructors in 2024.
 
The Ministry of Defense reported that the Central 
African Republic - expects an increase in the 
contingent of Russian instructors in 
the country.
 
 
_________________________________
 

Ex-Tunisian PM jailed
for 34 Years
May 3rd, 12:39pm
(africanews)
 
Former Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Larayedh has 
been sentenced to 34 years in prison, accused 
of facilitating jihadist travel to Syria.
 
A leading figure of the Islamist Ennahda party, 
Larayedh served as PM from 2013 to 2014. 
Both he and his party deny any links 
to terrorism.
 
The verdict comes - amid a sweeping crackdown 
on opposition voices, lawyers, & media figures 
under President Kais Saied’s rule.
 
Critics call it a political purge since Saied 
took full control in 2021, claiming it’s a 
move.... to silence dissent.
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
 
DRC and Rwanda Edge Closer 
....to Peace Agreement
May 2nd, 2:16 pm
(teleSUR)
 
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and 
Rwanda are set to submit a draft agreement 
aimed at ending the war in eastern Congo,
 following weeks of negotiations 
mediated by Qatar.
 
The agreement, which aligns with the Declaration 
of Principles signed in Washington last week, is 
expected to address key issues --- such as 
territorial sovereignty, the armed groups, 
the mineral trade, refugee protections, 
and the role of international forces, 
particularly MONUSCO, the UN 
peacekeeping mission.
 
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Heightened Tensions
 
Delegations from Kinshasa and Kigali have convened
in Doha in an effort to resolve their long-standing
disputes, with Massad Boulous, the U.S. 
president’s envoy for Africa, joining 
representatives from Togo and 
France (!) ----- to facilitate 
the discussions.
 
The urgency behind these negotiations follows major 
territorial losses for the Congolese government, as 
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized control of two 
provincial capitals in eastern Congo earlier this 
year. This development forced Kinshasa to 
reconsider its stance on dialogue, 
engaging with M23, in a bid
to 
restore stability.
 
A Path Toward Resolution?
 
While hopes for a breakthrough..... remain high, the 
skepticism persists regarding implementation of 
any proposed deal, given the complexity of the
political and economic interests tied to the 
conflict. The mineral-rich region has been 
a battleground for years, with armed 
groups vying for control amid 
regional power struggles
and foreign lusts.
 
As discussions unfold... the international community 
awaits further details on the framework of the draft 
agreement ...and its potential impact on the long-
suffering civilian population in eastern Congo.
 
 
 
____________________________________________


They could... lower fuel
prices
 in South Africa
May 2nd, 9:32am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Data generated by the South African Central Energy 
Fund suggests that the cost of fuel in the country 
will decrease next Wednesday, May 7.
 
Analysts estimate that both the price of 93 and 95 
octane unleaded gasoline, will drop to 19 rand 
cents per litre (one US dollar cent), while the 
one with a similar volume of Diesel will 
probably make it 37 cents per litre 
(just under two cents)..
 
The price drop in May -- follows a 
similar trend observed last April.
 
The South African Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum
 Resources adjusts prices taking into account 
mainly two factors: the variation of these 
worldwide and the exchange rate of 
the rand (South African currency) 
against the dollar
 
And, according to Benguela Global Fund Managers 
portfolio manager Grant Nader today, the price of
 oil in the Rand has fallen 13% in recent days.
 
 
__________________________________
 
 
 
44 irregular migrants are
rescued in South Africa
May 2nd, 9:09am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The South African Police Service (SAPS) rescued 44 
undocumented immigrants who were being held 
against their will --- in a home in Parkmore, 
Sandton, north of Johannesburg.
 
According to a police statement issued to that effect, 
“SAPS is conducting an investigation to determine 
how they arrived in the country and how they 
ended up locked up in the house”.
 
Apparently agents from a private security company, 
who carried out routine patrols in the area, 
received a complaint about noise 
generated in the house
 in question.
 
Preliminary investigations by SAPS revealed that all 
the men, aged between 15 and 22, were Ethiopian 
citizens... who were in an irregular situation in 
South Africa.
 
Those rescued were taken to the local 
police station to be processed by the 
Ministry of the Interior.
 
 
 
______________________________
 
 
 
President of Angola - In India 
May 2nd, 2:14am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves 
Laurenco, arrived here today on a 4-day state 
visit to India, accompanied by a high-
level delegation.
 
At the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, 
the Angolan president was received in a special way
 by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs --- Kirti 
Vardhan Singh, according to Foreign Ministry 
spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.
 
This is Laurenco's first visit to India, which coincides 
with this year's celebration of the 40th anniversary 
--- of the establishment of diplomatic relations 
between India and Angola, he highlighted.
 
In accordance with the program of activities, 
the Angolan head of state will meet with his 
counterpart, Droupadi Murmu ---- and hold 
talks at the delegation level, with Prime 
Minister Narendra Modi.
 
The signing of several memoranda of understanding and 
agreements --- is expected during the visit, which will 
boost bilateral relations, a diplomatic source said.
 
Before concluding the visit - on May 4th, Laurenco will 
participate in a business event in this capital, aimed 
at promoting investment and commercial ties.... 
between the two nations.
 
According to New Delhi -- bilateral trade between both 
countries grew and reached US$4.192 billion during 
the period 2023-2024, while -- in recent years, the
cooperation for capacity development and for
defense relations.... has expanded.
 
The links between India and Angola, one of Africa's 
main oil producers, are based on a solid energy 
alliance - while the Asian nation is its second 
trading partner, representing approximately 
10 percent of Angolan foreign exchange.
 
Hydrocarbons represent 90 percent of total bilateral 
trade, mainly in crude oil and liquefied petroleum 
imports (POL), the authorities acknowledged.
 
Over the past five years, Angola has been among the 
top six suppliers of Liquefied Natural Gas to India, 
whose exports to the African country --- include 
refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals 
and chemicals, engineering goods, as well
as automobiles, plastics, and food.
 
Around 200 companies from the South Asian nation 
are present --- in various sectors of the African 
country, such as plastics, metals, diamond 
polishing, pharmaceuticals, clothing, 
hospitals & cement, among others.
 
The Government of India, through Exim Bank, has also 
granted Angola ---- three lines of credit worth US$85 
million for railway rehabilitation, the creation of an 
industrial park and the launch of a textile project.
 
 
________________________________



 
Government support for workers
----- ratified in South Africa
May 1st, 10:16am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The African National Congress (ANC, South Africa's
main party) confirmed today that it will continue 
to support and promote workers' rights.
 
On the occasion of commemorating International 
Workers' Day here, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi 
Bhengu-Motsiri highlighted her party's support 
for national laws such as Labour Relations, of 
1996, that of Basic Employment Conditions, 
and that of Equity in Employment.
 
However, at the central event for the holiday --- held in 
Middleburg, he regretted the fact that the Democratic
 Alliance party... the country's second political force 
and member of the Government of National Unity, 
has resorted to the courts on the eve of Labour 
Day ------ to try to repeal the Employment 
Equity Law.
 
Speaking at the event ---- ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa 
reiterated to members of South Africa's main workers'
confederation, Cosatu, that the recent National 
Health Insurance (SNS) ---- is intended to 
benefit workers.
 
In response, Cosatu President, Zingiswa Losi, thanked
the ANC -   “for its steadfastness --- on issues such as 
National Health Insurance. We thank you, for your 
firmness in ensuring the signing and approval 
of that law, and also ---- for ensuring its 
implementation”.


 
________________________________________
 

 
Millions of children in Sudan 
threatened by ''ailments''
May 1st, 9:58am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Some three million Sudanese children under five years 
of age, are at risk of contracting epidemic diseases 
by not receiving vaccines, in the middle of a war 
that causes displacements ---- and destroys 
health facilities.
 
According to the digital portal Africa News, which 
cites medical sources, in the face of the bloody 
clashes between the Army & the paramilitary 
Rapid Support Forces (RSF), minors could 
acquire ailments --- such as measles, 
malaria, pneumonia, diarrheal 
conditions --- and cholera.
 
After also warning that millions of infants could die
 because the conflict slows down immunization 
campaigns, the health authorities warn: that 
malaria is one of the deadliest diseases in 
this northeastern African country.
 
According to the World Malaria Report, 2024 --- in Sudan, 
where - in 2023, over 1.3 million cases of malaria were
confirmed with a figure greater than 850 deaths 
from
that cause, infants ---- are one of the groups most 
affected by the disease.
 
Faced with these disease threats, the United Nations 
Children's Fund -- in coordination with the Sudanese 
authorities, promotes local vaccination campaigns, 
while raising awareness in communities --- about 
the need to prevent ailments --- with adequate 
hygiene measures. [* Racist crap]
 
Sudan, a country with a population of more than 
50 million inhabitants, is experiencing a crisis 
in various areas-- due to the armed clashes 
between government forces and the RSF 
a conflict that has, as its background, 
the ambitions for power by political 
actors (..and enabled by the West's
ideological and criminal need -- to
destroy yet another Muslim state
which could be a threat ----- * to
their genocidal ersatz colony.)

* added by Rhondda Records


_______________________________


  Gabon thanks the African Union
---- for withdrawing sanctions
May 1st, 9:21am
(Prensa Latina)
 
The Gabonese government today celebrated the 
decision of the African Union to withdraw the 
imposed.. economic and political sanctions 
on that country and allow its re-entry into 
the continental organization, an official 
source reported.
 
According to a previous statement from the regional 
organization, the statement is based on the recent 
holding of presidential elections in the Central 
African state ---- after the 2023 coup that 
overthrew the then ruler, Ali Bongo.
 
The Gabonese Foreign Minister, Mochel Régis Onanga, 
conveyed to the AU, ----- the gratitude of the elected 
president of his country, General Brice Clotaire 
Oligui Nguema - for reintegrating Gabon into 
the community of nations, that make up 
the entity.
 
Oligui Nguema --- won the presidential elections held 
on April 12, by a wide margin, in relation to six other 
contenders, obtaining more than 90 percent of the 
votes in dispute.
 
The new ruler, 50 years old, who headed a military 
junta that removed former president Bongo from 
power ---- in his victory acceptance speech, 
assured ---- that he will govern - for all the
Gabonese and restore constitutionality.
 
Media outlets indicated that Guinea, Mali, Burkina 
Faso and Niger are suspended by the AU, for not 
yet ...establishing civilian governments.
 
 
 
_________________________________________


Somali Army ----- claims 
Al Shabaab casualties
 April 30th, 11:32am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Somali Army assured today that it eliminated
 a dozen militiamen from the Al Shabaab group  
during training of their units in a town in the
 middle of the country.
 
The statement added that during the “clashes 
several terrorist strongholds in the Al Dher” 
area were occupied, but refrained from 
mentioning casualties in their ranks.
 
By order of Somali President Hassan Cheikh 
Mohamoud, the Army launched an offensive 
along the entire line to contain advances 
by the Islamists in the vicinity of this 
capital - and liquidate the presence 
of Al Shabaab in its territory, one 
of the militias that flourished 
and occupied areas of this 
Horn of Africa country - 
after the overthrow of 
the former president, 
Mohamed Siad Barre
 in January 1991.
 
Last Thursday, the Somali military command 
reportedly secured the deaths of “more
 than 20 Al Shabaab members”, after
 an operation in the Middle 
Shebelle (north) region.
 
In the middle of last week, Al Shabaab circulated 
a report on the Internet in which it claimed the 
occupation of a military base in that region, 
while the military authorities.. reported 
fighting in the area.
 
More than two dozen Al Shabaab members were killed
 in clashes with the Army in the town of Labi Guli, in 
the Madio Shebelle region, including commanders, 
the official communication states, butt it does 
not identify them ----- lacking independent 
confirmation due to the impossibility 
of reaching the theatre
 of operations.
 
The same source assured, that the situation 
“is stabilized after repelling last Thursday's 
offensive”.
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
 
Death toll from ''Islamist''
 attacks in Nigeria 
rises to 26
April 30th, 6:35am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The fatalities from dynamite attacks on Nigerian roads
 in recent days now amount to 26, including women
 and children, were known here today.
 
Two homemade bombs detonated on a highway in 
northeastern Nigeria as a vehicle packed with 
people passed by - in an event claimed by
 Islamist groups, as confirmed by 
local police.
 
The explosions occurred on a road linking the cities
of Rann and Gamboru, in Borno state, near the 
border with Cameroon.
 
The Nigerian Government recently reaffirmed its
 determination and commitment --- to address 
insecurity and assured its full support for 
the military forces -- fighting criminal 
gangs in the country.
 
Islamist factions such as Boko Haram and its split, 
Islamic State in West Africa, operate in eastern 
Nigeria, and insecurity has spread to central 
areas, the north and northwest - raising 
alarms - about the possible expansion 
of these terrorist, criminal networks.
 
According to United Nations data since 2009, the 
activities of the radical formation Boko Haram 
and its split --- Islamic State from the West 
African Province, incorporated later in 
2016 in Nigeria, and neighbouring 
countries such as Cameroon, 
Chad and Niger -- left over 
35,000 dead and some 
2 million displaced.
 
 
_______________________


Russian wheat exports to 
Africa soaring in Q1 2025
April 29th, 1:35pm
(TASS)
 
 Wheat supplies from Russia to Nigeria soared in 
the first quarter of 2025 by five times annually, 
the Federal Centre for Evaluation of Safety 
and Quality of Agribusiness Products 
told TASS.
 
"Many countries in Africa -- scaled up Russian wheat 
imports. The volume of supplies to Nigeria ---- grew 
fivefold against the like period of the last year and 
reached 262,000 metric tons. Morocco increased 
Russian wheat imports by a factor of two to 
174,000 metric tons, Mozambique --- to 
73,800 metric tons (by 11.7 times), 
Cameroon -- up to 50,000 metric 
tons (by 2.2 times), & Burundi
 - to 30,500 metric tons
(by 
9.6 times). 
 
''Russia, for the first time, exported wheat to Togo 
since 2022; supplies amounted to 27,000 
metric tons," the centre said.
 
An increase in Russian wheat procurements was also 
observed in certain countries of the Middle East. 
 
Three times more wheat in annual terms was shipped 
to Lebanon - 149,000 metric tons; two times more 
to Iraq and by 11% more to Israel. 
 
"These data -- demonstrate the extensive growth of 
Russian exports in certain regions consisting in 
the increase of volumes of supplies and 
intensive growth --- reflected in the
diversification of end markets,"
 the centre added.
 
Grain exports to Asia-Pacific
 
Grain exports to the Republic of Korea --- surged by 2.2
 times in annual terms and totaled 184,600 metric tons
 in the first quarter of 2025. Corn accounted for the 
bulk of deliveries, being equal to 103,600 metric 
tons, while wheat exports stood at 79,700 
metric tons.
 
Japan... also increased the pace of Russian corn 
procurements and imported 10,500 metric tons
 in the first quarter of 2025, while there were 
no supplies in the like period, last year.
 
Linseed exports to China also moved up twofold on 
an annualized basis. "China continues to be one of
the  key Russian partners in the sphere of trade 
in agricultural goods," the centre noted.
 
Deliveries of flour and rapeseed processed products
 
Wheat flour supplies to Mongolia..., soared more than 
twofold in the reporting period to 15,500 metric tons. 
Wheat deliveries to North Korea -- increased by two 
times to 5,600 metric tons and to Israel - by twenty 
times to 4,300 metric tons. Buckwheat exports to 
China soared by 2.5 times to 134,200 metric tons.
 
Processed rapeseed products of Russian make are 
becoming increasingly popular. Their deliveries in
 the first quarter of 2025 increased by 87% 
year on year. 
 
Among the largest importers are China, which 
purchased 141,000 metric tons of rapeseed 
cake and meal from Russia over that period 
(4.1 times above indicators.... in the first 
quarter of 2024) and Turkey -- with the
 75-percent increase in such imports
 from Russia ---- to 35,900 metric
tons, 
the centre added.
 
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
Number of flights between Tunisia, Russia 
to increase shortly — tourism minister
April 29th, 12:37pm
(TASS) 
 
The number of direct flights between Tunisia and 
Russia will increase in the near future, Tunisian 
Tourism Minister Soufiane Tekaya told TASS.
 
"Tunisian and Russian specialists have been in 
contact... on the issue of aviation services
 between Tunis and Moscow.  We expect 
the results of those contacts in coming 
days," he said -- when asked about the
cancellation of flights by the Tunisian 
company Express Airline, scheduled 
for the end of April.
 
Tunisia’s authorities are working on raising the number
 of air carriers performing direct flights to Russia, the 
minister added. "As a Tunisian side, we are working 
on removing all factors hindering implementation 
of the earmarked program. We expect more 
airlines to be employed.. in the upcoming 
period for raising the number of flights 
and, consequently, improving the 
situation," he said.
 
"We aim at increasing the number of Russian tourists 
and returning to ...previous results. We expect the 
number of flights to grow in the future and the 
number of guests from Russia in Tunisia 
to increase," the minister noted.
 
On April 19th, the Tunisian airline Nouvelair, resumed 
direct flights between Russia and Tunisia.  Regular
 flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg ---- to the 
Mediterranean resort city of Monastir ordered 
by Grand Express tour company... are 
scheduled twice per week during 
the summer season. 
 
Moreover, the Biblio-Globus tour operator has started 
offering tours to the resort town of Hammamet - with 
flights performed by the Tunisian air carrier Express 
Airline. However, a couple of days ago flights 
disappeared from the booking system 
due to the airline’s reports... of the 
absence of delivery of services.
 
As per the Tunisian National Tourist Office, around 
14,000 Russians traveled to the North African 
country in 2024. In 2019, the number of 
Russian tourists visiting Tunisian 
resorts -- exceeded 633,000.
 
 
______________________________
 
 
 
Explosion of two vehicles in north-
eastern Nigeria leaves 26 dead
April 29th, 12am
(TASS) 
 
At least 26 people were killed and three others injured 
in northeastern Nigeria after two vehicles struck an 
improvised explosive device, Reuters reported, 
citing local residents.
 
The incident occurred in Borno state, an area where 
extremist groups, including Boko Haram, have been 
active for many years.
 
The vehicles that detonated the IED ...were traveling 
along the road connecting the towns of Rann and 
Gamboru Ngala. The injured --- have been 
transported to the nearest hospital.
 
No group has yet claimed responsibility 
for the explosion.
 


__________________________________________



Fruit from Nigeria --- could be a new 
weapon in the fight against cancer
by Elizaveta Avdeenko
 April 28th, 6:03pm
(Gazeta.ru)
 
An international team of scientists has found that local
food plants in Nigeria - can become an important part 
of the comprehensive fight against cancer due to the 
high content of biologically active compounds with 
anti-cancer properties. The work is published in 
the journal Future Integrative Medicine (FIM).
 
Scientists have studied a number of plants, including 
Spondias mombin, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Elaeis 
guineensis and others. These plants -- are rich in 
flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and phenolic 
acids, which can inhibit the growth of tumors, 
activate programmed cancer cell death, stop 
the division of malignant cells and prevent 
the formation of new blood vessels 
necessary for the development 
of tumors. 
 
In addition --- many of these compounds have a 
pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory 
effect, which is especially important..... for 
preventing and slowing the progression 
of cancer.
 
The mechanisms of action of the biologically active
 substances - are diverse. Individual plants such as
 the oil palm and African mango demonstrated the 
ability to regulate the body's immune responses 
and influence metabolic pathways associated 
with cancer.
 
Despite the promising results, the researchers note the
 need for additional clinical trials. Standardization of 
the methods of the preparation of plant extracts,
the determination of optimal dosages, as well 
as the  integration of traditional knowledge 
with modern scientific approaches - will 
be an important task for the future.
 
According to the authors, food plants from Nigeria 
can become an affordable and effective addition 
to existing cancer treatments, opening up new 
ways to create safer, natural therapeutic 
strategies, especially in regions with 
limited access to high-tech 
medical care.
 
 
___________________________________________


 
Palestinian Prisoners' Day in US ---
highlights links with US/Africans
April 28th, 7:09am
by Ramin Mazaheri
Press TV, Washington DC
 
Palestinian Prisoners’ Day continues
 to be observed around the world.
 
In the US capital, a conference has been held 
to mark the occasion ---- and to highlight 
Palestinian prisoners’ plights.
 
The event also drew analogies between Palestinian 
prisoners at Israeli jails and African-Americans 
---- who are regarded as the most unjustly
imprisoned population in the US.
 
 
 
___________________________________________



 Benin -- Mourns Dozens
of Soldiers
 Killed
April 26th, 12:52pm
(teleSUR)
 
The Republic of Benin faces one of its deadliest 
militant attacks... in recent years, as at least
54 
soldiers lost their lives in coordinated 
assaults on military posts in the 
northern Alibori department, 
bordering Burkina Faso, 
Niger, and Nigeria.
 
The al-Qaida-linked extremist group, JNIM, claimed 
responsibility for the April 17 attack, boasting of a 
higher death toll, according to SITE Intelligence 
Group reports. Initially, the authorities had 
disclosed only eight casualties, but the 
government has now confirmed the 
significant loss of personnel.
 
For years - Benin has experienced escalating spillover 
violence from Sahel nations battling extremist groups. 

The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, a vast transnational 
park, has become a strategic base for militant 
operations, enabling cross-border attacks
 in an area where the state presence 
remains fragile.
 
The Government spokesperson, Wilfried Léandre
 Houngbédji lamented the lack of coordinated 
regional security efforts --- pointing to the 
absence of robust military action from 
neighbouring countries. “If, on the 
other side of the border, there 
was a force like ours, these 
attacks --- would not take 
place in this way ----- or 
would not even occur,” 
he stated.
 
As instability deepens in West Africa, observers 
warn of the growing reach of armed groups 
across regional borders, exacerbating
 insecurity and posing challenges 
to sovereignty and peace.
 
 
____________________________


South African leftist parties -- oppose 
Zelensky's visit to meet Ramaphosa
by Yulia Ryabinina
April 24th, 10:16pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 
 
Members of the South African Communist Party and 
the Socialist Party ---- protested against Vladimir 
Zelensky's visit to Pretoria --- to meet with 
President Cyril Ramaphosa. This was 
reported by the local TV channel 
Newzroom Afrika.
 
According to the press secretary of the Socialist Party 
Nhlamulo Ndkhlela, everyone knows that Zelensky is 
a puppet of the West, and he is used by NATO, to 
fight the BRICS countries, in particular Russia.
 
"He is not welcome here, let him go back and continue 
in the same spirit with his military Western attitude… 
We support BRICS," RIA Novosti quoted a party 
representative as saying.
 
The protesters stressed ---- that in order to resolve the 
Ukrainian conflict, it is necessary to hold elections 
in Ukraine and elect a legitimate president.
 
"Zelensky is not even a real president, he 
is a dictator - there were no elections," 
Ndkhlela said.
 
He also outlined the position of South Africa: stop the 
conflict and hold elections, so that the Ukrainians 
...can have a real leader.
 
"And Zelensky should be dealt with by the ICC 
(International Criminal Court-ed.)," 
the politician stressed.
 
Recall that Zelensky arrived in South Africa, where he 
was scheduled for a number of meetings, in particular
with Ramaphosa. However, he then suddenly decided
 to cancel part of the program of this visit.
 
"After the meeting with the President of South Africa, 
I will immediately return to Ukraine," the Ukrainian
politician said, in social networks.
 
 

Africa loves Mariopal's resurgence

Photo: Donetsk News Agency Exclusive
 

A book about the revival of Mariupol was
presented to diplomats from Africa
April 24th, 4pm
(DAN)
 
 The exhibition "Chroniclers of History - the spiral of 
Time through the lenses of cameras" opened at the 
Moscow State Institute of International Relations
(MGIMO University), where the forum "Russia — 
Africa: What's Next?" --- is being held, the 
photographer Sergey Venyavsky, told
the Donetsk News Agency.
 
"At MGIMO .....on the sidelines of the IV International
 Forum "Russia-Africa: What's Next?" the exhibition 
of the international photo' project "Chroniclers of 
History — the spiral of time through the lenses 
of cameras" — is presented. 
 
''Diplomats from more than 40 African countries 
could get acquainted with it. During the event,
he presented the book "Mariupol'' to Tatyana
Dovgalenko, Director of the Department of 
African Countries of the Russian Foreign 
Ministry, and diplomats from Ethiopia, 
Madagascar & Equatorial Guinea," 
Venyavsky said.
 
The exhibition presents photos of Venyavsky ---- from 
cities shelled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and 
footage from the Great Patriotic War by photo-
journalist Yevgeny Khaldey. 
 
It opened on April 23rd and will last 
until the 25th day - inclusive. 
 
The project is organized by the creative association
"Afterword" and the magazine "New Regions of 
Russia" ......with the assistance of the East 
Crimean Historical and Cultural Museum
Reserve. The first exhibition was held 
in Rostov-on-Don, then in major cities 
of the Don region, like Taganrog.
 
 
 
__________________________________




South Africa predicted reputational
damage ---- due to Zelensky's visit
by Victoria Kondratieva (Editor
 of the Mir department)
April 24th, 3:04pm
(Lenta.ru)
 
The visit of Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky to the 
Republic of South Africa (RSA) threatens its 
reputation as a neutral state. This was 
stated by South African political 
analyst Reneva Furi, whose 
words are quoted by 
RIA Novosti.
 
"Although officially it is presented as a continuation of 
the peace mission of African countries [in Ukraine], 
the idea of hosting Zelensky - risks putting South 
Africa on a par with Western powers, who are 
accused of prolonging the conflict,"
the 
political scientist said.
 
The expert also noted --- that he believes that Western
 countries, in particular the United Kingdom and some
states of the EU -- are more interested in continuing 
the Ukrainian conflict, than in ending it. According 
to him, their governments are guided primarily, by
the motive of earning cash on defense contracts.
 
Earlier - it became known about Zelensky's visit to South
Africa. The Ukrainian leader - announced meetings with
President Cyril Ramaphosa and 
representatives of the
political, public and 
student communities, in Africa.
 
 
____________________________________
 


Nebenzia pointed out that Africa
is tired... of the arrogance and
double standards of the West
April 23rd, 4:09pm
(Izvestia.ru)
 
African countries ------ express dissatisfaction with the
arrogant behaviour and double standards, of Western 
powers. This was stated on April 23rd, by Russia's
Permanent Representative to the UN ---- Vasily
Nebenzia ---- 
at the plenary session of the
IV Forum "Russia-Africa: 
What's next?".
 
"We are convinced that the crisis situations that many 
African countries are currently going through, are 
mainly the result of the long years of colonial 
dependence, consistent opposition to the 
manifestation of neocolonial practices 
in Africa, where there is real fatigue 
- from the arrogant behaviour and 
double standards of the former 
West European metropolises," 
he said, in a video message 
to the forum participants.
 
Nebenzia also stressed --- that the African peoples 
are not going to put up with the current situation.
 
In addition, the Permanent Representative of Russia 
to the UN noted, that trust in the collective West as 
a partner continues to decline, and the demand for 
fundamental changes in the international system 
of relations -- increases. According to him, more 
and more examples of successful cooperation 
appear on independent multilateral platforms
------ such as the 
Non-Aligned Movement.
 
In addition, Nebenzia said that the UN Security
 Council needs to adapt to the increasing role 
of African states in international affairs - 
and "keep up with these processes."
 
"Russia cooperates with Africa.. on 
the principle of "you to me-I to you"
 
Libyan Foreign Minister Abdelhadi al-Huwaij — 
on relations with Russia, its role in the region 
and Moscow's policy of equality with
 its partners.
 
In June last year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey 
Lavrov, answering a question from the Izvestia
correspondent on the sidelines of the SPIEF, 
said that Africa -- has repeatedly stressed 
that it wants respect for itself... an end 
to colonial and neo-colonial practices 
and getting the maximum benefit 
from its rich resources, which it 
is entitled to, and not Europe.
 
 
__________________________________



South Africa's.... E-commerce
Boom:  
How Digital Shopping
Is 
Reshaping BRICS Markets
by Dr Iqbal Survé and 
Banthati Sekwala
April 17th, 2025
(http://infobrics.org/)
 
The e-commerce industry has become an unexpected 
and significant contender to the African market 
- challenging traditional retail industries. The 
continent’s revenue generation is projected
 to reach $39.44 billion in 2025, with an 
annual growth rate of 8.49%
 
Financial projections for 2025 indicate the following 
e-commerce market values within African BRICS 
nations: Ethiopia, $553.98 million; Egypt, $7.96 
billion; and South Africa, $7.32 billion.
 
Driving Forces Behind E-Commerce Expansion
 
These results --- are a combination of improved 
infrastructure, and creative innovation in the
retail, logistics, telecommunications and 
financial industries. With the increase 
of internet penetration and the rise 
of smartphone ownership --- the 
opportunities for e-commerce 
and online shopping ....have 
grown. 
 
There are some major driving forces, behind this 
massive expansion like the COVID-19 pandemic
- technological advancements in payment 
systems - as well as the changing 
consumer behaviour.
 
Impact of COVID-19 on E-Commerce
 
COVID-19 ----- and those numerous restrictions, and
regulations accelerated the shift into e-commerce
 growth, but after the restrictions the convenience 
of shopping from home became extremely useful 
for students, the elderly, people working from 
home, or simply anyone not wishing to leave 
their premises. The service continues to be
economically attractive, to major retailers 
in South Africa by incorporating it into the 
portfolios of Woolworths, Checkers and
 Pick n Pay, for example.
 
E-Commerce in BRICS+ Nations
 
Prominent e-commerce BRICS+ countries include India
and China ----- where digital mechanisms have been
incorporated into many company business models.

Brazil has one of the top e-commerce industries in 
South America - with platforms such as Mercado-
Libre, with one of the key factors for this --- is 
having a large digital engaged population, 
increased consumer trust in online 
shopping - and growth in online 
payment solutions. 
 
Russia has also witnessed significant e-commerce 
development despite the ongoing conflict with 
Ukraine - by focusing on domestic players.
 
In South Africa... the technological advancements in 
terms of digital financial services have transformed 
the experience for customers & product producers. 
 
The improved dynamic - is attributed to options 
like ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later' and developments in
 biometric and digital wallets.. promoted by 
systems like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay... or
Zapper. The proliferation of these newer 
systems -- are protected by the Payment 
Association of S. Africa who mandated 
the use of 3D Secure... in 2014 --- to
protect 
customers from fraud.

There is no 
greater convenience than simply 
carrying your 'phone to pay for all daily
expenses - compared 
to looking for a
spare R10 
note --- to buy a bottle 
of water.
 
With the recent developments in South Africa, the 
industry is entering a new phase of evolution ----
with the introduction of late-night delivery via a 
partnership with Uber Eats, Engen Quickshop 
and Woolworths, ‘After Dark’ ....will operate 
until midnight. This dynamic, is innovative 
& would reach a wider clientele seeking
 to fulfil their late night sweet treats. 
 
However, it poses great concern for employees with
extensive work hours ----- potentially infringing on
labour rights, as well as brings a psychological
discussion of the immediate gratification in 
acquiring 24/7 convenience.
 
Changing Consumer Behaviour
 
The changing consumer behaviour plays a direct and
 central role in the dynamic of buying online --- and 
changing the South African market. For example, 
in an article from Mastercard... ‘GenZ ---- is the 
biggest adopter of new payment methods --- 
with 98% of them being tech-savvy, smart
-phone owners’, and that... there are over 
22 million smartphone users in S. Africa. 

With statistics like these ----- it is no 
surprise that this generation, is so 
attached to their mobile devices.
 
Additionally, according to a Meltwater report, South 
Africa is the 3rd highest country globally to access 
the internet from their mobile phones, this means 
that retailers & e-commerce businesses' main 
vehicle to customers - is via mobile phones; 
hence - the drastic growth in m-commerce 
(mobile commerce). Similar patterns are 
evident in other BRICS+ nations where 
mobile-first strategies ------- dominate 
e-commerce expansion.
 
Challenges in E-Commerce Development
 
Though the online developments are great, the sector 
faces significant challenges, in developing countries 
due to inadequate logistics infrastructure. This not 
only hinders current progress - but also poses a 
barrier to future development and innovation, 
within the e-commerce sector.
 
The infrastructure available in urbanised areas, makes
for smoother operations for logistics/ courier service
 companies, but -- on the other hand -- high levels of
urbanisation may cause delivery delays because 
of traffic interruptions. Across the developing 
world, particularly in Africa, the levels of 
development are extremely unequal. 
 
Rural areas have for decades received little-to-no
 maintenance attention --- low levels of service 
delivery, and when people in these areas do 
have work completed, it is of poor quality. 
 
An innovative solution for this -- is seen in the Chinese 
company Meituan where in 2021 it completed its first 
drone delivery, in the tech hub of Shenzhen. This 
opens the discussion, for other future-forward 
technologies to be implemented in logistics 
management ------- while infrastructure 
undergoes overdue upgrades.
 
The Path Forward
 
To fully utilise e-commerce's potential in South Africa &
 BRICS+ nations -- collaboration between governments,
businesses, & consumers is essential. By addressing 
challenges & learning from BRICS+ partners, South
 Africa ....can lead Africa's digital transformation.
 
Dr Iqbal Survé - Past chairman of the BRICS Business 
Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum
 and the BRNN.
 
Banthati Sekwala - Associate at BRICS+ Consulting
 Group, Egyptian & South African Specialist.
 
 
________________________________________________


Displaced people ---- increase in 
Democratic Republic of Congo
April 17th, 12:03pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Unicef denounced that over one million people, among
 them 400 thousand children, have been displaced in 
the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo ---
so far this year due to the prevailing violence.
 
In a statement released in the capital --- the United 
Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) --- indicated that 
civilians flee their homes in the midst of armed
 clashes between the army and the insurgent 
March 23 Movement (M23) in the provinces 
of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
 
Quoted by the media --- the agency's own director, 
Caterine Russel, declared before the UN Security 
Council, that --- at the height of the conflict this 
year in eastern DRC a child was raped every 
half hour, on average.
 
Unicef recently warned that minors could represent 
45% of the most 10,000 cases of rape and sexual 
violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo 
(DRC) last January and February.
 
The spokesman of this entity, James Elder, expressed, 
in this sense, that the statistics reflect that sexual 
violence, especially against girls, is used as 
“a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic 
of terror ------- to destroy families
and communities”.


[Rhondda Records adds -- this obviously 
vile form of terror - even using soldiers
who had aids to rape - has been going 
on for decades, and knowing doesn't
stop it.] 
 


__________________________________________




Deaths rise - marking new 
anniversary of war 
in Sudan
April 15th, 2:14pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
After two years of the beginning of the war in Sudan, 
United Nations organizations estimated that some 
300 civilians have already died in attacks on 
refugee camps in El Fasher.
 
The most affected bases --- are the Zamzam and Abu 
Shouk displacement camps and their surroundings, 
and in El Fasher, in North Darfur.
 
The United Nations Office for the Coordination 
of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on 
Monday, that the fatalities are the result 
of the war that started in April 2023, 
and especially due to the violence 
of the latest fighting on April 11-
12, as part of the Army's 
offensive against the 
paramilitary forces.
 
 
_________________________________________
 
 
 

Ethiopia and the FAO strengthen
cooperation in agrifood systems

April 15th, 2:03pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The government of Ethiopia and the United Nations 
Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) discussed 
how to strengthen cooperation... in the 
transformation of agrifood systems, 
the Ethiopia News Agency 
informed on Tuesday.
 
The high-level meeting - between Ethiopian State 
Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation 
Semereta Sewasew, and FAO Director of 
Agrifood Economics Division, David 
Laborde, focused on aligning the 
national agrifood systems 
strategy with the global
roadmap ---- of the UN 
specialized agency.
 
This link takes into account Addis Ababa’s progress 
on a comprehensive data-driven plan - that includes 
production, processing, distributio n& consumption.
 
During the dialogue, Sewasew highlighted the 
importance of Ethiopia’s selection as one 
of the five pilot countries for FAO’s 
global roadmap.
 
She underscored that this recognition represents a 
great opportunity to strengthen ongoing national 
efforts --- and benefit from technical expertise, 
global experience, & enhanced cooperation 
with international partners.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
Algeria completes African Union 
Peace and Security Council
April 15th, 10:44am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Algeria - won the elections as the representative of the 
northern part of the continent to complete the African 
Union (AU) Peace and Security Council for a three
year term.
 
During the 24th Extraordinary Session of the AU 
Executive Committee, Algiers obtained 34 
votes in the third round of elections, 
defeating Libya, which received 
15 votes.
 
The other candidate - was Morocco, 
but it withdrew before the election.
 
Joining the new Council member for the 2025-2028
 term are Cameroon (centre), Ethiopia (east), 
Eswatini (south), and Nigeria (west).
 
According to the Algerian Embassy in Ethiopia, this 
victory --- is a recognition of its role and position 
under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid 
Tebboune ---- in promoting peace and 
establishing security, on the 
African continent.
 
The agenda for the extraordinary session also 
includes the appointment of a member of the 
AU International Law Commission, and the 
African Space Council, the continental 
organization stated.
 
 
________________________________________


South Africa opposes 
Zelensky's arrival
April 14th, 8:14pm
(Izvestia.ru)
 
In South Africa, they are categorically opposed to the 
arrival of Ukrainian Vladimir Zelensky in the country 
and do not believe that he will talk about peace. 
 
This was stated by a former member of the National 
Executive Committee of the country's ruling party, 
Tony Yengeni, on Monday, April 14.
 
"He refuses to take part in any negotiations. He is 
accused - of killing countless Russian-speaking
Ukrainians in Ukraine. He grabs young people
on the streets and forces them to join the 
armed forces," Yengeni said, in an
 interview with RT.
 
Earlier in the day, the MP and leader of the Movement 
for the Transformation of Africa party, Vuyo Zungula, 
said that Ukraine needed new allies, so Zelensky
decided to go... to South Africa. 
 
He stressed that the true purpose of Zelensky's visit to 
South Africa is not to seek a peaceful settlement of 
the Ukrainian conflict, but on the contrary, is an 
attempt to achieve its continuation.
 
Vladimir Zelensky's visit to South Africa 
will take place ------- on April the 24th.
 
Earlier on April 14, US leader Donald Trump said that 
Zelensky constantly asks Washington for missiles, 
reports IA Regnum.
 
Thus, Trump commented on Zelensky's words 
that Kiev is ready to pay Washington for new 
Patriot air defense systems.
 
 
 
_____________________________



Nearly 50 people killed in attack 
on two villages in Nigeria
April 14th, 2:15pm
(Izvestia.ru)
 
Unidentified gunmen attacked two coffee shops 
in the Nigerian state of Plateau, killing about 
50 people. About it, on April 14, writes the 
Daily Post edition --- with reference to 
local authorities.
 
"As Plateau State residents try to come to terms with 
recent attacks in some Bokkos Local Government 
communities, two villages in Bassa Local 
Government.. were attacked on Sunday 
evening, killing 47 people and injuring
 dozens," the report said.
 
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and former state military 
administrator, Rear Admiral Bitrus Atukum, say 
the attacks were aimed at ravaging affected 
communities: seizing their ancestral lands.
 
A day earlier, it was reported that in north-eastern 
Nigeria, the driver and at least seven passengers 
were killed after a bus ran over an improvised 
explosive device. It is assumed that the 
explosive device ...was laid by the 
militants of the terrorist group
 "Boko Haram".
 
 
______________________________


 
EU Announces Humanitarian Aid -
for Horn of Africa & Sahel Region
April 14th, 10:47am
 (Prensa Latina)
 
The EU Commission announced today that it 
has allocated €258 million in humanitarian 
aid to cover the urgent needs of the most 
vulnerable in the Sahel and Horn of 
Africa countries.
 
This new amount brings EU humanitarian support to
the African continent to €750 million this year. The 
purpose of this released amount is to send aid
 including food, healthcare, water, hygiene 
products, and educational support.
 
As planned, the Horn of Africa countries will receive 
€107.5 million for the populations hardest hit.... by 
conflict, natural disasters, forced displacement, 
and food insecurity.
 
In a statement, the bloc noted that nearly 70 million 
people in that region are living in a humanitarian 
emergency, equivalent to one-fifth of the 
global total.
 
Regarding Central and West Africa, €150.6 million is 
expected to be allocated to the victims of ongoing 
insecurity and conflict.

 
 
___________________________________




Trump calls US participation in
 G20 meetings in South Africa 
into question
April 12th, 5:23am
(TASS) 
 
On February 7, the US President signed an executive 
order cutting off aid to South Africa, citing what he 
perceived as racial discrimination against the 
country’s white residents and the threat of 
lands being confiscated from farmers.
 
"How could we be expected to go to South Africa 
for the very important G20 meeting when land 
confiscation and genocide - is the primary 
topic of conversation? They are taking 
the land of white farmers - and then 
killing them ---- and their families. 
The media ----- refuses to report 
on this. The United States has 
blocked - all contributions to 
South Africa. Is this, where 
we want to be for the G20? 
I don’t think so!" Trump 
wrote... on his Truth 
Social page.
 
On February 7, US President Donald Trump signed an 
executive order cutting off aid to South Africa, citing 
what he perceived as racial discrimination against 
the country’s white residents.. and the threat of 
lands being confiscated from farmers. Trump 
also instructed the US government to offer 
white farmers the opportunity to relocate 
from South Africa to the United States. 
 
Additionally, Trump criticized the country --- for filing a 
lawsuit in December 2023 with the UN International
Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing 
genocide in the Gaza Strip.
 
 
 
___________________________________
 
 
Senegal conducting negotiations
 on joining BRICS — MFA
April 12th, 2:47am 
(TASS) 
 
Senegal intends to join BRICS - and it is conducting 
negotiations with members of the association, the 
country’s Foreign Minister Yassine Fall said.
 
"Senegal is one of the countries which liked the 
creation of BRICS, and which are conducting
negotiations with this group of countries 
- to become a part of it," the Seneplus
 news portal quoted her as saying.
 
Senegal is able to play a positive role in the 
association, the minister added. "Senegal 
may contribute to BRICS ------ due to its 
stability, resources.. and the wish to 
develop industry" ------ she noted, 
adding.. that the BRICS format, 
provides  "more space for the
exchange of views & access 
to commercial resources."
 
Since its inception in 2006, BRICS has experienced two 
phases of expansion. In 2011, South Africa joined the 
original group, which included Brazil, Russia, India, 
and China. On January 1, 2024, five new members 
officially entered BRICS, namely Egypt, Iran, the 
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia,
 and Ethiopia.
 
Brazil took over the BRICS presidency from Russia --- on 
January 1, 2025. At a BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, 
in October 2024.... it was decided to establish a 
category of 'BRICS partner' countries. 
 
The first countries to become partners were Belarus, 
Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, 
Uganda and Uzbekistan. Indonesia was also 
initially named as a BRICS partner, but on 
January 6, Brazil announced: that the 
Asian country had been given the 
status of a full member. 
 
On January 17, Brazil’s Foreign Ministry said that 
Nigeria had also joined BRICS ------ as a partner.
 
 
 
__________________________________________________



Ethiopia, Pakistan to enhance
 bilateral and multilateral 
cooperation
April 10th, 11:07am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia and Pakistan, agreed to enhance multilateral 
cooperation to promote mutual interests, peace and 
development, in addition to bilateral ties in trade, 
investment, and technology, Fana Broadcasting 
Corporate, informed on Thursday.
 
The consensus resulted from a meeting between Addis 
Abeba’s Ambassador to Islamabad, Jemal Beker, and 
Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, 
on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, at the head 
of government’s office, according to the African 
diplomatic headquarters, quoted by the local 
media outlet.
 
The two sides exchanged views -- on the issues of 
mutual interest and collaboration to achieve the
common goals of stability, prosperity, and
 sustainable development.
 
They also expressed their determination 
to strengthen bilateral ties in aviation 
and climate change.
 
Beker took advantage of the occasion to congratulate 
Pakistan on its election as a Non-Permanent Member 
of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 
in 2025.
 
He said the establishment of the Addis Ababa 
Embassy in that South Asian nation is an 
expression of a philosophy designed to
 foster synergistic partnerships and
 collaborative diplomacy.
 
 
______________________________________


 DRC Hands Over U.S. Citizens 
Jailed Over Failed Coup
April 9th, 2025
 (African Stream)

Some situations are too easy to read.
 
On 8 April, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 
handed over to US custody three US citizens jailed 
over a coup attempt, following high-level talks in 
Kinshasa between Massad Boulos, US State 
Department senior advisor for Africa and 
Trump’s son-in-law’s father, and DRC 
President Félix Tshisekedi, on 
mining and security deals.
 
Tshisekedi spokesperson Tina Salama, said commuting 
the death sentences and releasing Tyler Thompson Jr, 
Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, and Marcel Malanga 
‘shows that the collaboration and cooperation 
between the two states is growing stronger 
and stronger.’
 
But make no mistake: This wasn’t justice. It was 
negotiation. Washington wanted its men back, 
Kinshasa wanted a security guarantee and 
Congo’s minerals were the price.
 
Over the past few months ---- the DRC has attempted to 
win the Trump administration’s attention following the 
M23 militia group rapidly seizing mineral-rich eastern 
DRC territories beginning in January, displacing more 
than 700,000 people and k*lling at least 8,500, as of 
late February. 
 
However, countries like the United States have had 
their hands in the three-decade-long war over the 
DRC’s estimated $24 trillion in mineral reserves. 
 
Just in 2024, a US court ruled against former child 
miners who accused five US tech companies—
Apple, Dell, Google, Microsoft and Tesla—of 
supporting child labour. Further --- in 2024, 
news reports ------ said the US considered 
removing sanctions off the Israeli mining 
magnate Dan Gertler, who reportedly 
earns $200,000 daily ------- in 
mining royalties.
 
Washington has helped to destabilise the Congo for 
decades, first - by orchestrating the assassination 
of its Pan-Africanist leader & first prime minister, 
Patrice Lumumba (1925-61), and then by 
propping up Western-aligned leader 
Mobutu Sese Seko (1930-97).
 
 Meanwhile, US allies Rwanda and Uganda both 
arm and train the destabilising M23 militia.
 
 
__________________________________________
 
 
 
Southern Africa
 
Lesotho - Punished
For Trade Success
April 9th, 2025
  (African Stream)

Picture facing penalties for your achievements!
 
That’s the predicament Lesotho finds itself in after US 
President Donald Trump imposed a staggering 50% 
import tax on 2 April on this landlocked African 
country’s exports to the US, primarily 
affecting textiles and diamonds.
 
Many have hailed Lesotho as a success story under the 
African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), a US 
trade initiative that allows 32 African states to 
export goods to the US without tariffs.
 
Lesotho has capitalised on AGOA - by establishing 
garment factories that provide denim jeans to US 
retailers, such as Calvin Klein, GAP, Levi’s, Old 
Navy and Walmart. Approximately 30,000 
factory workers, predominantly women, 
are employed, benefiting many of 
Lesotho’s 2.3 million citizens.
 
According to the World Bank, with a GDP per capita 
of $1,106, Lesotho struggles to purchase many US 
products ---- to satisfy Trump’s reciprocal trade
demands. In 2024, it exported $237.3 million 
in goods to the US but only imported $2.8 
million worth of US goods. 
 
This perceived trade imbalance has drawn Trump’s ire 
towards a nation he recently remarked ‘nobody has 
ever heard of.’
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
 
West Africa
 
Niger FM: Currency 1st
Tool Of
Sovereignty
April 9th, 2025
  (African Stream)

On 3 April, Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakary 
Yaou Sangaré, sat down in Moscow.. with RT France 
journalist, Daria Vaganova, to discuss the present 
and future of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Among the questions raised was that of
 financial and monetary sovereignty.
 
The AES—comprised of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger
—and 11 West and Central African countries use a 
currency called the CFA franc. It is printed in 
France and anchored to the Euro at a fixed 
exchange rate determined by France.
 
 Countries that use the Central African CFA franc must 
deposit 50 per cent of their national reserves in the 
French treasury, where they receive very low, and 
sometimes even negative, returns. 
 
All financial decisions regarding these reserves must 
thus pass through and obtain the approval of the 
French Ministry of the Economy and Finance. 
 
The currency was also historically overvalued, so the 
countries using it ...would purchase cheaper goods 
produced in France while simultaneously finding 
it more challenging ----- to trade with other 
countries - apart from France.
 
This interview was not the first time that an official 
suggested that the AES would stop using the 
CFA franc.
 
 On 31 January 2024, Burkina Faso President Ibrahim 
Traoré stated, ‘Changes may yet surprise you. And, 
it’s not just about the currency. We’re going to 
break all the bonds that keep us in slavery.’ 
 
On February the 11th, in 2025 -- Nigerien President 
Abdourahamane Tiani stated on local television 
that, ‘[a sovereign] currency is a step toward 
the end of colonisation.’ In that interview, 
he clarified that AES’ financial experts 
are working on developing ------ an
independent monetary system.
 
 
 
_________________________________
 
 
 
Paul Robeson --- Resisting
Mccarthyism
April 9th, 2025
  (African Stream)

On this day ----- actor, athlete and activist Paul Robeson 
(1898-1976) was born in New Jersey, USA. He played a 
significant role, as a pan-Africanist organiser during 
the anti-communist McCarthyist era --- running the 
anti-imperialist Council on African Affairs, which 
called for an end to colonialism on the 
African continent.
 
In the mid-20th century, the US government 
investigated Robeson for being a member 
of the Communist Party, stripping him 
of his passport. 
 
He argued that his work for African emancipation, both 
on the continent and in the diaspora ----- prompted his 
persecution. In other words, the ‘Red Scare’ over his 
alleged communist affiliation was a pretext to shut 
down his struggle for African people - worldwide.
 
African Stream can relate to what Robeson went through.

Though no government has stripped us 
of our right to
travel, we know what it’s like to 
have the US
government - seek to shut down 
one’s
agitation for Africa’s freedom. 
 
When YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok 
and Gmail closed our accounts in September 2023 ---
 (after the State Department accused us of peddling 
propaganda), African Stream boasted 2.5-million 
subscribers and hundreds of millions of viewers 
thanks to our uncompromising pan-Africanist, 
anti-imperialist agenda. And Washington 
didn’t like that. Just like they didn’t 
like Robenson’s.
 
Thank you, Paul Robeson -
for your powerful example.
 
 
 
_____________________________________



NYP: Anthrax kills 50 hippos - in
 Africa's main wildlife sanctuary
April 9th, 3:41am
(RT.ru)

Virunga National Park officials in DR Congo report
 that about 50 hippos have been killed in an 
anthrax outbreak.
 
As the New York Post notes, dozens of animals 
were found floating belly-up in the river south 
of Lake Edward, on the site.
 
According to the article, this raises concerns 
about the potential risks of transmission to 
humans and pets.
 
In 2024, a man was convicted in Tuva for
 infecting five people with anthrax.
 
Alexander Chepurnov, head of the laboratory of 
especially dangerous infections at the Centre 
for Basic Translational Medicine, Professor 
of Virology, said that the causative agent 
of anthrax has the ability to live in the 
soil for centuries, until it enters the 
body of a herbivore.


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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