COMESA, Africa's largest economic
association, wants to cooperate
with Russia ------- on security
June 1st, 10:05pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
countries are interested in Russia's experience in combating
terrorism. Oita Etiyang, the head of the organization's
program on governance, peace, and security,
told Izvestia about this.
"Yes, support could be in the form of technical assistance, when
Russian experts come to our member countries and help them
analyze such challenges, using new technologies to identify
these security threats, and prepare them for response.
That is, to understand how to respond to these
challenges," he said, answering a question
about the possible training of African
military personnel.
Etiang also emphasized the importance.. of transferring Russian
technologies to the African continent. According to him, Russia
has made significant progress in the technological field --- and
the transfer of these technologies is crucial for the countries
of the region to develop their own internal capabilities and
be prepared for any modern challenges.
_____________________________________________
A Rescue Friend: Dozens of African Countries
Seek Russian Assistance in the Fight
Against Terrorism
by Daniel Sechkin
June 1st, 9:01pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Why.... is the largest economic association on
the continent counting on Moscow's support?
The largest market in East and South Africa, COMESA, is
looking for Russian support to ensure internal security.
Moscow could send military specialists and share its
anti-terrorism technologies, the organization
told Izvestia.
These countries are plagued by armed groups, which disrupt
trade, logistics, and investment. According to experts,
previous cooperation formats with Europe... have
disappointed African countries, and they are
looking for new partners.
Additionally, Russia could contribute to the development
of COMESA's digital payment platform for local currency
transactions. This will expand domestic companies'
access to the markets of 21 countries.... with a
population of over 600 million people.
How can Russia help Africa fight terrorism?
Security remains one of the most pressing issues for African
countries. The countries of the largest trade and economic
association on the continent, COMESA, have expressed
an interest in Russia's expertise, according to Oita
Etiyang ---- head of the organization's program
on governance, peace ---- and security. The
association is seeking Moscow's support
in combating terrorism, transnational
crime, and other threats.
The organization's representatives came to Russia.... for the
International Security Forum, which was held on May 26-29
under the auspices of the Russian Security Council.
The event was attended... by over 140 foreign delegations from
over 120 countries. Africa was widely represented, with 50 of
the 54 countries on the continent, sending representatives.
It is for the COMESA countries that security issues are
particularly relevant. Instability on the continent,
frequent regional conflicts, and a large number
of terrorist groups prevent full development
of their national economies.
The association represents the entire Common Market for
Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). It currently
includes 21 countries, including the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.. Egypt, Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan,
Tunisia, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Some of these countries - regularly face
armed groups - either within their own
borders or in neighbouring countries.
In Somalia, there is Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda,
as well as the local branch of ISIS (all of these organizations
are listed as terrorists and extremists and banned in the
Russian Federation).
In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
there is the ADF (affiliated with ISIS), which is linked to ISIS,
and the M23, which has been active in the provinces of
North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. Since 2023, Sudan
has been experiencing a civil war, which poses a
significant threat to regional security.
In addition, many African countries are familiar with the
problems of cross-border crime and cybercrime.
Mozambique is a clear example --- of how terrorism affects the
economy. Although the country is not a member of COMESA,
the situation in Cabo Delgado Province is a common
scenario in the region. In 2021 ---- TotalEnergies
halted the Mozambique LNG project... which
was worth approximately \$20 billion, due
to attacks --- by Islamist militants. The
project's restart took several years,
and the cost increased by billions
of dollars. This resulted -- in job
losses, reduced tax revenues,
& loss of investor confidence
for the neighbouring African
countries. COMESA -------
obviously..... wanted to
avoid such a collapse.
Russia has significant experience in countering such threats,
according to Maya Nikolskaya, Head of the Africa in the
Focus of Russian Interests program at the Institute for
International Studies ...at MGIMO University. This
includes various training programs, including
those aimed at preventing radicalization
and terrorist activities.
"First of all, it's about training local specialists. This is how
knowledge and practical experience.. are transferred. The
focus can be not only on technical solutions, but also, on
methods of working with the population in areas of high
terrorist activity, such as citizen warning systems,"
the expert emphasized.
Moscow is already actively countering terrorist groups in Africa
and strengthening security cooperation with the Sahel states,
including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, plus ----- the Central
African Republic. These countries have long relied on the
French military presence, but Paris --- was forced to
withdraw its operations and troops ----- due to
protests from national governments.
The activities of the French contingents have not led to
stabilization in the region. Local authorities have
become more active in seeking new security
partners. According to Nikolskaya, the
existing formats of cooperation with
European countries are no longer
sufficient --- for many African
countries, and..... they are
interested in expanding
their network........ of
external partners.
Trade cooperation -- between the
Russian Federation and COMESA
At the same time, competition for Africa is increasing not only in
the field of security, but also in trade. Europe remains one of
the continent's key partners, but its position is gradually
weakening: after the peak of 2022, the EU's trade
turnover with Africa has declined and in recent
years has actually stagnated —— in total, it
decreased by about 13% in 2022-2025.
At the same time, the role of Asian countries, primarily China and
India, is growing, which opens up additional opportunities for
Russia, given the close partnership.
COMESA is now interested in cooperating with Russia in its
direct economic profile. The parties can work together to
develop the union's new digital payment platform - the
Digital Retail Payments Platform, which is a system
for cross-border payments in local currencies.
This platform aims to reduce dependence on dollar-based
payments --- and lower costs for small and medium-sized
businesses. A pilot project, has already been launched
between Malawi and Zambia, and plans are underway
to expand it... to other union countries. According to
Etiang, COMESA may also involve external players
in the platform.
"Yes, this is an area that we could use. Since the association is
a trade organization, such a platform would give the region's
population the opportunity to trade more actively. This is
an area where Russia could support COMESA in terms
of developing a regional digital payment platform,"
he said.
Supply - for Victory: Nigeria Interested in
Russian Weapons Due to Terror Attacks
For the Russian Federation, participation in the development of
such infrastructure .....could become an additional channel for
reaching the countries of the union. Firstly, this is the largest
market in East & South Africa, with a population of over 600
million people. Secondly, these countries need more food,
fertilizers, energy, and infrastructure solutions. Thirdly,
settlements in national currencies... will reduce the
role of Western financial infrastructure, in trade
with Africa.
"I see this as a mutually beneficial arrangement: not only would
we develop our own infrastructure, but Russia would also gain
access to the markets that COMESA provides," Etiyang said.
Russia has already significantly increased its trade with African
countries. Over the past 5 years, Russia's trade turnover with
the countries of the continent has grown by more than 60%
— from $16.8 billion to $27.7 billion.
According to Sergey Katyrin, head of the Russian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, $50 billion is expected by the end
of the decade. Growth is ensured by the supply of food,
mineral fertilizers, energy carriers, plus mechanical
engineering and chemical industry products.
COMESA's interest in Russia --- is quite logical. The fight against
terrorism & transnational crime, which Moscow can help with,
should reduce the risks to trade and infrastructure... and the
digital payment platform should link all of this into a single
effective mechanism. For Russia, this is a significant
opportunity to gain a foothold in the market of 21
African countries, while the member states:
will gain a new -- and reliable -- partner.
____________________________________
High levels of compliance & order
revealed... in Ethiopian elections
Addis Ababa, June 1st, 2:53pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Ethiopian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations today
confirmed high levels of compliance and orderly conduct
during the 17th General Elections, whose procedures
were largely aligned with established frameworks.
Presenting the election observation report, the Chairman of the
Coalition Board, Sahlesilassie Abebe, stated that 99% of its
staff reported performing their duties freely, while 97% of
election officials arrived at the polling stations on time.
Abebe said that the election materials were fully available in all
precincts and that 97% were set up in appropriate locations
in accordance with the guidelines for the exercise.
Regarding the environments of the venues, it revealed that 96%
complied with the required distance regulations regarding
the materials, posters and campaign activities of the
political parties.
The coalition's report also indicated, that 99% of polling
stations were empty.... before the ballot boxes were
sealed and voting began.
She stressed that 96% of those facilities
were evaluated, to provide an enabling
environment for women voters.
Despite the positive aspects noted, observers identified a
number of challenges during the first half of the voting
process and, although they were not mentioned, they
will be included in subsequent reports.... as the
extended voting progresses until midnight.
The latter was announced by Ethiopia's National Electoral Board
(NEBE) before the ranks of people who have not yet exercised
their constitutional right to vote. Voting was initially
scheduled from 06:00 to 18:00 local time.
NEBE emphasized that the decision is fully consistent with the
country's electoral legal framework, citing Article 49(4) of
Proclamation No. 1162/2019, which grants the Board
the power to extend voting hours --- in exceptional
circumstances when necessary.... to ensure
universal suffrage.
According to the report of the Coalition of Civil Society
Organizations, they deployed 3,149 observers
throughout the country, comprising 2,258
stationary observers ...and 891 mobile
observers. They obtained the results
from 2,258 voting centers evaluated
with 10 key electoral indicators.
A total of 54,57,871 citizens registered to elect
representatives to the new federal parliament
and regional state councils.
________________________________________
Electoral body - extends
voting hours in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, June 1st, 12:45pm
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia's National Electoral Board (NEBE) decided to
extend the hours of operation of polling stations due
to the long lines of people waiting today to cast
their vote in the 17th general election.
As the process continues across the country, election
officials, observers, and stakeholders are overseeing
its smooth and orderly development.
A total of 54,57,871 citizens registered to elect
representatives to the new federal parliament
and regional state councils.
At 06:00, local time, approximately 50,188 polling stations
opened their doors to begin the general elections in
which 42 political parties compete with over
10,000 candidates.
The NEBE reported that 143 schools across the
country did not open due to safety-related
concerns, without offering other details.
After the start of voting, the electoral process was
interrupted in parts of the Oromia (south) and
Amhara (north) regions due to a "security
problem" reported in "certain areas".
The interruptions were reported in the towns of Bilonopa,
Mekosachi, Qersa and Kutaber, the electoral body said.
__________________________________________________________
Nigerian strikes over kidnapping
of teachers and students
Abuja, June 1st, 12:07pm
(Prensa Latina)
Teachers in Nigeria went on strike today in the state of Oyó
in protest against the kidnapping of dozens of children
and their teachers.
Officials of the Teachers' Union recalled that on May 15 alleged
Islamists from Boko Haram kidnapped seven teachers and a
figure of about 39 children between two and 16 years old,
in three schools in the state of Oyo, in the southwest
of the country, who have not yet been rescued.
The union directed primary and secondary school teachers in
the state of Oyo to withdraw their services from schools
from this day and until further notice.
The union also added that the situation caused fear and
hopelessness in teachers, which discouraged parents
from sending their children to schools and caused
panic and tension in all communities in the state.
In northern Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, several
Islamist groups operate, such as Boko Haram and its West
African faction of the Islamic State (Iswap), or the so-
called Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which
are dedicated to kidnapping and armed attacks
on Christian villages, schools and churches.
________________________________________________________
Kenya Protests Against
Quarantine Centre for
Americans
Nairobi, June 1st, 11:14 am
(Prensa Latina)
In the Kenyan city of Nanyuki, hundreds of demonstrators
took to the streets today to protest the opening of an
Ebola quarantine center for U.S. citizens.
The health facility will operate for citizens exposed to the
virus in different countries, but over the weekend, the
Kenyan High Court suspended the establishment of
the facility, and the arrival of any foreign patients.
Kenyan legal authorities denounced the danger this poses,
given Kenya's fragile health system, as the reason why
foreign Ebola patients should not be quarantined in
the country.
For his part, Health Minister Aden Duale said the day before
that the quarantine centre was not exclusively for U.S.
citizens, but the governor of Laikipia County, Joshua
Irungu, expressed opposition to the establishment
of such a health entity in that city, in territory
under his jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Uganda, with nine cases, has already closed its
border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has
already reported 282 confirmed cases and more than
a thousand suspected cases.
___________________________________
China - to send aid and
medical equipment to
fight Ebola in Africa
Beijing, June 1st, 10:39am
(Prensa Latina)
China announced today emergency humanitarian aid for the
Democratic Republic of Congo in the face of the spread of
Ebola and confirmed the sending of a group of medical
experts, to support the response efforts.
According to the China International Development Cooperation
Agency, the epidemiological situation in some African regions
continues to worsen.
The entity pointed out that the World Health Organization
(WHO) classified the outbreak as a public health
emergency of international concern.
According to the Chinese authorities, the decision responds
to the evolution of the epidemic and the needs raised by
the African side.
China will send urgent humanitarian assistance to the
Democratic Republic of the Congo ...and deploy a
group of specialists to provide medical services
and technical support.
In addition to bilateral aid, the Chinese government will provide
assistance to the African Union Commission and strengthen
cooperation in epidemiological prevention and control.
The agency said Beijing will also support the work of the
African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to
strengthen the regional capacity -- to respond to
the epidemic.
China maintains active health cooperation with African countries
and regional organizations, including training medical personnel
and supporting public health systems --- to deal with infectious
diseases and other health emergencies.
The African Union's public health agency on Thursday put
the number of deaths in the DRC at 246 from the 17th
Ebola epidemic recorded in the country since the
virus was first detected in 1976.
______________________________________________
Blocks against and in favour of
the constitutional changes
to collide --- in the DRC
Kinshasa, May 30th, 1pm
(Prensa Latina)
The polarisation in the political environment of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) rose this week and culminates
with the announcement of demonstrations in support of
the amendment of the Constitution and also in
rejection of these changes.
After approval by the National Assembly (lower house), on the
27th of may, the conclusions of the report on the draft law
on the organisation of referendums in the DRC, which
redefines the legal framework of the consultations,
the opposition called a general strike.
The coalition C64, created by several political parties to stop
the initiative of the changes in the Constitution , called a
national strike for Wednesday, June 3, in order to block
the bill that was sent to the Senate, for a 2nd reading.
In the meantime, the presidential majority, grouped under the
coalition that goes by the name C4 and defend the reform,
announced a march in support --- for the same date.
The journal congolese Le Quotidien called the general strike
a proposal without sense and defended the legality of the
analysis - and resolutions - of the National Assembly.
“The opposition is losing rationality as opposed to a legal
instrument explicitly provided for in the Constitution of
18 February 2006,” said the publication.
The opposition points out that -------- the amendment of the
Fundamental Law seeks to circumvent the constitutional
guarantees to grant to the president, Félix Tshisekedi, a
third mandate, eliminating articles 219 and 220 of the
text of the constitution - prohibiting any referendum
during a state of siege, & regulating the limitation
of referenda mandates.
By the announcements of demonstrations, including a march in
support of the reform to the 5th day of June, convened by the
pastors belonging to the Church of the Awakening of the
Congo (CKD); the Congolese National Police already
provides for a preventive deployment ---- and a
mobilization --- and reinforced their units.
According to Actualité.CD, forces are preparing to be present
at key points of Kinshasa and ensure the safety of the city.
____________________________________
Director WHO recognizes
experience of the RDC
fight against ebola
Kinshasa, May 30th, 8:52am
(Prensa Latina)
The director-general of the World Health Organization
(WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged
the experience of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC) in confronting ebola & expressed
confidence in the improvement of the
current epidemic.
After a meeting with the first minister in the congo, Judith
Suminwa Tuluka, on the eve of the night, Adhanom
Ghebreyesus, reaffirmed the organization's
support -- for the response to this new
outbreak of the disease... reported
today by the head of Government.
“We know that this is a quite complex crisis, but the DRC
already has a wide experience in the fight against the
virus. We are confident that we will be able to
contain this outbreak once more”, said the
director of the WHO, who felt that this
crisis can become an opportunity to
strengthen a sustainable health
care system in the country.
He commented that for the strain Bundibugyo of the Ebola virus,
which circulates today, you don't have a vaccine or specific
treatment, as it was identified for the first time in 2007 in
Uganda, and the number of cases has been relatively
limited since then, so that the scientific research
has not been fast enough.
However, in moments we have developed several
vaccine and treatment candidates, he said.
He criticized the restrictive measures taken by some countries,
for “many studies have shown that closing the borders you
can slow down the spread for a few days or weeks, but
this ---- does not contain the epidemic.”
He emphasized that the best strategy - is to support the fight at
the epicentre, and added, that the restrictions even put at risk
international cooperation, by discouraging affected countries
to report on the occurrence of new outbreaks.
The director of the WHO... who made a working visit to the DRC
referred to the recurrence of outbreaks of ebola in the country
and the need to insist on educating about certain practices of
the community, in particular, during funerals, and burials,
which continue to facilitate the transmission of the
virus when people do not respect the necessary
sanitary measures.
____________________________________
Angola promotes regulation
to boost coffee production
Luanda, May 29th, 3:51pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Council of Ministers of Angola discussed today
the Regulation of Export of Green Coffee, intended
to promote the quality and value of coffee in
international markets.
During the fifth ordinary session of the governing body,
headed by the Angolan president, João Lourenço, the
participants discussed the proposal, which seeks to
become an incentive for the economic and social
development of the producing regions.
In the meeting, as assessed by a decree which suppresses
emissions and eliminates the requirement of compulsory
licensing, advertising issued by bodies of local public
administration for the identification of commercial
establishments, industrial, hospitality, catering,
education, health ....and other services.
The document --- forms part of the measures for
administrative simplification, and promotion
of the business environment, the
statement said.
Other decrees discussed ......were the one who approves the
distribution of the percentage of the gross income from the
social gaming concession and of the unclaimed prizes; as
well as on the creation of the Open Access Repository
of Angola.
This last is an information system intended for the storage,
maintenance, organization, and dissemination ..of the
intellectual and scientific institutions of Angolan
higher education, for scientific research,
and innovation.
The Council of Ministers also discussed, for presentation to
the National Assembly, the bill authorizing the issuance of
a commemorative coin for the 50th anniversary of the
National Bank of Angola.
The legislation regulates the issuance and putting
into circulation - a commemorative metal coin as
legal tender.
Other legislation analyzed was the bill that approved the Code
of Procedure for the Payment and Execution of Debts to
Social Security, which has the purpose of regulating
the recovery of the compulsory credits of social
security by payment mechanisms, and the
enforcement of tax debts.
______________________________________________
Require return: of two journalists
- Argentinian prisoners - in Libya
May 29th, 3:36pm
(Prensa Latina)
Family, colleagues, MPs, trade unionists, social activists
and human rights defenders rallied today in front of the
argentine ministry of foreign affairs, to demand that
they act immediately - to release and bring home
two journalists jailed in Libya.
Paula Gimenez and Lucas Aguilera, directors of research
News from Latin America and the Caribbean (Nodal),
were arrested on Sunday in Sirte, east of Libya,
along with 8 other members of the medical
mission of the caravan of humanitarian
assistance to the Palestinian people.
Forming part of the health care team who accompanied the
international humanitarian convoy, they bore ambulances,
medical supplies, food and assistance --- to a population
that, for months, survived in Gaza between bombings,
hunger & destruction, Elisa Garcia, editor of Nodal
explained to the audience.
They were arrested by troops of the Libyan National Army of
marshal Khalifa Haftar, who exercises political and military
de facto control of Sirte – not recognised by the UN.
Since then, not heard of until Wednesday, the Italian consul
in Libya visited two of their compatriots also arrested and
it became known that all of the 10 ...are alive.
The family of Paula and Luke went today to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Worship to request that the argentine
government act immediately to secure their release, so
that they can soon return home.
“We lived for those three days with a lot of concern and anxiety
without knowing anything about them; now we know that they
are living, but we do not know yet about theirr state of health,
if they are well”, Sol Martínez, a journalist of Nodal, primary
convener of the concentration of accompanying family
members, told Prensa Latina.
A large group of people responded to the call and concentrated
at the entrance of the Chancellery on Esmeralda street of
Buenos Aires, among which were the members of the
national parliament of the Patriotic Union, Lorena
Pokoik -as well as Horacio Pietragalla and the
legislator ...of the City of Buenos Aires,
Vanina Biasi, of the Workers' Party.
Also joined to the concentration was the famed Father Paco
Olveira, of Cures in the Option for the poor, as well as union
leaders, and members of political and social groups.
“We are here --- because no person should be punished for trying
to help a community that goes through a genocide. We're here
---- because we sympathise which those who carry aid to
the persecuted, imprisoned or silenced .......while the
suffering of millions of palestinians --- continues:
in front of the eyes of the world,” said Elisa
Garcia, to the demonstration.
“We are talking about civilians, professionals, members of
an international humanitarian mission , which sought to
bring assistance ---- to a population subjected to a
genocide,” she emphasized.
After stating that solidarity cannot be a crime, the editor of
Nodal emphasized that “this is why we demand answers.
We require evidence of life. We demand guarantees for
their physical integrity. We require ---- the active
intervention of the Argentine ministry of
foreign affairs and all international
agencies.... that apply”.
Elisa Garcia thanked the solidarity and support they are
receiving from multiple human rights organizations,
social groupings, and pollities ---- intellectuals,
activists, civil society organizations... and
fem. artists from all over the country,
the region and the world.
______________________________________________
Iran go to the Gambia in party mood
preparing to head --- to World Cup
Banjul, May 29th, 3:02pm
(Prensa Latina)
Iran thrashed Gambia today, in a preparatory
match -------- before heading to the Football
World Cup.
The defender Omar Colley put the team of Gambia
on the scoreboard at the 42nd minute of the first
half by taking advantage of a cross to beat the
rival goalkeeper.
Right at the start of the second half the answer
came to Iran through the centre Aria Yousefi,
who took a pass behind the defense -- to
score the equalizer.
On the 59th minute of the second half, the midfielder
Ramin Rezaeian - pulled out a powerful shot - to foil
the effort of goalkeeper Gambia Baboucarr Gaye
and giving the advantage to his own side.
The midfielder Mehdi Taremi, scored the third goal
by Iran to confirm a win in the 68th minute of the
second half.
Team Melli appears placed in group G of the World
Cup - together with Belgium, New Zealand, and
Egypt in a contest that will start on June 15.
______________________________________________
Confirmed ---- in Uganda,
two new cases of ebola
Kampala, May 29th, 1:19pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Health Authorities of Uganda confirmed today
two new cases of ebola, bringing to nine the total
number of people affected in this country.
The director general of Health of Uganda, Charles Olaro,
identified new cases as a person who introduced clear
symptoms of ebola and other contacts of a case
previously confirmed.
Also, the official specified that both patients are isolated
and their contacts are under close surveillance.
This Wednesday, the border between Uganda and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was closed
except for those authorized in the fight against
ebola, humanitarian operations, and the
transport of food and goods.
Also, the Ugandan authorities stated that all those who
cross the border will be required to fill out forms,
location, and undergo health checks, and stay
under surveillance, in accordance with the
established national health protocols.
The health agency of the African Union (AU) said on the eve
that the number of infected suspects is 1,077, with 246
deaths, of which 129 cases in the DRC are confirmed,
with 18 deaths.
Ebola is a disease that years ago resulted in hundreds of
deaths in countries of various continents, among them
doctors and health workers who fought to contain it
and prevent it from becoming a pandemic.
________________________________________________
The killing of civilians in Sudan's
southern Kordofan: Denounced
Khartoum, May 29, 11:59am
(Prensa Latina)
The allies of the paramilitary sudanese were accused of
executing more than 25 civilians in an attack in areas
close to the city of Barca, in the state of Kordofan
North, medical sources reported today, .
According to the civil organization Committee of Doctors
of Sudan, it is a new crime - where you killed unarmed
people ---- in an area with no military presence.
The note states that the attack was carried out by a force
allied to the so-called RSF, in the area of Al-Murra, to the
west of Bara - where they executed 27 people without
any link to the military, including several elderly men.
The organization also stressed that this type of attack against
civilians increases the humanitarian crisis and called on the
international community to condemn these violations, and
demanded protection for the threatened villages.
[Rhondda Records adds in sorrow and righteous anger - that
since mid-April 2023, Sudan has suffered a foreign backed
and funded internal war, deliberately obscured... by both
the author and editor of this article, yet still hosted by
an oddly changed news agency, supposedly Cuban!]
________________________________________________
Eight students in Kenya arrested
for setting a girl's school on fire
Nairobi, May 29th, 11:40am
(Prensa Latina)
Eight students all Kenyan, were charged today
as alleged perpetrators of the fire at a girls'
school, which ended the lives of 16
female students.
The incident occurred the day before in the
boarding school of the Female Academy
Utumishi ---- in Gilgi, Nakuru county.
According to a press release from the Directorate of
Criminal Investigations (DCI) posted this on Friday,
after preliminary investigations, eight students
were arrested as the alleged perpetrators of
the arson and are now in police custody.
Also, the police added, we are trying to establish
the full circumstances of the incident .....and to
determine the reason.
Both governmental authorities of Education
announced the suspension of the board of
directors of the school ......for failing to
conform to the required safety
standards, plus - possible
negligence in the case
of two teachers.
Meanwhile, the remains of the 16 fatalities were
transferred to the morgue of the Hospital of
Reference of the Sub-Naivasha, for
formal identification.
79 other students were hospitalized for burns and
fractures while trying to escape from the flames,
but the majority were discharged.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in the
building of a dormitory that housed more than
200 students, in many cases, daughters of
police officers, as a state institution was
the sponsor of the school.
________________________________
DRC expects -- to contain ebola
epidemic in at most - 6 months
Kinshasa, May 29th, 6:10am
(Prensa Latina)
The minister of Public Health of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (DRC), Roger Kamba, said the country now
is working to contain the current outbreak of ebola -
in about four to six months.
The minister commented that the DRC has experience
of epidemics in the past and the duration of the
response could be shortened; “although no
one can predict - how many cases and
how many deaths there will be” - we
are devoting the resources needed
for the figure to be... as low as
possible, he said.
In a press conference held the day before at night in Bunia,
in the Ituri province, one of the three that are currently
registered patients with the disease, Kamba, recalled
that epidemics of the past ..were only controlled in
years, as it did in 2018, which lasted until 2020.
“When you talk about six months, it can be seen that we
have accelerated considerably the response,” he said
and added that everything possible will be done to
finish it ...as soon as possible.
He reaffirmed the commitment of providing medical care
to all patients of ebola in the affected areas, and
acknowledged the work of front-line health
personnel ....which should improve the
conditions of work.
He rejected the circulation of alarming rumours and
false information --- which damage the response,
as they create panic ...and generate distrust.
He assured --- that the Government is not going to hide
the numbers. “An epidemic is not stopped because it
is hiding the numbers,” he said, and added that, “if
we hide five or ten cases, tomorrow there will be
fifty. We can not hide an epidemic; we must
work together to detect and contain it”.
__________________________________________
Tourism in Egypt continues to rise,
despite regional crisis
Cairo, May 29th, 12:47am
(Prensa Latina)
Egypt received 6.1 million tourists in the first 4 months
of 2026, an annual growth of 7%, an official press
release reported today.
A brief statement of the egyptian cabinet stressed that
in the same period last year 5.7 million visitors arrived.
The new data ----- defies the US and Israeli wars.
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities revealed
that Egypt received nearly 19 million tourists by 2025,
a growth year-on-year ---- of 21%.
__________________________________________________
Uganda closes border with DRC
Kampala, May 28th, 11:22am
(Prensa Latina)
The ugandan government has temporarily closed its border
with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to prevent
further spread of the outbreak of ebola from the
neighbouring country, say local media.
The information of the chain UBC TV Uganda - indicates that
seven cases and one death from this disease, have already
been confirmed at the time that the border between the
two countries was closed the day before, except for
those authorized in the fight against ebola, plus
humanitarian operations, as well as the
transport of food and goods.
For its part, the health authorities in DRC reported the
detection of 1,000 cases and over 200 suspicious
deaths, of which --- 100 have been confirmed.
Also, Ugandan authorities stated that all those who cross
the border will be required to fill out forms, location, and
undergo health checks, and inn addition to stay under
surveillance in accordance with the established
national health protocols.
Ebola is a disease that years ago resulted in hundreds of
deaths in the countries of various continents, among
them doctors and health workers who fought to
contain it .......and prevent it from becoming
a pandemic.
___________________________________
Fire at girls school in kenya
leaves 16 dead
Nairobi, May 28th, 10:55am
(Prensa Latina)
A fire occurred today in a girls' school in Kenya's Gilgi
town in the centre of the country, leaving - up to this
time - 16 deaths and 79 wounded.
The minister of Education of Kenya, Julius Ogamba, said
Thursday that there is no known cause of the loss that
occurred in the Female Utumishi Academy and lasted
for three hours before being extinguished.
Ogamba also pointed out that seven of the students
who were injured remain hospitalized, while the
rest have already received medical care.
On the other hand, the newspaper in Kenya, The Standard,
stated that 808 of the 815 students of the centre were in
place at the time of the fire, the causes of which, are
already being investigated.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in the early hours
of the morning in the building of a dormitory that housed
over 200 students, in many cases, daughters of police
officers, as a state institution was the sponsor of
the school.
Fires in the schools of Kenya are common due in many cases to
electrical failures, a lack of safety measures and maintenance,
without ruling out the source caused, and all usually result in
a high number of dead and wounded.
In 2001, 67 students were killed in a fire in a bedroom
in the county of Machakos, and, in 2024, another 21
students perished, also in another fire, in a school
in the centre of the country.
___________________________________
Opponent in the DRC to seek the support of
coalition --- against constitutional reform
Kishasa, May 28th, 8:49am
(Prensa Latina)
The leader of the opposition party, Engagement for citizenship
and development, Martin Fayulu, was called to support the
coalition against the constitutional reform in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Fayulu urged all congolese ---- to join the grouping C64 for,
according to his words, defence of the constitutional
order and to block the president Félix Tshisekedi
and his allies, said Actualité.CD, today.
The opposition accused the president of the DRC of conspiring
for the dismemberment of the country, as it considers that the
process of review or change of the Magna Carta can lead to
the balkanization of the Congolese.
“What Felix (Tshisekedi) is doing is a conspiracy that is now
being exposed,” he quoted from the publication, which
referred to the accusations made by the opposition
during an internal meeting of the C64, in which he
asserted that the head of the DRC works with
Rwandan president Paul Kagame, towards
balkanizing the country.
The day before, the National Assembly (lower house) approved,
with some amendments, the conclusions of the report on the
draft law on the organisation of referenda in the DRC which
--- redefines the legal framework of popular votes.
According to the text, the decision to call a referendum will
now rest exclusively with the President of the Republic by
presidential decree, and the voting shall be organised by
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the proposal, in the event of a malfunction of
important institutions, the Head of State may establish a
national commission to identify any deficiency in the
constitutional provisions.
Other aspects contained in the project have to do with
the requirements for approval within the Parliament,
deadlines, and other matters.
The approval of this project is a step closer: to
the possibility of a constitutional amendment.
______________________________________
Broad potential in Angola
for clean energy
Luanda, May 28th, 7:35am
(Prensa Latina)
Angola has vast potential for the development of renewable
sources of energy -- was acknowledged here today during
the opening of the II International Conference on Energy
and Water.
The country can produce about 18 thousand megawatts from
hydropower, 50,000 megawatts of solar energy and 3,000
thousand by wind energy and biomass, hence the main
current projects .....are in the function of extending
those capabilities.
During the event, which is carried out until morning in the
Conference Centre in Talatona, Luanda, this and other
topics will be on the table, as the initiatives for the
growth of the distribution network.
As announced by the secretary of State for Energy, Arlindo
Carlos, Angola currently has an installed capacity of 6,400
megawatts, of which 70% comes from renewable sources
---- however, all this has only been able to get to... 48% of
electrification in the national territory.
He added that the ongoing investment to expand the electricity
network, including the interconnection of the provinces of the
south ------- and the project to connect the Cabinda national
electric system, has the goal to exceed 50% ---- by 2027.
Also, there are agreements --- to sell the excess power to
neighbouring countries, specifically to the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.
The II International Conference on Energy and Water aims to
analyze the challenges, opportunities, and sustainability of
electricity and water in the next few years, and has the
theme of Energy and Water: 50 years at the service
of the country, towards sustainability.
The inaugural session was presided over by the minister of
State for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano,
and was attended by around 500 participants from
about 20 countries.
The event also includes a technology fair and working
sessions .....with a view to ---- promoting innovation,
cooperation, and institutional and investment
opportunities.
_________________________________________
A period of silence began prior to
the general elections in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, May 28th, 6:24am
(Prensa Latina)
The “Quiet Period” required before the Seventh General Election
held on 1 June in Ethiopia today, comes after the completion of
the discussions of the political parties at the national level.
The National Election Board (NEBE), reported that the meetings
provided the political groupings with a vital platform to present
their policies, programs and visions to the public, and - at the
time ---- it helped voters when making electoral decisions.
The president of the NEBE, Melatwork Hailu, described the
initiative of the debate as historic - and instrumental to
strengthen the consciousness of the voters, and
democratic participation.
“The debate has created an opportunity for voters to
assess the political parties according to their
policies and programmes, and to take
informed decisions,” he said.
For his part, the vice-president of the Board, Tesfaye Neway,
also praised the process, describing it as inclusive,
participatory, and a potential model for
future elections.
He revealed that it is the first program of national
debate, organized directly by the electoral entity.
According to figures from the NEBE, 33 political parties
took part in the initiative --- on 19 important national
issues, moderated by independent experts.
After its conclusion, the Board officially launched the
“Period of Silence”, a phase pre-election four days
during which all forms of election campaigning
are banned by the directive.
During this period, the political parties, candidates and their
supporters are prohibited from campaign activities, public
events, or giving interviews to the media, related to
the election.
The measure aims to provide voters sufficient time to reflect
on the partisan proposals and prepare to cast their vote
without political pressure.
Most of the 50.5 million Ethiopians are enrolled to participate
in the upcoming elections, making it the largest exercise of
the registration of voters in the country's history and one
of the biggest democratic exercises.... of Africa.
__________________________________________________
Direct flights between Russia and
Tanzania are scheduled to start
on July 2
May 27th, 5:59pm
(RT.ru)
Direct flights between Russia and Tanzania
are scheduled to start on July 2, operated
by Air Tanzania.
This was announced by Transport
Minister Andrey Nikitin.
"Preliminarily, direct flights on the Dar es Salaam
- Moscow (Vnukovo) Zanzibar route will start
on July 2," RIA Novosti quoted him
as saying.
He clarified that the flights will be operated
three times a week ....using Boeing 787
Dreamliner aircraft.
Earlier, the Minister of Economic Development,
Maxim Reshetnikov said that Russia is ready
to increase the supply of grain products,
sunflower oil and mineral fertilizers..
to Tanzania.
___________________________________________
Angola calls for accelerating
financial autonomy of
the African Union
Luanda, May 25th, 4:46pm
(Prensa Latina)
Angolan President João Lourenço today advocated
accelerating efforts to consolidate the financial
autonomy of the African Union (AU), speaking
at a virtual meeting on the reform of the
continental organization.
The Angolan president called for ------- strengthening African
sustainable financing mechanisms and making progress in
terms of budgetary discipline ---- the rationalisation of
spending and the alignment of available resources
with the strategic priorities of the AU.
"The structural transformation of our Organization's financing
can no longer be ----- postponed; it must start now... gradually,
responsibly and sustainably if we are truly to build a
genuinely autonomous, credible and sovereign
African Union," Lourenço said.
He added that the issue of financing required a deep strategic
reflection.... since the solution to a substantial part of the
continental problems depended on external resources,
since the contribution of the Member States only
guaranteed the administrative functioning of
the organization.
"We must strive to change this situation, which greatly weakens
our ability to forge a positive future," he insisted, adding that a
dependence on external resources affects the institutional
autonomy, the definition of continental priorities and the
strategic sovereignty of the AU.
"Our international partnerships are important --- but we must
recognize that the priorities of our partners do not always
fully align with the strategic interests of the African
Union," he said.
The Angolan head of state considered it essential to conclude
this phase of the institutional reform process, without
neglecting pragmatism, institutional discipline and
a clear strategic vision of the organization's
fundamental priorities.
"The resources of the African Union remain limited..... and
therefore must be channelled primarily to the core of the
Organization's mandate. An Organization that is
excessively dispersed --- with constantly
expanding structures ----------- risks
compromising the effectiveness
of its own reforms," he said.
___________________________________
Venezuela: reaffirms brotherhood
and ties of friendship with Africa
Caracas, May 25th, 4:34pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Government of Venezuela today reaffirmed its deep
brotherhood with Africa -------- and the commitment to
strengthen ties of friendship, as it commemorated
the 63rd anniversary of the founding... of the
Organization of African Unity (OAU).
"This commemoration represents an affirmation of the right of
African peoples to sovereignty, peace and justice, rights that
were denied to them ---------- by the atrocities of colonialism,"
Foreign Minister Yván Gil wrote on his Telegram account.
He pointed out that on May 25, 1963, the OAU was established,
the precursor of the current African Union (AU), and that is
the reason why "we celebrate World Africa Day."
In his message, the senior diplomat reaffirmed ------- "his deep
brotherhood" with Mother Africa and his firm commitment to
strengthen the bonds of friendship, strategic cooperation
and cultural exchange between peoples, united by
centuries of shared history.
The Organization of African Unity emerged on May 25, 1963 in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the first continental political body
that brought together 32 independent states ---- with the
vision of promoting African cooperation and unity.
Thirty-six years later, the bloc's heads of state released the
declaration of Sirte, a city in Libya, with the aim of giving
way to the AU to accelerate continental integration,
which emerged, officially, in July 2002 in Durban,
South Africa.
The African Union is currently made up of 55 countries on the
continent and has as its vision "an integrated, prosperous
and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens ---- and
representing a dynamic force on the global stage".
____________________________________________________
Sudanese army takes over
southeastern areas of
the country
Khartoum, May 25th, 4:32pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Sudanese army said today in a report that it controls
areas of the southeastern Blue Nile state after evicting
its nemesis, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
The Al Naraka area was liberated, after a decisive military
operation designed to clear every last inch of territory
desecrated by the rebellion (and) reinforce stability
on the border of the Blue Nile state, stresses the
official statement.
______________________________
Russia Supports Expanded
Representation of Asia,
Africa, in Reformed
UNSC - Lavrov
May 25th, 4:22pm
(Sputnik International)
Russia fully supports the expanded representation of
Asia, Africa and Latin America on the UN Security
Council, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
said on Monday.
"Today, Russia fully supports Africa's second awakening.
We support the position -- in favour of the expanded
representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America
in a reformed UN Security Council," Lavrov
said at a reception to mark Africa Day.
Russia consistently advocates for the unconditional
consideration of African interests in the context of
ongoing discussions on UN and Security Council
reform, the minister said.
________________________________________
Cuba's contributions to the
continent recognized on
Africa Day
Addis Ababa, May 25th, 3:33pm
(Prensa Latina)
For former president of the African Union Commission
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (2012-2017), today's
celebration of Africa Day is also a reason
to recognize Cuba's contributions to
the continent.
"We are here, in part, because of what Cuba has done to
support Africa, not only in education, but also because
some of its sons and daughters have been in our
lands fighting for our liberation as Africans,"
Dlamini-Zuma said.
In a message transmitted during the First Pan-African Festival
of Graduate Students of the Caribbean island that is being
held in this capital, the prominent South African leader
urged to reciprocate the support given by Havana to
the liberation of the peoples of the continent.
"And as President Fidel said, when they came to Africa to fight,
they only kept the bodies of their comrades, not gold or
diamonds. So we really appreciate what Cuba does,
it educates us, but it also supports us. And we
hope that we can reciprocate that support
to the Cubans," he stressed.
He thanked the representatives of Ethiopia, Ghana, Angola,
Grenada and the Republic of Congo who participate in the
festival who, in his opinion, show appreciation for what
Cuba has done for Africa.
Finally, he called for the celebration of the centenary of the
historical leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz.
Dlamini-Zuma also held important responsibilities throughout
her career, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Health,
among other important responsibilities.
_________________________________________
Africa Day, the collective quest
for unity --------- and liberation!
Addis Ababa, May 25th, 2:45pm
(Prensa Latina)
Today, Africa commemorates 63 years since the founding of
the Organization of African Unity, an historic milestone that
continues to inspire the collective search for unity,
liberation, dignity and development, an official
source said.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud
Ali Youssouf, at the event held for the anniversary, reaffirmed
the strong commitment to the aspirations of Agenda 2063
and to the construction of the continent they want.
Youssouf said that in the last year the African
voice continued to gain prominence on the
international stage.
"Our permanent membership in the G20 represents an historic
step towards ensuring that Africa participates fully in global
economic decision-making and contributes meaningfully
to international solutions on peace, climate, food
security, trade, health ------ and sustainable
development," he stressed.
He also mentioned...... that the African Union is pursuing
institutional reforms: aimed at building a stronger, more
effective and more responsive organization to respond
to the aspirations of its peoples.
The theme for 2026 – "Ensuring the sustainable availability
of safe water and sanitation systems to achieve the goals
of Agenda 2063" – underlines the importance of water
security, climate resilience, public health and
sustainable development as key pillars for
Africa's future, he continued.
He reiterated that Africa remains united in its call for a more
just and representative multilateral system, including a
comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security
Council ------ to correct the historical injustices
perpetrated against the continent.
On the other hand, in terms of justice and historical reparations,
the Chairperson of the African Union Commission recognized
the efforts led by Ghana --------- at the United Nations General
Assembly that contributed to raising the level of the global
debate on the issue and the enduring legacy of slavery
and colonialism.
He celebrated the fact that this year ten African national teams
(Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast,
Cape Verde, South Africa --- and the Democratic Republic of
Congo) are preparing to participate in the FIFA World Cup,
which he sees as --- the largest representation in history.
He stressed that this result is a reflection of the extraordinary
talent, ambition and growing global influence of African youth.
Before concluding, he called on African diplomats and
representatives around the world ---- to continue
working closely with the African Group in the
various capitals, in order to strengthen the
collective voice of the continent - and
advance - their shared priorities.
_________________________________________
Lavrov: Russia ------ is working on the
content of the Russia-Africa summit
May 25th, 1:51pm
(RT.ru)
The Russian Federation is working intensively on
the content of the October Russia-Africa summit.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
at a gala reception on the occasion of Africa Day.
"We are working intensively on the content of the
summit ---- and the preparation of its practical
results," the Russian Foreign Minister said.
Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin expressed
confidence that the third Russia-Africa summit,
which will be held in Moscow in October, will
allow for the development of new prospects
for cooperation.
He stressed that Russia attaches great importance to
strengthening ties, with African countries. According
to him, African states have achieved great success
in the economic and social spheres.
____________________________________________
Calls for investment in health research
and development ------------ in Africa
Brussels, May 25th, 1:49pm
(Prensa Latina)
A new report highlighted the potential of investing in health
research and development (R+D) in Africa, which despite
having 19 percent of the world's population represents
only 1.1 percent of global investment.
The document, by the African Centres for Disease Control and
Prevention and Team Europe (EU, European Investment Bank
and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development),
points out that greater investment in this sector would
generate an additional 668 billion dollars in Africa's
gross domestic product - over the next 20 years.
According to the report Investing in R+D in Health: The Next
Frontier of Africa's Economic Growth - countries that invest
significantly in research & innovation generally experience
faster economic growth, attract more private investment,
create more skilled employment opportunities and more
quickly strengthen ---- industrial competitiveness.
Recognising the importance of research-driven development,
the African Union (AU) in 2007 urged member states to
allocate at least one per cent of GDP to R+D, the
Down To Earth portal ....reflected.
Yet, nearly 20 years later, the continent's average spending is
still only 0.45 percent of GDP, well below the global average
of 1.7 percent.
Fewer than 10 African countries spend more than 0.6 percent
of GDP on R+D, while South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt
together account for almost two-thirds of the
continent's total R+D spending.
The evaluation further notes that Africa's health research
systems are highly dependent on foreign donors, making
them vulnerable ---- to changing international priorities.
To examine the benefits of increased domestic investment,
the researchers developed a return on investment model
that examines five scenarios between 2025 and 2044.
The analysis measured the impacts on GDP growth,
employment, private investment, trade balances
and researcher retention.
The results suggest that achieving the AU's goal of investing
one percent of gross domestic expenditure in R+D, with 15
percent directed to health R+D --- could transform African
economies, as every dollar invested in health R+D could
generate $137 in economic value ....over time.
The investment could also create 4.56 million
jobs across the continent --------- by 2044.
For this reason, the text presents health R+D as much more
than a public health expenditure and describes it as a key
driver of economic sovereignty, industrial development
and regional competitiveness.
________________________________
China ---- announces commitment to
support Ethiopia in nuclear program
Addis Ababa, May 22nd, 11:24am
(Prensa Latina)
The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) today officially
expressed a strong commitment to supporting Ethiopia's
burgeoning nuclear energy program.
The announcement was the result of a meeting between
Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission Chair Sandokan
Debebe and a high-level delegation led by CAEA Vice
Chairman Li Jing.
The visit focused on the construction of a strategic roadmap
for the sector, with a strong emphasis on human resources
development ...and institutional strengthening.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to launch
extensive scholarship and technical exchange programs,
initiatives designed to equip students and staff of the
Ethiopian High Performance Commission with the
specialized expertise needed.. to advance the
national nuclear development agenda.
Beyond academic collaboration, both parties also
analyzed financial modeling and the creation of
solid regulatory frameworks.
According to official sources, these discussions are essential
for Ethiopia as it works to establish the legal, technical and
financial foundations necessary for the sustainable and
peaceful implementation of nuclear energy.
Likewise, it marks a significant milestone in the strategic
partnership between Addis Ababa and Beijing, marking
a future defined by joint projects & shared innovation
in the field of atomic energy.
The visiting delegation also included the vice president of the
National Nuclear Corporation of China, Ma Wenjun, and high-
level representatives of the Asian giant's Embassy here.
______________________________________________
Empire against Revolution:
solidarity with Cuba ----
---- from Zimbabwe
Harare, May 22nd, 11:07am
(Prensa Latina)
The accusation by the US Department of Justice against
Raúl Castro is a political weapon designed to intensify
the US' economic war, the destabilization, and the
psychological siege -- against Cuba, indicates
an article by the Coordinator of the Fidel
Castro Chair in Zimbabwe,
Kwanisai Mafa.
Washington's latest attack against the Caribbean island has
nothing to do with justice, democracy or human rights, it is
one more chapter in the long and bloody history of
imperialist aggression against a small, but
defiant socialist nation -- that refuses
to bow down.
According to the professor's text, published in regional media
such as ModernGhana, it is a despicable accusation based
on the cynical manipulation of the 1996 incident involving
aircraft operated by the terrorist organization Brothers to
the Rescue.
These aircraft –remember- repeatedly violated Cuban airspace
in deliberate acts of provocation ---- and Havana had every
sovereign right to defend its territory, the people and the
Revolution, emphasizes the article.
For decades, he adds, imperialism has treated Cuba as if it
had no right to self-determination, with acts of sabotage,
assassination attempts, economic warfare -- biological
attacks and terrorist operations. The current actions
he said -- are a continuation of the failed agenda..
imposed illegally -- for more than sixty years.
Washington's hypocrisy is astonishing. The same power that
invaded Iraq with lies and destroyed Libya ------ supports the
genocide in Palestine and maintains hundreds of military
bases around the world, but – at the same time - tries to
give lessons to the island, about law and sovereignty,
as the alleged ''guardian of international morality''.
Washington has - repeatedly - used overwhelming military force,
justifying it with baseless accusations & political expediency.
International Law loses meaning when it is interpreted by
an empire, ponders the head of the Fidel Castro Chair
attached to Midlands University.
We live today – he maintained - an escalation in the campaign
to tighten the economic blockade and intensify the suffering
of the people, subjugate them by hunger, scarcity,
desperation and instability, in the hope.... that
they will abandon socialism.
The Cuban Revolution - survives invasions, sabotage, terrorism
and decades of blockade because it is rooted in the organized
force, conscience and spirit of resistance of the people.
Impossible to erase --- with sanctions or media lies.
According to Mafa, for the progressive and anti-imperialist
forces of Zimbabwe, Africa and the Global South,
solidarity with Cuba - is not optional, we must
reject this latest provocation and demand
an end to the criminal blockade and
------ defend their full right to
self-determination.
_______________________________
Business forum promotes
Ethiopia-United Arab
Emirates connection
Addis Ababa, May 22nd, 11:01am
(Prensa Latina)
The Forum “Dubai-Ethiopia Business Connection” - brought
together government officials today, business leaders and
investors from both countries to strengthen cooperation
on trade and investment.
Deputy Director General of Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs
of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amha Hailegiorgis,
highlighted the economic reforms implemented in Addis
Ababa and invited Emirati investors to explore
opportunities in key sectors, such as
agriculture and manufacturing,
renewable energy, tourism
and digital services.
For his part, the president and CEO of the Dubai Chamber
of Commerce, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, underlined
Ethiopia's strategic importance for trade and investment
in East Africa and expressed interest.... in expanding its
alliances and trade opportunities in the country.
The Ethiopian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Jemal
Beker, stated that the growing strategic alliance... between
both countries generates greater market and investment
opportunities for the private sector. He also urged
Emirati investors to take advantage of the
favourable local investment climate.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's ambassador to Addis Ababa, Rashed
Abdulla Alshehhi, reaffirmed --- strong bilateral relations and
encouraged greater business and investment collaboration.
The Ethiopian Investment Commission and relevant institutions
presented at the forum the current investment opportunities,
incentives and reform measures, especially in agriculture,
agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, logistics and
renewable energies.
The space will contribute to strengthening direct links
between companies (B2B) and promoting bilateral
cooperation in trade and investment.
_____________________________________________
ZAST Zimbabwe rejects US action
against Cuba and Raúl Castro
Harare, May 22nd, 11am
(Prensa Latina)
The Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Trust (ZAST) today reiterated its
firm solidarity with the people of Cuba and its Revolutionary
Government in the face of the recent provocative action
by the Department of Justice from the US against
Army General Raúl Castro Ruz.
A ZAST statement expresses first-hand understanding of the
devastating human cost of unilateral coercive measures
and states that ''we recognize this accusation -- as a
politically motivated act designed to delegitimize
its sovereign authorities and justify the
continued collective punishment
of the population.''
''Zimbabwe and Cuba'' it adds ''share a deep bond forged in the
fight for self-determination, dignity and the right of nations
to chart their own course free of imperial interference.''
''Cuba has been with Africa in its most difficult moments
and now ---- we are with the Caribbean nation,'' the
statement indicates.
According to the text, the Cuban Government statement
correctly points out how this accusation comes from
the same power that has maintained an unjust and
devastating blockade against the people of the
island for decades, as an act -- of economic
war -- against a sovereign country.
The ZAST calls on all peace-loving peoples and progressive
movements in Africa and the Global South to condemn this
politically motivated accusation ------- and to demand an
unconditional, immediate end to this blockade.
Likewise, it calls for reaffirming the principle --- that all
nations have the right to self-defense and sovereignty.
''Sanctions are not a political tool, but a weapon of mass
suffering, whether applied against Zimbabwe, Cuba or
any other nation daring to assert its independence,
the declaration concludes --- with the call to unite
- in a single voice - against the illegal sanctions
and blockade.''
______________________________________________
They allocate 60 million dollars
for the response to Ebola
Kinshasa, May 22nd, 7:36am
(Prensa Latina)
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund
has allocated $60 million to accelerate the response
to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
(DRC), South Sudan and Uganda reported today.
Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and
Emergency Relief Coordinator of the UN Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Tom
Fletcher --- disclosed the information on his
account on the social network X -- and
stressed the need to anticipate this
outbreak that began in the DRC.
In his message he stated that the humanitarian community is
fully mobilized and that, as in previous outbreaks, the entire
World Health Organization (WHO) team leads the response
with courage and experience, despite the complexity
because there are still no vaccines or authorized
treatments for the Bundibugyo strain.
“These are difficult environments for life-saving work. We face
conflicts and high population mobility. We are working - to
ensure safe and constant access for frontline personnel,
including to areas controlled by armed groups. It is
essential that there are no obstacles”, he said.
It meant that containment depends on rapid and coordinated
action at the community level, making fluid communication
with governments and effective early warning and
detection systems, as a necessity.
The day before, the DRC Government reported an ''incident'' at
the treatment centre in Rwampara, Ituri province, which was
set on fire ...and six patients disappeared in the confusion.
Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya assured that calm
and medical care are restored, and that all patients were
located and are - once again - under follow-up.
He added that security measures were reinforced and called
on the population to remain calm and condemn any act of
violence against health centres and medical personnel.
According to Radio Okapi, the perpetrators of the fire were
angry protesters, among them were members of a family
whose son supposedly died from Ebola and broke into
the hospital ----- to try to recover his body.
Medical sources told the media that these people
question ....the circumstances of the death.
The police intervened, firing warning shots to control the
situation, but the protesters managed to set fire to two
isolation tents. A body inside was burned and
unrecognizable.
The Ebola epidemic in the DRC - has already reached eight
health zones, five in Ituri province and three in North Kivu.
The day before, a suspicious case....... was being
investigated in the province of South Kivu.
To date, 671 suspected cases and 160 probable
deaths from the disease... have been detected.
___________________________________________
They highlight the role of religious and
civic entities in Ethiopian dialogue
Addis Ababa, May 22nd, 6:39am
(Prensa Latina)
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (NDC) today
emphasized the central role of religious institutions and
civic associations in the consultation process under-
way ....before from the next conference scheduled
throughout the country.
This Friday a meeting is held to gather information with
representatives of both groups, in order to exchange
opinions on the consultation agenda ....and the
national dialogue process in general.
The chief commissioner of the NDC, Mesfin Araya, at the
opening of the meeting described the activities of the
Commission, the progress, challenges and the role
expected of the participating institutions. Araya
noted that participation ---- which begins at the
district (woreda) level, reflects the inclusivity
of the process, and added ---- that the initial
phases of consultation were carried out to
address long-standing social differences.
He revealed that the process had a 93% intervention
in all districts of the country, driven by strong
public involvement.
For his part, the president of the Council of Civic Associations,
Ahmed Hussein, said that this stage is vital to build national
consensus and unity, emphasizing that sustainable peace
------ requires inclusive and continuous dialogue.
Hussein reaffirmed the commitment of civic associations
to support the consultation process.
During the meeting ---- the program proposals prepared by the
Commission will be examined and recommendations will be
provided --- for the next National Consultative Conference.
Established by the House of People's Representatives
(Parliament) under Proclamation No. 1265/2022, the
National Dialogue Commission is an independent
institution with the mandate to carry out an
inclusive process aimed at resolving any
fundamental differences of ideas and
disagreements in the country.
___________________________________
Angola reiterated solidarity with Cuba and
its interest in strengthening cooperation
Luanda, May 21st, 12:39pm
(Prensa Latina)
Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António today reiterated his
country's solidarity - with the people and government of
Cuba in a meeting with Oscar Leon, the ambassador
of the Caribbean nation.
At the meeting, held at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry,
António also ratified the commitment to strengthen relations of
friendship and cooperation between the two States,
historically united .....by a long alliance.
During the talks, León commented on the current situation in
Cuba, which has been greatly affected by the economic
blockade imposed by the US ---- for over 60 years and
intensified with over 240 unilateral illegal coercive
measures and, since January 29 of this year ----
under an illegal siege preventing the entry
of oil.
These elements affect not only the normal development of the
economy, but also have impacts on people's daily lives, with
power outages of over 20 hours, affected medical services
and thousands of patients waiting for surgeries, among
other damaging consequences.
The diplomats, reviewed the current state of bilateral relations
between Angola and Cuba, with special emphasis on bilateral
and regional affairs, according to a note from the Angolan
Foreign Ministry.
The dialogue also addressed Angola's economic potential and
the opportunities associated with the structuring programs
foreseen in the National Development Plan, including
critical minerals.
Meanwhile, the Cuban ambassador expressed his country's
interest in revitalizing the Intergovernmental Commission
- and commented on the celebration of the first African
Graduate Festival in Cuba, an initiative that seeks to
bring together graduates - in a celebration of the
academic, cultural and human ties forged over
decades of cooperation in education.
____________________________________________
Malawi's economy at risk
as fuel prices rise
Lilongwe, May 21st, midday
(Prensa Latina)
Malawi's economy is in decline, due to the rise in fuel prices in
the current international scenario, which hinders commercial
and industrial activity, local authorities highlight here today.
For the Malawi Transport Association..... the crisis is linked to
global market pressures and disruptions on key Middle East
shipping lanes, which sharply pushed up fuel prices.
Eyewitnesses highlight the formation of long queues of vehicles
next to gas stations, with endless hours of waiting ...for drivers
who want to get petrol or diesel.
For their part, shippers point out that operations are already
seriously affected and the movement of goods is slowed,
which hurts supply chains across the country and they
warn of the fatal consequences for stores, as well
as delays in agricultural distribution during a
critical season.
Meanwhile, political observers recalled on Thursday - that
agriculture ---- accounts for more than a third of Malawi's
economy ..and the vast majority of its foreign exports.
Like Malawi, other African countries are on the verge of an
economic crisis, which in the case of Kenya, at the start
of this week .....already turned into a social explosion
with large street protests.
____________________________________
Drought in Somalia worsens
due to rainless seasons
Mogadishu, May 21st, 11:26am
(Prensa Latina)
The drought in the Somali region of Puntland, in the northeast
of the country, is worsening after three consecutive seasons
with practically no rain, representatives of United Nations
entities said today.
Matthew Hollingworth, World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy
Executive Director for Programme Operations, denounced
that there is a malnutrition crisis across the country,
especially in the arid area of Puntland where you
can see dry water ponds, destroyed crops and
animal carcasses.
Likewise, specialists highlight this Thursday that the drought is
intensifying, and the rate of malnutrition is skyrocketing, while
the situation is in danger of another humanitarian catastrophe.
Adding to this catastrophe are aid cuts made last year by U.S.
President Donald Trump, jeopardizing operations at rescue
camps, the PMI official added.
According to experts, if the next rainy season is normal, it will
still take months .......for the affected populations to recover.
Meanwhile, in Somalia, more than 200 health centres and
400 schools have been closed since last year, as the
country faces one of the most complex hunger
crises, in recent years.
________________________________________________________
Senegal announces
World Cup squad
Dakar, May 21st, 10:55am
(Prensa Latina)
The Senegalese national team announced today its call-up
for the upcoming World Cup scheduled to take place in
the US, Canada and Mexico.
The list is headed by the experienced winger and captain
of the team, Sadio Mané, and players such as Iliam
Ndiaye, Assane Diao and goalkeeper Edouard
Mendy - also stand out.
Pape Thiaw's side will be looking to put behind them the
controversy that arose after the Africa Cup of Nations
in which they won the title on the pitch and then the
Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared
Morocco the winner.
The Teragan Lions, whose best historical result dates back
to the 2002 World Cup in which they managed to reach the
quarterfinals, will be part of Group I along with the teams
of Iraq, Norway and the world runner-up, France.
The squad combines international experience with emerging
talents such as Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye,
Monaco's Lamine Camra, Villarreal's Pape Gueye
and Rayo Vallecano's Pathé Ciss.
Senegal, who will debut against France on June 16, will seek
to reaffirm themselves as one of the best teams on the
African continent and surpass their performance in
the previous world cup.
____________________________________
Flood-affected families in Angola
....return to their homes
May 20th, 10:19am
(Prensa Latina)
More than 4,000 families, of the 8,587 displaced by the floods
of the Cavaco River last April, in the province of Benguela
in Angola, are in their homes today.
According to the governor of the province, Manuel Nunes
Júnior, the return process is being carried out gradually,
with an average of between 200 and 400 families daily,
as part of the emergency program implemented by
the Government.
He added that those nuclei whose homes suffered partial
damage receive support kits, which allows them to
recover their homes and progressively return to
normality, reported the Angola Press agency.
In addition to this, actions for those who completely lost their
homes will be included in the social housing construction
program, with the aim of guaranteeing their permanent
resettlement away from risk areas.
He commented that 225 social housing units will be built with
basic water and energy infrastructure, and there are two
additional contracts for the construction of 250
social housing units each, in addition to the
fact that the resources for the start of
the work are assured, he said.
In terms of recovery, another important aspect is that the
railway bridge over the Cavaco River, destroyed by flash
floods, must be completed by May 2027, in order to
normalize interurban rail traffic ....between the
cities of Benguela and Lobito.
On April 12, after several days of heavy rains, the Cavaco River
overflowed its course ---- and broke the dam on its left bank,
flooding several riverside neighbourhoods and part of the
city of Benguela, causing the death of 19 people and
31 missing.
During the incident, 1,570 homes were destroyed,
another 3,873 damaged and more than 3,000
flooded by the flash floods.
_________________________________________
Africa Called for Greater Involvement
in Solutions to Global Crises
May 20th, 9:15am
(Prensa Latina)
Africa must not remain a passive actor in international
relations, but must position itself as a strategic force
that contributes to the search for solutions to
continental and global crises, an official
source urged today.
This was stated --- by the Chairperson of the African Union
(AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the opening
of a closed-door consultation in Gabon with special
representatives, senior representatives and
permanent representatives ahead of the
XVII Presidential Retreat on the
Promotion of Peace, Security
and Stability in Africa -----
scheduled for Gabon.
Youssouf, quoted in a statement, stressed that the current
global context – marked by geopolitical fragmentation,
growing strategic competition and the weakening of
multilateralism – makes it imperative for the AU to
strengthen its political presence ....both on the
ground and on multilateral platforms.
He advocated for --- stronger regional strategic frameworks,
enhanced preventive diplomacy and greater coordination
with the peace and security council of the AU.
He also called for better synchronization of African diplomatic
work in major world hubs, such as Brussels, Geneva, New
York, Beijing and Cairo, where the AU is represented.
Despite the financial constraints facing the Union, he reaffirmed
his commitment to advancing peace, stability and the "Silence
the Guns" initiative, while ensuring that Africa has a unified
and stronger voice on the world stage.
The three-day retreat, which will begin tomorrow, will also
feature the participation of the African Union Panel of
Wise Men, as well as a special session with the
representatives of the United Nations
Secretary-General ---- focused on
African cooperation in peace
and security.
______________________________
South Africa recognized for
its donation to fight Ebola
May 20th, 7:35am
(Prensa Latina)
The Africa CDC today recognized the pledge of $2.5 million
from the Government of South Africa ...to support the
response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
A statement from the African Centres for Disease Control and
Prevention (Africa CDC) revealed .....that the contribution...
will be through the African Epidemic Fund of Africa CDC.
The text noted --- that the decision was the result of a recent
communication by the Chairperson of the African Union (AU)
Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to African Heads of
State and Government on the evolution of the disease
outbreak ------- and the urgent need to strengthen
continental solidarity and coordinated action.
He thanked the South African people and government, as well
as President Cyril Ramaphosa, AU champion in Pandemic
Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for this timely
demonstration of leadership, solidarity and
commitment to Africa's collective
health security.
The statement said that at a time when the continent is facing
growing public health threats, with significant risks of cross-
border transmission, Pretoria's contribution sends a strong
and reassuring message ---- that Africa remains united.
The latter, in favour of the protection of the life and
well-being of its people ---- a path towards African
health security and sovereignty.
The Africa CDC revealed that this support will contribute
to strengthening critical response operations, including
continental coordination, surveillance, laboratory
systems, rapid response deployment, infection
prevention and control, cross-border
preparedness, and support to
affected communities.
South Africa's leadership reflects the growing importance of
Africa-led financing mechanisms and reinforces the vision
of a more resilient, self-reliant and health-secure
continent, the statement said.
The health agency urged all African Union member states,
donor countries, development partners, philanthropic
institutions and the private sector to follow suit
by contributing to the African Epidemic Fund
and supporting ongoing response efforts.
He warned - that the current outbreak requires urgent,
coordinated and adequately funded action to contain
transmission, save lives ------- and prevent further
regional spread.
Finally, he reaffirmed the commitment to work closely with
affected Member States, the African Union Commission,
regional economic communities and global partners...
to ensure a rapid, effective and African-led response.
_____________________________________________________
Kangamba, Africa Day in Zimbabwe
and Cuba ---- in the face of a threat
from the U.S.
May 20th, 6:03am
(Prensa Latina)
Cuba - celebrated Africa Day today in Zimbabwe with the
screening of the film "Kangamba," linked to the island's
internationalist collaboration - and the decision to
defend the Homeland against the threats of
military aggression from the US.
100 guests -- representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation, the Parliament, Ambassadors
and diplomats from twenty countries attended the evening
at the Alliance Française cinema in Harare, organized
jointly by the missions of Cuba and Angola.
The Ambassador of the Caribbean nation, Susellys Pérez Mesa,
assured that the celebration is, beyond a commemorative date
--- a day of memory, dignity and commitment, in a relationship
sown with solidarity, internationalism and conviction.
Thousands of Cubans had the honour of accompanying the
liberation struggles. When we talk about Africa, he said,
we are not referring to a distant land, but....... to a
fundamental part of our own identity.
Pérez Mesa --- praised the words of Foreign Minister Bruno
Rodríguez in the framework of the recent BRICS meeting
when he warned -- that Cuba is facing one of the most
serious junctures in its contemporary history under
the threat of direct military aggression by the US
.....without any justification and after the
reinforcement of the criminal
blockade -- for almost
7 decades.
In the year of the Centennial of Commander in Chief Fidel
Castro, we reaffirmed that if we did this: in reference to
the battle of Kangamba in Angola... for our African
brothers --- what would we not be able to do
--- for our beloved Homeland?
There was no lack of Viva Cuba at the end of the film, tearful
emotions, and words of praise for the island's role in the
fight against colonialism and the end of apartheid.
The Director ----of Africa, Asia and the Pacific, of the
Zimbabwean Foreign Ministry, Mqabuko Spencer
Dube, described Kangamba as a decisive
chapter in the history of the liberation
struggle of the entire continent, and
the importance of preserving what
has been achieved.
Dube described the film as necessary for the new generations
and recalled the reflection of leader Fidel Castro in 2008
who considered the film - as one of the most serious
he had ever seen.
Before the presentation, the Ambassador of Angola, Baltazar
Diego Cristovao, also took the floor, and highlighted the
value of Cubans and their invaluable contribution to
the liberation of their country, which sealed the
brotherhood - forever.
For his part, the Director of the Museum of African Liberation in
Zimbabwe, Kwame Muzawazi, highlighted Cuba's selfless role
for continental independence and sovereignty, while
recalling that it is an honour ---- that Cuba has a
special space in the institution he leads.
Members of the diplomatic mission, members of the island's
Medical Brigade, Zimbabwean friends ...& graduates in the
Antillean nation also attended the emotional presentation.
_____________________________________________________________
