Digital platforms for procedures
launched
in Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou, August 21, 12:18pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso today has
three digital platforms to simplify administrative,
protocol and consular services.
Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré pointed out
that these projects benefit the Burkinabe diaspora and
diplomatic missions abroad.
He also urged diplomatic missions to regularly update
the platforms, while inviting users to use them and
transmit their observations.
The inauguration of the sites was attended by members of
the diplomatic corps accredited in this African nation and
other government authorities.
According to the Foreign Ministry, one of the online sites
is the Burkinabe Diaspora Portal, which will enable
residents abroad to register in the consular
register and request appointments for
certain consular procedures.
Another platform, called E-Protocole, is intended for
embassies and international organizations
accredited in Burkina Faso.
This website provides applications for diplomatic cards,
access cards to the official lounges of Ouagadougou
and Bobo-Dioulasso airports, plus applications for
special authorisations.
The third platform centralises the Ministry's website and those
of its 52 diplomatic missions and consular posts, which will
strengthen the visibility of Burkinabe diplomacy and
improve access to information, the Foreign
Ministry stressed.
______________________________________
U.N. Calls for Strengthening Aid
to Congo --- in the Face of
Ebola Spread
UN, August 21, 9:37am
(Prensa Latina)
The United Nations today reiterated its call to strengthen aid to
the Democratic Republic of Congo in the fight against the
Ebola epidemic, considered the deadliest in its history.
On its official website, the UN considered that international
assistance must be urgent and pointed out that its teams
on the ground are running out of funds to help the sick.
The multilateral organization indicated that, since May 15 of this
year, over 5,000 infections and more than 2,000 deaths were
reported, including health workers.
About 900 people remain isolated or hospitalized.
We only have funds for the next few weeks. Each delay in funding
makes this epidemic more lethal, difficult to stop, and costly.
Therefore, we need that international support
immediately, said UN Senior Coordinator
Julien Harneis.
The disease spreads exponentially. Half of the deaths occurred in
the last 20 days. Infections are growing faster than the response,
he said.
In addition, he pointed out that difficult working conditions
hinder the work of health personnel on the front line.
In three months --- 160 members of the aid
teams fell ill and 43 of them died, he said.
"Conditions on the ground are extremely complex, but we will
continue to deploy all necessary humanitarian and medical
assistance until the task is completed," he said.
___________________________________________________
Ethiopia for regional cooperation
----- for resilient health systems
Addis Ababa, August 21, 9:36am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia's Health Minister Mekdes Daba, today, urged stronger
regional cooperation and public-private partnerships - to build
resilient and self-sufficient health systems across East Africa.
Speaking at the opening of the 13th International Conference and
Exhibition of East African Health Federations in 21-23 August in
this capital, Daba said that health security, financing, supply
chains, technology, and climate change all extend beyond
national borders --- and require joint solutions.
He stated that Ethiopia is committed to strengthening local
pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing, research and
development to reduce vulnerability to potential external
supply disruptions.
"The pandemic has left this lesson - unequivocally clear: the
region cannot afford to do it again. We cannot afford to be
shut down without having medicines close to us,"
he stressed.
He also called for greater investment in specialized health care,
including cardiac care, oncology, neurosurgery, children's
health care and complex surgeries.
In this case, he continued, stronger regional linkages can
expand health services and cross-border referrals.
In this regard, he reported that Ethiopia is working to create a
more predictable environment for investment in health, while
strengthening regulation and patient protection.
He mentioned.. that the local Food and Drug Authority reached
the World Health Organization's maturity level 3, while urging
stronger regulatory capacity in East Africa.
He also said Addis Ababa expanded primary health care,
infrastructure and its workforce, while the rate of
skilled attendance at births exceeded 64%,
.....according to the country's latest
Demographic & Health Survey.
The minister also highlighted -- the expansion of digital health and
telehealth. He linked health to climate, food and nutrition through
a One Health approach, citing the Green Legacy Initiative & the
Seqota Declaration (aimed at eradicating child malnutrition)
as examples of integrated development efforts.
The Ministry's Registry of Master Centers accounts for more than
30,000 private facilities, he said, creating a basis for investment
and the better planning of services.
"Health is not simply seen as an investment that is lost, but
an investment that generates returns," he said. Finally, he
underlined the government's commitment to conceive of
health care as an investment in people & the economy.
_________________________________________________________
Nigeria expects increased
economic growth
Abuja, August 20, 1:02pm
(Prensa Latina)
Nigeria projected economic growth of 4.2 percent for the
second half of 2026, media outlets reported today.
A report on the country's economic outlook detailed ----- that
this growth will be supported by higher crude oil production.
It added that recent reforms have improved macroeconomic
stability, but have not yet translated into household well-
being and business conditions.
Nigeria's gross domestic product grew 3.89 percent year-on-year
in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 3.13 percent in the
same period of 2025, it stated.
In addition, it pointed out that the development of Information and
Communication Technologies, the Finance and Insurance sector
and the Construction and Agriculture sector ..contributed to
this growth.
Among other economic aspects of Nigeria, the report said that the
volume of operations in the foreign exchange market increased
43.6 percent month-on-month to 12.92 billion dollars in June.
Foreign direct investment remained weak at just $135.1 million,
accounting for 1.3 percent of total flows, he said.
Likewise, for companies, especially micro, small and medium-
sized ones, access to credit is still a major limitation.
The document pointed out that the main challenge for the second
half of the year will be to transform macroeconomic stabilization
into greater purchasing power of households, stronger SMEs,
greater productivity and productive investment.
____________________________________
UNICEF warns of monkeypox
infections in Guinea Bissau
UN, August 20, 12:30pm
(Prensa Latina)
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned today about
the increase in the number of minors suspected of suffering from
monkeypox in Guinea Bissau.
Through its official websites, the agency assured that it
contributes to strengthening surveillance, prevention
and work with communities in the face of the risk
of unidentified chains of transmission.
Although the seven cases confirmed since July 4 are adults,
half of the 46 suspected people are under 15 years of age
and the authorities fear that there are more undetected,
UNICEF said.
He also expressed concern about the presence of 16 children
under the age of four, a group that faces a higher risk of
developing complications.
"This is the first time cases have been reported in Guinea Bissau,
turning a small outbreak into a major public health event," said
UNICEF Deputy Representative Sandra Martins.
Martins warned that the surveillance system is "extremely fragile"
and there is a risk that some infections will go unnoticed,
particularly among the most vulnerable.
He also pointed out that the confirmed cases do not seem to be
related to each other, so the authorities assess the possibility
of the existence of undetected chains.
UNICEF said it is working with the Ministry of Public Health,
the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to
strengthen surveillance and contact tracing, improve
infection prevention and control measures, and
strengthen access to water, sanitation and
hygiene in health facilities.
Monkeypox is caused by the mpox virus and can cause a painful
rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle pain, back
pain, and a lack of energy.
According to the WHO, most people recover
completely, but some become seriously ill.
It is mainly transmitted by close contact with someone who is sick,
from contaminated objects, puncture wounds and by bites or
scratches from infected animals, among others.
____________________________________
Nicaragua welcomes re-election
of Zambian president
Managua, August 20, 11:31am
(Prensa Latina)
The co-presidents of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo,
congratulated Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election as president
of Zambia, local media reported today.
In a message, the Nicaraguan leaders on behalf of the People and
Government of Reconciliation and National Unity and on their
own, greeted the ruler for the renewal of his mandate, which,
they pointed out, ratifies the confidence of the people in the
leadership of the African country.
The Co-Chairs expressed their confidence that the people of Zambia
will continue to advance along paths of well-being and prosperity,
while highlighting the commonalities between the two peoples in
upholding the right to live in a just, free and peaceful world, as
well as independence, sovereignty and self-determination.
They also reiterated the willingness of the Government of Nicaragua
to continue strengthening the relations of friendship and solidarity
that have historically united the peoples and governments of
both nations.
"From our Nicaragua, Blessed and Always Free, receive our Fraternal
Embrace and the Affection of the Nicaraguan People," says the
message addressed to President Hichilema.
_____________________________________
Nigerian Civil Society... for Reviewing
Early Childhood Education Programs
Abuja, August 20, 11:28am
(Prensa Latina)
Civil society organizations in Nigeria called on the National
Assembly --- to examine the policy frameworks, sources of
financing, educational materials --- among other aspects..
underpinning early childhood education programs today.
During a media briefing on children, family values, education and
public policy, the African Policy Research and Advisory Centre
(Cafpra) led the proposal that calls on lawmakers for a
closer review.
CAFPRA Executive Director Segun Adebayo called for consultation
with parents, educators, civil society groups, children's rights
advocates, and community leaders before adopting policies
and programs related to children and youth.
He argued that Nigeria should not automatically adopt international
policy frameworks without first assessing their compatibility with
the country's laws, culture, family structures and
institutional realities.
According to Cafpra, concepts such as.. bodily autonomy, sexual
rights, and gender identity must be clearly defined before being
incorporated into legislation, government policies, or
educational materials for children.
The organization considered that there should be greater
transparency in the development, financing and
implementation of programs that affect
children and young people, so it
invited government agencies
to disclose their objectives,
sources of financing - and
activities agreements.
_____________________________________
Xi congratulates Hichilema on
his presidential re-election
in Zambia
Beijing, August 20, 9:38am
(Prensa Latina)
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Hakainde Hichilema
on his re-election as president of Zambia and expressed his
willingness to deepen the comprehensive strategic
partnership of cooperation between the
two countries.
Xi recalled in his message that the two leaders met twice in recent
years and jointly guided the development of bilateral relations.
He highlighted the continued deepening of political mutual trust
and the fruitful results of practical cooperation between China
and Zambia.
He also noted the close coordination and cooperation
of the two nations in multilateral affairs.
Xi affirmed that he attaches great importance to the development of
ties with Zambia ....and expressed his willingness to work together
with Hichilema to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit
of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
The Chinese president also advocated -- promoting traditional
friendship, maintaining firm mutual support and continuously
raising the level of win-win cooperation.
According to Xi, these efforts will make it possible to take the
China-Zambia comprehensive strategic partnership of
cooperation to new stages and better benefit the
people of both countries.
China and Zambia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1964
& their cooperation includes sectors such as infrastructure, trade,
mining and agriculture, as well as close coordination within the
framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
__________________________________________
Lesotho, in collaboration with the UN,
strengthens the use of remittances
Addis Ababa, August 20, 8:20am
(Prensa Latina)
Lesotho, in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Africa
(ECA) and the United Nations, strengthened its capacity to take
advantage of remittances, diaspora investment, skills and
networks for national and sustainable development, it
was announced today.
A statement from the ECA reported that the topic was the focus
of the workshop on the National Remittances and Investment
Framework held in Maseru on August 18, with the
participation of policymakers, financial
institutions, private sector reps,
development partners and
other stakeholders.
The meeting was part of the Regional Commission's programme
on strengthening the link between migration and development
in Africa, which supports six countries.. to integrate diaspora
contributions into national development plans & strategies.
The Director of Financial & Private Sector Affairs at Lesotho's
Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Maseeiso
Lekholoane, called for the diaspora to be seen as no
longer primarily a source of family remittances
and to be recognized as a strategic partner
in development.
Lekholoane underscored its potential contribution via financial
capital, skills, knowledge, entrepreneurship, technology and
international networks, identifying agriculture and
agribusiness, manufacturing & tourism, among
others, for productive investment.
For his part, the Chief of Section of the ECA Subregional Office for
North Africa, Khaled Hussein, highlighted the magnitude of the
opportunity presented in Lesotho.
Hussein revealed that remittances account for about 21%
of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), while the
savings of overseas residents offer additional potential
for development financing.
He warned - that those remittances are a solid financial source for
Maseru's economy, but dependence comes with risks, hence
the need to strengthen data, financial regulation and the
business environment to channel a greater proportion..
towards long-term investments such as renewable
energy and tourism.
The workshop placed the Lesotho experience in
the broader context of African financing.
According to the ECA, Africa received approximately $124 billion in
remittances in 2025, along with an estimated $53 billion from the
diaspora abroad, while facing an estimated annual financing
gap of between $400 billion and $1.2 trillion.
The participants analyzed how to allocate a greater proportion of
these remittances and the savings of residents abroad, beyond
family consumption, towards productive investment, business
development, job creation and long-term capital formation.
____________________________________________
Ethiopia & Russia are committed
to strengthening technological
cooperation
Addis Ababa, August 20, 6:53am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia and Russia --- are working to further strengthen their
cooperation in technology, with research and development,
human capital development and technology transfer...
among key areas, an official source said today.
This was expressed by Russia's ambassador in Addis Ababa, Evgeny
Terekhin, on a visit to the Institute of Artificial Intelligence. He also
highlighted the long-standing bilateral relations and strong
cooperation between the two countries.
Terekhin underlined the willingness of Russia and Ethiopia to further
strengthen their cooperation in research and development, human
capital development and technology transfer.
For his part, the institute's Director General, Worku Gachena,
provided an update on the key activities carried out by the
centre as part of the country's digital transformation.
Gachena stated that research and development activities
promote significant progress in the priority social and
economic sectors, at a national level.
He considered that the technology partnership between Ethiopia
and Russia is aligned with the broader BRICS agenda of
leveraging artificial intelligence for shared
development and mutual benefit.
_____________________________________________
International partners...... acknowledge
progress in Ethiopian national dialogue
Addis Ababa, August 20, 6:13am
(Prensa Latina)
Representatives of Ethiopia's international development partners
today highlighted the ongoing National Dialogue Conference and
the information received on the progress and main advances of
the process.
The delegation is composed of members from several countries that
support the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), with
the coordination of the United Nations Development Programme
and the Ministry of Finance.
During their visit to the conference site, which has been hosted by
the Addis Ababa International Convention Centre since 15 July,
the delegation toured the facilities and saw the National
Dialogue process.
The commissioners of the ENDC offered information on the main
events and activities undertaken within the framework of the
great event that brings together 4,000 delegates from all
sectors of the country, and the diaspora.
The agenda of debates includes topics on the construction of the
state, identity and history; the structure of government, including
federalism and power centres; the situation in the federal cities,
including Addis Ababa; religious affairs; and institution-building
with a focus on the rule of law and human rights.
Likewise, socio-economic development and resource
management; the fight against corruption; and
peacebuilding and national reconciliation.
_____________________________________________
Risks to aid workers
in Africa - warning
Dakar, August 19, 12:33pm
(Prensa Latina)
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA) warned today about the risks and dangers
faced by humanitarian workers in Africa.
This Wednesday is World Humanitarian Day, so OCHA called
for protection for civilians and workers who are in areas of
conflagration in the region.
He noted --- that millions of people are exposed amid armed conflict
and increased violence, thousands are forcibly displaced, and
face difficulties in accessing food, health care, education
and essential services.
According to OCHA figures, in 2026 there are five humanitarian
workers who have died, nine injured and 14 - were kidnapped.
The head of OCHA's Regional Office for West and Central Africa,
Charles Bernimolin, urged the parties to the conflict to ensure
the safety of these aid workers, "the women and men who
bring the aid are not targets," he said.
Bernimolin called for respect for international law, safe and
unhindered humanitarian access and accountability for
the perpetrators of attacks on these workers.
The United Nations organization also stressed its concern about
the growing use of drones and other emerging technologies in
conflicts, which contributes to increasing the danger to
humanitarian operations.
Other OCHA data indicate that 15,352 people died
between January and the end of July 2026.
He also mentioned that the reduction in humanitarian funding
comes at a time when needs are increasing, forcing aid
organizations to make difficult decisions.. which limit
the ability to reach the most vulnerable populations.
____________________________________________
Ecuador's Intelligence Chief
Dies in Kenya Plane Crash
Quito, August 19, 11:50am
(Prensa Latina)
The head of Ecuador's National Intelligence Centre
Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife, Stephany
Hollihan, died today in a helicopter crash
that occurred in northern Kenya.
Local Ecuadorian media reported the news, although
an official statement from the Executive is expected.
The crash occurred near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County,
where the aircraft crashed while covering the route between
Loisaba and Ewasonyiro, according to the Kenya Civil
Aviation Authority.
The agency reported the death of seven people, including
six tourists and the pilot, although so far, it has not
officially released the nationalities of the victims
or the causes of the accident.
Sensi-Contugi, a businessman and politician close to
President Daniel Noboa, had led the intelligence
agency since August 2024.
Previously, in April of that year, he was appointed Minister
of Government, replacing Mónica Palencia, a position he
held for a few months before Noboa entrusted that
portfolio to Arturo Félix Wong.
Sensi-Contugi also served as a delegate of the Executive
on the boards of public companies, including.... the
Electric Corporation of Ecuador, the Ecuadorian
Oil Fleet and Petroecuador.
The agency he currently headed was originally created as the
Strategic Intelligence Centre (CIES) and adopted the name
National Intelligence Centre in July 2025.
______________________________________
WHO: Ebola epidemic
remains unchecked
Geneva, August 19, 9:03am
(Prensa Latina)
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO),
Tedros Adhanom warned that the Ebola epidemic in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains
uncontrolled to this day.
The WHO's alarm message was issued after almost five thousand
infected people were reported, mainly in the DRC with more than
two thousand 300 deaths.
"The outbreak is driven by insecurity and displacement, as well as
intense population movements along roads, rivers and mining
routes," the health agency official stressed.
He stressed that the epidemic continues to be dangerous, and
"we have to be honest: the epidemic is far from under control."
What is worrying is that the victims are registered outside the
treatment centres and outside the lists of known contacts,
said the director at the second meeting of the Emergency
Committee of the International Health Regulations.
"Each of these deaths points to a chain of transmission
that we have not yet located," Adhanom warned.
In his opinion, the epidemic will continue until all those
chains of transmission are not registered and broken.
We are strengthening surveillance, expanding health care
capacity, supporting safe burials, and promoting clinical
trials for vaccines and treatments, the WHO Director-
General concluded.
_________________________________________________________
DRC & Tanzania formalize framework
for critical minerals management
Kinshasa, August 19, 12:41am
(Prensa Latina)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania formalized a
technical cooperation framework focused on the management of
critical minerals and the exchange of strategic geological data,
the Congolese Presidency said today.
As part of DRC President Felix Tshisekedi's visit to Zanzibar, where
he spoke with his counterpart, Samia Suluhu Hassan, the two
governments also set the guidelines for the technical
assessment of mutually beneficial opportunities
in the oil and natural gas sectors.
The talks allowed the heads of state to reaffirm their commitment
to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the face of
regional challenges and problems; while in the economic
sphere they promoted the revitalization of the Joint
Permanent Commission and the establishment of
a strategic alliance.
They also discussed... the modernization of transport infrastructure
along the Central Corridor, an effort that includes the rehabilitation
of port infrastructure in Dar es Salaam, Kigoma and Kalemie,
plus the strengthening of lake transport and progressive
rail interconnection.
The project also includes the deployment of a cross-border fibre
optic backbone, all of which should contribute to boosting
economic zones and facilitating trade flows.
According to the account of the Congolese Presidency in X,
Tanzania took the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment
to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC in
the face of the situation in the east of the country,
and both heads of state demanded immediate
respect for international law.
They referred in particular to the withdrawal of foreign
forces from Congolese territory, as well as the
cessation of hostilities.
The Tanzanian president also pledged to send emergency
health assistance to the DRC, as a show of solidarity in
the face of the Ebola epidemic, and assured that her
country is ready to provide the necessary aid.
________________________________________________
Hakainde Hichilema is
re-elected President
of Zambia
Lusaka, August 18, 1:15pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) today
declared Hakainde Hichilema as re-elected
president in the 2026 general elections.
According to the published data, Hichilema obtained
about 60% of the votes cast in a race for the
presidency, in which more than a dozen
candidates faced each other.
In last Thursday's votes, some five million votes were cast,
of which Hichilema obtained 2,965,326 ballots in his
favour, and his closest rival, Brian Mundubile, of
the National Reconciliation Party for Unity
& Prosperity, received 1,856,217 votes.
In these elections, deputies to the National Assembly
and the regional and local authorities, were elected.
The national electoral process was overshadowed by the
halt of the counting of ballots after violent incidents
involving several voting centres, the ECZ said.
Under Zambia's electoral law, the candidate who obtains
more than 50 percent of the valid votes is declared the
winner in the first round.
____________________________________________
Cuba highlights --- words
of Namibian president
on Fidel's centenary
Havana, August 18, 11:16am
(Prensa Latina)
Cuban President Miguel-Diaz-Canel today highlighted the words
spoken by the president of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi, on the
occasion of the celebrations for the centenary of
Fidel Castro in that African nation.
"The firm words of the sister president of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi,
on the occasion of the Centennial of Commander in Chief Fidel
Castro Ruz, accompanied by his people and other main
leaders of his nation, are moving and comforting to
#Cuba," Diaz-Canel wrote on his official profile
in X.
The Cuban president added that "We will never fail the legacy
of #Fidel and the love that he sowed in us for Africa."
On the same digital platform, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno
Rodríguez thanked Netumbo Nandi for his statement,
while highlighting the brotherhood, solidarity and
cooperation between the two countries.
"The brotherhood, solidarity and cooperation between the two
peoples were forged in the just struggle against apartheid in
southern Africa and for the independence of the beloved
Namibian people," said Rodríguez.
The Namibian president paid tribute --- to the historic leader of the
Cuban Revolution at the island's diplomatic mission in Windhoek,
where she stressed ...that Fidel sowed seeds of generosity and
internationalism, and described him as a dear friend of Africa
and one of the most important leaders of the 20th century.
The president said that the history of Namibia's independence
cannot be told without the participation of Fidel Castro and
the Cuban people.
He also recalled Cuban support against apartheid and demanded
an end to the U.S. blockade against the Caribbean nation, a
policy that he described as inhumane and contrary to
the principles of the United Nations (UN).
The Namibian leader also urged the new generations to defend
freedom and human dignity through sacrifice, courage and
collective unity.
____________________________________________________
Ethiopia outlines actions
to prevent child wasting
Addis Ababa, August 18, 9:01am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia - is intensifying its efforts to prevent child wasting through
government leadership, greater investment, strengthening health
systems and community participation, an official source
said today.
The chief of staff of the Ministry of Health, Mebratu Massebo,
speaking at a regional evaluation and learning meeting on
the subject, said that Addis Ababa attaches greater
priority to the prevention of this condition and
works to strengthen the health system.
It also ensures that communities play a leading role
in the implementation of the programs.
Massebo said that ending childhood pathological weight loss,
requires more than treating acute malnutrition, and stressed
the importance of prevention, the early detection of risks,
community-based systems and access to health
services and essential nutritional supplies.
He also mentioned that Ethiopia brings together the efforts of
various ministries to address the multiple factors that
contribute to malnutrition, such as food insecurity,
poverty, climate shocks and displacement.
He said the country's system allows the Ministry of Health
to coordinate with sectors such as agriculture, education,
social protection, women's affairs and disaster
risk management.
He added that the government increased its financial
commitment to nutrition – including funding
programmes against severe acute
malnutrition – making it a
top budget priority.
He recalled that the annual budget quintupled last year and
wa increased by 26% in the current period, while high-
lighting the importance of precise data to guide
government decisions.
In this regard, the Chief of Staff explained the use of
information from various nutrition and health
platforms to improve the quality of data
and strengthen interoperability.
For his part, the representative of the World Health Organization
and head of the mission in Ethiopia, Francis Chisaka Kasolo,
said that Africa continues to bear one of the highest
burdens of child wasting.... worldwide.
Kasolo called for sustained political commitment, predictable
investments, stronger partnerships and national systems
capable of preventing malnutrition, detecting it early
and providing timely and quality care.
The regional review meeting brought together representatives
from 11 African countries and regional and international
partners to assess progress made over the past
three years in preventing child wasting.
_________________________________________
Electricity rates are
''partially updated''
in Angola
Luanda, August 15, 3:47pm
(Prensa Latina)
Angola's Regulatory Institute of Electricity and Water Services
(Irsea) reported today the partial update of tariffs for medium
and high voltage public services, which affects the
commercial, service and industrial sectors.
According to a note from the institution, this adjustment (increase)
will be applied to the 2025-2028 tariff cycle, as well as to the
Required Annual Revenues (RAR) of public companies in
the sector, in accordance with the General Electricity
Law, tariff regulations and the guidelines of the
National Development Plan (PND) 2023-2027.
The measure does not cover residential consumers......while the
amounts for the social, single-phase domestic and three-phase
domestic categories remain unchanged, the statement added.
Irsea explained that the revision applies mainly to medium and
high voltage customers with a contracted power equal to or
greater than 2000 kVA, belonging to the commercial,
service and industrial sectors.
He specified - that a specific tariff regime will come into force
for them, with greater adjustment to the costs of production,
transport, distribution and marketing of energy, in addition
to the operational regime of the network.
According to the institution, the action seeks to strengthen the
financial sustainability of the electricity sector, guarantee the
maintenance and modernization of infrastructure and
contribute to improving the quality, continuity and
reliability of the electricity supply.
They also hope that it will contribute to attracting new public
and private investment to the sector and promoting more
balanced rates, aligned with the efficient costs of
providing the service.
________________________________________
Congo reaffirms - its commitment to
development on Independence Day
Brazzaville, August 15, 2:59pm
(Prensa Latina)
Congolese President, Denis Sassou-N'Guesso, ratified the
commitment to accelerating the country's development,
as they celebrate today the 66th anniversary of its
independence from France, on August 15, 1960.
In a message to the nation on the date.... the president said
that the occasion invites collective reflection, & magnifies
the national identity, at a time when work is being done
with the objective of achieving -------- a faster march
towards development.
He reaffirmed the political will to prioritize that commitment,
good governance, the mobilization of adequate resources
and the consistent management of projects, as well as
the proper execution of the economic and financial
reforms under way.
The head of state highlighted the resilience of the people,
who have assumed their destiny with optimism and
confidence, and once again placed their trust in
the Government during the general elections
held on March 15.
"The acceleration of the march towards development will not be
reduced.... to a single phrase of style or a slogan," emphasized
Sassou-N'Guesso, who maintained that as announced earlier,
the implementation of visa waivers........ will begin for all
African countries.
On the occasion of the 66th anniversary of national independence,
a civil and military parade was held, which was led by the
Congolese President and Supreme Commander of
the Armed Forces.
Prime Minister, Anatole Collinet Macosso, also addressed a
congratulatory message to the people on the anniversary,
in which he called to be resilient in the face of the tests
of the moment and to serve as a boost for the
development of the country and the
continent - which will be effective
with work, unity and solidarity,
he said.
_________________________________
Fidel Castro's vision of solidarity
and legacy stand out --- in Benin
Cotonou, August 15, 12:55pm
(Prensa Latina)
The solidarity vision of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution,
Fidel Castro (1926-2016), and the importance of his legacy for the
new generations .......were exalted in Benin during a tribute
for his centennial, Prensa Latina learned today.
Through a space called "Meeting of generations of Beninese
graduates in Cuba: Fidel in our lives", people who studied in
the Caribbean nation, members of the diplomatic corps
accredited in the country, Cuban residents and
friends in solidarity with the island, reflected
on the life and work of the statesman.
The meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Degla Assouan
Comlan Benoit, also became a stage for the condemnation of
the US' economic, commercial and financial blockade, as
well as for a reaffirmation of friendship between Cuba
and Benin.
Sponsored by the Embassy of the Caribbean nation in this African
country & the Association of Beninese Trained in Cuba (ABeFoC),
the event became a space to share experiences of those who
studied on the island and assessments of the impact of that
period on their lives and the ideas of Fidel Castro.
Graduates from different specialties.. offered their testimonies and
assured that the ideas and example of the Cuban leader continue
to guide their work in Benin, in addition to thanking Cuban
solidarity with the world and especially with Africa and
their country.
Ambassador Denisse Amaro ---- when addressing those present,
recalled Fidel Castro's vision of solidarity and his commitment
to the training of young Africans ---- as a founding pillar of
South-South cooperation.
At another point in his speech, he denounced the intensification of
the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the
US, which severely affects vital sectors, such as health and
energy in Cuba, while thanking Benin --- for its gestures
of support.
On behalf of the Beninese government, the Deputy Secretary
General of the Foreign Ministry..... Amour-Marie Ako,
congratulated the Cuban people & government
on the centenary of the statesman (August
13, 1926), a date of true celebration.
He also highlighted.. Fidel Castro's legacy in Africa
and the good state of the cooperative relationship
between Benin and Cuba.
On the occasion, the exhibition Urgent Poster x Cuba was
also presented, a sample of silkscreen posters created
by visual artists from various countries that denounce
the U.S. blockade and call for solidarity with the
Caribbean nation.
______________________________
Signing of agreements seals
rapprochement between
Egypt and Turkiye
Cairo, August 15, 12:53pm
(Prensa Latina)
The signing of several cooperation agreements between
Egypt and Turkiye confirms that both countries are
transitioning today from the cold Arctic...
to warm areas.
The pacts, which cover the spheres of transport, infrastructure,
logistics connectivity, investment and free trade, were signed
by the respective foreign ministers, the Egyptian Badr
Abdelatty & his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan,
in the Mediterranean city of El Alameinn, the
official announcement said.
The rapprochement between the two countries was almost palpable
in recent months due to high-level meetings focused on the crisis
in the Persian Gulf, a cause of concern for both Muslim states.
Ties between Cairo and Ankara fell to sharp levels, after the 2013
overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Muslim
Brotherhood executive, a group with which the ruling party in
Turkiye had privileged relations.
The thaw between Cairo and Ankara ......transcends the sphere of
economic and technical collaboration, particularly after Turkiye,
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, signed the Mecca mutual defense
agreement last week ---- that noted the crisis caused in the
Persian Gulf by the attacks of the US&Israel against Iran.
Unconfirmed versions mention the possibility that Egypt is
considering joining the agreement, an addition that
would give it the surname of strategic since it
establishes that aggression against one of
the members will be considered an
action against all.
Egypt would add geographical, historical, territorial weight,
control of the Suez Canal and mass demographics with its
112,716,600 inhabitants.
Given this provision, the mere fact that Pakistan possesses
nuclear weapons is a retaining wall for Israel, which also
has them, although........ it does not admit or deny it.
Tel Aviv's ambitions to annex territories ranging from the Nile
Rivers in Egypt to the Euphrates in Iraq are a source of
concern for more than one government in the Levant.
In Turkiye's terms, recent statements by Benjamin
Netanyahu's likely successor as head of the
Israeli government, Naftali Bennet, are
viewed with caution since without
much protocol, he assured that
one of his first acts as ruler,
will be to "settle accounts
with Turkiye".
_____________________________
Ethiopian National Dialogue,
a model ------- for solving
challenges in Africa
Addis Ababa, August 15, 12am
(Prensa Latina)
The National Dialogue underway today in Ethiopia emerges as
a distinctive African model for resolving complex political and
social challenges through a grassroots-driven process, an
official source said.
The president of the Ethiopian Institute of Public Diplomacy, Yassin
Ahmed, speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency noted that the
Ethiopian experience marks a significant departure from
similar initiatives that were traditionally shaped by
political agreements between elites, party
leaders and state actors.
Ahmed noted that in much of Africa, those processes often follow
a top-down approach -- in which agreements are reached at the
leadership level before being presented to the general public.
While such processes may produce political settlements, they may
not fully reflect the concerns and aspirations of citizens in diverse
communities, he stressed.
Ethiopia, he emphasized, took a different path. "What distinguishes
Ethiopia's National Dialogue is that it was launched on the
principle of dialogue from the bottom to the top, rather
than the other way around," he recalled.
The scholar noted that the national dialogue began with
extensive consultations in communities across the
country, bringing together clan elders, religious
leaders, women, youth, farmers, academics
and civil society representatives.
He stressed that these consultations were aimed at identifying
citizens' concerns and priorities before being elevated to the
national agenda.
He described the approach as a significant institutional and
political shift in Ethiopia's modern history. "For decades,
national political problems were largely addressed
through hierarchical and elite-driven systems,"
he said.
However, he reflected, "the current process reverses that logic
by placing local communities and ordinary citizens at the
starting point of national deliberations."
Ahmed argued that this citizen-centred approach offers an
important lesson for African countries seeking lasting
solutions ..........to deep-seated political and
social challenges.
By grounding dialogue in local participation, governments
can strengthen public ownership of national processes
and improve the legitimacy of outcomes, he said.
He also considered that the importance of Ethiopia's
experience is closely linked..... to the scale and
diversity of the country.
"With a population of more than 130 million and a rich mosaic
of ethnic groups, languages and cultures, managing national
diversity through dialogue... is an extraordinarily complex
task," he acknowledged.
At the same time, the interviewee emphasized that
meaningful political participation cannot coexist
with armed confrontation.
In his view, participation in the National Dialogue requires a
commitment to peaceful political engagement, arguing
that violence and military activity undermine the
necessary conditions for inclusive
democratic deliberation.
He recalled that the national dialogue was established through
legislation passed by the House of People's Representatives
(Parliament) and is administered by an independent
commission that provides the process with an
official legal basis ....and the institutional
mechanism to address key issues.
The Ethiopian experience demonstrates that inclusive national
dialogue can serve as a practical framework for diversity
management, consensus-building and addressing
complex policy issues in pluralistic African
societies, he said.
As African countries continue to seek sustainable approaches
to peacebuilding and democratic governance, Ethiopia's
grassroots-to-national model offers a potentially
important contribution to the continent's
evolving dialogue architecture,
he concluded.
________________________________________
Angola reaffirms commitment ----
to make a better world possible
Luanda, August 14, 4:20pm
(Prensa Latina)
Cuba's collaborators in Angola today reaffirmed the commitment
to continue with the idea of Fidel Castro (1926-2016) to make a
better world possible, on the 100th anniversary of the birth of
the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.
In a ceremony attended ...by members of the diplomatic mission,
headed by the ambassador, Oscar León, the collaborator Yaime
Jouver read a letter addressed to the Cuban statesman, in
which she declared that those who work in this land
are continuators of his work.
On behalf of doctors, teachers, builders, miners, athletes, workers
of the anti-vector campaign and specialists from other branches,
he said they continue to carry in their hands the knowledge,
work, solidarity and will to serve that they learned from
him and the Revolution.
"Angola knows very well the meaning of Cuban solidarity. This
land keeps the memory of thousands of compatriots who
arrived yesterday with a rifle, a scalpel, a book, a tool
or a flag ---- and who were willing to give the best of
themselves ......for a cause that went far beyond
our borders," he said.
He added that today the mission is different, but the essence is
the same: to serve and defend human dignity, each one from
his or her position.
"You taught us that solidarity could not just be a nice word, but
a way of acting. You taught us that a revolutionary must be
wherever he is needed. You taught us: that the homeland
does not end at its borders when it comes to defending
the life and dignity of other peoples," he emphasized.
The collaborator pointed out that, as Fidel Castro's centennial
arrived on August 13, the Cubans who work here want to
remember him working.... and honour him ..by doing
his work.
"From Angola, where so many Cubans left a part of their lives and
where others continue to write new pages of solidarity, we raise
our voices to say: your work lives on, in every patient served,
in every child who learns, in every finished work, in every
athlete who exceeds his own limits, and in every
protected community."
Jouver stressed that it is also present in all those who have
the conviction that being an internationalist is one of the
noblest ways of being Cuban.
At the event, the ambassador, Oscar León; the director of the
company Antex Angola, Ernesto Gutiérrez, and the Minister
Counselor of the Embassy, Guillermo Hernández,
presented diplomas of recognition to
outstanding collaborators of the
companies Antex Angola, and
Imbondex Turística, and the
Meditex clinic.
Those present also enjoyed fragments of interviews with
personalities who knew Fidel Castro, and referred to his
personality, his character ...and his qualities.
______________________________________________
Thousands of participants in the
half marathon..... in Brazzaville
Brazzaville, August 14, 1:25pm
(Prensa Latina)
Thousands of people participated today in the Brazzaville
International Half Marathon, whose starting signal was
given by the president of Congo, Denis Sassou-
N'Guesso, on the Alfred Raoul Boulevard,
said the Presidency in X.
The important event is held as part of the festivities for the 66th
anniversary of Congo's independence, on August 15, and on
this occasion athletes from 38 countries participated.
Held since 2003, the Brazzaville International Half Marathon has
established itself as one of the most important sporting events
in the country, bringing together amateur runners, professional
athletes and international elites.. around an emblematic route
in the heart of Brazzaville.
According to the Central African Information Agency, more than 140
international athletes and 150 qualifiers representing the different
departments of Congo... were present in this edition.
The race has grown considerably over the years, as evidenced
by the fact that in 2023 it registered around 1,100 participants
and, last year, it exceeded 6,000.
_______________________________________
Ebola spreads to
another DRC
province
Kinshasa, August 14, 1:19
(Prensa Latina)
The health zone of Buta, in the province of Bas-Uélé in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was incorporated
into those affected by the Ebola epidemic, the
Congolese Ministry of Health reported
today ....on its account in X.
The ministry noted that since the declaration of the outbreak
of the disease on May 15, six provinces have registered
cases of the disease: Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu,
Tshopo, the recently added Bas-Uélé, and
South Kivu, which has not had any
patients for more than 42 days.
Overall in the country, as of August 12, 4,665 cases of Ebola
were confirmed, of which 965 have recovered and 2,184
died, for a case fatality rate of 46.8 percent.
Currently, 634 patients are in isolation or hospitalized, while
the contact tracing rate has reached 84.2 percent.
"Surveillance remains active, with 1,531 alerts registered, of
which 1,388 have been verified. Prevention interventions
continue around sources of transmission, in particular
by establishing response rings and disinfecting
exposed areas," the ministry report added.
At the suggestion of the World Health Organization, the DRC
decided to use the Ervebo vaccine as a countermeasure
against the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo
strain of the virus, for which --- there is no specific
treatment or vaccines so far.
This approach helps protect people now while generating the
rigorous evidence needed to guide a broader response, the
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said.
____________________________________________________
Morocco reinforces
border security
with Ceuta
Rabat, August 14, 12:55pm
(Prensa Latina)
Morocco today reinforced security in the border areas with the
Spanish enclave of Ceuta and maintains a strong security
device at the Bab Ceuta crossings, as well as the
beaches between Fnideq and Belyounech.
The authorities said that the objective is to deter possible
irregular movements after a campaign spread through
social networks that calls for a massive crossing on
August 15.
They pointed out that National Security forces, the Royal
Gendarmerie, the Auxiliary Forces and units of the
Royal Armed Forces are participating in
the operation.
This new increase in tensions comes after several waves
of crossing attempts in recent weeks, some of which
included ...dangerous swimming to the enclave.
Thousands of people are currently returning from Ceuta.
The number of people who crossed in a week
amounted to 80 thousand.
For its part, the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior reiterated
its warning about the human and legal risks involved in
this type of action, while specifying that the security
services work together with Spain.
_______________________________________
Burkina Faso and Burundi with
------ over a dozen agreements
Ouagadougou, August 14, 11:59am
(Prensa Latina)
Burkina Faso and Burundi today have more than a dozen
agreements in areas such as security, civil protection,
air services, risk prevention & disaster management,
among others.
The two countries held the first session of their Joint
Cooperation Commission, according to a statement
from the Burkinabe Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
which included agreements... on agriculture
and livestock, health, employment, youth,
sport, technical & vocational education,
higher education and research.
Agreements were also established for the reciprocal recognition
of driving licenses, abolishing visas for holders of diplomatic,
service and ordinary passports, the text added.
He added that a total of 14 agreements were established
and were signed by the foreign ministers of the
two countries.
Burkinabe Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré
considered that these signatures constitute a starting
point and not a culmination.
For his part, Burundi's head of diplomacy, Edouard Bizimana,
called for accelerating implementation of the agreements,
promoting reciprocal investments and strengthening
partnerships between the private sectors of
both countries.
The two delegations... decided to establish sectoral
committees to follow up on the commitments made.
__________________________________________
DRC President calls for more debate
in parliament on referendum law
Kinshasa, August 14, 7:05am
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix
Tshisekedi, asked to debate again the referendum law already
approved by both chambers and with the approval of the
Constitutional Court, the local press highlight today.
The regulation, which sets out the conditions for the organisation
of referendums in the DRC, will return to the National Assembly
(lower house) during its ordinary session in September 2026.
According to the publication 7sur7.cd, the new deliberation aims,
in particular, to incorporate interpretative clauses formulated by
the Constitutional Court in its judgment, with the purpose of
having a text that offers greater clarity and legal certainty.
Beyond this, the Econews portal recalled ....that more than 60 civil
society organizations sent a letter to the head of state requesting
that the legislation not be enacted --- due to the possible political
repercussions of the project in today's socio-political context.
The issue of the referendum --- remains a central point of tensions
between the government and part of the opposition --- in talks on
a possible national dialogue, said Actualité.CD, who referred to
how the opposition C64 coalition has turned the Constitution
and the referendum into ------- two of its red lines.
___________________________________________________
Viet Nam–Uganda Business Forum –
The Pearl of Africa took place
in Ha Noi on Wednesday.
by Thuy Dung
August 13, 9am
(VGP)
Prime Minister attends Viet Nam-South Africa
Business Forum in Johannesburg, Premier
entry point - for Vietnamese enterprises
into Africa
PM’s official visits help shape new vision
for cooperation with Middle East–Africa.
The event was jointly organized by the High Commission of
Uganda in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the Viet Nam
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
The event is part of the "The Pearl of Africa – Uganda Business
Forum & Expo Viet Nam Chapter", seeks to deepen Viet Nam-
Uganda bilateral relations --------- and position Uganda as the
premier entry point for Vietnamese enterprises into Africa.
In his opening remarks, VCCI Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang
Vinh emphasized that the strong participation of business
representatives from both countries at the forum - was a
clear testament to the growing interest of the business
communities in strengthening investment cooperation
between Viet Nam and Uganda.
The forum is not only a platform for sharing market information
but also an opportunity to promote business connections,
build cooperative and partnership relations, and open
up new opportunities for businesses from both
countries, he noted.
Noting that Viet Nam-Uganda economic cooperation remains
modest compared with its potential, Deputy Minister of
Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan... recommended that the
relevant authorities of the two countries --- closely
coordinate... to support businesses in accessing
market information, cooperation opportunities
...lists of priority products, and each other's
investment policies.... as well as their
business environments.
Uganda's Ambassador to Viet Nam Betty Bigombe said, the
forum is a platform to translate the longstanding friendship
between Uganda and Viet Nam into tangible trade
and investment.
"With Viet Nam's industrial expertise and Uganda's resources,
cheap labour and access to African markets, we have a
unique opportunity to forge partnerships that create
jobs and shared prosperity", she shared.
Uganda and Viet Nam established
diplomatic relations in 1973.
Bilateral trade between Uganda and Vietnam remains modest
yet it is expanding rapidly, signaling strong potential for
growth. In 2024, total trade stood at US$22.1 million,
and by 2025 it had grown more than fourfold to
approximately US$95.47 million.
On investment.. Viet Nam has pledged approximately US$40
million in Uganda, focused mainly on mining & construction.
A central feature ....will be targeted business-to-business and
government-to-business matchmaking, networking sessions,
and site visits. Policy dialogue will address regulatory
alignment, including negotiations on a bilateral
investment treaty as well as a double
taxation agreement.
The forum in Ha Noi featured panel discussions on doing business
in Uganda, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCFTA) for Asian enterprises, and agro-industrialization
and value addition.
Over 300 participants joined the event, including government
delegations from Uganda and Viet Nam, CEOs and investors
from leading Vietnamese conglomerates, members of the
Ugandan private sector and diaspora, SMEs, financial
institutions, and development partners.
__________________________________________
EU Renews Sanctions Against
Pan-Africanist Nathalie Yamb
for another Year
August 12, 6:29pm
(Pravda.En)
"I received a letter from the EU Council announcing its intention
to renew my sanctions for one year. Reason: I was appointed
special advisor to the President of Niger, with a diplomatic
passport, as well as my 2019 Sochi speech. This is not
a joke! What can I say?", she stated on X.
Nathalie Yamb has been banned from
entering the EU ......since June 2025.
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
Sputnik Africa | X
_______________________________
Strong winter conditions...
affect South Africa parts
Pretoria, August 12, 12:40pm
(Prensa Latina)
In several regions of South Africa, snowfall, heavy rain and
winds caused the closure of schools, disruptions in the
electricity supply and put emergency services ----
on alert.
The authorities considered the current weather conditions
extreme and called on the population to avoid dangerous
means of heating, that could cause fires ...or poisoning.
According to reports from transport institutions, the storm
affects traffic ....and slows down movement on the roads.
They recommended extreme caution, limiting non-essential
travel and finding out about the state of the roads --- before
getting behind the wheel.
The spokesman for the provincial transport department in
KwaZulu-Natal, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said the sky stayed
overcast from Cedara to Midway, it was raining
between Harrismith and Van Reenen, and
snow had begun to disappear in the
direction of Memel.
Lucky dabs!
__________________________________
Cause of Egypt's road
disaster determined
Cairo, August 12, 12:03
(Prensa Latina)
A tire blowout was the cause of the road disaster in the province
of Ismailia (northeast), the experts' investigation ruled today.
In the early hours of Tuesday, two light trucks carrying
workers collided head-on, killing 18 passengers and
injuring 30, according to updated reports from the
Health Ministry.
The magnitude of the catastrophe prompted Egyptian President
Abdel Fattah El Sisi to order a swift and thorough investigation
into the causes to determine the circumstances and
responsibilities of the accident.
The tragedy was caused by the explosion of the right rear tire
of one of the vehicles whose driver lost control and caused
the collision, according to the official report of the experts
of the National Prosecutor's Office in charge of the
investigation, based on the examination of the
scene of the collision and the testimonies
of only some of the survivors.. since 20
are in critical condition.
The fact brought to public attention that during the past year
in Egypt deaths from traffic accidents increased 10.8% to
5,829 and injuries a similar percentage to 84,553,
according to a recent report.... by the Central
Agency for Public Mobilization & Statistics.
_____________________________________________
UN alert on cholera spread
in six African countries
Dakar, August 12, 11:45am
(Prensa Latina)
Cholera.. is spreading through some six countries in Africa and
the greatest risk is for millions of children, the United Nations
Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned today.
It also requested $15 million - to strengthen the response to
active outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
the Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and the
Central African Republic.
UNICEF considered that strengthening access to drinking water,
sanitation and hygiene, as well as epidemiological surveillance,
oral vaccination and community mobilization, is essential --- to
contain the spread.
Seasonal rainfall, floods, population displacements and cross-
border movements favour the spread of this waterborne
disease, especially among children.
Speaking to the press, UNICEF's regional director for West and
Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, assured that this outbreak is
no longer limited by borders, while calling for urgent action
and greater regional solidarity.
The organization works with national and local authorities, the
World Health Organization, Africa CDC and other partners to
improve cross-border coordination along the main
transmission axes, he said.
UNICEF also pointed out that the requested funding will be
used to intensify --- over the next six months, emergency
interventions against cholera in West & Central Africa.
However, he specified that the emergency response must be
accompanied by sustainable investments in drinking water,
sanitation, hygiene and health systems ------- to prevent
recurrent outbreaks.
Data released by the United Nations indicated that in the Central
African Republic, children under 10 years of age account for 44
percent of the reported cases, while in Chad about two-thirds
of infections correspond to children under 15 years of age
and in Cameroon, the median age of patients is 10 years.
Nigeria is facing the largest outbreak on record in the region, with
over 50,000 cumulative cases and 338 deaths since January 1,
2026. In particular, a major outbreak was reported in Borno
State at the end of July.
The Democratic Republic of Congo recorded over 30,400 cases
and nearly 700 deaths, the highest death toll among the six
countries currently affected.
__________________________________
Chad Celebrates 66 Years of Freedom
With Grand Parade & Patriotic Spirit
August 11th, 6:14pm
(Pravda.EN)
Formerly a French colony, Chad was declared an independent
and sovereign country on August 11, 1960, by President
François Tombalbaye.
The capital, N'Djamena, hosted a grand military parade led by
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Débrey Itno. The vibrant
festivities welcomed distinguished international guests,
including the President of Madagascar, Michael
Randrianirina --- and Guinea-Bissau's Horta
Inta-A Na Man.
In a poignant tribute to the nation's heroes, the Chadian president
laid a commemorative wreath.. honouring the martyrs who made
the ultimate sacrifice to defend Chad’s freedom & sovereignty.
Sputnik Africa | X
_____________________________________
Djidji Ayokwe - ready for
display in Côte d'Ivoire
Yamoussoukro, August 11, 12:49pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan, in Ivory Coast, will host for
its exhibition the Djidji Ayokwe, a conversation drum looted by
French colonialism in 1916, media outlets reported today.
Last Friday, citizens were able to come to see it and participate
in the ceremony that took it in a military parade through the
Yopougon district of Abidjan, before continuing to the
village of Adjame, where the imposing wooden
drum ...was created.
The black, white and red instrument is more than 3 metres long and
weighs 430 kilograms and was used by the Ebrie tribe to transmit
messages, warn of danger, call for war .....or summon villagers
to ceremonies.
The celebration - which coincided with the African country's
independence day, was attended by the Minister of Culture,
Françoise Remarck, traditional leaders and hundreds of
local residents.
Last March, the piece arrived back in Ivory Coast.... and was
part of a list of 148 objects requested from France for return.
______________________________________________________________
Egypt sends new
survival convoy
for Gazans
Cairo, August 11, 8:51am
(Prensa Latina)
With the first light of dawn today, the humanitarian aid caravan
sent by the Red Crescent to the hundreds of thousands of
people threatened with famine left Gaza from this capital.
The convoy, the third in less than a week, is carrying "thousands
of tons of packages of food, flour, medicines, medical supplies
and other essentials for survival, in particular fuel" destined
for the few medical posts left standing... by the genocidal
Israeli campaign of almost three years against the strip,
60 percent of which it occupies and refuses to evict.
Since the beginning of the campaign, Zad Al-Izza Egypt, through
the SRCS, has dispatched over a million tons of supplies to
Gaza with the support of 750,000 volunteers who are in
charge of the selection, handling and loading of the
supplies, according to the humanitarian agency,
the Muslim equivalent of the International
Red Cross.
At the same time, the Egyptian government announced today
the shipment of aid to southern Lebanon, where thousands
of people had to flee their homes due to a lethal offensive
by the Tel Aviv army that destroyed their homes and
cost the lives of thousands of unarmed civilians.
____________________________________________________
Ethiopia... expands high-speed mobile
network in collaboration with China
Addis Ababa, August 11, 5:25am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia's high-speed mobile network has - so far - reached
92% of the population.. in the service area assigned to the
Chinese technology & telecommunications company ZTE.
In joint work with the local state telecommunications company
Ethio Telecom, progress is being made in a broad program of
modernization and expansion of the network, aimed at
increasing connectivity and supporting the digital
transformation of the country.
The topic was the focus of talks between the Ethiopian company's
chief executive, Frehiwot Tamru, and a high-level delegation of
the Chinese company led by its executive vice president and
chief operating officer, Xie Junshi, as well as the review of
the Network Expansion and Modernization Agreement.
The latter was formalized during the Mobile World Congress 2026
held last March in Barcelona, Spain. Considered the world's
largest mobile technology and innovation event, its
discussions and presentations highlighted the
era of artificial intelligence, advanced
networking and new devices.
According to official sources, the modernization program
covers 879 sites within ZTE's service area.
To date, 462 Radio Access Network (RAN) sites have been renewed,
including the deployment of LTE layers at 180 sites, LTE upgrades
at 248 sites, & a complete software replacement at another 102.
The remaining components are in the implementation phase,
including 124 new sites, the reallocation of U2100 band
frequencies at 272 sites, and the installation of 115
sites with solutions for rural areas.
The modernized infrastructure is expected to provide a stronger
digital foundation for Ethiopia's growing economy and improve
connectivity for millions of people.
Tamru commended ZTE --- for its contribution to the successful
implementation of the modernization program, highlighting its
importance - in achieving the goals of the first year of Ethio
Telecom's strategy called "Next Horizon: Digital Strategy
and Beyond 2028."
It also requested the continued support of the Chinese company
as it moves through the next phase of modernization and
expansion of the network, which includes more
ambitious goals.
Another central topic of the talks ...was expanding access to
affordable smartphones. Both companies agreed to explore
innovative device financing solutions, that enable more
consumers to purchase those devices and take full
advantage of the expanding 4G network.
For his part, Xie praised Ethio Telecom's progress and
strategic direction, reaffirming his company's
commitment to maintaining collaboration
with the Ethiopian operator.
______________________________________________
Angolan Religious Leader...
Concerned About Growing
Intolerance
Luanda, August 10, 5:28pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé
(Ceast) and archbishop of Saurimo, Monsignor José Manuel
Imbamba, today expressed his concern about the signs
of growing intolerance and violence in the country.
During a meeting with the president of the National Assembly, Adão
de Almeida, both parties discussed the current Angolan social and
political context, the Parliament's website indicated.
Imbamba said the hearing served to analyze the latest developments
in the country and identify ways in which institutions can contribute
positively to the promotion of a culture of coexistence, pluralism,
social friendship and dialogue.
In this regard, the archbishop condemned the events that took place
over the weekend in the province of Uíge, where an activity of the
National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)
party led to ''violent repression''.
"We cannot justify any type of violence, any type of intolerance... or
any situation that threatens peace or social coexistence," he said,
adding that after half a century of independence the country
needs to make a qualitative leap in citizen coexistence
and nation-building.
He considered that, one of the current challenges, is to strengthen
education for citizenship, since he valued that until now too much
energy has been concentrated on training militants, instead
of citizens aware of their rights, duties & responsibilities.
He also reflected that Parliament should be an example of dialogue,
tolerance and democratic coexistence, ''bringing together
representatives of different political forces'', the
source said.
[RR adds - is that the same UNITA that - backed by the West
- took up arms against any move by Angola towards
socialism, fighting a decades-long vicious war
won by Cuban troops fighting & dying side
by side with their brother Angolans?
Yes - it is! Monsignor José
Manuel Imbamba..... is
a very arch bishop.]
________________________________________
Nigeria moves towards..
a more stable economy
Abuja, August 10, 12:59pm
(Prensa Latina)
A report by the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) states today
that the national economy moved from a macroeconomic
crisis to a more stable and resilient footing.
He added that the economy is fully on the road to recovery and
attributed the progress to reforms pushed under President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the published data, Nigeria's debt/Gross Domestic
Product ratio fell for the first time in more than 10 years, from
38 percent in 2023 to 32.3 percent in 2026.
External reserves for trade and emergencies multiplied, the NRS
said, while placing that capital at 51.9 billion dollars in July
2026, compared to 3.99 billion dollars in 2023.
In terms of tax collection, important progress was also shown,
which according to the report, was due to the increase in the
digitization of this process, four new tax reform laws, a
reform of the revenue service and an executive order
that closed the legal loopholes used to evade taxes.
Oil, which remains the central pillar of the Nigerian economy,
has also rebounded, with production rising from about 1.2 to
1.3 million barrels per day in 2023 to 1.73 million barrels per
day... in July 2026, a level equivalent to 104 percent of the
country's quota under the Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries, he pointed out.
The NRS said - these numbers show an economy that has
overcome its toughest period and is on a stronger footing.
_____________________________________________________________
Ethiopia's Dialogue Conference
Deliberations Phase Concludes
Addis Ababa, August 10, 10:28am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia's National Dialogue Conference concludes its deliberation
phase today and tomorrow they will be presented to the defined
consultation groups, said the chief commissioner of the entity
responsible for the process, Mesfin Araya.
In the current stage, two groups of 250 participants compiled and
documented observations that will be analyzed by 500 strategic
consultation groups (10 members each), the latter in charge of
preparing the final agenda, Ayara said in statements to media.
He further explained that the differences of opinion, arguments,
and occasional emotional exchanges observed at the start of
the process are natural indicators of broad participation
and vitality in the consultation.
He noted that participants expressed a variety of views because
they saw the consultation as an opportunity to reflect on issues
of both immediate and long-term national importance.
However, he stressed that excessive emotional exchanges are not
acceptable under the internal rules of procedure of the Ethiopian
National Dialogue Commission, which is promoting the initiative.
"One of the principles of the consultation process is respect. The
second.... is to talk, listen and get to the centre," he said, urging
participants to uphold these principles throughout the process.
He stressed that the 4,000 delegates were not meeting to seek
solutions to individual issues raised by villages or local areas,
but to deliberate on national issues... with Ethiopia - in focus.
The advice generated through the consultation will be transmitted
to police institutions, legislators, legal interpreters, political
parties and civil society organizations, he revealed.
On the other hand, the chief commissioner dismissed rumours
that decisions would be made through majority voting or
under internal or external pressure.
He explained that the current debates and disagreements
among participants represent the "divergence" phase of
the consultation process and are therefore a normal
part of the deliberations. Eventually, he added,
they will move into a "convergence" phase,
during which, participants will reserve
individual positions and work toward
common ideas centred on Ethiopia.
He considered that the consultation process is progressing well
and, after a month of intensive work, it is expected to conclude
it within the next one to two weeks. The Commission will
present its proposals to the executive body, while the
implementation of the recommendations will be
monitored and made public, he announced.
________________________________________
Guinea Demands France Return
Skull of Anti-Colonial Hero
Bokar Biro: Media
August 6th, 9:05pm
(Pravda.EN)
Guinea has formally requested the remains of the last Almamy
of Fouta Djallon—who was beheaded in 1896—along with his
relatives, Culture Minister Moussa Moïse Sylla was quoted
as saying.
The remains are currently kept at the Musée de l'Homme in Paris,
where they have been held - as war trophies. They were located
after an earlier request .......for the repatriation of Samory
Touré's remains.
A 2023 French law on human remains allows for restitution in such
cases. A Guinean scientific committee is now preparing for the
return, which is expected to take place within 1 to 2 years.
Once repatriated, the remains will be buried
with dignity ....and accorded a state funeral.
Source: Telegram "sputnik_africa"
______________________________________
New airport terminal
inaugurated in Bahir
Dar, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, August 6th, 12:36pm
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today inaugurated the new
terminal of the Bahir Dar Dejazmach Belay Zeleke International
Airport, considered a milestone for one of the main gateways
to the country.
Ahmed stressed on his account on the social network X that
this project represents much more than a modern terminal.
"Following the challenges that Bahir Dar has faced in the recent
past, it is a testament to resilience, recovery and a continued
commitment to the future," he said.
He said the new facility -- the second largest after Addis Ababa's
Boles International Airport, significantly increases capacity and
improves the passenger experience, thanks to expanded
aircraft infrastructure, optimal access roads and
modern services designed to meet the
growing needs of the region.
Along with the urban transformation shaping the city - this new
terminal positions Bahir Dar, in the northern region of Amhara,
as a key node for both domestic and international flights, the
Ethiopian head of government said.
He called on the community to preserve peace in order to
reap the economic benefits offered by this dynamic city.
On the other hand, he explained that the new facility stands as
a great victory for the Ethiopian Airlines Group, the Amhara
region and the nation as a whole.
However, he stressed that maintaining this momentum depends
to a large extent on addressing two key pillars ------- through
continued efforts.
The first critical imperative, he listed, involves expanding
municipal revenues to maintain and take advantage of
these investments. Despite being home to top-notch
infrastructure, the city of Bahir Dar currently ranks
seventh among Ethiopian cities in revenue
generation, he revealed.
To maintain new green spaces, corridor developments and
public services operating seamlessly, local financial
capacity must grow to reflect the city's modern
stance, transforming Bahir Dar into an
economically self-sufficient hub for
visitors and investors alike,
he added.
As a final prerequisite, he mentioned preserving
regional peace, without which long-term
economic prosperity and vibrant
tourism .....cannot flourish.
__________________________________________
Benin recognises Ethiopia's
digital progress as a
model for Africa
Addis Ababa, August 6th, 2:40am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia's digital transformation is an exemplary model from which
other African countries can learn, said Benin's Minister of Digital
Transformation and Innovation, Mahuna Akplogan, who
continues an official visit here today.
Akplogan's remarks, leading a Beninese delegation, came after
touring the Modern Ethiopian Service for Organized Benefits
(Mesob) and national identification benefit centres.
She revealed that Porto Novo is keen to learn from the
Addis Ababa experience and adopt best practices
in the delivery of digital services.
"Ethiopia has recently shown that the country has been able to
be very effective in digital transformation and innovation of
the services offered to citizens," she acknowledged.
She highlighted that the Digital Strategy Ethiopia 2025 provided a
solid foundation for the sector's advancement, paving the way
for Digital Ethiopia 2030, which sets more ambitious targets.
She added that Benin aims to understand Ethiopia's approach to
digital transformation, while exploring areas of cooperation
between the two countries.
For his part, Mesob CEO Yonas Alemayehu stated that the visit
provided an opportunity ------ to share Ethiopia's experience in
building an integrated digital government services platform.
Alemayehu stressed that the one-stop shop evolved in one year
from a comprehensive service centre to a unified platform and
is preparing to launch an intelligent self-service system.
He reported that the Beninese delegation showed particular
interest in Mesob's institutional integration model, in
addition to identifying it as a possible avenue to
address similar challenges in their own
digital service systems.
Ethiopia's National Director of Identification, Yodahe
Zemichael, gave visitors an update --- on the
development of national technological
capacity for these services.
Zemichael recalled that the initiative aligns with the African
Union's vision of facilitating the movement of people
across the continent and supporting trade and
economic integration.
He added that they held discussions on possible cooperation
between Ethiopia and Benin on digital identity and other
technology-driven projects.
The Beninese delegation arrived in this capital last Tuesday
to complete a 5-day agenda aimed at deepening bilateral
collaboration in the sector and governance.
_____________________________________________
Egypt's categorical rejection
of the displacement of the
Palestinian people
Cairo, August 5th, 1pm
(Prensa Latina)
The "categorical rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian
people from Gaza and the West Bank under any pretexts" was
expressed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty
in statements circulated today to the press.
In this regard, he stressed that his country "completely rejects
any unilateral measures aimed at the annexation of the West
Bank of the Jordan and East Jerusalem".
In that context, he called for intensified international efforts to
halt the recent deterioration and to establish an independent
Palestinian State on the borders existing on 4 June 1967.
Last week, the Egyptian minister telephoned Palestinian Authority
President Mahmoud Abbas to condemn what he bluntly called the
Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Days ago, the Egyptian Red Crescent delivered another shipment
of food, medicine, medical supplies and fuel destined for the
hundreds of thousands of Gazans living in refugee camps
due to the destruction of their homes by almost three
years --- of Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian
coastal strip.
The latter have cost the lives of almost 74,000 civilians, more
than half of them women and children, a figure that grows
daily -- for what few hesitate to describe as genocide.
At the end of last week, 600 former officials and officers of the
Israeli intelligence services sent a letter to US President
Trump, in which they denounced the growing terrorism
of the inhabitants of the settlements created by the
Israeli occupiers in the West Bank.
_________________________________________________
Peace, security and preparations
for COP32 are focused on in the
Ethiopia-AU dialogue
Addis Ababa, August 5th, 11:03am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, spoke today
with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission,
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on regional peace and security
and preparations for COP32 in 2027.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the local Foreign Ministry,
focused on the evolving stability situation in the Horn of Africa
and the importance of strengthening cooperation between
the two sides on key continental and global priorities.
A major focus of the discussions was Ethiopia's preparations to
host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference
(COP32) November 2027, an event that will attract
world leaders, policymakers, climate experts
and international partners.
Timothewos and Youssouf ---- emphasized the need for close
coordination between the Commission and Addis Ababa as
the host nation to ensure the successful organization of
the historic climate summit.
The dialogue ...underscored the growing bilateral partnership
to promote peace and security, while strengthening Africa's
collective climate agenda.
He also reaffirmed Ethiopia's position as a leading hub of
continental diplomacy and international engagement,
as it steps up preparations to host COP32.
_________________________________________________
Venezuela and Egypt reaffirm
strengthening friendship
and cooperation
Caracas, August 5th, 10:31am
(Prensa Latina)
The governments of Venezuela and Egypt today reaffirmed their
commitment to strengthen the historical ties of friendship and
cooperation between the two countries, plus ....integration
between the two regions.
The Venezuelan Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
Félix Plascencia, announced it on his Instagram account .....after
holding a "fruitful conversation" by telephone with his Egyptian
counterpart, Badr Abdelatty.
In his message, the senior Bolivarian diplomat -- expressed gratitude
to the foreign minister of the North African state for Egypt's "timely
solidarity in the face of the earthquakes of June 24 in Venezuela."
During the dialogue, they also discussed opportunities to
strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in trade,
investment and energy matters.
They valued Egypt's experience in reconstruction processes.... after
large-scale natural disasters and "invited experts from that country
to participate in the recovery and reconstruction efforts" carried
out by the Venezuelan government.
_________________________________________________
Progress in Ethiopia-Oman
relations ...are highlighted
Addis Ababa, August 5th, 7:49am
(Prensa Latina)
Relations between Ethiopia and Oman are experiencing rapid
progress in various sectors, especially in the political and
economic spheres, said the kingdom's ambassador here,
Afkar Bin Nazem, quoted today by the Ethiopian
News Agency.
Speaking to the news outlet, Nazem said that the strong and long-
lasting ties between the two countries are gaining momentum
thanks to the commitment of their leaders.
He revealed that earlier this year, Addis Ababa and Muscat signed a
memorandum of understanding on political consultations and that
the first round of bilateral consultations was subsequently held.
This step, he stressed, expanded the scope of cooperation
and coordination between the two sides.
On the current expansion of the collaboration, he mentioned the
impact on the volume of bilateral trade: Oman ....imports coffee,
sesame and livestock, while exporting construction materials,
including iron and plastic products, to Ethiopia.
He considered that economic relations are well positioned
to continue growing, given the existing investment
opportunities and the mutual desire to expand
trade cooperation.
He also.. praised Ethiopia's rapid progress in various sectors
since assuming its diplomatic duties here about a year ago.
The diplomat said visitors from his country expressed
admiration --- for Addis Ababa's achievements in
development, and hopes this will encourage
more Omani tourists to visit.
He said that both nations are working to expand cooperation
in the fields of investment, tourism and people-to-people
exchanges, in addition to promoting official and
commercial visits.
Before concluding, he reaffirmed Oman's desire to continue
strengthening its relations with Ethiopia in a manner that
serves the common interests ...of both countries and
their peoples.
___________________________________________________
Angola prepares summit on conflict
prevention ------------ and resolution
Luanda, August 5th, 6:30am
(Prensa Latina)
Angola is making progress today in preparations for an
extraordinary summit of heads of state & government
of the African Union on the strengthening of conflict
prevention and resolution mechanisms.
The meeting, scheduled to take place in Luanda on 29 and 30
August, is to analyse the challenges of peace and security
on the continent and to consider proposals aimed at
strengthening existing mechanisms for the
prevention of confrontations and the
search for solutions.
The day before, delegations from Angola and the African Union met,
led by the director for Africa, the Middle East and Regional
Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jorge
Catarino Cardoso, and the secretary of the African
Union Commission, Dalitso Dikirani Bonongwe.
Both sides assessed the main technical and organisational aspects
for the meeting, including the draft work programme and the
measures needed to ensure that it takes place.
The summit completes a series of meetings that have been
held in Luanda this year, whose focus - has been on peace.
On July 9 and 10, the second International Women's Forum for
Peace and Democracy took place here; while on the 16th and
17th of the same month, the 3rd edition of the United Nations
Alliance of Civilizations Initiative was held, in which several
heads of State and Government participated..... both
physically and virtually.
_____________________________________________________
More than 48,000 displaced
in 15 days in DRC province
Kinshasa, August 5th, 6:02am
(Prensa Latina)
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA) reported that the fighting in the province of
South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
caused the displacement of over 48,000 people.
The institution warned that the figure is the result of the last
15 days of clashes in the so-called highlands, made up of
the territories of Uvira, Fizi and Mwenga, where civilian
casualties and damage to critical infrastructure... are
also reported to date.
He added that insecurity has forced people to flee their homes,
disrupting their access to essential services, while road
closures, damage to infrastructure and disruptions to
telecommunications hinder humanitarian access,
medical evacuations and the delivery of aid.
In this regard, OCHA said that since January more than 80 people
injured by armed violence and explosive remnants of war have
not been able to access the treatment they need.
The agency insisted - that all parties to the conflict must "protect
civilians, facilitate safe and sustained humanitarian access, and
restore telecommunications.... which remain critical for civilian
protection, public health initiatives & humanitarian operations."
The situation of violence in this area generated the call
for a "ghost town" day this Wednesday - to protest the
phenomenon and as a wake-up call to the authorities.
The intention of the call not to leave home is to demand that
the Government urgently increase the supply of modern
equipment to the Armed Forces and the militias called
Wazalendo to guarantee the defense of the highlands
and plateaus of Uvira and Fizi.
According to the call, which was promoted by the New Congolese
Civil Society, the protest also aims to denounce "the silence and
hypocrisy of the international community" in the face of the
advance in Uvira of the Congo River Alliance-March 23
Movement (AFC/M23), supported by Rwanda,
despite the agreements signed.
"For the sake of our safety, we urge you to remain in your homes
this Wednesday, August 5, 2026 to express our discontent and
indignation at the deteriorating security situation in the
medium and high altitude regions of Uvira and Fizi,"
the statement said.
_________________________________________________
New Egyptian humanitarian
convoy ------ travels to Gaza
Cairo, August 4th, 9:12am
(Prensa Latina)
The long line of trucks loaded with food and essential goods sent
by Egypt, the 29th in recent weeks, transits today through the
Sinai desert bound for the hundreds of thousands of Gazans
displaced by the Israeli genocide.
The 98,000 food parcels, as well as sacks of flour, medical supplies
and fuel ----- to run the few medical centres left standing by the
bombardments of the Tel Aviv army, are managed, organized
and transported by the Egyptian Red Crescent with the
support of hundreds of volunteers of both sexes who
sort and load the goods that constitute the lifeline
of an entire human community that Israel tries to
to eliminate from the face of the earth - by force
of fire & iron --- their modern means of combat.
Given the desolate landscape of the Palestinian coastal strip and
the survivors, it is impossible not to think of the chronicles of the
conduct of the Nazi troops during what Adolf Hitler called their
strategy of "lebensraun" (living space, in German) in the
territories they occupied --- in Ukraine, Russia and
Eastern European countries. some of whose
architects had to give an account at the
Nuremberg Tribunal, after the Allied
victory in World War II.
_____________________________________
DRC to bring drinking water to 60%
of the population ---------- by 2035
Kinshasa, August 4th, 8:29am
(Prensa Latina)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is working today with
the goal of reaching 60% of the population with drinking water
by 2035, the Ministry of Water Resources and Electricity said.
The head of the portfolio, Aimé Molendo Sakombi, pointed out that
since the implementation of the National Public Water Service
Policy, approved in December 2025, actions are currently
being developed to reach that goal, which improves the
living conditions of citizens.
Regarding the recent inauguration of the Lovoyi water treatment
plant, in the city of Kamina, capital of the province of Haut-
Lomami, the minister stressed that this project, with a
capacity for 7,000 cubic metres of water a day,
will benefit 230,000 people.
"It is clean water, of good quality and, above all, available
in sufficient quantities," said Molendo Sakombi, who
mentioned that the schedule of works continues
with actions in Tshikapa, in Kasai province,
and Kananga, in Kasai Central.
"In Tshikapa, for example, we have an installed capacity
of 50,000 cubic metres a day. This capacity --- will not
increase, but we will expand the network. Instead
of 250,000 people, we will be able to supply
1.25 million," he said.
Regarding Kananga, he explained that the existing plant has
an installed capacity of 25,000 cubic metres, but only
produces 5,000, so the work is aimed at increasing
production to 75,000 cubic metres... with
rehabilitation and the incorporation
of a new plant.
The minister pointed out that strict instructions were given to the
Director General of the Water Distribution Authority (Regideso)
to facilitate the connections, in addition to working in
coordination with the Ministry of Economy so that
the change in rates a few months ago does not
affect vulnerable populations.
According to Regideso, in 2018, the number of people with access
to drinking water in the DRC was 25.9 million, representing 25.4%
of the population, out of an estimated base of 100 million.
In 2023, these figures increased -- to more than 36.1 million people
connected to the network, for 35.5% of the estimated inhabitants.
With these new investments .....and the pace of growth,
the government plans to reach the 60% target by 2035.
________________________________________________________
Trade between Angola and China
could exceed USD 20 billion
Luanda, August 3rd, 3:29pm
(Prensa Latina)
China's ambassador to Angola, Zhang Bin, commented today that
the trade volume between the two countries reached 10.8 billion
dollars in six months and could exceed 20.8 billion by the end
of the year.
After a meeting with the president of the National Assembly,
Adão de Almeida, where they analyzed bilateral and
parliamentary relations and cooperation between
the legislative bodies of the two countries, the
diplomat commented to the press on the
performance of the trade balance.
In this regard, he explained that the interest of Chinese companies
and investors in developing projects in the country is increasing,
while the results of the first half support the expectation of
greater growth by the end of the year, when the 20.8
billion dollars of 2025 in terms of trade could
be exceeded.
Bin added that several trade missions from his country have visited
Angola with the aim of evaluating investment opportunities, while
over 3,000 visas were granted to Angolan citizens during the
first six months of 2026.
____________________________________________
Accident in Angola leaves
22 dead and 12 injured
Luanda, August 3rd, 1:50pm
(Prensa Latina)
A serious accident on National Highway 100 (EN100), in the town
of Quibaúla, province of Cuanza-Sul in Angola, left 22 people
dead and 12 injured, authorities reported.
The incident occurred around 05:00 local time, when a passenger
bus of the Macom company, which was traveling from Luanda to
Huíla, collided with a three-wheeled motorcycle carrying fuel.
The impact caused a powerful explosion and a fire that consumed
both vehicles, which increased the number of victims, Jornal de
Angola said.
The Minister of Health, Silvia Lutucuta, told the press that
four victims with serious injuries from the accident were
transferred to the Julius Nyerere Burn Hospital in
Luanda, to receive specialized care.
He explained that three of the four patients have serious
burns that require intensive care and remain under
clinical evaluation, while the 4th has a worrying
clinical picture and will have to be intubated.
Lutucuta commented that severe burns... leave patients very
vulnerable, due to the destruction of the skin that functions
as an important protective barrier against infections, in
addition to other associated risks; issues that the
specialized hospital will diligently address, as
they have the appropriate knowledge
and conditions.
He pointed out that the other injured, with minor burns,
continue to receive care at Hospital 17 de Setembro
in the province of Cuanza-Sul.
According to the Angola Press agency, of the 22 fatalities
in the accident, 18 were occupants of the bus, which
was carrying 46 passengers, and four were
traveling on the motorcycle.
___________________________________________________
More than 1,650 dead in
Democratic Congo due
to Ebola
Kinshasa, August 3rd, 1:16pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Ministry of Communication of the Democratic Republic
of Congo reported today that the number of deaths as a
result of Ebola rose to 1,657, while the number of
confirmed cases increased by 3,748 cases.
At the moment, 690 patients are in isolation or hospitalized,
while 708 individuals have been cured since the beginning
of the epidemic.
The case fatality rate is set at 44.2 percent, while the contact
tracing rate advances to 80.1%, according to the statement
from the Ministry of Communication. This ministry stressed
that the surveillance, research and laboratory devices are
still fully mobilized, with over 1,000 alerts investigated.
__________________________________________________
Over 26 million Ethiopians
---- in record tree planting
Addis Ababa, August 3rd, 12:47
(Prensa Latina)
A total of 26.2 million Ethiopians planted 805.3 million tree seedlings
in 12 hours today, which, according to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,
demonstrates the capacity for collective action -------- and is an
example for Africa.
Ahmed confirmed the figures after the national campaign concluded,
as part of the Green Legacy Initiative, with an initial goal of 800
million seedlings to be planted from 6am local time.
He commended the Ethiopian people ---- for their massive voluntary
participation, describing the milestone as an historic achievement
that shows what can be done: through unity, shared responsibility
and collective commitment.
He said the success of the campaign on 3 August shows that
Ethiopia can go beyond aspirations and translate ambitious
plans into practical results ---- through collective action.
He noted that the participation of more than 26 million citizens
in the mobilization reflects the strength of national solidarity
and a shared commitment to create a greener future for
generations to come.
He also stressed that he positioned Ethiopia as an example
for Africa, showing the potential of large-scale community
engagement to address environmental challenges and
promote climate resilience.
The achievement also set a new record in the Green Legacy
Initiative, surpassing the previous one of more than
714 million tree seedlings ...reached in 2025.
For the day, over 291,400 hectares of land were allocated
throughout the country, added the head of government.
He announced that to date 6.5 billion tree seedlings have
been planted since the beginning of the planting season
on June 15, and they expect to complete the remaining
1.5 billion in the coming months to achieve the annual
target ---- of more than eight billion seedlings.
Launched in 2019, Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative became
a flagship environmental restoration program aimed at
expanding forest cover, rehabilitating degraded
landscapes, improving livelihoods, and
strengthening climate resilience.
The latest milestone comes as Addis Ababa moves forward with
preparations to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change
Conference (COP32), scheduled for November 2027,
einforcing the country's commitment --- to global
climate action and sustainable development.
_______________________________________________________
Egyptian troops chase
illegal miners in
desert area
Cairo, August 3rd, 11:23am
(Prensa Latina)
Egyptian soldiers and police today carried out the second phase of
the campaign against illegal miners who exploit gold veins in the
Eastern Desert, the Ministry of Defense announced in an official
statement issued in this capital.
The concept of the operation is based on the intensification of raids
and the sweeping of camps.... in the areas in which it is known
that they are used for prospecting and the exploitation of
deposits of the golden mineral, according to the
military communication.
He adds that this phase is based on the positive results of the
previous one and that it is a sequence of ongoing efforts to
safeguard Egypt's natural resources and wealth.
The Eastern Desert is a territory east of the Nile River, is part of
the Sahara, has an area of over 223,000 square kilometres and
borders the Gulf of Suez, the Red Sea to the east, the Nile
River to the west and covers areas of Egypt, Eritrea,
Ethiopia and Sudan.
_______________________________________________________
Tribute in Ethiopia to Fidel Castro
on the centenary of his birth
Addis Ababa, August 1st, 12:10pm
(Prensa Latina)
The historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, returned
to Ethiopia today in the flowers laid in the Park of Friendship
between the two countries and in the eternal gratitude
of the graduates of the Caribbean island.
The floral offerings were placed by the titular academician of the
Cuban Academy of Sciences, Dr. Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov,
members of the diplomatic and state mission of Havana in
Addis Ababa and of the Ethiopian solidarity associations
with the island.
The tribute, as part of the commemoration of the centenary of Fidel
Castro's birth, honoured the 163 Cuban combatants who fell in the
war in the Ogaden desert to defend Ethiopia's territorial integrity
against external expansionist attempts.
Castro Smirnov, on his account on the social network X, expressed
"Love challenges long distances. In the Cuba-Ethiopia Friendship
Park, flowers and a plaque for #FidelPorSiempre. We honour the
163 fallen Cuban internationalists. Africa, a sister of dignity and
resistance, gave us her embrace. To her, our eternal gratitude."
Later, at the Cuban diplomatic headquarters in this capital, the
academic exchanged with Ethiopian graduates trained on the
island (Ethiopian-Cubans) about the legacy of Fidel Castro
and the importance he gave to science.... under the
principle of "Doctors, not bombs".
He mentioned the development of vaccines in Cuba and innovative
medicines such as Heberprot-P and HeberSaVax, thanks to that
vision, as well as the training of over 32,000 doctors, from 122
countries, at the Latin American School of Medicine.
Likewise, the creation of the scientific pole in Havana during
the special period in the 90s, whose main objective was to
promote the development of biotechnology, the medical-
pharmaceutical industry and advanced technologies
to face health problems, with food, among others.
The Ethiopian Cubans, for their part, reiterated their gratitude for
the professional education received, for the values that formed
them as men and women, and their unwavering support for the
Cuban Revolution.
________________________________
Hospital inaugurated in Luanda
opens new services in Angola
Luanda, August 1st, 8:16am
(Prensa Latina)
The presidents of Angola, João Lourenço, and Tanzania, Samia
Suluhu Hassan, today inaugurated the Julius Nyerere General
Hospital for Burns, a centre that includes the first hyperbaric
chambers in the country and opens other health services.
The facility, located in the central town of Kilamba, in the province
of Luanda, is a third-level hospital unit with a capacity for 252
beds, of which approximately 60 are intended for the
Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The heads of state toured the facilities after the ceremony,
accompanied by the Minister of Health, Sílvia Lutucuta,
and other guests.
The centre, which bears the name of the former president of
Tanzania and one of the Pan-Africanists of the 20th century,
is part of the former Neves Bendinha Hospital and has an
approximate area of 48,000 square metres, within which
are specialized surgical services, laboratories and
diagnostic areas.
It also includes spaces........ for physiotherapy and rehabilitation,
outpatient consultations, hospitalization services for adults &
children.. units dedicated to reconstructive & reconstructive
surgery, plus long-term care for patients with severe burns.
The availability of the first hyperbaric chambers in Luanda
stands out in the infrastructure, & they are used in the
treatment of serious burns, complex wounds and
certain respiratory pathologies, and...... should
contribute to...... providing better specialized
care and reducing the need for trips abroad.
The main building of the facility has four floors and complementary
structures for clinical, technical and administrative support; while
one of the purposes of the hospital centre - is the training and
specialization of health professionals in the areas of burn
treatment, reconstructive surgery and intensive care.
___________________________________________________
Irregulars return to Morocco from
Ceuta ...with a toll of 67 deaths
Madrid, August 1st, 7:04am
(Prensa Latina)
More than 50,000 people who entered Ceuta, Spain, irregularly last
Thursday, are already back in Morocco, the Ministry of the Interior
confirmed today.
The source also indicated that the death toll in the violent actions
to cross the entrance gate to Ceuta cost the lives of 67 people,
a partial balance that also applies to the return of immigrants
to the Maghreb country.
The issue transcended international politics and more and more
analysts in Spain are pointing to the United States and Israel,
with the implementation by Morocco, to try to destabilise
the Iberian country.
In fact, U.S. President Donald Trump mocked the case, indicating
that if the Democrats assume power, in three years the northern
giant will be just like Spain, "invaded by tens of thousands
of immigrants."
The reaction of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was not
long in coming..... he pointed to Pedro Sánchez's government for its
support for "terrorists" in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine
and Lebanon.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, like Denmark, called for the
closure of the Schengen zone for Spain, in the face of which,
Sánchez demanded respect and ethics.
The head of the Spanish executive also urgently asked the
EU Commission for a meeting of interior ministers, which
would presumably take place next Monday in Brussels.
Sánchez condemned the migratory invasion in Ceuta from Morocco
and in a public appearance considered the mass arrival of people
irregularly, as an attack and "a violation of the territorial
integrity of Spain (sic)".
For his part, the federal coordinator of the United Left (IU), Antonio
Maíllo, lamented that the Moroccan regime "does not give a damn
about the lives" of its own citizens and recalls that it is "a faithful
ally of the United States and Israel".
"It should alert us to what are the intentions that transcend
Morocco itself and that have a lot to do with the position
that Spain has had in the different conflicts of recent
months," Maíllo argued.
Spain was also forced to close the borders with Melilla, the
adjoining autonomous city, where according to different
versions, some 500 people arrived for the same
migratory purposes. They have already been
re-opened after the mass return to Morocco.
The conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox,
with allies from France's National Rally, lambasted
Sánchez's government for "encouraging" illegal
immigration to Spain.
Morocco repeated a similar action to that of 2021. Then, in
the face of Spain's decision to provide clinical treatment
in Logroño to Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front,
Rabat opened its controls to allow 10,000 people to
overflow the territorial boundaries with Ceuta.
As a backdrop now, according to experts, may be Sánchez's
recent visit to Algeria, a country with which Morocco has
a permanent rivalry.
According to the Spanish perspective, Ceuta and Melilla have
been autonomous cities belonging to the Iberian country for
more than 500 years. However, Rabat is claiming them for
geostrategic, economic and nationalist reasons.
Morocco sees them as stolen colonial relics.
_____________________________________
China sends more medical experts
to support the fight against Ebola
Beijing, August 1st, 12:34am
(Prensa Latina)
China today sent a third group of medical experts to the
Democratic Republic of the Congo to support the
prevention and control of Ebola, in continuity
with the assistance provided by the two
previous missions.
According to the National Health Commission, the team
will ..follow up on the work carried out by the previous
brigades to strengthen the response to the outbreak.
The mission is composed of specialists from the National
Health Commission, the General Administration of
Customs, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang
University School of Medicine, and the Chinese
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
The experts cover areas such as epidemiology, sanitary
quarantine, clinical care and laboratory diagnosis of
pathogens, and have experience in dealing
with epidemics.
An official of the National Health Commission said that the
group will continue technical assistance in grassroots
communities, share experiences in prevention and
control, improve outbreak response procedures
and contribute to strengthening local
capacity to face the disease.
The source added that the specialists will work together with
the Chinese medical mission in the Democratic Republic of
Congo and strengthen cooperation with the country's
health authorities and international organizations.
China has long maintained health cooperation programs with
African countries and has sent technical assistance and
medical equipment to respond to various public health
emergencies, including the Ebola outbreaks in the
Democratic Republic of Congo.
That nation -- has registered more than 3,500 cases of
Ebola in a few months, according to the latest reports.
The focus of the epidemic is in Ituri, a province in the
northeast bordering South Sudan and Uganda, which
concentrates about 90 percent of cases, according
to the World Health Organization (WHO).
_____________________________________________________
AU's Executive Council Regular
Session Marks Ethiopia's Week
Addis Ababa, August 1st, 12:03am
(Prensa Latina)
The 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African
Union (AU), focused on water and sanitation, and the high-level
meetings within the framework of the meeting marked the
week that ends today in Ethiopia.
Under the theme: "Ensuring sustainable water availability, and safe
sanitation systems to achieve the 2063 Agenda", the session took
place on July 28 and 29 at the headquarters of the continental
organization with the participation of the ministers of Foreign
Affairs and senior government officials of the member states.
Discussions examined a wide range of strategic, institutional
and policy issues aimed at promoting continental integration,
strengthening AU institutions and accelerating the
implementation of Agenda 2063.
In camera.. the Executive Board considered the report of the 52nd
ordinary session of the Committee of Permanent Representatives
.....and discussed issues related to the financial, budgetary and
administrative management of the African Union, multilateral
cooperation, economic and trade affairs, among others.
They considered the outcomes of the continental organization's
Retreat on G20 Participations and the progress report on the
implementation of the Roadmap for the Year 2026 Theme,
"Ensuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe
Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of
Agenda 2063."
Also, the progress reports of the African Centres for Disease Control
and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Medicines Agency.
Another issue discussed was the draft working documents and the
declaration of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting between the
African Union, the Regional Economic Communities and the
Regional Mechanisms, scheduled for 4 October in El
Alamein, Egypt.
In closing the session, the Chairpersons of the Executive Board,
Édouard Nduwimana, and of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali
Youssouf, congratulated Member States for their constructive
engagement and the spirit of consensus that characterized
the session.
They reaffirmed the commitment of this continental body
to promote the Union's integration agenda and fulfil
the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
They also acknowledged the diligent work of the Committee of
Permanent Representatives, whose preparatory deliberations
laid a solid foundation for the successful outcome of the
Executive Board.
Nduwimana and Youssouf congratulated Burundi for its
commitment to implement the 0.2 per cent tax, while
commending Angola, Ethiopia and Kenya for joining
the African Union's tier one contributors.
They described these decisions as significant milestones in
advancing the AU Reform Agenda and strengthening the
organization's financial sustainability and self-reliance.
The Executive Council --- reaffirmed the importance of
strengthening the institutions of the African Union,
improving coordination among member States
and promoting collective action to address
the continent's development priorities.
The discussions also underlined... the need to strengthen
Africa's common positions on regional and global issues.
The 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Board was also
a space to renew the continent's call -- for fair, permanent
representation on the United Nations Security Council.
Nduwimana said that Africa's progress on the international
stage should be accompanied by reforms that guarantee
a fair and permanent representation of the continent
in global decision-making structures.
He highlighted Africa's membership in the G20 ----- as an historic
milestone demonstrating the important role of its role in global
economic governance, while emphasizing --------- the need to
continue advocating for the reform of the United Nations
Security Council.
_________________________________________________
President inaugurates social works
in southern DRC provinces
Kinshasa, July 31st, 3:40pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
Felix Tshisekedi, arrived today in Lubumbashi, capital of
the province of Haut-Katanga, as part of his tour of the
Greater Katanga region in the south of the country.
The president will inaugurate the new Palace of Justice there, in a
ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, and which completes a tour
where the head of state has participated in the
implementation of several social works.
This was the case in the province of Haut-Lomami, where this Friday
it witnessed the entry into operation of a drinking water treatment
and collection plant in Kamina, in addition to launching several
infrastructure projects in the agro-industrial hub of
Kaniama-Kasese.
At this site, Tshisekedi assessed the impact of the investments
made for national food self-sufficiency, in particular through
maize storage facilities, livestock units & the construction
of future industrial silos with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes.
The day before, the president inaugurated the Maman Denise
Nyakeru Hospital Centre, which - after being abandoned -
became an institution of medical care, training... and
development, the Congolese Presidency in X said.
The health infrastructure, equipped with modern technology, offers
consultation, emergency, resuscitation, surgery, gynecology.. and
obstetrics, internal medicine, pediatrics and laboratory services,
as well as a technical diagnostic imaging platform that includes
ultrasound, X-rays and computed tomography.
_________________________________________________
Angola & Tanzania discuss
bilateral cooperation
Luanda, July 31st, 2:17pm
(Prensa Latina)
Angolan President João Lourenço today received his Tanzanian
counterpart, Samia Hassan Suluhu, with whom he discussed
bilateral cooperation and the prospects for enlargement
in various areas, as well as issues of regional interest.
The Tanzanian head of state arrived in Luanda on Friday afternoon
for a 48-hour working visit, which includes her presence at the
inauguration, tomorrow, Saturday, of the Burn Hospital......
named after former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere.
The day before, delegations from both countries held the third
session of the Permanent Cooperation Commission, whose
ministerial session --- was co-chaired by Angolan Foreign
Minister Téte António and Tanzanian Foreign Minister
Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
At the meeting, Angola advocated a realistic and ambitious analysis
of the progress made in sectors such as defense, health, oil and
gas, trade and investment, while recognizing the existence of
pending issues that require joint attention, the Foreign
Ministry said.
Both sides expressed confidence that dialogue and goodwill will
continue to overcome challenges, as well as reaffirm their
friendship and agreement on key regional, continental
and global issues.
Delegations welcomed the signing of a Memorandum
of Understanding on Security and Public Order, an
instrument that strengthens the legal framework
for cooperation between the two countries in
this area.
They also agreed to expand cooperation to various strategic
sectors, including political and diplomatic consultations,
defense, justice, economic development, finance,
agriculture, mineral resources, oil and gas,
infrastructure and transportation,
telecommunications and
information technology,
and tourism, etc.
Of particular interest to both nations is the strengthening of
the rail link between the Lobito Corridor and the Tazara
Railway, as well as the holding of an Angola-Tanzania
Business Forum.
___________________________________________________
38 thousand people return
to Morocco ....from Ceuta
Madrid, July 31st, 11:45am
(Prensa Latina)
Sources from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior said today that
almost 38,000 people were returned to Morocco, of the 50,000
who entered Ceuta irregularly yesterday.
The Spanish autonomous city remains closed in the labour and
commercial sectors, while thousands of irregular Moroccan
immigrants still roam the streets of the city of
83,000 inhabitants.
Although the situation led to alarm from Denmark, which asked
to provisionally close the Schengen area with Spain, the EU
Commission ruled out the measure and the Iberian
country received support from other nations
such as Germany and the UK.
The criticism came from the right, the most incisive of US
President Donald Trump, who said that in three years his
country will be like Ceuta if the Democrats win
the elections.
Spain closed the borders with Melilla, the adjoining autonomous
city, where according to different versions, some 500 people
arrived for the same migratory purposes.
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, condemned
the migratory invasion in Ceuta from Morocco and in a public
appearance considered the massive arrival of people
irregularly, as an attack and "a violation of the
territorial integrity of Spain".
He also stated --- that the Executive uses all the resources
and resources of the State to guarantee the security of
the people of Ceuta and coexistence in the city.
He said that what happened marks a self-serving reading by the
mafias of the Supreme Court ruling ------- and that the traffic in
human beings was prevented by the hot return of people
who arrived by swimming.
For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, is
in "permanent contact" with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser
Bourita, to strengthen "the coordination of the return" of all
the people who are already returning to Morocco.
The conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox, with
allies from France's National Rally, lambasted Sánchez's
government for "encouraging" illegal immigration
to Spain.
They referred to the process of regularization of migrants (more
than one million of the 500 thousand promised), which,
however, according to the Executive, has nothing to
do with what happened in Ceuta.
Different observers point to a move of diplomatic pressure by
Morocco, based on three scenarios that would counter the
Rabat regime.
With a preliminary toll of 43 deaths in the attempt to access Ceuta
from Morocco, the situation forced the Spanish government to
deploy army troops in the face of the avalanche of people.
In a way.... Morocco repeats a similar action from 2021. Then, in the
face of Spain's decision to provide clinical treatment in Logrono, to
Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi people
----- Rabat opened its controls to allow 10,000 people to overflow
the territorial limits with Ceuta.
As a backdrop now, according to experts, may be Sánchez's
recent visit to Algeria, a country with which Morocco has a
permanent rivalry.
According to the Spanish perspective, Ceuta and Melilla have been
autonomous cities belonging to the Iberian country for more than
500 years. However, Rabat is claiming them for geostrategic,
economic and nationalist reasons.
The Moroccan state considers them to be
"occupied prisons" .....or colonial relics.
__________________________________________
Egypt investigates origin of
attack on gas facilities
Cairo, July 31st, 9:43am
(Prensa Latina)
Egyptian experts ..are investigating the origin of the drone
that caused the fire of a tank and a reserve ship of liquid
petroleum gas last Wednesday, in the northern port of
Damietta. The announcement was made by Egyptian
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, to Spanish Prime
Minister Pedro Sánchez, who telephoned him
to express his solidarity, according to the
note issued by the spokesman of the
first magistracy in this capital.
The attack, which has not been claimed, only caused material
losses, according to the details provided by official sources.
However, official Iranian media and the Yemeni
armed movement Ansar Allah ---- denied any
involvement in the event.
The incident reflects the growing dangers of regional escalation,
the Egyptian leader told his interlocutor after urging "to
develop coordinated international efforts to prevent
the conflict from spreading".
He also informed Sánchez -------- that the Egyptian authorities are
continuing their investigations to determine the circumstances
surrounding the attack while emphasizing "the seriousness
of the current situation of regional escalation and the
need ....for Egypt, Spain, Europe and most of the
international community to work together,
to contain tensions."
____________________________________________________
Iran highlights ties with Egypt and
warns of ---- Israeli conspiracies
Tehran, July 31st, 7:14am
(Prensa Latina)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi today described Egypt as an
important friend and partner of his country and called for vigilance
against alleged Israeli conspiracies and false flag operations.
In a post on the US social network X, the head of Iranian diplomacy
said that Egypt's security is of fundamental importance to Tehran.
"Egypt is an important friend and partner in the region, and its
security is of utmost importance to us," Araqchi said.
The foreign minister added that countries in the area must remain
vigilant against "Israeli conspiracies and false flag operations
that seek to undermine regional peace."
The remarks were the first official Iranian reaction to unconfirmed
allegations that sought to link Tehran to the attack on two ships
in the Egyptian port of Damietta, located in the Nile Delta and
about 200 kilometres north of Cairo.
The Iranian mission in the Egyptian capital reproduced Araqchi's
message on its Facebook page and released two statements in
which it rejected any involvement of the Islamic Republic in
the incident.
An official source at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied
reports published by some media ...about an alleged attack on a
floating natural gas storage and regasification unit in Damietta.
"Iran did not carry out this operation at all, nor does it intend to
do so," the source stressed, stressing the strength of relations
between the two countries, based, he said, on mutual respect
and shared interests.
For his part, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei
said that the drone attack on facilities in Egypt has nothing to
do with Iran - and blamed the United States for the increase
in regional insecurity.
The Egyptian government said on Thursday that two ships were
set on fire in the port of Damietta as a result of a drone attack,
although it did not identify those responsible.
Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the authorities had
recovered remains of the aircraft used in the action and that
they remain under analysis by security agencies.
A day earlier, the Egyptian Ministry of Oil had reported the
occurrence of fires on two gas tankers, without
specifying the causes at the time.
International media later quoted the British maritime security
company Ambrey, according to which a floating liquefied
natural gas storage facility, owned and operated by the
United States and flagged by the Marshall Islands,
had been attacked by drones in Damietta.
Asked about the incident and possible Iranian involvement,
US President Donald Trump said he had been informed
and threatened to respond forcefully against Tehran.
Egypt and Iran broke off diplomatic relations in 1979, following
the signing of the peace treaty between Cairo and Israel and
the decision of then-Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat, to
grant asylum to the deposed Shah....... Mohammad
Reza Pahlavi.
The links were re-established 11 years later, although only
at the level of chargés d'affaires and without an
exchange of ambassadors.
______________________________________________________
More than a hundred people...
cross from Morocco to Ceuta
Morocco, July 30th, 1:49pm
(Prensa Latina)
Hundreds of Moroccans crossed into Spanish territory of Ceuta
through the beach and breakwater of El Tarajal, and with this
arrival the number of migrants rises today to about 2,000.
Videos show crowds of people walking along the breakwater and
swimming along the beach, while a large group of people wait
for them on the other side of the border.
Forces of the Spanish Civil Guard and the Moroccan Gendarmerie
are deployed on both sides of the border area to stop the flow of
entries, although sources in the city say that they are unable to
contain it.
After the start of the current migration crisis, the governments
of Spain and Morocco agreed to implement measures for the
delivery of migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly in
recent days, and especially this Thursday.
Morocco blamed criminal organisations for the massive entry of
migrants at the border with Ceuta and the authorities stressed
that collaboration with Spain on migration is exemplary.
For their part, Ceuta asked the government in Madrid to declare a
national emergency and requested the intervention of the army.
__________________________________________________________________
African Development Entity
to Open Office in Sudan
Khartoum, July 30th, 11:57am
(Prensa Latina)
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) of Africa
will open a headquarters in this capital soon, it was learned here
today from official sources.
The opening of an IGAD representation in Khartoum -- would give
institutional recognition by that entity to the so-called Sovereign
Transitional Council, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan,
political observers highlighted here on Thursday.
The institution's executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, visited
Sudan during the day --------- with the stated aim of addressing the
prospects for peace - amid the advances of the Sudanese army
on several fronts, & starting a process of sustainable recovery.
During his stay in Khartoum, Gebeyehu was received by
the Sudanese Prime Minister, Kamel Idris, to whom he
expressed IGAD's commitment to maintain constant
collaboration with the Government of Sudan.
IGAD is part - together with the United Nations and other
regional organizations - of a mechanism established to
reach a final solution to the war in Sudan.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been suffering from a war, after
power disputes between the head of the army, Abdel Fattah al-
Burhan, and the leader of the ''paramilitary;; Rapid Support
Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo ---- have been fuelled by
the secret services of Abu Dhabi, London & Washington.
The fighting has been destroying countless livelihoods
plungingthe country into a complex spiral of hunger
and death, but now the army is gaining control....
____________________________________________________
Houthis - deny attack on ship
in Egyptian port of Damietta
Sana'a, July 30th, 11:41am
(Prensa Latina)
Yemen's Houthi movement today denied any involvement in
the attack on a ship in the Egyptian port of Damietta and
assured that navigation in the Red Sea remains safe.
A source in the Houthi-controlled Foreign Ministry, quoted by the
Saba agency linked to the group, described as false, reports of
an alleged attack launched from Yemen on a boat on
Egyptian territory.
The source, whose identity was not revealed, said that the
movement's position is directed against Saudi Arabia,
which is maintaining a blockade and aggression
against the Yemeni people.
He also maintained that there are no reasons for concern
about the safety of navigation in the Red Sea.
________________________________________________
Angola: Some services restored in
15 provinces ..after cyberattack
Luanda, July 30th, 8:41am
(Prensa Latina)
Angola's largest telecommunications company, Unitel, reported
today the partial restoration of services in 15 of the country's
21 provinces, after the cyberattack suffered on July 28 in
the early morning.
According to a statement released on Thursday, "the incident is
under control and Unitel has mobilized all available human and
technical resources to fully restore services.... asap."
The note specified that the resumption began gradually from 11:45
a.m. yesterday, and on the morning of July 30, voice, data (except
SMS) and mobile internet services, had been partially restored in
Luanda, Bengo, Benguela, Bié, Cuando, Cubango, Cuanza-Norte,
Cuanza-Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huíla, Icolo e Bengo, Malanje,
Luanda-Norte and Namibe.
Throughout the day.... partial restoration is
expected in the other provinces, he added.
Unitel said that the timing of the incident, with
the eve of the start of the company's shares
being sold in the market ------ is striking.
In this regard, he indicated that "he does not rule out, among the
hypotheses that are being evaluated, the possibility.. that it is a
deliberate and directed attack, with the possible intention --- of
interrupting the process of admission to trading of the shares."
He insisted, that the company had never faced an incident of this
nature and magnitude, as it has solid cybersecurity systems and
infrastructure aligned with the best international practices in
the sector.
He explained that in this area they have a security operations
centre, business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and
continuous threat monitoring.
The cyberattack was identified on July 28, 2026 at 02:20 a.m. and
affected voice, data and mobile internet services throughout the
national territory, including private customers and companies.
Fixed telecommunications services through fibre optic and
microwave networks, which guarantee communication
between various public institutions and companies,
were not affected and remain operational.
The technical and cybersecurity teams immediately activated the
internal response and containment protocols, which were joined
by international partners and other foreign experts summoned,
according to the president of Unitel's board of directors.
Despite what happened, yesterday the official launch of the
company's listing on the stock exchange..... took place.
________________________________________________
Egypt --- expresses solidarity with
Algeria in the face of forest fires
Cairo, July 30th, 8:40am
(Prensa Latina)
Egypt's full solidarity with Algeria in the face of the devastating
forest fires ravaging that country was expressed by President
Abdel Fattah El Sisi, official media announced today.
The Egyptian leader telephoned his Algerian counterpart,
Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the day before and conveyed his
readiness to "provide any necessary assistance during
these difficult times, offered his sincere condolences
to the families of the victims of the accidents and
wished a speedy recovery to the injured," the
presidential statement said.
Tabboune thanked him for the call and expressed appreciation for
Egypt's solidarity with the leadership and people of his country,
according to the review.
Both leaders reviewed the efforts of the Algerian authorities
to deal with the consequences of the fires and protect
lives and property, the note said.
In broader terms, El Sisi highlighted the deep historical ties
between Egypt and Algeria and "welcomed the growing
momentum in bilateral relations (and) stressed the
importance of building on that foundation with
the implementation of the understanding and
agreements reached by the two sides, in
particular the outcomes of the Joint
High Committee held in Cairo in
November 2025".
__________________________________________________
President of Djibouti - recognized
the work of Cuba's collaborators
Djibouti, July 30th, 7:45am
(Prensa Latina)
The President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, today valued the
good state of political relations and cooperation with Cuba,
and recognized the excellent work carried out by Cuban
collaborators in the country, mainly in health.
This was expressed by Guelleh during a farewell meeting with the
Cuban ambassador here, Marcelo Caballero Torres, to whom he
wished a happy return to the island and success in his future
missions, according to Prensa Latina.
During the dialogue, the Djiboutian president was interested in the
current situation in Havana and, in this regard, expressed his full
solidarity with the people and the authorities who stoically face
what he described as a greater injustice, only for ---- being an
example for the countries of the region and the world.
He highly valued Cuba's firmness and heroism, in enduring with
dignity pressures and sanctions imposed by the United States
Government, and intensified - by the administration of Trump.
On July 21, Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed and
the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, received the Cuban diplomat
for the end of his mission in the African country.
During the dialogue with Mohamed, a positive assessment was
made of bilateral cooperation, characterized by strong
collaboration in the fields of health, agriculture,
sports and education.
Both parties discussed future ties that include the upcoming
signing of a collaboration agreement between the postal
services of Djibouti and Cuba, as well as the
development of an agreement between
the Ministries of Justice.
The Djiboutian head of government then praised Caballero Torres'
personal commitment to the development of bilateral relations,
while wishing him much success in future missions.
On the other hand, in the meeting with Houssein Omar, the work
carried out by Caballero Torres in the last five years as head of
the diplomatic mission of Havana in Djibouti was addressed.
The progress of bilateral ties was described by both as effective
and successful, noting that there is potential to further
strengthen diplomatic interaction and cooperation
in all possible areas.
The Djiboutian foreign minister asked to convey to the Cuban
authorities his full solidarity and understanding of the real
causes of the current difficult situation that the Cuban
people are going through due to the intensification of
the economic, commercial and financial blockade
imposed by the United States Government.
_______________________________________
15 elephants die of unknown
causes...... in Kenyan park
Nairobi, July 29th, 11:49am
(Prensa Latina)
Kenyan authorities have launched an investigation into the
death of 15 elephants belonging to a national park in
that country, it was learned here today.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, the pachyderms died
in the one-month period between June 24 and July 24 in
Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary, and the
Kuku Ranch area.
Several of the affected animals had similar clinical signs,
such as partial paralysis that left them unable to feed
before they died.
Preliminary results of the investigations detected a
toxic substance in several of the mortal remains.
Experts on the subject recall this Wednesday that the Amboseli
National Park is famous for its herds of elephants and its
savannah landscapes, toured by tourists and also by
specialists interested in African flora and fauna.
______________________________________
Five Kenyan officers killed
by roadside bomb
Nairobi, July 29th, 11:12am
(Prensa Latina)
Five Kenyan security officers were killed - when their vehicle
collided with a roadside bomb near the border with Somalia,
military sources reported here today.
The deceased servicemen included four members of Kenya's
elite Special Operations Group as well as a police officer,
who were on a routine patrol the day before, in
Mandera county.
Kenyan authorities added that after the explosion there was a
''shootout'' between the attackers and the rest of the convoy
but the armed group managed to escape towards the
Somali border.
Although no group claimed responsibility for the attack, the
Kenyan military believes... they were alleged members
of Al-Shabab, an Islamist movement that operates
in Somalia, where it fought the West - and was
subjected to a criminal UN operated food
seige - that killed thousands.
Western-backed troops mainly operated from the capital
and were often attacked even there. The West pretends
their ''intervention'' was a ''civil war'' but brought only
poverty to young Somalis, who left their homeland...
in droves. Al Shabab still fights on and will never
give up - Islam is their civilisation - and was
only disrupted by Italy's colonisation and
the EU's later attempts to stop Islam...
to steal their wealth in the name of...
what? A so-called democracy that
wages wars of extermination no
matter who is in government?
Kenyan officials recently said that special troops
killed 11 suspected fighters belonging to this
al-Shabab group.
According to a police report, the operation was also carried out
in Mandera County, located on the common border, against a
group allegedly planning an attack in northern Kenya.
Al Shabab is an Islamist movement that aims to establish
a revolutionary Islamic state in Somalia. Its name
means 'Youth'.
The group operates mainly in the rural areas of central and
southern Somalia.... where it has mass popular support
but also carries out daring operations in the capital,
Mogadishu -- and uses Kenya's border to evade
being attacked.
______________________________________
Algerian president --- slams regional 'micro-state'
over its destabilizing activities: in an apparent
reference to ---- the UAE
July 29th, 8:58am
(PressTV)
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has sharply criticized
an unnamed regional "micro-state," widely understood to be
the United Arab Emirates (UAE), over its destabilizing role
across the Arab world and in West Africa’s Sahel region,
warning that Algeria will firmly defend its sovereignty.
Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Tebboune said
the state's activities had fueled instability across the region,
describing its involvement as a recurring source of
conflict and violence.
"Wherever they set foot, blood flows," the Algerian president said,
adding that Algeria possesses evidence to support its claims
and is not making unfounded accusations.
"This is serious, and we have proof. We are not speaking in a void,"
he said, adding that the matter could be referred to the United
Nations or another international body ---- for examination.
Although Tebboune did not explicitly name the UAE, his references
to Abu Dhabi left little doubt about the country he was addressing.
The Algerian leader went on to say that his government had
exercised restraint by maintaining diplomatic relations
despite repeated interference in regional affairs.
"There is much division in the Arab world, and we do not want to
worsen the situation," he said. "Otherwise, we would have
broken off relations with this micro-state long ago, from
which only humiliation and discord emanate."
Israeli-Emirati power play across the
Horn of Africa and Jeffrey Epstein's
covert role
The so-called “Greater Israel” envisions expansive Zionist control
from the Nile to Euphrates, with UAE-Zionist collaboration
extending influence through military bases and
resource exploitation across Africa
and West Asia.
Tebboune further contrasted Algeria's ties with the unnamed state
with the country's close relations with Saudi Arabia, Qatar,
Kuwait and Egypt, saying Algeria enjoys strong political
and strategic cooperation, with those countries.
The president also issued a strong warning regarding Tunisia,
declaring that any attack or effort to destabilize the
neighbouring country ---- would be viewed as
an attack on Algeria itself.
"An attack on Tunisia is an attack on us," Tebboune said,
noting that certain actors are seeking to undermine
Tunisia ---- because of its close relationship...
with Algeria.
Using a colloquial Algerian expression, he warned that
anyone attempting to bring terrorism to Tunisia
would face a decisive response.
"Whoever brings terrorism to Tunisia or near Tunisia,
we will leave him ....in his parents' tent," he said.
The remarks come amid rising tensions between Algeria and
the UAE. According to Algerian media reports, Algiers has
begun procedures to revoke the bilateral air services
agreement signed in 2013, a move... that could
eventually suspend direct flights between
the two countries.
Reports have also suggested that Algeria's authorities are
considering severing diplomatic relations with the UAE,
although no official decision has been announced.
Tebboune's comments, follow a series of earlier statements
in which he said Abu Dhabi had played a destabilizing role
in the conflicts in Mali, Libya and Sudan.
Concluding the interview, the Algerian president reaffirmed
that Algeria remains committed to regional peace and
stability, stressing that his country's policies are
defensive, rather than confrontational.
Invoking an Arab proverb, Tebboune said, "When the danger grows,
the door through which the wind enters, we close it," describing
the approach as a reflection of Algeria's determination to
safeguard its sovereignty and national interests ----
against external interference.
__________________________________
Ethiopian airline's fiscal year revenue
--------- marks growth milestone
Addis Ababa, July 29th, 8:47am
(Prensa Latina)
The Ethiopian Airlines Group, Ethiopia's flag carrier and leader
in Africa, today announced revenues of 9,100 million dollars
during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, marking a significant
milestone in the company's continued growth.
During the reporting period, it carried a total of 20.7 million
passengers, an increase of 8% compared to the previous
fiscal year.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew ...reported at a press
conference that the airline also recorded a 10% increase in
passenger kms compared to 2024-2025.... achieving 99%
of its planned target, while cargo capacity grew by 8%.
Tasew revealed the transportation of 897,000 tons of cargo,
marking an increase of 16% compared to the previous year
and reflecting the continued growth of that business.
To expand its network, the airline launched services to four new
international destinations, bringing the total number to 150, and
also serves domestic routes, he continued, unnecessarily.
In addition, it reinforced its fleet with nine new aircraft
and purchased 8 pilot training aircraft to improve
aviation capability.
Tasew acknowledged that the company's financial performance
was affected by flight cancellations caused by conflicts in the
Gulf region, the suspension of services to some destinations
due to U.S. travel restrictions and..... the cessation of
operations to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite these challenges, he said, the airline maintained
its strong operating performance.... throughout the year.
Ethiopian Airlines continued with the expansion of its facilities
at Bole International Airport in this capital, including the
domestic and cargo terminal, the VIP passenger
lounges, and the data centre.
Tasew said that the construction of the new Bishoftu airport
is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed
in January next year. He added..... that the relocation of
residents affected by the project has already ended.
He announced that the construction of new domestic airports
continues and they also plan to finish them in 2027, further
strengthening Ethiopia's aviation infrastructure.
________________________________________
DRC announces -------- signing of
disarmament protocol by FDLR
Kinshasa, July 29th, 7:17am
(Prensa Latina)
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
announced the signing of a disarmament, demobilization
and quartering protocol by the Democratic Forces for
the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the local press
reported today.
The demobilisation of the armed group is an essential part of the
peace agreements, in particular the one signed with Rwanda
under the mediation of the United States, so this signature
is considered a significant step towards fulfilling the
commitments made by the Congolese side.
The Minister of Regional Integration, Floribert Anzuluni, who has
visited several countries in recent days as a special envoy of
the president, Félix Tshisekedi, announced details of the
protocol at a press conference held the day before.
He noted that the agreement is a first phase of a process of
demilitarization, demobilization and quartering, but this is
subject to conditions requested by FDLR, such as the
provision of sufficiently secure camps to house
demobilized combatants.
The leaders of the armed group stressed the need to have these
sites in viable conditions to avoid the difficulties encountered
during previous disarmament attempts.
They also insisted on the voluntary nature of
the return of their members to Rwanda.
According to Anzuluni, the FDLR has committed, in a
second phase, to definitively dissolve its movement.
The special envoy of the President of the DRC has made a tour of
countries in Europe and Africa in recent days, during which... he
conveyed messages from the Congolese leader, to the various
partners of the DRC on the situation in eastern Congo and
the signing of the protocol.
Taking into account... that the neutralization of the FDLR was a
condition for the departure of Rwandan forces from Congolese
territory, after the step represented by the signing of an
agreement by the armed group, Kinshasa is seeking
support from the international community
to put pressure on Kigali.
The signing of the protocol and its implementation would deprive
Rwanda of the various pretexts used... to justify its aggression
and its presence on Congolese territory, the minister himself
said at the press conference.
"We believe, and I insist, that this matter is being manipulated,"
he said, quoted by Actualité.CD, adding that, despite this
consideration, the government is committed to
taking all necessary measures ---- to
neutralize the FDLR.
_________________________________________
Ethiopian Prime Minister Receives
Azerbaijani Parliamentary Leader
Addis Ababa, July 29th, 5:57am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today received the president
of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan (parliament), Sahiba Gafarova,
who is on an official visit to strengthen bilateral relations
and cooperation.
"We held productive talks on strengthening our bilateral relations,
building on a shared commitment to a deeper strategic
partnership and mutual growth," Ahmed wrote on
his X social network account.
Earlier, Gafarova and her accompanying delegation met with the
Speaker of the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives
(parliament), Tagesse Chafo, in which they reaffirmed their
commitment to continue strengthening cooperation in
various sectors.
Chafo noted that the official visit of the Azerbaijani parliamentary
leader, which began the day before, would contribute to further
consolidating the historical and diplomatic relations between
the two countries.
He highlighted Addis Ababa's continued efforts to modernize work
systems, improve service delivery and create a more investment-
friendly environment .......through policies designed to support
investors with foreign capital.
He stressed that the African nation has significant investment
potential in sectors such as agriculture, mining and
manufacturing, and highlighted the successful
holding of the Seventh General Elections on
June 1, as well as the efforts to resolve
differences..... through the ongoing
National Dialogue Conference.
Gafarova, for her part, noted that visits by senior Ethiopian
officials to Baku, made on different occasions, played an
important role in strengthening bilateral relations.
He expressed his country's interest in further strengthening
cooperation with Ethiopia in areas such as education,
capacity building and agriculture.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening ties
between peoples, believing that closer relations
would further consolidate their friendship
and bilateral cooperation.
___________________________________________
