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**************************

 
US indicates it could intervene
 in Sudan, imposes sanctions
June 1st, 4:40pm
(PressTV)
 
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated 
that the US could intervene in Sudan, where
 rival factions are fighting for control of 
the capital Khartoum.
 
Blinken said on Thursday that both sides in the conflict in 
Sudan had violated their commitments to a US-brokered, 
Saudi-backed ceasefire.
 
"We're also looking at steps that we can take to make clear
 our views on any leaders who are moving Sudan in the
 wrong direction, including by perpetuating the 
violence and by violating ceasefires that 
they've actually committed to," Blinken
 said in a news conference in Oslo, 
on Thursday.
 
The top US diplomat described the situation 
in Sudan as "incredibly fragile."
 
Last month... Sudan's army and the paramilitary 
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to the truce.
 
The two sides had agreed to the ceasefire through the 
mediation of Saudi Arabia and the US on May 20th. 
But since then they have violated it on 
numerous occasions.
 
On Wednesday, the Sudanese army suspended its 
participation in the Saudi-backed talks with the 
RSF to end months of fighting.
 
Despite peace efforts, fighting continued unabated 
in the African country, with the army and the RSF 
trading blame over truce violations.
 
US imposes more sanctions on Sudan
 
Following Blinken’s statement, the White House 
announced new economic and visa sanctions 
against Sudanese leaders responsible for 
breaking the ceasefire... and provoking 
what it called "appalling" bloodshed.
 
"We are following through by levying economic 
sanctions, imposing visa restrictions against 
actors who are perpetuating the violence,"
 National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan 
said in a statement.
 
The US Treasury Department said it targeted two 
companies linked to Sudan's army and two 
companies tied to the RSF.
 
"We will not hesitate to take additional steps if the 
parties continue to destroy their country," said a 
senior US administration official, who briefed 
reporters on condition of anonymity. 
 
"The targeting of the companies is far from symbolic," 
the official said, adding that the measures are 
intended to choke off the access of the 
fighting groups to weapons and 
resources that allow them to 
perpetuate the conflict. 
 
The ruling military council and the paramilitary Rapid
 Support Forces have been engaged in clashes since 
April 15.
 
The war in Sudan has forced nearly 1.4 million people 
to flee their homes, including more than 350,000 
who have crossed into neighboring countries.
 
More than six weeks into the conflict, the United 
Nations estimated that more than half the 
population requires aid and protection.
 
Leaders of the army and the RSF had held the top 
positions on Sudan’s ruling council since former 
leader Omar al-Bashir was toppled... during an 
uprising in 2019.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
Senegal: Opposition Leader Sonko 
Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison
June 1st (teleSUR)
 
Once convicted of "corruption of minors," Ousmane 
Sonko will not be able to participate in the 2024 
presidential elections.
 
On Thursday, Ousmane Sonko, the leader of the Senegalese
 opposition, was convicted of corruption of minors after 
being tried on May 23, for allegedly raping a young 
masseuse. This verdict would disqualify him as 
a candidate in the upcoming elections.
 
The Prosecutor's Office had requested a ten-year prison
 sentence for rape against Sonko, or five years for 
corruption of minors, and an additional year 
for acts of threats and death.
 
The court's verdict also sentenced the owner of the beauty
 salon where the alleged rape occurred, Ndèye Khady 
Ndiaye, to two years in prison. She was charged 
with incitement to debauchery, dissemination 
of immoral images, and complicity in rape.
 
Sonko was acquitted of the charges of rape and death 
threats that he had been accused of, and Ndiaye
 was acquitted of complicity in rape.
 
This trial against the opposition leader took place 
after a young masseuse named Adji Sarr 
accused him, in early 2021, 
of "repeated rape" and 
"death threats."
 
Since then, the case has been generating controversy and
 tensions in the country, with Sonko's supporters believing
 that the judicial process aims to disqualify him as a 
candidate for the presidential elections in 
February 2024.
 
The verdict was announced amidst protests by his
 supporters, while Sonko has been under house 
arrest since Sunday, surrounded by law 
enforcement forces.
 
This prosecution came after the opposition leader was
 sentenced on May 8 to a six-month suspended prison
 term for defamation and public insults... against a 
Senegalese minister, accusing him of corruption.
 
Sonko's arrest in March 2021, when he was on his way to
 appear in court for the masseuse case, surrounded by a
 crowd of supporters, led to violent protests that 
resulted in at least fourteen deaths, twelve of
 them from gunfire.
 
Known for his anti-system rhetoric, the opposition leader 
criticizes misgovernance, corruption, and French
 neocolonialism, and he has many followers
 among the Senegalese youth.
 
 
_________________________________________


 
Ghana Committed to Boost 
Sustainable Ocean Economy
 June 1st (teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, during a two-day National Blue Economy
 Summit, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa 
Akufo-Addo, expressed his country’s commitment 
to fostering a sustainable blue economy that 
would advance the wellbeing of all 
Ghanaian citizens.
 
Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of the ocean as a 
potential catalyst for facilitating the development of West 
African countries and enhancing the well-being of 
its people.
 
According to Akufo-Addo, in order to ensure the 
sustainability of the ocean economy, the 
government has instituted measures 
such as policy formulation and
program development.
 
"As part of the process....  we have initiated the national
 integrated maritime strategy to allow us to chart viable 
courses to address maritime threats, conservation and 
the management of marine resources, to generate 
a substantial national income and ultimately 
improve the living standards of our 
people," Akufo-Addo said.
 
The president also highlighted that despite a surge in private
 investment during the previous decade, too little capital is 
destined towards the blue economy; and emphasized the 
imperative need of ensuring a higher influx of 
investments into this emerging sector.
 
Akufo-Addo referred that the maritime industry and projects 
with marine-based projects can strongly benefit from the
 implementation of public-private partnerships, 
which can attract significant amounts of 
private investment.
 
The summit, which focused on the theme of "our ocean's
 health, our prosperity, our planet's security", was 
organized through a joint collaboration between
 the Ghanaian government's sustainable 
development goals advisory unit and
 the United Nations Development 
Program; and both local and 
international stakeholders 
participated in the event.
 
 
_________________________

 
BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting 
...kicks off in South Africa
June 1st, 3:47pm (TASS) 
 
The meeting of the top diplomats of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, 
Indian, China and South Africa) kicked off in western 
Cape Town, on Thursday.
 
"The current meeting aims to lay the basis for the new phase 
of BRICS’ development, to strengthen the alliance’s position
 as one of the most powerful forces in the system of 
international relations," a South African diplomat
 told TASS.
 
 "The sides are expected to make a number of important 
decisions... concerning the further development
of BRICS." 

The diplomat also did not rule out that the sides will 
consider the concept of BRICS expansion and the
criteria for the admission of new members.
 
The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting is chaired by South
 African Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor. Top Russian 
diplomat Sergey Lavrov, arrived in South Africa
to
 take part in the meeting.
 
The ‘Friends of BRICS’ or ‘BRICS Plus’ meeting will take place
 on June 2nd. Top diplomats of BRICS countries and another 
15 countries of the Global South, including those countries 
seeking to join the organization, will take part in it. 
 
Brazil, Russia, India and China founded BRICS in 2006. 
South Africa joined the organization in 2011, thus
 turning it into BRICS.
 
 
_____________________________________


Sudanese Army Suspends 
Ceasefire Talks With 
Rebel Forces
May 31st (teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, the Sudanese army delegation 
suspended its participation in ongoing 
negotiations with the paramilitary 
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in 
the port city of Jeddah.
 
The suspension was not a withdrawal from the 
negotiations, but an expression of the army's 
rejection of the continued violations by the 
RSF of a short-term ceasefire agreement.
 
According to the Sudanese authorities ----- the RSF 
has not fulfilled its commitments to withdrawing
 from civilian areas, including hospitals 
and neighbourhoods.
 
The Sudanese army and the RSF agreed to extend 
a week-long ceasefire agreement by five days 
before it was due to expire on Monday.
 
Nevertheless, eyewitnesses reported clashes on 
Wednesday morning in Al-Mohandiseen district 
in Omdurman, west of the capital, Khartoum. 

The army closed the Al-Fatihab bridge 
linking Khartoum and Omdurman, 
while warplanes were flying 
over the area.
 
The RSF accused the Sudanese army of violating 
the truce, saying that "the army bombarded our
 positions in Khartoum."
 
Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes
between the army and the RSF in the capital 
Khartoum and other areas since April 15. 
Over 800 people have been killed, and 
nearly 1.4 million people have been
 forced to leave their homes since
 the conflict began.
 
 
______________________________________


Russia, Eritrea plan to sign 
cooperation agreements 
— Putin
 May 31st, 1:46pm (TASS)
 
 Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the
 governments of Russia and Eritrea plan to sign a 
number of cooperation agreements.
 
The head of the Russian state sees an opportunity 
to develop trade and economic ties between the
 two countries.
 
"Of course, we must first of all pay attention to the
 development of trade and economic ties, here we
 have good prospects in many areas," Putin said 
at a meeting with Eritrean President Isaias 
Afwerki, at the Kremlin, on Wednesday.
 
"We have a number of intergovernmental agreements to sign 
on the agenda. I hope that our colleagues have made all the 
preparations and we will be able to do it," the Russian 
leader said.
 
"I am sure that our talks today will be successful and 
will benefit the development of relations between 
the Russian Federation and Eritrea," 
Putin stressed.
 
The Russian President said he was glad to see the head 
of Eritrea in Moscow.. this being his first official visit to 
Russia. Putin drew attention to the fact that the recent 
30th anniversary of Eritrea's independence coincides 
with the date of the establishment of diplomatic 
relations between the two countries.
 
 Putin thanked Afwerki for the fact that under his
 leadership, "relations between the countries 
are developing and strengthening."
 
Afwerki is the first and so far only president of Eritrea.
 
According to Putin, the two countries are 
developing ties in the political sphere.
 
"We are cooperating.. at the United Nations site. Our 
relations in the humanitarian sphere are developing 
quite well, dozens of students from Eritrea have 
already received education... in the Russian 
Federation, and this process continues,"
 the Russian leader noted.
 
He also recalled that this summer Russia will hold
 the second Russia-Africa summit, to which the 
President of Eritrea has also been invited.
 
The trade turnover between Russia and Eritrea in 2022
 amounted to $13.5 mln, including $11.5 mln from 
wheat exports, according to materials for the 
talks between Russian President Vladimir 
Putin and Eritrean President Isaias
 Afwerki, in the Kremlin,
 on Wednesday.
 
"The trade turnover between Russia and Eritrea in 2022
 amounted to $13.521 mln (exports: $12.745 mln,
 including $11.5 mln - wheat (27,500 tons); 
imports: $776,000)," the statement said.
 
In 2021, the trade turnover between the two countries 
amounted to $9.314 mln. Exports of wheat amounted
 to $8.125 mln, oil products - $175,000, sulfates - 
$888,000. At the same time, imports of ready-
made clothes reached $126,000.
 
According to the statement, Eritrea is also interested 
in strengthening ties with Ural Automobile Plant and
 Kamaz. In 2018, Kamaz delivered 56 cars and 
5 buses valued around $5 mln to Eritrea.
 
 
________________________________________ 



African countries need security 
assistance, not sanctions — 
Russian envoy to UN
May 31st, 12:46am (TASS) 
 
African countries require assistance in overcoming the
existing security problems, not sanctions that are 
directed against them, Russian Permanent 
Representative to the United Nations 
Vasily Nebenzya said.
 
During a session of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, 
members voted to approve a US-backed resolution to
 extend sanctions against South Sudan. 
Russia abstained.
 
"Russia abstained on the draft resolution on renewal of South
 Sudan’s sanctions regime that was put forward by the United 
States. We believe the document does not provide sufficient
 sanctions relief," Nebenzya said.
 
"We regret that the American sponsors of the resolution
 remained so fixated on the sanctions paradigm that 
they were not able to accommodate the needs of
 this young state  ...as far as revisiting the arms 
embargo or at least to convene a constructive 
discussion of the key provisions of the draft 
and concrete proposals for amendment of 
those provisions," he continued.
 
In the Russian envoy’s words, the US-backed draft ignored
 the consolidated position of African states, as well as the
 approaches of some other Security Council members, 
including Russia.
 
"At this point, South Sudan needs assistance in strengthening 
its emerging armed forces that may become an effective 
solution to the problem of inter-communal violence and 
a guarantor of a successful vote that is planned for
 December 2024," he said.
 
 "We believe it would be unfair to cite the alarming situation 
in neighboring Sudan as a pretext for the lack of tangible 
progress on the South Sudanese sanctions file."
 
The Russian diplomat went on to say that the system of 
sanctions regimes on the African continent has become 
outdated in many respects, and therefore needs to be 
revisited and reformed.
 
"What raises particular concern is that in many African
 states, South Sudan included, Western states use 
sanctions regimes in order to exert pressure or 
even interfere in internal affairs," Nebenzya 
told the UN Security Council. 
 
"This is supplemented by illegal unilateral restrictive
 measures that run counter to the international law - 
and exacerbate socio-economic situations in these 
countries. They also undermine efforts (i.e. by the
 Security Council) -- in the area of peacebuilding."
 
The Russian delegation proposed to include in the resolution
 a paragraph to recognize the detrimental effect of such 
measures on post-conflict recovery, and also a call to 
keep from using such measures against countries 
that are under the UNSC sanctions. However, this
 "constructive language" was turned down by 
the United States, the Russian envoy said.
 
 
________________________________________




Lavrov advised the US Ambassador
 to South Africa: to know his place 
and stay out of other people's 
business
May 31st, 12pm
(Izvestia.ru)
 
If the US Ambassador to South Africa thought something was
 wrong, then he should "know his place" and not meddle in
 other people's affairs, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei 
Lavrov said, commenting on the words of US 
Ambassador Ruben Brigeti, about the 
alleged South African arms 
supplies to Russia.
 
The Minister noted that the countries build interstate 
relations in full compliance with the norms and 
principles of international law.
 
"If an American or any other overseas or transatlantic
 ambassador.. thinks something is wrong, then you 
should, in general, know your place and stay out 
of other people's business," Lavrov said at a 
press conference following a meeting with
 the President of Mozambique on May 31.
 
The Foreign Minister also stressed, that if we talk about the 
issue of arms supplies, the Russian side has never violated 
international norms, while Western countries do. According
 to the minister, declaring neutrality in relation to the events
 in Ukraine, the collective West is pumping the country with
 a huge amount of modern long-range and unsafe weapons, 
including depleted uranium shells.
 
Lavrov advised American diplomats to take care of 
their own image, in the eyes of the foreign public.
 
The Russian Foreign Minister arrived in Mozambique on May
 30. He held talks with Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi 
and Deputy Foreign Minister Manuel Jose Goncalves. This
 is the third country that Lavrov visited as part of another 
tour of the African continent ahead of the Russia – Africa
 summit in St. Petersburg. The Minister has previously 
visited Burundi and Kenya, where he held meetings 
with the leaders of the two countries.
 
On May 12th, US Ambassador to South Africa Ruben Brigeti 
said during a briefing that in December, weapons and
 ammunition were loaded on board the Russian ship 
Lady R at the South African base in Simonstown. 
 
The South African Presidential Administration pointed out
 that such statements undermine the partnership 
between the Republic of South Africa and 
the United States.
 
Later, the ambassador was summoned to the country's 
Foreign Ministry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of 
South Africa expressed dissatisfaction with his 
behaviour. Brigeti, in turn, admitted that he
 crossed the line, and was forced 
to apologize.
 
In July 2022, Lavrov pointed out that Russia's relations 
with African countries are based on time-tested "ties 
of friendship and cooperation." He said that the 
development of a comprehensive partnership 
with African countries --- remains one of
the 
important priorities of Russia's
foreign policy.
 
Since February 24, 2022, Russia has been conducting 
a special operation to protect the Donbass, whose 
residents refused to recognize the results of the 
2014 coup d'etat in Ukraine. The decision to 
hold it was made.. against the background 
..of the aggravation of the situation in
the 
region, due to shelling by
Ukrainian troops.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
AU Expanded Mechanism on
Sudan meets in Ethiopia
by Luis Linares Petrov
May 31st, 8:47am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Third Meeting of the Expanded Mechanism on the 
Sudan Crisis was convened by the president of the 
African Union Commission, Moussa Faki 
Mahamat, on Wednesday.
 
The event brings together representatives of the Trilateral
 Mechanism (AU, Intergovernmental Authority on 
Development -IGAD-, the United Nations), the 
League of Arab States, the European Union,
 and the permanent members of the UN 
Security Council ---- including 
representatives of Africa, 
according to a statement.
 
Sudan’s neighbouring countries (Central African Republic, 
Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya and South Sudan) 
are also participating, as well as those designated 
by the IGAD to confront the warring parties 
(South Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti), and 
Comoros, as president of the AU.
 
The Quad group, made up of the United States, the United 
Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, 
plus Germany and Qatar, is also attending the 
meeting -- which aims to discuss the next 
steps regarding the crisis, including the 
implementation of the African Union 
Roadmap for conflict resolution, in 
close collaboration with Sudanese 
interested parties.
 
The organization strongly condemned the ongoing brutal 
and unjustified clashes between the Sudanese Armed 
Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which have 
resulted in the indiscriminate killing of civilians 
and rampant destruction of infrastructure, 
and have caused an unprecedented 
humanitarian crisis and serious 
violations of International 
Humanitarian Law and 
Human Rights.
 
The AU warned that there can be no military solution to the
 conflict, and demanded the resumption of the political
 transition process that will end in elections to 
establish a democratic government led by 
civilians. It strongly rejected all forms 
of foreign interference in Sudan.
 
The statement revealed that the president of the African
 Union Commission will send emissaries to Sudan’s 
neighboring States as part of his efforts to 
strengthen the search for a common 
approach to find a sustainable 
solution to the multi-layered
 crisis in Sudan.
 
 
_____________________________


 
Russia to send fertilizers
to 
Nigeria for free - Lavrov
May 30th, 5:42pm (TASS)
 
Moscow.. intends to deliver a shipment of Russian fertilizers
to Nigeria free of charge in the near future, Russian Foreign
 Minister, Sergey Lavrov, said on Tuesday at a press 
conference, following his visit to Burundi.
 
"Last September, President Putin announced that we were
 ready to deliver 300,000 tons of our fertilizers -- illegally 
seized in EU ports, to African countries free of charge. 
 
''Fully in line with colonial practices and habits, the EU
 leadership blocked this initiative. It took us 6 months
 to get at least the first shipment of 20,000 tons to 
Malawi, and just recently another shipment of a 
similar amount of fertilizer was delivered to 
Kenya. The same shipment is scheduled 
to go to Nigeria, soon," he said.
 
All of this comes at the cost of enormous efforts by the World
Food Program and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, to
"overcome the openly Russophobic position of EU members 
who oppose any initiatives that in one way or another will
help developing countries, if such assistance is 
provided by the Russian side."
 
 
_________________________________


Africa’s ideas on Ukraine to be viewed in
context of West-Russia confrontation 
— Lavrov
May 30th, 2:45pm (TASS)
 
African countries’ proposals on the settlement of the
Ukrainian crisis should be considered in the context 
of the confrontation between the West and Russia, 
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said,
 on Tuesday.
 
"We understand that in this context the ideas voiced by
 countries of the global majority, including by African
 countries ------ that they would like to make a 
contribution to the efforts toward finding 
ways to settle this situation, and they 
are sincere in this, wanting to help 
in some way," he said after talks 
with his counterpart from 
Burundi, Albert Shingiro. 
 
"We value such approaches, but these ideas and initiatives
 should be considered... in the context of the geopolitical
confrontation the West has ventured against Russia 
and China, as was proclaimed in the recent
Group 
of Seven documents."
 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on May 16 that
 Russian and Ukrainian authorities had agreed to receive an
 African delegation to try to find ways to peacefully settle 
the conflict. He spoke on behalf of six African nations, 
namely Egypt, Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, 
Senegal, Uganda, and South Africa. 
 
Consultations are currently underway to agree on the
schedule of the trip.  A peace mission... is expected
to visit Moscow and Kiev... before the Russia-Africa
summit in St. Petersburg in the second half of July.


___________________________________________


 
South Africa guarantees immunity 
for participants in June meeting 
and August BRICS summit
May 30th, 9:14am (TASS) 
 
South Africa's Department of International Relations and
 Cooperation, has guaranteed diplomatic immunity
to
 participants in the BRICS Foreign Ministers 
meeting, to be held in Cape Town, on June 
1st-2nd & the BRICS summit to be held in 
Johannesburg... from August 22nd-24th, 
according to a document, published on 
the South African government website.
 
"On 29th May 2023, the Department of International Relations
 and Cooperation issued a notice in the government gazette
 on Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges ..for the upcoming
 BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Cape Town and BRICS 
Summit to be held in Johannesburg in August. This is a
 standard conferment of immunities that we do for all
 international conferences and summits held in 
South Africa, irrespective of the level of 
participation. The immunities are for 
the conference and not for specific
 individuals," the document said.
 
The South African authorities justified their decision by the
 provisions of the 1946 Convention..  on the Privileges and
 Immunities of the UN --- and the 1947 Convention on the 
Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies, 
adopted by a resolution of the UN General Assembly.
 
On May 26th, a source told TASS that Russia did 
not intend to withdraw from the BRICS summit.
 
 
______________________________________________



Heavy clashes continue in Sudan 
as UN warns of starvation
May 29th, 5:18pm
(PressTV)
 
Heavy clashes have been reported in Sudan's capital, 
Khartoum, hours before a shaky ceasefire between 
the warring sides expires as the United Nations 
warns of starvation in the crisis-hit country.
 
On Monday, residents reported they had heard sustained
 clashes from Sunday into Monday, in the south and west 
of Omdurman, 1 of three adjoining cities that make up
 Sudan's greater capital. Moreover... residents across
the 
River Nile in southern Khartoum, also reported
clashes, 
late on Sunday.
 
Sudan's ruling military council, which has the full support of 
the army, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF),
a rebellious group, have been locked in a power struggle 
that erupted into conflict on April 15, claiming the lives 
of hundreds and driving nearly 1.4 million people from
 their homes.
 
Both sides have announced they are considering extending
 the week-long ceasefire brokered by Saudi Arabia and the
 US that had brought some respite from the conflict.
 
The truce, which was designed in an attempt to allow the 
distribution of aid, is due to expire at 9.45 p.m. (19:45
 GMT) local time on Monday.
 
"Since yesterday evening there has been bombardment with
 all types of weapons between the army and the Rapid
 Support. We're in a state of great fear. Where's the 
truce?" said Hassan Othman, a 55-year-old 
resident of Omdurman.
 
The ceasefire, however, was repeatedly violated by both
 sides, impeding the delivery of humanitarian access
and the restoration of essential services.
 
According to figures of the ministry of health, more than 700
 people have lost their lives across the country so far. The
 real death toll, however, is likely much higher.
 
Shortly after the outbreak of clashes in mid-April, the military
 council, headed by Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-
Burhan, declared dissolution of the RSF, which is led 
by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known 
as Hemedti.
 
The RSF is a former militia, that was due to merge with the
army and whose leaders shared power in a ruling military
council. Its current leader, Hemedti, has played a 
prominent role in the turbulent politics for 10 
years, helping topple then President Omar 
al-Bashir in 2019, and later, quashing 
protests by those Sudanese, 
seeking democracy.
 
The RSF was created in 2013 and its planned integration into
 the regular army was a key element of talks to finalize a deal 
that was hoped to restore Sudan's civilian transition and end 
the politico-economic crisis sparked by the military's 2021
 coup by Burhan and Daglo in the post-Bashir era.
 
During the past weeks, factories, offices, homes and banks
 have been looted or destroyed in Khartoum. Power, water
 and telecommunications are often cut, and there are 
acute shortages of medicines & medical equipment.
 
Food supplies have also been running low in the capital.
 
Meanwhile, two UN agencies, namely the World Food Program
 and the Food and Agriculture Organization, warned of rising
 food emergencies, including starvation, in Sudan, due to 
the civil war.
 
They called for urgent attention to save both lives and jobs in 
Sudan, as there are communities already facing or projected 
to face starvation or otherwise ----- risk a slide “toward 
catastrophic conditions.”
 
The UN agencies in their report also warned of a possible
 spillover of the conflict. They warned one million people
 are expected to flee the country. They also said an 
additional 2.5 million inside Sudan will face acute 
hunger in the coming months as supply routes 
through Port Sudan are disrupted by 
safety issues.
 
The fighting has stoked fears of a prolonged conflict that
 could plunge the country into deeper chaos, dashing 
long-held hopes for a transition to a civilian-
led democracy.
 
The UN, the Arab League and many countries in the world 
have already urged the opposing sides to show restraint
and engage in dialogue - to end the hostilities.
 
 
______________________________________________



 
US revoked visa of the Speaker
of Uganda's Parliament, after 
adoption of the law against 
LGBT people
May 29th, 3:56pm
 
The US canceled the US visa of Ugandan Parliament 
Speaker Anita Annette Among after the country 
passed a law on combating homosexuality, 
the Daily Monitor newspaper reports, 
citing MP and initiator of the law,
 Asuman Basalirwa.
 
He noted that " the current visa of the speaker has been
 canceled, which was confirmed by a corresponding 
letter sent by e-mail."
 
Basalirwa called among the "first victim" 
of Washington's sanctions.
 
Earlier, the world Court in Moscow fined the US corporation
Google --- 3 million rubles for not removing fakes... about a 
special operation and content with LGBT propaganda.
 


_______________________________________________________


Uralchem-Uralkali’s humanitarian 
shipment ---- reaches Kenya
May 29th, 4:04pm (TASS) 
 
Uralchem-Uralkali’s consignment of 34,000 tons of 
fertilizers has reached Kenya, Uralchem said in a
 statement on Monday.
 
"Uralchem-Uralkali Group announces that its consignment 
of 34,000 tons of fertilizers for Kenya, has reached the 
country’s port of Mombasa. The shipment, comprising 
potash, urea & NPKS,  is currently being unloaded," 
the statement reads.
 
This is the group’s second donation in a series of shipments 
of its fertilizers from the ports and warehouses in the EU to 
developing countries that face food insecurity. The 
previous humanitarian delivery leaving from an 
EU port, comprised 20,000 tons of complex 
fertilizers and was officially handed over
 to Malawi, in early March.
 
Both shipments were facilitated by the United Nations’ World 
Food Program (WFP) that chartered vessels to transport the 
fertilizers. In turn, the group covered the sea freight and 
other delivery costs.
 
Uralchem-Uralkali is committed to donating a total of
approximately 300,000 tons of mineral fertilizers
to developing nations.
 
Earlier, Uralchem said that another batch was planned to be
 delivered to Nigeria. Moreover, the company may supply the
 humanitarian batch of 55,000 tons of fertilizers to Sri Lanka.
 
 
_____________________________________



Russia Sends 30,000 Tons 
of Free Fertilizer to Kenya
 May 29th, 1:07pm
 (teleSUR)
 
On Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov announced
 that Russia has shipped 30,000 tons of grain to Kenya as the
 recently extended Black Sea grain deal "doesn't work."
 
"In a matter of days, a cargo of 30,000 tons of fertilizers wil
l arrive at the port of Mombasa," he said, adding that
 this cargo will have "great importance" for 
Kenyan agriculture.
 
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised free grain
 and fertilizer to African countries if the agreement brokered 
by Turkey and the United Nations is not extended.
 
Regarding the Black Sea grain agreement, Lavrov stressed
 that everything currently seems to indicate that the deal 
does not and will not work.
 
"The Russia-UN memorandum is not fulfilled. The process is
 progressing very slowly. We cannot but assess the actions 
of the European Union and its members as open sabotage 
of the goals set in the field of food security," Lavrov said.
 
Although Moscow has possibilities to supply its production 
outside the memorandum, Lavrov insisted that, if the UN 
were to comply with the stipulations of the agreement, 
"its impact on the food and fertilizer market would be 
much more positive."
 
To date, 30 million tons of agricultural products such as corn
 and wheat have been exported under the agreement, with
 China and Spain, as the main recipients.
 
 
___________________________________


Kenyan president briefed on details of 
Russia’s approach to Ukrainian crisis
 — Lavrov
May 29th, 12:40pm (TASS) 
 
The Russian side briefed Kenyan President William Ruto 
on what exactly it is doing with regard to the situation
 in Ukraine, and Nairobi was receptive to this 
information, Russian Foreign Minister 
Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.
 
"We exchanged views.. on the situation on the European
continent. In this context, President Ruto considered 
what is happening around Ukraine, as well. We
informed him about what we think about the 
situation, something that developed as a 
result of the West’s policy of creating 
direct threats to Russia’s security
- pandering to the Kiev regime 
- destroying everything 
Russian ---- our entire 
common history ---- 
and discriminating.. 
against the Russian
-speaking Ukrainian
nationals," he said. 
 
"I think that our partners understand, at least, 
they showed gratitude... for a thorough 
conversation on this topic."
 
Lavrov arrived in the Kenyan capital city Nairobi 
on Monday. The program of his visit, includes 
talks with the country’s political leadership.
 Lavrov’s previous visit to Kenya, took 
place in 2010.
 
Earlier this year, the top Russian diplomat carried out 
two African tours. In January, he visited South Africa,
Eswatini, Angola, and Eritrea. In February, he visited 
Mali, Mauritania, and Sudan. According to Russian 
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, 
Lavrov is scheduled... to take part in a BRICS 
(Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) 
ministerial meeting in Cape Town from 
June the 1st, to the 2nd.
 
 
____________________________



CAR interested in placing Russian 
military base on its territory, 
says envoy to Moscow
May 29th, 6:26am (TASS) 
 
The Central African Republic (CAR) would like to place a
 Russian military base on its territory, CAR Ambassador 
to Russia, Leon Dodonou-Pounagaza, said.
 
"Now, we need a Russian military base with 5,000 to 10,000
soldiers. At the same time they could be deployed to other
 countries... if necessary. We have asked for this. When
 [President of the National Assembly of the Central 
African Republic Simplis] Sarangi came to the 
Russian Federation, he reiterated, that we 
need it," the ambassador told Izvestiya 
on Monday.
 
According to him, there are still threats to security in the
 Central African Republic. The envoy pointed out that 
there are people with weapons, among the
refugees 
from Sudan.
 
He added that, in his opinion, military cooperation 
with Moscow should continue, even though it 
displeases some countries.


 
___________________________________________



Over 100 killed as attacks on
 Nigerian villages continue
May 28th, 6pm
(RT.com)
 
Locals are demanding action from the government, 
insisting that a show of force will stop the violence.
 
Over 100 people have been killed in central Nigeria 
in recent weeks as militants terrorize farmers and
victims despair... of help from the government.  
 
On Thursday, 250 villagers led by Christian church
 leaders... marched through the city of Jos,
 demanding action from the authorities.  
 
“It is disheartening to see innocent citizens being killed 
and their properties destroyed in such a gruesome 
manner,” Daniel Okoh, president of the Christian 
Association of Nigeria, said in a statement. 
 
Several residents told RT that the government’s failure to
 publicly hold the militants accountable for their crimes 
was emboldening the attackers, explaining that it was
 important to send the message that no one is above 
the law. “Once justice is dispensed, these attacks 
will stop,” a resident of Jos predicted.
 
 
_______________________________________


Nigerian president
celebrates 
"peaceful transition of power"
May 28th, 3:50pm
(africanews)
 
Nigeria's outgoing president, Muhammadu Buhari, celebrated
 a "peaceful transition of power" to the new administration 
of president-elect Bola Tinubu.
 
In his last address to the nation on Sunday, Buhari 
defended his record in office after two mandates.
 
"I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria rebirth by
 taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the
 incoming administration will quicken the pace of this 
work to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a 
great nation".
 
"I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better
 in 2023 than in 2015", concluded Muhammadu Buhari, 
outgoing president of Nigeria.
 
The new president, Bola Tinubu, is set to be sworn in on
 Monday, as the country faces economic troubles and a 
worsening security situation.
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
 
Permaculture opens 
new opportunities 
for Tunisian farmers
May 28th, 11:51am
 (africanews)
 
Tunisian farmer Saber Zouani is proud of what he
has achieved. After losing his job in the tourism
sector during the pandemic - he decided to try 
something new & began a permaculture farm.
 
Since then he has become self-sufficient and is now 
even making an income for his family, selling the 
excess produce.
 
Permaculture is an alternative to industrial farming 
that uses less water and avoids chemicals 
and pesticides.
 
"I use 30,000 litres (of water) a day for my needs. I found 
a solution with the permaculture technique to use 
15,000 litres per day for one hectare --- for my 
vegetable garden, my crops... and even for
 my trees", said permaculture farmer 
Saber Zouani. 
 
Zouani started off more than two years ago with the help of
 the Tunisian Association of Permaculture, which gave him
 initial training, as well as financial support for the
basic equipment.
 
"Whether it's water stress, or the war in Ukraine and
elsewhere. For us, all this, is an opportunity to high
light the solutions offered by different agricultural 
systems, agro-ecology & permaculture. Because,
 with these techniques, the first thing to do 
before planting a tree is to plant water. 
And how do you plant water? It's the 
drop that falls in the form of rain, 
and which.. certainly shouldn't 
be left in nature unmanaged", 
said Rim Mathlouthi, the
President of Tunisia's 
Perma-culture 
Association.
 
Many hope permaculture, will help Tunisia weather the
impacts of climate change and wean it off its reliance 
on global supply chains, including grain and fertiliser
imports from Ukraine and Russia.
 
For local customers, the advantage is that
 they know the origin of the products.
 
"I'm there and I see the products. The privilege is that he 
(the permaculture farmer) explains to me what I'm going
 to put on my plate, and I think that's great", said Salem 
Laghouati, a consumer of permaculture products.
 
An unprecedented drought has left the Tunisian countryside 
parched and water reservoirs are at dangerously low levels 
this spring.
 
 
______________________________
 

 
Egypt announces ------ new 
archaeological discoveries
May 28th, 11:50am
 (africanews)
 
Archaeologists in Egypt have announced new
 discoveries at the Saqqara necropolis,
 south of Cairo.
 
The new discoveries include two human and animal 
embalming workshops as well as the tombs of
 two priests.
 
"We found two big workshops, one for humans and then
one used in mummifying animals, while the second 
workshop is for humans only, we found also, beds,
 mummification tools, and materials". 
 
"During the excavation we also found a tomb that belonged
 to Ne Hesut Ba, a priest who served in the fifth dynasty of
 the old kingdom --- 4,500 years ago", announced Mostafa 
Waziri, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities.
 
Recently, Egypt has unveiled a string
 of major archaeological discoveries.
 
The discoveries have been a key component of Egypt's
 attempts to revive its vital tourism industry.
 
"This is the first time we discovered embalming workshops
associated with the temples, all the previous embalming
 workshops... were  related to Apis  in Memphis (part of 
Giza governorate now, Ed.), that means... it is an 
important discovery, to have found embalming 
workshops here in Saqqara", said Mohamed 
Youssef, director of the Saqqara 
archaeological site.
 
The site director added: 
 
"We also found many statues representing the masterpieces
 of the art in the old kingdom which date back 4,500 years, 
and we also discovered antiquities, and pieces dating
back 3,300 years, that represent the new kingdom, 
plus some jewellery and accessories. Also we 
found cheese made by te ancient Egyptians 
--- who used to store it in pottery jars and 
put it behind the dead". 
 
Egypt aims to draw in 30 million tourists a year by 2028,
 up from 13 million, before the Covid pandemic.
 
The crowning jewel of the government's strategy is the 
long-delayed inauguration of the Grand Egyptian 
Museum, at the foot of the pyramids in Giza.
 
 
_________________________________
 
 
 
Fighting in Sudan leaves 
banking sector in limbo
May 28th, 8:55am
 (africanews)
 
The conflict in Sudan has thrown
 the banking sector into chaos. 
 
Many Sudanese have been locked out of their savings 
as the seven day ceasefire agreed last week.... 
approaches the end.
 
"Previously, it was very difficult to transfer money, and 
it has become worse --- after the fighting broke out", 
complained a resident in Madani, who opted to
 remain anonymous. 
 
Fighting between Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-
Burhan and former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, 
who commands the powerful paramilitary Rapid 
Support Forces, has brought the country's 
financial system to a standstill.
 
"Regarding the events in the past period, a large number of 
people have fled Khartoum to Madani, due to the war, and
 all Western Union services were suspended for 21 days", 
said Abu Dharr Hasan, an employee at a money 
transfer office.
 
"We would show people that Western Union services are
 suspended during the early days [of the battles, Ed.]. 
Afterwards, they adopted the policy of safe zones, 
that is, cities in which no problems [battles, Ed.] 
occurred. So, they started pumping money and 
people began to get out, & people understood
as everybody is aware of the situation in the 
country", concluded the office employee.
 
Elsewhere, United Nations Secretary-General António
 Guterres has re-affirmed his full confidence in UN
special envoy Volker Perthes after a request
 from General al-Burhan ----- for him to be 
removed from the post.
 
 
________________________________________


Russia ready to launch Togliatti-
Odessa 
ammonia pipeline
amid Kiev’s reluctance

— diplomat
May 27th, 2:19am (TASS) 
 
Moscow is ready to relaunch the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia
 pipeline in mere days, but Kiev has been resisting this for 
almost a year under contrived pretexts, Russian Foreign
 Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, in a
commentary published on Friday.
 
"Russia is ready to launch the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia
 pipeline without delay, in mere days, while Kiev has 
been blocking this for almost a year, setting forth 
more conditions," she said, stressing that the
Ukrainian side, is not interested in ammonia
supplies to Africa, which it urgently needs.
 
According to the diplomat, the Black Sea grain initiative
---- is
 "being implemented with serious imbalances."

"Most of
 Ukrainian grain exported since last August,
over 
30 mln tons, was directed to prosperous 
developed countries ---- above all, to EU 
countries. And only 2.5% went to the
 neediest African countries with the
 assistance of the UN World Food 
Program," she pointed out.
 
That said, Zakharova noted that Russia "is ready for an open 
and honest conversation with everyone, above all, with our
 African friends --- about the true causes and culprits that 
created the situation fraught with a threat of famine 
to Africa.".
 
 
_________________________________________
 
 
AU Peace and Security Council
 assesses de-escalation
 in Sudan
 by Ana Luisa Brown
May 27th, 12:42pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) 
Peace and Security Council gathered to consider an
 organization's call for a de-escalation plan to put 
an end to the bloody conflict in Sudan.
 
AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, 
Bankole Adeoye, told the Ethiopia News Agency that
 they are committed --- to continue working in 
coordination with partners in an expanded 
mechanism and to promote the factors
 that silence arms in Khartoum.
 
A council session held Saturday led by Ugandan President
Yoweri Musevini and Adeoye, which was attended by AU
 Commission Chairperson Faki Moussa Mahamat and
 Intergovernmental Authority on Development 
(IGAD) Executive Secretary Workneh 
Gebeyehu, focused on the issue.
 
Musevini wrote on his Twitter account that Sudan does 
not belong to the army, but to the people, therefore, 
the unconditional and immediate cessation of 
hostilities to stop the tragedy in Africa, is 
of great importance.
 
Gebeyehu revealed on the same social network that
 ‘I briefed on the IGAD Assembly’s commitment
 towards a peaceful resolution of the Sudan 
crisis, and our collaboration with the AU, 
UN and other partners to support the 
Sudanese people’s aspirations for 
peace and stability’.
 
Mahamat, in turn, said the warring parties in Sudan must
immediately cease fire, allow humanitarian action, an
inclusive political transition and civilian-led 
democratic governance, while speaking 
online at the session.
 
 
 
__________________________________



 Pan-African union of ex-USSR
 college alumni associations
 to expand - chair
May 27th, 12:22am (TASS) 
 
The Pan-African union of associations of graduates from the 
universities of the former Soviet Union founded in 2017 will 
expand, its chair, Mohamed Faqiri, told TASS.
 
Faqiri... who also chairs the Moroccan association of the
 alumni of the former Soviet universities, is participating 
in the first forum of such associations, held in Rabat.
 
He said that since the Pan-African union of associations
 was founded, "many things happened - the coronavirus 
pandemic, geopolitical changes. During this time, we 
managed to complete legal procedures and register 
our Pan-African union. It is recognized by the
Moroccan authorities, and this helps us 
to proceed," Faqiri noted.
 
"We maintain ties with 40 alumni associations of Soviet and 
Russian universities in African countries that are not in our
 Pan-African union. And we plan to expand our ranks. In 
order to do so, we need to work hard and, of course, 
we need the support of African governments and 
Russia," he stressed.
 
Faqiri emphasized that the Moroccan association brings
 together the older generation as well as young people 
who had just recently graduated from Russian, 
Ukrainian and Belarusian universities. 
 
"The goal of this forum is to shape proposals and
recommendations for the African governments 
and Russian authorities," he concluded.


 
______________________________________



Russia willing to support Somali 
effort against Islamists
by Ana Luisa Brown
May 27th, 11:33am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Russia reportedly expressed its willingness to support 
Somalia fight Islamist groups that control vast areas 
of this country of the Horn of Africa.
 
The proposal was conveyed by Russian Foreign Minister
 Sergei Lavrov to his Somali counterpart Abshir Omar 
Jama during their meeting in the Russian capital 
yesterday, according to press reports.
 
Lavrov reaffirmed the readiness to meet the material needs
 of the Somali Army in its fight against extremists including
 Al Shabaab and its parent entity, Al Qaeda, says the
report,
 which refrains from identifying the source
of its information.
 
The offer coincides with what official media here describe as 
the biggest offensive by the armed forces against Al Shabab
 strongholds, whose actions cover the whole country and 
include attacks on military bases and the bombing of 
civilian facilities.
 
The relations between Somalia and Russia declined to 
a minimum in 1978 when the Soviet Union supported
neighboring Ethiopia, against the invasion of the 
Ogaden desert by the Somali Army --- governed
at that time by General Mohamed Siad Barre,
 who was overthrown years later.
 
At that time there were no Islamist groups, which originated 
years later, in Iraq, in the wake of the U.S. military 
aggression against the government of 
President Saddam Hussein.
 
Al Qaeda (The Base, in Arabic), headed by the Saudi 
millionaire, of Yemeni origin, Osama Bin Laden, one 
of whose commandos carried out the devastating 
attack on the World Trade Centre in New York at 
the start of this century, was in Afghanistan at 
that time.
 
 
_________________________________


The Sudanese army confiscated
shipment of weapons intended
for special forces 
May 26th, 10:10pm
(Izvestia.ru)
 
Units of the Sudanese Armed Forces detained a shipment 
of weapons, which, in their opinion, was sent from 
abroad to the rapid reaction Forces (RDF). This 
was reported on Friday, May 26, by Asharq 
TV channel.
 
Representatives of the Sudanese army reported that 
a shipment of weapons and ammunition was 
confiscated in the Red Sea province.
 
 According to them, the contraband was brought to the 
territory of Sudan from another country by sea and the
 weapons were intended for the SBR detachments.
 
As the Armed Forces assured, the detained group 
of smugglers allegedly cooperated with the 
special forces.
 
The Rapid Reaction Forces have not 
yet commented on the situation.
 
Thousands of citizens are trying to 
leave the country through the only 
sea gate, Port Sudan.
 
 
_______________________________________



  Ethiopia and China... willing to 
expand bilateral cooperation
by Ileana Ferrer Fonte
May 26th, 9:30am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
 Demeke Mekonnen, analyzed with China's Vice 
President Han Zheng on Friday, the current 
cooperation between the two countries
 and the interest in expanding the 
trade sector.
 
Mekonnen, who is visiting Beijing, from May 25 to 28, at
 the invitation of his counterpart Qin Gang, thanked 
this country for its strong support to restore 
peace in Addis Ababa.
 
The Ethiopian deputy prime minister also expressed 
his Government’s willingness to participate in 
implementing Chinese initiatives, the local 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
 
“Ethiopia considers China a leading partner to achieve its
 independent development goals and hopes to continue
 receiving China’s support in areas such as post-war
 reconstruction and economic development, and 
welcomes Chinese companies to invest in 
Ethiopia,” Mekonnen stressed.
 
Zheng.. welcomed the African nation’s support for 
Beijing in safeguarding its fundamental interests.
 
The Chinese vice president recalled that his country 
firmly supports Ethiopia in consolidating unity,
 peace, and economic recovery.
 
He assured that China is willing to work together 
to build a high-quality Belt and Road, expand 
practical cooperation, and promote 
people-to-people exchanges.
 
 
_________________________________


 
Russia's UN envoy criticizes situation 
when African peace depends on
 irregular foreign aid
May 26th, 3:17am (TASS) 
 
Russia believes that a situation when peace and security in 
Africa depends on irregular assistance from a number of
 countries and organizations --- is abnormal, Russian 
Permanent Representative to the United Nations
 Vasily Nebenzya said.
 
"Russia supports the position of African countries 
that effective measures are required to improve 
predictability, reliability and flexibility in this 
matter. We think it is not normal that peace
 and security in Africa depend on irregular 
assistance from individual states, and 
associations" -- the Russian diplomat
told UN Security Council’s Thursday 
meeting, on issues related to the
financing... of African Union 
peace support operations.
 
"Africans know better than anyone, the true nature and the
root causes of instability in their region. They have come 
a long way in building regional peace and security 
architecture. By now... they have developed 
mechanisms - that take into account local 
specificities & harmoniously complement 
the efforts of the United Nations, within
their respective areas of responsibility 
and mandates," Nebenzya continued.
 
In his words, the Peace and Security Council, which 
is underpinned by the support of the African Union
Commission, the Panel of the Wise, the 
Continental Early Warning System 
and the African Standby Force, 
functions effectively.
 
"The Peace Fund is being replenished. The African Union's
 flagship initiative on silencing the guns, which has been
 extended until 2030, is being implemented," the 
Russian envoy added. 
 
"Significant progress has been made, on human 
rights and transparency and accountability, in 
the military contingents of African states".
 
 
___________________________________________


 Zimbabwe Sees Russia 
as a Crucial Partner: 
Barbara Rwodzi
May 25th (teleSUR)
 
In an exclusive interview with TV BRICS, Barbara Rwodzi,
 Zimbabwe's Deputy Environment and Tourism Minister, 
spoke about the important initiatives of the First Lady 
of Zimbabwe, Auxillia Mnangagwa, to combat the 
effects of climate change, in education and 
social assistance, as well as about 
promising areas for cooperation 
between Russia and Africa.
 
You attended the 24th International Scientific Conference 
on Economic and Social Development. Tell us about
 your experiences.
 
I was most interested in the sessions on women
 entrepreneurs. I have the impression that world
 leaders --- have finally realised that women 
contribute enormously to the economic 
and social development of countries 
around the world.
 
Russia has taken a step forward in this direction by bringing
 together women from different countries, from different
 continents ---- to talk about how best to improve the 
efficiency of the economy and social development 
around the world. And I am happy that Mrs 
Mnangagwa... First Lady of Zimbabwe, 
was invited to attend the conference 
and represent our country.
 
During the First Lady's visit to Moscow last December, a
 memorandum of assistance was signed between the 
Angel of Hope Foundation --- and TV BRICS. What 
programs of the foundation can be developed 
together with TV BRICS?
 
We are very grateful for the work that our First Lady is doing
across the country. Auxillia Mnangagwa - is visibly changing
 our society for the better, especially the younger generation.
 The First Lady's Foundation is giving back to the people 
their legacy.
 
Auxillia Mnangagwa reminds the Zimbabwean community of 
its roots and invites them to revisit their rich original culture. 
For instance, the first lady promotes gastronomic tourism.
 There is a cooking competition that has been held all 
over the country for the last two years.
 
It allows you to go back to the folk roots and remember 
our grandmothers' dishes, while offering a taste of a 
new format of familiar food. The competition has 
taken on a new dimension, becoming so 
grandiose that other countries in the 
region genuinely admire it.
 
Incidentally, this initiative goes a long way towards promoting 
tourism in our country. The next project, also proposed by
 the First Lady, aims to raise interest in education. After 
all, children need help, to guide them, to point the 
right way, to catch their attention. Our First Lady 
also has medical programmes.
 
They help families with the elderly. We invite everyone 
to workshops on how to improve physical and mental
 health. All the initiatives I have outlined can be 
carried out in cooperation with TV BRICS, so 
that more people not only in Russia but also
 in other BRICS countries --- will become 
aware of them.
 
At first glance, Russia and Zimbabwe are very different
 countries. But at the same time we have a long history 
of friendship. In what ways are we similar and what 
creates such a strong bond between us?
 
Russia and Zimbabwe have always had very good relations. 
After the liberation struggle in 1980, when we gained our
 independence, the Russian Federation was involved in 
the reconstruction of our country. You trained our 
citizens. Russians came to Zimbabwe to share 
knowledge in construction, medicine 
and agriculture.
 
You helped rebuild our capital and in one way or another 
helped rebuild our country. Our task today is to develop
and strengthen... cooperation with the Russian 
Federation, now in the fields of the economy 
and culture.
 
Zimbabwe sees Russia as a crucial partner on the African
 continent and continues to make efforts both to improve 
the business climate between the countries and to help 
address socio-economic challenges.
 
In 2019, your President Vladimir Putin said that Africa 
and Russia can work together and be part of a global 
community. We fully agree with this. The people of 
Zimbabwe fully support this idea. We have many
 options for cooperation. We look forward to 
developing the relationship further.
 
The topic of climate change has become a global debate. 
After all, the First Lady is paying a lot of attention to the
 environment and the tourism industry, which is, in fact,
 the remit of your ministry. What strategies are being
 implemented in Zimbabwe to offset the effects of 
climate change on ordinary citizens.
 
Our First Lady speaks out for the environment and wildlife in 
Zimbabwe. This issue is in the department of our ministry. 
Over the past five years, Auxillia Mnangagwa has done 
considerable work in this regard. By her personal 
example --- she is promoting a tree-planting
culture 
among the country's residents to
avoid 
deforestation of the area and
preserve
 the local ecosystem.
 
In some parts of Zimbabwe, for example, tree planting has
 become an integral part of people's daily lives. In just one
 year, between 2022 and 2023, between 17 and 18 million 
trees were planted. Compared to the previous three
 years, the number of new trees has increased by 
48 percent, and this is a direct credit to our 
First Lady.
 
It was she who taught people to take care of their
 environment. This is our way of trying to do our 
part in the fight against climate change. Mrs 
Mnangagwa also has other initiatives in 
which... she educates the younger 
generation.  She gathers young 
children - from 2 years of age
and above and tells them of 
the importance of water -
and how to conserve it.
 
That our rivers must remain clean. It is about 
teaching the young children to cherish and 
appreciate nature, from an early age.
 
There are other programmes.. for older people, 
but it is clear that we should start with young
 people and teach them how to preserve the
 environment right now. And these are just 
some of the initiatives we have taken 
from Russia.
 
The First Lady also led the agricultural programme that 
our President Dr Emerson Mnangagwa is implementing 
in the country from 2019. It is an agricultural initiative 
focused on sustainable harvests in the face of 
climate change.
 
Our first lady has decided to expand it. It has attracted 
women entrepreneurs, and now more than half of its
 participants are women farmers who devote their 
free time to developing new programmes to
 improve crop yields.
 
Mrs Mnangagwa is organising for them to receive joint
 training in wise farming. These are all initiatives that 
we are implementing together with our First Lady at
 the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism 
and Hospitality.
 
The First Lady received an honorary award from the Russian
 State University for the Humanities. About 500 students 
from Zimbabwe are currently studying in Russia, taking
 their cue from the nation's mother. What advice do 
you have for these students?
 
First of all, I will say that these guys are very lucky, they were
 chosen by our first lady. They were chosen by our president. 
And yet we have thousands of students who also want to
 come to Russia. What I want to say to them is to cherish 
this chance that the Russian government is giving them,
 that the Zimbabwean government is giving them.
 
They should also appreciate the opportunity presented by our 
First Lady. All that Auxillia Mnangagwa wants is for them to
 know and remember where they come from, to remember 
their culture, to pay special attention to their education, 
because without education, you cannot be a person.
 
And here is an opportunity to leave home for a distant 
country to get a free education. This is an 
opportunity to be cherished.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
South Africa to Host BRICS Foreign
 Ministers Meeting in June
 May 25th (teleSUR)
 
South Africa's International Relations Minister, Naledi 
Pandor will host the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting 
on June the 1st, 2023, in Cape Town. 
 
Sergei Lavrov, foreign minister of the Russian Federation, 
has already confirmed his participation. This will be 
his second trip to South Africa, this year.
 
The interim event is an opportunity for the foreign 
ministers of the association to reflect on
 regional and global developments.
 
Pandor, as chairman of the BRICS Ministerial Meeting, will 
continue his policy of inclusive engagement by inviting 
15 foreign ministers from Africa and the global south 
to the Friends of BRICS meeting to be held on 
the 2nd of June, 2023.
 
The ministerial meetings will be preceded by the Sherpas 
and Sous-Sherpas meeting on 29-30 May 2023, as 
reported by South Africa's official website. 
 
According to Anil Sooklal, South Africa's sherpa to BRICS, 
the sherpa's task is to create all conditions for the 
success of the upcoming summit of the
 association's leaders, which is due 
to take place in August.
 
This year the BRICS is led by South Africa. The country
 has planned some 200 events as part of its presidency 
of the alliance.
 
 
______________________________
 
 
 
A Fugitive Wanted for Rwandan 
Genocide --- is Arrested
May 25th (teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, former police inspector Fulgence 
Kayishema, one of the most wanted fugitives 
from the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, was
 arrested in Paarl, in South Africa.
 
He planned and carried out the murder of some 2,000 people
 at the Nyange Catholic Church during the genocide against
 Tutsis ---- said the Office of the Prosecutor of the Inter-
national Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals 
(ICTR) --- the institution that succeeded the 
International Criminal Tribunal for 
Rwanda (ICTR).
 
"Kayishema has been a fugitive for over 20 years. 
He will finally face justice for his crimes. 
Genocide is the gravest crime known 
to humankind," ICTR Prosecutor 
Serge Brammertz said.
 
"The international community has pledged to ensure that 
genocide perpetrators are prosecuted and punished. 
This arrest is a tangible demonstration that this 
commitment does not fade and that justice 
will be served, no matter how long 
it takes," he added.
 
"On April 15th, 1994, Kayishema, together with other co-
perpetrators,  murdered more than 2,000 men, women,
 elderly and children refugees..  at the Nyange Church
 in Kivumu commune.  He directly participated in the 
planning and execution of this massacre, including 
by procuring and distributing petrol to burn down 
the church with the refugees inside," 
ICTR recalled.
 
"When this failed, Kayishema and others used a bulldozer to 
collapse the church, burying and killing the refugees inside. 
Kayishema and others then supervised the transfer of
 corpses from the church grounds into mass graves 
over the next approximately two days."
 
Between April and July, 1994, members of the Tutsi minority 
ethnic group, as well as some moderate Hutu and Twa, 
were killed by armed Hutu militias. The most widely
 accepted scholarly estimates, are around
 500,000 to 662,000 Tutsi deaths.
 
 
_________________________________________

 

Patrushev spoke about the West's 
attempts --- to dissuade African 
countries from going to Russia
May 25th, 3:27pm
(RT.ru)
 
Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev
 said that the West is trying to dissuade African countries 
from going to Russia for an international security 
meeting and a Russia-Africa summit.
 
According to him, the African countries themselves 
told the Russian side about such attempts.
 
"Who we talked to, they said: "But when we were going to 
visit you, we were told by representatives of the United
 States and some other Western countries:' You don't
 need to do this, you don't need to go, not only to
this
 meeting, but you don't need to go to the
Russia —
 Africa summit," Patrushev said.
 
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed
with the Chairman of the African Union, President of the 
Comoros Azali Assoumani, the issues of holding the 
second Russia-Africa summit.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
African literary tradition 
present in Cuba
by Ileana Ferrer Fonte
May 25th, 10:42am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Under the title "Dynamics of the African literary tradition," 
a panel dedicated to Yoruba poet and Cuban ethnologist,
 Rogelio Martínez Furé takes place at the Havana-based
 Casa de las Americas, on Thursday.
 
According to the program, at the event, the Manuel Galich 
Hall of that cultural institution ---- presents the Digital
 Library of African and African Diaspora Literature.
 
After the ceremony, several panelists will speak about the 
tradition coming from the great continent and all that 
this culture represents for Cuba.
 
The gathering, a tribute to Martínez Furé and the African 
peoples’ customs, will also include a lecture entitled 
“Afro-futurism and African futurism: an alternative 
to cultural colonialism,” with a bold vision of the 
religiosity, traditions, idiosyncrasy, and values 
of Africa´s ethnic groups.
 
The reading of “Cimarrón de Palabras” will take place in the 
afternoon as part of the International Festival of this 
artistic expression, and also a reminder of the
 60th anniversary of Yoruba poetry.
 
The outstanding Cuban intellectual, who died in 2022, 
was praised for his work as an Africanist, oral 
narrator, writer, and poet, but also as a 
dancer and singer.
 
 
________________________________________



Over 1 Mln Are Internally 
displaced in Somalia
in 130 days
May 24th, 5pm 
(teleSUR))
 
Currently, 3.8 million people are now displaced in Somalia,
 exacerbating a dire humanitarian situation where some
 6.7 million people are struggling to meet their 
food needs.
 
On Wednesday, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) 
and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said that severe 
drought, recurrent conflict and devastating floods have 
forced more than 1 million people in Somalia to flee
 their homes, in just 130 days.
 
Conflict -- was among the main causes of displacement 
between Jan. 1 and May 10, while over 408,000 people
were displaced by floods sweeping across their 
villages and another 312,000 people were 
displaced by ravaging drought.
 
"We are working together with humanitarian agencies to 
respond as best we can, but with new displacement 
climbing by the day, the needs are overwhelming,"
 UNHCR Representative in Somalia Magatte 
Guisse said.
 
"It's a great tragedy to witness the impact on Somalia's 
most vulnerable. They are the least responsible for 
the conflict and the climate crisis but are the 
hardest hit."
 
According to the two agencies, most of the displaced 
fled to the regions of Hiran in central Somalia and 
Gedo, in southern Somalia.
 
NRC Somalia Country Director Mohamed Abdi said these 
are alarming figures of some of the most vulnerable 
people forced to abandon the little that they had 
to head for the unknown.
 
"With 1 million people displaced already in less than five
 months ---- we can only fear the worst in the coming 
months as all the ingredients of this catastrophe 
are boiling in Somalia," Abdi said.
 
Those forced to flee are arriving in overcrowded urban
areas and sites already hosting internally displaced 
people --- placing immense strain on already over-
stretched resources and exposing vulnerable 
people to increasing protection risks,
such 
as evictions.
 
Over 3.8 million people are now displaced in Somalia,
 exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation
 where some 6.7 million people are struggling to
meet their food needs.
 
Over half a million Somali children are severely malnourished, 
but aid agencies have so far received only 22 percent of 
the resources required to deliver assistance this year. 
 
 
___________________________________________________
 


Horn of Africa to Experience 
Dry June-September Weather
May 24th, 4:19pm
 (teleSUR))
 
In the coming months, the frequency and intensity of 
the rains will decrease significantly --- in Eritrea, 
Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan.
 
On Wednesday, the Intergovernmental Authority on 
Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, said 
that dry weather will be experienced in the 
Horn of Africa region, from June 
to September, amid the risk 
of worsening an already 
precarious..... food 
security situation.
 
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre 
(ICPAC), based in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, said
 Djibouti, Eritrea, central and northern Ethiopia, 
northern Uganda, much of South Sudan and 
Sudan will receive depressed rains from 
June to September.
 
ICPAC Director Guleid Artan noted that June to September
 rainfall season --- contributes more than 50 percent of 
annual total rainfall in the greater Horn of Africa 
region, adding that, if suppressed, they could 
escalate the food crisis. 
 
"The conditions we forecast could very well 
increase food insecurity in the region," 
Artan said.
 
Depressed rainfall, coupled with warmer than usual 
temperatures, are likely to affect crop productivity, 
with the risk of crop wilting and a hastened
 decline in pasture and water availability. 
 
Noting that 49 million people in the IGAD region were 
still food insecure, Artan urged governments and 
relief agencies to mobilize resources in a bid 
to avert a humanitarian crisis.
 
Most parts of the Horn of Africa region recorded above-
average March to May rainfall, bringing some respite 
to communities reeling from five consecutive failed 
rainfall seasons in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, 
according to Hussen Seid Endris, an ICPAC 
modeling expert.
 
Seid warned of a likelihood of El Nino weather phenomenon
 between July and September in the Horn of Africa region,
 characterized by warm temperatures and 
depressed rains.
 
He clarified that the severity of the El Nino season in the
region, associated with record high temperatures, 
is yet to be ascertained, adding that adequate 
preparations --- to minimize its negative
 impact on livelihoods, are critical.
 
 
____________________________________


 
UN: DR Congo Heavy Rain
 Death Toll Rises to 443
 May 24th (teleSUR)
 
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian 
Affairs (OCHA) has said that the official death toll 
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 
has reached 443... following sustained
emergency response efforts... to 
address ongoing heavy rainfall.
 
According to the OCHA, numerous individuals are wounded, 
while several others remain unaccounted for due to the 
floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in early 
May. Rescue and response personnel are urgently 
requesting heavy equipment to excavate and to 
bury the deceased individuals.... particularly
in 
the Kalehe region within the eastern 
territory of South Kivu province.
 
"Other top priorities are shelter and relocation of survivors, 
food assistance and fixing roads and bridges, so we can 
reach people affected," OCHA said.
 
According to OCHA, more than 3,000 houses and schools
 serving more than 9,000 children ---- are damaged.
 
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the territory of 
Kalehe, in Bushushu, Red Cross agents search for
 bodies under the rubble.
 
Furthermore, according to OCHA, a minimum of 17,000
 individuals have been provided with aid services such
 as food, medical treatment, shelter, and emotional 
support since May 10.
 
Humanitarians supplied a daily quantity of over 
50,000 litres of potable water --- to the 
affected communities.
 
Bruno Lemarquis, UN humanitarian coordinator in
the DRC, directed 3 million U.S. dollars from the
Humanitarian Fund towards reinforcing the
ongoing operations.
 
 
____________________________________


West deliberately provokes conflicts
in 
Africa and Latin America
says Lavrov
May 24th, 2:06pm (TASS) 
 
Western countries intentionally provoke interstate and 
interethnic conflicts in Africa, Latin America, and the
 Caribbean, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey
 Lavrov said.
 
"In line with colonial practices, [the West] seeks to further
 exploit the rich resources of the African continent. The 
US continues to view Latin America & the Caribbean 
as its backyard and reacts nervously when these 
countries pursue independent, autonomous 
policies," he said at the XI International 
Meeting of High Representatives for 
Security Issues.
 
 "In all of the abovementioned regions, the Westerners are
 deliberately provoking interethnic, interconfessional and 
interstate conflicts."
 
According to Lavrov, the most recent example of 
such Western policies, is the situation in Sudan. 
 
"The roots of the problems the country is facing today, lie 
in the long-standing US policy, which has been aimed at 
dismembering the single country - into Sudan & South
 Sudan. However, as a result, there is no peace and
 prosperity in either of these countries," the top 
Russian diplomat pointed out.
 
 
___________________________________
 
 
 
Russia determined....  to enhance 
strategic partnership with Africa 
— ambassador to US
May 24th, 6:02am (TASS) 
 
Africa has the potential to be one of the leaders of the 
multipolar world --- which is currently being formed,
and
 Russia is determined to enhance its strategic 
partnership with the countries of the continent,
 Russian Ambassador to the United States, 
Anatoly Antonov, said on Tuesday.
 
"We view today’s event as an important contribution to the
 preparations for the second Russia-Africa Summit which
 will take place in St. Petersburg in July ----- and will 
determine the development of relations between 
our nations for the years to come," Antonov 
told the Russia-Africa gala evening at the 
Russian embassy in Washington.
 
He assured that "the ties between Russia and African states
have an intrinsic value and are not aimed against anyone."
 
"We are firmly committed to developing a strategic partnership
 with our African friends, to work together to promote fair and 
equal relations, and improve the mechanisms of mutually
 beneficial economic ties," Antonov went on. 
 
"Through our joint efforts.. the continent will become one of
 the leaders of the emerging multipolar world order. We will 
counter the neocolonialist ideology that is being imposed
 by the others."
 
Geopolitical challenges
 
According to the Russian diplomat, the summit in St. 
Petersburg is being organized "in a complicated 
geopolitical environment --- during the drastic 
changes in global politics & the economy."
 
"Some western states would prefer to prevent the formation
 of a more just world order. They desperately defend the
 flawed concept of a world based on their rules, exert 
off-hand political and diplomatic pressure on others,
 including the Africans," the ambassador continued. 
 
"Russia is preparing for the summit in the most serious way. 
We will be glad to welcome leaders of all the African states 
and heads of regional organizations. We do not make 
any exceptions."
 
In his words, the key idea of the event, is enhancing the 
sovereignty of the African countries and consolidating
 their role in global affairs.
 
"President Vladimir Putin is open to bilateral contacts and 
talks with all the partners on the sidelines of the 
upcoming high-level forum," Antonov said.
 
Support for Africa
 
"We believe that African states must be treated decently 
and equally," the Russian ambassador continued. "Back
 in its time, the Soviet Union contributed significantly to
 the struggle against colonialism, racism & apartheid. 
Our country rendered assistance to the nations in 
gaining and defending their independence. And
 now, Russia continues the policy of all-out 
support for the African states."
 
"We advocate --- for a broader representation of the African
 states in international fora, first of all in the UN Security 
Council and G20," he added. "We continue defense
 cooperation, including the supply of Russian 
armaments and equipment.. to African 
partners and the training of their 
military personnel."
 
The 2nd Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum are 
twin events, that are slated to take place in Russia’s 
second largest city of St. Petersburg on July 26-29. 
 
The inaugural event was held in Russia’s Black Sea
resort of Sochi, on October the 22nd-24th, in 2019.
 
 
______________________________________
 

East African Countries
Start 
Training of Rapid
Reaction Forces
May 23rd (teleSUR)
 
On Monday, troops from 10 East African countries began
 a two-week training at the United Nations Regional 
Service Centre in Uganda.
 
Personnel from Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, 
Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda 
participated in the training that aims to enhance
 the understanding of peace support mission 
planning, said the East African Standby
 Force (EASF).
 
"We cannot fulfil our mandate of enhancing peace and
 security without an effective planning entity for our 
region," said Uganda's Chief of Staff of the Air
 Force, Brig. David Gonyi.
 
He said the training will enable regional countries
 to respond to scenarios like terrorism, election
 violence and disaster management.
 
"There is no doubt that the commitment given to this
 learning process is a clear testimony that capacity
 building and enhancement, have a place they 
deserve in Africa and the region," 
Gonyi said.
 
The EASF, which consists of military, police and civilian
 components, was established to provide a capability 
for rapid deployment of forces --- to carry out 
preventive deployment, rapid intervention, 
peace support and stability operations,
 and peace enforcement.
 
"The course is aimed.. at preparing participants to take an 
effective role as an integrated joint planning group (JPP) 
or Integrated Mission planning team (IMPT). And, also,
take positions in the integrated mission HQ during a
stage for all peace support organizations (PSO),"
 local outlet, Nexus Media, explained.
 
 
_________________________________
 
 
 
Fighting in Sudan Continues on 
the First Day of a New Truce
May 23rd, 3:08pm (teleSUR)
 
On Tuesday, clashes between the Sudanese Army and the 
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries continued in 
Khartoum despite the seven-day truce agreed to 
develop a humanitarian corridor.
 
"Despite the ceasefire, the rebel militias took over the Alban 
Jadid University Hospital, assaulted the medical personnel,
 expelled the patients, and put the hospital out of service," 
the Health Ministry denounced.
 
"So far, the rebel militia has occupied 28 hospitals and
 6 other vital health institutions. It also seized 21 
ambulances," the health authorities detailed.
 
Since the conflict broke out on April 15, the parties have
 agreed to at least eight truces, none of which have 
been fully implemented as expected.
 
The Arab News reported that the fighting and airstrikes in
 Khartoum began shortly after 9:45 p.m. Monday, when 
the truce is supposed to come into force. It also 
mentioned that the smell of smoke and 
explosions were felt... throughout 
the day.
 
"Beyond official announcements, Sudan is still pounded and 
bombarded, with millions of civilian lives at risk," said Karl 
Schembri, a journalist of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
 
"We've had over a month of broken promises and empty words
 while humanitarian colleagues were killed- -- together with
children and others, and hospitals, destroyed,"
he added.
 
Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to 
the United Nations, warned of the need to ensure the 
implementation of the "Agreement on a Short-term 
Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangement" signed 
in Jeddah on Saturday.
 
"We call on the United Nations and international partners to 
support and cooperate with regional organizations, with a
 view to providing the necessary time and space for 
regional mediation," he said, at a meeting of the
 United Nations Security Council on Monday.
 
 
____________________________________
 
 
 
Somali Military Officers Train 
to Improve Maritime Security
May 23rd, 12:27pm (teleSUR)
 
Fifteen Somali Navy and Coast Guard officers have
 wrapped up a two-week training to help enhance 
maritime security along the country's coastline.
 
The joint initiative, conducted by the African Union Transition
 Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the European Union Capacity
 Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) was aimed at
 helping Somalia secure the longest coastline in Africa 
ahead of the withdrawal of 2,000 ATMIS soldiers by 
June 30, the African Union mission said in a 
statement issued on Monday.
 
"This refresher training is in line with the goals espoused 
in the Somalia Transition Plan and ATMIS mandate, 
specifically with regard to mentorship and 
capacity building of Somali government 
institutions across all domains," said 
Peter Muteti, the ATMIS deputy 
force commander in charge 
of support and logistics.
 
Somalia boasts the longest coastline in Africa, measuring
 about 3,300 km, rich in sea-based resources. The 
coastline has often been exploited by illegal 
fishing and smugglers, and a well-trained 
and equipped navy is needed to ensure 
that the country can fully benefit
from 
the blue economy. 
 
Muteti said it has been a significant milestone in ongoing 
efforts to build robust Somali institutions in preparation
 for the gradual handover of security responsibilities to 
Somali Security Forces in line with the UN Security 
Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670.
 
The capacity building of the Somali Navy and Coast Guard is
 therefore critical to enable them to conduct maritime law
 enforcement, search and rescue, and coastal defense of 
Somalia, while securing sea lanes of communication 
and protecting against illegal, unreported and 
unregulated fishing, dumping of hazardous
 waste, and other crimes.
 
Over the years, ATMIS, EUCAP Somalia and the United
 Nations have aided the country's maritime security 
sector through mentoring, capacity development, 
training, logistics and strategic level advice, 
based on coast guard functions, 
among others.
 
The trainees took a wide range of courses, including 
maritime safety, marine mechanics, coast guard 
duties, maritime law, first aid, and 
communication procedures.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
UNICEF: 7 Million plus
Malnourished 
Children
in Horn of Africa
May 23rd (teleSUR)
 
On Monday, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
 issued a statement pertaining to the children residing
 in the Horn of Africa --- highlighting that they are 
currently confronting an unparalleled crisis ---
that encompasses widespread malnutrition, 
displacement, water scarcity, as well as a 
highly unstable and insecure environment.
 
According to UNICEF, over 7 million children under five 
continue to suffer from malnutrition... necessitating 
urgent nutrition aid, and 1.9 million boys and girls
 are at risk of dying from severe malnutrition.
 
The region is gradually recovering from a severe drought 
that inflicted substantial damage. Due to insufficient 
precipitation experienced over the last three years, 
communities susceptible to environmental factors 
have encountered severe losses in their livestock,
 harvest, and overall means of subsistence.
 
"The crisis in the Horn, has been devastating for 
children," said Mohamed Fall, UNICEF regional 
director for Eastern and Southern Africa.
 
"Over the past three years, communities have been forced to
 take extreme measures to survive, with millions of children
 and families leaving their homes out of pure desperation in
 search of food and water. This crisis has deprived children
 of the essentials of childhood ---- having enough to eat, a
 home, safe water, and going to school," said Mohamed.
 
According to reports, 23 million people are encountering
 severe levels of acute food insecurity in Ethiopia, 
Kenya, and Somalia.  The number of severely 
malnourished children seeking treatment in
 the first quarter of this year remains much 
higher than last year --- and will likely
remain 
high for quite a while.
 
As per statements of various reports, the contiguous region
 is currently experiencing persistent outbreaks of major 
outbreaks such as cholera, measles, and malaria, 
among others.
 
UNICEF has also said that the elevated costs of food 
persist within domestic marketplaces, imposing 
significant hardships upon both minors 
and households.
 
The escalating climate crisis is exacerbating the gravity
 of the current predicament, further intensifying the
 prevalence of mass migration, malnourishment,
and illness.
 
According to Mohamed, donations made to UNICEF 
facilitated the provision of preventative measures
and interventions for malnutrition to a staggering 
30 million children and mothers, in 2022.
 
"This year, further flexible funding will not just help children
recover from a crisis of this magnitude, but also go towards
developing more resilient sustainable systems for children 
in the region, that can withstand future climate impacts 
and other shocks," Mohamed said.
 
 
____________________________________


Russia ready - to help
settle 
crisis in Sudan
- UN mission
May 22nd, 9:14pm (TASS) 
 
Russia is ready to help settle the crisis in Sudan without 
interfering into that country’s domestic affairs, Russian
 Deputy Permanent Representative to the United 
Nations, Anna Yevstigneyeva, said
on Monday.
 
"Sudan is a friendly country for Russia and it is maintaining
 contacts with the Sudanese sides. If need be and if we 
have a corresponding request, we are ready to help 
them, but will not interfere in their domestic 
affairs," she said, at a meeting of the 
United Nations Security Council.
 
According to the Russian diplomat, Russia’s embassy 
in Khartoum continues to work, despite the serious
 security threats.
 
"We call on the Sudanese sides to demonstrate political 
will and take urgent steps to put an end to the armed 
confrontation. We insist that any differences can be
 settled at the negotiating table and the Sudanese
 parties have enough wisdom and political 
experience for that," she said.
 
On the evening of May 20, in the Saudi Arabian city of 
Jeddah, the delegations of the army and the RSF 
reached an agreement.. on a humanitarian 
ceasefire, which is to take effect late on
 Monday. This.. is the second long-term 
agreement on a humanitarian cease
fire between the army and the RSF 
since the clashes broke out. The 
first one, which was supposed 
to be observed by both sides
for 10 days -- in actuality... 
lasted only a few hours.
 
 
____________________________

 
Kiev ready to discuss Africa’s peace
 initiative under two conditions
 top diplomat
May 22nd, 7:37pm (TASS) 
 
Kiev is open to dialogue with the African countries offering 
assistance in ending hostilities in Ukraine, but no peace
 initiative should involve freezing the conflict, Ukrainian
 Foreign Minister, Dmitry Kuleba, said on Monday.
 
"We do have a group of African leaders coming here. We are
 open to dialogue with anyone who wants to talk and search
 for a solution," Kuleba said commenting on the peace
 initiative of several African countries in a news
 marathon broadcast... by leading Ukrainian 
TV channels. He stressed, however, that 
the aforementioned African leaders 
don’t have a mandate from the 
African Union, so they will be
 speaking on behalf of their 
group only and not of the 
entire continent.
 
The top diplomat said that Ukrainian authorities are ready to 
discuss peace proposals on the condition that they take 
into account two principles. "The first principle is that 
no plan can be based on the idea of a legal or de 
facto transition of Ukrainian territories to 
Russian control. And the second is that 
freezing the conflict is out of the 
question," Kuleba said.
 
He reiterated Kiev’s stance that the settlement of the conflict 
must be on its terms. "We need to avoid putting forward an
 endless number of peace plans," Kuleba said confidently.
 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on May 16 that
 Russian and Ukrainian authorities had agreed to receive an
 African delegation, to seek a peaceful resolution to the
 conflict. Ramaphosa spoke... on behalf of six African 
nations: Egypt, Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, 
Senegal, Uganda and South Africa. 
 
Consultations are currently underway to work out the
 schedule of the trip. It is expected, that a peace 
mission will visit Moscow and Kiev before the 
Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg,
 in the second half of July.
 
 
_____________________________________


 Rwanda Marks Biodiversity Day 
With a Call to Protect Nature
May 22nd (teleSUR)
 
On Monday, Rwanda celebrates the International Day
 for Biological Diversity.. with a call on the public to 
reconnect with nature and prioritize biodiversity.
 
The event, organized by the Environment Ministry in Kigali, 
featured discussions about the implementation of the
 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 
adopted last December as part of efforts to halt 
and reverse nature loss.
 
Speaking at the event, Rwandan Environment Minister Jeanne
 d'Arc Mujawamariya said the country's development agenda
 recognizes the central role that biodiversity plays in terms 
of supporting national economic growth.
 
"We cannot develop our nation unless we put the environment
 at the heart of everything we do," Mujawamariya said - and 
warned against cutting down trees.
 
"We need to reverse this trend, and educate future
 generations to understand the importance of 
biodiversity in everything we do..... for a 
brighter future."
 
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
 highlighted that Rwanda's biodiversity plays a critical 
role in ecosystem services - such as ensuring water 
provision, air for breathing, controlling soil erosion 
and flooding, as well as climate change mitigation.
 
"Biodiversity is part of our lives. Growing up, I was
surrounded by nature and this helped build my 
passion... for protecting the environment
and 
understanding the importance of
 biodiversity. I encourage us all... 
to reconnect with nature, and 
prioritize biodiversity," REMA 
Director Juliet Kabera, said.
 
The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated
 this year under the theme "From agreement to action: 
Build Back Biodiversity" to remind nations that 
biodiversity is essential to ecosystem 
functioning and services delivery.


 
____________________________________


 
Canada reaffirms support for AU
 to ensure regional development
by Ana Ibis Falcón Lamoth
May 22nd, 1:18pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Vice President of the African Union (AU) Commission,
 Monique Nsanzabaganwa, met on Monday... with the 
Minister of International Development of Canada, 
Harjit Singh Sajjan, to discuss issues of 
common commitments.
 
Nsanzabaganwa revealed on Twitter that Sajjan reaffirmed 
Canada’s ongoing support for the AU’s work to ensure food 
security, peace and security, trade and development, 
while continuing to leverage diaspora ties with the 
continent, as the 2063 Agenda moves forward.
 
Earlier, the Canadian minister received an update from
 Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister 
Demeke Mekonnen, on the country’s efforts to 
achieve its development and that of the 
so-called Horn of Africa, through 
the promotion of trade and 
investment policies.
 
The Foreign Ministry revealed that Mekonnen highlighted
 that the local Economic Reform Agenda and Digital 
Ethiopia 2025, are the pillars of the implemented 
transformative policy.. while capitalizing on job 
creation for youth and women empowerment.
 
In this regard, it urged international partners such as 
Canada to support the ongoing development and 
peace building efforts, “as peace is the back-
bone of any development initiative.”
 
Sajjan, in turn, highlighted the long-standing development
 cooperation between Ethiopia and Canada and pledged 
to continue the tradition. He expressed the Canadian
 Government’s willingness.. to support initiatives 
aimed at increasing agricultural productivity
 in addition to improving food security.
 
In his view, improvements in the Ethiopian agricultural sector
 should be seen not only as food security efforts but also as
 economic opportunities in which Canadian companies 
could participate.
 
 
______________________________________________


Russia ready for joint
military-technical 
projects --- with
African states 
- Rosoboronexport
May 22nd, 12:30pm (TASS) 
 
Rosoboronexport - is ready for full-scale cooperation and
implementation of joint projects in the military-technical
sphere, with African countries, the company’s CEO, 
Alexander Mikheyev, said on Monday.
 
"Russia will continue to help African countries, in their
development, in the enhancement of their economic 
potential and the welfare of their citizens -- and in
the protection -- of their national interests. In a 
multipolar world, Africa is our reliable partner 
and ally. We are ready - for full and equitable 
cooperation and the realization of the most 
ambitious joint projects in the military-
technical sphere," Mikheyev is 
quoted as saying. 
 
The company's press service reports he was speaking 
on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Russia’s
 system of military-technical cooperation.
 
Rosoboronexport’s CEO noted, that the Russia-Africa 
summit gave a powerful impetus to the development
of military-technical cooperation with 
African countries.
 
Mikheyev stressed the geographical scope of
 Rosoboronexport’s cooperation, with more
 than 100 countries featuring on the list of
 its clients.
 
"The company's work is focused on cooperation with
 countries friendly to Russia --- and these are in the 
majority. We cooperate very closely with the Asia
-Pacific and Latin America. The countries of the 
Middle East, the CIS, and the members of the 
Collective Security Treaty Organization,
display their great interest in Russian 
military hardware," Mikheyev said.
 
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Russia's 
system of military-technical cooperation with 
other countries.
 
 
_________________________________________________


 Al Arabiya: the parties to the 
conflict in Sudan agreed to 
declare a truce for 7 days
May 20th, 9:27pm
(RT.ru)
 
Sudan's army and rapid response forces have agreed 
to declare a humanitarian truce for seven days.
 
This is reported by Al Arabiya 
TV channel, citing sources.
 
It is noted that the agreement will come 
into force ------ 48 hours after its signing.
 
 
__________________________________________


Civilian death toll in Sudan 
clashes rises to 850, 
doctors say
May 20th, 1:46pm (TASS) 
 
The number of civilians killed in clashes between Sudan’s 
army and the Rapid Support Forces, has risen to 850,
 the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said
 on Saturday.
 
"A total of 850 civilians have been killed in the country 
since the start of the conflict," Al Jazeera reported, 
citing the committee’s statement. According to 
the committee, 3,394 civilians have 
suffered wounds.
 
The committee also pointed out that the number of 
casualties could be much higher, as doctors 
did not have access to many hospitals 
outside the capital.


________________________________________



Ghana grateful for Cuban doctors´
 40-years of professionalism
  by Pavel López Lazo
May 20th, 9:35am 
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Since the Cuban medical collaboration in Ghana started  
back in 1983, we´ve never received an unfavourable 
view about any doctor and I am proud of that, said 
Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, the director of External 
Cooperation at Ghana´s Health Ministry.
 
Dr. Taher, a doctor trained in Cuba, heaped praise on Cuban
 specialists' professionalism levels serving at Ghanaian
 hospitals. “This is what makes me keep my head up, 
because I really know what you are currently
doing
 at hospitals.”
 
Speaking at the commemorative ceremony held at the Cuban
 embassy in Accra for the 60th anniversary of Cuban medical
 collaboration around the globe, Dr. Taher informed they´re
 working on increasing the number of medical 
collaborators with the support of other 
Ghanaian institutions.
 
Dr. Taher thanked the Cuban government, embassy and the
 medical brigade for doctors´ 40-year work in Ghana, as 
well as the opportunity to train professionals in Cuba, 
a figure that currently amounts to nearly 300.
 
 The Cuban Ambassador to Ghana, Anette Chao García,
 stressed the significance of unity, continuing to serve
 despite difficulties, and that the collaboration also 
includes health technicians... and the Labiofam 
Business Group, with its antimalarial products.
 
Dr. Idael Cabrera Morales, on behalf of the medical 
brigade, reaffirmed the Cuban government and 
people's commitment - to fulfill the mission 
entrusted to them.
 
“Today is a day of gratitude for the opportunity we have had
 to be part of this great army of white coats that is making 
history in the five continents. The whole world knows the
 value and commitment of our professionals, and we are
 grateful for that,” Morales stated.
 

_________________________________________


Sudan: RSF Leader is Removed
 From Sovereign Council
May 19th, 4:39pm
(teleSUR)
 
After the 2021 coup against Prime Minister Abdala
Hamdok, Al Burhan and Hemedti established a 
military government whose highest body is 
the Sovereign Council.
 
On Friday, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, who is the Commander-
in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the 
president of the Sovereign Council, fired Mohamed 
Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of the Rapid 
Support Forces (RSF) ----  from his position 
as the Council vice-president.
 
The position of Vice President was assumed by Malek 
Aqar, leader of the rebel group "Northern Sector 
Popular Movement" and member of the 
Council of Ministers.
 
Hemedti's removal from office comes just days after Al
Burhan issued an order to freeze RSF bank accounts. 
This happened in the midst of negotiations for the 
entry of humanitarian aid into the country and
to
 reach a new truce.
 
In recent days, Al Burhan has been taking steps to contain
 the Rapid Support Forces, which are allegedly receiving
 support from Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar.
 
Since April 15, armed disputes between the SAF and 
the RSF have left at least 822 dead, according to 
the latest data from the Sudanese 
Doctors Union.
 
Over 936,000 people have been displaced by the conflict, 
including about 736,200 internally displaced persons, 
and about 200,000 people who took refuge in 
neighboring countries.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Angola Needs Infrastructure to 
Facilitate Growing Population
May 19th, 1:32pm 
(teleSUR)
 
On Thursday, Manuel Homem, the governor of Angola's
 Luanda Province, has said... that his territory needs 
more education and healthcare infrastructure to
 meet the growing population's needs.... and 
ensure that people have the necessary 
living conditions.
 
According to Homem's speech at the Oscar Ribas University, 
Angola has a high birth rate, and Luanda is among the 
regions where the rate is rapidly increasing.
 
Luanda Province, home to the national capital city of Luanda,
 has the highest population concentration in the country, 
with over 9 million people residing in an area of 
18,826 square kilometres.
 
Luanda Province needs over 1,200 schools to accommodate
 1.5 million children currently not enrolled in the education
 system, Homem said, emphasizing that despite having 
over 3,747 schools in Luanda, the number is still 
insufficient to meet the demand.
 
The existing healthcare infrastructure in Luanda is also
 inadequate, Homem said, adding that he plans to 
expand healthcare facilities to over 200 units 
in the next five years.
 
Regarding access to water and basic sanitation..... he 
considered it as the "greatest challenge" as the water 
distribution capacity in Luanda.. is currently at 30%, 
"far below the requirements," and that -- the basic 
sanitation infrastructure only covers 3 percent, 
meaning that the drainage ditches built to 
address water runoff needs, are 
still minimal.
 
Homem said a budget of US$659 million was allocated for 
Luanda this year, but the province requires four times 
more funding, to address its numerous needs.
 


________________________________________________



Democrat Rep. Bush says -
U.S. 
should pay $14 trillion
in 
reparations to African 
Americans
19.05.2023 11:42
https://en.news-front.info/
 
Democrat Congresswoman Cory Bush ----- has introduced a
resolution that should set in motion a federal reparations 
program for black Americans. She argues that the US 
has a moral and legal obligation to pay reparations 
for the enslavement of Africans. This, is reported 
by the Telegram channel “Sputnik Near Abroad”.
 
“The United States has a moral and legal obligation - to pay
reparations for the enslavement of Africans. Black people 
in our country ---- cannot wait any longer,” the politician 
says, at a press conference.
 
Bush says the document calls for $14 trillion in reparations 
for African Americans. She emphasizes that black people
 in the country --- can no longer wait.
 
 
______________________________________



Senegalese Ambassador comments 
on peace plan for Ukraine 
May 18th, 11:45pm
(Izvestia.ru)
 
African countries could offer solutions to resolve 
the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as 
they have considerable experience in 
resolving crisis situations on the 
continent, the Senegalese 
Ambassador to Russia,
Jean-Battiste Tiatiy
Tin, told Izvestia.
 
Group of Six: will African countries be 
able to reconcile Moscow and Kiev
 
Experts appreciated their idea to come up 
with an initiative to resolve the conflict.
 
"Any initiatives aimed at ending the conflict are 
welcome. If the parties accept Africans, they 
will be able to offer solutions that they are 
already used to finding. It will be good
 for the world," he said.
 
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that 
the mission of African countries, including South Africa,
 Congo, Egypt, Uganda, Senegal and Zambia, plans to
 visit Russia in mid — June-early July to discuss a 
peace plan --- to resolve the conflict between 
Russia and Ukraine. Moscow is open to 
any interested proposals, the
Russian 
minister added.
 
Earlier, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 
the intention of African countries to present their peace 
plan for Ukraine. He noted that UN Secretary-General 
Antonio Guterres and the leadership of the African 
Union, have been informed about this initiative. 
 
Ramaphosa added that Washington, London and the EU 
have been informed about the African peace initiative 
on Ukraine: the plan has received "cautious support".
 
 
_________________________________________



At Least 18 Killed -- in 
Bandit Attack in Chad
May 18th (teleSUR)


At least 12 villagers and six bandits were killed 
when armed bandits attacked a village in 
Logone Oriental Region in south-
western Chad.
 
The attack took place early Wednesday in Makate village
 located in Laramanaye, a sub-prefecture of the region, 
said Djimet Blama Souck, sub-prefect of Laramanaye.
 
"Nine dead were identified immediately, while three others,
unfortunately, succumbed to their injuries. Security forces 
managed to capture eight attackers, while six bandits 
were killed in the clash," Souck said, addding that
 this "despicable" crime... may have been 
committed by armed road robbers.
 
"These provisional figures could change quickly. Some
 sources even mention 28 deaths," local outlet 
Tchadinfos reported, adding that "the stolen 
oxen were recovered and returned to
 the farmers."
 
According to local journalists, the attackers do not appear 
to be Chadian. Logone Oriental Region borders Cameroon 
and the Central African Republic
 
Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Chadian transitional president,
 who is on a nationwide tour of the country, said he was 
saddened by the news.
 
"I want to sincerely extend my condolence to families of
the  victims and also congratulate the security forces 
who succeeded to neutralize and arrest these 
bandits before they crossed the border," 
Itno said while addressing a crowd 
at a rally, in Massenya locality.
 
 
____________________________________



 Zimbabwe --- Suspected
Cholera 
Cases Surpass
1,000
May 18th (teleSUR)
 
The government of Zimbabwe, in a recent release, has 
stated that, as of February, the number of suspected 
cholera cases in Zimbabwe is 1,000, with 288
cases
 confirmed, and 6 fatalities.
 
"As of May 16, 2023, a cumulative total of 1,017 suspected 
cholera cases, six laboratory confirmed deaths, 20 
suspected cholera deaths and 288 laboratory 
confirmed cases were reported," the 
Ministry of Health and Child Care 
said on Wednesday.
 
As of May 15, the number of individuals admitted
to 
hospitals due to cholera was recorded at 51,
 whereas the corresponding nationwide 
recuperation rate - was observed
to be 
92 percent.
 
As per the announcement made by the Ministry, the urban
 centre of Harare, features as one of the 17 districts with
 a striking incidence of cholera in the nation.
 
Furthermore, the majority of cases have been documented 
in the heavily populated western suburbs, where several 
inhabitants have unsanitary living conditions.
 
According to official data, the province of Matabeleland South
 exhibits the highest volume of confirmed cases, totaling 96, 
with Manicaland Province following closely behind, 
reporting 89 cases. The capital city, Harare,
 reports a total of 80 cases.
 
The first cholera outbreak in the country in 2023 started 
on February 12 in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province.
 
To date, cases have been reported in nine provinces of the 
country since the beginning of 2023, and these have no 
epidemiological link to each other.
 
 
_______________________________________________________


Russia to hold talks with African 
countries on Ukraine in mid-
June, early July — Lavrov
 May 18th, 2:45pm (TASS) 
 
Russia’s talks with African countries about the settlement of
 the Ukrainian crisis are being coordinated by experts and 
may be held in mid-June to early July, Russian Foreign
 Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.
 
He made the statement at a news conference, after
 talks with Ugandan Foreign Minister, Jeje Odongo.
 
"There is talk now among experts about what such contact 
will be all about. The date of the talks will be agreed upon
 on a mutually acceptable basis. As far as I understand, 
what's currently being discussed in the context of the
 wishes of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa,
 is late June or early July," Lavrov said.
 
Lavrov indicated that the Russian side would like 
to understand what specific measures African 
countries are ready to present, for resolving 
the crisis in Ukraine.
 
"We are open, as I have repeatedly said, to any 
serious proposals from any states," the top 
Russian diplomat said.
 
Ramaphosa stated on May 14th that African countries are 
quietly working to persuade Russia and Ukraine to start 
negotiations. The region is concerned about the crisis 
because it negatively affects African countries.
 
On May 16th, the president of South Africa announced that 
Russia and Ukraine agreed to receive a delegation of 
African countries to seek a peaceful resolution to 
the conflict.
 
 Ramaphosa spoke on behalf of a group of six African
 countries: Egypt, Zambia, Congo Republic, Senegal,
 Uganda and South Africa.
 


__________________________________
 
 
 
Jeune Afrique: a number of African
 countries, are in favour of a truce 
in Ukraine and a referendum 
in the Donbass
May 18th, 2:39pm
(RT.ru)
 
A number of the  African countries that have submitted a peace 
initiative on Ukraine are in favour of a temporary cease-fire
 and holding a new referendum in the Donbas. This is 
reported by the publication Jeune Afrique, 
citing sources.
 
It is noted that businessman and president of the Brazzaville
Foundation Jean-Yves Olivier from France announced a visit 
to Moscow ....to clarify the details of the peace initiative.
 
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large 
Oleg Ozerov said that the visit of the African peace-
keeping mission for the settlement of the conflict
 in Ukraine to Moscow... is being worked out.
 
In addition, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during
 a conversation with Ukrainian Leader Vladimir Zelensky, 
said that he wants to visit Ukraine as part of a mission 
from several African countries.
 
 
_____________________________________________


African peace mission to visit 
Moscow, Kiev in early June
 — South African diplomat
 May 17th, 3:09pm (TASS) 
 
A delegation of six African leaders is expected to visit Russia
and Ukraine in early June to discuss ways to resolve the
Ukrainian crisis --- the Director General of South Africa's
Department of International Relations and Cooperation
 Zane Dangor, said on Wednesday.
 
"In early June, the six heads of state will be shuttling 
between the two capitals (Moscow and Kiev - TASS) 
to engage in the facility roll and - at least - get to a 
ceasefire," he told the South African parliament's
 Portfolio Committee on International Relations 
and Cooperation.
 
Committee Chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo, noted that the 
group: should try to engage NATO countries in the process 
of settling the crisis in Ukraine. According to him, Russian 
President Vladimir Ptuin can make his own decisions, but 
the Ukrainian President, Vladimiir Zelensky, depends on 
NATO countries.
 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday
 that the Russian and Ukrainian authorities had agreed
to 
receive an African delegation to discuss a peace 
settlement to the conflict.

Ramaphosa was 
speaking on behalf of six African nations: 
Egypt, the Republic of the Congo, Senegal, South Africa,
Uganda and Zambia. 
 
South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said on
Wednesday, that the delegation that was to visit 
Moscow and Kiev, included the presidents of 
all the six African countries in question.
 
 
___________________________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopia and Cuba  --- to 
strengthen cooperation
 in agriculture
by Oraily Madruga Rios
May 17th, 12:38pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia's Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente and Cuban
Ambassador Jorge Lefebre agreed to strengthen bilateral 
cooperation in research, technical assistance and 
technology transfers, local media reported 
on Wednesday.
 
During a meeting on the ways to boost and strengthen
collaboration in the sector, Lefebre pointed out that 
Cuba is willing to help Ethiopia, in agricultural 
biotechnology, animal health, production 
technology, mechanization, irrigation, 
and coffee production - according to 
the Fana Broadcasting Corporation.
 
The diplomat expressed a common interest in promoting
 bilateral cooperation and sharing modest experiences 
in favour of agriculture.
 
“It was an honour to be received by Dr. Girma Amente, 
Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture,” he added.
 
“We assessed the multiple possibilities of cooperation that 
exist between #Cuba and #Ethiopia,” Lefebre tweeted.
 
Amente, in turn, noted that Ethiopia and Cuba have a long 
historic relation and are doing a lot, in economic growth.
 
The source assured the signing of a memorandum 
of understanding in the future, to establish the 
legal framework for cooperation.


 
__________________________________________



Ethiopia and Russia ---  establish
legal framework for cooperation
by Luis Linares Petrov
May 17th, 10am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia and Russia signed a memorandum of 
understanding that established a legal basis 
for inter-parliamentary cooperation and 
raised dialogue to a new level, the 
Russian embassy stated.
 
The document was signed by the Speaker of the Ethiopian
Upper House of Parliament, Agegnehu Teshager...  and by 
the Head of the Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, 
during Teshager’s first official visit to Russia.
 
Matvienko expressed her certainty that the visit will promote
 the development of the entire range of areas of cooperation
 between the two countries. She also stressed the fact that 
Ethiopia has been one of Russia’s key partners in Africa
 since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
 
On issues of trade, economic and investment cooperation, 
she stated that the current trade volume between Russia
and Ethiopia - still does not correspond to the economic
potential of bilateral relations. She also stressed -- that
Teshager’s presence in Moscow is a clear confirmation 
...of the firm commitment to strengthen inter-
parliamentary 
cooperation, and called
for expanding direct contacts.
 
The head of the Russian Federation Council also proposed
 the establishment of a separate group for cooperation 
with the Ethiopian Chamber which may be led in the 
near future by Nikolai Vladimirov -- a member of
this
 Council´s Committee on Constitutional
Legislation
 and State Building.
 
Teshager, in turn, highlighted the active participation of 
the Ethiopian delegation in the Second Russia-Africa
 International Parliamentary Conference, held in 
Moscow, last March, and other events, and 
Russia’s unconditional . ..and ongoing 
support, including economic issues, 
to Ethiopia and its people.
 
The subject of interregional cooperation and Russia’s
 interest in expanding direct contacts with partners 
from the African country --- were discussed in the
 meeting. The training of Ethiopian personnel in 
various areas was also discussed, as well as 
the prospects... for the development of 
cooperation in the field of tourism.
 

 
_______________________________________



Zimbabwe: 1st Chinese Tour Group 
---- After COVID-19 Pandemic
May 17th (teleSUR)
 
Zimbabwe received its initial cohort of 20 Chinese tourists 
on Tuesday after the COVID-19 outbreak, amidst a formal
 commemoration held at the Victoria Falls International 
Airport, near Zimbabwe's prime tourist destination, 
Victoria Falls.
 
"It is indeed a great honour for me to witness the arrival of
 this special group of visitors to Zimbabwe, the first tour
group from China after the COVID-19 pandemic,"
said
 Givemore Chidzidzi, chief operating officer of the
 Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
 
According to the statement made by Chidzidzi, the tourism 
sector of Zimbabwe has experienced a resurgence owing 
to the contribution of the Chinese market, after facing 
severe hindrances from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
According to Chidzidzi -- during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
nation experienced a conspicuous reduction in the number 
of visitors arriving, declining from 2.29 million in 2019, to 
639,000 in 2020. In parallel, the revenue generated from
 tourism also suffered a downturn, decreasing from 
1.25 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to 360 million 
dollars, in 2020.
 
"Before the pandemic, Zimbabwe received 22,000 visitors 
from China in 2019, but this declined to 3,600 arrivals in
 2020," said Chidzidzi.
 
Nonetheless, according to Chidzidzi statement, travelers from
China who arrived in Zimbabwe during 2022 --- were 23,422
individuals, an achievement that surpassed the statistics
recorded in 2019 amidst a persistently dwindling trend 
of tourist visitations in the contemporary global 
marketplace.
 
"We are therefore excited about the coming back of
 organized groups like we are witnessing today, as 
it heralds a new recovery trajectory for tourism 
from China," Chidzidzi said.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Zimbabwe Import Duty Suspension 
on Basic Goods - to Last 6 Months
 May 17th,  7:13am  
(teleSUR)
 
On Tuesday, Zimbabwean authorities officially announced the
 suspension of import duties on essential goods intended to
 mitigate the prevalent price escalations --- will last for 
six months.
 
"Import duty on the 14 basic commodities will remain
 suspended for six months in order to ensure their 
availability at competitive prices," Monica 
Mutsvangwa, Minister of Publicity and
 Broadcasting Services, said during 
a post-cabinet media briefing.
 
According to Mutsvangwa, a survey conducted by the
 government revealed that fundamental commodities
 are obtainable in both formal and informal retail 
outlets, yet there persist scarcities of certain 
domestically manufactured goods, 
particularly within formal 
retail establishments.
 
The minister also said that consumers are often constrained
to procure commodities that may not necessarily meet their
selective preferences in formal retail establishments, when
 using the U.S. dollar.
 
Mutsvangwa also stated that the increment in the worth of
 the dollar could be attributed to a dearth of change and 
the reluctance of outlets to combine transactions in
the U.S. currency with Zimbabwean dollars.
 
In order to address the issue of unfair trading practices, 
Mutsvangwa has communicated that the government
 is implementing a campaign to enforce quality and
 measurement standards for essential goods,
 coupled with the issuance of 
suitable penalties.
 
Additionally, the government has established a consumer 
complaint hotline to receive and promptly respond to 
any complaints from consumers.
 
 
____________________________________



Colombian VP Marquez Meets
 With Kenyan President
May 16th (teleSUR) 
 
On Tuesday, Kenya's President William Ruto and Colombian 
Vice President Francia Marquez held a meeting in Nairobi 
to enhance the participation of her country in the 
African Union (AU).
 
"President Ruto assured that his country is committed 
to Colombia having a more active and dynamic 
participation in the AU," Marquez tweeted.
 
On this regard, for instance, Ruto confirmed that Kenya will 
work with Colombia to enhance its capacity in the coffee
 value chain, especially increasing value added 
products.... and exports.
 
"We have agreed -- to explore and expand new areas 
of trade, investment and partnership," the Kenyan
 leader stressed. 
 
At a meeting with Kenyan VP Rigathi Gachagua, Marquez 
also urged African countries to work with Colombia to
 promote debt swaps for "actions to mitigate 
climate change."
 
Both vice presidents signed seven agreements to 
strengthen cooperation, in fields such as 
education, culture, tourism, and the
teaching of Spanish.
 
In a hearing before the Colombian Senate in April,
 Marquez affirmed that her trip to Africa is part 
of a strategy to have "an unprecedented 
rapprochement with this continent."
 
Although Colombia and Kenya have maintained 
diplomatic relations for 26 years, diplomatic 
and trade relations between the two 
countries have been scarce -
until now.
 
 
______________________________



 
Ethiopia to send high-level delegation 
to Russia-Africa Summit — legislator
May 16th, 6:15pm (TASS) 
 
Ethiopia will send a high-level delegation to the Russia-Africa
 summit and the country is excited about the event, Speaker
 of Ethiopia’s House of Federation Agegnehu Teshager told
 the Russian Federation Council Speaker, Valentina
Matviyenko, 
on Tuesday.
 
"As you’ve already mentioned... the Russia-Africa summit will 
be held this July. We will send a high-level delegation to this
 summit. In the near future, we will determine who precisely
 will be part of the delegation, and notify you through the
 Foreign Ministry. In any case, this summit will facilitate
 the fostering of relations between Russia and Africa. 
We have high hopes for it," he said.
 
The legislator highlighted the need to develop cooperation 
with Russia, in various areas. "We must expand our
interaction --- in the spheres of trade, investment 
and sustainable development. Naturally, Africa 
is interested in developing any kind of ties 
with Russia --- whether these are trade 
relations or something else. Russia 
and Ethiopia... have concluded a
 large number of agreements -- 
and now it’s in our interests 
to implement them," 
he emphasized.
 
"We are grateful to you for the diverse support that 
the Russian government provides to us in the 
sphere of the economy, science, education 
and other areas," Teshager added.
 
The second Russia-Africa summit and economic forum
 is slated for July 26-29, in St. Petersburg. The first 
event under the slogan "For peace, security and 
development" took place in Sochi on October 
22-24, 2019.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 

 
Russia rejects - U.S. ambassador's 
accusations against South Africa
by Pavel López Lazo
May 16th, 3:08pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Russian embassy in South Africa on Tuesday strongly
rejected the accusations made by the U.S. ambassador
in 
Pretoria, Reuben E. Brigety --- of alleged South
African 
arms shipments to Russia.
 
In a statement, the Russian embassy recalled that Brigety
 provided no evidence to back up his accusations, except 
he would “bet his life on the accuracy of his claim.”
 
Brigety’s words cannot be perceived as anything other 
than an attempt to influence the foreign policy of 
 sovereign and independent South Africa.
 
Friends and partners (of Russia) noted with deep concern
 that a campaign to pressure South Africa, obviously
 orchestrated by the mainstream Western media, 
is gaining more and more momentum, the 
embassy noted.
 
The reason for this, it said, is South Africa’s non-aligned
stance on the Ukraine conflict, which is unsatisfactory 
to the United States.
 
The Lady R cargo ship docking in Simons Town is being used 
as a pretext, utterly orchestrated and as false as the one
 presented by Secretary of State Colin Powell at the 
Security Council, which was followed by a full-
scale invasion of Iraq and cost the lives of 
a million Iraqis.
 
Whether Ambassador Brigety takes this matter seriously, the
 text asks, why doesn’t he explain why Russia would need 
South African-produced weapons and ammunition that 
match --- neither the types nor the calibres of the 
systems currently in service with Russia’s 
armed forces?
 
How such a tiny amount of “weapons and ammunition” that
 were supposedly “loaded on the ship” would influence the
 situation on the battlefield anyway? - the text added.
 
But more importantly, the Russian embassy continues in the
 statement, why does the U.S. diplomat feel perfectly fine 
with the fact that his country and its satellites have 
been delivering weapons to Ukraine since 2014?
 
Why does Ambassador Brigety not say a word about the use
 of these weapons to attack cities in Donbass, as well as
 the Bryansk and Belgorod regions of Russia --- on a 
daily basis?
 
 
___________________________
 
 

Angola advocates 
eradication of 
child labour
by Oraily Madruga Rios
May 16th, 2:30pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Angola on Tuesday advocated in a ministerial forum to
 strengthen public policies aimed at eradicating 
forced child labour within the scope of the
 Community of Portuguese Language
 Countries (CPLP).
 
The meeting of CPLP Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs 
was inaugurated by the host minister, Teresa Rodrigues 
in the western Benguela province, reported Jornal
 de Angola local newspaper.
 
The meeting, scheduled to last.. until coming Thursday, 
will not only review the CPLP action plan against child 
labour, but will also - analyze the initiative to create 
an economic council of the organization and the 
opening here of an office of the International 
Labour Organization, at the service of the 
Portuguese-speaking African States.
 
According to analyses by the Angolan Executive, minors’ 
labour exploitation recently increased, due to the 
economic and social effects of the
 Covid-19 pandemic.
 
The most remarking uplifts occurred in activities related to 
agriculture, civil construction, services, mining and toxic 
materials industries.
 
Ahead of the trend, the government established here,
in 2021, a cross- section commission 
to counteract
the problem ------ in which, various 
institutions
participate, including the General 
Labour
Inspectorate and the National 
Children’s Institute.


 
_________________________________________ 



Russia, Ukraine agree to receive 
peace mission from Africa — 
South African leader
 May 16th, 1:50pm (TASS)
 
Russia and Ukraine’s authorities have consented to receive a
 delegation from African countries aiming to seek a peaceful
 resolution to the conflict, South African President Cyril 
Ramaphosa said following his talks with Singaporean 
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, on Tuesday.
 
"The two leaders, President Putin and Zelensky,
have 
agreed that this mission should be
received," 
he said.
 
Ramaphosa said that the group of countries which set forth
 the initiative on settling the crisis in Ukraine... includes 
Egypt, Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, Senegal, 
Uganda and South Africa. He did not specify the 
timeframe for this mission.
 
The South African leader pointed out that the Ukrainian crisis
 negatively impacts Africa because it triggered growing food 
and fuel prices. "A group of African heads of states took the
 view that Africa does need to put forward an initiative, a 
peace initiative, that could help to contribute to the 
solution of that conflict," he added.
 
On May 14th, Ramaphosa said that during the May 12
 phone conversation with Vladimir Putin, he informed
 him of the African leaders’ proposal of a ceasefire. 
 
Last Friday, the Kremlin press service reported that 
during the phone conversation, President Putin 
supported Ramaphosa’s idea -- of several 
African leaders participating in the 
Ukrainian settlement.
 
According to Singapore’s CABC radio station,
last Saturday 
a 'phone conversation was
held between Ramaphosa 
and Zelensky.
 


_____________________________________________________




Death toll in Sudan clashes 
rises to 822, doctors say
May 16th, 12:07pm (TASS)
 
The number of civilians killed in clashes between Sudan’s
 army and the Rapid Support Forces has risen to 822,
 the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said 
on Tuesday.
 
"Civilian fatalities have reached 822 since the start of
 clashes," Sky News Arabia reported --- citing the 
committee’s statement. The committee added
 that 3,215 civilians had suffered wounds.
 
 
____________________________________________
 
 
Clashes between army, special forces 
resume in Sudan’s capital — TV
May 16th, 10:50am (TASS) 
 
Sudan’s army and Rapid Support Forces continued their
 standoff in Khartoum, the country’s capital, and its 
suburbs, according to the Al Hadath TV channel.
 
The media outlet reports that explosions were heard in
 several parts of the city. Fierce fighting erupted to the
 east and south of Khartoum. The capital’s residents
 report artillery shelling and air strikes on bases of
 the Rapid Support Forces.
 
Overnight on Tuesday, according to Al Hadath, the
 conflicting sides exchanged fire in Khartoum
 North and Omdurman.
 
 According to the latest data from the Sudanese 
Doctors’ Union, more than 800 civilians have
 been killed since the clashes broke out.
 
 
___________________________________________



Fighting in Darfur Kills 
280 Sudanese: NRC
May 15th (teleSUR)
 
On Monday, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) 
reported that at least 280 people died over the 
weekend in the city of Geneina, the capital 
of the West Darfur region.
 
This escalation of violence occurs despite the fact that the 
Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
 (RSF) signed an agreement on Thursday: to guarantee 
the safe flow of international aid and protect 
civilians and humanitarian personnel.
 
Signed in the Saudi city of Jeddah, this agreement was
the result of mediation by Saudi Arabia, the US, and 
the United Nations.
 
"For the second time in three weeks, Geneina was the 
centre of senseless clashes over the weekend, just
 hours after the Jeddah deal was announced," 
the NRC said.
 
May 15th marks one month since fighting broke out in Sudan.
 Destruction and the number of civilian deaths continue to 
mount, despite repeated ceasefire announcements.
 
"The appalling levels of violence taking place in West Darfur