UN ''denounces'' ----- the violent
deaths of civilians in Sudan
July 25th, 11:44am
(Prensa Latina)
The United Nations denounced in a statement released
here today the death of more than 30 civilians due to
''an armed attack'' in the Sudanese region of
West Kordofan.
According to the note, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq
stated that in Wednesday's assault in the Brima Rashid
area, where more than 40 people were also injured,
''unknown elements in combat vehicles'' - opened
fire indiscriminately against homes and a market.
Among the victims were women, children and the elderly,
and doctors reported the urgent need for surgical care
for the injured, the source said, quoted by the Sudan
Tribune digital portal.
Within the Darfur region, meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis
is worsening due to a widespread cholera outbreak and
food shortages.
Humanitarian entities assure that, after more than two years
of ''civil war'' in Sudan, this country suffers one of the worst
situations due to the massive displacement of people
inside and outside the national territory.
Since the outbreak of armed clashes in April 2023 between the
Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces,
more than 10 million people have been forced to leave
their homes.
In Sudan, on the other hand, at least 25 million human beings now
depend on humanitarian aid to survive, meanwhile, according to
data from the United Nations Children's Fund, 3.7 million
children under five years of age are ''at risk of''
suffering from severe malnutrition.
_______________________________________
Nigerian army -- rescues
170 kidnapped people
July 25th, 10:40am
(Prensa Latina)
The Nigerian Ministry of Defense announced today that
military operations carried out from the 10th to the
22nd of this month --- left dozens of extremist
elements dead ...and led to the rescue
of 170 kidnapped people.
Combative actions against radical armed groups took
place in towns in states such as Borno, Adamawa,
Plateau and Kaduna, where a large number
of alleged terrorists, surrendered to the
authorities - along with their families.
He said that in southern areas of the country, Operation
Delta Safe troops dismantled 14 illegal oil refining
facilities and intercepted stolen crude oil and
other types of fuel.
The ongoing military operations led to significant progress
in neutralizing threats and restoring peace in regions
affected by violence, he said.
For several months now, in various areas of Nigeria -- the
Army and allied forces have been carrying out military
operations against extremist elements of the Boko
Haram groups and the West African Province
of the Islamic State.
_________________________________________
Millionaire African Bank fund
benefits Benin farmers
July 25th, 10:22am
(Prensa Latina)
The African Development Bank (ADB) today reported
the approval of a fund of 30.25 million dollars to
support agricultural producers in Benin.
Through a statement, the Board of Directors of the African
Development Bank Group indicated that the project will
enable the financing of a pioneering program for
climate protection - and resilience of the
agricultural sector, in this West
African country.
This plan - reinforces the efforts of the national government
to also establish insurance for the aforementioned branch,
whose pilot phase ------ will be managed by the Benin
Agricultural Development Fund, the source said.
The significant investment demonstrates the ADB's commitment
to strengthening climate resilience in the agricultural sector
of this territory, while responding to the urgent needs of
communities considered vulnerable, said the credit
institution's representative here,
Robert Masumbuko.
Among the 150 thousand Beninese farmers who will benefit
from financial aid are those from the department of Alibori
and Atakora, where one in four producers suffers from
food insecurity due to adverse climatic factors such
as devastating droughts, or sudden rains.
_________________________________________
Angola and Portugal value relations
------- of friendship and cooperation
July 25th, 10:14am
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Angola, João Lourenço, and his Portuguese
counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, today praised
the historic friendly relations between the two
countries and peoples, and bilateral
cooperation in various areas.
During the meeting ..between the leaders in Lisbon, on the
occasion of the official visit of the Angolan head of state,
both parties highlighted the intensity and depth of the
ties that unite them, as well as the willingness to
continue strengthening these ties and
expanding collaboration.
Lourenço reaffirmed the joint commitment to turn
opportunities into concrete actions, with a
positive impact on strengthening
cooperation --- and realizing
the aspirations of their
respective peoples.
Meanwhile.. the Portuguese president referred to the large
Angolan community that resides in the Portuguese nation
and the indissoluble cultural and historical unity between
the two peoples.
The heads of state held a private meeting where they addressed
issues of bilateral interest. The program of Lourenço's visit also
includes a meeting with the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís
Montenegro; the form of various legal instruments; polite
conversations with the president of parliament, Aguiar
Branco, and meetings with Portuguese and
Angolan businessmen.
The president will participate tomorrow in an interactive
dialogue with the Portuguese president, where they
are expected to address current issues.
_______________________________________
Judicial proceedings against former
President Kabila began in the DRC
July 25th, 9:38am
(Prensa Latina)
The trial -- against the former president of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) Joseph Kabila, for treason
and other crimes, began today before the Superior
Military Court - in the absence of the accused.
At the opening of the hearing, the Deputy Minister of Justice
for International Litigation, Samuel Mbemba - emphasized
the independence of the judiciary from political pressure,
and defended the obligation to “file a civil lawsuit on
behalf of the Republic”, said Actualité.CD.
Kabila is accused of treason, crimes against the peace and
security of humanity, homicide, rape, torture and
participation in an insurrectional movement,
in this case the alleged support for the
rebellion of the March 23
Movement (M23).
The process, which was able to advance after the lifting of
parliamentary immunity, has been denounced by the
former president's supporters as political
persecution aimed at weakening
his influence.
Kabila is currently located in Congolese territory, but
in the eastern part of the country under the control
of the M23.
__________________________________________
WFP Warns of Worsening Hunger Crisis
in Nigeria --------- Amid Aid Cuts
July 25th, 6:47am
(teleSUR)
Over 30 million Nigerians face hunger amid steep aid cuts,
with WFP warning of rising instability across the Sahel.
The UN’s World Food Programme warns that funding cuts — led
by the United States and followed by other Western donors —
are pushing millions in Nigeria and the wider West African
region ----- to the brink of famine, raising fears of
broader instability.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued
a warning about a worsening hunger crisis in Nigeria, where
nearly 31 million people are now facing acute food
insecurity. “This is equivalent to the entire
population of Texas going hungry,” said
Margot van der Velden, WFP’s regional
director for West Africa.
Due to significant funding cuts expected from August, WFP says
over 1.3 million people in Nigeria will lose access to food and
nutritional aid. In the northeastern state of Borno — a region
severely affected by years of conflict — 150 nutrition clinics
may shut down, placing 300,000 children at risk of severe
malnutrition and leaving 700,000 displaced people
without any means of survival.
The crisis reflects a broader decline in international support. For
years, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
played a central role in humanitarian operations across
northeastern Nigeria. However, foreign aid cuts under
the Trump administration, followed by reductions
from other Western governments, have severely
undermined assistance programs. The WFP is
now urgently seeking \$130 million to sustain
its work....... in Nigeria alone.
_______________________________________
President of Rwanda
appoints new P.M.
July 24th, 12:01pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, today - appointed
Justin Nsengiyumva as the country's new prime minister
by decree, who served as vice-governor of the National
Central Bank.
According to the Government Communications Department,
Nsengiyumva replaces Edouard Ngirente as prime minister,
who was dismissed the day before by the current president
without offering more details about it.
The predecessor of the new government representative served
in that position since July 2017, and became the 11th prime
minister of Rwanda since its independence in 1962.
Before assuming the position of vice-governor of the financial
institution, Nsenhiyumva, seven months ago, who promised
to serve the people with dedication and dedication, was
permanent secretary of the ministries of Commerce
and Industry and Education.
According to the Rwandan Constitution, the appointment of a
new prime minister implies the formation of a new cabinet
within a period of 15 days.
_____________________________________
They praise Ethiopia's commitment
to the African free trade area
July 24th, 11:31am
(Prensa Latina)
The Director of Coordination and Secretariat of the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Program, Tsotetsi
Makong, today ------ praised Ethiopia's commitment to
implementing the goal of the continental initiative.
Makong, speaking to the Ethiopia News Agency, highlighted
the vital role the AfCFTA plays in promoting intra-African
trade and job creation.
He described local efforts to achieve the integration of sectors
such as transportation, commerce and services within the free
trade zone as commendable, which will generate important
employment opportunities for many people.
“Countries have demonstrated a strong commitment to the
implementation of the free trade area, and we are closely
monitoring progress in Addis Ababa under the leadership
of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. These development
changes have the potential to generate foreign
exchange for both Ethiopia and Africa”,
he said.
He specified that the agreement reached with African
countries to promote duty-free trade relations, will
stimulate increased production.
“Now our traders and farmers have the opportunity to expand
their production, and investors can expand their businesses
thanks to the ample opportunities. We are already seeing
foreign companies starting operations in various parts
of the continent”, he stressed.
He mentioned that Ethiopian companies now have the opportunity
to invest in other nations within the AfCFTA legal framework,
which will generate employment opportunities not only at
the national level, but throughout the continent.
Regarding this last aspect, he stressed the urgency of job
creation --- taking into account that, by 2050, the majority
of Africa's population, will be young.
“By 2050, a third of the world's youth will reside in Africa, which
means we need to develop sufficient job opportunities. Job
creation requires production and services ------ and this
production cannot be limited to national markets”,
he warned.
He considered that, if they do not take advantage of the
African Continental Free Trade Area, they will face a
significant shortage of sectors, that generate job
opportunities. Hence, the initiative is designed
to close this gap & create jobs for countries
and merchants.
The Secretariat continues the coordination of efforts between
member countries to facilitate the effective implementation
of the agreement.
__________________________________________
Ethiopia's Ethio Telecom has
record fiscal year revenue
July 24th, 10:46am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia's state telecommunications company, Ethio Telecom,
today revealed record annual revenues of 162 billion birr
(more than $1,174 million) in fiscal year 2024-2025.
The company's CEO, Frehiwot Tamiru, reported that this figure
represents 99% of its objective and marked an increase of
37 percent -- compared to the last budget period -- when
presenting the annual performance during a briefing.
Tamiru attributed the strong results to expanding services,
growing digital adoption and improving infrastructure.
He specified that the increase in income translates into an
additional 68.3 billion birr (more than 495 million dollars)
to last year's profits, while they made a net profit of
76 billion birr (more than $550 million), exceeding
their plan by 4%.
Other important achievements in the period were that
Ethio Telecom's customer base grew by 6.2%, with
total population coverage, of 99.4 percent. A total
of 365 products and services were offered during
the year: 134 new and 157 updated.
The company's digital finance platform, TeleBirr, also
continued its rapid expansion ---- by processing 4.9
trillion birr (more than $35 million) in transactions
since its launch, including 2.3 trillion birr (more
than $16 million) in transfers during fiscal year
2024-2025 alone.
The directive highlighted that the number of users
amounted to 54.8 million, which contributes
significantly to the development of
Ethiopia's digital economy.
He explained that, in support of the national agenda ''Digital
Ethiopia'', they have several key infrastructure advances
during the year --- including the implementation of 4G
services in 512 locations, and 5G in 16 major cities.
Likewise, the installation of 1,683 new mobile access points - to
improve network speed and capacity, the expansion of internet
access in rural areas with the extension of broadband services
to 2,388 kebels, reaching 5.9 million new users.
The Ethiopian state telecommunications company strengthened
its cybersecurity framework, successfully neutralizing 462,000
cyberattack attempts, the presentation added.
______________________________________________
Pope Leo XIV... received
the president of Algeria
in audience
July 24th, 9:47am
(Prensa Latina)
Pope Leo XIV received today, in audience, the president of
Algeria, Abdelmagjid Tebboune, with whom he addressed
various international and bilateral issues of
common interest.
According to a statement released by the Holy See press
office, the contact between the Supreme Pontiff and the
Algerian president took place at noon this Thursday
at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
After that meeting, Tebboune and the rest of his delegation,
held an exchange with the Secretary of State, Cardinal
Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Monsignor
Daniel Pacho, undersecretary of the Multilateral
Sector of the Section of Relations with States
and International Organizations.
Topics related to the current geopolitical situation were
addressed there, with emphasis on the importance of
interreligious dialogue and cultural collaboration for
the cbuildingof peace and fraternity in the world.
The Algerian president... arrived in Rome last Wednesday,
to participate in the 5th Italy-Algeria Intergovernmental
Summit, co-chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni,
-- as well as in a Business Forum, where more than
forty agreements were signed ------------- aimed at
strengthening relations between both nations.
________________________________________________
President of Angola makes
official visit to Portugal
July 24th, 8:04am
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Angola, Joao Lourenco, traveled to Portugal
today for an official visit on July 25 and 26, in response to
an invitation from the authorities of that country.
The president plans meetings with his Portuguese counterpart,
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and with the Prime Minister, Luís
Montenegro, with whom he must meet tomorrow in Belém
and São Bento, respectively, to address issues of
common interest ---- and strengthen
bilateral cooperation.
This Friday the Angolan head of state will also have a meeting
with Portuguese businessmen and compatriots who have
businesses in the former metropolis.
The program also includes a visit to the Assembly of the
Portuguese Republic and a courtesy meeting with the
president of parliament, Aguiar Branco.
Lourenço will participate on Saturday in an interactive dialogue
with the Portuguese president, where they are expected to
address current issues.
After Angola's independence on November 11, 1975, the country
and its former metropolis have maintained close relations in
all areas.
It is expected that among the topics to be discussed
by the Angolan president, are immigration issues.
__________________________________________________
The Mozambican authorities --- are exploring
the possibility of the country joining BRICS
by Alexey Merkulov (Tunisia)
July 23rd, 6:27pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Mozambique's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Manuela
dos Santos Lukas, has stated that the government is
considering the possibility of joining BRICS, but
first, intends to explore the mutual benefits.
This was revealed by the head of the foreign policy
department on the sidelines of an event at the
Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy
of Sciences, in an interview with the
African Initiative news agency.
"As Mozambique, we believe ---- that we need to learn a
little more about BRICS in order to better understand
this organization, & see how we can benefit from it,"
the minister emphasized. She added that there are
many international organizations in the world, and
"if you join them and don't contribute anything, it
doesn't make sense."
"We know that BRICS is an alternative to the new world
order," Lukasz said. "The countries in this group are
very influential, and we want to be part of this
movement. However, we are still exploring
how we can benefit BRICS ...and how
BRICS can benefit us."
The minister clarified, that the association is currently
developing criteria for new members, adding that the
Mozambican authorities "need to learn a bit more."
"And then --- we will definitely be able to
become part of BRICS," she concluded.
The statement was made... during the working visit of
the Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs to Russia.
________________________________________
Egypt --- has expressed its full
support for the Sahel Alliance
by Alexey Merkulov (Tunisia)
July 23rd, 6:14pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelaty confirmed
Cairo's readiness for any forms of cooperation
with the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) and
assistance in the fight against terrorism.
This was reported by the administration of Burkinabé
President Ibrahim Traoré --- following a meeting
in Ouagadougou.
"Egypt --- is committed to supporting the three member
countries of the Sahel Alliance (Burkina Faso, Niger,
and Mali) in their common fight against terrorism,
and we will continue to provide them -- with any
necessary assistance," the Egyptian minister
was quoted, by the Traoré administration.
"As part of strengthening our relations -- we are open to
any form of cooperation with Burkina Faso and other
fellow member countries of the Sahel Alliance."
The Egyptian Foreign Minister visited Burkina Faso --
as a special envoy of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
"I conveyed the President of Egypt's greetings and
support, to President of Burkina Faso, Captain
Ibrahim Traoré. I also presented him with a
written message.. regarding our bilateral
cooperation ----- and reaffirmed Egypt's
commitment to further strengthening
it," Abdellati explained.
At the meeting with President Traoré, the parties discussed
issues of investment, trade, security, and defense, with a
special focus on anti-terrorism cooperation. Abdellati
noted that cooperation could expand to the fields
of agriculture, pharmaceutical production,
and infrastructure.
The Sahel Alliance was established in 2023 to ensure
collective defense. On January 28th, 2024, Burkina
Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal
from the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS), claiming that it had failed
to provide support in combating terrorism
and ensuring territorial security.
____________________________________________
Skepticism grows in Sudan over
US-led Quad’s ''peace'' efforts
July 23rd, 9:54am
by Abdallah Hussain
Press TV, Khartoum
Sudanese citizens are increasingly skeptical of
the US-led Quad ..tasked with ending war in
their country.
As the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
prepare to present a delayed peace plan,
many in Sudan -- accuse the group of
fueling the very conflict they now
claim to solve.
__________________________________
Angola and Ethiopia sign
air services agreement
July 22nd, 2:57pm
(Prensa Latina)
Angola and Ethiopia today signed an Air Services agreement
that establishes the legal bases for the creation, operation
and regulation of connections between both countries in
this way.
The legal instrument, aimed at strengthening bilateral
cooperation, was signed this Tuesday by the Angolan
transport ministers, Ricardo D'Abreu --- and the
Ethiopian, Alemu Sime --- in the presence of
the Angolan foreign minister, Téte António
- at the headquarters of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, in Luanda.
The agreement provides... that the airlines designated by
each signatory country ---- will benefit from traffic and
overflight rights, respecting the respective national
legislation; in addition... to establishing the
principles of equality and reciprocity --
providing legal guarantees for safe,
regular and efficient operations.
It also includes clauses that guarantee the priority given to the
operational safety of civil aviation; it stipulates the multiple
designation of eligible airlines and includes provisions
that promote a competitive and sustainable
environment in the aviation sector.
Likewise ---- it contemplates tax exemptions on gross income
from international traffic, facilitates the transfer of benefits
and allows the free setting of rates, creating favourable
conditions for commercial activity.
The Ethiopian Minister of Transport considered that the
agreement --- is much more than a simple technical
understanding and becomes a bridge between
the people of the two countries, with a
particular impact ------- on the
business community.
He also alluded to the role of the António Agostinho Neto
international airport ....as a strategic gateway to Sub-
Saharan Africa -- with the potential to transform
the region --- into a true centre of trade
and tourism.
Ricardo D'Abreu maintained for his part that the agreement
is in line with the objectives of the African single air
transport market --- and expands connectivity
opportunities between both countries.
He stated -- that Angola intends to absorb Ethiopia's
experience in this branch, since it is well known
that the Horn of Africa nation ---- currently
constitutes the main aviation centre
of the continent.
__________________________________________
Fighting continues between DRC
militias and AFC/M23 ''rebels''
July 22nd, 3:35pm
(Prensa Latina)
Despite the signing of a Declaration of Principles, between
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ....and the
Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23),
intense fighting continues today in the east of
the country.
The rebel coalition maintains clashes in the territories of
Masisi and Rutshuru, in the province of North Kivu, with
the Wazalendo militias belonging to the Nduma group
for the Defense of the Congo (NDC).
Fighting is also taking place in the territory of Walikale,
although it was expected that ----- after the agreement
between the DRC and Rwanda, and the Declaration
signed last Saturday in Qatar..... a pacification
process will ..gradually begin in the area.
The clashes --- are especially concentrated in the villages
of Kasenyi, Katobotobo, Karoba, Luke and Bukumbiriri -
located in the Nyamaboko Premier and Mufunyi Kibabi
clusters -- but there have also been actions in other
areas, with the consequent displacement of the
population ------- to flee the violence.
Both the Government and the rebels accuse each other
of betraying the good will... to lay down their weapons
and begin work on pacification.
__________________________________________
Zambia ------ Signs $1.1 Billion Deal for
Oil Refinery and Energy Hub in Ndola
July 22nd, 2:29pm
(teleSUR)
Zambia has signed a landmark $1.1 billion agreement
to construct a crude oil refinery and an integrated
energy complex in Ndola -- a strategic move --
aimed at achieving energy self-sufficiency
and boosting regional trade.
The deal, announced Monday, brings together the Industrial
Development Corporation (IDC) and China’s Fujian Xiang
Xin Corporation (FJXX), with support from the Zambia
Development Agency (ZDA). The facility will process
60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, enough to meet
Zambia’s entire fuel demand..... and generate a
surplus for exports to neighbouring countries.
Construction is scheduled to begin in Q3 2025, with the first
phase of commercial operations expected in 2026. Crude
oil will be imported from the Middle East via Tanzania’s
Dar es Salaam port --- reinforcing Zambia’s regional
logistics ties.
Beyond refining petrol and diesel,
the complex will include:
–LPG bottling units
-Bitumen and lubricant production
-A 130-megawatt power plant, with
100 MW fed into the national grid
The project ----- is expected to create 2,200 jobs during its
construction - and sustain over 3,000 direct and indirect
jobs once operational. It will also support skills transfer
programs, to train Zambians in refinery operations - to
international standards.
Officials say the refinery will significantly reduce Zambia’s
fuel import bill, strengthen the kwacha, and shield the
economy from regional supply shocks. It is also
expected ---- to catalyze investment in rail
networks, storage infrastructure, and
downstream industries such as
plastics, fertilizers,
and asphalt.
IDC CEO Cornwell Muleya described the agreement as a
“major milestone” in Zambia’s industrialization journey,
while FJXX Chairperson Huang Tieming pledged world
-class engineering -- and long-term economic impact.
Author: OSG
Source: EFE-Africanews
__________________________________________
Ethiopia closed fiscal year
------ with record foreign
exchange earnings
July 22nd, 12:57pm
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia --- generated a record $32.1 billion in foreign
revenue during fiscal year 2024-2025, a significant
jump compared to the previous year, of 24.7
billion dollars, it was known today.
The announcement - took place at the Finance Forum
which brings together policymakers, private sector
leaders and financial experts....... to discuss
sustainable development, macroeconomic
reform - and pressing trade problems.
According to Ethiopian National Bank (NBE) Governor
Mamo Mihretu, the increase in foreign exchange
inflows indicates the recovery of investor
confidence and better economic
performance.
For the first time, the Exchange Offices came
into operation, substantially increasing
access to foreign currencies,
Mihretu said.
He acknowledged that ------ while inflation fell by 50%
compared to previous years, it remains a challenge.
Looking ahead, he said they will work harder to reduce
living costs and maintain economic momentum,
reaffirming the government's commitment
to long-term financial stability and
inclusive growth.
For his part, the Finance Minister Amed Shide addressed
the central role of the macroeconomic reform program
------------ in catalyzing development in agriculture,
manufacturing, tourism, services and mining.
Shide mentioned among the most notable milestones the
government's decision to refrain, for the first time in the
nation's history, from borrowing from the NBE. Instead,
public spending was guided -- by principles of fiscal
discipline, savings and efficient use of resources,
he stressed.
He mentioned regulatory support for regional integration
through strategic investments in cross-border energy
distribution, rail and express rail networks ----- and
digital infrastructure that strengthens Ethiopia's
economic ties with neighbours.... and fosters
interconnectivity in the Horn of Africa.
He reaffirmed the government's dedication to expanding
private sector participation in the national economy,
recognizing its fundamental role in job creation
and diversification. Policies are adapted to
eliminate barriers --- and attract more
private investment, he asserted.
He emphasized holding financing forums like the one started
this day to allow for constructive dialogue. These platforms
are vital to diagnose challenges within the financial sector
and identify collective solutions that improve private
sector participation, he concluded.
___________________________________________
Red Cross willing to facilitate the
release of detainees in the DRC
July 22nd, 10:17am
(Prensa Latina)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
expressed its willingness to facilitate the release of
detainees both in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC) and. as part of the implementation
of a Declaration of Principles, underway today.
Following the signing of this roadmap between the DRC
Government and the rebels of the Congo River Alliance
-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) on July 19 in Qatar,
the ICRC expressed - that it will contribute to the
process to release prisoners from both parties
--- based on the recommended “confidence-
building measures”.
“Our team in the DRC will help facilitate the release of
detainees from both sides so they can return home
safely and reunite with their families”,
a statement said.
He added that these humanitarian initiatives are
an essential step...... on the long road to peace.
The note added that the conflict in the east of the country
has trapped generations of civilians in a decades-long
cycle of suffering, loss of life and displacement,
therefore, the Declaration constitutes an
important opportunity - to chart a new
future based on peace and stability.
The ICRC accompanied, between April 30 and May 15,
the transport of more than 1,300 unarmed members
of the DRC Army, along with their families, from
Goma to Kinshasa.
____________________________________________
President of Angola received
an envoy from the Congo
July 21st, 3:05pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Angola, Joao Lourenco received today
at the Presidential Palace of Luanda the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, Jean
Claude Gakosso -- bearer of a message from the
Congolese president, Denis Sassou-N'Guesso.
In statements to the press after the meeting, the chancellor
of the neighbouring nation ---- praised the relations of
brotherhood between the two countries, marked
by blood, and historical and political ties.
Gakosso highlighted the celebration this year, of the 50th
anniversary of Angola's independence, a fact that he
classified as very important for his country and for
which the Congolese president wishes to
congratulate his counterpart - and all
the Angolan people.
Although the envoy did not detail the content of the message
sent, he also referred to Sassou-N'Guesso's desire to
congratulate Lourenco, for his commitment
to resolving the conflict in the eastern
Democratic Republic of the Congo
and also in the entire region of
the Great Lakes.
He also conveyed congratulations on the organization of the
United States-Africa Business Summit, held at the end of
last month, and for hosting the next meeting between
the countries of the continent and the members of
the EU, focused on strengthening trade ties
and investments.
The chancellor pointed out that the visit to the Angolan
president also served to present Firmin Édouard Matoko,
candidate for the elections for the leadership of the
United Nations Educational Organization, science
and Culture, UNESCO, a figure that comes from
the Congo, but who agrees.. to the election to
the organization - as a representative of the
entire continent.
______________________________________________
Mali Reports Major Counterterrorism
Success as Sahel Alliance Deepens
Military Integration
July 21st, 2:46pm
(teleSUR)
The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have announced the
neutralization of approximately 70 militants in a
series of coordinated counterterrorism
operations conducted between July
15 and 19 across the volatile
regions of Menaka, Segou,
Kidal, and Timbuktu.
These operations mark one of the most significant military
campaigns in recent months and reflect Mali’s intensified
efforts to reclaim territory and restore stability.
According to official statements, the operations involved joint
ground and aerial strikes, with air support provided by the
Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — a regional bloc
comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The AES, which transitioned into a confederation on July 6th,
has emerged as a central pillar in the region’s new security
architecture - following its withdrawal from ECOWAS and
La Francophonie.
Military sources confirmed the destruction of several terrorist
bases, including logistics hubs and vehicle convoys.. used
by armed groups. While the army ..did not name specific
factions, Mali continues to battle a complex insurgency
involving jihadist networks such as JNIM (al-Qaeda’s
Sahel affiliate) --- and ISSP (Islamic State Sahel
Province) --- as well as separatist movements
seeking ''autonomy'' ...in the north.
The operations come amid growing concerns over the Azawad
Liberation Front, a coalition of five armed groups.... formed in
December 2024 that seeks independence for northern Mali.
The government has designated these factions as terrorist
organizations, and their activities have intensified clashes
in Kidal and the surrounding areas.
The AES’s involvement signals a deepening military integration,
with the bloc recently announcing the formation of a 5,000-
strong joint rapid response force equipped with its own
aviation and intelligence capabilities. Russia has
pledged to support the initiative through arms
and training, further solidifying its role, as a
strategic partner in the Sahel.
The July operations also follow a failed offensive by JNIM earlier
this month in western Mali, where the group targeted military
outposts in Kayes, Nioro, and Diboli. FAMa claimed to have
repelled the attacks, killing over 80 militants, although
analysts warn that JNIM’s evolving tactics
— including urban raids and economic
sabotage — pose a growing threat.
Security experts note that Mali’s counterterrorism strategy has
shifted toward territorial consolidation, aiming to secure trade
corridors, mining zones, and border posts, critical to national
revenue. The AES’s confederation framework allows for
joint planning and resource pooling, which could
enhance operational efficiency across the
tri-border region.
However, human rights groups have raised concerns about civilian
casualties.. and a lack of transparency in military operations. The
Malian government - has pledged to uphold international norms,
but independent verification remains limited due to restricted
media access in conflict zones.
The AES’s geopolitical realignment has also reshaped regional
diplomacy. With ties severed from ECOWAS and France, Mali
and its allies are pursuing alternative partnerships,
including with Russia, China, and Türkiye, while
advocating for non-Western models of
development and security.
Despite military gains, Mali’s security crisis remains. Since
2012, the country has faced waves of rebellion, open and
covert ''foreign'' intervention, and internal displacement.
Over 2 million people remain affected by violence.
_________________________________________________
President of Cuba received a
Mozambican party leader
July 21st, 2:46pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, received today the
general secretary of the Liberation Front of Mozambique
(Frelimo), Chakil Aboobacar, with whom he spoke
about the relations between the parties of
both countries and the ways to
deepen them.
The president - conveyed a greeting from the leader of the
Cuban Revolution, Raúl Castro, to the Mozambican leader.
He also conveyed greetings to the president of Mozambique,
Daniel Chapo, to whom he sent an invitation to visit the
Island when his agenda allows it.
During the dialogue, Díaz-Canel expressed his willingness
to strengthen interparty, economic and cooperation ties.
He recalled his work stay in Mozambique in 2023, where he
was able to appreciate the friendship between the both
peoples and the impact of the work of Cuban
volunteers in the African country.
For his part, Chakil Aboobacar appreciated that his visit to
the island is a reflection of the intensity of the ties of
friendship between both countries and political
organizations, which are based on the
enduring relationship between the
historical leader, Fidel Castro,
and the Mozambican leader,
Samora Machel.
Likewise, he commented ------- that this happens within the
framework of the 50th anniversary of the independence
of Mozambique, the 63rd anniversary of the founding
of the Mozambique Liberation Front, and half a
century of bilateral ties.
The Communist Party of Cuba, he stressed, is
not only a friendly Party, but a strategic ally.
“We have come to give them all, the support of Frelimo
and the President --- in the face of the US blockade.
We are together and we are going to continue working.
Frelimo and the people of Mozambique will always be
with Cuba”, stressed the Mozambican party leader.
As part of his agenda, Chakil Aboobacar also held meetings
with the president of the National Assembly of People's
Power, Esteban Lazo, and with the Secretary of the
Central Committee of the Communist Party of
Cuba, Roberto Morales.
_________________________________________________
Venezuela & Ethiopia commemorate
75 years .....of diplomatic relations
July 21st, 1:33pm
(Prensa Latina)
The ties of brotherhood based on respect, unity, sovereignty
and mutual aid --- stood out today at the commemorative
event for the 75th anniversary of the establishment
of diplomatic relations ---- between Venezuela
and Ethiopia.
The Venezuelan ambassador in Addis Ababa, Eddy Córdova
Córcega, recalled that in the mid-20th century and shortly
after the creation of the United Nations Organization, the
governments of both countries signed the historic
agreement on July 20th, 1950.
“For the Homeland of Simón Bolívar it was the first agreement
with a country on the African continent, opening the way to
future new, constructive and respectful relations”,
stated Córdova Córcega.
He highlighted that the Venezuelan government awarded Emperor
Haile Selassie (1930-1974) the “Simón Bolívar Order Liberator
Necklace” in 1956, the highest decoration of the South
American nation, currently preserved in the National
Palace Museum of Ethiopia.
The diplomat stressed that the electoral victory of Commander
Hugo Chávez in December 1998 ----- marked a very important
turning point for Venezuela's relations with the continent.
“We create a multipurpose Africa Agenda; we increase the number
of embassies and the modalities and forms of cooperation without
subjection or subordination; we are respectful of the sovereignty
and independence of our brother countries in Africa and we are
willing to accompany them --- in building paths to sustainable
development”, he stated.
For his part, the deputy director for Europe and the Americas, of the
Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mulie Tarekegn, commented
that, throughout those 75 years, the relationship between Addis
Ababa and Caracas has been characterized by the support of
the state class and the shared commitment to a just and
multipolar world order.
Tarekegn emphasized that “during the Cold War (1947-1991) and
the art of colonization, both Ethiopia and Venezuela remained
united as active and founding members of the Non-
Aligned Movement”.
Likewise, they defended the right of States, to forge their own
identity, free from external domination, according to the
fundamental principles of the Charter of the
United Nations.
He urged to expand economic and commercial ties,
improve technical and scientific cooperation,
strengthen the bilateral nexus with the
aspiration for an alliance based on
unbreakable, peaceful, and
just principles.
_______________________________________________
Niger Launches Investigation into
$5.3 Million Sale of Martian
Meteorite in the U.S.
July 21st, 7:12am
(teleSUR)
Niger investigates the possible illicit export of
a rare Martian meteorite sold in the US,
seeking to determine ---- how the
specimen left the country.
Nigeria's authorities have opened an investigation after
a very large piece of a meteorite... from the Ténéré
desert was sold for $5.3 million at a Sotheby’s
auction in New York.
The government suspects the transaction may involve
illegal trafficking and is seeking to determine, how
the huge piece.... left the country.
On July 18, Niger’s executive branch announced the
establishment of a special committee tasked with
investigating the recent sale.
The meteorite was auctioned on July 16 during
Sotheby’s “Geek Week” event in New York,
attracting global attention --- due to its
exceptional size and origin.
According to Sotheby’s, the meteorite fragment weighs
approximately 24.67 kilograms, making it roughly 70%
larger than the second-largest known Martian
fragment recovered on Earth.
Discovered on November 16, 2023, by a meteorite
prospector in Agadez, this fragment is part of a
rare group: only about 400 of the over 77,000
catalogued meteorites worldwide....... are
confirmed to have come from Mars.
Martian meteorites - hold significant scientific value,
offering insights into the geology of the Red Planet
and its history, which adds to the price.
The investigative committee includes Niger’s ministers of
Mines, Higher Education, Public Security, and Justice.
Its mandate, is to clarify key questions such as the
identity of the original discoverer, the channels
through which the meteorite was exported,
and potential complicity among domestic
or international actors.
An anonymous mining engineer interviewed by EFE
highlighted the investigation’s complexity, noting
that it will require “significant financial and
logistical resources” .........including field
missions to Niger’s vast desert regions.
This is not the first incident - raising concerns about meteorite
trafficking in Niger. In 2011, a meteorite fell in a millet field, in
Aikaoua, located in the southern Maradi region. Although the
authorities confirmed its origin, the current whereabouts of
the meteorite remain unknown, according to Abdou Rafa,
a local community leader.
The case highlights wider challenges faced by countries in
the Global South, where valuable natural resources like
rare meteorites are often targeted by illicit trade.
Protecting these resources is essential to
preserve national heritage and ensure
fair benefits from their scientific
and economic potential.
As Niger advances its investigation, it could set a precedent
---- for stronger oversight of meteorite exports --- reinforcing
global efforts, to prevent illicit trafficking - and safeguard
countries' natural heritage, from the usual thieves.
___________________________________________
The ripple effect of Trump’s budget
cuts -- on refugee camps in Kenya
July 18th, 1:21pm
(teleSUR)
Global aid organizations are experiencing the effects
of the Trump administration’s choice to close USAID
and reduce funding for other aid groups. The two
main refugee camps in Kenya have been
significantly affected by these
funding cuts.
The Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya continues to
be affectet by the trump’s administration to
cut USAID.
Empty warehouses – at the World Food Program’s
food storage facilities at the camp...... paint a
grim picture.
A couple of sacks of lentils from the US are among
the last resources available ------- for the entire
refugee camp, with warehouse supplies
reduced to 25%.
Since the US --- WFP’s largest donor --- stopped its
funding in February no additional food has arrived.
Situated in the extremely dry northern region of
Kenya, Kakuma accommodates over 300,000
refugees from nations such as South Sudan,
Somalia, and the DRC.
With insufficient food available, WFP has been forced
to significantly reduce food rations. In August, they
report that more than a third of the refugees will
receive no food at all.
Regina Ngole, who escaped the conflict in South
Sudan, shows us the food for her family of seven.
Author: OSG
Source: EFE-Africanews
_______________________________
Cuba ---- celebrates Nelson
Mandela International Day
July 18th, 10:15am
(Prensa Latina)
Cuba today celebrates the International Day of Nelson
Mandela, who ---- with his intelligence and courage,
challenged the apartheid regime in South Africa.
The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, recalled on
the social network X his gratitude towards the people of
Cuba, his friendship with Commander in Chief, Fidel
Castro ....and his contribution to the history of
South Africa.
For his part, the Secretary of Organization of the Central
Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Roberto
Morales, noted that ''while the vast majority today
pay tribute to Mandela, with sincere admiration,
a few others practice racism, deport migrants
----- and support the genocide in Gaza.''
Every July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated
in recognition of his contributions to the culture of peace and
freedom. This date shows that each person can be the
trigger for a great change within their communities,
just by carrying out simple actions in their area.
The anniversary, decreed by the UN in 2009, has expanded its
objectives and includes among its priorities, promoting better
conditions for those deprived of liberty, raising awareness
--------- about the issue of prisoners and values, in the
penitentiary work of each nation.
________________________________________
Mediators seek to sign agreement
between DRC and rebels in July
July 18th, 8:18am
(Prensa Latina)
Qatar's mediation seeks today, to achieve the signing of
a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance-
Movement 23 March (AFC/M23) before the end
of July.
According to Actualité.CD, with the support of the African
Union and the US, negotiations in Doha continue, even
though clashes between both forces continue on
the eastern Congolese terrain.
Yesterday, the US president's senior advisor for Africa,
Massad Boulos, met with the Qatari Foreign Minister,
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, to evaluate the strategic
relationship between both countries & strengthen
their collaboration on international issues,
including the conflict in the DRC.
According to Mediacongo.net, the talks had a central point
in diplomatic coordination on various African issues, with
emphasis on the security situation in the eastern
Congolese area, where increased violence
threatens regional stability.
Both officials --- highlighted the importance of joint action
to support peace efforts and strengthen local institutions.
Qatar has taken the mediation process between Kinshasa
and the AFC/M23 very seriously, for which they even
promoted individual meetings of the Ministers of
the Interior of Rwanda and the DRC with the
Qatari head of that portfolio.
Despite these efforts, it remains to be seen if the aspiration
to reach an agreement before the end of the month is
realized, taking into account that the clashes on the
ground do not stop and neither do the complaints
from both sides about military operations that
undermine attempts to achieve peace.
The day before, AFC/M23 issued a statement stating
that “the Kinshasa regime” continues its military
offensives. “In the face of these attacks, our
organization reaffirms its determination to
protect the civilian population --- and
eliminate any threat --- from its
origin”, the note said.
He added that the rebels will not give in to intimidation
or the maneuvers of “an illegitimate and bloodthirsty
regime, which sacrifices peace, for its own
selfish interests”.
____________________________________
A princess from Limpopo
married a Russian man
and moved to Altai
July 17th, 9:18pm
(RT.ru)
Princess Tsanani Zenki Miyen from Limpopo married
Russian citizen Artem Sidorenko and moved to her
husband's homeland, in the Altai region.
This was reported by Vesti Altai. According to journalists,
moving to Russia..... was the princess's own suggestion.
"But first, Yarovoy resident Artyom performed all the rituals
necessary to create a family in her homeland, Limpopo,"
the article says.
The second wedding took place in Cape Town. In Russia,
local schoolchildren come to the princess -- to improve
their English skills.
_____________________________________________
China and South Africa ---
review bilateral relations
July 17th, 9:47am
(Prensa Latina)
The Vice President of China, Han Zheng, met today in
this capital with the South African Vice President,
Paul Mashatile, with whom he reviewed the
state of bilateral relations.
In September last year, China and South Africa raised
their relations to the level of a strategic cooperative
partnership in all aspects.
Han noted that this opened a new chapter in building
a community with a high-level shared future
between the two countries.
The Chinese vice president ------ called on both sides, to
further implement the important consensus reached
by the two heads of state, continuously deepen
mutual political trust -- promote the high
quality development of bilateral
cooperation, and serve the
modernization drive --
of both countries.
Mashatile, in turn, stated that South Africa -- attaches
great importance to relations with China and firmly
adheres to the ‘one China’ policy.
Noting that bilateral cooperation in trade, investment
and other fields has made solid progress, the South
African vice president affirmed -- that his country
is willing to further implement the consensus
reached by both parties, and contribute to
the development of South Africa-China
relations ----- as well as those of this
country with the African continent.
_________________________________________
France Signals Openness to Dialogue
with Niger Over Colonial-Era
Looted Artifacts
July 15th, 2:21pm
(teleSUR)
France has expressed willingness to engage in bilateral dialogue
with Niger regarding the restitution of cultural artifacts looted
during its colonial expansion in West Africa, particularly
during the 1899 Mission Afrique Centrale (MAC) — one
of the most violent campaigns in the region’s history.
In a letter to UN Special Rapporteur Bernard Duhaime, French UN
representative Jérôme Bonnafont stated that France is open to
provenance research and patrimonial cooperation, though it
stopped short of acknowledging responsibility for the
atrocities committed during the MAC expedition.
The campaign, led by Captains Paul Voulet and Julien Chanoine,
resulted in the massacre of thousands, the burning of villages,
and the looting of cultural treasures across present-day Niger.
Despite awareness of these crimes at the time, France
conducted no official inquiry, and no officers were
held accountable.
The current case was initiated by descendants of victims from
four Nigerien communities, who are demanding access to
archival records, recognition of the atrocities, and the
return of stolen artifacts, some of which remain
in French museums.
France’s response cited the non-retroactivity principle of
international law, arguing that treaties addressing such
violations were ratified long after the events occurred.
It also noted that no formal restitution requests have
yet been received from the Nigerien authorities.
This development comes amid a broader reckoning with France’s
colonial past. In recent years, Paris has issued formal apologies
for its role in the Rwandan genocide (2021), the Sétif massacre
in Algeria (2022), and the Madagascar coup (2023).
However, relations between France and Niger have deteriorated
since the military coup of July 2023, which ousted President
Mohamed Bazoum. France withdrew its troops from Niger
in December 2024, ending a strategic alliance that had
included uranium exports vital to France’s nuclear
energy sector.
The restitution debate --- is part of a wider continental push for
reparations and cultural justice, with the African Union
declaring 2025 --------- the Year of Reparations.
The case will be included in the next UN human rights report
and presented to the General Assembly in October,
potentially setting a precedent for future claims.
________________________________________
Al-Shabab Captures Strategic Town of
Tardo in Somalia as Türkiye Expands
Military Presence
July 15th, 2:17pm
(teleSUR)
The armed group Al-Shabab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has
taken control of the strategic town of Tardo in central
Somalia’s Hiiraan region, after ousting government-
allied clan militias known as the Macawisley,
according to the Somali National Army
Commander, Mohammad Abdullah.
Tardo holds significant strategic value due to its position as
a vital communications junction, potentially facilitating
Al-Shabab’s push toward larger population centres.
The group also seized the nearby town of
Moqokori last week.
The militant advance has sparked a large-scale displacement,
with regional lawmaker Dahar Amin reporting that at least
12,500 families have fled their homes, amid fears of
further territorial expansion.
Government troops and clan fighters are now mobilizing for
a counteroffensive. Reinforcements have been deployed,
although the Somali federal government has yet to
issue an official response to the fall of Tardo.
Al-Shabab, active since 2007 --- aims to overthrow the central
government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
In recent months --- it has expanded its territorial control
across Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, intensifying
pressure on Mogadishu and raising alarm about the
country’s stability.
In response to the growing threat, Somalia has continued to rely
on international military support. Over 20,000 foreign troops
from Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti, and Kenya are currently
deployed under longstanding multinational missions.
Additionally, Türkiye has ramped up its presence, deploying 500
soldiers in April 2025 under a strategic partnership agreement
that includes military training, energy cooperation, and
infrastructure defense.
Türkiye has also taken command of the multinational Task Force
151 - responsible for counter-piracy and maritime security in the
Gulf of Aden. The Turkish-Somali alliance has further expanded
with exploration efforts... in Somali offshore oil and gas blocks.
As Al-Shabab pushes closer to the capital, analysts warn of
a potential territorial collapse if Somalia fails to secure
sustained international support.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with displaced families
facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical care.
Would you like a visual map of Al-Shabab’s territorial
advances or a profile of Türkiye’s strategic role
in the region? Tough.
_____________________________________________
RSF Attacks Kill Nearly 300
Civilians in North Kordofan,
Sudan
July 15th, 1:18 am
(teleSUR)
Sudanese rights groups say RSF attacks on villages
in North Kordofan left nearly 300 civilians dead,
deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
Displacement in North Kordofan surges after deadly
RSF attacks, as Sudan’s civil conflict deepens.
Paramilitary units of the RSF launched coordinated
assaults over the weekend on multiple villages
near the city of Bara, North Kordofan, an area
currently under RSF control. The attacks ----
resulted in widespread civilian casualties,
state Sudanese human rights groups.
The Emergency Lawyers group reported that on Saturday, RSF
fighters attacked several villages around Bara. In Shag Alnom,
more than 200 civilians were killed by gunfire or arson. Raids
on additional villages left 38 more people dead, while dozens
remain missing.
The following day, the RSF attacked the village of Hilat Hamid,
killing 46 people, including pregnant women and children,
the group said.
“It has been proven that these targeted villages - were completely
empty of any military objectives, which makes clear the criminal
nature of these crimes carried out ----- in complete disregard of
international humanitarian law,” Emergency Lawyers stated,
placing responsibility with the RSF leadership.
The United Nations confirmed that more than 3,400
people were displaced as a result of the attacks.
Since the outbreak of war, in April 2023, Sudan has been
divided between areas controlled by the army and those
held by the RSF. The army has retained control over the
central and eastern regions, while the CIA-backed RSF
--- is stillholding western areas, including
North Kordofan.
The United States and international human rights organizations
have publicly accused the RSF of committing war crimes,
crimes against humanity, and genocide. Fighters under
RSF command have been implicated in widespread
looting and violence against civilians -- in areas
under their control.
RSF leadership has pledged to hold those responsible for
such acts accountable, stating that they “will be
brought to justice.”
With violence escalating and displacement growing,
international observers stress the urgent need for
accountability and increased humanitarian
support to address the crisis in Sudan.
_____________________________________________
DRC develops vaccination campaign
to stop cholera epidemic
July 15th, 12:21pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today promotes
a vaccination campaign in 11 health zones in four provinces
of the country, to try to stop the spread of cholera,
according to the Ministry of Health.
Last week the DRC registered 2,085 cases of the disease and
95 deaths, but in general the numbers of sick people since
January of this year exceeds 35,000 in 12 of the 26
provinces, with Tshopo as the most affected.
The Minister of Health, Roger Kamba, emphasized the day before
the need for strict compliance with hygiene standards, such as
frequent hand washing with soap, disinfection, etc, the good
handling of food and, above all --- avoiding self-medication
and seeking medical attention immediately ---- at the
first symptoms.
He highlighted the fact that 80 percent of deaths occur in the
community, which means --- that people die before reaching
the hospital because they are slow to seek medical help.
Kamba reported that the donation of 20 tons of kits to treat
the disease, received last week, will soon reach the
communities and more deliveries are planned.
“To date, we have enough equipment to treat all patients for free”,
he assured and reiterated that as soon as symptoms appear,
people should go to the treatment centre.
____________________________________________
The largest Martian meteorite from Africa
will be auctioned for $4 million
by Alexey Merkulov (Tunisia)
July 14th, 5:22pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
The largest known fragment of Mars ever found on Earth -
will be auctioned by Sotheby's on July 16, with a pre-sale
estimate of \$2-4 million. The meteorite, named NWA
16788 and weighing 24.67 kg, represents 6.5% of
he total known Martian material on our planet.
According to the auction house, this "incredibly rare" object was
thrown from the surface of Mars by a powerful asteroid impact,
travelled 140 million miles of outer space and entered the
Earth's atmosphere before falling in the Sahara Desert.
It was discovered by a meteorite hunter on November
16, 2023 in the remote area of Agadez (Niger).
NWA 16788 is 70% larger than the previous record holder. Of the
more than 77,000 recognized meteorites on Earth, only 400 are
of Martian origin, and their total weight is only about 374 kg.
The special value of the specimen is given by the "reddish-brown
melting crust", which gives "a unique Martian hue", as well as
minimal traces of terrestrial weathering, which indicates - the
preservation of the original physical and chemical properties.
The surface of NWA 16788 has indentations that experts believe
were caused by friction heating as the Martian rock fell into
Earth's atmosphere.
"In other words, NWA 16788... is probably a relatively recent alien to
Earth," Sotheby's noted. The lot is being sold as part of the Natural
History auction, which also features a mounted skeleton of a
young Ceratosaurus nasicornis, with a preliminary price
of $4-6 million.
_________________________________
Burundi, eighth African country
to eliminate trachoma
July 14th, 3:32pm
(Prensa Latina)
Burundi eliminated trachoma as a public health problem and
became the eighth African country to reach this important
milestone, confirmed the World Health Organization (WHO).
Trachoma is also the first neglected tropical
disease eliminated in this nation.
It is “a collective victory, possible thanks to almost 20 years of
national mobilization and international solidarity. I thank all
the partners, community actors and institutions in Burundi
and around the world who made this historic achievement
possible", said Dr. Lydwine Baradahana, minister of Public
Health and Fight against AIDS of Burundi.
This disease is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis
and is spread by personal contact, contaminated surfaces
and through flies that have been in contact with eye or
nasal secretions.
According to experts, repeated infections can lead to
scarring, inward eyelids, and ultimately blindness.
Globally, this disease is endemic in many vulnerable
communities where access to drinking water and
sanitation is limited.
Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries,
with approximately 103 million people living in areas
requiring disease interventions.
It is mainly found in the poorest and most rural areas of
Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western
Pacific and the Middle East.
The WHO Africa Region is disproportionately affected by
trachoma: as of April 2024, 93 million people were living
in risk areas, which represents 90 percent of the
global burden of this disease.
Currently, 20 countries in the area require interventions to
eliminate trachoma: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso,
Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte
d'Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya,
Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, United Republic
of Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda,
Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The other seven countries in the region validated by the WHO
as nations that eliminated trachoma as a public health
problem are Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali,
Mauritania and Togo.
Four others — Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia
and Senegal, claim to have achieved prevalence
targets for its eradication.
________________________________________
Libya frees more than 100 migrants
kidnapped by criminal network
July 14th, 2:11pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Libyan Attorney General's Office announced today,
the release of more than a hundred migrants, including
five women, kidnapped by a criminal organization in
the east of the country - to demand a ransom.
Through a statement, Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour
detailed the group's involvement in human trafficking,
kidnapping and torture - to force families to pay for
the release of their relatives.
The migrants remained held in Ajdabiya, about 160
kilometres from the city of Benghazi, in the
northeast of the nation.
According to what was disclosed, the authorities
confirmed the arrest of five suspects of Libyan,
Sudanese and Egyptian nationality - linked to
the trafficking network.
Press reports warned of Libya's serious migration crisis,
which has become a main route for those fleeing
conflict and poverty - to Europe.
__________________________________________
Niger Army deals severe
blow to Islamist base
July 14th, 11:42am
(Prensa Latina)
At least 15 insurgents died today, in a Nigerien Army
operation that included the destruction of a hideout
of one of the so-called Islamist groups operating
in the south of the country.
The report reporting on the operation describes the Islamist
sanctuary in the city of Ghéchémé “SOUTH”, near the
border with Nigeria as an (important logistical base),
where Boko Haram operates, the powerful armed
group of the same ideology, loyal to the
Islamic State.
If the veracity of the statement is proven, the operation,
endorsed by a military source, represents an important
success for the Alliance of Sahel States, whose other
two members are Burkina Faso and Mali, also fighting
scenarios of armed actions by fundamentalist groups.
The military text specifies - that preparations for the action
were planned in the Desso area (southwest), an indication
of greater and better coordination of the members of the
AES, which left the Economic Community of West
African States --- which they described as a
sounding board for the interests of
Western powers.
Likewise, it represents a political success, since the three broke
military ties with their former metropolis and strengthened ties
with Russia, whose special military operation in Ukraine they
refused to condemn -------- despite demands from Paris
and Washington.
__________________________________________
Appreciation in the DRC for
Francophonie support for
the peace agreement
July 14th, 5:02am
(Prensa Latina)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo today --- welcomed the
resolution adopted by the 50th session of the Parliamentary
Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) in support of the peace
agreement signed with Rwanda.
The meeting, which took place the day before in Paris, France,
supported the document signed in Washington, as well as
the Togolese mediation, on behalf of the African Union.
The resolution reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and borders
of the States of the Great Lakes region, condemned military
incursions and support for armed groups; in addition to
demanding the inclusive participation of women and
young people in the peace processes.
The APF created a parliamentary monitoring group
to support implementation of the commitments
made in the agreement.
Congolese media such as Actualité.CD and Mediacongo.net
highlighted the resolution and support of personalities
such as the president of the French National
Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, which urged
Rwanda and the DRC to establish
favorable mechanisms... for
its implementation.
Meanwhile, the president of the Congolese National Assembly, Vital
Kamerhe, maintained that his country is willing to make peace with
its neighbour, while the vice president of the Rwandan Chamber of
Deputies assured ------ that Kigali is equally willing to support any
approach that leads to peace.
__________________________________
Unicef warns about - severe acute
malnutrition of Sudanese children
July 11th, 7:50am
(Prensa Latina)
The number of children treated for severe acute malnutrition
in Darfur, Sudan, increased by 46 percent between January
and May of this year, compared to the same period in 2024,
Unicef warned today.
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in
North Darfur alone, more than 40 thousand children were
admitted for these reasons in the first five months of
2025, double that during the same period last year.
This organization explained that this condition, also known as
severe wasting --- is the most lethal form of malnutrition, well
minors who suffer from it, are extremely vulnerable to
health complications and have a high mortality rate
if they receive inadequate care.
In nine of 13 Darfur localities investigated, the rate of acute
malnutrition exceeded emergency levels established by
the World Health Organization. Children are starving
because of the conflict and are deprived of help
that could save them, UNICEF representative
Sheldon Yett recently said.
The numbers are dangerously high and are likely to get worse
if rapid humanitarian action is not taken. This is the moment
of truth; Children's lives depend on whether the world
decides to act or look the other way, he asserted.
He also indicated that the situation is equally alarming in other
parts of the country: severe wasting rates --- increased by
more than 70 percent in North Kordofan, in 174 in the
state of Khartoum, and in 683 in Al Jazirah.
Unicef warned that the risk of mass infant mortality is increasing
rapidly in areas already close to famine thresholds and, in
addition, cholera outbreaks, measles cases and the
collapse of health services, are aggravating
the crisis.
The agency recalled that, since April, the conflict has intensified
in northern Darfur, especially around Al Fasher and the
Zamzam displaced persons camp.
Entire neighbourhoods are besieged, hospitals bombed and roads
blocked. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced and
aid convoys are looted and attacked, he said.
For this reason, he urgently called on all parties to facilitate
rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.
____________________________________________
Angola prepares 40th edition
of its largest trade fair
July 11th, 9:30am
(Prensa Latina)
Preparations for the Angola International Fair (Filda 2025) continue
today with only 11 days left until the opening of the 40th edition
of the largest exhibition-commercial event from the country.
National and foreign companies prepare the stands in the
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Luanda, which from July
22 to 27 hosts private and state entities ---- that will
promote their products and services.
Under the motto “50 years consolidating the economic
independence of Angola -- and its integration into the
world”, the edition of Filda 2025 will have the usual
business spaces, talks, conferences, workshops
and cultural activities.
The Fair has the purpose of making visible the country's
potential and building bridges towards investment
opportunities and international association.
The organizers of the event point out, that the registration
process is still open and, therefore, they still do not have
a definitive number of participants, but it is expected to
exceed what was achieved in 2024, when more than
1,700 companies attended.
_____________________________________________________
South African president
participates in National
Dialogue
July 11th, 8:14am
(Prensa Latina)
The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, will hold
his inaugural meeting today -- with the members of the
Group of Eminent Persons of the National Dialogue.
As recalled by the Presidency in a statement, Ramaphosa
announced the appointment of the Group of Eminent
Persons (GPE) to guide and promote the
National Dialogue.
The GPE, the text explains, is made up of prominent
personalities in society --- with a demonstrated
commitment to promoting social cohesion
and national construction.
Eminent Persons come from all over the country
and from various areas of public life.
The meeting provides the president with the opportunity to
present the expectations and mandate of the Group of
Eminent Persons, and that the members of the GPE
share their opinions on the role and organization
of the National Dialogue, it is added in the text.
The EPG will receive a briefing from the National Dialogue
Preparatory Task Force on progress towards the first
National Convention on August 15, 2025, the
Presidency announced.
The Preparatory Work Team, which is made up of representatives
---- of various foundations, civil society organizations and the
Presidency, is responsible for the practical arrangements
of the National Dialogue until a representative Steering
Committee has been established.
__________________________________________
Financing and humanitarian crisis under
debate ---- in the AU Executive Council
July 11th, 5:40am
(Prensa Latina)
The African Union (AU) budget for 2026, political instability,
humanitarian crisis and other topics focus on the 47th
regular period of the Executive Council of the
continental organization that concludes
today in Equatorial Guinea.
The Chairman of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf,
speaking at the two-day meeting, revealed a modest
improvement in program budget funding --- from
9.4 percent in 2025 to 12.7 percent in 2026,
Member States reported.
However, Youssouf expressed concern that only 17 countries
applied the 0.2 percentage point import levy agreed -- in the
2016 Kigali Decision on the financing of the African Union.
He emphasized: that persistent political instability,
humanitarian crises and insecurity in countries
such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Somalia and throughout the
Sahel ......continue to ''hamper'' the
development of the continent.
He also noted as worrying the lack of funding for the change
from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia to a
Support and Stabilization Mission.
Amid these challenges, he highlighted promising progress,
including the agreement between the Democratic
Republic of the Congo and Rwanda ----- the
restoration of constitutional order in
Gabon and the planned transition
in Guinea.
He reaffirmed the AU Commission's continued commitment... to
the Regional Economic Communities, the Peace and Security
Council of the continental organization, and the United
Nations Security Council... to advance
stability efforts.
The African leader urged member states to accelerate institutional
reform and ratify all pending protocols of the African Continental
Free Trade Area ----- to strengthen integration.
He thanked President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
for hosting the meeting in Malabo.
The day before, Francisca Tatchouop Belobe (Equatorial Guinea)
was elected as Commissioner for Economic Development,
Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Mining; and Gaspard
Banyankimbona (Burundi) will head the Department
of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
of the African Union.
Both positions were pending appointment at the 38th
AU Summit of Heads of State and Government
held last February in Ethiopia.
____________________________________________
Foreign Minister of South Sudan
makes working visit to Ethiopia
July 11th, 5:02am
(Prensa Latina)
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
of South Sudan, Monday Semaya Kumba, is carrying out a
working visit today with the aim of strengthening
relations between both countries, reported
the local Foreign Ministry.
Kumba arrived the day before at the Bole International Airport
in this capital and was received by the director general of
African Affairs of that Ethiopian State portfolio,
Zerihun Abebe.
During his stay, the head of South Sudanese diplomacy
plans to meet with senior government officials to
discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties,
the source said.
Last March, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos
traveled to Juba at the head of a high-level delegation
for a working visit.. for the same purpose.
Timothewos and his delegation, held discussions with
senior local officials on bilateral and regional issues
of mutual interest.
The basis of current diplomatic and political ties between
Ethiopia and South Sudan, began with the 1972 Addis
Ababa Agreement ---- negotiated by Emperor Haile
Selassie (1930-1974) between the Government
of Sudan ..........and the leaders of the South
Sudanese Anyanya rebel movement.
This fundamental agreement began Addis Ababa's lasting support
for the Juba cause, which continued under successive Ethiopian
governments. Ethiopia was one of the first countries to
recognize South Sudan as a sovereign state and in
2011 converted its consulate into an embassy.
Strong diplomatic relations were complemented
by multiple agreements aimed at improving
cooperation in trade, education, security
and infrastructure development.
____________________________________________________
Gazprom considering participation
in African energy projects
July 10th, 9:55am
(TASS)
Gazprom is considering participating in energy projects in
African countries, while Africa is interested in adopting
Russian gas production technologies, Chairman of
the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk told TASS
on the sidelines of the 9th OPEC
International Seminar.
"I was at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum two
weeks ago and had meetings with many Russian companies,"
he said. "Gazprom will be considering numerous projects
across Africa."
Ayuk added that Russia possesses economically viable gas
extraction technologies, and African nations are keen
to apply them.
The head of the African Energy Chamber also noted that Lukoil is
already operating in several African countries, including Congo
and Ghana. According to him, the Russian oil company plans
further investments in African projects.
The 9th OPEC International Seminar is taking place on July 9-10
in Vienna. TASS is the event’s official media partner.
___________________________________________________
"Islamic State-style PR: What connects
Kiev ----- with armed groups in Africa
July 10th, 7:53am
(RT.ru)
Kiev supports armed groups in Africa associated with the
terrorist organization ---- "Al-Qaeda"*. As RT's analysis
confirms, the militants use Ukrainian-made drones,
& Ukrainian citizens work in African hot spots
as part of Western PMCs.
At the same time, according to experts, the reputation
of Kiev structures among local ones is ambiguous —
"because of dirty PR.. in the style of the "Islamic
State"*: in Kiev, they attribute to themselves,
any resonant sabotage in the region - and
consider Africa as "an excellent training
ground for terrorists."
In June, the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation was held in Istanbul. Malian
Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop addressed the participants.
“I cannot remain silent about the attempts to destabilize our
countries by states that sponsor terrorism in the Sahel,
such as Ukraine,” he said, calling on the international
community to officially condemn Kiev’s actions.
Representative of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, Muhammad al-Sirr,
spoke in early June --- on the support of armed groups in African
countries by Kiev According to him, Ukraine “at very low prices
provided drones” to the rebel group “Rapid Response Forces”
(RSF), with which the Sudanese authorities have been
waging war.... for more than two years.
"Ukraine has been found to be involved in supporting other groups
in Libya, Somalia, and Niger. It supports Boko Haram in Nigeria
and Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and it also provides support to
the RSF in Sudan," a Sudanese Foreign Ministry official
told RT.
Degree of confrontation
The Sahel is a border region between the Sahara and the savannas,
spanning several African countries, including Mali, Sudan,
Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, and others. In recent
years, the region has become a hotbed of terrorist
activity and associated threats.
The Malian Foreign Minister's statement --- about Kiev's support for
terrorists came after a series of attacks by extremists on military
facilities and settlements in the Sahel region. According to a
statement by the Malian Armed Forces, the attacks were
carried out by a coalition of armed terrorist groups that
receives internal and external support, including
operational, logistical, financial, and
information support.
The militants had access to modern weapons: AK-47s, Kalashnikov
machine guns, and Ukrainian-made Degtyaryov-Shpagin heavy
machine guns, which can be used as anti-aircraft weapons or
to support infantry, said Niger President Abdourahmane
Tchiani. He emphasized, that the armies of the Sahel
Alliance did not have such weapons.
Ukrainian footprint
Ukrainian services are working closely with armed groups affiliated
with the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda in Mali, Alexander Ivanov,
head of the Commonwealth of Officers for International Security,
told RT.
He noted that on May 23, the Malian Armed Forces conducted an
operation against the Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jamaat Nusrat al Islam
wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in the Sofara region, and discovered
a phone with photographs of Ukrainian intelligence
documents in an abandoned vehicle.
On screenshots taken from the mobile, there are excerpts from a
manual on drone-assisted fire adjustment, which, according to
the Malian army, belonged to the Ukrainian special services.
And in the small Malian town of Léré, an attack using FPV
drones on the Malian army’s positions was recorded,
Ivanov notes.
Confirmation of the supply of Ukrainian drones to militants can
be found in a Ukrainian-made drone found by the Malian
Armed Forces. On its body, the production marking in
Ukrainian is clearly visible: "Not for sale."
The Sahelian media refer also to the preliminary results of the
investigation of the Malian army, according to which drones
and attack drones of Ukrainian production - similar to the
Mavic 3, were brought into the territory of Mali through
neighboring Mauritania, and then handed over to
terrorists from the JNIM. It is claimed that
Ukrainian advisers even coordinated
attacks by militants -- against the
Malian army in the area of the
city of Mopti.
According to Angelina Paskhina, a specialist on the region and the
author of the Telegram channel "Engi," whose scientific articles
are published in the journal "Information Wars" of the Academy
of Military Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
JNIM's pro-Al-Qaeda militants could indeed travel from
Mauritania through Mali to Niger or Burkina Faso and
then enter the northern states of Nigeria, which are
plagued - by Islamist gangs' activities..... The RT
interlocutor does not rule out, that the media
reports about Ukrainian agents infiltrating
the Sahel countries through Mauritania
were referring to the same route.
"Mauritania is also a Sahel country. In 2014, Mauritania, Mali, Niger,
and Burkina Faso joined forces to form the Sahel Group of Five to
address environmental and natural resource issues. This was
done to combat the desertification of the Sahel and counter
radical illegal armed groups. In 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso,
and Niger left this union and formed their own Sahel
Confederation," explains Paskhina.
Kiev officially became the largest supplier of drones to Mauritania, in
2023 — the West African country purchased drones from Ukraine for
$1.58 million. Kiev also offered to train “officers and representatives
of the Armed Forces of Mauritania, to share the technologies and
achievements that Ukraine has made on the battlefield,” Maxim
Subkh, Ukraine’s top envoy to Africa, told Reuters. And this is
in addition to the fact that French military companies are
already investing in strengthening the Mauritanian
armed forces.
Ukraine in the desert
The first large-scale use of drones by militants in northern Mali was
observed in July 2024 ----- during an ambush on a convoy of Malian
troops and Russian military specialists from Wagner. The ambush
was carried out by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which
includes both Tuaregs and Islamists. JNIM has been
cooperating with them for the past year.
At the time, Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Security Service
of Ukraine, acknowledged on a Ukrainian TV channel that they
had collaborated with the militants, who had "received the
necessary information to conduct a successful
military operation."
This information was confirmed by the Ambassador of Ukraine
to Senegal, Yuriy Pivovarov, after which he was immediately
summoned to the country's Foreign Ministry with an
explanation: he provided ------ "unambiguous and
unconditional support for the terrorist attack."
The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate, has indeed, claimed to
be involved in the attack on a convoy of Russian military specialists
from the Wagner PMC and the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) - in late
July 2024 near Tinzawatin in northern Mali -- and ordinary Tuareg
Azawad separatists initially supported the claim on social media.
However, the leader of the opposition group FLA (Front for the
Liberation of Azawad) has denied any involvement. In an
interview with Tuareg journalist, Suleiman Ag Anara, in
January, Billal Ag Sherif said that their movement had
not received any material support from Ukraine and
had no intention of asking for it," says Angelina
Paskhina in an interview with RT.
These statements cost Kiev the severance of diplomatic relations
from Mali and Niger. In addition, the foreign ministers of these
countries and neighbouring Burkina Faso, addressed a letter
to the UN Security Council with a condemnation of Ukraine's
alleged support for international terrorism, including in the
Sahel. And the prosecutor's office of Mali opened a
criminal case on Kiev's involvement in
terrorist activities.
According to Angelina Paskina, the negative attitude of the regional
authorities towards Ukraine ---- is exacerbated by the “dirty PR” of
certain Ukrainian intelligence officials, who “in the style of the
media of the Islamic State*, attribute every explosion of a
wheel or household gas -- to themselves.”
Emissaries from Kiev
Ukrainian intelligence services are training Tuareg militants to use
drones and launch attacks ----- while the leader of the Azawad
Liberation Movement, Billal Ag Sherif, is planning a major
attack on the city of Kidal -- according to the Malian
journalist Ibu Si ----- citing his own sources. The
JNIM branch of Al-Qaeda ------ is also active in
the area. According to their own statement,
the jihadists recently executed sabotage
....at the entrance to Kidal.
According to Angelina Paskhina, radical Islamist groups in Africa
are branches of international terrorist organizations such as Al-
Qaeda and the Islamic State, which Russia is fighting both on
its own territory and abroad in cooperation with other
countries, including Western ones.
The RT interlocutor notes, that not all Tuareg separatists are
ideologically jihadist. The current Azawad Liberation Front
is a conglomeration of all Tuareg and Arab opposition
groups in northern Mali, which includes both
religiously neutral separatists and
Islamist groups.
According to her, over the past year, there has been a
situational alliance between Tuareg groups and
JNIM jihadist gangs.
Kiev has been training Tuareg militants since January last year,
according to the Nigerian newspaper Leadership. The "Come
Back Alive" fund, which was supported by the Ukrainian
embassy in Mauritania ------ was responsible for
establishing contacts with representatives
of Azawad.
The named fund is headed by Taras Chmut, who in 2016 took
training courses for sergeants in the combat zone in Donbas
under the leadership of British instructors and mastered the
American reconnaissance drone RQ-11 Raven. "Come back
alive" not only supplies Ukrainian units with drones and
thermal imagers, but also trains the military of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine - snipers, sappers,
artillerymen, UAV operators and
military medics.
In early September 2024, Azawad-related social media channels
spread a photo that confirms the establishment of contacts
between Kiev & Tuareg militants. In the photo, a Ukrainian
official is - supposedly - hosting a representative of the
Azawad Liberation Movement. The Moroccan agency
BSPRESS and the French resource La Revue Afrique
claim that it was Mohammed Eclas, who allegedly
could become Azawad's "official ambassador" in
Ukraine & intends to be present in the country
on a permanent basis, performing
representative functions.
Tuareg and drones with a reset
Tuareg militants were looking for foreign sponsors, and Ukrainians
found this partnership profitable for themselves, says Wassim
Nasr, a senior researcher at the US research centre, Soufan.
"They agreed to train some Tuaregs in military medicine and the use
of mini-drones -- carrying small explosives or grenades. In the early
summer of 2024, they sent at least one emissary to northern Mali."
According to Nasr, the Azavad training took place on the territory of
Ukraine. This is indicated by the published images of the passports
of the military leaders of the Azavad Liberation Movement, Ag Ehya
Matt and Attayub Mahin. Their documents, contain stamps with a
Moldovan visa --- and stamps of crossing the Moldovan-Ukrainian
border on March 1 last year ---- plus a month-long return transit.
The Russian hacker group Nemesis ------ claims that the training of
Tuareg and Islamist militants is supervised by Lieutenant Colonel
Andrey Grigoryevich Romanenko of the Ukraine Main Intelligence
Directorate. He is from Desna village in the Chernihiv region and
served in the military unit of the same name. He also graduated
from the National Defense University of Ukraine, which until
June 2023 --- was named after the Soviet military leader,
Ivan Chernyakhovsky.
According to Nemesis, Romanenko's group in the Sahel, is training
militants in combat tactics and providing them with weapons and
drones. One of the groups trained under their control was
involved in the shooting down of a Russian
military helicopter.
The Armed International
The presence of Ukrainian militants has also been observed in
Sudan, where a civil war has been ongoing since the spring of
2023, and in the Central African Republic, according to
Alexander Ivanov, head of the Commonwealth of
Officers for International Security, in an
interview with RT.
In his opinion, Kiev's activities have two goals. The first is to use
African conflicts as a field for testing UAV technologies and for
coordinating with proxy groups: "Ukraine is thus increasing
its influence ----- by creating new unstable zones."
The second goal is to put pressure on those African countries that
have emerged from the influence of the West and declared their
independence. For example, in Niger, where, according to a
representative of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, Kiev
supports armed gangs, there was the second largest
grouping of US troops on the continent, including
two UAV bases and a CIA base.
In Somalia --- the Ukrainian military, according to local agency data,
train the unit of the army "Danab". Their activities are supervised
by the US PMC Bancroft, providing logistical support to the US
Armed Forces.
"The US-registered private military company Bancroft, which is now
a contractor for the US-based private military company Amentum
in Somalia, is indeed ---- recruiting employees from various
countries, including Ukraine," notes Angelina Paskhina.
Paschina sees Ukraine's role in military operations on the African
continent .....as contributing to the tasks of its senior partners.
"Conflicts in Africa are an excellent training ground for terrorists in
the field: this includes tactical training, the handling of explosive
devices, as well as "international exchange" of experience and
ideological training. As for Ukraine's role, it is important to
understand that it is merely a puppet in the hands of a
powerful and experienced puppeteer," the
expert concluded.
* An organization recognized as a
terrorist organization in Russia.
______________________________________
Namibia, first country to assume
license for UPI ------ from India
July 9th, 1:09pm
(Prensa Latina)
Namibia became the first country to sign a licensing agreement
to adopt India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI), during today's
visit to that country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
After his arrival this Wednesday in Windhoek, the Namibian
capital, the head of Government completed an extensive
program of activities, which included participation in
the exchange of bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
In a ceremony led by Modi and the Namibian President Netumbo
Nandi-Ndaitwah, representatives of both countries exchanged
memoranda of understanding on the creation of a Business
Development Centre in Namibia and cooperation in the
fields of health and medicine.
Namibia also announced the submission of acceptance letters
to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
(CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
These mechanisms were announced after delegation-level talks
between Modi and Nandi-Ndaitwah, with the aim of deepening
economic collaboration between both countries by exploring
new areas of cooperation in critical sectors.
The head of government also paid tribute to Sam Nujoma,
founding father of the Namibian nation, at the National
Heroes Monument in Windhoek.
The Indian dignitary received from the Namibian president the
Order of the Oldest Welwitschia Mirabilis, the highest civil
recognition of the African nation.
Similarly, Modi spoke before the Namibian Parliament about
India's policy towards Africa and in particular towards
that particular nation.... Angola.
According to the prime minister, India does not seek to
compete with Africa but rather.... to cooperate and
build together.
Let us create a future defined, not by power, domination
or exclusion but by collaboration, dialogue and equity,
he noted.
He also believed that Africa should not only be a source
of raw materials but should lead in value creation and
sustainable growth.
On the other hand, he stressed... that India and Namibia share
a solid history of cooperation, conservation and compassion
and highlighted the African country's help in reintroducing
cheetahs to the South Asian nation.
_____________________________________________
Al-Shabab - attacks military
academy in Somali capital
July 9th, 12:18pm
(Prensa Latina)
Al-Shabab carried out an attack today in this capital against a
military training academy, in the midst of a wave of violence
in this African country, the Garowe Online publication said.
According to a report from the Ministry of Defense, cited by the
media, the attack against the base, by a suicide bomber with
explosives in the Hodan district, left numerous victims,
without specifying the exact number of deaths and
injuries so far.
In the document, the military entity expressed its condolences
to the families of the victims and promised to intensify its
operations to protect the Somali people.
Al-Shabab (Young People, in Arabic) militants in recent months
carried out assaults in various parts of the country against
military and civilian targets.
The latest reported incident occurs after the recent takeover by
Al-Shabab of the strategic city of Moqokori, in Hiiraan region,
considered a main logistics supply route for this country.
After losing some territories in the heat of clashes with the Army,
Al Shabab, has been trying to impose Islamic Sharia law since
2009, and carries out suicide and IED bombings
against facilities.
______________________________________________
Narendra Modi's visit to Namibia
culminates in trade agreements
July 9th, 12:16pm
(Prensa Latina)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Namibia today
culminated in the signing of four key agreements aimed at
boosting cooperation in trade, energy, digital technology
and health.
During high-level talks at Government House in Windhoek, Prime
Minister Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
agreed to deepen economic cooperation, taking advantage of
a bilateral trade relationship that reached approximately
600 million dollars in 2024.
The agreements are expected to generate new opportunities
for investment, innovation and job creation in both countries.
The four memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed today
cover topics such as Energy and critical minerals, a point at
which they seek to deepen collaboration in mining, supply
chain development and clean energy, with special
attention to Namibia's rich reserves of uranium,
lithium, cobalt and rare earths.
That alliance seeks to support India's energy transition
and Namibia's ambitions to become a regional centre
for critical minerals.
Likewise, Digital Payments and Fintech, which includes
the launch of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
in Namibia, which facilitates seamless digital
transactions and financial inclusion.
That agreement is considered an important step to
strengthen fintech cooperation and improve
bilateral trade flows.
In addition, there is an understanding in
Health and Pharmaceutical Products.
At that point, joint initiatives were advocated to expand access
to affordable medicines, develop health infrastructure and
promote the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products
in Namibia.
Namibia will thus be able to leverage Indian expertise
in generic medicines and vaccines..... to benefit
Namibian healthcare.
Regarding Entrepreneurship and Capacity Development, it was
agreed to establish an Entrepreneurship Development Centre
in Namibia, with Indian support for information technology
training programs, digital governance and business skills
for Namibian youth and officials.
During the visit, both leaders expressed their satisfaction with
the growth of bilateral trade, but noted that its full potential
still needs to be exploited.
In that sense, they called for ------ talks on a Preferential Trade
Agreement between India and the Southern African Customs
Union (SACU) to be expedited, with the aim of further
reducing barriers and improving market access for
goods and services.
In addition to trade, both sides addressed cooperation in
defense, maritime security, agriculture, education and
wildlife conservation.
Modi also highlighted India's continued support for Namibia's
development through rapid impact projects in agriculture,
information technology and women's empowerment.
This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Namibia
in almost three decades and the first bilateral state visit
organized by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, since
taking office.
The visit underlines India's commitment to Africa
and marks the beginning of a new era of
collaboration between both countries
in key sectors.
Finally, on the occasion Modi was awarded the Order of
the Oldest Welwitschia Mirabilis, the highest civilian
distinction in Namibia.
The ceremony was presided over by Nandi-Ndaitwah, who
highlighted Modi's role in strengthening bilateral ties and
his contribution to development and international
cooperation.
Named after Namibia's iconic national plant — a symbol of
resilience and longevity — the award was created in 1995
to recognize distinguished service and leadership. Modi
is the first Indian leader to receive this honour, which
represents a milestone in the relationship between
the two countries.
___________________________________________________
Decorations awarded to almost
600 soldiers in Angola
July 9th, 11:58am
(Prensa Latina)
Almost 600 Angolan soldiers will be recognized with different
decorations, in accordance with a decree released today
and signed by the president and commander in chief
of the Armed Forces (FAA), Joao Lourenco.
The president, taking into account the recognition system
established in the FAA for the achievements and merits
of its members in the military defense of the country
and the guarantee of constitutional order and
national unity, determined the awarding of
different medals.
Among the laurels awarded is the Military Palm Medal, Single
Class, which will be awarded to 38 personalities, many of
them posthumously, as is the case of former presidents
António Agostinho Neto and José Eduardo dos Santos.
General officers and admirals; senior officers; captains;
subordinates; Sergeants, troop personnel, and units,
establishments and agencies, who contributed to
the exaltation of the FAA ---- appear on the list
of winners.
The decorations that will be awarded correspond to the
medals for Valour of first (21 people), second (24) and
third classes (19); and National Defense first (38),
second (5) and third class (114).
Likewise, medals for Distinguished Military Services will be
awarded in its three classes; those corresponding to the
Duration of Military Service, in its three categories; that
of Solidarity and Military Maintenance, Peace Medal,
first class; and the FAA Memorial Medal, single
class, completing 591 honorees.
According to the decree, the Military Palm Medal, Single
Class, and the First Class Medal of Valour are awarded
by the president; meanwhile, the Minister of State and
head of the President's Military House; the head of
National Defense, Veterans of the Homeland, and
the chief of the General Staff of the FAA..... has
power to award, in the others.
Angola is immersed in an extensive process of awarding
recognition as part of the celebrations for the 50th
anniversary of national independence, which is
celebrated on November 11.
______________________________________________________
Rising teenage pregnancies -
threaten S. Africa's progress
July 9th, 11:30am
(Prensa Latina)
South African officials and civil society leaders in South Africa
today expressed concern about rising teen pregnancy rates
in the country.
In a meeting held here between the parties involved in
addressing the issue, participants warned that this
trend represents a significant risk to both the
development of the nation, and the well-
being of its young people.
During the meeting, the Vice Minister of the Presidency for
Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Steve Letsike,
described the situation as a crisis that extends far
beyond health and that affects the social fabric
and future prospects of the country.
In his speech, Letsike revealed that, in 2024, more than 90,000
pregnancies were registered in girls between 10 and 19 years
old, including more than 2,300 cases of girls between 10
and 14 years old.
It's not just about statistics, she emphasized, we're talking
about girls — some not even teenagers — forced to be
mothers”, Letsike stated.
The Minister emphasized that these early pregnancies not only
reflect social failure, but also, in the case of younger girls,
show criminal acts, since girls at an early age - cannot
give legal consent.
The senior official warned: that the consequences of teenage
pregnancies are far-reaching and endanger the health, rights,
education and economic opportunities of girls.
He further explained ---- that young mothers are less likely to
complete their studies, face limited job prospects and risk
becoming trapped in cycles of poverty and inequality.
''Today's teenage pregnancy
is tomorrow's poverty,''
he emphasized.
The vice minister also highlighted the links between teenage
pregnancy and other critical challenges, such as HIV
and sexually transmitted infections, child sexual
abuse, gender violence, poverty and
educational exclusion.
He therefore urged a frank and honest analysis of the root
causes, including harmful cultural norms and inadequate
protection of girls.
For her part, Asanda Luwaca, the president of the National
Agency for Youth Development, described the situation as
a collective failure to safeguard the rights and dreams of
girls, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
Luwaca emphasized that teenage pregnancy is intertwined
with gender inequality, exploitation and the lack of
accountability, and demanded decisive action
from the whole of society.
__________________________________________
African entity defends agenda
-------- on women's land rights
July 9th, 10:55am
(Prensa Latina)
The IGAD Regional Agenda for Women's Land Rights is
our compass, not our destiny, the deputy executive
secretary of the African entity, Mohamed Abdi
Ware, stated here today.
When speaking on the first day of the Regional Dialogue
on Gender, Land and Climate Resilience, Ware
specified that the national dialogues prior
to that meeting, laid the foundations
and now ------- they must build a
movement that lasts, after
individual mandates.
Likewise, transform the structural barriers
that have limited women......... for so long.
“This high-level dialogue is a milestone
in amplifying women's voices in land
governance and climate resilience
across the Horn of Africa”,
he underlined.
Until July 11, the event will bring together
parliamentarians, rights guarantors and
experts from across the region to
promote the inclusion of land
rights and climate action.
The regional dialogue is the culmination of six
national meetings held in Djibouti, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Somalia, S. Sudan and Uganda.
These consultations brought together women leaders,
including members of key parliamentary committees
on land, natural resources, climate change and
agriculture, as well as the representatives of
women's associations of legislative bodies
and national land institutions.
The IGAD region - remains very vulnerable to the effects
of climate change, such as prolonged droughts, floods,
desertification and environmental degradation that
disproportionately affect rural communities and
exacerbate inequalities in access to land,
security of tenure and the governance
of natural resources.
The African entity, through its Land Governance Program,
defends efforts to strengthen land administration,
support inclusive natural resource governance
and increase community resilience,
particularly for women and
vulnerable groups.
The Nairobi Dialogue is part of the ongoing initiative to
align regional strategies, foster political will and
catalyze transformative actions that ensure
equitable rights - and sustainable
climate responses.
_________________________________________
Expulsion by Morocco of defenders
of the Sahrawi cause - denounced
July 9th, 10:55am
(Prensa Latina)
Moroccan occupation authorities expelled two journalists
and a human rights activist from Western Sahara who
were carrying out observation and information
work on the Sahrawi people's behalf,
eyewitnesses reported today.
The leader of the fight for the independence of his people
Ahmed Ettanji reported that those expelled ---- were
intercepted and detained at a police checkpoint
in Laayoune, the capital of occupied
Western Sahara.
Such people, with their rights violated, are the Asturian
journalist, Leonor Suárez, the director of the digital
media El Faradio, Oscar Allende, and the member
of the organization Cantabria por el Sáhara,
Raúl Conde, the source specified.
After expressing that those involved were working in
coordination with Equipe Media when they were
detained, filmmaker Ettanji also described the
act as illegal and pointed out that this is
proof of --- “the continued Moroccan
repression against press freedom
and human rights defenders in
the territory usurped”.
Those expelled warned, for their part, that ''these arrests
and expulsions show the harassment suffered not only
by Sahrawi activists, but also by those who try to
support them.''
They also considered that these actions reflect that Morocco
does not respect the most basic human rights, and it is
worrying that it continues to be a preferred partner
of countries like Spain.
Human rights organizations state that in recent years the Rabat
authorities expelled 330 observers and social activists from
Western Sahara, which denotes the impunity with which
that North African country acts.
Recently, the president of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic,
Brahim Gali, denounced to the United Nations the escalation of
the genocidal war perpetrated by Morocco in the territories
of Western Sahara.
Since October 31, 1975, the Moroccan military forces have
illegally occupied territories in Western Sahara, without
taking into account ---- the strong rejection of these
actions by the international community.
___________________________________________
AU ----- urges decisive action on
youth unemployment in Africa
July 8th, 5:45am
(Prensa Latina)
The African Union (AU) urged decisive and large-scale measures
to address the youth unemployment crisis, with transformative
potential in industrialization, innovation and regional
integration, during an event that continues
here today.
This was expressed by the president of the AU Commission,
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, speaking at the Third African Forum
on Job Creation that meets from July 7 to 9 at the Adwa
Victory Memorial Museum in this capital.
Youssouf specified that, with more than 60 percent of the
African population under 25 years of age, it is necessary
---- to address the lack of job opportunities for this
population sector in a sustainable manner ---
for the economic prospects.... and long-
term social stability of the continent.
“Africa contributes less than three percent to global value
chains. The time has passed, to act gradually. We must
act on a large scale”, he asserted.
He highlighted the agricultural sector as the continent's largest
employer, supporting more than 60 percent of livelihoods and,
in that sense, called on companies, both large and small, to
take advantage of the opportunities offered by the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for industrial
growth and trade.
Likewise, he emphasized the importance of taking advantage of
emerging technologies and youth-driven innovation to generate
job creation in the digital economy, as well as accessible and
affordable capital to empower entrepreneurs and enhance
their role in creating value.
The forum is jointly organized by the AU, the Government of
Ethiopia and the Free Trade Area Secretariat under the
motto: “Drive job creation and economic resilience
through regional integration, digital and financial
inclusion in agricultural value chains of the
AfCFTA market”.
Experts and policy makers participate in high-level debates
on regional integration, labour mobility --- and the full
operationalization of the financial institutions
of the continental organization.
All of this, according to its organizers, aimed at generating
decent and sustainable employment opportunities for
Africa's growing young population.
__________________________________
Angolan Presidency rejects
accusations of bribery
of opponent
July 8th, 9:21am
(Prensa Latina)
The Support Bodies of the President of Angola today rejected
the accusations of the leader of the National Union for the
Total Independence of Angola (Unita) party, Adalberto
Costa Júnior, about an alleged bribery attempt.
According to the presidential office statement, Costa
Júnior recently suggested that he was contacted by
“representatives” or “issuers” of the President of
who tried to bribe him to review the Angolan
Constitution, in order to allow a third term
for Joao Lourenco.
Likewise, the president of {Western-backed) Unita implied
that Angola's assumption of the Presidency of the AU
- was the result of a payment made by the
Angolan State, without indicating
the beneficiary.
The statement classified the statements as serious - and
irresponsible and categorically denied that the head of
state had authorized any citizen to approach Costa
Junior.... in order to review the constitution, to
allow a third presidential term.
He challenged the Unita leader to say publicly
who was the representative who tried to
bribe him for that purpose.
Regarding the Presidency of the AU, he described it as
“irresponsible” and “unpatriotic” to insinuate that the
country paid to assume such an important position,
in addition, such statements tarnish the image
and good name of Angola and discredit the
continental organization.
“The author of the statements is publicly invited to say who paid,
how much he paid and who was paid for Angola to assume the
Presidency of the African Union. Only a non-patriot would
stop feeling proud to see his country occupy a place
of great relevance, prominence and prestige on
our continent”, the message said.
The note explains... that the presidency of the AU follows a
regional rotation system, which in this case corresponded
to the southern part of the continent presenting its
candidate, and Angola was unanimously approved
by the members of the Southern African
Development Community on August
17, 2023.
The Presidency statement regretted that the Unita leader's
statements were not surprising, as he stated that Costa
Júnior has a history of “irresponsible accusations,
to date --- unproven”.
In this sense, he mentioned the alleged existence of a tunnel
that connected the headquarters of the National Electoral
Commission with the Presidential Palace to facilitate
electoral fraud.
“This remains timely and the author is required to prove its
existence, and is encouraged to accompany the media
through the tunnel with him”, the note concluded.
___________________________________
increase in prices of communication
services in Angola --- is totally denied
July 8th, 8:17am
(Prensa Latina)
The Angolan Institute of Communications (Inacom) today
denied the rumour about an alleged increase in the
prices of electronic communications services
in the country in 2025.
In a note to which Prensa Latina had access, the institution
catalogues the information that circulated on social
networks and digital platforms as “false and
decontextualized”, and, he assured ----- that
this year no increase has been authorized.
“The information circulated about the ‘probable’ increase in
prices of communications services is false. The shared
content misuses press clippings published in 2024,
with the intention of deceiving public opinion”,
Inacom explained.
The entity stressed that the purpose of this type of news is “to
misinform, manipulate the population and generate instability
in public perception of the management of the
communications sector”, and he reaffirmed
that to date no decision has been made
that implies an increase in
current values.
“We will continue to closely monitor market developments
and defend consumer interests, in strict compliance with
the public interest, transparency and legality”, said
Inacom, and urged citizens to consult only official
sources and avoid sharing unverified information.
Rumours about the increase in prices for communications
services, occur.. in a context of popular discontent over
the increase in theprice of diesel and transportation.
_____________________________________
Liberian president apologizes
to victims of civil war
July 8th, 8:10am
(Prensa Latina)
Liberian President Joseph Bokai, apologized on behalf of
the State to the victims of the civil war that devastated
this small West African country.
The 1980 overthrow of President William Tolbert, by Sergeant
Samuel Doe, opened a turbulent period that lasted until 2003
when a national reconciliation agreement ended with the
orgy of violence that drowned this country with the
blood of half a million human beings and at an
estimated cost of 100 million dollars.
''To all the victims of our civil war, to all the broken families,
to all the destroyed dreams, we say Sorry; the State could
have done more”, the president said at the burial of the
ousted President Tolbert and 12 of his closest
collaborators, in a symbolic tomb, because
his remains... have never been found.
Tolbet was the last of the Liberian presidents descended
from freed slaves repatriated to Africa by order of US
President James Monroe in the 19th century.
The program was based on the settlement of these people
in a territory to return Africans forced into slavery to their
roots in an artificial state created for them, whose capital
adopted the surname of the US president who authored
the idea.
But since the road to hell is paved with good intentions, the
newcomers soon became an elite that subjugated the
native population of what is now Liberia.
It was curious to see how blacks discriminated against black
aborigines, a situation that erupted decades later, first with
street protests over the increase of 2 cents per pound of
rice, a staple food, and sometimes unique, on the
tables of the majority of the population.
At that time, the tallest building in Monrovia, five stories, was
the headquarters of the US company Firestone, and the
main source of income, the rental of the national flag
to shipping companies ----- to avoid taxes in the
countries where its owners lived.
The only national currency was a silver dollar
with the legend of the country and the rest
were filthy US bills.
The descendants of the former slaves mimicked the way of
life of their former masters and lived in a Panglosian
bubble of luxury ..........that contrasted with
widespread misery.
The popular explosion over the increase in rice was extinguished
to make way for an Organization of the African Union summit in
1978,but the ferment was alive and in 1980 it exploded with the
coup d'état of the obscure Sergeant Doe, who inaugurated a
period of military riots, a civil war that put before the world
the phenomenon of recruiting child soldiers, a scourge
that still persists.
The only positive result of that tumultuous era was the election,
after the signing in 2003 of a reconciliation agreement that
gave way to the election of the first African woman, Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf, to occupy the presidency of her country.
The mass grave will remain open pending the appearance of
the remains of those summarily executed, whose corpses
are scattered in anonymous graves underground where
they tried to perpetuate creating an unprecedented
form of human slavery.
_________________________________
They call to address climate change
challenges in vulnerable countries
July 8th, 8:07am
(Prensa Latina)
The call of the African Union (AU) to pay special attention to
the challenges of adaptation to climate change in the most
vulnerable countries is today highlighted in the
Angolan press.
The need for financing to implement national plans related
to this matter is one of the issues that hits the continent,
according to the words of the acting head of the AU,
Joao Lourenco, read the day before, at the Brics
summit, by the chancellor, Tete Antonio.
Media, such as Jornal de Angola and the Angola Press agency
reviewed the speech where they also insisted on the urgency
of strengthening capacities to increase the climate resilience
of African nations and others vulnerable to these phenomena.
The importance - of the upcoming 30th United Nations Climate
Change Conference (COP30), to be held in November in Brazil,
was among the aspects referred to in Lourenco's words, who
urged to ensure the implementation of the general decisions
taken in this area.
“We are convinced that we can only address climate change if
we are able to collectively meet our obligations”, he stressed
and expressed the desire for COP30 to reach consensus on
issues such as climate financing to mitigate greenhouse
gas emissions.
Likewise, he mentioned compensation for loss and damage,
a fair energy transition to eliminate fossil fuels, and the
need to reduce the risk of climate change.
“It is important to highlight that the African continent,
despite emitting only 4% of greenhouse gases, has
established, within the framework of the African
Union's Agenda 2063 - a comprehensive policy
on climate change which seeks to accelerate
climate action and promote resilience”,
he said.
He also alluded to the impact of climate change on global
health and pointed out that, unfortunately, this
phenomenon is more prevalent in Africa,
where dozens of epidemiological
outbreaks have occurred.
These situations --- require coordinated transnational actions
to successfully address them, he noted and praised Brazil's
initiative of the International Alliance for the Elimination
of Socially Determined Diseases and Neglected
Tropical Diseases.
Approximately one billion people suffer from neglected
tropical diseases in the world, while 40 percent of
tuberculosis cases are in the Brics countries,
he recalled.
We believe that projects such as the strengthening of the
Brics platform for Vaccine Research and Development,
the expansion of the Tuberculosis Research Network,
strengthening cooperation between public health
centres in member countries - represents an
opportunity for cooperation, he said.
_________________________________
South Africa advances in control of
foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
July 5th, 11:20am
(Prensa Latina)
The efforts of the South African Ministry of Agriculture to
control foot and mouth disease in the country has begun
to give positive results, according to the minister of the
sector, John Steenhuisen.
The official declared that, as a consequence of a certain
level of control of the disease - after the intensification
of the efforts of the veterinary services to contain its
spread.... it was decided to eliminate the disease
management zones (DMA) in the Eastern Cape
and Limpopo provinces.
In the Eastern Cape townships of Kouga and Kou-Kamma,
a WFD (water framework directive - Rhondda Records)
was established from July 26, 2024 to support the
control of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks.
Vaccination was implemented, as a control
measure and 144,424 doses administered,
the Minister revealed.
The latest cases in these districts,
were reported in September 2024.
According to a ministerial statement to this effect,
“extensive serological surveillance was carried
out in the WFD to confirm that there are no
undetected foci of the disease”.
For its part, the management of the WFDs in Limpopo
has been active since September 2022 to control
an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in
immersion tanks in the municipality
of Vhembe.
Cattle from 34 immersion tanks were vaccinated in
two rounds, with a total of 23,024 vaccinations.
After exhaustive serological surveillance carried out
at the end of 2024, according to the text, the
ministry is convinced --- that there is no
evidence of the foot-and-mouth
disease virus in AMD.
Therefore, he revealed, all restrictions
on the DMA can be lifted.
In statements to the press, Steenhuisen reiterated
that biosecurity concerns everyone, it is not
only an agricultural concern, but a shared
responsibility of every person in S Africa.
“Only through our collective efforts can we safeguard
our agricultural sector, ensure livelihood protection
and ensure our areas are free of foot and mouth
disease”, he said.
On the other hand, in the southeastern province of
KwaZulu-Natalla the disease management zones
will remain in force, since there are still signs of
active circulation of the virus in the district.
___________________________________
They extend the presence of
Burundi troops in Somalia
July 5th, 11:14am
(Prensa Latina)
Somali media reported today that the African Union (AU),
made up of 55 countries, has decided to extend the
presence of Burundian troops in this country
for six months.
Based on a report from the regional organization, the digital
portal Garowe Online, it is reported that in this way a
previous plan for the total withdrawal of Burundian
forces before June 30 --- is reversed.
The source indicated that the AU Peace and Security Council's
decision is due to delays in the deployment of troops to
Somalia from other contributing countries,
particularly Egypt.
Under the aegis of the AU, a process of transfering armed
detachments of the African Union Transition Mission in
Somalia (Atmis) is now taking place in Somalia
to a ''new'' entity called the African Union
Support and Stabilization Mission in
Somalia (Aussom).
Burundi has been a key troop contributor to African
Union peacekeeping operations in Somalia for
almost two decades, the digital portal
Hiiraan.com reported.
The Somali Army, with the support of troops from
states in the region, fights the radical group
Al-Shabab, which controls large areas.
__________________________________________
Nigerian army defuses bombs
in the north of the country
July 5th, 10:37am
(Prensa Latina)
The Nigerian Army today -- announced the deactivation in the
northern state of Borno of 56 explosive devices - which were
supposedly placed by the radical Islamist group Boko Haram.
After discovering the artisanal bombs.. on a bridge that links the
towns of Marte and Dikwa (northeast), military forces involved
in Operation Hadin Kai proceeded to annul the destructive
means, the armed force said in a statement on
social networks.
The brief document also specified that the deactivation of the
bombs prevented the collapse of the aforementioned bridge,
an important communication route, and protected civilian
lives and other valuable infrastructure.
The Boko Haram group and its splinter Islamic State of West
Africa have been operating in northern Nigeria for several
years, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries with
their actions.
Added to this is the action of armed gangs that kidnap people
and free them in exchange for ransom payments, as well as
the presence of the new Islamist group Lacurawa, which
recently killed 15 civilians in an area of the northeast
of the country.
_______________________________________
Uruguay will maintain blue helmets
on the UN mission in the DRC
July 5th, 8:54am
(Prensa Latina)
Uruguay will maintain its contingent of blue helmets in
the United Nations peace mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Minister of
Defense, Sandra Lazo, stated today.
This was expressed after receiving, together with
President Yamandú Orsi, 200 of those troops,
and firing the replacement.
The soldiers who returned are part of the Uruguay
IV battalion, which went through complicated
situations last year.
They have already completed the committed year and
have another six months of stay due to the armed
conflict in the area, where the M23 rebel group
occupies much of the east and the city of
Goma in the Congo.
In January, the Uruguayan troops lost a soldier, the victim
of an armed attack that left several injured, one of them
seriously. Another officer died...... as a result of a
heart attack.
The situation forced the Uruguayan government to
make intense efforts at the highest level to
achieve his return, Lazo said.
This late replacement -- “does not modify what Uruguay has
historically contributed to the missions”, and “is not under
debate or in question” limiting Uruguayan participation
in international missions, lazo told La Diaria.
“They are not unilateral decisions when there is a kind of signed
contract where we support the mission”, therefore, Uruguay is
“betting” on the relief of troops in the Congo “until the United
Nations defines the end of the mission or the withdrawal”,
he stressed.
For the minister, what is truly important is “to be very clear
about what we are going for”: it is about protecting the
civilian population, although he noted that “each
conflict zone is different”.
He also highlighted the importance of the role played by the
Uruguayan contingent in the African country which, in
addition to the missions established by the UN, also
adds a humanitarian component.
The Uruguayan presence in the Congo has been continuous
for more than 20 years, and the authorities estimate that it
contributed to the stability and protection of civilians
in the region.
_____________________________________
RDC finishes selection of members
of the security mechanism
July 4th, 12:29pm
(Prensa Latina)
After the signing of the peace agreement between the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, the
Congolese Government today, takes steps for its
implementation with the selection of delegates
for the joint security coordination mechanism.
The Minister of State and head of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse
Kayikwamba Wagner, explained to the press ------ that the
process to determine who will represent the country in
that structure has already concluded and stated that
the agreement, represents the return of the State
to the areas under the control of the rebels.
The joint security mechanism is scheduled for 30 days
after the document is signed, a time for which the
DRC is prepared, according to the chancellor.
He noted that there are three months left, until the launch
of the regional economic integration framework, which
means that they have that time to monitor progress
in the implementation of the peace agreement.
This will allow us to verify --- whether progress is encouraging
enough to continue towards a regional economic integration
framework, said Kayikwamba Wagner, he also explained
....that there is a margin of 45 days to hold the first
meeting of the joint monitoring committee.
The minister noted that the joint security coordination
mechanism seeks an irreversible and verifiable
cessation... of the DRC's support --- for the
Democratic Forces for the Liberation
of Rwanda (FDLR) & associated
armed groups.
Also it will verify compliance with the total prohibition
of any material, logistical, financial or other support,
national or foreign, to said groups.
It is also committed to implementing relevant provisions
of the Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the
FDLR ---- and the Separation of Forces/Lifting of
Defensive Measures by Rwanda --- in addition
to verifying the protection of civilians -- and
respect for international humanitarian law.
_____________________________________
DRC Foreign Minister defends agreement
with Rwanda ----- in the face of criticism
July 4th, 11:02am
(Prensa Latina)
The Minister of State and head of Foreign Affairs of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Thérèse
Kayikwamba Wagner, defended the peace
agreement with Rwanda, which is one
week old today and faces criticisms.
The treaty is questioned.. by different voices - both for not
declaring Kigali as an aggressor of the DRC.. and for the
absence of provisions related to justice for the victims
of war and considering it as an economic exchange
with the neighbouring country and the US - at
the cost of peace.
“We must see it --- as an agreement that has focused on the
problems that currently constitute the biggest obstacle.
Does this mean that the issue of justice is irrelevant
or not a priority --- especially for the Congolese
government? Not at all”, the chancellor
said, in statements to the press.
The minister insisted that a peace agreement cannot be
expected to be a capitulation and, to guarantee its
correct implementation, humiliating the other
party - was avoided.
“This does not mean that the question of justice is irrelevant.
And it does not mean that the issue of justice is not moving
forward. It is advancing through our speeches, through the
International Criminal Court, through the African Court on
Human and People's Rights”, he stated.
Kayikwamba Wagner stressed that the document is not an
economic agreement between the DRC and the US, nor a
bilateral trade agreement with Rwanda; but a “political
and security commitment --- focused on respect for
sovereignty --- the cessation of hostilities, the
withdrawal of foreign forces, and the end
of support for armed groups”.
He clarified that he also does not pursue a generalized
integration of the armed groups, which will be done
based on the criteria of moral and physical
aptitude - and without forgetting the
lessons learned from the past.
“This is not a covert amnesty, or a recycling of armed
groups, but rather a rigorous process, respectful
of the republican order”, he stressed.
The chancellor added that the treaty does not provide
for any economic compensation or binding economic
commitment between the DRC and Rwanda, while it
is expected to restore Congolese state authority
in areas currently occupied by the rebels.
_____________________________________
Ethiopian and AU authorities
received the president
of Interpol
July 4th, 9:59am
(Prensa Latina)
The presidents of Ethiopia, Taye Atske-Selassie, and of the
African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf,
today received the highest representative of the
International Criminal Police Organization
(Interpol), Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi.
According to the Office of the Ethiopian Head of State,
Selassie thanked Interpol -- for its role in facilitating
cooperation between police forces and expressed
the African country's commitment to deepening
collaboration ------- in the fight against
transnational crime.
For his part, Youssouf praised the international
organization's performance in promoting
global security, as well as its support
for the AU Police Cooperation
Mechanism, a statement
revealed.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment - to deepening
collaboration between the AU and Interpol to combat
transnational crime and improve the rule of law
across Africa.
_______________________________________________
Malian Parliament sets
transition process at
five years
July 3rd, 11:48am
(Prensa Latina)
The provisional parliament of Mali today set the end of the
transition process of the current authorities at five years,
with the possibility of unlimited renewal, the APA News
Agency reported.
In accordance with the text approved by the National
Transitional Council (parliament) the provision seeks
to guarantee the stability of the country.... until its
complete pacification, and ensures the possible
holding of early elections --- if security
conditions allow it.
The 131 members of the legislative body also ruled that
the Constitution of July 22nd, 2023, now officially
becomes the supreme legal norm - above the
Charter of Transition, in cases of conflict
between both texts.
It was also learned that the brand new legal text
lifts the eligibility ban previously imposed on
the transitional authorities.
In that case, the Transitional President, General Assimi
Goita, the members of the government ....and the
advisors of the aforementioned Council will
now be able to present themselves as
candidates in future elections.
Following the parliament's ruling, Goita himself, who
has led the transition since May 2021, must
promulgate the provision for its entry
into force, the report stated.
The legal norm is promoted at a time when the Malian
authorities seek to reconcile institutional stability
with transparency requirements - in the face
of the persistent security challenges
this territory confronts.
Malian opposition sectors have accused Army Chief Goita
of failing to fulfill his promise to return power to civilian
bodies in 2024, after entering the government after a
military coup d'état in 2020.
A nation of the Sahel, Mali lives mired in a deep political crisis,
which has increased - after successive riots that occurred in
August 2020 and May 2021, and it is also affected by
continuous clashes between the Army and
''Islamist'' armed groups.
_______________________________________
Regional entity and South Sudan
discussed peace and stability
July 3rd, 11:13am
(Prensa Latina)
Promoting peace and stability, focused today, on conversations
between the executive secretary of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu,
and the vice president and president of the South Sudan
Economic Group, Benjamin Bol Mel Kuol.
Both parties addressed the implementation of the Revitalized
Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in the African
country (R-Arcss) -- the Intergovernmental Authority on
Development (IGAD) revealed, on its social network
account X.
Gebeyehu reaffirmed the regional body's firm commitment
to supporting Juba's path towards lasting peace and
inclusive development.
He thanked the warm hospitality extended to him, and
the accompanying delegation by the South Sudanese
government under the leadership of President
Salva Kiir.
The Secretary General of the Authority arrived in this capital
the day before to evaluate the progress of implementation
of the R-Arcss. He held talks with the South Sudanese
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation --- Monday Semaya Kumba,
followed by consultations with other
key ministers involved in the
peace process.
He highlighted the crucial importance, of the full and timely
implementation of the R-Arcss and urged all signatory
and interested parties to intensify efforts towards
sustainable stability.
He reaffirmed IGAD's strong support for the people and
Government of South Sudan during this crucial phase.
_________________________________________
Ethiopian Parliament -- approved
budget for fiscal year 2025-2026
July 3rd, 11:12am
(Prensa Latina)
The House of Representatives of the People of Ethiopia
(Parliament) today approved the budget for the fiscal
year 2025-2026 (2018, local calendar) for an
amount of 1.93 billion birr (more than
13,989 million dollars).
The decision was adopted unanimously during the 42nd
ordinary session of the fourth year of Parliament's
current mandate. The amount -- reflects an
increase of 34.4 percent, compared to
the previous period's allocation.
Officials indicated that the financial plan was drawn up
in line with the government's macroeconomic reform
agenda and fiscal policy adjustments.
According to official sources, it prioritizes the advancement
of existing development projects, plus maintaining social
protection subsidies, and ensuring the sustainability
of the country's debt by continuing restructuring
negotiations with creditors.
More than 80 percent of approved spending will be financed
with internal revenue, while the federal government plans
to strengthen its fiscal capacity - by expanding the tax
base with the introduction of new sources of income
and strengthening the current tax collection system.
Previously, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presented the report
on government management in the fiscal year 2024-2025
to the legislative body - as well as projections for the
new period that will begin next week, according
to the Ethiopian calendar.
He answered wide-ranging questions on diplomacy, peace,
regional integration, agriculture, industry, infrastructure,
services, inflation, debt and development.
MPs praised the government's results in areas such as food
sovereignty, export performance, infrastructure expansion
and digital finance, before casting their final vote on the
draft national budget.
____________________________________________
Ethiopia closes fiscal year with
important economic advances
July 3rd, 10:20am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia closes the 2024-2025 fiscal period with important
advances in the production of fertilizers, gas and in the
mining sector, while it foresees significant growth in
services for the coming year, an official source
reported today.
Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, presenting the
management report ----- for the concluding budget
year to the People's House of Representatives
(Parliament) - recalled the country's vast
potential, in mining, one of the richest
in Africa, but for many years without
defined leadership to contribute to
the national economy.
Today, we work to change this situation, said Ahmed,
mentioning that in 2023 they exported 37 tons of
gold and in 2024, thanks to sustained efforts
and strategic attention --- they reached an
unprecedented value of 2,500,000,000
dollars from the commercialization
of the precious metal.
In the gas sector, he explained, that progress stalled
for a long time because companies could not obtain
licenses and start operations.
“This is changing. Ethiopia will soon begin marketing
its gas products, demonstrating --- that we are not
only resource holders, but active participants”,
he announced.
On the other hand, the Ethiopian head of government told
parliamentarians that the construction of an important
fertilizer factory will soon begin, which, once
completed, it will be fully operational in 40
months, supporting the country's
agricultural productivity and
reducing dependence
on imports.
Regarding the services sector, he revealed that they foresee
a growth of 8.1%, covering key areas - such as tourism, transportation, telecommunications, business
services and technology.
He considered that, if developed in an integrated and
strategic manner, this line has the potential to
become an important driver of Ethiopia's
economic growth.
In that sense, he emphasized that Addis Ababa hosted more
than 150 international events during the fiscal year that
has just concluded, which attracted approximately
1.3 million foreign visitors.
The main projects, such as the infrastructure of the
Development Corridor, the Unity Park, the National
Palace, the Science Museum and Friendship Park
together registered 1.5 million visitors and
generated more than 500 million birr
(3,691,000,339 dollars) in revenue,
he continued.
Ethiopian Airlines, the country's flag carrier and the
largest in Africa, has once again established itself
as a pillar of the sector's success, he said. This
year alone, the airline added 13 new aircraft,
expanded to six new destinations and
transported more than 19 million
passengers.
To conclude the topic, the Ethiopian Prime Minister
also specified, that railway services played an
important role in facilitating the export and
import trade.
_________________________________________
Ethiopia formalizes debt treatment
and relief with creditors
July 2nd, 11:05am
(Prensa Latina)
The Government of Ethiopia announced today the signing of a
memorandum of understanding with its Official Committee of
Creditors (OCC), formalizing debt treatment and relief of
more than $3.5 billion.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Finance reported that the agreement,
which includes actions to alleviate the obligation defined last
March, represents an important milestone in the country's
trajectory towards long-term public debt sustainability
and successfully culminates a years-long
negotiation process.
According to the source, Addis Ababa expressed
his sincere gratitude to all members of the OCC,
in particular to the co-chairs of the committee
(China and France) for their strong support
and collaboration in facilitating efforts
to eliminate the debt.
After signing this agreement, its terms will be
implemented through bilateral agreements
with each member of the Committee.
Ethiopian Minister of State for Finance Eyob Tekalign Tolina,
stated that the African nation is confident that the
collaborative and pragmatic spirit prevailing
to date will help expedite the process
of finalizing bilateral agreements.
“Ethiopia maintains a good faith relationship with all its other
participating external creditors --- and seeks to conclude
restructuring agreements on terms consistent with the
country's need for debt relief and the principle of
comparability of treatment”, he expressed.
He revealed that the government hopes that what was agreed
with the OCC will further boost national efforts to reach an
agreement with the participating external creditors,
including their bondholders.
_____________________________________________________
South Africa migrates to digital
environment processing
statistical data
July 2nd, 10:42am
(Prensa Latina)
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the national statistical entity
of South Africa, began the development of a comprehensive
business digital transformation strategy, presidential
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said today.
This marks a significant shift towards modernizing its operations
and improving the delivery of data-driven services, the senior
official said during the presentation of the institution's
Budget Vote before Parliament.
The new strategy is closely aligned with South Africa's broader
Roadmap for Government Digital Transformation, whose
objective is to promote data exchange and access
to information, thus improving the provision of
services throughout the public sector.
“Stats SA's digital transformation began with the Household
Surveys program, moving from a paper data collection
approach to a computer-aided methodology, thus
optimizing survey operations -- and generating
significant cost savings”, Ntshavheni stated.
Over the next five years, Stats SA plans to reinvent
its statistical products and processes, through a
number of key initiatives, he added.
These include research into the use of artificial intelligence
(AI) in the production of official statistics, the introduction
of web-based data collection methods in economic
statistics programs, the application of data
science techniques to big data and
alternative data sources, and the
exploration of the adoption of
cloud technology, the
minister listed.
“The transition to digital platforms is designed to streamline
survey operations, making them more efficient and easier
to use”, he explained.
In his speech, Ntshavheni highlighted - the fundamental
role of official statistics in a constantly changing world.
Official statistics, he said, offer us a constant: the truth
expressed in figures. They serve.. as a mirror through
which a nation sees itself, not only as it is, but as it
is evolving, emphasizing the importance of having
accurate data for informed decision making in
areas ranging from economic performance
to health and education.
The Minister urged parliamentarians to support the budget
vote, emphasizing that strong statistical capacity is
essential to address global changes -- such as
climate change, advances in AI, the rise of
digital economies and the evolution of
social dynamics.
By accurately capturing and analyzing these trends, we
can be better prepared.. to respond to the challenges
and opportunities they present, Ntshavheni ended.
____________________________________________________
They will debate G20 Tourism Priorities
in the South African province
July 2nd, 10:17am
(Latin Press)
South Africa's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie
Sotyu, tomorrow, July 3rd, will hold a dialogue
with communities in the Northern Cape
Province ---- about the G20
Tourism Priorities.
The meeting, in accordance with a brief ministerial
statement to this end, will bring together actors
from the sector, academics, senior officials
and provincial authorities and members
of the community.
Participants are expected to discuss aspects related to
how the objectives of the G20 tourism priorities can
be enhanced and promoted in the growth of local
economies -- with a strong component of the
so-called smoke-free industry, and doing
it sustainably.
At the first virtual meeting of the G20 Technical Working
Group, held in March 2025, under the pro tempore
presidency of South Africa, the Ministry recalls
in the text, member countries agreed on four
priorities that will serve as the basis for the
G20 action plan, on tourism development.
Namely: People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Innovation to boost Travel and Tourism Startups and
SMEs; Tourism Financing and Investment to Improve
Equality and Promote Sustainable Development; Air
Connectivity for Uninterrupted Travel Experience;
and Greater Resilience ----- for Inclusive and
Sustainable Tourism Development.
Tourism accounts for approximately 8.6 to 9.8 percent
of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ---
according to recent data from the World Travel
and Tourism Council (WTTC) and
academic studies.
In 2024, the travel and tourism sector contributed 8.8
percent of South African GDP, showing a sustained
recovery after the pandemic and consolidating
its role as one of the country's key
economic pillars.
Furthermore, tourism in South Africa, the largest
in Africa, generates a significant impact on
employment - supporting around 1.6 to
1.68 million direct and indirect jobs.
Northern Cape is the largest and least populated
province in South Africa, known mainly for its
mining and agricultural activity - as well as
natural attractions such as the Kgalagadi
National Park and the Kalahari Desert.
However.. its economy depends much more on mining
than tourism. Unlike provinces like the Western Cape
(where Cape Town is located), tourism in the North
Cape ----- represents a smaller proportion of
provincial GDP.
_____________________________________
DRC calls - at the UN - for
greater commitment: to
humanitarian response
July 2nd, 8:17am
(Prensa Latina)
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) warned the United
Nations about the deterioration of the humanitarian
situation in the east of the country and asked for
greater commitment to financing to address
the crisis, the press reported today.
Chargé d'affaires and first advisor of the DRC's
permanent mission to the UN, Hippolyte Mfulu
Kingonzila, conveyed to the Security Council
the pressing need to contribute more to the
humanitarian response plan --- in order to
address issues --- such as increasing
food insecurity.
The 2025 humanitarian response plan, launched jointly
on February 27 by the Congolese Government and its
partners, presents a serious lack of funds to date,
Actualité.CD stated.
Although the need for funding was reviewed and reduced from
$2.54 billion to $1.25 billion with the goal of helping at least
11 million people out of 21.2 millions who currently need
it, contributions are still... far below those required.
According to what the special representative of the Secretary
General of the United Nations and head of the Stabilization
Mission (Monusco), Bintou Keita, said on June 27, to
date, the humanitarian response plan only has
11 percent coverage.
__________________________________________
What makes Minsk an attractive
African country on the
Limpopo River
by Yuri Sizov
July 1st, 4:54pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
In the fantastic expanses of South Africa... where Dr. Aybolit, the
doctor of the continent's wildlife, is known to have treated them
on the banks of the Limpopo River, Belarusian businessmen are
also ready for multilateral cooperation. However, this aspect of
bilateral relations was not the only focus of the dialogue
between Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov
and his counterpart, Botswana's Minister of
International Relations, Fenyo Butale.
First of all, the Belarusian Foreign Minister confirmed his
country's readiness ----- to further deepen relations in a
wide range of areas. After the meeting, he described
the negotiations as "rich and constructive," noting
that this was the first official visit by the foreign
minister of an African country, in the history
of bilateral relations.
Moreover, Ryzhenkov called the meeting "actually the
beginning of political and diplomatic relations", if,
however, we do not count the conclusion of an
agreement on the establishment of diplomatic
relations about twenty years ago.
According to news reports, during the Minsk talks, the parties
discussed the entire bilateral agenda, and as a result, they
signed a joint statement reflecting their intention not only
to strengthen cooperation in the international arena,
but also to develop the legal framework.
In particular, it was reported that the signing of an agreement
on the abolition of visas for diplomatic & service passports,
as well as the establishment of a trade and economic
commission, is planned in the near future.
In turn, Fenyo Butale thanked the Belarusian side for the
invitation to visit the country and for the hospitality
shown, describing his negotiations as excellent.
According to him, they were a continuation of
the very successful visit to Minsk by the
Minister of Agriculture of Botswana,
in June.
Recalling that the country's political leadership changed at
the end of last year, the African guest made it clear that
the current government "is in a hurry to move to
industrialize the economy, to diversify it in
order to reduce its dependence on
diamonds," meaning --- that
Botswana is considered
a world leader ---- in
their production.
By the way, the parties have already agreed on "specific steps
in the short, medium, and long term," Butale said, adding that
the parties have identified the use of Belarusian equipment
for agricultural needs, the exchange of experience
between specialized professionals, and the
training and education of students,
as pilot projects.
He is convinced that the use of Sineokaya's experience,
competencies, and technologies to enhance the
mechanization of Botswana's agricultural
sector will have a positive impact on
the country's economic situation.
For Belarus, on the other hand, cooperation for promoting
national goods and services on the African market
could be very promising. The high-ranking guest
assured that his country has created a
favorable business environment and
ensured both economic and
political stability. In short,
investments in Botswana
will be safe & profitable.
BELTA observers note that intensifying cooperation with
African countries is one of the priority tasks set by the
President of Belarus. Just last month, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Belarus held a series of meetings
with delegations from African countries, led by
their respective ministers of agriculture.
__________________________________________
South Africa’s Eastern Cape Flood
Death Toll Rises to 102 as Search
for Missing Children Continues
July 1st, 2:50pm
(teleSUR)
The official death toll from the catastrophic floods that struck
South Africa’s Eastern Cape earlier this month has risen to
102, with two children still missing, according to the
latest update from provincial authorities.
The floods, triggered by a cold front on June 9–10, devastated
communities in the OR Tambo and Amathole districts,
sweeping away homes, cutting power and water
supplies, and displacing thousands.
Among the deceased are 39 children, including a 12-month-old
infant, and 63 adults. Authorities have identified 96 of the
victims, while six bodies remain unidentified due to
decomposition, requiring DNA testing.
Zolile Williams, a senior provincial official, described the disaster
as “one of the most agonising chapters” in the region’s history,
emphasizing ------ the emotional and infrastructural toll on the
affected communities.
The South African government has declared a state of
national disaster, unlocking emergency funds for
relief and reconstruction. The estimated cost
to rebuild damaged infrastructure.... stands
at R5.1 billion (approx. $288 million USD).
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the worst-hit areas on
June 13, attributed the floods to climate change, echoing
findings from the World Meteorological Organization’s
2024 report, which linked El Niño and other climatic
shifts to a surge in extreme weather events
across Africa.
Recovery efforts are ongoing, with search and rescue teams,
including SAPS and EMS helicopters, continuing to comb
flood-hit zones for the missing. Aid agencies, such as
Gift of the Givers, are providing food, water, and
medical supplies.
The Department of Social Development ----- is offering trauma
counseling, while mobile units from Home Affairs are helping
survivors replace lost identity documents. Over 4,000
people remain displaced, many housed in
temporary shelters.
Meanwhile, a new cold front has battered the Western Cape,
causing additional flooding in Cape Town and surrounding
areas, raising concerns about the country’s
preparedness for future climate-
related disasters.
__________________________________________
Monusco - welcomes cessation
of hostilities between armed
groups in the DRC
July 1st, 2:13pm
(Prensa Latina)
The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (Monusco) today welcomed the
signing of an agreement to cease hostilities
between several armed groups that
operate in the province of Ituri.
Through a statement, he celebrated the signing by the Congo
Development Cooperative (Codeco); Zaire/Self-defense; the
Patriotic Resistance of Ituri (FRPI); the Patriotic and
Integrationist Force of the Congo (FPIC); the Ituri
Popular Self-Defense Movement (MAPI) and
Chini Ya Tuna.
Monusco highlighted the Aru Agreement and urged
non-signatory armed groups to join the process.
“This agreement represents significant progress in the search
for stability in Ituri. It paves the way for a new era, focused on
reconciliation, security and development”, said the message
published on the social network X.
Regarding the topic, the deputy special representative of the UN
Secretary General in the DRC and acting head of Monusco,
Vivian van de Perre, said that since the main victims of
the conflict are women and children, it is imperative
to promote peace that translates into concrete
actions on the ground.
The Mission congratulated the Congolese Government,
community leaders and all partners who contributed
to the success of the dialogue known as Aru II,
and ratified the commitment to support the
implementation of its recommendations.
The statement also encouraged the signatory armed groups
to continue raising awareness among their ranks to
guarantee strict respect for what was agreed,
comply with the obligations of each party
---- and contribute to the creation of a
climate of trust and reconciliation
that favours the return of
displaced people.
“This peace agreement represents a concrete step, as long
as it is implemented in an effective and inclusive manner,
towards what we all long for: the end of violence, the
resettlement of displaced populations and a future
based on lasting peace and prosperity”,
Van de Perre noted.
He added that the province of Ituri has all
the necessary resources to recover.
This Tuesday, Monusco also expressed sincere condolences to
the families of the victims of the recent attacks on the Djangi
internally displaced persons camp, in the territory of Djugu,
and he strongly condemned these acts of violence
against the civilian population.
His message reiterated ------ that the rapid and complete
implementation of the commitments made in Aru II
--- is essential to break the cycle of violence
and restore lasting peace in Ituri.
______________________________________
Gasoline and diesel prices will
increase in South Africa
July 1st, 11:48am
(Prensa Latina)
The Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources of South
Africa (DMPR) announced today that starting Wednesday,
July 2, gasoline prices will increase, for diesel and
paraffin for lighting.
Meanwhile, the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will fall
throughout the country, except in the southern province of
Western Cape.
According to the DMPR, 93-octane unleaded gasoline will now
cost the equivalent in rands to three cents more per litre,
95 octane gasoline will rise 2.9 cents.
Meanwhile, according to the Ministry, the price of diesel (0.05
percent sulphur) will rise 4.6 cents per litre; and diesel (0.005
percent sulphur) will do so at 4.7 cents $0.047 per litre.
On the other hand, the wholesale price of paraffin for lighting (a
kerosene-like fuel intended to be burned in lamps, domestic
stoves and heaters) will increase by 3.8 cents per litre,
and the maximum single sales price to the national
public will increase by five cents per litre.
On the other hand, according to the ministerial statement, the
maximum retail price of LPG will decrease by 3.2 cents per
kilogram throughout the country, except in the southern
province of Western Cape, where it will increase
almost 11 cents per kilogram.
The Ministry attributed the increases to the recent increase
in international prices of Brent crude oil, which averaged
$69.36 per barrel during the period analyzed (the past
30 days), compared to the previous $63.95.
The main factor in this increase was growing geopolitical tension
in the Middle East, particularly over Israel's aggression against
Iran, which has raised fears of possible supply disruptions.
Also, while propane and butane prices decreased slightly during
the period, the overall impact on fuel prices remains upward.
The Ministry also approved a 14 percent increase in Supply Cost
Recovery over Maximum Refinery Gate Price (MRGP) for LPG
imported through the port from Saldanha Bay, in the
Western Cape ----- as a provisional measure for
24 months.
As a result, the provisional maximum retail price (MRGP) in
that area will be $0.85 per metric ton, excluding VAT,
from July 2 to August 5, 2025.
Consequently, the maximum retail price of LPG in the
Western Cape will be set at $2.02 per kilogram from
July 2.
The DMPR emphasized that these adjustments are necessary
to reflect global market trends and ensure the sustainability
of fuel supply in South Africa.
____________________________________
Agreement on strategic minerals
with the US announced in DRC
June 30th, 3:11pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),
Félix Tshisekedi, has announced the upcoming signing of an
“unprecedented strategic agreement” with the US in the
mining sector, the press reported today.
The president pointed out that the objective of the instrument
is to strengthen the position of the DRC in the global energy
transition and assured that national resources “will never
be sold or given to hidden interests”, but they will
benefit the Congolese people, above all.
Tshisekedi expressed in his speech regarding national
Independence Day, that the “renewed confidence” in
Washington, after the peace agreement signed with
Rwanda under US mediation, will soon result in the
signing of an “unprecedented strategic agreement”.
This “will mark a decisive step to position the DRC as a central
actor in the global energy transition and the emerging green
economy”, the president noted, according to Actualité.CD.
The head of state explained that the association with the
US seeks “to sovereignly develop our strategic minerals,
particularly copper, cobalt and lithium”, at the same
time “it guarantees a more equitable distribution
of economic benefits for the benefit of the
Congolese people”.
The president stated that this will also pave the way for local
transformations, the creation of thousands of jobs, and a
new economic model, based on sovereignty and
national added value.
“The Democratic Republic of the Congo is back, ready to forge
strategic, reliable, transparent and, above all, win-win
alliances”, tshisekedi said, adding that the country
will not tolerate any concessions on economic
sovereignty, or sell its future, or dignity.
The mining agreement with the United States has been seen
by various Congolese sectors as a condition imposed by
Washington to intervene as a mediator in the peace
treaty signed with Rwanda on December 27 June
and as guarantor of its compliance.
The issue has drawn harsh criticism and led Congolese Foreign
Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to deny in an interview
with Congolese national television RTNC that the agreement
with Kigali was a transfer of the country's natural resources.
The minister emphasized that, in the signed document “there is
no provision on economic issues or strategic minerals”, and he
added that the text is very clear and lays the foundations for
a favorable environment in which the return of investors
and a more dynamic economy, can also be foreseen.
_____________________________________________
Africa advocates: a new
international financial
architecture
June 30th, 2:31pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Angola and incumbent head of the African
Union (AU), Joao Lourenco, advocated today for the
reorganization of the international financial
architecture, during the IV International
Conference on Development, in
Seville, Spain.
The president considered the event as an opportunity to
promote initiatives that lead to more agile functional
mechanisms for mobilizing of financial resources,
which will help the developing countries face
their recurring challenges.
He mentioned climate crises, fluctuations in raw material
prices and, fundamentally, “the unsustainable burden of
sovereign debt, which consumes more resources than
those allocated to health and education as a whole”
and drastically limits ------- the margin to finance
development.
He added that this situation constitutes a clear obstacle to
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals - of the UN
Agenda 2030 and compliance with the AU Agenda 2063,
that express the common commitment to building a
more just, inclusive and resilient world.
“There will be no development on the African continent
without a solid and functional infrastructure”, said
Lourenco, who referred in his speech to the low
production and transportation capacity of
electrical energy, the poor network of
roads and highways that connects
countrie ------ and the low
investment.... in tele-
communications,
and information
technologies.
These factors hinder economic growth and development,
as they seriously affect ----- trade and industry, the
circulation of people and goods, agriculture
and job creation, he explained.
He insisted - that these large investments in infrastructure
require a more adequate financing model adapted to the
economic conditions of the nations of the continent,
where the needs of the region are taken into
account and those most in need - play
an active role.
The president of the AU, considered the Lomé Declaration
on the African Debt, adopted in May 2025, very timely, it
represents an important milestone, in building a
common African position, and formulates
concrete proposals to address the
debt crisis.
The creation of more fair and transparent multilateral
restructuring mechanisms, automatic clauses
suspending debt service --- in the event of
external shocks and promoting the use
of local currency to reduce exposure
to exchange risks, are some of the
initiatives included, he specified.
He recalled that Africa continues to be one of the most
vulnerable regions, although it is one of the least
responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
“This should lead to the continent being given the attention it
deserves, providing it with a significant increase in climate
finance for the adaptation and mitigation process,
support for a fair energy transition and
incentives ------- to convert debt, into
concrete environmental actions”,
he said.
_____________________________________________
Cuba ---- welcomes the national day of
the Democratic Republic of the Congo
June 30th, 1:56pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba today congratulated
the people and Government of the Democratic Republic of
the Congo on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of
the nation's independence.
Through the social network X -- the Cuban Foreign Ministry
reiterated its willingness to deepen relations of friendship
and cooperation between both countries.
This June 30 marks 65 years since the independence of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo from the rule of Belgium.
Cuba and the African nation reestablished diplomatic relations
on April 15, 1974 and since then, have maintained ties of
friendship and cooperation, in various spheres.
The support of the Congolese Government, has been invariable
in its position against the economic, commercial and financial
blockade imposed by the United States on the Caribbean
nation ---------- for more than six decades.
_____________________________________________
They state: challenges for the DRC
after 65 years of independence
June 30th, 12:56pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),
Félix Tshisekedi, today stated the country's challenges, on
the day that marks 65 years of national independence.
In a special speech regarding the anniversary, the president
pointed out the achievement of peace as one of the
fundamental issues and, in this sense, he
highlighted the agreement signed with
Rwanda in Washington on June 27,
which he considered --- a step ---
towards a new era of stability.
This document, noted the head of state, “materializes
the achievements of United Nations Security Council
Resolution 2773 and paves the way towards a new
era of stability, cooperation and prosperity for our
nation, the Great Lakes region, and Africa as
a whole”.
Tshisekedi thanked the United States, “for its determined
commitment to peace”, and President Donald Trump, of
whom he expressed that he had contributed to uniting
the parties around a shared vision.
He also praised the work of Qatar, “whose discreet and
effective mediation helped close the gap, and open a
sincere dialogue between our country and Rwanda”.
Regarding the negotiations that continue in Doha with the
rebels of the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement
(AFC/M23), the Congolese president meant that the
ambition is -- “to fully reestablish the authority of
the State throughout the national territory and
work for the establishment of real peace,
durable ----- and shared throughout
the subregion”.
He added that the people's expectations regarding these
processes are immense, especially those who live in
the east of the country and have experienced
the armed conflict more strongly.
“We approach this final phase of the process with determination,
respecting our sovereignty and the legitimate aspirations of our
people”, he assured and added that the DRC will continue
“demanding justice for the victims and that those
responsible for the atrocities ----- be
held accountable”.
The president stressed the need to put the interests of the
nation before partisan disputes and, in this sense,
highlighted the meeting on June 5 with the
opposition leader, Martin Fayulu.
“This meeting marks an important step towards a policy of
reconciliation, mutual listening and reciprocal respect”,
Tshisekedi said.
“The independence we commemorate today..... is not just an
achievement of the past. It is, above all, a milestone for the
future. It is a living project, an ideal that is built every day”
--- concluded the head of state.
_____________________________________________
They highlight the social value of
economic empowerment
in South Africa
June 30th, 12:02pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, today stressed
the importance of the country's economic empowerment laws
as essential tools to correct historical economic injustices
and promote inclusive growth.
He also called on all sectors — business, labour and social —
to support these laws, since they are crucial to undo the
injustices of the apartheid era and achieve inclusive
growth that generates employment and improves
the quality of life.
In his weekly letter, Ramaphosa recalled that while South Africa's
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) laws are
distinctive, similar empowerment frameworks exist globally in
countries such as India, Nigeria and Brazil ------ aimed at
correcting economic exclusion, based on race.
In the letter, the President defended the viability and innovation
of the South African approach, in particular the Equivalent
Share Investment Program (EEIP).
This program... allows multinational companies, which cannot
meet requirements through traditional share ownership - due
to global policies, to invest in socio-economic development,
professional training and business growth, without
selling shares.
The EEIP, integrated into South African legislation for more than a
decade, he recalled, has attracted major global companies such
as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Samsung, IBM and automotive
giants such as BMW and Toyota.
Ramaphosa also rejected the idea that the EEIP weakens
empowerment laws, stating that it complements the
B-BBEE and does not constitute circumvention,
a criterion he called erroneous.
In the text, he urged companies to consider compliance with
empowerment laws not as a burden, but as a long-term
investment in the stability and economic growth
of South Africa.
He also highlighted the emergence of new industries
----- such as digital technology, AI, advanced
manufacturing and renewable energy.
At that point, he stressed the need for South Africa to adapt
its policies to attract foreign and domestic investment in
these sectors - and avoid being left behind globally.
Looking ahead, Ramaphosa emphasized the Government's
focus -- on creating an enabling political environment,
promoting structural reforms, fostering innovation
and reducing regulatory barriers, to maximize
the potential of emerging and existing
industries.
________________________________________
At Least 50 People Die
- as a Gold Mine in
Northern Sudan
Collapses
June 28th, 12:20pm
(teleSUR)
At least 50 miners died this Saturday when a traditional gold
mine collapsed in the desert area of Howaid, in northern
Sudan, a non-governmental organization from the
northern River Nile state reported, indicating
that the workers died of asphyxiation.
The state’s resistance committees said in a statement that
“more than 50 miners who were working inside the mine
at the time of the collapse died of asphyxiation and
their bodies are being recovered,” as emergency
teams did not arrive in time, due to the desert
location of the area and the poor condition
of the roads.
They also denounced that the delay was due to the fact
that the mine is located in the Red Sea state, but is
under the administration of the city of Atbara,
in the River Nile state --- which “caused
administrative confusion, in the
response to the accident, in
addition --- to the lack of
specialized emergency
equipment.”
The Howaid area -- is located between the towns of Atbara
and Haiya, the latter in the northeastern Red Sea state,
and there are traditional gold mines where this
precious metal is extracted manually and
on a small scale.
In fact, the same area was the scene of a similar accident
last April, when part of a mine collapsed and caused
several injuries.
However, the resistance committees denounced that the
authorities have not implemented significant measures
to improve safety in the mines and prevent this type
of accident.
According to the Sudanese Ministry of Minerals, the artisanal
or traditional gold mining sector is widespread throughout
the country, as it is found in 14 of the 18 states and
employs more than two million people, while the
metal is exported to several neighbouring
and Arab countries.
____________________________________
Ethiopia: Musical performances
move Great South Festival
June 28th, 11:44am
(Prensa Latina)
Performances by Cuban singer-songwriter Raul Paz and his
group, as well as renowned Ethiopian singer Yema and the
Uruguayan duo Nai --- are generating high expectations
today for the second day of the Great South Festival.
The headquarters of the Organization for Southern Cooperation,
sponsor of the event -- under the theme “Peoples in Movement,
Living Cultures,” will host the fusion of rhythms that has
attracted a large audience ----- from both local and
international audiences since its first edition.
The National Theatre, meanwhile, will offer the second staging
of the play “Kalakuta Republik” by the Serge Aime Coulibaly
group and Faso Dance Theatre (Burkina Faso/Mali/Belgium),
a composition based on the legacy of Nigerian singer-
songwriter, politician, and human rights activist,
Fela Kuti.
According to the OCS, this event is a dynamic blend of
movement, poetry, and political discourse that offers
a profound and authentic representation of African
identity .........in a globalized context.
Artists from Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts
will perform on the same stage. The entire program,
as on the previous day, is free admission.
The performance includes a variety of artistic expressions,
including Aspara dances, women’s dances, and Khmer
scarf dances, as well as harmonica playing.
The festival is an annual event, firmly grounded in the
boundless richness of the heritage of the peoples,
communities, and nations of the Great South
--- seeking to create a space for artistic
exchange, democratise culture,
and forge alliances.
The Organization for Southern Cooperation, established on
January 29, 2020, in Djibouti, is comprised of 28 states
from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the
Asia-Pacific, plus civil society organizations
and global and regional bodies.
_______________________________
Nigerian army kills dozens
of alleged gang members
June 26th, 12:43pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Nigerian military command today distributed a
report claiming death, during a raid in the north-
west of the country, of a hundred men, whom
he identifies - as bandits.
If this result is confirmed by independent means, it
would be the best for the Army in the fight against
gangs that devastate villages and small isolated
communities, kill unarmed residents and loot
their crops and flocks.
The elements killed were members of the criminal group
led by Bello Turji, one of the leaders with the most
recognized attacks, of all those operating in
the same area.
The action occurred in the state of Zamfara, a region in
which in recent years gangs of armed men without
political affiliation proliferated, making looting
their means of obtaining an income.
During his two terms, between 2015 and 2023, former
Nigerian president Muhammnadu Buhari described
these gangs as “enemies of Humanity” -- and
promised to eliminate them - but left the
executive mansion without fulfilling
his commitment.
________________________________
South Africa calls for
global cooperation
within the G20
June 26th, 11:43am
(Prensa Latina)
South African Chancellor Ronald Lamola, today urged
the G20 countries to transform the global model of
mineral extraction and strengthen multilateral
cooperation, in a context of geo-economic
tensions and humanitarian crises.
Speaking at the high-level session of the third G20 Sherpas
meeting, Lamola warned that the world economy faces a
slowdown due to downward revisions to growth by
organizations - such as the World Bank and the
IMF, while Africa and South Africa deal with
“headwinds” that hinder development.
In his speech, the Minister of International Relations
denounced the paradox that “the world works with
our resources, but the value does not stop here”,
since most minerals are exported raw --- and
the added value is generated abroad.
Therefore, he said, South Africa proposes a “Critical Minerals
Framework” at the G20 that allows resource-rich countries
to transform their wealth ----- into local jobs, industrial
development and greater economic sovereignty.
Lamola also emphasized, that the current system is
unsustainable and that it is time to move from
simple extraction -- to value creation and
equitable collaboration.
The meeting --- under the pro tempore South African
presidency of the G20 ---- takes place in the midst
of “unprecedented global turbulence”, recalled
Lamola -- who cited the increase in armed
conflicts, humanitarian crises like that
in Sudan, and the fragmentation of
the international system.
In this context, the Minister criticized the paralysis
of the UN Security Council --- and advocated
diplomacy --- aimed at peace and the
reform.. of global governance.
In his words, Lamola also warned ----- about the rise of
economic nationalism, debt crises, and interruptions
in supply chains, which especially affect the global
south. He also highlighted - the need to promote
the digital economy, in an inclusive way, and
to confront threats such as cyberwar and
climate change.
Finally, the Chancellor reiterated his opinion that
the G20 must lead international cooperation to
overcome inequality, revitalize multilateralism
and guarantee sustainable --- and
shared --- development.
__________________________________
African Court of Human Rights
advances process against
Rwanda
June 26th, 11:12am
(Prensa Latina)
The African Court on Human and People's Rights (Cadhp)
today declared itself competent to hear the claim of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) --- against
Rwanda --- and immediately moved forward
with the process.
The instance, during its 77th ordinary session... this
Thursday in Arusha, Tanzania, in addition to ruling
the accusation as admissible ----ninitiated the
corresponding investigations... and gave
Kigali 90 days --------- to present his
observations on the accusation.
Likewise, it gave the DRC 45 days to respond
....before the judicial body publishes its
decision on the process.
The Congolese Presidency, in a statement, noted
that the Cadhp decision “marks a turning point
in the fight against impunity for Rwanda's
aggression”.
Deputy Justice Minister Samuel Mbemba, who traveled
to Tanzania to receive the ruling, celebrated it as
“a victory - that adds to the list of previous
victories that the Democratic Republic
of the Congo has obtained --- over
Rwanda, both diplomatically
and economically”,
he considered.
On December 2, the DRC officially announced its decision
to sue its neighbour Rwanda, before Cadhp ---- for human
rights violations, border transgressions and massacres
in North Kivu province... since 2022.
The Rwandan side's lawyers... attempted to disqualify the
African Court in this case, pointing it out as incompetent
to decide on this dispute with the DRC, alleging among
other issues, that the procedures provided for by
regional and international organizations, had
not been exhausted.
___________________________________
G20 Sherpas in South Africa
debate sustainable
development
June 26th, 11:11am
(Prensa Latina)
The third meeting of G20 Sherpas, held this week
in South Africa, he highlighted the urgency ---- of
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and addressed priorities in the face
of... growing international geopolitical
and economic challenges.
Reporting on the event, Xolisa Mabhongo, South African
Senior Sherpa Deputy in preparatory negotiations for
the upcoming G20 summit summit and Deputy
Director-General for Global Governance...
highlighted the importance of the G20
in promoting the 2030 agenda, as
the group represents 85%
of global GDP.
“We are five years away.. from the date set to achieve
the SDGs, and this is worrying”, warned Mabhongo,
underlining the responsibility of the top 20
economies in leading global progress.
The meeting of Sherpas under the South African pro
tempore presidency also addressed the conflicts in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza and
Ukraine.... although the debate focused on
principles to achieve a “just peace”
and not on the details.
At the event, South Africa reiterated 4 priorities
for its presidency: disaster resilience, debt
sustainability, critical minerals and the
Just Energy Transition (JET).
In his statements to the press, Mabhongo highlighted
the need to transform the mineral extraction model
in Africa, seeking greater added value and
local manufacturing.
Mabhongo further noted that the meeting reflects South
Africa's commitment to the priorities of the Global
South and the continued legacy of previous
presidencies, such as Indonesia, India
and Brazil.
He also highlighted the creation of a working group on
food security, aligned with Brazil's Global Alliance
against Hunger and Poverty, and focused on
regional and global levels.
______________________________________
Political violence caused 16 deaths
in Kenya during protests
June 26th, 10:55am
(Prensa Latina)
The street fighting the day before between opposition
protesters and law enforcement forces caused 16
deaths, according to an official statement
released here today.
The demonstrations --- which also covered inland cities,
including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuruy Nyahururu,
were called to commemorate last year's protests
against an economic reform law introduced
by President William Ruto.
The project contemplated increasing the value added tax on
bread and the possession of private vehicles, among other
products, and.... in the end, it was withdrawn, despite
having the approval of parliament.
The march, called by opposition parties and social
organizations, led to street clashes when its
participants demanded justice for the 64
killed in the June 2024 riots, reparation
for family members, the reform of the
Police ---- and the resignation of
the president.
Since Tuesday, detachments of Police and Special Forces
patrolled the streets of this capital in anticipation of
riots, which used tear gas and live ammunition to
disperse the protests, with an initial death toll
of eight, which increased dramatically in
the last few hours.
In a joint statement, the Associations of Doctors and
Lawyers and the Police Reform Working Group
reported that several of the injured
showed gunshot wounds.
Although calm returned to the streets, several
businesses remained closed and an
atmosphere of tension
is perceptible.
_________________________
Ethiopia advances... in overcoming
challenges with inclusive dialogue
June 26th, 9:06am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia reports tangible progress --- in overcoming
national challenges and sustainable development
through inclusive dialogue with key sectors of
society, the Government Communication
Service (GCS) stated today
A statement recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held
a series of consultative sessions from June 9 to 23 with
representatives of the business community, political
parties, education, health, etc, culture and media,
framed in the government's commitment to
participatory governance.
The discussions provided a platform for Ahmed to present
sector-specific priorities, while assessing challenges
posed by stakeholders, the GCS said.
Likewise, immediate guidelines were provided for short-term
issues and the identification of long-term problems for
strategic planning and gradual implementation.
In consultations with the business sector, the Ethiopian head
of government underlined his critical role in accelerating
socio-economic transformation.
The Executive prioritizes the creation of a legal and
operational environment conducive to improving
productivity, competitiveness, a work culture
and job creation, the source added.
With political party leaders, discussions focused on
strengthening inclusive governance, democratic
consolidation, and national unity.
The GCS highlighted - that the government's continued
dialogue with the sector reflects its conviction that
all stakeholders - must actively contribute to the
development of a resilient democratic system.
Furthermore, in consultative sessions with education
and health representatives, the prime minister
recognized the central role --- of human
capital --- in national progress.
The Communication Service reaffirmed the government's
commitment to gradually resolve structural challenges
in these sectors to ensure its support for Ethiopia's
broader development agenda.
Consultations with the artists focused on the formation
of values, the promotion of national identity and the
promotion of social cohesion.
In the case of the meeting with public and private
media, the Ethiopian Prime Minister emphasized
the importance of a free, professional and
responsible press -------- to support
democratic governance.
According to the GCS, these multi-sector consultations
created a framework to identify obstacles to peace,
democratic development, and inclusive
economic growth.
Likewise, they served to align the government's
responses with the realities and aspirations
of the Ethiopian people.
He concluded that public participation will remain
central to Ethiopia's governance approach as it
moves forward on the path to stability, unity
and shared prosperity.
____________________________________
Kenya protests turn violent: as court,
activists, demand justice for the
victims of police brutality
June 25th, 9:08pm
(africanews)
Police violence
Two people were shot dead and several others injured
on Wednesday as fresh protests erupted in Nairobi
and across major Kenyan cities - marking the
anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax
demonstrations... that left over 60
people dead.
Protesters clashed with police who fired tear gas and
live rounds to disperse the crowds. In Nairobi,
human rights activist Hussein Khaled led
the calls for justice for those killed
last year.
“64 Kenyans were killed in cold blood. Not a single
officer has been held to account,” Khaled said.
“We want justice -------- in terms of arrests,
compensation, and real police reforms.”
Angry demonstrators, many of them young people,
denounced -- what they described as President
William Ruto’s poor leadership and growing
authoritarianism.
“You can see, people have gathered here, to say Ruto’s
governance is very bad. People are being abducted
and killed,” protester Derrick Mwangi said.
“We are fed up.”
Businesses in the capital remained shut, and access
to the city centre ---- was heavily restricted. The
protests have spread - to Mombasa, Kisumu,
Nakuru, and Nyahururu.
Despite a government warning that Wednesday would
be a “normal working day,” thousands took to the
streets.. honouring the victims of past police
crackdowns - and voicing their frustration
with corruption, rising living costs, and
unaddressed human rights abuses.
________________________________________
17 soldiers killed as gunmen raid
army bases in northern Nigeria
June 25th, 7:05pm
(africanews)
At least 17 Nigerian soldiers were killed in a series of
coordinated attacks by armed gunmen on three
army bases in northern Nigeria, security
sources and local officials confirmed
on Wednesday.
The attacks, which took place on Tuesday, targeted
forward operating bases in Kwanar Dutse Mariga
and Boka in Niger State, as well as another base
in neighbouring Kaduna State. According to
security officials, the gunmen engaged
troops in prolonged firefights that
lasted several hours.
“These were surprise attacks, and the soldiers fought
back fiercely,” one of the security sources said.
“Unfortunately, we lost 17 men in the battles.”
The assailants, commonly referred to as “bandits” in
the region, are part of heavily armed criminal groups
known for terrorizing northwestern Nigeria. They
have been blamed for frequent abductions,
attacks on villages, and assaults on
security installations.
Local authorities say the gunmen arrived in large
numbers and were well-coordinated, over-
whelming military personnel at the
remote posts.
Niger State and much of the northwest have suffered
years of insecurity, with limited state presence and
frequent attacks --- by both criminal gangs and
Islamist militants. Efforts by the government
to contain the violence have faced
repeated setbacks, with troops
often under-resourced and
stretched thin... across
vast, difficult terrain.
The Nigerian army has yet to issue an official
statement regarding the latest attacks.
________________________________________
Ghana's parliament... approves
$2.8 billion debt restructuring
June 25th, 4:11pm
(africanews)
Lawmakers in Ghana have approved a $2.8 billion
debt restructuring deal in an effort to ease the
country's worst economic crisis in decades.
The West African nation signed a memorandum of
understanding with 25 creditor nations, including
China and France, in January after defaulting on
most of its external debt at the end of 2022.
The restructuring.. is aimed at reducing Ghana’s debt
-to-GDP ratio to 55 percent by 2026. The government
is also planing to lower its debtservice-to-revenue
ratio to below 18 percent from 2028.
This move is expected to ease financial
pressure and support economic growth.
Private creditors are still some $2.7 billion and the
country's finance minister, Cassiel Ato Forson,
says the government is now in talks to
complete the restructuring.
A major producer of both cocoa and gold, Ghana
defaulted on most of its 30 billion dollars in
international debt under pressure from
the Covid 19 pandemic... the war in
Ukraine and rising interest rates.
_____________________________________
More vaccines to face
Mpox in the DRC
June 24th, 2:03pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) received a
batch of 100 thousand doses of the MVA-BN vaccine
against Mpox, from France, the Ministry of Public
Health, Hygiene and Social Security
reported today.
The ministry indicated that these immunogens will serve
to expand the vaccination campaign currently being
carried out with the Japanese LC16m8 vaccine,
which has been applied since June 14 in the
Bumbu health zone, in Kinshasa.
The French batch... will allow progress towards other
provinces affected by the disease and in particular
will be focused on boys and girls aged one year
or older, to counteract the spread of
this epidemic.
The delivery of vaccines, according to the Ministry of Health,
is part of strengthening bilateral cooperation between
France and the DRC, and it supports the Congolese
government's efforts to combat the Mpox
epidemic that continues to spread in
the country, although the number
of cases decreased - in the
last week.
_____________________________________
Dozens dead - in
hospital attack
in Sudan
June 24th, 1:53pm
(Prensa Latina)
The wild Ferris wheel of horrors... generated by the
Sudanese ''civil war'' took another turn today with
the death of 40 people in the attack on Al Mujlad
hospital in Kordofan --- from the West (in the
south of the country).
The operation - which occurred on Saturday and
was reported this Tuesday, by spokespersons
for the Rapid Support Forces militia - led by
General Mohamed Handan Dagalo (and
funded by guess who) - who blamed
the Sudan's Army.
Army sources remain silent on the allegation,
but it is known --- that the rebel militiamen
were hiding inside the health centre.
Among the dead were six children and members of
the medical team, leading to WHO head, Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesus, describing it as
“horrible” in a statement.
_____________________________________
Cuba present ---- in celebrations for
the independence of Mozambique
June 24th, 12:17pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Josefina Vidal,
heads the Cuban delegation that attends the
commemorative activities, for the 50th
anniversary -- of the independence
of Mozambique, it was reported
here today.
According to the Foreign Ministry of this Caribbean
nation, the official will hold a program of working
meetings, with counterparts from that African
country, in the context of the 50 years since
the establishment of bilateral relations...
on August 27, 1975.
On June 25, 1975, that nation emerged, under the
leadership of the Mozambique Liberation Front
and its founding president, Samora Machel.
The independence of Mozambique - marked the end
of Portuguese colonial domination and gave way
to the construction of a sovereign nation
committed to the ideals of progress
and social justice of its people,
remembered the source.
Cuban soldiers fought on the progressive Liberation
Front's side... and their brotherly solidarity and
sacrifice - will never be forgotten.
___________________________________
Ivorian president postpones.....
revealing electoral intentions
June 24th, 12:17pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara,
chose to maintain the suspense that exists here
today about his intentions for the elections at
the end of next October.
The prevailing opinion was that the president would
announce his intention to run in the elections to
achieve a fourth consecutive term during a
rally of his supporters in a square in this
capital on Sunday past.
But any expectations were not met and the president
limited himself to saying........ that he will reveal his
intentions ''in the coming days'' even though he
has already been nominated as a candidate
by his party.
The issue of candidacies in this French-speaking
West African colony, since the Supreme Court
rejected several opposition party platforms,
is moot.
The two main opposition parties, the African People's
Party of Côte d'Ivoire and the Democratic Party,
immediately began a joint campaign to
demand the withdrawal of the ban
on their candidates.
Ouattara, who has held total power since 2011, is
accused by the opposition of maneuvering to
maintain control over the country, which
either loathes him... or sees him as
a complete banker.
