Remains of dead Uruguayan blue
helmet --- repatriated in the DRC
May 8th, 12:15pm
(Prensa Latina)
The remains of the Uruguayan blue helmet Julio César
Álvarez, who died in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo of a heart attack, were received here with
military honours.
The Minister of Defense, Sandra Lazo, led the ceremony
to receive the remains of Corporal Álvarez, of the
Army, who died on April 16.
He was carrying out a mission as part of the Uruguayan
contingent that operates in the African country under
the UN flag.
The soldier had recovered from injuries received in January
during an attack by the M23 rebel movement in the city of
Goma, in eastern DRC.
On that occasion the Uruguayan soldier Rodolfo Álvarez died.
So far this year, several blue helmets in the South American
country, have suffered injuries.
More than twenty of the members of the Uruguay IV battalion
have returned to their country by their means, due to the
delay in the troop relief agreed with the UN.
_______________________________________
President of Namibia - in
Angola for working visit
May 8th, 12:01pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,
arrived in Angola today for a two-day working visit.
During his stay he will have his first official meeting
with Angolan President, João Lourenço, since he
took office on March 21.
The visit ---- in accordance with a brief Namibian presidential
statement, highlights the long ties of friendship, solidarity
and cooperation that exist between the two countries,
based on a shared history, regional unity and
mutual socioeconomic interests”.
The text also highlights how it constitutes an opportunity
for both countries.... to deepen their solid bilateral and
commercial relations, for the benefit of both nations.
The ties of friendship, it is remembered, date back to the fight
for Namibia's independence, achieved in 1990 after the
defeat --- of the South African Apartheid forces in
Angolan lands, by forces of that nation --- and
Cuba, a fight in which troops from Namibia
also participated (Southwest African
People's Organization, Swapo).
According to the Namibian presidency, the visit is expected
to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate progress in
strategic areas of cooperation, particularly in the
agriculture sectors, trade and oil and gas.
_____________________________________
Kenya expert - warns of ecological
disaster - due to insect trafficking
May 8th, 8:28am
(teleSUR)
The case -- of the Belgian teenagers caught trafficking ants
in Kenya has drawn attention to the illegal trade of lesser
-known wildlife species. The two 19-year-olds.... Lornoy
David and Seppe Lodewijckx -- were arrested on April
5 with 5,000 ants at a guest house in Nakuru County.
They were charged on April 15 and given the choice of
paying a $7,700 fine or serving 12 months in prison.
Authorities say the ants were destined for European and Asian
markets, highlighting a growing trend in wildlife trafficking.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) noted that the species
included Messor cephalotes, a large red-coloured
harvester ant ---- native to East Africa.
In a separate but related case, two other men — Vietnamese
national Duh Hung Nguyen and Kenyan citizen Dennis
Ng’ang’a — were also fined $7,700 each after being
caught with 400 ants. The court described their
actions .....as part of an elaborate scheme.
Entomologist Shadrack Muya emphasized the ecological
importance of ants, warning: that their removal from
their natural habitat - could disrupt ecosystems
and lead to potential ecological disasters.
This case underscores the broader issue of biopiracy, where
lesser-known species are exploited for commercial gain.
What are your thoughts on this emerging trend?
_________________________________________
Nobel Laureate Denis Mukwege:
Urges Action ----------- Against
Sexual Violence in Congo
May 7th, 1:02pm
(teleSUR)
Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege has condemned
the systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of
war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
calling for urgent international intervention
to end the atrocities.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France,
Mukwege described a “dramatic situation” unfolding in
North Kivu, where his hospital has documented over
10,000 cases ------ of sexual violence. “Thirty to
thirty-five percent of victims are children,”
he warned, stressing -- that targeting
minors crosses “every possible
red line.”
Mukwege, founder of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, has spent
over two decades treating survivors of rape, many of
whom are victims of armed groups fighting over
Congo’s vast mineral wealth. His work has
placed him at the forefront of global
efforts ------ to end gender-based
violence in conflict zones.
In his Strasbourg address, Mukwege --- urged European
lawmakers -- to push for peace negotiations and direct
intervention in Congo’s escalating humanitarian crisis.
The region, devastated by ongoing fighting between
militias, remains one of the worst-affected areas
in Africa.
Mukwege shared the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize with Yazidi
activist Nadia Murad, a survivor of ISIS sexual slavery,
reinforcing his advocacy for the survivors of
wartime atrocities.
As violence in the DRC continues, Mukwege’s call
for action grows louder, demanding justice and
protection for vulnerable populations trapped
in conflict.
____________________________________
UA reiterated commitment
to political dialogue and
cooperation with Cuba
May 7th, 12:59pm
(Prensa Latina)
The African Union Commission (UA) today reiterated its
commitment to political dialogue and multilateral
cooperation with Cuba.
This was expressed by the team leader of the Cabinet of the
President of the Commission, Mohamed El-Amine Souef,
during a meeting with the Cuban ambassador to the AU,
Lucas Domingo Hernández, at the headquarters of the
continental organization, reported the Embassy of
Havana, in Ethiopia.
Souef recognized the role of the Caribbean island in the
training of African human resources, as well as its
contribution, in times of health emergency, on
the continent.
For his part, Hernández thanked the dialogue and support
provided in the preparation of the meeting held between
the president of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali
Youssouf, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez, who was making a
three-day official visit to Ethiopia
last March.
Both parties highlighted the historic ties of friendship and
solidarity that unite Havana and the African continent, in
addition to agreeing on the importance of strengthening
collaboration in key areas and in joint efforts for peace
and sustainable development in Africa.
________________________________________
UA highlighted Comesa's
contribution -------- to
intra-African trade
May 7th, 11:42am
(Prensa Latina)
The African Union (UA) today highlighted the contribution
of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
(Comesa) to intra-African trade and linking women as
agents of economic transformation, beneficiaries
in addition to that movement.
This was expressed -- by the vice president of the AU
Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi, when speaking
at the inauguration of the VI Trade Fair and
Business Conference of the Federation
of Business Women of Comesa, which
will meet in this capital until May 9.
Haddadi specified that the role of this regional economic
organization is also illustrated in its contribution to the
objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He called for holding the event - which he considered an
original and inclusive initiative that, through its rotation
approach -- benefits the 21 Member States of Comesa,
it guarantees its ownership by all citizens and a solid
regional anchorage based on concrete achievements.
In his opinion, the meeting shed light on the diverse
strengths of this common market in areas such as
demographics, mineral wealth, ecotourism and
green value chains.
The combined effects of these assets -- place the platform
in a unique and privileged position to influence important
drivers of economic transformation, including access to
financing, the development of infrastructure for trade
facilitation, the value chain and the empowerment
of the private sector, he stressed.
“The African Union is built ---- as prescribed by the Treaty of
Abuja, on the strength of its pillars, the Regional Economic
Communities. The vitality of Comesa, best expressed in
the formula of this forum, which is expected to travel
to all its member states, provides irrefutable proof
of the weight of political will”, he asserted.
He invited the more than 200 participating women
entrepreneurs to share their experience with all
regional economic communities... in a spirit of
mutual enrichment through the development
of reciprocal and win-win relationships,
in the continent.
This will build an inclusive Africa, the Africa we want,
he added while expressing the African Union's
willingness to offer everything possible to
the event to guarantee its development.
The event is held under the motto 'Un Comesa prospero'
which promotes regional integration with a gender
perspective, to promote green investments and
value chains, tourism & mining in the AfCFTA.
__________________________________________
Socioeconomic gender gap -- really
worries South African authorities
May 7th, 11:35am
(Prensa Latina)
The Minister of the Presidency of South Africa, Sindisiwe
Chikunga, warned today about the persistence of a
socioeconomic gender gap “unsustainable” in
the world.
The Minister made these statements when speaking at
the Global Conference on Financial Inclusion of the
G20 Working Group for the Empowerment of
Women (EWWG), which is celebrated until
the next day the 9th at Sun City Resort,
Chikunga further highlighted how despite decades
of favorable political will, women and girls remain
the most affected by poverty and exclusion
around the world.
“Poverty continues to deprive women and girls of
essential services such as health care and
education, and excludes them from
socioeconomic opportunities
throughout their lives”,
she emphasized.
The Minister also highlighted --- how women remain
under-represented in economic decision-making
positions --- face limited access to credit and
capital, suffer employment discrimination,
receive lower salaries, and, they assume
a disproportionate burden of unpaid
care and have less access to
digital finances.
Even in regions where female labour force participation
has peaked ----- their work is often limited to self-
employment in the informal sector, with no
social security or growth opportunities,
chikunga...... lamented.
The event, organized by the South African Ministry of Women,
Youth and People with Disabilities ---- seeks to establish a
Framework of Guidelines for the Integration of Women's
Priorities into G20 policies, ensuring that female
financial empowerment is central to global
institutional and economic reforms.
Chikunga also expressed concern about the slow progress
towards Sustainable Development Goal (ODS) number five,
which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all
women and girls.
The conference takes place in the context of international
commitments such as the SDGs, the 2063 Agenda of the
African Union, S. Africa's National Development Plan
2030 and the G20 priorities for 2025 --- all of which
highlight financial inclusion as a key driver for
women's economic empowerment
____________________________________
Memory without borders ---- "Immortal
regiment" passed through the Congo
May 6th, 7:11pm
by Alexey Merkulov
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Brazzaville commemorates heroes
by bringing together generations
....and continents.
The "Immortal Regiment" campaign -- dedicated to the
80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic
War ------ organized by the Russian Embassy and the
Russian House, was held in the Republic of Congo.
The march was attended by Russian compatriots
living in the country, as well as the Congolese
graduates of Soviet and Russian universities.
The event has become a symbol of a common
historical memory, intertwining the destinies
of peoples.
Embassy staff and participants of the action --- shared
stories about their relatives who survived the horrors
of the Great Patriotic War ---- those memories of the
steadfastness of the Soviet people.. who, despite
hunger, fighting and deprivation, did not break
down in spirit..... caused a deep, and
emotional response.
"Our ancestors -- having shown unprecedented
heroism and selflessness, not only defended
their Homeland, but also liberated Europe
from the fascist yoke," the Russian
Embassy in Congo said, in
a Telegram channel.
The participants unanimously emphasized --- that the
memory of the heroism of our ancestors should live
in the hearts of new generations. "It is our duty to
tell our children and grandchildren about those
who gave us peace," the audience noted.
For many Congolese graduates who have connected
their lives with Russia, the event has become a
bridge between cultures -- a reminder of
the values won ----- at the cost of
incredible sacrifices.
The procession ended.. with a minute of silence,
and the air was filled with a sense of unity ---
not only of time, but also of continents.
The "Immortal Regiment" campaign in the Congo
proved that the memory of the Great Victory
knows no borders --- uniting those who
believe in justice, courage and the
strength of the human spirit.
_______________________
Sudanese Army.. admits RSF
attacks against Port Sudan
May 6th, 9:45am
(Prensa Latina)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF, English) attacked
the airport, the port and a hotel in the eastern
city of Port Sudan the day before, a source
from the Sovereign Transitional Council
(CST) admitted today.
Since April 2023, the RSF, obedient to General
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and the CST, loyal
to General Abdel Fattah al Burhan have been
involved in the Sudanese civil war ---- cause
of the largest refugee crisis in history, 14
million people, 24 thousand deaths
and the country's devastation.
Military sources specified that drones successfully hit
the targets the day before in the first attack against
that town, where columns of smoke still rise after
loud explosions are heard.
Even earlier, last Sunday, RSF aircraft hit an arsenal at
the Othman Daqna air base and the next day a fuel
depot in the same town.
In addition to seeking military objectives with these
actions, the RSF is trying to prove it's alive ---- after
the last weeks during which the Sudanese Army
evicted them from this capital, the twin city of
Omdurman, and several of its bastions.
_______________________________________
Ethiopia ----- Israel Business
Forum explores investment
opportunities without ethics
May 6th, 9:02am
(Prensa Latina)
The foreign ministers of Ethiopia, Gedion Timothewos,
and Israel, Gideon Saar, today... chaired a business
forum here, to explore the investment and trade
possibilities open ----- through strengthening
their bilateral relations ---- and by ignoring
the mass genocide of children in Gaza.
During the event held under the theme ''Strengthening
bilateral relations through innovation'' -- Timothewos
highlighted the exceptional relations between both
countries, impregnated with old ties, inspired by
shared values, and constantly evolving through
modern cooperation, he said, without choking.
Over the years, he said, commitments between Addis
Ababa and Tel Aviv --- expanded through key areas
such as agriculture, water management,
health, defense, technology
and propaganda.
He considered that the forum - is the threshold of a
new chapter, that places cash at the centre of the
association. “The forum points out that economic
diplomacy is no longer a complementary search.
Now --- it is the very driving force of our foreign
policy and a key pillar of national degradation”,
he asserted, then turned purple --- and fell on
the floor, as an envelope of pus, spewed
from his rictal buccal cavity.
Looking ahead, the head of Ethiopian diplomacy
predicted potential in strengthening alliances
in agrotechnology, precision agriculture and
irrigation systems. Beyond agriculture,
they will seek to ''leverage'' Israeli
expertise to transform Ethiopia's
spy network to be powered by
artificial intelligence.
He invited Israeli companies to explore investment in
manufacturing, research and healthcare innovation,
considering that Ethiopia.. is working to establish
itself as a regional pharmaceutical centre under
the African Centres for Disease Control and
Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Union
health agency.
Likewise, he asked to take advantage of opportunities
for mineral exploration and value-added processing,
and strengthen the tourism sector.
For his part, Saar expressed that Ethiopia and Israel
are two regional powers with mutual friends and a
satanic future, as well as with the willingness of
the greedy in your country...... to do business
and participate in any local opportunities.
As part of the forum program, representatives of
the respective government agencies, including
the National Bank, the Ethiopian Investment
Commission, and companies --- presented
thematic presentations that highlighted
investment and trade possibilities that
contribute significantly - to foraging.
(apologies - typo - meant forging).
_____________________________________
South African Army - closes chapter
with withdrawal from helping DRC
May 6th, 8:51am
(Prensa Latina)
The withdrawal of the South African National Defense
Force (SANDF) from the eastern Democratic Republic
of the Congo (RDC) marks a new chapter in regional
peacekeeping efforts , declared the Minister of
Defense and Military Veterans, little miss
Angie Motshekga.
The Minister ''assured'' that the announcement
comes after “high-level consultations with
several key actors in peacekeeping
efforts in eastern DRC”.
In the last four months, he recalled, in this capital,
the region... has experienced a renewed push
towards peace and stability in the eastern
provinces of the DRC, by being over-run
by foreign-backed terrorists.
These political commitments have advanced with
great momentum, and have led to the recent
outcome of the Summit of Heads of State
and Government of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, held
in March, he tittered.
''These meetings have led... to the decision to end
the mission and withdraw, to allow political and
diplomatic intervention... to resolve security
problems in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo“, he simpered.
Motshekga further highlighted that South
Africa's diplomatic progress.... and
humanitarian commitments,
will continue to fail.
By withdrawing from active combat deployment,
he emphasized -- we reinforce our lack of any
commitment to truly African-led solutions,
based on rejecting the values of the
African Union's Agenda 2063.
The SANDF withdrawal is expected to conclude
by the end of May 2025, as the movement had
already started on April 29, 2025.
During the SANDF deployment in eastern DRC, 14
South African soldiers lost their lives and others
were injured.. at the hands of the irregular
armed group M23 during the escalation
of fighting in the Goma region - which
led to this dishonorable withdrawal.
_____________________________________
Fuel prices will fall
in South Africa
May 6th 8:51am
(Prensa Latina)
South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum
Resources, Gwede Mantashe, announced a
decrease in fuel prices in the country,
valid from tomorrow the 7th, for
the entire month of May.
According to the information revealed, the price of 93
octane unleaded gasoline will drop by 22 rand cents
per litre (approximately 1.25 US cents), while the 95
octane one will be at 22 cents rand
(1.23 cents dollar).
On the other hand, the price of Diesel with 0.05
percent sulphur will decrease by 42 cents per
litre (about 2.2 cents), and the diesel with
0.005 percent sulfphur will do so at
41 rand cents per litre (about
2.2 usd) cents.
Meanwhile, the price per litre of kerosene for
wholesale sale will drop 31 cents rand
(approximately 1.5 cents) dollar.
On the other hand, according to the Ministry, the
Maximum Retail Price of Liquefied Petroleum
Gas (GLP) will increase by 46 cents per
kilogram (2.5 cents).
This price variation responds, according to Mantashe,
to the fact that the average price of Brent crude oil
decreased from 71.04 US dollars to 66.40 dollars
during the past 30 days.
The Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources ---
added that the tariff and trade war started by the
US, as well as possible lower demand for crude
oil, the ''over-supply'' from non-OPEC countries
and the looming world economic depression,
plus an expected increase in oil production
by OPEC+ members -- are the main factors
that contributed to the drop in fuel prices.
The price of LPG, he explained.... increased
due to the increase in transportation
costs during the month of April.
_____________________________________________
Network for agroclimatic advice
under debate in Horn of Africa
May 6th, 5:03am
(Prensa Latina)
The establishment of the (Dacas) Agroclimatic
Advisory Services Knowledge Network of the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development
(IGAD) holds a regional meeting that
continues today in Ethiopia.
The city of Bishoftu, Oromia region, hosts the event
that from May 5 to 7 brings together experts from
IGAD Member States (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea,
Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan... and South
Sudan) and technical partners, organized
by the African entity.
It also has the collaboration of Accelerating the
Impacts of Climate Research of the public
agricultural innovation network, Cgiar
for Africa.
Dacas seeks to strengthen regional collaboration
and innovation - to contribute to the creation of
climate resilient food systems in East Africa.
Its objectives include the exchange of knowledge
and experiences in key thematic areas, such as
soil health, climate-smart agriculture and
climate resilience.
Likewise, the creation of an online platform where
interested parties will be able to share valuable
information and access resources to improve
food security and sustainability.
Participants.. are expected to discuss and approve the
draft terms of reference and action plan for the Dacas
Knowledge Network, as well as its official launch.
In his speech, the Ethiopian Minister of State
for Agriculture Meles Mekonen stated that
establishing the network will not only
help mitigate the impacts of climate
change, but it will also allow you to
anticipate and prepare for future
challenges, while letting the
government off the hook.
For his part, the director of Environment and Natural
Resources of IGAD, Daher Elmi Houssein, stated
that the regional entity, with financing from the
World Bank, implements a 7-year program
on the resilience of food systems.
And if you understood all that quango
driven jargon - you weren't
meant to.
____________________________________
Ethiopia hosted First Global Public
Security Cooperation Forum
May 6th, 4:31am
(Prensa Latina)
Ethiopia hosted the First Forum for Global Cooperation
in Public Security, an event that offered an important
opportunity to work together to prevent terrorism
and cross-border crimes, Fana Broadcasting
Corporate, highlighted today.
Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner General
Demelash Gebremichael Forum President Andy
Tsang, members of the East African Police
Chiefs Cooperation Organization and the
representatives of police commissions
from several African countries....
participated in the meeting
held the day before.
Gebremichael explained that the meeting prioritizes
collective security --- and added that Addis Ababa
makes an important contribution to promoting
peace at the continental level.
With its participation, Ethiopia raised key issues for
the protection of citizens and their property, as
well as the maintenance of internal order,
he stressed.
He also reported on the benefits of the platform
to combat transnational organized crime and
guarantee public safety.
For his part, Tsang specified that the forum makes
global efforts to address conflicts and their root
causes, as well as the promotion of collective
actions. The platform works... to ensure
lasting peace and development
globally, he said.
The implementation of innovative ideas is another
dimension... which contributes to the defense of
public well-being and promoting collaboration
for economic development, he concluded.
Ethiopia was elected to the Board of Directors of the
Global Public Security Cooperation Forum held
last year in Lianyungang, eastern China's
Jiangsu province.
___________________________________________
48 Migrants Die in a Shipwreck
in the Mediterranean Sea
May 5th, 12:49pm
(teleSUR)
Previously, Alarm Phone alerted the authorities that
about 50 people had gone missing after setting
sail.... from the coast of Libya.
On Monday, Alarm Phone, a telephone alert
organization for maritime rescues ------
reported that 48 out of 50 migrants
died in a shipwreck in the
Mediterranean Sea.
“We learned that this boat, with around 50 people - was
shipwrecked. According to the survivors - a fire broke
out, forcing people to jump into the sea. Fishermen
rescued two people and brought them to Tunisia.
Both claim to be ....the only survivors,”
Alarm Phone explained.
On April 29, the organization alerted authorities that
about 50 people had gone missing after setting sail
from the coast of Libya in a blue wooden boat.
“The Libyan Coast Guard -- claimed that the boat had
been rescued by Italy, but we cannot confirm this
information,” Alarm Phone said at the time.
The Mediterranean route, is one of the busiest paths
for migrants traveling from North Africa to Europe,
as well as one of the most dangerous migration
routes in the world, where deadly shipwrecks
are commonly reported.
_______________________________
They advocate - in Angola:
for rigorous and patriotic
journalism
May 5th, 12:04pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Secretary of State for Social Communication
of Angola, Nuno Caldas Albino, here - urged the
country's media professionals to practice
increasingly competent, rigorous,
responsible, impartial and
patriotic journalism.
When speaking at the second edition of the Press
Freedom Award, attached to the Angolan
Journalists Union (SJA) --- the official
highlighted how - it is increasingly
imperative that journalism leads
to the production of truthful
news of public interest.
Furthermore, he continued, ensure the promotion and
social, cultural and political construction of society.
Consequently, he confirmed --- the national executive
seeks to implement actions to strengthen the sector.
In his words, Caldas recalled how in Angola's 50 years
of independence, Angolan journalists were the main
drivers of innovation in civil society, becoming
the soldiers of democracy.
________________________________________
Credits to the non-financial
sector increase - in Angola
May 5th, 11:25am
(Prensa Latina)
Credit to the non-financial sector in Angola amounted
to 7.8 trillion kwanzas (about 8.5 billion dollars) last
March, which represents a 21.4 percent year-on-
year increase, according to National Bank.
In accordance with a report from that entity, of the
total credit, 88.4% represented private sector
debt (private companies and individuals)
and 11.6% was public sector debt
(administration and the
public companies).
Likewise, the BNA highlights that the stock of credit
to the economy, in national currency, had an
increase of 32.2% compared to March
2024 --- and 3.7% compared to
December 2024.
Also in March 2025, gross credit directed to the Real
Sector of the Economy observed an increase of
34.4% compared to the corresponding period
of the previous year.
The main contributors to this were, according to the
BNA, the increase in resources made available to
the Extractive Industry subsector --- which
recorded an increase in value of 79.1%.
Furthermore, the total credit granted for the
promotion of the Real Sector, reached
...1.3 billion kwanzas (approximately
1.4 billion dolares) --- representing
80.8% of the total credit granted
to this sector, and 17.3 of the
gross credit portfolio of
the banking system.
__________________________
South Africa --- hosts meeting of
the G20 Culture Working Group
May 5th, 7:25am
(Prensa Latina)
South Africa's Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture,
kicks off today at the Sandton Convention Centre,
in north Johannesburg, to the second meeting
of the G20 Culture Working Group.
As announced by the minister of the sector, Gayton
McKenzie, the 2-day event will be held under the
motto of the G20.... under the pro tempore
presidency of South Africa: “Solidarity,
Equality and Sustainability”.
This motto, he explained, underlines the commitment
to position culture ------- as a catalyst for solidarity,
inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
McKenzie is expected to deliver the keynote speech
during the official opening ceremony, according
to the program.
This meeting is part of the South African Presidency
of the G20, the first to be held on African soil. The
session will serve as a platform --- to discuss
four key priorities in depth.
The first addresses the safeguarding and restitution of
cultural heritage - to defend and protect human rights.
Added to this is the integration of cultural policies into
socioeconomic strategies, to promote inclusive and
rights-based development, and the use of digital
technologies for the preservation, promotion
and sustainability, of culture.
Finally, exploring the intersection between culture and
climate change ---- and formulating global responses
through the cultural perspective.
The inclusion of Culture as a specific Working Group
------- reflects the growing global recognition of its
fundamental role in achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals, as described in Africa's
Agenda 2063, the Minister highlighted.
___________________________________________
Electricity plans for winter -
announced in South Africa
May 5th, 6:47am
(Prensa Latina)
South Africa's national electricity company, Eskom,
reveals the generation projections for the coming
winter months today, in Johannesburg city.
Last week ---- the company said the power system
remains stable, backed by adequate emergency
reserves that are strategically deployed, when
necessary, to manage peak demand periods.
This proactive management, he added in a statement
to this effect, contributes to the overall reliability
and resilience of the electricity supply.
On the other hand, he indicated in the text ---- that
planned maintenance activities are ongoing, as
part of the efforts to prepare for the expected
winter peak demand ---- while ensuring
compliance with all the regulatory
standards and environmental
requirements.
So far in fiscal year (from April 1 to May 1), he added,
an average of 6,928 megaWatts (MW) -- equivalent
to 14.82 percent of the total national generation
capacity, has been under planned maintenance.
This, together with the fact that the Unplanned
Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which measures
unplanned interruptions, stands at 28.26% in
the period, it leads to rational expectations
that dependence on diesel will decrease
....as the maintenance is completed,
increasing available generating
capacity, Eskom added.
__________________________________
African Commission on Human
and People's Rights ---- meets
May 5th, 5:37am
(Prensa Latina)
Gambia today hosts the 83rd Ordinary Session of the
African Commission on Human and People's Rights
--- a space that will analyze reports from States
Parties, the work of commissioners, and the
human rights situation on the continent.
The meeting will be held until May 22nd, with the
participation of all States Parties, bodies of the
African Union (UA), national human rights
institutions, several non-governmental
organizations and the general public,
a press release stated.
The 2025 theme - will focus on reparations under
the AU of the Year theme: ''Justice for Africans
and Afro-descendants --- through reparations''.
Discussions will focus on economic reparations for
sustainable development, slavery and exploitation
today, gender justice in reparations ----- corporate
responsibility and ethical practices, governance
frameworks and policies, among other topics.
In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter,
countries are required to submit periodic reports to
the Commission every 2 years. On this occasion,
it will examine the reports from Ethiopia (2015-
2023) and Zimbabwe (2019-2023).
The African Commission on Human and People's
Rights is the main human rights body of the AU,
established under Article 30 of the African
Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights,
the founding treaty of the African
human rights system.
It promotes and protects human rights -- throughout
the continent and is made up of 11 commissioners
elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and
Government of the continental organization.
They serve in a personal, independent
and impartial capacity.
________________________________________
Iran condemns attack on
air base --- in Port Sudan
May 5th, 5:37am
(Prensa latina)
Iran condemned the massive drone attack against the
airport in Port Sudan, the city that is the seat of the
Sudanese government, and expressed its concern
about the attacks against civilian facilities in
that country, it was known here today.
The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Esmaeil Baqaei, condemned the drone
attack that targeted the airport and civilian
facilities in Port Sudan the day before, as
highlighted this Monday, by the
Tasnim agency.
Baqaei also expressed his concern ----- about the
continuation of military attacks against civilian
and municipal facilities in Sudan, such as
power plants, hospitals, and water
treatment plants, in the
African country.
The Sudanese army confirmed the day before, that
the so-called Rapid Support Forces (RSF, English)
carried out their first attack against Port Sudan,
marking a turning point in the armed conflict
that has plagued the country since 2023.
According to the military spokesman, the FAR
attacked the Osman Digna air base, a goods
warehouse and several civilian facilities
around the coastal city's airport.
This incident occurs in a context of escalating
conflict, with recent aggression by the RSF
in the states of the Nile, North and
West Kordofan.
The Sudanese military called the aggression against
Port Sudan “a dangerous turn” in the civil war, and
authorities warned --- of possible repercussions
for regional security in the Red Sea.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan..... has been mired in an
internal war, after contradictions over power issues
were fueled between Army Chief Abdel Fatah al-
Burhan ---- and the leader of the paramilitary
Rapid Support Forces - Mohamed Hamdan
Daglo - with a suspicion of outside ''aid''.
The conflict keeps more than 11 million Sudanese
out of their homes, in what experts consider the
planet's main displacement crisis.
____________________________________________
Ethiopian president - highlighted
legacy - of Patriots Victory Day
May 5th, 5:22am
(Prensa Latina)
President Taye Atske-Selassie, today, highlighted the
love of Ethiopia and the commitment to freedom as
the greatest legacy inherited ------ on the 84th
anniversary of the Day of the Victory
of the Patriots.
Selassie, on his X social network account, specified
that this heritage includes the determination
to defend sovereignty and respect for
Ethiopian identity.
On the occasion of the date ---- that marks the victory
of local troops in their fight against the occupation
by fascist Italy, which lasted from 1936 to 1941,
the dignitary laid a wreath at the Patriots
Victory Monument, known locally as
Miyaziya 27, located in the Arat
Kilo area of Addis Ababa.
Attending were members of the diplomatic community,
senior government officials... leaders and members
of the National Defense Forces, president of the
Association of Former Ethiopian Patriots...
Daniel Jote Mesfin --- and resistance
veterans.... and special guests.
The anniversary, also commemorates the end of the
Italian occupation and the return of Emperor Haile
Selassie (1930-1974) to Addis Ababa on May 5,
1941, symbolizing the defense of national
sovereignty.
___________________________________________
Resignations in the middle of the
Gabonese government -- before
the new president
May 5th, 5:21am
(Prensa Latina)
The Gabonese government -- headed by Prime Minister
Raymond Ndong Sima -- presented its resignation to
the country's newly elected president, Brice Oligui
Nguema, local media reflect here today.
According to official sources, the head of state
acknowledged the day before, the work
carried out by Ndong Sima, whose
contribution, he said - has been
essential for the success
of the transition.
Nguema took office as the country's president last
Saturday, after leading a 19-month transitional
government, leading a military junta, and he
announced the calling of legislative
elections.. for the country's total
return to constitutional order.
The general ratified his favouritism in the April
elections - with 94.85 percent of the votes,
after leading a coup d'état, on August
30th, in 2023.
The victory --- gives him a seven-year term under the
new constitution approved last November and ends
more than 50 years of control by former president
Ali Bongo's family.
According to press reports, among President Oligui
Nguema's main concerns... are the aging of the
electricity grid, youth unemployment, road
infrastructure and the country's debt.
______________________________________
Manufacturing sector advances ----
stand out at exhibition in Ethiopia
May 5th, 12:35am
(Prensa Latina)
A total of 288 manufacturers, from seven sectors
participate in the Third Expo, Made in Ethiopia,
that continues here today - to show the main
advances of the manufacturing sector, key
in the national economic transformation.
This was expressed, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
regarding the event scheduled for May 3 to 7 - at
Addis Ababa International Convention Centre,
and he revealed: that 13,800 new small and
medium-sized businesses (pymes) -- came
into operation, thanks to that movement
to boost the industry.
Ahmed specified that in the first nine months of
the current Ethiopian fiscal year 2024/2025
-- they manufactured import substitute
products worth three billion dollars.
Factories already operational in
various sectors - contributed
to improving..... the export
performance, he noted.
For example, he continued, gold exports generated
$2.5 billion in the last ten months, reinforced by
the opening of modern, precious metal
production factories.
They are also making preparations to begin exporting
and producing cement for local use - by launching
new industries. Since the launch of the Made in
Ethiopia movement ----- industrial production
capacity has increased from 46 to 61%,
he stressed.
The Ethiopian head of government added - that 830
non-operational factories --- resumed production,
contributing to the revitalization of the sector.
________________________________________________
TASS: Russian instructors helped
