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Focus on Mother Africa, news and events

A ''rousing'' dance song 
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Mother Africa

++++++++++++++++++++++

 
 
Macron suffers fiasco in Niger, 
Africa to go more independent 
in security matters — expert
September 25th, 5:39pm (TASS) 
 
French President Emmanuel Macron's policy in Niger and other 
countries of the Sahara-Sahel region has suffered a fiasco, 
as the African continent will continue to gain greater 
independence from the former Western colonial 
powers in security matters, says Vsevolod 
Sviridov, an expert of the Centre for 
African Studies of the National 
Research University Higher 
School of Economics.
 
Yesterday, Macron said that Paris had decided to recall its
 ambassador to Niger and also announced that France
 intended.. to pull out its military by the end of the 
year. These moves, Sviridov believes, are sure 
signs that the French leader's policy in the 
countries of the Sahara-Sahel region, 
has fallen through - with a crash.
 
"Macron invested a great deal of his political capital in the
 reassembly of Franco-African relations, but failed to 
achieve their overall stabilization," Sviridov 
told TASS.
 
According to the expert, in this context, it is important to note
 that in security matters Africa is being sovereignized and this 
trend will continue.
 
"Former colonial powers are reducing their involvement in 
security issues on the continent, handing them over to 
African countries," Sviridov explained.
 
At the same time, the analyst cautioned against interpreting
 Paris' obvious failures in the Sahara-Sahel region as signs 
of France's complete decline in Africa.
 
"France still has strong positions in other countries of the
 region - in Cameroon, in Cote d'Ivoire and in Benin," the 
expert recalled. "Besides, we do not yet know exactly 
how France will be leaving Niger. Possibly, it will try 
to stay. Maybe it will be making artificial delays. 
When France was leaving Mali, almost the 
entire contingent, was moved to Niger. 
Niger has become the main base for 
French forces. Now the question is 
where they will go from Niger. It 
could be other countries in the
region traditionally friendly to 
France. It is important to 
understand who will fill 
this power vacuum."
 
 
________________________


Ethiopia temporarily bans export 
of coffee by air passengers
 Russian embassy
September 25th, 4:41pm (TASS)
 
The Ethiopian authorities have temporarily banned the export 
of coffee from the country in any form and in any quantity. 
This, is according to a warning to air passengers, that 
was issued by the Russian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
 
"Due to the introduction of a new order by the customs 
authorities of Ethiopia, the export of Ethiopian coffee
 by air passengers in any form and in any quantity, is 
temporarily prohibited. When planning trips ------ to
avoid unpleasant situations at Ethiopia's 
airport,
we advise you to take this information 
into
account," the statement says published 
in the embassy’s Telegram channel.
 
Coffee is considered the main export crop for Ethiopia. 
 
According to the International Coffee Organization, 
Ethiopia is the leader among African countries in 
coffee production and ranks fifth in the world 
for this indicator --- being overtaken only by 
Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia and Indonesia.


 
________________________________________ 


 
Trade ties between Russia, Egypt 
growing fast, trade turnover hits 
$6 bln — Lavrov
September 25th, 12:11pm (TASS)
 
Russia is developing relations with Egypt on an equal footing 
despite the attempts by some countries to legitimize global 
domination, with trade turnover between the two countries 
growing fast, having reached $6 bln, Russian Foreign
 Minister Sergey Lavrov said --- at the opening of an 
exhibition devoted to the 80th anniversary since
the establishment of diplomatic relations 
between Russia and Egypt.
 
"We see more attempts to legitimize the domination of a 
narrow group of countries on the global arena, but self-
respecting countries -- that put value on their history, 
their traditions, protect their right to independently 
define their development paths & independently, 
without any prompting or bans from outside 
----- choose their friends. We develop our 
strategic, partnership relations - with 
Egypt particularly - on such grounds, 
on the grounds of respecting each 
other’s national interests.  Our 
trade and economic ties - are 
growing fast. Trade turnover 
rose to $6 bln in 2022," 
he said.
 
This is an almost 30% increase compared with the previous
 year, the minister stressed. "Another meeting of the trade 
and economic intergovernmental commission took place
 in March, which saw new decisions on the further 
promotion of our joint projects taken,"
 he added.
 
 
_________________________________________


 
Lavrov announced plans to
develop infrastructure 
projects with African 
countries
September 23rd, 7:13pm
(RT.ru)
 
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, commented 
on relations between Russia and African countries.
 
"The negotiations were very constructive and fruitful. First of
 all, we considered the tasks that need to be solved in order
 to implement the decisions of the Russia — Africa summit, 
which was held in St. Petersburg in July," Lavrov said, 
answering RT's question about the results of 
meetings with African colleagues on the 
sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
 
The Russian Foreign Minister noted that 
there are two main areas of work.
 
"It's trade... and joint investment projects, infrastructure 
projects, educational and cultural projects... medicine, 
healthcare," Lavrov said.
 
According to him, in many African countries there is an
 understanding that Russia comes "not just to develop 
natural resources, export them and process them at 
home, but to really create the foundations of its 
own economy."
 
"The President of Uganda spoke at the Russia-Africa summit... 
He gave very interesting statistics of the global coffee market, 
which is estimated at about $460 billion a year... From this 
money, Africa receives, now I'm afraid to make a mistake, 
but definitely less than 10%," Lavrov said.
 
He noted that this is a vivid example of the fact 
that Africa continues to be used as a source 
of resources, as in colonial times.
 
"All our plans are aimed at the development of modern
 technologies, and we are talking with many countries 
about the placement of ground-based facilities of our 
GLONASS satellite navigation system, the creation 
of facilities through Rosatom," the Russian
 Foreign Minister added.
 
Earlier, Russian Leader Vladimir Putin said that Russia 
intends to develop cooperation with Africa in trade 
and investment, in the fight against poverty and
 ensuring food security.
 
 
________________________________________


Niger's military accused the UN 
Secretary General of colluding
with France --- against the 
new government
by Sergey Gapchuk
September 22nd, 11:56pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
 
TO SHARE
 
The official representative of the military transitional 
government of Niger, Amadou Abdraman -- said on 
RTN that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,
 together with the French authorities, prevented 
the participation of representatives of Niger in
 the UN General Assembly.
 
"The UN Secretary-General, with the connivance of France 
and the Francophone heads of State of ECOWAS, failed 
in his mission - by preventing Niger from participating
in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly," 
Abdraman said.
 
The military in power in Niger strongly condemns the 
decision of the UN Secretary-General and calls it 
interference in the internal affairs of the state.
 
As the KP website wrote.EN, On July 27, a group of Niger 
military personnel made a video message on national 
television, saying that they had overthrown President
 Mohamed Bazoum. It was noted - that Major Colonel 
Amadou Abdraman, who is at the head of the plot, 
said that "the defense and security forces 
decided to put an end to the regime 
with which we were familiar."
 
Niger was considered one of the last strongholds of 
Western influence on the continent, especially 
because of its strategic uranium reserves, 
which are a key resource for France's 
nuclear power industry. 
 
Up to 40% of the uranium consumed by the French 
comes from Niger. Moreover, it was in Niger that 
the French troops were relocated, after their 
withdrawal from Mali.
 
 
_____________________________


 Russia already back in Africa
 — Russia’s envoy to UN
September 22nd, 7:27pm (TASS)
 
Russia’s return to Africa has already happened --- and African
countries take note of their good ties with Moscow, Russia’s 
Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, told 
reporters, commenting on African countries’ growing 
interest in Russia.
 
"Russia is not 'coming back' --- it has come back to Africa," he
said. "All the African ministers who meet with Sergey Lavrov,
confirm -- that our economic trade is going up and we have
 good political ties."
 
Nebenzya pointed out that Russia is in close cooperation 
with African nations through the UN, where Russia rests 
its position on the principle: "African solutions to 
African countries."
 
"This means, that Africans cannot be told how they should 
live, but instead.... it is better to help them do as they
themselves want," he added.


______________________________________


 Egypt calls on Israel to stop
violence on Palestinian 
territories
September 22nd, 12:06pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on Israel to stop
 the escalation of violence on the occupied Palestinian
 territories, due to the danger it poses to the
 Middle East.
 
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a 
press release that Shoukry’s call came at a meeting in 
New York with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, on 
the sidelines of the 78th United Nations 
General Assembly.
 
According to the text, the head of Egyptian diplomacy 
warned that the wave of violence pushed away the 
possibility of achieving peace.
 
Abu Zeid stressed that a comprehensive and just peace is the 
only guarantee to achieve prosperity, stability, and peaceful
 coexistence in the region, based on restoring Palestinians’ 
rights, including establishing an independent State with
 East Jerusalem as its capital.
 
This week, Egypt issued separate statements - criticizing 
the Israeli settlers’ 'incursions' into the Esplanade of the
 Mosques in East Jerusalem -- and the Army’s systematic
 attacks on the Palestinian population in the West Bank.
 
 
__________________________________________
 
 
 
Guterres considers Ethiopia 
an 'essential player' in 
multilateral body
September 22nd, 11:36am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed
 that Ethiopia is an essential player in the multilateral body, 
and reiterated the commitment to strengthening relations 
between the two sides, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs stressed on Friday.
 
Addressing a meeting with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister 
and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the sidelines of 
the 78th UN General Assembly, the head of the UN said he
 felt deep solidarity with the people of that African nation, 
after recalling his days at the multilateral organization’s 
Refugee Agency.
 
I wish Ethiopia -- success in addressing its 
socio-economic challenges, Guterres said.
 
Mekonnen, in turn, praised the United Nations, and Guterres
 in particular, for his dedication in supporting Ethiopia 
during the difficult times of the past, as he reported 
about the implementation of the peace agreement 
that ended the armed conflict in his country’s 
northern region, in November 2022.
 
He called on the world community to support 
reconstruction, rehabilitation, and other 
humanitarian efforts.
 
Mekonnen’s agenda also included a meeting with his Dutch
 counterpart Hanke Bruins Slot, who expressed support for 
Ethiopia’s development efforts and commitment to further
 deepening economic ties.
 
 
______________________________
 
 
Angola defends multilateralism 
against terrorism in Africa
September 22nd, 8:30am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, Téte António, 
defended the reinforced role of multilateralism in the 
face of the evolution and persistence of terrorist 
threats in Africa.
 
During the ministerial meeting of African countries, on 
“Strengthening regional cooperation and institutional 
development to fight the evolving threat of terrorism 
in Africa”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs also called
 for international support to regional efforts.
 
“The threat requires a new generation of anti-terrorist
 measures, developed by regional Member States,” 
he added, and considered appropriate the ones
outlined by the Secretary General of the 
United Nations, António Guterres,
in 
his note on the New
Agenda 
for Peace.
 
“It is essential that the international community join forces
 with existing regional initiatives and redouble its support
 for capacity building in African countries affected by 
terrorism,” the minister stressed, adding that this 
support must be global, inclusive, adaptable and
 specific, and should prioritize efforts in 
neighbouring countries, to prevent 
any further spread.
 
At the meeting, organized by the United Nations Office on 
Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Republic of Nigeria, 
participants shared their views on the terrorist threat 
in the continent and the results they would like to 
see at the African Counter Terrorism Summit.
 
The event is planned for the first half of 2024, in 
Abuja, jointly organized by UNOCT and Nigeria.
 
Terrorism and violent extremism continue to be a major
 challenge for sustainable peace and development in 
Africa, where terrorist groups such as Daesh and
 Al-Qaeda affiliates.... have expanded in recent 
years, as conflicts, international crises, the
lack of development opportunities.... 
competition for natural resources, 
human rights violations and 
abuses --- have created 
favourable conditions 
for their spread.
 
 
_____________________________________




Gunmen have killed nine people who
 were ambushed on a road in Ghana.
by Sergey Chikov
September 21st, 3:10pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
 
TO SHARE
 
Graphic news portal reported that in the Republic of Ghana 
in West Africa, a group of armed men ambushed and killed
 at least nine people.
 
According to the newspaper, a group of people with weapons
 attacked a convoy, which included people traveling to the
 market accompanied by local police. As a result of the 
attack, six women and three men were killed, and 
one policeman was wounded.
 
Local authorities have linked the attack to tensions between
 two neighboring communities on the border between Ghana
 and Burkina Faso.
 
Recently ----- a group of armed bandits attacked a group of
French tourists in Niger. The attack occurred on the road
 to the local giraffe reserve. According to preliminary 
versions, the purpose of the attack was robbery. 
As a result, six tourists from France and two 
residents of Niger, were killed.
 


____________________________________
 


Multilateral Banks' Mandates --- 
Must Be Reframed: Ramaphosa
September 21st (teleSUR)
 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the margins of 
the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), speaking at 
the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development 
Summit, outlined the situation from the perspective 
of the countries of the Global South.
 
On Wednesday, he named the following acute problems 
facing the world community: convergence of a climate
 crisis, recession, increased conflicts, environmental 
degradation, growing food insecurity, deepening 
poverty and unacceptable levels of hunger.
 
This is particularly relevant for countries in the Global South,
 and in particular the African continent. It was expected that
 the most vulnerable populations would receive the support 
they need.
 
"Agreed international commitments were not honoured. 
Principles such as common but differentiated 
responsibilities, are not being respected," 
Ramaphosa said, pointing out the 
deepening gap ----- between the
developed countries, and the 
Global South, which affects 
all aspects of life --- for 
people in developing 
countries.
 
"Sustainable and inclusive growth requires that more be done. 
We must strengthen and reform the international financial 
architecture. Developing economy countries must 
participate equally and meaningfully in the 
decision-making processes of the 
international economic order," 
the South African president 
pointed out.
 
"The mandates of multilateral development banks -- must be 
reframed to respond to the needs of developing economies. 
We must assert the principle of country ownership.”
 
He also called for the incorporation of objective data 
on the needs and capacities of both developed and
 developing countries --- into the workings of the
 international tax system.
 
“Multilateral development banks should support projects and
 programmes that are aligned to the development priorities
and climate commitments of these countries," 
Ramaphosa said.
 
"More innovation is required to enable the private sector 
to play a greater role in addressing the finance gap. 
This includes a new approach to blended finance 
with a focus on the developmental impact 
of investments.“
 
He also emphasised the critical importance of public finance
 for the development of countries and called for developed 
countries to meet their commitment to allocate at least 
0.7 per cent of their gross national income to official 
development assistance. They also need to fulfil 
their commitment - to mobilise US$100 billion
year - to fight climate change.
 
 
_______________________________________


Nigerian president says there 
should be equal partnerships 
with Africa
September 20th, 10pm
(africanews)
 
In his inaugural speech at the United Nations, Nigeria’s
 president, Bola Tinubu, emphasised the need for 
Africa to overcome the constraints of foreign
 exploitation and unlock its vast potential.
 
"Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But 
broken promises, unfair treatment, and outright 
exploitation from abroad have also exerted 
a heavy toll on our ability to progress,” 
he said.
 
“African nations will improve our economies so that our 
people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and 
streets of other nations.”
 
Tinubu stressed the importance of the international
 investments, saying partners should see Africa’s 
development as a priority, but adding that this 
should be in an equal and mutually 
beneficial manner.
 
"What we seek is an equal, firm commitment to 
partnership. Walk with us as true friends and 
partners,” he said.
 
“Africa is not a problem to be avoided. Nor is it to 
be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to
 the world’s future."
 
Tinubu also spoke out against coups.... saying 
democratic governance is the best guarantor 
of the will and well-being of the people.
 
And he highlighted the urgency - of addressing 
the impact of climate change on the continent.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
Africa: How To Stop the Health 
Worker Brain Drain in Africa?
 Invest in People & Innovations
September 20th, 2023
(allAfrica.com)
 
This year the World Health Organization added 37 African
 countries to a list of nations at risk of facing worsening 
health worker shortages due to the “brain drain”, a well-
documented phenomenon of health workers emigrating 
to work in high-income countries like the U.S., Canada 
and Europe.
 
This exodus of clinicians from African nations is impeding 
access to quality healthcare, leading to patients facing 
long queues and lack of specialized medical services. 
They may even get turned away as health centres 
struggle to manage demand with limited staff.
 
The brain drain isn’t a new issue. But it’s contributed to a reality
 where the vast majority of countries across the continent
 have fewer than two health workers ---- for every 1,000 
people, a far cry from countries like Sweden, which
 has 4,3 doctors and 10,9 nurses..... for every 
1,000 people. 
 
Rapidly changing demographics and population growth,
rising inflation, and weak health workforce governance
 all exacerbate the issue. By 2030 ------ it’s projected
that 
Africa will have a shortage of 6,1 million
health workers.
 
Many strategies to address the health-worker shortage have 
focused on preventing overseas recruitment of nurses and
 doctors. But systemic issues like poor working conditions 
& limited professional training opportunities are driving 
the shortage, compounded by difficulties in deploying 
health workers to rural, remote and under-reached 
communities. Countries therefore must invest in
 the people and systems needed to address 
unmet health needs.
 
First, countries must ensure that health providers always have
 the medical supplies they need, when they need them. When
 health products are out of stock, it adds undue stress on
 overstretched doctors and nurses already struggling to
 keep up with patient demand. Public health supply 
chains must ensure that products are consistently 
delivered where they need to go, which requires 
they be people-centred, equitable, responsive, 
and resilient.
 
This can only be made possible with a well-trained technical 
workforce, yet public health supply chain management has
 yet to be formalized and recognized as a discipline in most
 countries. Academic and government programs that train
 these professionals ---- provide continuing professional 
development opportunities, and offer formal supply 
chain management certification which could 
create jobs, strengthen health systems, and
 fortify the future of healthcare delivery. 
 
Governments and universities in countries like Ethiopia, 
Tanzania and Rwanda are actively taking steps toward 
professionalizing public health supply chain 
management, and others should follow in
 their footsteps.
 
Second, countries must professionalize the broad base of
 community health workers (CHWs) to fully unlock their
 potential to increase access to health services, 
especially at the last mile. 
 
CHWs are often the primary link between under-reached
 communities and the healthcare system, performing 
simple but crucial healthcare activities that help 
prevent and address common health issues, 
and easing the demand.. on health centres. 
Task shifting, has long proven to ease the 
burden on the scarce doctors and nurses
 on the continent.
 
But many countries fail to include CHWs in health sector
 planning, leaving them without adequate resources, 
support or training to provide care. 
 
“Professionalizing” CHWs makes them salaried, skilled, 
supervised, and supplied so they are fully integrated 
into primary healthcare systems. For example... in 
Liberia --- policymakers are working with Village
Reach and other partners like Last Mile Health
 to add CHWs to the national health budget line 
- ensuring they're allocated the supplies they 
need to provide care in the farthest villages.
 
Finally, digital solutions can play a crucial role in alleviating 
the burden of patient caseloads for health workers. Tele-
health continues to be one of Africa’s fastest-growing
healthcare delivery solutions, and is among the most
 cost-efficient strategies.
 
For example, in Malawi, the Health Centre by 'Phone solution
co-developed by VillageReach, and the Ministry of Health, 
acts as a first point of care that a patient can access via 
call or text to receive accurate health information from 
well-trained health workers, and self-assess their 
symptoms before journeying to a health centre. 
 
The hotline provides referrals as needed, but also helps
 prevent people...... who have concerns that can be 
resolved over the phone from visiting hospitals 
unnecessarily, reducing exposures to 
hospital-acquired infections.
 
In addition to serving patients, Health Center by Phone also
 provides remote training for health workers, and supports
 governments by enhancing data visibility, offering feed-
back on health services, and helping to identifying 
outbreaks. Many countries already have a health
 hotline in place and can look towards Malawi’s 
example to fully unlock its potential.
 
These solutions are just one piece of the puzzle, in addressing
 the shortage and strengthening the entire health care system. 
However, retaining and supporting the full cadre of health 
workers will also require better pay, professional 
development opportunities, and increased 
mental health support. Countries must 
also continue to invest in growing the
 total number of health workers 
across the continent.
 
Collaborative work toward these goals has already begun
 under continent-wide initiatives like the Africa CDC’s 
plan for a New Public Health Order . The upcoming 
3rd International Conference on Public Health in 
Africa ( CPHIA 2023 ), co-hosted by the Africa 
CDC, the Zambia National Public Health 
Institute, and the Zambian Ministry of 
Health, will serve as a forum for 
countries, organizations, and
 international partners --- to 
align on further strategies 
to address the shortage 
of healthcare workers.
 
This meeting will also be an opportunity to intensify political 
and financial commitment towards a genuine transformation 
of healthcare systems. Only then can Africa bridge the gap
 in its health workforce and realize a future where safe, 
high-quality healthcare is accessible to all.
 
By Claudia Shilumani, VP Partnerships and Impact, 
VillageReach, Rebecca Alban, Senior Manager, 
Global Technical Team, VillageReach and 
Edwin Mulwa, Director & Team Lead, 
Digital Solutions, VillageReach.
 
 
____________________________________


Crimes charged against close
 associates... of former 
Gabonese president
September 20th,1:22pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Gabonese military authorities arrested several ministers
 in the government of former president Ali Bongo and 
one of his sons, accused of high treason and active
 corruption, the capital's Prosecutor's Office 
informed today.
 
Among those arrested are Noureddin, the former president’s 
eldest son, former presidential spokesman Jessye Ella 
Ekogha and four others, who have been charged and 
taken into police custody, capital prosecutor 
André-Patrick Roponat said.
 
Gabon has been in chaos since last August 30, less than 
an hour after the announcement of President Bongo’s 
re-election, the head of the presidential guard, 
General Brice Oligui Nguema, announced the 
deposition of the ruler and accused him of 
massive embezzlement of public funds.
 
That same day this African country was shaken by television
 images of trunks and suitcases full of bank bills found in the
 offices and residences of Bongo, his wife Sylvia, and high-
ranking officials, according to the description of the 
narrator of the film.
 
For his part, the former president, who was under house 
arrest for several days, was released and can travel 
abroad or remain in the country, as he prefers, 
according to spokesmen for the new 
transitional government.
 
 
_______________________________
 
 
 
Ethiopian Army Says Al-Shabaab
Attempted Attack ---- was
'Completely Thwarted'
September 20th
(Addis Standard)
 
The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) said
its forces have "completely thwarted" a group of
Al-
Shabaab fighters in an area called Robdirre
inside 
Somalia, after the group's attempt to
attack
 Ethiopian forces stationed
in Somalia.
 
In the first official statement since reports of attacks by Al-
Shabaab against Ethiopian forces over the weekend, which
 resulted in causalities the army admitted that "alShabaab
planned to attack Ethiopia's Defense Forces at a place
 called Robdirre, inside in Somalia, but the plan was 
completely thwarted by our defense forces," the
 army's statement quoted Colonel Fayisa Ayele,
 the commander of the Ethiopian contingent, 
as saying.
 
According to Colonel Faysa, Al-Shabaab forces "deployed 
three explosive-laden vehicles, and 12 explosive-armed
militants, as well as more than 450 of their members, 
but they were destroyed by the defense forces in
 the area."
 
Somali officials told the VOA over the weekend that "Al-Shabab
 militants attacked convoys carrying Ethiopian soldiers in 
Somalia's southwestern Bakool region, early Sunday."
 
The ambush targeted two convoys, one traveling from the 
Somali town of Yeed to Wajid and the second convoy as 
it travelled from El Barde, to the town of Huddur. 
Ethiopian troops have bases in Wajid 
and Huddur.
 
The militant group subsequently claimed killing as many as
 167 Ethiopian soldiers and capturing others, including 
medical personnel. The claim has not been 
independently verified.
 
The Ethiopian army's statement this morning 
did not mention casualities as a result of
 the attack.
 
An official of the Somalia federal government forces operating 
in Huddur district of Bakool region told local media that more
 than 55 members of the Al-Shabaab group were killed in a 
subsequent joint counteroffensive by Somali and 
Ethiopian forces.
 
Marshal Tilahun Demsie, another member of the Ethiopian
 contingent - on his part - admitted that the group has 
"deployed a large number of forces --- and moved to 
carry out the attack" aided by vehicle explosives.
 
 However, two units of the ENDF moved to destroy the group 
through coordinated attack. The Ethiopian army is still in
 pursuit of the remainder of Al-Shabaab members into 
the group's location, the army further said.
 
It is recalled that in 20 July last year, Al-Shabaab militants 
overran the Somali region in Ethiopia, after attacking 
Aato and Yeed, where Liyu police were encamped. 
Both towns are located in the Bakool region of 
southwestern Somalia and bordering Ethiopia.
 
The militants then entered through the Afdheer zone into the 
Somali region on the same day, according to the Somali 
Regional State Security Council. The council detailed,
that 100+ members of Al-Shabaab militants, were 
killed in a three-day operation against the group, 
adding, "13 vehicles were burnt & the weapons 
and supplies they brought with them, seized".
 
On the 25 July, reinforcement members of the ENDF were
 dispatched to join the Somali region's security forces in
 the fight and According to Maj. Gen Tesfaye, the group 
attempted to attack through 5 different border areas,
 namely Yeed, Aato, El-Barde, Washaaqo, and Ferfer, 
however, they were repulsed by security forces.
 
However, a year later in June this year, the group organized 
another attack against Ethiopian forces stationed in the
 border area. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
said that Ethiopian forces "foiled an attack by the 
terrorist Al-Shabaab group in Dolow town on the
 Ethiopia-Somalia border."
 


_________________________________________
 
 
 
Rwanda: Nyungwe National Park
 World Heritage Status, UNESCO
 September 20th, 2023 (teleSUR)
 
Rwanda welcomed the inscription of the country's Nyungwe
 National Park on the World Heritage List Tuesday, making
 it the country's first site to attain such status.
 
The announcement was made... during an ongoing meeting
of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural 
Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee in the 
Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
 
"This is a significant designation that will reinforce Rwanda's 
ongoing conservation efforts," said Rwanda government
 spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, on the social media 
network X, formerly known as Twitter.
 
Representing the government at the meeting, Jean
 Damascene Bizimana --- the Rwandan minister of 
National Unity and Civic Engagement, said that 
this move would increase the park's worldwide 
popularity, spur tourist visits to the park, and 
enhance research activities related to 
the park.
 
"This inscription is not only a contribution to the preservation 
of Rwanda's natural heritage ----- but also of particular 
significance to the Rwandan people since it is the 
first site inscribed on this universal list,"
 Bizimana said, in a statement.
 
Furthermore, UNESCO noted that the serial property 
represents an important area for rainforest 
conservation in Central Africa.
 
Established as a nature reserve in 1933, the forest became a
 national park in 2005 following the Rwandan government's
 efforts to enhance its protection and safeguard the 
thousands of endangered and endemic species 
it harbours.
 
Covering an expanse of 101,900 hectares, Nyungwe National 
Park stands as the largest block of natural forest in the
 region. Boasting remarkable biodiversity, it is home 
to over a dozen species of primates, 322 bird 
species, 200 identified orchids, and nearly 
300 butterfly species, including several 
endemic to the park.
 
Official data... shows that that the park is managed by the 
African Parks Network, a non-governmental organization
specializing in conservation, in partnership with the 
Rwandan government.
 
 
_______________________________________
 
 
 
South Africa leader says 
money spent on war is
 'indictment' of world'
September 20th, 10:06am
(africanews)
 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday
--- denounced the billions of dollars spent on war 
instead of development, as he renewed his 
call for diplomacy in Ukraine.
 
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Ramaphosa 
said it was time to "massively scale up" aid on development
 as the world falls short on ambitious UN-backed goals to
 end extreme poverty by 2030.
 
"It is a grave indictment of this international community that 
we can spend so much on war, but we cannot support 
action that needs to be taken to meet the most basic
 needs of billions of people," he said.
 
Ramaphosa said he spoke at the summit in New York, to 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about a peace 
initiative by African nations.
 
"As the international community, we must do everything within
 our means to enable meaningful dialogue, just as we should 
refrain from any actions that fuel the conflict," he said.
 
South Africa, along with other developing nations, considers
 itself neutral in the Ukraine war and has refused to isolate
 Moscow, recalling the former Soviet Union's support 
for ending apartheid.
 
 
______________________________________
 
 
 
Botswana’s Annual Inflation Rate 
Drops to 1.2 Percent in August
September 20th, 2023
(source - Xinhua)
Pan-African News Wire 
 
Despite uncertainties in the micro- & macroeconomic 
environment.... Botswana’s annual inflation rate 
performance continues to decline, Statistics 
Botswana, the country’s data authority, 
announced Monday.
 
According to Statistics Botswana, the annual inflation rate
 stood at 1.2 percent in August, registering a decrease of
 0.3 percentage points from 1.5 percent in July.
 
“The main contributors to the annual inflation rate in August, 
were the following groups: transport, food and non-alcoholic 
beverages, and miscellaneous goods and services,” said 
Statistician General Burton Mguni, adding that the group
 indices generally moved at a stable pace between July 
and August.
 
Botswanan Finance Minister Peggy Serame recently
 highlighted that Botswana’s monetary policy frame
work focuses on maintaining price stability by 
ensuring.... that inflation is kept within the 
Bank of Botswana’s target range -- of 3
to 6 percent, adding that the inflation
 is forecast - to remain within the
 target range during the next 
few months.
 
 
____________________________________________




EU aggravates standoff 
between Paris and
 Niger junta
September 19th, 2:06pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The standoff between the Nigerien military junta and 
its former metropolis, France, reached new levels of
 complication on Tuesday after the EU threw all its 
power in favour of Paris.
 
Niger and France have been involved in a trial of strength 
since the head of Niger’s presidential guard, General
 Abdourahamane Tiani, overthrew President 
Mohamed Bazoum in a bloodless coup 
d’Etat on July 26.
 
''We reiterate our solidarity with France on the situation of its
ambassador on the ground and with President Bazoum,'' 
High Representative of the EU, for Foreign Affairs and 
Security Policy, Josep Borrell, told reporters in 
New York.
 
One of the first measures adopted by the Nigerien military 
force, was to break off the agreements with France and 
request the ambassador’s withdrawal and the French 
contingent deployed in the country after their 
expulsion from Mali, where a transitional 
military cabinet is also in place.
 
French President, Emmanuel Macron, refused to comply with
the decisions and rejected the measures, described as null, 
after being decreed by authorities that ''his'' Government 
considers illegitimate.
 
Meanwhile the military operation of the Economic Commission 
of West African Countries to reinstate President Bazoum,
 rejected by Algeria and Chad and condemned by
 Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, remains
 on hold.
 
 
_________________________________________
 
 
 
Mysterious disease kills nine 
children in Côte d’Ivoire
September 19th, 1:25pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The small village of Niangban is the focus of national 
attention in Côte d'Ivoire, where seven of its
 inhabitants died of a disease of 
unknown origin.
 
Another 59 residents of the village, mostly children and
 teenagers, were urgently admitted in the hospital, in 
the city of Bouaké - as they suffered from vomiting 
& diarrhea for reasons that are yet undetermined, 
according to doctors, who said that the patients 
who died, were minors.
 
The story circulating among the population, is that the 
infected persons consumed corn porridge of a certain 
brand, but for the time, there is no report to determine
 the degree of responsibility of the product.
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
 
Human rights violations
reported in Amhara, 
Ethiopia
September 19th, 12:08pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests and displacement of
 civilians in the Amhara region, have been confirmed by the
 Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (ECHR), it was
 learned on Tuesday.
 
An ECHR report revealed that civilian injuries, deaths and
 arbitrary imprisonment, are among the most urgent 
concerns in that area under a state of emergency 
since August 4, due to clashes between regional 
forces and armed groups from the FANO militia.
 
The commission called on all parties to respect human rights
& international law, after gathering information from victims, 
witnesses and local residents. The testimonies 
corroborated reports on an escalating armed
 conflict in numerous districts, endangering 
the civilian population.
 
“Farmers working in the fields, as well as those seeking 
refuge in their homes, have been caught in crossfire 
with heavy weapons,” the report said.
 
The Commission recommended the proper execution of the 
emergency decree and strict adherence to legal protocols
 as an effective means to solve the crisis.
 
This independent federal state agency is established by 
the Constitution and reports to the representatives of 
the House of Peoples (Parliament) ...as a national 
institute for the promotion and protection of
 human rights.
 
 
_____________________________________


Egypt/BRICS: New Horizons
September 19th, 2023 
(english.ahram.org.eg)
 
By opening the door to new members, BRICS, the five-nation
  Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa  group of
 emerging economies is inching towards its goal of having
 a stronger say in shaping the international order and 
acting as a counterweight to Western influence.
 
The bloc invited Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab 
Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Argentina to join earlier 
this month.

Welcoming the invitation, President 
Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi
said: “We value the trust 
bestowed upon us by all the
member states of 
the bloc, with whom we share
robust ties - 
and we look forward to fruitful 
collaboration with them, in the coming
period, as well as with 
the other
invited countries.”
 
Membership will take effect starting 1 January 2024.
 
Professor of political science Tarek Fahmi says BRICS 
membership will open up opportunities for Egypt on 
both the political and economic fronts. While an 
expanded BRICS will not change the world 
monetary order or establish a multipolar 
world overnight, by joining -- “Egypt is 
reserving an advance place -- in the 
strategic, economic, and security 
order of the world, thanks to its 
foreign policy and presidential 
diplomacy it has recently 
adopted.”
 
Selecting Egypt to be among the first tranche of an expanded
 grouping signals BRICS’ members appreciation of Egypt’s 
role, argues Fahmi, while also underlining Egypt’s 
position in an emerging multipolar world.
 
Former deputy foreign minister Mohamed Hegazi believes
 Egypt’s successful application to join BRICS is partly 
due to the skillful way Cairo has cast light on 
disparities in development, support,
 investment, and trade, in
 international forums.
 
Membership of BRICS, he says, will amplify Egypt’s voice in 
international negotiations over issues like migration, trade,
 debts, and the way international organisations like the IMF
 and the World Bank ------ deal with Third World countries. 
 
“BRICS can offer an alternative development framework -- that
aims for justice, partnership and mutual interests, as well as 
freeing Third World countries from the vicious circle of the
 loans offered by established financing organisations.”
 
Despite differences between the BRICS founder members, 
including border conflicts between China and India and
 Russia and China, the organisation may yet form 
an alternative UN, argues Hegazi.
 
On the bilateral level, membership will help Egypt strengthen 
its already good relations with member nations -- especially
Russia, China, and India. With Russia -- Egypt enjoys a 2+2 
meeting format between the Russian and Egyptian foreign
and defence ministers, something that does not exist 
with the US, despite the strategic relationship 
between Cairo and Washington, points 
out Fahmi.
 
Egypt has long maintained strong relations with Russia and
 India --- and has growing trade ties with China. Working 
together within the framework of BRICS, is likely to 
strengthen these relations. And given that, from 
January, both Egypt and Iran will be BRICS 
members, their mutual relations, which 
have recently improved --- will likely
develop further in terms of trade,
 tourism, and development 
cooperation.
 
BRICS, adds Hegazi, expands its members’ horizons when 
it comes to resolving bilateral and regional problems and
 could impact on ongoing disputes between Egypt and
 Ethiopia and Iran and Saudi Arabia.
 
“BRICS can offer the strategic framework 
for cooperation --- rather than conflict,” 
he says.
 
In June 2023 --- weeks after Egypt’s membership of 
BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB) was ratified,
Cairo submitted a formal application to join
 the group. 
 
Under the NDB agreement, Egypt will 
contribute $1.196 billion in capital.
 
 
____________________________________



Angola and El Salvador 
sign joint agreement -
to establish relations
September 19th, 8:30am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Angola, Téte António, and
 El Salvador, Alexandra Hill Tinoco, signed on behalf of their 
governments a joint statement for the establishment of
 diplomatic relations, the Angolan Foreign 
Ministry reported.
 
This --- is the first legal instrument to promote mutual 
understanding and strengthening ties of friendship 
and cooperation in areas of common interest 
between their two countries and peoples,
 signed in New York, on Monday.
 
The document reaffirms the commitment to the principles and 
purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and 
in international laws, which include respect for the 
promotion of international peace and security, 
equality among States, respect for national 
sovereignty, territorial integrity and 
non-interference.
 
According to the statement from the Angolan Foreign Ministry,
 the parties decided to establish diplomatic relations under 
the terms of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic 
Relations of April 18th, 1961 and the Vienna 
Convention on Consular Relations of 
April 24th, 1963.


 
_____________________________________



Liberians rally in support of 
opposition leader ahead of 
presidential elections
September 18th, 1:14pm
 (PressTV)
 
Thousands of people gathered in Liberia's capital Monrovia as
 opposition leader Joseph Boakai launched his campaign 
ahead of October elections that will test the popularity
 of ex-football star President George Weah, after a 
chaotic first term.
 
Supporters of softly spoken Boakia, 78, who came second to 
Weah in 2017 elections and who has been dubbed "Sleepy 
Joe" by detractors for allegedly napping at public events, 
braved the rain at a stadium to dance, wave flags and 
demand change.
 
Present were some former Weah fans..... disillusioned by what
 they said was his failure to improve living standards or stamp
 out corruption in the impoverished West African country that 
has been hit this century by a civil war, a devastating Ebola 
outbreak, and downturns in commodities prices.
 
It remains to be seen if Boakai and his Unity Party - can turn 
the tide. Weah remains popular across much of the country, 
and the economy grew nearly 5% last year, driven by gains 
in agriculture and mining, the World Bank says.
 
 
(Source: Reuters)

 
 
_______________________________________



Russian embassy ------ quashes rumours 
of coup attempt in Congo as fake news
September 18th, 11:27am (TASS)
 
 Reports from some media outlets about a coup in the
 Republic of the Congo, are untrue, the Russian 
embassy told TASS.
 
"Reports that appeared in foreign and Russian media outlets
about a state coup in the Republic of the Congo, are fake 
news," its source said. "The situation in the country 
is calm," he added.
 
Earlier, rumours that a coup was underway in the Republic 
of the Congo were spread via social media. Thierry Lezin
Moungalla, Congolese Minister of Communications and 
Media & Government Spokesman, denied the rumours.
 


______________________________________________________


 
Horn of Africa at G77 Summit 
calls for greater access to 
science
September 16th, 9:38am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Strongly condemning --- the unilateral sanctions imposed 
on developing countries, greater access to science and
 technology --- were major proposals that nations from 
the Horn of Africa issued at the G77+China Summit 
that concludes today in Havana, Cuba.
 
Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke 
Mekonnen called for a real reform to accommodate decisions
 and opportunities for the benefit of the Global South ahead 
of the historical disparity in accessing to scientific
knowledge and technology.
 
Mekonnen condemned that sanctions and coercive economic 
measures that violate UN principles and international law 
really impact on progress in that sector - and on
economic development.
 
''Ethiopia strongly rejects any unilateral sanctions and
 coercive economic measures imposed on developing
 countries and calls for their removal as a gesture of
 goodwill for global harmony,'' Mekonnen stressed, 
while pointing out that facilitating knowledge &
 technology transfer from developing countries 
and South-South cooperation, really fosters 
innovation & accelerates implementation 
of the Millennium Development Goals. 
 
''Providing local capacities will create conditions 
- particularly for Africa - to become the next 
frontier of the industrial revolution.''
 
In this regard, Mekonnen explained that Addis Ababa drew up
its first economic strategic plan and a 10-year development 
plan, in 2021, aimed at an inclusive economy in further 
development - and enlivening global and regional 
value shifts.
 
He noted the top favorable trend in rolling out such a strategy,
and the Ethiopian government is currently trying to improve 
business operations, along with a search for support.
 
''We have a plan, and we think that the global digital system 
holds the solution to many of challenges the international 
community can undertake to fulfill its ambitions.''
 
The G77+China is widely recognized for its commitment
 to technology transfer and the UN Charter, and for its 
inclusive international support, Mekonnen concluded.
 
Djigouti Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, on the 
other hand, praised Cuba’s work as pro-tempore president 
and negotiations to strengthen cohesion among member 
states, which he considered a strong motivating factor 
to contribute to ambitious goals & common interests.
 
Mohamed recalled that inequalities among the countries 
of 4the North and the South are increasingly widening 
and face an unfortunate situation in which they are
wasting years of effort... for the Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs).
 
''Our countries in the South are the most affected and face 
runaway inflation, high external debt costs, war, food 
insecurity and geopolitical conflicts, the negative 
effects of climate change and environmental 
degradation,'' he emphasized.
 
To meet such challenges, he added, science, technology 
and innovation --- will help speed up productivity and 
competitiveness and facilitate the full integration 
of developing countries into the world economy.
 
Kamil Mohamed considered that scientific and technical
 progress - is pivotal to achieve the SDGs and addressed 
the effects of climate change; however, most countries
 in the South do not have access to new technologies.
 
''This needs to be solved as quickly as possible, in order to 
have a fairer, less unequal and more inclusive world, that 
privileges solidarity and international cooperation, while 
allowing the mobilization of the necessary resources 
to support the efforts of these countries to achieve 
development,'' Kamil Mohamed added.
 
The unity of the G77+China in international discussions 
is essential for the legitimate integration of our peoples 
and, within the group, discussions are important to 
identify points of convergence and explore 
mechanisms and initiatives.... that 
contribute to complementarity.
 
 
________________________________


Burkina Faso’s authorities demand 
French military attache leave 
the country – agency
September 15th, 9:43pm (TASS)
 
 The authorities of Burkina Faso have demanded that the
 French military attache leave the country, Reuters 
reports --- citing a statement from the African 
state's government.
 
The demand stems from -- the attache's 
disruptive actions, the agency explains.
 
The country's government -- also ordered 
the closure of its military mission in Paris.
 
 
________________________________________
 
 
 
US aims to redirect military 
''assistance'' from Egypt
 to Taiwan
September 15th,  6:51pm
(PressTV)
 
The administration of US President Joe Biden has notified 
Congress, that it aims to divert money it promised to 
Egypt ----- to Taiwan instead, sources familiar
with 
the matter told CNN.
 
The administration notified Congress it will decrease
$85 
million in aid to Egypt that had been conditioned
on Cairo’s
 ''progress'' in its treatment of political
prisoners, and instead, 
divert that money to
Taiwan, as well as Lebanon, the 
sources said on Thursday.
 
The sources said 55 million dollars worth of the assistance
 will be reallocated to Taiwan and the rest of the $85 million
 will go to Lebanon, which Washington regularly supports 
with military equipment, including tens of Humvee 
military vehicles, despite the dire conditions in 
the country and the nation needing huge 
financial aid.
 
However, the administration will still allow Cairo to access
 $235 million of the total of $320 million in foreign military
 financing it had promised to Egypt, according to a senior 
official at the US State Department.
 
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had “determined that it is
 in the US national security interest to waive certain human 
rights related conditions” and allow the $235 million to go 
to Egypt.
 
“What I’m describing today reflects our current assessment 
that Egypt’s cooperation merits the national security waiver 
for fiscal year 2022,” said the official, whose name was not 
mentioned in the reports.
 
In the meantime, the Biden administration has 
been working to increase arms shipments to 
Chinese Taipei.
 
It announced in July, that a shipment of weapons for the
island valued at up to $345 million had been earmarked 
for the wayward island’s secessionist leaders.
 
Until recently, the US had sold $19 billion worth of weapons, 
munitions, and military equipment to Taipei, but most of 
that remains undelivered - due to the two sides' failure
to reach an agreement on the payment terms.
 
“We have an obligation to make sure that we fill the backlog of
 foreign military sales that exist now between our countries,” 
US Congressman Rob Wittman said earlier this month 
when heading a Congressional delegation visiting 
Chinese Taipei ----- without notifying China.
 
China recognizes Taipei as a sovereign part of China 
---- emphasizing the internationally recognized
“one 
China” principle.



_______________________________________________



Sibur to sell 60,000 tons of 
petrochemicals to Africa in 
2023, to double volumes
in 2024
September 15th, 4:40pm (TASS)
 
Sibur plans to sell up to 60,000 tons of petrochemical 
products to Africa, in 2023, and boost those volumes 
1.5-2-fold in 2024, Board Member Executive Director 
of the Russian petrochemical company --- Pavel 
Lyakhovich said, in an interview with TASS 
at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
 
"We are already present in Africa now, mainly in North Africa. 
This year we will sell up to 60,000 tons of petrochemical 
products, and 1.5-2 times more, next year, I think," 
he said.
 
The consumption of polymers in Africa grows 
by around 6% each year, Lyakhovich added.
 
The 8th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) was held in
 Vladivostok on September 10-13. The slogan
of 
this year’s forum was: On the Path to 
Partnership, Peace and Prosperity. 
 
 
___________________________________________


Reasons for Surovikin's 
appearance in Algeria
 revealed
 September 15th, 4:11pm
(Lenta.ru)
 
Former commander of the Joint Group of Troops in
 the Special Military Operation Zone (SVO) Sergey 
Surovikin arrived in Algeria... as part of a 
delegation of the Ministry of Defense. 
 
This was reported Kommersant by a source 
in the military commander's entourage.
 
On September 14, it became known about the 
ex-commander's presence in the SVO zone
 in Africa.
 
The inclusion of Surovikin in the official delegation of the
 military department indicates that the leadership of the
 Ministry of Defense retains confidence in the general, 
the source said. He also did not rule out that 
Surovikin's visit to Algeria... may be 
connected with his new work 
"in the eastern direction".
 
Earlier, blogger Sergey Kolyasnikov published a photo with the 
military commander and announced the departure of General 
Surovikin abroad. In the frame, Surovikin is sitting in the hall 
where the official event is taking place.
 
In September, the former commander of the Joint Group 
of Forces in the Free Defense Zone was appointed 
to the post of Chairman of the Coordinating 
Committee on Air Defense Issues, under 
the Council of Defense Ministers of 
the CIS States.
 
 
____________________________________



Tanzania ------ President Swears In 
24 New Judges, Admin Of Justice
September 15th, 2:29am
 (teleSUR)
 
On Thursday, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan
 swore in 24 High Court and Court of Appeal judges, in a 
move aimed at enhancing the administration of justice 
in the country.
 
Hassan swore in 20 High Court judges and four Court of 
Appeal judges she had appointed recently, bringing
the 
total of judges to 105 in the country.
 
"You have a workload ahead of you to clear pending cases in 
High Courts and Courts of Appeal," President Hassan told 
the judges, after she had sworn them in at the State 
House in Dar es Salaam.
 
The head of state also urged the judiciary to restore people's 
trust, by working hard towards the administration of justice.
 
Chief Justice Ibrahim Juma thanked the president for
 appointing and swearing in the new judges, saying 
in total, Hassan has appointed 19 Court of Appeal 
judges and 63 High Court judges during the two 
and half years of her administration.
 
Furthermore, Juma also called on the judges to strive 
to conduct themselves with integrity, saying those 
failing to do so --- will be taken to task. 
 
 
_______________________________________


 West Africa: U.S. Resumes 
Drone Operations in Niger
by Jerry Chifamba
September 14th
allAfrica.com
 
Harare — The U.S. resumed flying drones and other aircraft 
out of Niger's air bases - according to the commander of
 the Air Forces in Europe and Africa, Al Jazeera reports.
 
This comes more than a month after a coup put an end to the 
operations of more than a thousand U.S. forces stationed in 
the West African nation. Since the July coup -- the officers 
were restricted to their military outposts. General James 
Hecker said the move was a consequence of talks with
 the military leadership of Niger.
 
Niger is a key regional outpost for the U.S. military's drone 
patrols and other operations against militants and rebel 
groupings, who have taken land in the area, killed 
civilians, and engaged in armed conflict.
 
More than 1,800 rebel attacks were reported in West Africa in 
the first half of this year, resulting in close to 4,600 fatalities, 
according to the Economic Community of West African 
States (Ecowas).
 
Around 1,500 soldiers from former colonial power France 
are still stationed in the country. Officials in Paris have 
dubbed the coup and its officials as illegitimate, and
 declared their continuing support for the ousted
 president NAME.
 
Earlier this month, the military government in Niger, accused 
France of stationing troops in various West African countries 
in preparation for "military intervention". Niger, a Sahel 
state now led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, is
 also at odds with Ecowas --- which had threatened 
military action to reinstate Bazoum as president.
 
The military administrations of Burkina Faso and Mali also 
issued warnings: that any military action against Niger's
 military leaders will be viewed as a "declaration of 
war" against both their countries.
 
 
____________________________________
 
 
 
Nigeria: Blackout Across Nigeria
 As National Grid Collapses
by Mary Izuaka
September 14th 2023
Premium Times (Abuja)
 
Due to this development, one of the distribution 
companies said all its interface TCN stations 
are out of supply.
 
Nigerians were - on Thursday morning - thrown into
 darkness after the national grid system collapsed.
 
The system is operated by the Transmission 
Company of Nigeria (TCN) from Osogbo, 
Osun State.
 
Some of the nation's Distribution Companies confirmed
 that the grid collapsed in the early hours of Thursday, 
as most of their feeders are out.
 
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC)
 in a statement said that "a total system collapse" 
occurred at 12:40 a.m. on Thursday.
 
"This has resulted in the loss of supply currently being 
experienced across the network," the company
said,
 in a statement signed by Emeka Ezeh,
Head of Corporate Communications.
 
Due to this development, the distribution company said all its
 interface TCN stations are out of supply, and it will be unable
 to provide services to customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, 
Enugu and Imo States.
 
"We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the
 collapse and restoration of supply from the National 
Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo," it said.
 
The General Manager, Public Affairs at the TCN, Ndidi 
Mbah, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning that 
the public would soon be updated... about
the development.
 
 
_________________________________
 
 
 
In China, Zambia's Hichilema 
eyes collaboration after tour 
of top tech firms
September 14th, 2:48pm
 (africanews)
 
Zambia's President is in China this week at 
the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.
 
Business featured high on the agenda of Hakainde 
Hichilema's Shenzhen stop-off, with the leader 
visiting five leading companies over the 
course of two days.
 
Earlier this week, Hichilema toured the headquarters of top 
telecoms company Huawei, and was presented with a 
talent program which prepares young Zambians for 
a career in Information and Communication 
Technology, also known as ICT .
 
"It was my first time... to actually meet the president in 
person", Cyber security engineer Violet Nyakunzu said.
 
"I really wanted to encourage the youth to take on such ICT 
programs, especially females, because where I come from, 
a lot of females think ICT is a male-dominated industry
and that's what shies them away. But you need to 
face your fears head-on."
 
Hichilema who will reportedly end his state visit on 
Saturday (Sep. 16), has high hopes on the impact 
of closer ties with China.
 
"We can do more, faster, because the needs are tremendous 
in Zambia. I heard some of the solutions are here. All we 
need to do is to combine the two together."
 
Zambi is building up its digital infrastructure, to
 improve government efficiency and streamline 
the business environment.  
 
The southern African nation is the continent's second-largest 
producer of copper, a vital resource used in electric vehicle
 production, charging facilities.... and solar panels. Working 
with a top Chinese EV and battery manufacturer like BYD
 could -- potentially -- see Zambia upgrading its mining 
resource exports --- and open up new opportunities
 in the global transition towards greener energy.
 
"If Zambia is interested in going electric in transportation, BYD
 stands ready to offer technological support. Developing EVs 
will make you less dependent on oil and reduce air pollution
 in cities. Most importantly, it increases the value of 
Zambia's copper resources," said Wang Chuanfu,
 the founder and CEO of BYD.
 
 
_________________________________________________


Antonov: Russia aims to help 
Africa become an influential 
development centre
September 12th, 11:50pm
(RT.ru)
 
Russia intends to provide tangible assistance to African
 countries, in turning the continent into an original and
influential centre of global development, Russian 
Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov said.
 
"Our main idea --- is that Russia is aimed at providing
 real assistance to Africa in turning the continent's 
countries into an original and influential centre
of 
global development," RIA Novosti quoted 
Antonov as saying.
 
According to him, at the Russia-Africa summit,
the 
Russian side offered real assistance to
the 
countries of the continent, in the
field of 
food security, including
the supply 
of fertilizers.
 
Earlier, Russian Leader Vladimir Putin said that Russia 
intends to develop cooperation with Africa in trade 
and investment, in the fight against poverty 
and in ensuring food security.
 
 
_____________________________________________



Tuareg rebel movement resumes 
armed fight against Malian 
authorities — statement
September 12th, 5:23pm (TASS) 
 
Tuareg rebels announced the resumption of
the armed fight 
against the government of
Mali, which stopped after the 
2015
Algiers peace agreements.
 
The statement, published on social media, contains a call 
for Tuaregs to "come to the battlefield to contribute to 
protection of the homeland, and to regain control 
over ....the entire territory of Azawad [self-
proclaimed Tuareg state in northern 
Mali, which existed for less
than
 a year].''
 
The agreement.. between the Malian government and the 
rebels was signed in in Algiers after peace talks in 2015. 

The agreement ended hostilities in northern Mali, where
the Tuaregs live. The agreement implies the expansion 
of the autonomy of the northern and eastern regions, 
as well as the integration of the rebels into Mali's 
Armed Forces.
 
 
____________________________



President Raeisi says -- Iran ready to 
send relief aid, medical assistance
 to flood-stricken Libya
September 12th, 3:44pm
(PressTV)
 
President Ebrahim Raeisi has voiced Iran’s readiness 
to send relief aid and provide medical assistance 
and supplies to Libya over the deadly flood in 
the North African country.
 
“The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its 
readiness to send relief aid and dispatch medical assistance
and supplies to [the flood-] stricken areas,” Raeisi wrote, in 
a message addressed to Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid
 Dbeibah, on Tuesday, while offering condolences to the 
Libyan nation.
 
The storm and devastating flooding in vast parts of the
 country, which left a number of people dead, injured 
or missing, has been deeply touching and 
saddening, Raeisi said.
 
On behalf of the people and government of the
Islamic 
Republic of Iran, he also sympathized
with the
 bereaved families.
 
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
also sympathized with the Libyan government 
and the nation, over the deadly storm 
and flooding.
 
Amir-Abdollahian expressed compassion, over the death 
and injury of thousands of people in Libya following the 
storm and flooding. Iran’s top diplomat wrote on the X 
social media platform --- formerly known as Twitter, 
that he too personally offered his condolences.
 
Meanwhile, the head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society (IRCS)
 also wrote a message to Omar Agouda, the president of 
the Libyan Red Crescent Society, offering to help the 
flood-hit country.
 
“In this difficult situation, on behalf of the IRCS and myself, 
I would like to express my condolences to you and your
 colleagues in the Libyan Red Crescent and announce 
our readiness to send humanitarian relief aid, relief
items as well as dispatch medical and relief teams
 to assist the flood-affected people and [help with] 
the humanitarian operation in Libya,” Pir-Hossein 
Kolivand said.
 
The authorities in eastern Libya say as many as 2,300 people
 have been killed and thousands more gone missing after a
 raging flood ripped through the city of Derna following a 
heavy storm and rain -- and the collapse of two dams.
 
The head of Libya’s Emergency and Ambulance authority,
 Osama Aly, explained that after the two dams burst “all 
of the water headed to an area near Derna, which is a 
mountainous coastal area.”
 
According to Aly, residences situated in valleys were 
swept away by forceful muddy currents that carried 
vehicles and debris.
 
Ahmed Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan National
 Army (LNA) that controls eastern Libya, claimed that 
5,000 to 6,000 had gone missing.
 
Meanwhile, countries worldwide are sending humanitarian 
aid to Libya, where rescue teams are working diligently 
to locate survivors amidst the debris and rubble.
 
“The United Nations in Libya is closely following the
 emergency caused by severe weather conditions 
in the eastern region of the country,” stated
the 
United Nations Support Mission
in Libya, in 
a post on X.
 
The rain experienced over the weekend is attributed to the 
residual effects of a strong low-pressure system, officially 
named Storm Daniel by the national meteorological 
services in southeastern Europe.
 
This storm caused severe flooding in Greece before moving 
into a tropical cyclone, causing dangerous conditions in 
the Mediterranean Sea and coastal regions.
 
The remnants of this storm are currently impacting northern
 Libya and are expected to move eastward towards northern 
Egypt... gradually.
 
The anticipated rainfall for the next two days could exceed 
50 mm, a significant increase from the average of less than
 10 mm recorded in this region throughout September.
 
 
__________________________________



Africa Will Never Forget that 
West Caged its Children
- Putin
September 12th, 1:04pm
(al Manar)
 
Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on Tuesday that 
African nations will always remember the dark chapter of
 Western colonial oppression -- when European powers 
trafficked children from the continent, putting them 
on display - in cages. He also claimed, that these
 same countries are trying to push their former
 dominions into indentured servitude.
 
Speaking at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic
 Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said he was sure it would 
not be too difficult for Russia to restore close 
relations with Africa to the level of the 
Soviet era when Moscow provided 
the continent with ample 
economic aid.
 
The Russian leader argued that African countries remember 
Moscow’s help in the struggle for independence and that
 Moscow had never acted as a colonizer. “Our 
cooperation has always been based on 
either mutual grounds or the desire 
to help,” he said.
 
However, Putin noted that these countries remember not only
 Soviet aid but also Western ruthlessness. As late as 1957, 
“people from Africa were taken to Europe in cages…  You 
can’t watch that without tears. Children sitting in cages, 
displayed for everyone to see,” Putin recalled. “No one 
in Africa will ever forget it.”
 
The Russian president said the West has not abandoned its 
subjugation attempts. “Even now --- they are trying to boss
 around and pursue their generally neo-colonial policies,” 
Putin said, explaining that Western countries have 
imposed trillions of dollars worth of loans on 
the region.''
 
''The West --- has concocted a credit system with African
 countries, which “by definition - does not allow them to
pay back their loans. These, are not credit relations; 
this is some kind of [punitive] indemnity,” he added. 
However, Russia adheres to a different approach, 
which gives it an advantage in fostering ties 
with its partners worldwide, Putin argued.
 
Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed 
out, that African countries are ready to talk with their 
Western counterparts. However, the latter should 
not expect spectacular results, if they reduce 
dialogue to “patting on the back” while 
failing to address the continent’s 
“pressing needs.”
 
To foster closer ties with the region, Russia hosted a landmark
 Russia-Africa forum in St. Petersburg this summer --- that
 produced many bilateral agreements in various fields.

 Dozens of African delegations also attended it despite
what Moscow described as
 “unprecedented pressure
from 
the West” to skip the summit.
 
Source: RT
 
 
___________________________________
 
 
  
African countries’ debts to 
Russia ---- to be converted 
into investments, projects 
— MFA
September 12th, 12:03pm (TASS) 
 
The debts African countries owe Moscow can be swept into 
investments or certain development projects, Russian 
Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Secretariat of
 the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, Oleg Ozerov,
 told TASS.
 
Asked whether the Russian side will write off the African
 countries’ remaining debt, the diplomat said that "such 
issues, are being discussed. As the French put it, au 
cas par cas, which means each case is considered 
separately if necessary. Sometimes.. this debt can 
be swung into investments, or some development 
projects. Why not? These issues are, of course, 
naturally discussed. This is an international 
practice, not only ours," he said.
 
Ozerov said in an interview with TASS in July that 
Africa’s debt to Russia, had been 90% settled.
 
 
_____________________________________________



African Economic Leadership Council 
calls on BRICS ------ to create 
their own currency
September 11th, 3:14pm
(RT.ru)
 
BRICS countries need to develop their own currency for
 trading within the bloc. This was stated by the Vice-
President of the African Economic Leadership 
Council, Percy Morapedi Koji.
 
"We need a new currency - that will be beneficial to our own
conditions. It's time to do things the way we want them to 
be done. We need to be able to choose who we want to 
trade with," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.
 
According to Koji, the new currency will help 
strengthen trade ties within the BRICS.
 
On September 1, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov 
said that 90% of the EAEU's trade turnover in 2023 will 
be in national currencies.
 
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova 
said that, at the moment, de-dollarization is a reality,
as
 the dollar has become a problem currency.


 
_________________________________________________



President of Equatorial Guinea 
will attend the G77 Summit 
in Cuba
September 11th, 1:15pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang 
Nguema, confirmed today his participation in the 
Summit of the Group of 77 and China, to be 
held in Havana, next Friday and Saturday.
 
The Summit constitutes an opportunity to work together for 
the unity and determined action of the countries of the 
South, added the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs on
 its account on X, formerly Twitter.
 
Leaders and personalities from several countries confirmed 
their participation in the Summit, which will be held under
 the theme “The current challenges of development: 
role of science, technology and innovation.”
 
This event constitutes an opportunity to continue advancing 
in dialogue and agreement from the South, and a broad and
diverse space to agree on cooperation strategies, vital in
 these times.
 
The meeting, called by the Cuban president and pro tempore
 president of the bloc, Miguel Díaz-Canel, seeks to reinforce
 the unity of the member countries, as well as decide on 
collective and practical actions --- in the effective 
confrontation of contemporary challenges.
 
Since January of this year, Cuba assumed, for the first 
time, the temporary presidency of the Group with the 
commitment to advance the common interests
 of the South.
 
With 134 member states, the G77 plus China 
represents 80% of the world’s population 
--- and more than two-thirds of the 
United Nations membership.
 
 
___________________________________
 
 
 
Somali Army expels radical
 group from important city
September 11th, 11:49am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Somali Army expelled the radical group Al-Shabab 
from the strategic city of El Garas, in the central
state
 of Galmudug, a government source said.
 
The deputy minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, 
Abdirahman Yusuf Al-adala, informed television media
--- that the extremist elements of the formation
considered terrorist, fled from the referred 
demarcation, after government troops 
began to surround the area.
 
After remarking that the achievement of removing Al-Shabab
 from El Garas is an important victory for the Army, Al-Adala
 assured that this entity has already started a cleaning
 operation in the captured area to guarantee the 
security of the inhabitants.
 
The new success of the military operation against the militant 
group comes a day after more than 60 fighters of the radical 
formation were eliminated by the military forces in the city
 of Awghegle, in the southern region of Lower Shabelle, 
according to an official report.
 
Both in the central and southern regions of the country, 
military operations against Al-Shabab have intensified
 in recent months, which, according to press reports,
 suffered numerous casualties and losses of 
logistics and weapons.
 
 
______________________________________________


Senator Dzhabarov: Europe has 
only been sucking the juice 
out of Africa ...all of its life
by Anastasia Belousova
September 9th, 5:42pm
(RT.ru)
 
First Deputy head of the Federation Council Committee on
 International Affairs, Vladimir Jabarov, in an interview 
with RT, commented on the statement of the head 
of the European Council, Charles Michel, who 
criticized the plans of Russia, Turkey and 
Qatar, to provide a free delivery of 
Russian grain to countries in 
need in Africa.
 
"It was proved that only 3% of exported wheat went to African
 countries. The rest settled in Europe: in Spain, in Italy. At the
 same time, he forgets that the Ukrainians used the grain deal
 to supply missiles, equipment, weapons to Odessa and other
 ports," he said.
 
Dzhabarov also noted that Russia 
"broke the arms supply chain."
 
"Let them offer their own version ------ without Russia. What
can
 they offer? Nothing at all. They are not going to give 
anything away for free to anyone. Therefore, I think 
that the head of the European Council, is an 
absolute cynic. All of Europe has been 
sucking the juice out of Africa all 
its life," the senator concluded.
 
Earlier, the head of the European Council 
criticized Russia's intentions to send 
grain to Africa for free.
 

Charles Michel --- the no good, bad and ugly


The (unelected) head of the EU Council 
criticized Russia's intentions to 
send grain to Africa for free
September 9th, 3:01pm
(RT.ru)
 
The head of the European Council, Charles Michel, criticized 
the plans of Russia, Turkey and Qatar, to carry out free 
delivery of Russian grain to African countries in need.
 
"What cynicism and disrespect for African countries at a time 
when we know that the Black Sea deal allowed us to export 
30 million tons (of Ukrainian grain. - RT) mainly to the most 
vulnerable countries," he said during a speech at the 
G20 summit in India.
 
According to RIA Novosti, Charles Michel, also cited 
the example of the so-called "solidarity corridors", 
through which Ukrainian grain was exported 
- mainly to European countries.
 
Earlier, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, said that 
Moscow is close to completing negotiations with
 six African countries - on free grain supplies.
 


_____________________________________


 
Bloomberg learned... about the
 termination of ore production 
at a French plant in Niger
 September 9th, 12:41am
(Izvestia.ru
 
The French corporation Orano, has stopped processing
 uranium ore at one of its facilities in Niger. This was
 reported on Friday, September 8, by Bloomberg.
 
The reason given for such a sharp decline in production -
is poor logistics against the backdrop of the coup in 
Niger. France imposed sanctions against the self-
proclaimed administration of the country, which 
inflamed the situation between the states,
 even more.
 
In addition, the ore processing plant, which the company
 decided to close, as reported by the news agency, has 
long been in need of repair. However, now, due to 
''difficulties with delivery'', there is an acute 
shortage of chemicals necessary for the 
plant to continue operating. 
 
The company decided to temporarily 
abandon the recycling process at 
this facility, it says.
 
Ogapo is an international French nuclear industry company. 
Its main activities are related to nuclear energy, including
the extraction, processing and enrichment of uranium 
and the management of radioactive waste.
 
Earlier, on August 1, it was reported that Orano intends 
to continue operating in Niger, despite the general 
evacuation of French citizens from the country. 
The company's management said that it will
''take care of'' ensuring the safety 
of employees.
 
Before that, on July 31, the military that seized power
in Niger --- announced the cessation of all supplies 
of uranium and gold, to France.
 
 
______________________________



Gabonese mutineers adopt 
charter of transition
September 8th, 3:41pm (TASS) 
 
The mutineers in Gabon have adopted a charter of transition,
 which was published in the government’s newspaper, the 
Journal Officiel de la Republique Gabonaise.
 
"We, the members of the defense and security forces of the 
Republic of Gabon, members of the Committee for the
 Transition and Restoration of Institutions, 
abbreviated CTRI, together with the 
viable forces of the Gabonese 
Nation -- approve and adopt 
this Charter of Transition,"
 the document said.
 
The goals stated by the charter include --- rebuilding the
government, establishing new strong institutions, the 
preservation of territorial integrity, major political, 
economic, and administrative reforms, the
strengthening -- of the independence of 
the judiciary, the protection of human
rights, the establishment of good
governance, the drafting of a 
new constitution... and its 
adoption by referendum, 
and the organization of 
free, democratic - and 
transparent elections.
 
It set out the "organs of the transition" as follows: the
 president of the transition, the National Transition
 Council, the government of transition, the
 Transition Parliament and the 
Constitutional Court
 of Transition.
 
General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was inaugurated the 
transitional head of state on September 4. He decreed
to
 overhaul the Constitutional Court and appointed 
Raymond Ndong Sima, as the prime minister
of 
the transitional cabinet.
 
Senior Gabonese military officers on August 30 announced on