Author name: fatih

600 escape detention in South Sudan amid unrest

Africa /

The South Sudanese police reported that 600 individuals, detained on charges of “violence and looting,” escaped from a military detention center in the capital, Juba. Police spokesperson John Kassara Koang Nhial stated in a press release yesterday that 600 suspects fled the detention center in Juba and that 410 of them have been recaptured following operations. Nhial added that the police fired warning shots into the air and are continuing efforts to locate and arrest the remaining escapees. Unrest in the Country Since January 16 Since January 16, disturbances have been ongoing in the country, particularly in the capital, Juba, where shops owned by Sudanese nationals were looted and vandalized, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals. Several Sudanese homes were also set on fire during the violence. In response to these events, the South Sudanese government imposed a curfew on January 17, restricting movement nationwide between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The Sudanese army described the incidents in Wad Madani as isolated events and announced the launch of an investigation into the situation. These developments have raised concerns about the safety of the hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees who fled the conflict and sought refuge in South Sudan. South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Sudanese Ambassador last week regarding the alleged incidents, while President Salva Kiir Mayardit called for calm and restraint.

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76 Killed in devastating hotel fire at Turkish ski resort

Turkey /

A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday at the 12-story Grand Kartal hotel in northwestern Turkey, killing at least 76 people, including two who jumped to escape the flames, officials said. The blaze, which occurred during a school holiday at the popular ski resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu province, also left 51 others injured. The fire broke out around 3:27 a.m. at the hotel, which was packed with guests during the start of the two-week winter school break. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 45 of the victims had been identified, with recovery efforts continuing for the remaining bodies. “We are heartbroken. Those responsible will face justice,” Yerlikaya said. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with guests on the upper floors attempting to escape, some using sheets to climb down or jumping from windows. “People were screaming, some tried to jump,” said Atakan Yelkovan, a guest on the third floor. The hotel had 238 registered guests at the time. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that one person was in serious condition, while 17 others were treated and released. Emergency teams are set to conduct a final search for victims.

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Sahel trio to form 5,000-strong joint force

Africa /

Three junta-led countries in Africa’s Sahel region—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—are set to collaborate on forming a 5,000-strong military unit to combat the ongoing jihadist violence that has plagued the area for years, officials announced on Tuesday. According to Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Mody, the three nations will establish a “unified force” within the next few weeks. These countries, all former French colonies, experienced military coups between 2020 and 2023, which ousted civilian governments. In the wake of these coups, the three nations distanced themselves from France and last year formed a new confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). “Within this shared framework, our forces will be able to intervene collectively,” Mody stated in a televised interview, noting that the force—comprising both ground troops and intelligence capabilities—was “almost ready” to be deployed. The joint force will be equipped with personnel, aerial support, ground units, and intelligence resources, along with a coordination system designed to streamline operations. Mody added that the force is expected to be operational in a matter of weeks. The combined territories of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger span over 2.8 million square kilometers (1.1 million square miles)—about four times the size of France—and are situated in the Sahel, a semi-arid region that lies between the Sahara Desert to the north and the savannas to the south. For nearly a decade, these nations have faced relentless attacks from jihadist groups aligned with either Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State. Despite previous assistance from French forces, the violence has proven difficult to suppress. “We face the same threats—particularly from criminal groups—and we must unite our efforts,” Mody emphasized. “This initiative is a new and unique approach that will enhance the security of our territories and our people.” While the three countries have already conducted joint anti-jihadist operations, particularly in the border areas where attacks are most frequent, the new force will strengthen their coordination and response capabilities. Following the coups, the three nations expelled French troops that had been supporting their fight against jihadists, withdrew from the ECOWAS regional bloc—which they considered ineffective—and have sought new alliances, notably with Russia, which is looking to expand its influence in the region.

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Guterres calls for action on conflicts, climate, inequality, at UN assembly

Africa /

Guterres Outlines Key Priorities at UN Assembly: Conflict Resolution, Climate Action, and Ethical AI This year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has committed to addressing four critical global challenges: escalating conflicts, rampant inequalities, the climate crisis, and the risks posed by artificial intelligence. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for the UN to prioritize conflict resolution, highlighting ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti, as a ceasefire in Gaza is set to take effect. He also stressed the failure to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, warning that $4 trillion are still needed to meet the targets with just five years remaining until the deadline. In response to the escalating climate crisis, Guterres called for a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 and a decrease in fossil fuel production to prevent further environmental damage. Finally, he urged the international community to manage the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, ensuring that its development benefits humanity, promotes equality, and upholds dignity.

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Protests greet new Mozambican president

Africa /

Hundreds of supporters of Mozambique’s opposition protested Wednesday as the country inaugurated a new president following disputed elections and deadly unrest. Daniel Chapo took his oath as the country’s fifth president before about 2,500 people who endured intense heat in front of a city hall in the capital, Maputo.  Opposition supporters peacefully protested a few meters away after security forces wielding guns and batons blocked them from getting to the venue.  Security forces sealed several roads and kept a heavy presence in other parts of Maputo. Chapo, a 48-year-old law graduate, acknowledged the need to end the instability rocking the southern African nation. “Social harmony cannot wait, nor can the building of consensus for the matters that worry the Mozambican people, so dialogue has already began and we will not rest until we have a united and cohesive country,” he said. The country’s Constitutional Council in December declared Chapo the winner of the presidential election, with 65.17% of the vote, dismissing a challenge by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, whom it said got 24 percent of the vote. A series of protests and a violent crackdown by security forces following the elections have left at least 300 people, including scores of children, dead, according to local and international human rights organizations. Mondlane, a 50-year-old pastor, has been leading the push for protests through messages on platforms such as Facebook to demand “restoration of the electoral truth.” Some western countries, including the United States, have also questiond the credibility of the elections.

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South Africa faces outrage over handling of illegal miners

Africa /

South Africa Faces Backlash Over Handling of Illegal Miners’ Standoff, Death Toll Hits 87 South African authorities are facing mounting criticism over their response to a standoff with illegal miners trapped in an abandoned gold mine, where at least 87 people have died. The miners, suspected to have perished from starvation and dehydration, were reportedly denied assistance by authorities, who initially opted to “smoke them out” by cutting off food supplies. This decision has sparked outrage, with accusations that police and mine owners dismantled crucial rescue systems, such as ropes and pulleys. Community groups, frustrated by the lack of official help, launched their own rescue efforts, while courts later intervened, ordering authorities to allow food and water deliveries and initiate a formal rescue operation. Despite the slow response, Mannas Fourie, CEO of the Mines and Rescue service, praised the “world first” rescue operation using a unique machine developed by South Africa’s mining industry. Many locals had warned of the unfolding disaster, with volunteers recovering decomposing bodies from the mine weeks ago. The incident has led to calls for an independent inquiry, with political leaders urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate the handling of the crisis. Authorities now estimate that nearly 2,000 miners had been working illegally in the mine since August last year.

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Uganda court to try Kizza Besigye for treason, risking death penalty

Africa /

A Ugandan military court has ruled that opposition leader Kizza Besigye will stand trial for treason, with a potential death sentence if convicted. The decision further complicates the 68-year-old’s legal battles ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. Besigye, who has unsuccessfully run for president four times, went missing in Nairobi late last year. He resurfaced shortly after in Kampala, where he faced charges including illegal possession of a firearm and allegedly seeking foreign military support to undermine Uganda’s security. Following his arrest, Besigye was remanded in custody, and a military prosecutor later added a treason charge to the case. Besigye has denied all allegations. Human Rights Watch condemned the trial, calling it “the latest example of Uganda’s authorities using military courts and charges to target the opposition.” Rights groups have long accused President Yoweri Museveni’s government of repressing opposition figures and violating their rights.

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UN condemns alleged torture at Libyan prison, calls for investigation

Africa /

The UN Support Mission in Libya has expressed concern over what it described as “disturbing footage circulating on social media,” believed to show the torture of detainees at Gernada prison in eastern Libya. The facility is operated by military personnel loyal to Khalifa Haftar, leader of the eastern-based administration that competes with the UN-recognized government in Tripoli. Critics of the eastern authorities are reportedly among those held at the prison, located approximately 250 kilometers from Benghazi, the headquarters of the eastern administration. While the authenticity of the footage remains unverified, the UN has stated that it is consistent with known patterns of human rights violations in detention centers across Libya. The UN has called for an immediate investigation into the incident. Human rights organizations have long condemned the abuse and torture taking place in Libyan detention facilities. However, neither the Tripoli government nor the eastern-based authorities have responded to the allegations or the newly surfaced footage.

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Arab countries welcome Gaza cease-fire deal

Africa /

Arab countries welcomed Wednesday’s announcement of a Gaza cease-fire deal between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, the result of more than a year of intensive negotiations with Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators. “I welcome the cease-fire agreement in Gaza after over a year of strenuous efforts mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US,” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Facebook. He emphasized the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. “This agreement highlights the importance of quickly providing critical aid to the people of Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, without any obstacles, until a sustainable peace is achieved through a two-state solution,” he said Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting a just peace, remaining a steadfast partner in achieving it, and defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry praised the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the US to reach the agreement, emphasizing the “need for full adherence to it.” The statement quoted Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi as stressing the “need to launch an immediate international initiative to deliver sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to address the humanitarian disaster caused by the Israeli aggression on Gaza.” It highlighted that Jordan, “under the guidance and follow-up of King Abdullah II, will continue providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their full legitimate rights to achieve a just peace.” Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also welcomed the announcement of a cease-fire deal. “This announcement closes a bloody chapter in the history of the Palestinian people, who have suffered greatly due to Israeli aggression,” said Mikati, saying he hopes the cease-fire “will be sustainable and that Israel will adhere to it, paving the way for a final resolution to the Palestinian issue and granting Palestinians their legitimate rights.” – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Yemen, Libya Saudi Arabia also welcomed the news, stressing “the need for adherence to the agreement, the cessation of Israeli aggression on Gaza, the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the (Gaza) Strip and all Palestinian and Arab territories, and the return of displaced people to their areas.” The Saudi Foreign Ministry also stressed “the importance of building on this agreement to address the root cause of the conflict by enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.” United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also welcomed the deal. He commended “the efforts made by Qatar, Egypt and the United States to achieve this agreement,” voicing hope that it “will pave the way to end suffering, prevent further loss of life, and put an end to the crisis and tragic conditions in the Gaza Strip.” The Iraqi Foreign Ministry also said that it “welcomes the agreement, which comes after significant sacrifices and immense suffering by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.” The ministry called the cease-fire efforts “a reflection of the importance of international cooperation to end civilian suffering and ensure regional stability.” Similarly, Yemen, through a Foreign Ministry statement, praised joint mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt and the United States that led to the agreement, “which is expected to end the war in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.” Mohamed Menfi, the head of Libya’s Presidency Council, welcomed the cease-fire announcement, voicing hope for a smooth implementation of its terms. “The Palestinian cause will remain the central cause to the Libyan people,” Menfi said on X, stressing Libya’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause on all international platforms. On the organizational front, the International Union of Muslim Scholars welcomed the “cessation of aggression on Gaza and commended the resilience and sacrifices of its people,” calling in a statement for “the reconstruction of Gaza.” Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed the agreement, which is set to come into effect on Sunday. He outlined the first phase, which will last for 42 days and include the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. The announcement comes on day 467 of Israel’s genocide against Gaza, which with US backing has killed and wounded more than 156,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The war has left more than 11,000 people missing, with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of many elderly people and children in one of the worst global humanitarian disasters ever.

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US Central Command commander visits Egypt to discuss security

Africa, Egypt /

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited Egypt on Monday to discuss security issues. Kurilla met with Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, in the capital Cairo to discuss a range of issues, including efforts to address shared security challenges and combat violent extremist organizations. He reaffirmed the military-to-military relationship between the two nations and discussed efforts to advance the partnership to ensure a secure and stable future, CENTCOM said in a statement. On Jan. 11-12, Kurilla visited US servicemembers and conducted key leader engagements in Saudi Arabia. Kurilla met with Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, to discuss shared security concerns. While in Saudi Arabia, Kurilla also met with Lt. Gen. Saghir Hamood Bin Aziz, Chief of Staff of the Yemini Armed Forces, to exchange views on efforts to strengthen security cooperation and combat regional threats such as the Houthis and their attacks against military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb Strait. According to local media, Kurilla is also expected to visit Israel.

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