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Trump wins 2 key battleground states as vote counting continues

World /

Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump won two key battleground states with vote counting underway and Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris hoping for a longshot victory early Wednesday morning. Trump is currently leading Harris in the race to reach 270 Electoral College votes 247-210 after he notched pivotal wins in Georgia and North Carolina, according to The Associated Press. Harris’ path to the White House has now become increasingly precarious with Trump expected to address supporters in the early morning hours. Either candidate needs to win 270 Electoral College votes to claim victory. Delegates are allocated to states based on their population, and most states give all of their representatives to whichever candidate wins the state in the general vote. The winner-take-all model is not followed in Nebraska and Maine, however, which instead allocate their votes based on the outcome in congressional districts, as well as the state’s popular vote winner. Polls have officially closed across all US states with vote counting underway, including in the five remaining swing states — Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Both candidates spent the final week before the election campaigning hard in swing states, with Harris visiting Pennsylvania for a series of rallies in multiple cities Monday. Trump spent the day there before a late-night rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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China’s Li Xi meets Ruto in Nairobi to strengthen bilateral ties

Africa /

Top Chinese Official Li Xi Visits Kenya for Bilateral Talks Chinese official Li Xi arrived in Nairobi on Monday for discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between China and Kenya. He was received by Kenyan President William Ruto at the State House. During the talks, President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening its partnership with China, stating, “Kenya is dedicated to advancing this partnership across Africa and upholding the ‘One China’ policy.” The two countries are working together on various development projects in Kenya, with Ruto also requesting China’s support for Kenya’s bid to join the BRICS group of emerging economies. BRICS, which represents about 28% of the global economy, was originally founded in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined in 2010, and this year, countries such as Egypt and Ethiopia became members.

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UK and South Africa strengthen ties with new agreements

Africa /

South Africa and Britain said Tuesday they will work on strengthening trade ties during a meeting in Cape Town. “Foreign Secretary, at the outset, I wish to take this opportunity to reconfirm that the United Kingdom remains a key partner for South Africa,” Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said at the meeting with his UK counterpart, David Lammy. Lamola acknowledged the close bonds of friendship and people-to-people engagements that exist between the two peoples and countries. He noted that the trade and investment relationship had stagnated somewhat, not only because of the coronavirus pandemic but also because of the general state of the global economy and various domestic challenges. Lammy said as a new government, the UK is committed to growth, climate leadership, trade, climate finance, technical assistance and added that there is much that UK and South Africa can do together. He said their communique reflects a bold vision that sets up a new direction for the relationship. “With our shared ambitions, I think on growth, climate and security we can achieve a lot for our countries but also I hope for the region and for broader global security and strength,” he said. Lammy began his visit to Nigeria and South Africa on Nov. 3 — his first trip to the continent as foreign secretary and the first by a UK top diplomat to South Africa since 2013. Britain’s Prince William, meanwhile, met President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday in Cape Town and discussed issues of mutual interests. “The President and Prince William held discussions on a number of key issues of mutual interest. The visit is indicative of the strong ties the United Kingdom, including the Royal family, share with South Africa, and also another step towards the deepening of these historic ties,” the presidency said in a statement on X. The Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne is in South Africa on a four-day visit to attend a series of events, including the annual awards ceremony of the Earthshot Prize on Wednesday. The presidency said Monday that it is pleased to host this year’s Earthshot Prize ceremony because of the initiative’s focus on Africa. “The Earthshot Prize is a remarkable initiative that shines a light on the impact of climate change, environmental degradation and pollution, as well as the creative solutions people and communities across the globe generate,” it said.

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UN reports 16 deaths in Libya from landmine explosions since january

Africa /

The UN reported on Monday that 16 people, including children, have died in Libya this year due to explosions from landmines and unexploded ordnance. Fatima Zurik, head of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Libya, warned that more than 444 million square meters of land need to be cleared of war remnants and landmines, a process that could take up to 15 years. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, ongoing conflict between armed groups has left large areas contaminated by mines and unexploded munitions, which continue to pose a deadly threat to civilians. Libya has remained in turmoil since Gaddafi’s ousting, with the country divided between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and forces loyal to Benghazi-based military commander Khalifa Haftar.

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WHO chief calls for cease-fire as Israel attacks hospitals in Gaza

Africa /

 World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed grave concern Monday over Israel’s attacks on hospitals in Gaza, calling for an immediate cease-fire to protect civilians and health workers. “It is appalling that hospitals in Gaza continue to be attacked,” he said on X, adding: “Lives depend on an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. It’s time to silence the gunfire and deliver peace!” The appeal follows a recent WHO-led mission to Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, where the third floor was reportedly struck after the team’s departure, injuring six child patients — one critically. Nearby shelling continued as WHO staff delivered essential supplies including medical kits, 150 units of blood and 20,000 liters of fuel, Tedros said. Despite these risks, the team also facilitated the transfer of 25 patients and 37 companions to Al-Shifa Hospital, he noted. In addition, the WHO reached Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, where they managed to transfer five patients but were barred from delivering supplies, endangering the hospital’s operations, he added. Tedros condemned the lack of protection for health care workers amid ongoing Israeli bombardments, which have also hindered humanitarian access. Separately, he extended his thanks to Latvia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Northern Macedonia and Luxembourg for pledging $10.8 million to support the WHO Investment Round, noting that “every contribution counts.”

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Chad threatens to quit security coalition

Africa /

Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby has warned that his country may withdraw from the regional security coalition, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), due to frustrations with its lack of effectiveness in countering insurgent threats in the Lake Chad region. Deby expressed these concerns during a visit to the area on Sunday, following an attack in late October that killed around 40 Chadian soldiers, reportedly by Boko Haram militants. He criticized the MNJTF’s poor coordination and lack of joint efforts against insurgents, claiming the force has not lived up to its intended purpose of enhancing operations and intelligence-sharing. The Lake Chad basin region, which borders Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, has been a hotspot for militant activity, particularly from Boko Haram, since 2009. The MNJTF was created to combat insurgent activity across these borders, but Deby’s frustration highlights ongoing challenges in unifying the force. Chad’s potential withdrawal would deal a significant blow to the MNJTF, which has already faced difficulty in coordinating a unified response. At this time, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon have not commented on Deby’s statement.

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M23 Rebels Seize Key Town in Eastern DRC

Africa /

M23 Rebels Capture Key Town in Eastern DRC Amid Ongoing Tensions M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of the strategic town of Kamandi Gîte in eastern DRC, reports confirmed on Sunday (Nov. 03). Located by Lake Edward, Kamandi Gîte offers a vital link to the city of Beni. The town’s capture has led to widespread displacement, with local sources reporting heavy civilian movement. The M23 faced resistance from self-defense groups, known as Wezalendo, who are allied with DRC’s armed forces. The fighting occurs as Rwanda and DRC continue discussions under the Luanda peace process, with Angola mediating. A key meeting is set for November 16. Both countries have agreed on plans to withdraw military forces and neutralize the FDLR, a militia group with ties to the 1994 Rwanda genocide.

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US heightens security measures for election safety

World /

 US officials have implemented extensive security measures at polling and counting centers nationwide in a bid to ensure secure voting in Tuesday’s elections. Authorities have deployed surveillance drones around key sites, positioned snipers on rooftops, and installed security cameras surrounding voting locations, according to a Washington Post article. To further tighten security, additional police units have been dispatched to streets across the country. In Washington and Nevada, National Guard units are on standby to respond to any potential unrest. Voting booths are now equipped with “panic buttons,” adding an extra layer of protection for voters and staff. This increased vigilance comes after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, where far-right groups and supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the building to contest the certification of the 2020 election results. The incident led to the deaths of five people, including a police officer. Trump faced impeachment charges for incitement of insurrection but was acquitted in the Senate in February 2021. On Tuesday, Americans will head to the ballot box to vote not only for the next US president, but also for Congress, state governors, and local government officials.

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French-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud wins top French literary prize

Discover /

Algerian-French Novelist Kamel Daoud Wins Prestigious Goncourt Prize for Houris Kamel Daoud, the Algerian-French novelist, was awarded the Goncourt Prize on Monday (Nov. 4) for his novel Houris, which explores the aftermath of Algeria’s civil war, the “Black Decade.” The book, which follows the journey of Aube, a survivor of the conflict, competed against three other finalists. However, Houris will not be published in Algeria due to laws prohibiting public discussions of the civil war. In a separate honor, French-Rwandan author Gaël Faye won the Prix Renaudot for his second novel Jacaranda.

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Uganda: Lightning strike victims buried

Africa /

Fourteen people, including eight men, were killed by a lightning strike on Saturday evening in the Palabek settlement camp in northern Uganda. The victims, aged 9 to 21, were gathered for a prayer service when the storm hit around 5:30 PM. Police reported that all victims died instantly, with the youngest being a 9-year-old girl. The strike occurred in a temporary metal structure, which lacked lightning protection. Investigations revealed that deadly lightning strikes are common during Uganda’s wet season. The victims are believed to be refugees from neighboring South Sudan.

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