Author name: fatih

Bodies of two migrants recovered off Samos after boat capsizes

Africa /

A search and rescue operation off the coast of Samos, Greece, has recovered the bodies of two individuals reported missing after a boat carrying 24 migrants encountered trouble in rough seas, according to the coast guard. Authorities received a distress call from the vessel, which was found partially submerged north of Samos. Twenty-two people were rescued, and survivors informed the Coast Guard about the missing passengers. Last week, four migrants, including two women and two children, died near the island of Kos when a smuggling boat capsized while crossing from Turkey. In a separate incident days later, one man died, two were reported missing, and 97 were rescued by a passing cargo ship south of Gavdos. Survivors indicated they had paid between 7,000 and 10,000 euros each for their journey from Libya to Greece. Greece is a key entry point into the EU for individuals fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The UN refugee agency reports that over 42,000 migrants had arrived in Greece by early October, primarily by sea. The bodies of the two missing migrants—a man and a woman—were recovered early Monday morning, marking yet another tragic incident in the ongoing crisis of migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea.

Bodies of two migrants recovered off Samos after boat capsizes Read More »

Macron to visit Morocco for amid renewed bilateral relations

Africa /

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on a three-day state visit to Morocco, as announced by the Moroccan royal palace on Monday. The palace emphasized that the visit reflects “the depth of bilateral relations based on a deep-rooted and solid partnership.” This visit follows France’s recent efforts to revive ties, notably its endorsement in July of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara, marking a significant shift in its position. This change aligns with similar moves by countries like the US, Israel, and various African nations, as Morocco seeks to strengthen trade relationships. Macron labeled the autonomy plan as the only viable solution to the long-standing conflict over Western Sahara, which Morocco claims as its territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks independence. France’s change in stance angered Algeria, which promptly recalled its ambassador to Paris. Tensions had previously risen between France and Morocco when France reduced visa allocations for Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in 2021, although these restrictions were later lifted.

Macron to visit Morocco for amid renewed bilateral relations Read More »

32 illegal oil refineries have been destroyed in Nigeria

Africa /

In Nigeria, Africa’s oil and gas-rich country, 32 illegal refineries where crude oil was being processed have been destroyed. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting director of the Nigerian Army’s Public Relations, stated that operations against oil smugglers in the Niger Delta region are ongoing. He reported the destruction of these refineries, along with the seizure of oil tankers and 25 boats, and the recovery of 250,000 liters of stolen oil. Oil theft is negatively impacting Nigeria’s economy. Senator Ned Nwoko revealed that the country faced over $3 billion in losses in 2023 due to increasing oil theft and pipeline attacks. Nigeria has approximately 37 billion barrels of confirmed oil reserves, accounting for 3.1% of global reserves. Ranked among the top 15 countries in crude oil production, Nigeria is the eighth largest holder of oil reserves worldwide and the sixth largest exporter. In the Delta region, home to these oil deposits, armed groups have been involved in sabotage, conflicts, and kidnappings related to oil fields.

32 illegal oil refineries have been destroyed in Nigeria Read More »

US, UAE discuss ongoing efforts to deescalate regional tensions

World /

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Emirati counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed ongoing efforts to deescalate regional tensions in a phone call Monday. Blinken and Al Nahyan exchanged views on “the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of all hostages, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. While discussing efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution to the conflict across the Blue Line, a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, that fully implements UN Security Council Resolution 1701, Blinken also thanked Al Nahyan for the United Arab Emirates’ continued provision of humanitarian aid for both Gaza and Lebanon. Blinken will travel to Israel and other countries in the Middle East from Oct. 21-25. Last week, US President Joe Biden said he was sending Blinken to Israel and was more “hopeful” about a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The White House has sought to reach a cease-fire deal for months, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to end Israel’s offensive on Gaza standing in the way. Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last year. More than 42,600 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 99,800 injured, according to local health authorities. The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine. Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza. Last month, Israel stepped up its attacks on neighboring Lebanon, despite warnings that doing so raises the risk of a larger regional war.

US, UAE discuss ongoing efforts to deescalate regional tensions Read More »

Biya returns to Cameroon after Six-Week Health Absence

Africa /

After a six-week absence that raised concerns about his health and whereabouts, Cameroonian President Paul Biya has returned to the country. Upon his arrival in Yaoundé from Geneva with his wife, Chantal Biya, the 91-year-old did not address the public but waved to supporters as his car left the airport. Thousands of supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement lined the route to the presidential palace, with some carrying placards welcoming the president back and sending well wishes. Biya’s absence sparked widespread speculation about his health, but authorities have reassured the public, stating he is well and that his absence was due to national security matters.

Biya returns to Cameroon after Six-Week Health Absence Read More »

95 al-Shabaab terrorists killed, 7 villages liberated in Somalia

Africa /

The Somali Defense Ministry said on Monday that the army, backed by local and international partners, carried out military operations against the al-Shabaab militant group, killing over 95 terrorists. The Somali National Army (SNA) conducted operations in Middle Shabelle, Galgadud, and the north-central province of Mudug. First Lieutenant Sheikh Abukar Mohamed, the ministry’s spokesperson, said in a media briefing in Mogadishu on Monday evening that 45 terrorists were killed and three villages were liberated during the military operation in Middle Shabelle. In another operation in the Galgadud region of the central state of Galmudug, 50 more al-Shabaab terrorists were killed and five villages were taken back from the terrorist group. Earlier on Oct. 10, the Information Ministry announced that 59 al-Shabaab terrorists and four soldiers were killed during military operations in Somalia’s south and central provinces. Over 100 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed earlier this month, bringing the total number of militants killed to 254 in this month’s military operations. The Somali government has been fighting al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists since the Somali president declared “an all-out war” earlier in 2022, but both sides have a history of exaggerating casualty figures.  Somalia has been plagued by insecurity for years, with the main threats emanating from al-Shabaab and the Daesh/ISIS terror groups. Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) — a multidimensional mission authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council.

95 al-Shabaab terrorists killed, 7 villages liberated in Somalia Read More »

21 die from Lassa fever in Nigeria’s Edo State

Africa /

Lassa fever has claimed 21 lives in Nigeria’s Edo State, where the disease has spread to various regions. Dr. Joseph Okoeguale, a health official, reported 240 confirmed cases in the state. This year, over 170 people have died nationwide due to the outbreak. The government has identified three medications for treatment. Lassa fever was first detected in Nigeria in 1969 in Borno State and has since appeared in several African countries, including Mali, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The Nigerian government declared a state of emergency for Lassa fever on January 23, 2019. The disease is transmitted through contact with rodent droppings and can spread from person to person, causing severe hemorrhagic fever. Authorities have warned the public to avoid contact with rats and other rodents.

21 die from Lassa fever in Nigeria’s Edo State Read More »

Tensions escalate in Mozambique after oppositions murdered

Africa /

Mozambique is facing heightened tensions following the murder of two prominent opposition figures ahead of planned protests against the election results. Elvino Dias, a lawyer for the new opposition party Podemos and advisor to its presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, was killed alongside party official Paulo Guambe. They were shot late Friday night by assailants pursuing their vehicle. Social media videos show a BMW SUV riddled with bullet holes, underscoring the violence of the attack. Their deaths come as the country awaits results from the contested October 9 election, set to be announced on October 24. Provisional results suggest a likely victory for Frelimo, which has ruled Mozambique since its independence in 1975. Western election observers have raised concerns about the election’s integrity, citing issues such as vote-buying and suppression of dissent. Opposition parties, including Podemos, have alleged fraud and called for a nationwide strike on Monday. With past instances of security forces opening fire on protesters, there are fears that the upcoming demonstrations could escalate into violence. The European Union and Portugal have condemned the killings of the Podemos officials and are calling for an investigation.

Tensions escalate in Mozambique after oppositions murdered Read More »

BRICS expansion as a win for African countries

Business /

Experts from the Global South view the recent expansion of the BRICS bloc as a positive development. “Any expansion means more voices for those who were unheard and left out of the integration process,” stated Aravind Yelery, a professor at India’s Jawaharlal Nehru University. This perspective emerged during a meeting of 40 think tanks organized by the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the China Media Group. The gathering addressed the future of global development amid significant change and turmoil, ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia from October 22-24. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS expanded earlier this year to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia. Many believe this expansion will amplify the voices of more countries on the international stage. With the Global South representing about 40% of global GDP and 85% of the world’s population, its influence in global affairs is growing. The expansion of BRICS is seen as a way to create more balance against the Western-dominated international order.

BRICS expansion as a win for African countries Read More »

Somalia strives to deepen security ties with Uganda, Burundi

Africa /

 Somalia’s president wrapped up official visits to Uganda and Burundi as part of efforts to deepen security ties with the two nations, which have been among the main contributors of African Union peacekeeping forces to his country. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who arrived in the Ugandan capital Kampala on Saturday, met with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni and discussed cooperation in security, trade and development initiatives as well as support for the Somali Security Forces and Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). “The two heads of state exchanged views on the security situation in Somalia and the region and underscored the need to maintain peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa and in the African continent as a whole. They commended the sacrifices made by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Somali Security Forces in pacifying the country and the fight against (the) Al-Shabaab (terrorist group),” a joint statement issued after their meeting said. Mohamud also traveled to Burundi and met with his counterpart Evariste Ndayishimiye. The two leaders agreed to intensify commercial and diplomatic relations, paving the way for a stronger partnership between their countries. They “addressed the vital role of Burundian forces in the peacekeeping mission in Somalia and explored ways to further strengthen their collaborative efforts to ensure regional stability,” said a statement by Somali Information Minister Daud Aweis.  Abdiasis Abdirahman, a political analyst based in the Somali capital, said Mohamud’s visit is likely meant as preparation for the next African Union mission, as the current peacekeeping mission’s mandate is due to expire in December. “This visit was long overdue because Somalia is facing serious security challenges and the government needed to ensure that there wouldn’t be a vacuum after the current mission ends,” he said. Uganda and Burundi are among the main countries that have contributed to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and ATMIS. Since 2007, Al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the mission forces in the country authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council. The terror group has stepped up attacks since Mohamud declared an “all-out war” on the group.

Somalia strives to deepen security ties with Uganda, Burundi Read More »

Scroll to Top