Author name: yasir

DR Congo’s Tshisekedi calls for new constitutional reforms

Africa /

Does the Democratic Republic of Congo Need a New Constitution? President Felix Tshisekedi believes it does. On October 23, he announced plans to establish a commission next year to address constitutional reforms. Speaking to supporters in Kisangani, Tshisekedi criticized the current Constitution for its “weaknesses,” stating it does not reflect the country’s realities. He pointed to the delayed formation of the government and provincial assemblies, which he claims are hindered by “selfish interests.” The late swearing-in of the government, nearly six months after his re-election, was due to negotiations within the ruling coalition, as various parties sought representation. The new government includes over 50 ministers under Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the DRC’s first female prime minister. Calls for constitutional revision have been echoed by the ruling coalition in recent weeks. The Secretary-General of Tshisekedi’s party, UDPS, noted that the late party leader, Etienne Tshisekedi, had advocated for such changes. However, the proposal has sparked division in the country, with opposition figures accusing Tshisekedi of attempting to consolidate power. The president has stated that any changes regarding presidential terms are not about him but should reflect the will of the people. The 2006 Constitution, the DRC’s third fundamental law adopted by referendum, was last amended in 2011 and emerged from the 2003 government of national unity.

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Egypt’s Economy Expected to Grow 4% by June 2025

Africa, Business, Egypt /

Egypt’s economy is projected to grow by 4.0% by June 2025 as it begins to recover from austerity measures linked to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, according to a recent Reuters survey of economists. The poll, conducted from October 9 to 23, anticipates GDP growth will accelerate to 4.7% in the fiscal year 2025/26 and rise further to 5.3% by 2026/27. In the current fiscal year 2023/24, GDP growth is expected to fall to 2.4%, down from 3.8% the previous year. Key challenges include a currency crisis and ongoing conflict in neighboring Gaza, which have negatively impacted tourism and Suez Canal revenues. Earlier this year, Egypt secured a major agreement with the UAE’s ADQ sovereign fund for $24 billion in development rights for real estate along its Mediterranean coast. This deal facilitated an $8 billion financial reform package with the IMF in March. James Swanston from Capital Economics noted that while Egypt’s economic outlook is gradually improving, strict fiscal policies will remain essential to address the budget deficit and the debt-to-GDP ratio. He highlighted that the benefits of a weaker pound are beginning to materialize. Although inflation is slowing, it is expected to remain high, with forecasts of 20.4% for 2024/25 and 11.4% for 2025/26. Inflation slightly rose to 26.4% in September, down from a peak of 38.0% in 2023. The IMF also estimates a 4.1% growth rate for Egypt’s economy in 2025. Analysts predict further depreciation of the Egyptian pound, forecasting it to reach about 50.4 per dollar by the end of June 2025 and 52.0 by June 2026. The central bank previously maintained the pound’s value at 30.85 to the dollar until it was allowed to float in March 2024; the current exchange rate is around 48.8 to the dollar. Additionally, analysts expect the central bank’s overnight lending rate to decrease to 22.25% by June 2025 and further to 14.25% by June 2026, providing much-needed support for households and businesses in the coming years.

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France donates $108 million for Lebanon amid ongoing crisis

World /

As Israel continues its airstrikes in Lebanon, France has announced a $108 million aid package to support the country at an international conference in Paris on Thursday. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the urgent need for “massive aid” amid Lebanon’s escalating humanitarian crisis, which has seen over 2,500 Lebanese casualties and more than a million displaced due to the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah. In his opening speech, Macron highlighted the immediate needs of displaced families and host communities, stressing the importance of providing shelter, food, medical care, and education. He reiterated calls for a ceasefire and convened the conference to raise the $426 million urgently required by the UN to assist Lebanon. France aims for financial commitments from attendees to meet the UN’s target, while Italy and Germany have also pledged new aid totaling $75.5 million. Additionally, France seeks to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and strengthen its institutions, as the country remains without a president for two years amid political gridlock.

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Africa looks to BRICS for UN security council membership

Africa /

African Union Chair and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani stated that Africa is counting on BRICS countries for support in obtaining permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Speaking at the “Expanded BRICS+” meeting during the BRICS Leaders Summit in Kazan, Russia, Ghazouani highlighted that the delays in achieving sustainable development goals and the current inadequacies in addressing serious global security, economic, and environmental challenges stem from political and economic imbalances in the international system. He emphasized the need for Africa to foster a new dynamic of multilateral cooperation, international solidarity, and assistance. For this to happen, he argued, the financial and political rules of international governance must be reformulated. Ghazouani pointed out that Africa’s ability to leverage development opportunities and unlock its growth potential is hindered by debt issues. He also noted that Africa’s weak representation in multilateral financial institutions has led to urgent development needs—particularly in infrastructure, technology transfer, and education—not being prioritized on the international agenda. He called for the establishment of a new development finance agreement that ensures equitable access to financing aligned with the priorities of least developed countries. Ghazouani underscored the importance of granting Africa permanent membership in the UN Security Council to ensure its voice is heard and its priorities are considered globally, expressing trust in BRICS countries for this support.

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Calls grow in Britain for reparations over transatlantic slave trade

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Britain is facing increasing pressure to consider reparatory justice for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, which reached its peak in the 1700s, resulting in millions of Africans being forcibly transported to British colonies across the Americas and the Caribbean. As leaders of the Commonwealth, a group of 56 nations largely rooted in Britain’s colonial past, gather in Samoa, discussions are expected to include reparations, despite British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating the topic is not on the agenda. Diplomatic sources suggest that negotiations are underway to address the issue. Britain has yet to issue a formal apology for its ties to slavery, and estimates indicate that reparations could amount to trillions of pounds. The debate over reparations, while longstanding, has gained renewed global attention. Supporters argue that contemporary racial inequalities are a direct result of historical injustices, while opponents contend that nations should not be held accountable for past wrongs. Notably, all three candidates vying for the Commonwealth’s next Secretary-General from Ghana, Lesotho, and Gambia have advocated for financial reparations.

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Frelimo wins Mozambique elections, extending Power

Africa /

Election officials in Mozambique announced on Thursday that the ruling party, Frelimo, has won the country’s disputed elections, solidifying its grip on power for over five decades. Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s candidate, will succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after two terms. Frelimo has governed Mozambique since its independence from Portugal in 1975, and the results were widely anticipated to favor the party. The electoral commission reported that Chapo received 70 percent of the vote, while his closest rival, Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos party, garnered 20 percent. Mondlane replaced the former opposition party, Renamo, which saw its candidate finish in third place. Following the announcement of the results, violent protests erupted in several towns amid allegations of fraud and vote rigging. European Union observers expressed concerns over the integrity of the elections, citing “irregularities during counting and unjustified alterations of results.” Opposition parties echoed these claims, leading to nationwide protests called by Podemos, which were met with police dispersing crowds using live rounds and tear gas. Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike on Thursday and Friday in response to the alleged electoral misconduct. Tensions escalated after the recent shootings of two prominent Podemos figures in Maputo. As fears grow that the protests could escalate into violence, Mondlane has until December to contest the election results. Chapo is set to be officially sworn in as president in January. The elections held on October 9 also included parliamentary and provincial contests, in which Frelimo secured a majority in the Assembly of the Republic, further entrenching its political dominance in Mozambique.

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Nigeria takes out 140 terrorists and gang members in a week

Africa /

In Nigeria, operations against terrorist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP (the West African branch of ISIS) resulted in the neutralization of 140 individuals over the course of one week. Edward Buba, the Director of Media Operations for the Nigerian Defense Ministry, provided this information at a weekly press briefing, highlighting the country’s ongoing battle against escalating security challenges. Buba stated that the operations took place across various regions, leading to the deaths of 140 terrorists and gang members, while 135 were captured. Additionally, 76 individuals held for ransom were rescued. Nigeria has long faced threats from armed gangs, as well as attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP, despite the death penalty for kidnapping crimes. Armed groups typically target villages, schools, and travelers in the northern parts of the country to demand ransoms.

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African leaders condemn Terror attack on Turkish defense facility

Africa /

Mali, Senegal, and Somalia condemned a “heinous” terrorist attack on a defense industry facility in Turkey’s capital on Wednesday. Mali’s transitional government president, Col. Assimi Goita, expressed “total solidarity” with Turkey, a key defense partner, and extended condolences to the victims’ families. The attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) resulted in at least five deaths and 22 injuries, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye labeled the attack “cowardly,” expressing compassion for the Turkish people and condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Somalia condemned the incident as a “heinous” act, noting it poses a threat to global peace. The Foreign Ministry commended the swift response of Turkish security forces and expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. Somalia reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism alongside Turkey and the international community, calling for strengthened cooperation against such threats.

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Climate change triggers deadly flooding in Africa

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Human-caused climate change has intensified seasonal rains across the Niger and Lake Chad basins this year, leading to catastrophic flooding, according to a study released by international scientists on Wednesday. Researchers from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) initiative reported that floods in Chad, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan have resulted in over 2,000 deaths and displaced millions. The heavy rains also overwhelmed dams in Nigeria and Sudan. The study found that rainfall this year was 5 to 20 percent more intense in the affected regions, which encompass four of the five countries. Scientists indicated that such extreme rainfall patterns are becoming the new normal due to climate change and are likely to continue annually if global warming persists. Factors such as poverty, rapid urbanization, and poor water management have worsened the impact of these floods. Ongoing conflict has further complicated the situation, displacing millions in Chad, Nigeria, and Sudan, who now live in makeshift shelters with heightened vulnerability to flooding. The WWA noted that the severe flooding from June to September exacerbated an already critical humanitarian crisis in Sudan, overwhelming the response capabilities of aid organizations and governments. The scientists emphasized the need for the region to prepare for even heavier rainfall in the future and to urgently improve water management systems. They called for increased investment in early warning systems and dam upgrades, as well as meaningful financial contributions from wealthier nations. Additionally, they urged delegates attending the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan to act decisively in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are responsible for over 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.

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African leaders at BRICS Summit urge reforms and cooperation

Africa /

African leaders at the ongoing BRICS summit in Russia highlighted key international issues on Wednesday. Originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the coalition has expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for membership, with many other nations also expressing interest. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi noted that the current international system’s shortcomings extend beyond political and security concerns to economic and development challenges. He emphasized the “escalation of the debt problem and the lack of necessary funding” as barriers to rapid economic growth for developing countries. He stressed Cairo’s commitment to raising awareness about its role in fostering development. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for reform of the World Trade Organization, advocating for updated trade rules to facilitate industrialization. He urged BRICS members to enhance cooperation by launching joint development programs in exports, industrial collaboration, and technology exchange. Ramaphosa also expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the Middle East, demanding an immediate ceasefire and recognition of Palestinian self-determination. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed suggested reforms for the UN Security Council, asserting that developing nations must have their voices heard in global governance. “This is not just about representation; it’s about justice, equity, and allowing all nations to contribute,” he stated. The three-day summit marks the largest gathering of world leaders in Russia in decades, occurring as the West seeks to isolate Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.

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