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Nine people have been killed in armed attacks in Nigeria

Africa /

Nine people have been killed in armed attacks in Katsina State, Nigeria. Reports indicate that unidentified gunmen targeted the Faskari and Matazu areas. The victims included six local security personnel and three civilians, with numerous others injured. Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda condemned the attacks in a statement, announcing the deployment of additional security forces to the region. Nigeria has recently seen a rise in violence from armed gangs, as well as attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP in various areas. Despite the death penalty for kidnapping, ransom abductions remain prevalent, often affecting villages, schools, and travelers in the northern regions.

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The number of cholera cases in Sudan has exceeded 20,000

Africa /

The Sudanese Ministry of Health has reported that the number of cholera cases in the country has reached 20,398, with the death toll now at 597. The spread of cholera has been fueled by heavy rains and floods affecting Sudan since June. Officials declared a cholera outbreak on August 12. In the context of ongoing conflict, the country’s ineffective health system worsens the situation, making life increasingly challenging for residents amid the rise of infectious diseases.  UNICEF on Saturday announced the arrival of 1.4 million oral cholera vaccine doses at a port in the eastern part Sudan. This shipment aims to protect children from a cholera outbreak which has affected 10 of the country’s 18 states since July, resulting in over 18,000 cases and killing 550, the UN agency said in a statement. The new vaccines supplement 404,000 doses delivered last month, supporting ongoing immunization campaigns targeting 1.81 million people in the most affected areas, the statement underlined. “Delivery of the vaccines … is essential for stopping the spread of these deadly diseases,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF representative to Sudan. In Sudan, an estimated 3.4 million children under age 5 are at high risk of epidemic diseases, with 3.1 million people at risk of cholera by this December, UNICEF said. The country’s health care system is struggling, with national vaccination coverage dropping from 85% to 50% and over 70% of hospitals in conflict areas non-operational. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen in Sudan as nearly 6.8 million people have fled their homes, seeking safety in other parts of the country or neighboring nations. Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi Arabia and US mediators have failed to end the violence.

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Rwanda reports first Marburg virus outbreak

Africa /

Rwanda’s health ministry confirmed the country’s first outbreak of the Marburg virus on Friday, September 27, with eight reported fatalities. This deadly virus, which has a fatality rate of up to 88%, spreads from fruit bats and through contact with infected bodily fluids. The ministry has urged the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals and to be aware of symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. In response, the government is intensifying contact tracing, surveillance, and testing while promoting good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing. Local residents have expressed deep concern about the outbreak. “If the virus spreads, it will affect us severely, just like during COVID-19, and we could face lockdowns again,” said Jackie, a local resident. Eric, who works in hospitality, echoed these worries, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect public health, especially given the risk from tourists. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana noted that the first positive case was identified at a university in Kigali, and some healthcare providers are already showing symptoms. The ministry has implemented strict guidelines for patients, including a ban on visitors for the next 14 days and limiting caregivers to one at a time.

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Police detain climate activist Greta Thunberg at Brussels

World /

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained on Saturday during a protest in Brussels against fossil fuel subsidies. Around 150 demonstrators, responding to calls from environmental groups, gathered to demand the EU end subsidies for oil, gas, and other fossil fuels. The protesters, holding signs reading “Zero Emissions Now” and “End Fossil Subsidies,” staged a sit-in on Boulevard du Jardin Botanique, blocking traffic. Belgian police detained the protesters obstructing the road, including Thunberg, 21. Her keffiyeh scarf drew attention during the demonstration. The black-and-white checkered scarves have become a symbol of the Palestinian liberation movement, since Oct. 7, 2023, nearly a year ago, when Israel’s deadly offensive on Gaza began. The rally was backed by several organizations, including the climate change civil disobedience group Extinction Rebellion. The EU provides roughly €100 billion ($110 billion) annually in fossil fuel subsidies. Activists are urging an immediate halt.

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ICC issues arrest warrants for six linked to Libyan militia crimes

Africa /

The International Criminal Court (ICC) unsealed arrest warrants on Friday for six men linked to a Libyan militia accused of numerous killings and crimes in the western town of Tarhunah, where mass graves were uncovered in 2020. Since the NATO-backed uprising that overthrew dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, Libya has faced political chaos, split between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by militias and foreign powers. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that evidence indicates Tarhunah residents have suffered war crimes, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and rape. The warrants target Abdelrahim al-Kani, Makhlouf Douma, Nasser al-Lahsa, Mohammed Salheen, Abdelbari al-Shaqaqi, and Fathi al-Zinkal. Three are leaders of the Al Kaniyat militia, which controlled Tarhunah from 2015 to June 2020, while the others were security officials linked to the militia. The warrants were initially issued in April and July 2023 but remained sealed until now. Khan expressed that making the warrants public will aid in the suspects’ arrest and surrender. The mass graves in Tarhunah were discovered after the militia retreated following the collapse of military commander Khalifa Hifter’s attempt to take Tripoli. The ICC relies on cooperation from its 124 member states to enforce arrest warrants. Khan noted that his office is working with Libyan authorities to ensure the suspects face justice. The ICC opened its investigation in Libya in 2011 at the request of the U.N. Security Council and has previously issued warrants for Gadhafi and his son, Saif Al-Islam Gadhafi, who remains wanted.

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Tunisia gears up for October 6th Presidential election

Africa /

As Tunisia approaches its presidential election on October 6th, the youth express mixed feelings about politics and voting. Some young people, frustrated by a lack of opportunities, dream of leaving the country. Seddik Malki, a fruit vendor, states, “I want to tell the youth: leave through the sea; there is nothing that keeps us here… I have no future here.” Conversely, others remain hopeful that the election will spark change. Lotfi Hamdi, a 32-year-old street vendor, says, “I hope the next president will address the high cost of living and focus on the youth.” Current president Kais Saied is running for re-election. With major opponents imprisoned or barred from competing, he faces criticism for consolidating power and eliminating political rivals. Only two candidates have been approved to run against Saied, who has suspended parliament since taking office in 2019.Tunis

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Houthis accuse US, UK of launching airstrikes on Yemeni cities

World /

Yemen’s Houthi group claimed Friday that the US and UK carried out 18 airstrikes on several cities, including the national capital of Sanaa, and the provinces of Dhamar, Al-Bayda and Al Hudaydah. According to the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV channel, four strikes targeted the Al-Sayanah area in the Ath’thaorah district of Sanaa. The channel also reported seven strikes on Al Hudaydah International Airport and the Al-Khatib area in Al Hudaydah, a strategically important province with three major ports and an extensive coastline. Additionally, an airstrike reportedly hit the southern part of Dhamar, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Sanaa, according to the channel. Al-Masirah did not provide details on casualties or damage, and there has been no immediate response from the US or UK regarding the allegations. Al-Masirah added later that another three US-UK strikes hit the Jabanah area in Al Hudaydah, but did not give further details. The Jabanah area hosts one of the Houthi group’s air defense bases, according to local media. Yemeni media activists circulated videos on social media, showing smoke rising from areas in Sanaa and Al Hudaydah, which they claim were impacted by the strikes. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi had accused Israel and the US of launching 39 airstrikes on Yemen earlier in the week. Since the beginning of 2024, a US-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes in Yemen, asserting that the attacks are in response to Houthi aggression in the Red Sea. The Houthis have retaliated by targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, in solidarity with Gaza, which has been under Israeli assault since Oct. 7 of last year.

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Eswatini opposition leader discharged after alleged poisoning

Africa /

 Leader of an opposition group in Eswatini has been discharged from the hospital after what the group claims was an attempted assassination through poisoning. Mlungisi Makhanya, president of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) made his first public appearance since the alleged poisoning during a Friday press briefing which also featured PUDEMO’s deputy president, Wandile Dludlu. “Warm and revolutionary greetings to the Swazi nation and the progressive forces. We take this opportunity to officially update the nation and the world that our president Mlungisi Makhanya has been officially discharged from the hospital. We thank God, the medical team, and all those involved in his care,” Dludlu said. “The president will now be carefully monitored by medical professionals in a secured place.” Makhanya was reportedly poisoned by someone close to him, a political ally, according to PUDEMO. The organization believes the poisoning is part of a broader conspiracy by the Eswatini regime to silence “pro-democracy advocates.” South African Communist Party General Secretary Solly Mapaila called for the immediate arrest of the suspect. “Our sincere solidarity with the people of Swaziland under the autocracy of King Mswati III. Swaziland sends mercenaries here to abduct and kill pro-democracy activists, as they did with Thulani Maseko,” said Mapaila. The African National Congress, South Africa’s governing party, also condemned the attack. Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said in a statement Thursday: “The African National Congress strongly condemns the attempted assassination of PUDEMO’s president, Cde Mlungisi Makhanya. This cowardly act is an attack on peace, democracy, and the values for which PUDEMO has long fought.” The ANC further called on international bodies like the Southern African Development Community to intervene, saying, “The recent attempt on Makhanya’s life is a blatant infringement on the right to political expression and jeopardizes the rightful quest for democracy in Eswatini.” However, Eswatini’s government spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, refuted the claims, suggesting the poisoning may have originated from within PUDEMO itself. “PUDEMO members know what happened to Makhanya. The government doesn’t poison suspects,” Nxumalo said, dismissing the accusations as “tabloid journalism.” The incident has deepened tensions in the region, where pro-democracy movements have been clashing with the monarchy-led government of King Mswati III, especially following the recent killing of prominent activist Thulani Maseko.

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More than 20 Israeli soldiers killed, injured in southern Lebanon

World /

Hezbollah announced Friday that more than 20 Israeli elite soldiers were killed or wounded in clashes in a border village in southern Lebanon. The group said it recorded additional casualties for Israeli forces following heavy rocket fire that targeted a tank and military gatherings in areas near the border. Hezbollah fighters destroyed an Israeli Merkava tank near the Malikiya post with a guided missile, resulting in the deaths and injuries of the crew, it said. Additionally, the group launched rocket attacks on the outskirts of Haifa and artillery positions near Kiryat Shmona. Hezbollah also targeted several Israeli positions, including Rweissat al-Alam in the occupied Kafr Shuba hills, as well as military forces in Karmiel and Sa’sa with heavy missiles and rockets. The group reported bombarding the Nafah base and soldier gatherings near the al-Baghdadi post in northern Israel. Rocket fire struck Israeli military positions east of Doviv, the Maroun al-Ras plain and near the settlements of Avivim and Yiron, it said. Advancing Israeli forces were struck with artillery and rockets west of Yiron, leading to additional casualties. Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli soldiers attempting to infiltrate the Lebanese village of Maroun al-Ras, causing additional losses through explosives and close-range clashes. As of late Friday, no official comment had been made by Israel. The attacks follow the death of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah who was killed in an Israeli attack last week. Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border hostilities since Israel launched its war on Gaza on Oct. 7 last year, a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of more than 41,800 victims, most of them women and children. Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 2,011 people, injured more than 9,500 and displaced 1.2 million, according to Lebanese authorities. The international community has expressed concern that Israel’s ongoing attacks in Lebanon could escalate the Gaza conflict into a broader regional war.

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UK transfers Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius

Africa /

The British government’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the long-disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius addresses a “historic wrong,” according to Mauritian Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin. Speaking on Sky News, he hailed the agreement as a significant step for both nations involved. Under the deal, the U.K. will retain sovereignty over Diego Garcia, which hosts a key U.S.-U.K. military base, for an initial 99 years, alongside an undisclosed rental payment to Mauritius. A fund will also be established to assist displaced Chagossians in returning to the islands, excluding Diego Garcia. Jonathan Powell, the U.K. Special Envoy for the Chagossian Islands, confirmed that Mauritius will control this fund. The Chagos Islands have been administered as part of the British Indian Ocean Territory since 1965, when they were separated from Mauritius, which became independent three years later. The U.S. developed the naval base at Diego Garcia in the 1970s, viewing it as essential for security operations across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. Approximately 1,500 islanders were displaced to facilitate the base’s construction, an act that Human Rights Watch described as “crimes against humanity.” In response to the agreement, the White House noted that President Joe Biden praised the “historic” decision regarding the Chagos Islands.

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