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Somalia convenes national consultation conference on internal issues

Africa /

 Somalia on Wednesday convened the national consultation conference in the capital Mogadishu. Regional leaders, including South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, participated in a consultation summit led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. However, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Dani was absent, as tensions between the semiautonomous state and the federal government remain unresolved. “This conference will concentrate on the nation’s security situation, particularly efforts to intensify the fight against the Khawarij,” according to a statement issued by the Somali presidency.  Khawarij is a term that the Somali government uses to describe the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group al-Shabaab. Al-Shabab has been battling the country’s federal government and the African Union-mandated peacekeeping mission since 2007. The group routinely carries out bombings in densely populated areas across the country. It said that the leaders will also address the completion of the democratization process and the implementation of previous agreements made by the National Consultative Council. “Discussions will focus on building governance and fostering cooperation between the states and the federal government to ensure peace and development throughout the country”, the statement added. The consultation conference was convened as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia is due to expire in December.

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Iran threatens ‘more severe response’ if Israel retaliates

World /

 Iran’s foreign minister threatened a “more severe response” if Israel retaliates against an Iranian missile attack on the country. “The operation has ended,” Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday during phone calls with his counterparts from the UK, Germany and France, the state news agency IRNA reported. “If Israel decides to take retaliatory action, our response will be more severe,” he said. The top diplomat stressed that Iran “does not seek to escalate tension and war, although it is not afraid of it.” Iran fired around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel amid heightened tensions between the two regional arch-rivals. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attack was in response to the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan. Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Tehran in July, while Nasrallah and Nilforoshan were killed in an airstrike in the Lebanese capital Beirut last week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran made a “big mistake” with its missile attack and “will pay for it.” Araghchi said the missile attack on Israel was an “act of self-defense.” “We exercised self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeting solely military and security sites in charge of genocide in Gaza and Lebanon,” he said in a message posted on his X account with a picture of war-ravaged Gaza. “We did so after exercising tremendous restraint for almost two months, to give space for a cease-fire in Gaza,” he said. “Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more severe.” The Israeli army has launched a devastating military offensive on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last Oct. 7, killing more than 41,600 people, mostly women and children, and injuring over 96,400 others. The conflict has spread to Lebanon, with the Israeli army launching massive airstrikes against what it calls Hezbollah targets, killing more than 1,073 people and injuring over 2,950 others since Sept. 23, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The international community has warned that Israeli attacks in Lebanon could escalate the Gaza conflict into a wider regional war.

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UN: Congo’s M23 rebels earn $300,000 monthly from mining

Africa /

A rebel group in Congo generates approximately $300,000 per month from its control of a mining area in the eastern part of the country, according to a U.N. official. The M23 group, which is allegedly linked to Rwanda, seized the Rubaya mining area in April. This location is rich in tantalum, a critical mineral used in smartphone and computer production, contributing over 15% of the global supply. Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, addressed the Security Council on Monday, stating, “Unless international sanctions are imposed on those profiting from this criminal trade, peace will remain elusive and civilians will continue to suffer.” Earlier this year, Congo’s government raised concerns about “blood minerals” in a letter to Apple, highlighting the challenges in their supply chain. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 120 armed groups vying for control of land and resources. Many have been accused of severe human rights abuses, resulting in the displacement of around 6 million people. M23, or the March 23 Movement, is composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis and broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago. They previously captured the provincial capital of Goma in 2012 and are currently threatening the city again. Congo has accused Rwanda of involvement in war crimes and of providing military support to M23, a claim Rwanda denies. However, Rwanda admitted in February to deploying troops and missile systems in eastern Congo for security reasons, citing a buildup of Congolese forces near its border. U.N. experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are now operating alongside M23 in eastern Congo. Recently, a regional court in East Africa began proceedings on Congo’s case against Rwanda, alleging violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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Nigeria: Airstrike victims were terrorists, not civilians

Africa /

The Nigerian Air Force insisted Monday that 24 people killed in an airstrike on a village in Kaduna state were terrorists. Residents of Jika da Kolo village in the Giwa Local Government Area say the victims of the Sept. 27 strike were worshippers at a mosque and people at a market. Nigerian Air Force Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Kabiru Ali, said the location has been notorious for being a terrorist enclave for years. “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force has been drawn to reports of alleged civilian casualties following the successful airstrike on a terrorist enclave in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state,” he said. Ali said the airstrike on the location was based on credible intelligence from numerous reliable sources as well as confirmatory surveillance of the target area before the strike. He said the Nigerian Air Force is not taking these allegations lightly, as its focus is to always achieve the desired operational objective without collateral damage, assuring that a thorough investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the facts with a view to keeping the populace informed in due course.

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Four candidates confirmed for Botswana’s presidential elections

Africa /

Botswana’s High Court has confirmed that four presidential candidates will compete in next month’s general elections. Incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi is among them, seeking a second and final term. Under Botswana law, presidential candidates must demonstrate to the chief justice that they have sufficient support to be eligible. The High Court verified that four out of five potential candidates met this requirement. Addressing party supporters outside the court on Monday, Masisi expressed confidence in his victory. “We have completed the nomination process in the High Court,” he stated. “While we are all equal before the law, politically we are superior. Let us show the opposition that we are stronger.” Duma Boko, leader of the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), warned that his party would not tolerate a rigged election. In 2019, Boko claimed that the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had stolen the election. “If the election is free and fair, we will accept the outcome. But if it mirrors the situation in 2019, we will reject the results,” he stated. Boko urged voters to remain vigilant against any irregularities. The UDC will enter the October 30 polls without the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), which left the coalition last year over differences. BCP spokesperson Mpho Pheko expressed optimism about their chances, saying, “For the BCP, 2024 presents the best opportunity to change the government in Botswana.” She emphasized that completing the nomination process brings excitement and hope for their message to resonate with Batswana, the citizens of Botswana. The president in Botswana is elected indirectly by parliament, with recent proposals for direct voting rejected after national consultations. The confirmed candidates are Masisi, Duma Boko, Dumelang Saleshando from the BCP, and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). Biggie Butale from the smaller Botswana Republican Party did not meet the necessary requirements.

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Niger, Burkina Faso call for immediate cease-fire in Lebanon

Africa /

 Burkina Faso and Niger top diplomats took stand on Monday at the UN General Assembly’s 79th session, demanding cease-fire in Lebanon.  The diplomats welcomed the participation of Palestine in this session, emphasizing its significance. Bakary Yaou Sangare, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed hope that it marks a step toward “the advent of a free, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state, living in peace with its neighbors and within its 1967 borders.” Niger and Burkina Faso reaffirm their support to the Palestinian cause and believe only a two-state solution could end the cycle of violence and guarantee peace and security in the region. The Niger minister and Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Burkina Faso’s minister of foreign affairs, also deplore the situation in Lebanon and calls for an immediate end to hostilities. Concerning the fight against terrorism in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger), the diplomat from Burkina Faso deplores a vast and virulent campaign of denigration and stigmatization against security forces whom they accuse of violating human rights without proof. Burkina Faso top diplomat states “nearly 70% of the territory is now under state control compared to 40% in 2022”.  This has enabled the resettlement of displaced populations and the reopening of schools. In less than two years, the reconquest actions have enabled more than 700,000 people to return to their villages, and nearly 1,500 schools to reopen, he added. Bakary Yaou Sangare deplores subversive actions and the new recolonization strategy claimed and assumed by France.  He added “France informs, trains, finances and arms terrorist groups in the Sahel. It offers accommodation and meals to its local servants, some of whom occupy Niger’s diplomatic holdings in Paris in flagrant violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations”. Burkina Faso reiterates its support for the political process in course in Western Sahara, with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable and negotiated political solution.

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Samuel Eto’o banned by FIFA from national team for six months

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Cameroon soccer legend Samuel Eto’o was banned by FIFA on Monday from attending any national team matches for six months. Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation since 2021, faced two charges stemming from an incident during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11. FIFA did not disclose specific details about the incident that occurred during Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16. According to FIFA, Eto’o was found to have violated disciplinary rules related to “offensive behavior, fair play principles, and misconduct towards officials.” The ban prohibits him from attending any men’s or women’s matches involving Cameroon across all categories and age groups. This suspension extends through March, encompassing crucial matches for the men’s national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Eto’o, 43, represented Cameroon in four World Cups from 1998 to 2014, scoring a record 56 goals for the Indomitable Lions. He was part of two Africa Cup of Nations title-winning teams in 2000 and 2002 and boasts three Champions League titles, including back-to-back wins in 2009 with Barcelona and 2010 with Inter Milan, solidifying his status as one of soccer’s greatest forwards.

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Burkina Faso’s foreign minister urges UN reform at general assembly

Africa /

Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate on Monday in New York. Despite ongoing battles against a terrorist group in the northeast, he reported that nearly 70% of the territory is now under control, up from 40% in 2022. Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore criticized what he described as propaganda against the Burkinabe Defense Forces. He emphasized their “professionalism and stellar conduct,” citing their participation in peacekeeping operations and ongoing training in international humanitarian law, which ensures that their commitment to human rights is unwavering. He also denounced foreign powers for “financing and supporting terrorism.” Traore explained that the Alliance of Sahel States aims primarily to “protect the populations of the Sahel who have suffered from the security and humanitarian crisis, and against whom deadly measures have been deliberately enforced to worsen their suffering.” He reiterated Burkina Faso’s accusation that Ukraine acts as a “sponsor” of terrorism in the region. He noted that the public support for the Alliance stems from the failure of sub-regional institutions to adequately address the legitimate security concerns of the people. “The creation of the Alliance has been lifesaving, and it will be our salvation,” he stated. The Minister mentioned that the Alliance is still awaiting a response from the UN Security Council, to which it appealed last August, hoping for “strong decisions.” He also expressed Burkina Faso’s support for reforming the UN Security Council to include African nations, asserting that this would enhance the UN’s universal character and address the ongoing injustices faced by Africa.

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UNICEF: ‘Deeply concerned’ over humanitarian situation in Lebanon

World /

UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed concern Monday over the killing of children in recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon. “I am deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Over the last week, at least 80 children have reportedly been killed in attacks, while hundreds more have been injured,” Russell said on X. Citing government reports, she said the number of people internally displaced by the violence has spiked to more than one million, including over 300,000 children. “Thousands of children and families are now living in the streets or in shelters; many having fled their homes without essential supplies and belongings. Humanitarian conditions are growing worse by the hour,” Russell said. Stressing that UNICEF and its partners are on the ground in Lebanon, reaching children and families with essential support, she said the teams are delivering drinking water, medical supplies, mattresses and blankets as well as hygiene and baby kits. “We are providing health and nutrition, child protection and psychosocial support services for children. “But as the violence intensifies, so do the humanitarian needs. Any ground offensive or further escalation in Lebanon would make a catastrophic situation for children even worse. Such an outcome must be avoided at all costs,” she said, calling for an urgent cessation of hostilities. UNICEF reiterates its call for all parties to protect children and civilian infrastructure and to ensure that humanitarian actors can safely reach all those in need, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law, she added. Israel’s army on Monday announced that it had established a closed military zone near the borders with Lebanon as part of preparations for its expected ground offensive into southern Lebanon. Since Sept. 23, Israel has launched massive airstrikes against what it calls Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, killing more than 960 people and injuring over 2,770 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Several Hezbollah leaders have been killed in the assault, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 41,600 people, most of them women and children, following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last October. The international community has warned that Israeli attacks in Lebanon could escalate the Gaza conflict into a wider regional war.

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Egypt urges permanent security council seats for Africa and Arab nations

Africa /

During his address to the UN General Assembly, Egypt’s Foreign Minister emphasized the need for permanent seats for Africa and Arab nations on the UN Security Council. “We cannot accept that Africa and Arab states currently lack permanent representation on the Security Council and the associated privileges,” Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty stated. He reaffirmed support for the Sirte Declaration and the Ezulwini Consensus, aiming to rectify the historical injustices faced by Africa. Abdelatty also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, as the conflict approaches its 12th month, asserting that ending the fighting is a top priority for his government. He urged for the urgent provision of medical and humanitarian aid to civilians in the region, as the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.

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