Amnesty calls for probe into deadly Mali drone strikes

Mali’s military has been accused of targeting civilians in drone strikes. Amnesty International is demanding a thorough investigation into the incidents.

Mozambique’s defence minister issues ultimatum to protesters

Deadly clashes between security forces and protesters have erupted in Mozambique following a controversial election.

US forgives Somalia’s billion-dollar debt

The debt relief, coupled with other international aid, aims to help Somalia overcome its challenges.

Murderers of Ugandan Olympian Kiplagat receive 35-year sentences

A Kenyan court has sentenced two men to 35 years each for the murder of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, who was tragically killed on New Year’s Eve in Eldoret, a renowned training hub for athletes. Kiplagat, a notable Olympic steeplechaser who competed in the 2016 Rio Games as well as in London and Beijing, was fatally stabbed in an incident that shocked the Kenyan sports community. During the sentencing hearing, Justice Reuben Nyakundi condemned the actions of Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere, stating, “Your actions were cruel to a defenseless person whose life you cut short.” Evidence presented during the trial, including CCTV footage, revealed that the two men had followed Kiplagat as he drove and had deliberately attacked him in a premeditated act. On Monday, Kiplagat’s mother emotionally urged the court to impose life sentences, recounting her son’s journey from running barefoot to becoming an international athlete and the family’s primary provider. She emphasized that the assailants left behind Kiplagat’s cash and valuable phone, indicating their intent to kill him rather than rob him. Although the court did not grant the request for life sentences, the family expressed their satisfaction with the verdict, feeling that justice had been served. Kiplagat, who was 34 at the time of his death, was a prominent figure in athletics, having reached the final of the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and holding the Ugandan record in the event.

Nigeria’s power grid collapses again, disrupting millions

Nigeria’s power grid suffered another partial collapse, affecting millions of people and highlighting the country’s ongoing power crisis.

Justice for Kiplagat: Murderers get 35 years in Kenya

Two men convicted of murdering Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat sentenced to 35 years in Kenya.

Equatorial Guinea cracks down on sexual misconduct in offices

Scandal involving leaked explicit videos prompts crackdown on sexual activity in Equatorial Guinea’s government offices.

U worried about rising violence in Ethiopia’s Amhara

Ethiopia’s Amhara region is experiencing significant unrest, with the Fano militia clashing with federal forces.

African surnames reflect heritage and geography

In African cultures, surnames hold rich meanings, often offering insights into family heritage

UN reports 16 deaths in Libya from landmine explosions since january

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.

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

 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.”

Chad threatens to quit security coalition

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.

M23 Rebels Seize Key Town in Eastern DRC

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.

Uganda: Lightning strike victims buried

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.

Landmine blast kills several loggers in Nigeria

At least seven loggers were killed and five injured in a landmine explosion in Nigeria’s Borno State, allegedly planted by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Mortar attack at Mogadishu airport kills 2 AU soldiers, injures 1

‘The heinous attack will not deter us and the Somali Security Forces from pursuing lasting peace and security in Somalia,’ AU envoy to Somalia says

Nigeria’s Tinubu drops treason charges against minor protesters

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release of minors detained during anti-government protests in August and dropped treason charges against them.

24 dead in Comoros Islands boat accident: UN

4 minors, 2 infants among those killed in incident, according to IOM

Prince William kicks off South Africa tour with youth, rugby

Prince William’s visit to South Africa is focused on promoting environmental conservation and inspiring the next generation of climate change leaders.

New era for Botswana: Boko leads as ruling party falls after 58 years

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which ruled diamond-rich southern African nation for nearly 6 decades, lost power after opposition secured majority in last week’s elections

Chad threatens to exit regional security force

The loss of Chad’s participation would significantly impact the MNJTF, as Chad’s military is considered one of the strongest in the region

Mozambique’s Mondlane claims assassination attempt in S Africa

Mozambique’s opposition leader Venancio Mondlane claims he survived an assassination attempt in South Africa after disputing the country’s election results.

East Africa’s great Rift Valley: A hotbed of volcanic activity

Experts studying the Great Rift Valley note that tectonic forces here are slowly splitting the African continent

Turkey calls for immediate Sudan cease-fire, humanitarian aid

Turkey expressed deep concern Sunday over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly highlighting violence against civilians in Al Jazirah state. “We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sudan and the attacks against civilians in Al Jazirah state in violation of humanitarian law,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in an official statement. The ministry emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire “without further delay to restore peace and stability.” It also urged swift action to “ensure the return of displaced persons to their homes and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.” The statement reiterated Turkey’s commitment to Sudan’s “sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity.” As part of this commitment, Ankara pledges ongoing humanitarian support to “alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people,” the statement added.

Egypt’s FM, Blinken discuss cease-fire efforts in Middle East

 Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed cease-fire efforts in Gaza and Lebanon as well as the crisis in Sudan in a phone call Sunday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The top diplomats discussed efforts to secure an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and to address the sharp deterioration in humanitarian conditions in the enclave, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of Israel’s actions that impede humanitarian aid and block the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from carrying out its mission. He emphasized the importance of empowering the Palestinian Authority and treating the West Bank and Gaza as a unified Palestinian territory, with a view toward ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state. The two officials also addressed political and field developments in Lebanon. Abdelatty stressed the need for international efforts to secure an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon, calm tensions, fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and provide humanitarian aid in response to Lebanon’s severe crisis. Resolution 1701, adopted on Aug. 11, 2006, calls for a cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and for the establishment of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River in southern Lebanon to be patrolled by the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Abdelatty condemned Israel’s incursions into Lebanese territory and its targeting of UNIFIL in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. Regarding Lebanon’s internal issues, he discussed Egypt’s efforts to resolve Lebanon’s presidential vacancy, underscoring the importance of electing a president without external influence. Since September 2022, Lebanon’s parliament has failed 12 times to elect a head of state. The two men also discussed the deteriorating situation in Sudan and ongoing efforts to secure a cease-fire and ensure humanitarian access. Abdelatty stressed the importance of maintaining Sudanese state institutions, supporting Sudan’s territorial integrity and increasing humanitarian aid. Since mid-April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left more than 20,000 people dead and displaced more than 11 million, according to the UN. International calls are growing for an end to the conflict, which has driven millions toward famine and death amid severe food shortages across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.

Women in Senegal demand climate justice ahead of COP29 summit

Ahead of the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, women in Senegal marched through Dakar on Saturday to demand climate justice. Approximately 50 activists gathered to call for the protection of the country’s resources and a decarbonized future. Cheikh Niang Faye, a former tour guide, expressed frustration over four years of protests yielding little change. “They’re spending billions on conferences but owe us billions in compensation. It’s the industrialized nations that have caused these greenhouse gases,” she stated. This year, record floods in Senegal have affected tens of thousands and damaged over 1,000 hectares of crops. Activists argue that those responsible for emissions owe Africa reparations for the climate-related suffering. Khady Faye, an activist from the Saloum Delta, emphasized the need to protect local communities from coastal erosion exacerbated by oil drilling. She urged, “Leave the gas at Sangomar underground, and let the community live normally. We want climate justice.” Khady Camara, the march’s main organizer, called for countries to respect the Paris Agreement, urging polluting nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which she identified as the root of Africa’s climate catastrophes.

Sudan’s Al-Burhan replaces foreign minister

Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, removed several ministers, including foreign minister, and appointed new ones late Sunday. In a statement, the Sudanese Sovereign Council said al-Burhan has decided to relieve Foreign Minister Hussein Awad Ali of his responsibilities and replace him with Ali Youssef Ahmed. However, he was appointed as acting foreign minister. Graham Abdelkader, the minister of information, has been replaced by Khalid Ali Aleisir. Similarly, Omar Bakhit has taken over as Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments from Osama Hassan Mohamed Ahmed. The new government reshuffle comes amid an ongoing deadly conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has killed over 20,000 people and displaced more than 10 million since mid-April 2023, according to the UN. The international community and the UN have intensified their calls for an end to the violence, as the conflict threatens to drive millions into famine due to food shortages in 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.

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