The “Sudan Ship,” carrying approximately 2,500 tons of relief supplies through a collaboration between Turkey and Kuwait, arrived in Port Sudan on Wednesday. Sudanese officials, including Culture and Information Minister Graham Abdelkader and Transport Minister Abubakr Abu al-Qasim, were present to welcome the aid vessel. Among the notable attendees were Turkish Ambassador to Sudan, Fatih Yildiz, and Mohammed Ibrahim al-Hamed, Charge d’Affaires of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Khartoum. Selva Adem, Sudan’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, commended Turkey and Kuwait for their ongoing support to the Sudanese people. He reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering aid to those affected by extraordinary circumstances across the country and acknowledged that assistance will still be needed in the post-war period. Ambassador Yildiz emphasized Ankara’s solidarity with the Sudanese people and government, stating that the aim of this aid, delivered in partnership with Kuwait, is not only to assist those in need but also to raise global awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. He remarked that, alongside the tragedies in Gaza and Ukraine, Sudan should not be overlooked. Al-Hamed noted that the aid was provided by the Kuwait Relief Society under the directive of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He mentioned that the cost of the aid ship exceeded $2 million and assured that Kuwait would continue its support for Sudan until the country overcomes this challenging period.

Truck and Minibus Collision in Lagos, Nigeria Leaves 10 Dead and 3 Injured In Lagos State, Nigeria, a collision between a truck and a minibus has resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left 3 others injured. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed that the accident occurred on the Lagos-Badagry road, involving a passenger minibus. Oke-Osanyintolu reported that 10 individuals lost their lives in the accident, while 3 others sustained serious injuries. He also noted that the injured have been taken to the hospital, and an investigation into the accident has been initiated.

The decision to demolish a 200-year-old historic mosque in southern Tanzania has been reversed following public outcry. Mbeya Regional Commissioner Juma Homera informed an AA reporter that the mosque, known as “Msikiti Mkongwe” or “Old Mosque,” will remain a tourism center. Homera stated that the demolition decision for the mosque has been withdrawn and efforts to preserve it have begun. He noted that, given the area’s historical significance and the desire of local residents to protect it, the National Roads Agency has been instructed to safeguard the site. He assured that the mosque will be preserved and that residents can continue to live in the area. Homera emphasized that the mosque is in good condition and will remain standing after renovations, declaring, “The mosque will not be demolished; it will remain a historical site. Visitors will be welcomed and guided by the mosque’s imams. We are working to promote this 198-year-old mosque further.” The initial decision to partially demolish the historic mosque for road expansion had sparked significant backlash in the country.

In Senegal, the upcoming legislative elections on November 17 are seen as a crucial test for the presidential race in March 2024. The opposition coalition, Takku Wallu Senegal, has selected former President Macky Sall as its lead candidate, while the ruling Pastef party is supporting Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in an effort to maintain a majority in the National Assembly. This sets the stage for a significant political contest between two of Senegal’s most prominent figures. Sall’s potential return to politics, after stepping down for Bassirou Diomaye Faye, represents a pivotal moment in the legislative campaign. Six months after his presidential defeat, his coalition seeks to regain momentum and unite the opposition to challenge the ruling Pastef party’s dominance in parliament.

 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.

Two close associates of Benin President Patrice Talon were arrested on accusations of attempting to overthrow the government.

Taghazout has become one of the world’s hottest surfing spots, attracting wave riders from around the world

The conflict, fueled by a power struggle among Sudan’s military leadership, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and half of the population on the brink of starvation

A widely circulated video on social media shows individuals, some in army uniforms and others in civilian attire, executing young men in Al-Halfaya

Since the civil war erupted in 2023, SAF’s indiscriminate airstrikes have led to the deaths of thousands, the displacement of millions, and the destruction of critical infrastructure

The influx of refugees has placed significant strain on Uganda’s resources, particularly in the Kiryandongo settlement in mid-Western Uganda

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.

Nigerians staged protests against economic hardship on their country’s independence day, demanding better opportunities and jobs.

At least 45 people have lost their lives and many others are missing following two separate migrant boat disasters off the coast of Djibouti. The tragic incidents occurred in the Red Sea, highlighting the perilous nature of the Eastern Route for migrants from Africa seeking a better life. Two boats, each carrying 310 people, departed from Yemen. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 32 survivors have been rescued so far, while the search and rescue efforts continue. Djibouti’s coastguard said the tragedies struck approximately 150 meters off a beach near the northwest Khor Angar region. A joint rescue operation, involving Djibouti’s coastguard, the French navy, and other agencies, was launched in the early hours of Monday. The French navy reported rescuing 115 people. The IOM expressed its commitment to finding the missing persons and ensuring the safety of the survivors. Each year, tens of thousands of migrants risk their lives by crossing the Red Sea on the Eastern Route. Many are fleeing conflict, natural disasters, and economic hardship in the Horn of Africa, hoping to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries for employment opportunities. Yemen, itself plagued by a decade-long civil war, poses additional dangers for migrants. In April, 24 people were killed when a boat capsized near Obock, Djibouti. This recent tragedy marks the second fatal maritime accident in two weeks off Djibouti, indicating a significant increase in the number of people returning from Yemen to the Horn of Africa nation.

Kenyan lawmakers move to impeach deputy president Rigathi Gachagua over ethnic hatred and public disagreements.

Funeral services for those who succumbed to Marburg will be restricted to maximum of 50 people

Investigation being conducted to determine the facts, official says

Gachagua, who played a key role in Ruto’s 2022 election victory, now finds himself politically isolated as lawmakers prepare to push for his removal

Africa is home to one of the largest terrestrial snails in the world, the Giant African Land Snail

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.

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.

 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.

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.

Dikembe Mutombo, an NBA Hall of Famer and beloved global ambassador, has died at the age of 58 from brain cancer.