Niger tanker blast: Death toll hits 86, 55 injured
Victims buried in mass grave as families search for their loved ones
Residents confirm M23 advances on DR Congo’s mining areas
The M23 rebel group has seized control of the key mining town of Lumbishi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, further escalating the ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the country.
Kenya deploys additional police officers to Haiti mission
Kenya has deployed an additional 217 police officers to Haiti to support the UN-backed multinational force tasked with restoring order in the violence-ridden Caribbean nation.
DR Congo probes missing $400M flagged by finance watchdog
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s justice ministry has ordered an investigation into the embezzlement of over $400 million from the state-owned mining company Gecamines.
Egyptian president hosts Libyan commander Haftar
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar in Cairo, their first meeting in three years.
Fuel tanker explosion claims at least 60 lives in Northern Nigeria
The explosion occurred in Niger state, following a similar tragedy in Jigawa state last October, which claimed 147 lives
Hundreds rally in Tunis for release of opposition leader Moussi
Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in Tunis, demanding the release of opposition leader Abir Moussi, jailed since October 2023 for criticizing President Kais Saied.
BRICS bloc welcomes Nigeria as a partner
Nigeria has been admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc, joining a growing group of nations seeking closer ties with the emerging economic power.
South Sudan enforces curfew after anti-SAF protest turns deadly
The unrest follows protests by residents condemning the alleged killing of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan by General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF)
South Sudan’s Kiir calls for calm after anti-SAF protests, looting
‘Let us protect their properties and businesses, we are hospitable people, it’s our duty to offer protection and support to Sudanese refugees who fled the war in Sudan,’ Salva Kiir says
West African nations explore new alliances amidst turmoil
Despite initial isolation efforts by ECOWAS, West African juntas are gaining influence, with countries like Togo and Ghana reaching out to them, suggesting a shift in regional dynamics.
Ex-Mozambique finance minister receives additional prison time
Mozambique’s former finance minister, Manuel Chang, has been sentenced to an additional 2.5 years in prison for his involvement in the tuna bonds corruption case.
Morocco denies links to suspected spy arrested in Germany
Moroccan authorities have denied any connection to a Moroccan national arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying on supporters of the Hirak al-Shaabi protest movement.
UN: Sudan conflict turning ‘more dangerous’ for civilians
The UN has warned that the conflict in Sudan is becoming increasingly dangerous for civilians, with reports of ethnic-based attacks and the use of heavy weaponry in populated areas.
Sudanese diplomat attacked in South Sudan over SAF killings
These reports allege racial abuses and killings, which have fueled anger in South Sudan
US sanctions on Burhan deal major political setback, RSF advisor says
The U.S. Treasury recently accused Burhan’s forces of orchestrating deadly civilian attacks, including airstrikes on schools, markets, and hospitals, and using humanitarian aid as a weapon of war
Gunfire erupts in South Sudan after SAF killings in Wad Madani
Unrest follows protests by South Sudanese youth over alleged killings of fellow nationals in Sudan by Sudanese Armed Forces
Sudan’s SAF allegedly backed by Tigray fighters in war against RSF
The video suggests the Tigray forces are aiding SAF in military operations in Sudan’s El Gezira state, including efforts to control key areas such as Wad Madani
Health officials report mpox spread across 12 counties in Kenya
Kenya has confirmed two more cases of mpox, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 33. The outbreak has spread across 12 counties in the country.
Spanish citizen kidnapped in North Africa, foreign ministry confirms
According to El País, the individual was abducted in southern Algeria by an Islamist group and subsequently taken to Mali
“Bombs From Above”: Nigerian civilians lament deadly airstrike
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which has intensified aerial campaigns against violent bandits across the northwest and central regions, denies targeting civilians but has pledged to investigate the incident
Guterres calls for action on conflicts, climate, inequality, at UN assembly
Guterres Outlines Key Priorities at UN Assembly: Conflict Resolution, Climate Action, and Ethical AI This year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has committed to addressing four critical global challenges: escalating conflicts, rampant inequalities, the climate crisis, and the risks posed by artificial intelligence. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for the UN to prioritize conflict resolution, highlighting ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti, as a ceasefire in Gaza is set to take effect. He also stressed the failure to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, warning that $4 trillion are still needed to meet the targets with just five years remaining until the deadline. In response to the escalating climate crisis, Guterres called for a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 and a decrease in fossil fuel production to prevent further environmental damage. Finally, he urged the international community to manage the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, ensuring that its development benefits humanity, promotes equality, and upholds dignity.
Protests greet new Mozambican president
Hundreds of supporters of Mozambique’s opposition protested Wednesday as the country inaugurated a new president following disputed elections and deadly unrest. Daniel Chapo took his oath as the country’s fifth president before about 2,500 people who endured intense heat in front of a city hall in the capital, Maputo. Opposition supporters peacefully protested a few meters away after security forces wielding guns and batons blocked them from getting to the venue. Security forces sealed several roads and kept a heavy presence in other parts of Maputo. Chapo, a 48-year-old law graduate, acknowledged the need to end the instability rocking the southern African nation. “Social harmony cannot wait, nor can the building of consensus for the matters that worry the Mozambican people, so dialogue has already began and we will not rest until we have a united and cohesive country,” he said. The country’s Constitutional Council in December declared Chapo the winner of the presidential election, with 65.17% of the vote, dismissing a challenge by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, whom it said got 24 percent of the vote. A series of protests and a violent crackdown by security forces following the elections have left at least 300 people, including scores of children, dead, according to local and international human rights organizations. Mondlane, a 50-year-old pastor, has been leading the push for protests through messages on platforms such as Facebook to demand “restoration of the electoral truth.” Some western countries, including the United States, have also questiond the credibility of the elections.
South Africa faces outrage over handling of illegal miners
South Africa Faces Backlash Over Handling of Illegal Miners’ Standoff, Death Toll Hits 87 South African authorities are facing mounting criticism over their response to a standoff with illegal miners trapped in an abandoned gold mine, where at least 87 people have died. The miners, suspected to have perished from starvation and dehydration, were reportedly denied assistance by authorities, who initially opted to “smoke them out” by cutting off food supplies. This decision has sparked outrage, with accusations that police and mine owners dismantled crucial rescue systems, such as ropes and pulleys. Community groups, frustrated by the lack of official help, launched their own rescue efforts, while courts later intervened, ordering authorities to allow food and water deliveries and initiate a formal rescue operation. Despite the slow response, Mannas Fourie, CEO of the Mines and Rescue service, praised the “world first” rescue operation using a unique machine developed by South Africa’s mining industry. Many locals had warned of the unfolding disaster, with volunteers recovering decomposing bodies from the mine weeks ago. The incident has led to calls for an independent inquiry, with political leaders urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate the handling of the crisis. Authorities now estimate that nearly 2,000 miners had been working illegally in the mine since August last year.
Sierra Leone recalls Guinea ambassador after vehicle cocaine bust
Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador to Guinea after suspected cocaine was found in an embassy vehicle, prompting an investigation.
Libya’s NOC head replaced amidst oil production challenges
This comes amid ongoing challenges to oil production in the country.
US Blinken regrets failure to end Sudan war and its deadly impact
Antony Blinken expressed regret over failing to end Sudan’s ongoing war, while the US imposed sanctions on military leaders for civilian abuses and worsening the humanitarian crisis.
