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.
US imposes sanctions on SAF chief Burhan, says chemical weapons used
The U.S. Treasury Department announced the measures on Thursday, citing Burhan’s involvement in continuing the brutal war that began in April 2023
US accuses Sudan’s al-Burhan of using chemical weapons
Al-Burhan’s violations include indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian areas and the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
No sign of Marburg virus in Tanzania despite concerns: statement
Tanzania reported no confirmed cases of Marburg virus after thorough testing, with WHO providing support amid enhanced disease surveillance efforts.
US to sanction SAF, General Burhan amid escalation of civil war atrocities
The sanctions against General al-Burhan aim to demonstrate impartiality by holding both warring factions accountable for atrocities committed during the conflict
Mpox elimination in Africa by 2025 is top priority for Africa CDC
Africa CDC aims to eradicate mpox in Africa by 2025, emphasizing local vaccine production, health worker deployment, and care integration.
Tanzania says no evidence of marburg outbreak after suspected deaths
Marburg, a viral hemorrhagic fever related to Ebola, has a fatality rate of up to 88%
Three Chinese men sentenced for illegal mining in DR Congo
Three Chinese nationals have been sentenced to seven years in prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo for illegal mining activities and money laundering.
MSF halts operations in South Sudan counties after armed attack
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has suspended operations in two counties in South Sudan after its staff came under attack from an armed group.
Uganda court to try Kizza Besigye for treason, risking death penalty
A Ugandan military court has ruled that opposition leader Kizza Besigye will stand trial for treason, with a potential death sentence if convicted. The decision further complicates the 68-year-old’s legal battles ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. Besigye, who has unsuccessfully run for president four times, went missing in Nairobi late last year. He resurfaced shortly after in Kampala, where he faced charges including illegal possession of a firearm and allegedly seeking foreign military support to undermine Uganda’s security. Following his arrest, Besigye was remanded in custody, and a military prosecutor later added a treason charge to the case. Besigye has denied all allegations. Human Rights Watch condemned the trial, calling it “the latest example of Uganda’s authorities using military courts and charges to target the opposition.” Rights groups have long accused President Yoweri Museveni’s government of repressing opposition figures and violating their rights.
UN condemns alleged torture at Libyan prison, calls for investigation
The UN Support Mission in Libya has expressed concern over what it described as “disturbing footage circulating on social media,” believed to show the torture of detainees at Gernada prison in eastern Libya. The facility is operated by military personnel loyal to Khalifa Haftar, leader of the eastern-based administration that competes with the UN-recognized government in Tripoli. Critics of the eastern authorities are reportedly among those held at the prison, located approximately 250 kilometers from Benghazi, the headquarters of the eastern administration. While the authenticity of the footage remains unverified, the UN has stated that it is consistent with known patterns of human rights violations in detention centers across Libya. The UN has called for an immediate investigation into the incident. Human rights organizations have long condemned the abuse and torture taking place in Libyan detention facilities. However, neither the Tripoli government nor the eastern-based authorities have responded to the allegations or the newly surfaced footage.
Arab countries welcome Gaza cease-fire deal
Arab countries welcomed Wednesday’s announcement of a Gaza cease-fire deal between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, the result of more than a year of intensive negotiations with Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators. “I welcome the cease-fire agreement in Gaza after over a year of strenuous efforts mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US,” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Facebook. He emphasized the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. “This agreement highlights the importance of quickly providing critical aid to the people of Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, without any obstacles, until a sustainable peace is achieved through a two-state solution,” he said Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting a just peace, remaining a steadfast partner in achieving it, and defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry praised the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the US to reach the agreement, emphasizing the “need for full adherence to it.” The statement quoted Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi as stressing the “need to launch an immediate international initiative to deliver sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to address the humanitarian disaster caused by the Israeli aggression on Gaza.” It highlighted that Jordan, “under the guidance and follow-up of King Abdullah II, will continue providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their full legitimate rights to achieve a just peace.” Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also welcomed the announcement of a cease-fire deal. “This announcement closes a bloody chapter in the history of the Palestinian people, who have suffered greatly due to Israeli aggression,” said Mikati, saying he hopes the cease-fire “will be sustainable and that Israel will adhere to it, paving the way for a final resolution to the Palestinian issue and granting Palestinians their legitimate rights.” – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Yemen, Libya Saudi Arabia also welcomed the news, stressing “the need for adherence to the agreement, the cessation of Israeli aggression on Gaza, the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the (Gaza) Strip and all Palestinian and Arab territories, and the return of displaced people to their areas.” The Saudi Foreign Ministry also stressed “the importance of building on this agreement to address the root cause of the conflict by enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.” United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also welcomed the deal. He commended “the efforts made by Qatar, Egypt and the United States to achieve this agreement,” voicing hope that it “will pave the way to end suffering, prevent further loss of life, and put an end to the crisis and tragic conditions in the Gaza Strip.” The Iraqi Foreign Ministry also said that it “welcomes the agreement, which comes after significant sacrifices and immense suffering by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.” The ministry called the cease-fire efforts “a reflection of the importance of international cooperation to end civilian suffering and ensure regional stability.” Similarly, Yemen, through a Foreign Ministry statement, praised joint mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt and the United States that led to the agreement, “which is expected to end the war in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.” Mohamed Menfi, the head of Libya’s Presidency Council, welcomed the cease-fire announcement, voicing hope for a smooth implementation of its terms. “The Palestinian cause will remain the central cause to the Libyan people,” Menfi said on X, stressing Libya’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause on all international platforms. On the organizational front, the International Union of Muslim Scholars welcomed the “cessation of aggression on Gaza and commended the resilience and sacrifices of its people,” calling in a statement for “the reconstruction of Gaza.” Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed the agreement, which is set to come into effect on Sunday. He outlined the first phase, which will last for 42 days and include the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. The announcement comes on day 467 of Israel’s genocide against Gaza, which with US backing has killed and wounded more than 156,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The war has left more than 11,000 people missing, with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of many elderly people and children in one of the worst global humanitarian disasters ever.
France weighs response to Algeria’s ‘hostile posture’
French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with key government officials to decide on a response to what France deems as growing hostility from Algeria.
Death toll from cholera outbreak in South Sudan rises to 334
The death toll from a cholera outbreak in South Sudan has risen to 334, with over 19,000 cases reported across seven states.
ISIS-linked attack village in eastern DR Congo, kill 10
At least 10 people were killed in eastern Congo by rebels linked to the Islamic State group, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the region.
Kenyan minister claims son was abducted by intelligence agents
A Kenyan minister alleges his son was abducted by the National Intelligence Service during protests, and President Ruto personally intervened to secure his release.
Floods shut down key South Africa-Botswana trade route
South Africa has temporarily closed the Grobler’s Bridge border crossing with Botswana due to heavy rainfall and flooding, urging travelers to use alternative routes.
Central African Republic leader visits Moscow for key talks
Central African Republic President Touadera is in Moscow for talks with Putin to enhance bilateral cooperation and discuss ongoing security support.
Congo sentences three Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities
The three defendants were found guilty on charges of money laundering, illegal acquisition of mineral resources, and other offenses
South African govt faces criticism as mining siege death toll hits 60
The siege began in August when authorities attempted to block food and water supplies to force the miners out
Suspected Marburg virus outbreak claims 8 lives in Tanzania
Samples have been collected for testing, and the WHO is working with Tanzanian authorities to investigate and contain the potential outbreak.
Moroccan activist jailed for protesting earthquake response
Human rights groups have condemned the sentence as arbitrary and politically motivated.
Sierra Leone declares mpox emergency after two cases
Sierra Leone has declared a public health emergency after confirming two cases of mpox and implementing measures to control the virus.
EU announces $41M humanitarian aid package for Ethiopia
Aid will primarily be directed to internally displaced persons within Ethiopia, refugees from countries such as Sudan
South African rescuers recover 36 bodies, save 82 from gold mine
The mine, located about 150 km (93 miles) from Johannesburg in Stilfontein, has been under siege by law enforcement since August
