Ghana’s presidential race intensifies with fiscal reform promises

With the election approaching, Ghana’s presidential candidates Mahama and Bawumia have unveiled their plans.

Timbuktu: The ancient city where salt was worth its weight in gold

Timbuktu, a city in present-day Mali, holds a rich and storied past as a key center of trade

Dozens of migrants swim to Spain’s Ceuta from Morocco in heavy mist

Ceuta, along with Melilla, is one of two Spanish enclaves on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast

Kenya deploys troops to DRC to support UN force

Troops to engage in operations against armed groups, protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian efforts, says military

Clashes have resumed in eastern DR Congo

Lieutenant-Colonel Ndjike Kaiko Guillaume said that Congolese authorities will refer the matter to the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism The mechanism comprises of military experts from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Member States, South Africa, MONUSCO and the AU. On July 30, Angola announced a ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. Kinshasa has long accused Kigali of backing M23 fighers who operate in its eastern North Kivu province, an accusation Rwanda denies. Fighting resumed on Sunday, August 25, in eastern DRC between the M23 rebels and the army. Local media report intense clashes in Lubero, a locality near the Ugandan border. Lubero is situated on the route connecting Butembo and Beni, which are major commercial centers in North Kivu province. In a press statement issued on Monday, August 26, the DRC army claimed that the rebels had breached a ceasefire by attacking army positions in the village of Kikubo.

Campaigns begin in Mozambique ahead of October 9 polls

The campaign for the general elections set for October 9 began on Saturday, August 24, in Mozambique. The ruling party since independence in 1975, Frelimo, will face the main opposition party, Renamo, which originated from a former anti-communist rebellion. However, an independent candidate, Venâncio Mondlane, might create a surprise. The issues voters will consider include inequality and the management of the conflict in Cabo Delgado. While Frelimo has always refused to negotiate with jihadist groups, the opposition favors discussions and emphasizes addressing the social causes of the insurgency. The issues of wages and the cost of living are also expected to be central to the debates, as inequalities are widening between rural populations and urban elites in Mozambique. The current President, Filipe Nyusi, who has been in power since 2015, cannot run again. His ruling Frelimo party has nominated Daniel Chapo. The main opposition party, Renamo, on the other hand, will be represented by Ossufo Momade. The third candidate who could also change the status quo in this race is Venâncio Mondlane, who embodies the hope for regime change and could “create a surprise,” according to a political analyst. On that day, Mozambicans will also elect their parliamentarians and provincial authority representatives.

Malawi beings screening for mpox at all points of entry

Malawi has begun screening for mpox at all ports of entry in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus. The move comes just days after the first two suspected cases were registered in the country and are currently awaiting laboratory test results. This includes a 31-year-old male who is being treated in hospital and a 17-year-old boy who is receiving care at home. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the epicentre of a more deadly strain of the virus that emerged last year and has subsequently spread to more than 10 other African states. Just over a week ago, the World Health Organization declared the spread of the new strain of mpox a public health emergency of international concern. Africa’s top public health agency on Wednesday said some countries on the continent could start vaccinating against mpox within days. While Malawi says it is planning for a worst-case scenario, not everyone will be vaccinated against the virus. “It’s not given to just everyone like we are doing with the Covid-19 vaccine or other vaccines, this is only reserved for those who are at a very high risk,” says Adrian Chikumbe, spokesperson for the Malawi Ministry of Health. The decision to screen visitors to the country is part of a raft of preventative measures which includes an awareness campaign, especially through community health networks. It has also set up a mobile diagnostic unit at a hospital in the country’s capital, Lilongwe. “My advice to people is that, when you meet a person or see someone who has mpox, please avoid any contact with them and also avoid contact with any materials that people with mpox have used,” says community health worker, Carol Luka. Malawi is one of the few Southern African countries that have so far managed to avoid an a mpox outbreak.

Burhan escalates war, rejects international peace efforts

The U.S., alongside Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, recently facilitated discussions in Geneva to secure a much-needed humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan

Landslide claims 10 lives in Ethiopia

Emergency services are working tirelessly to provide aid to affected communities.

President reshuffles Tunisian govt with major ministerial changes

Tunisian President Kais Saied reshuffled his cabinet, replacing 19 ministers just weeks before presidential elections amid growing repression of political dissent.

OIC calls for international aid to flood-affected West Africa

The organization has urged member states and international partners to provide emergency assistance to the affected populations.

Two Nigerian police officers killed in Islamist group attack in Abuja

The assailants also set police vans on fire during the attack, the statement added

Nigerian police officers killed in terror attack

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria attacked a police checkpoint in Abuja, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and injuries to three others.

Top African diplomats begin talks in Tokyo

Tokyo International Conference on African Development hosts foreign ministers, senior officials from African countries

Beyond the lion: Africa’s other regal animal, the king cobra

Africa is also home to another majestic creature that carries a royal title: the king cobra

Peanut soup: West Africa’s nutty culinary delight

Across West Africa, peanut soup, also known as groundnut soup, is a beloved dish

RSF proves its serious about peace in Sudan as Geneva Talks conclude

The RSF, signaling its commitment to the Sudanese people, pledged to ensure “safe and unhindered humanitarian access” amidst the ongoing 16-month civil war

Bolt takes action to end ‘taxi-war’ between Nigeria and South Afri...

The prank involved users booking and then canceling rides across borders, resulting in drivers wasting fuel and time on fruitless trips

Turkey contributes water facilities to Uganda through charity

Water crisis affects people in many rural areas, with many trekking more than 30 minutes to access safe drinking water

US renewed push for arms embargo in Sudan conflict

In his briefing, Perriello outlined the current diplomatic landscape, noting that the U.S. has been engaged in intense negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and reviving peace talks

Mali declares national disaster amid devastating floods

Flooding is a recurring challenge in West and Central Africa, particularly from June to September when heavy rains sweep through the Sahel

Senegal: Health measures against mpox in place 

In preparation for the Magal pilgrimage in Touba on August 23, 2024, Senegalese authorities have introduced enhanced health measures to address the spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox). With millions of pilgrims expected, including many from abroad, approximately 6,000 healthcare professionals have been deployed. Given the recent rise in mpox cases across Africa, the focus is on rapid detection. Dr. Mamadou Dieng, the regional health director of Diourbel, detailed the measures, including training for surveillance teams and the installation of testing equipment at multiple locations. A total of 186 sites have been established for pilgrims showing symptoms. Testing will be managed by the Institut Pasteur, and quarantine zones have been set up. Dr. Dieng stressed the importance of personal responsibility, urging pilgrims to wash their hands frequently, avoid close contact, and wear masks in crowded areas. Although these measures may be difficult to adhere to, they are vital for preventing the disease’s spread.

Spain pledges €50 million to tackle migrant crisis in the Canary Islands

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the Canary Islands on Friday to meet with regional President Fernando Clavijo amid a surge in migrant arrivals and challenges in caring for thousands of unaccompanied minors. Sánchez’s minister for territorial policy and democratic memory, Ángel Victor Torres, who previously served as the regional president of the Canaries, spoke on behalf of Sánchez’s government after the meeting. Torres announced an additional 50 million euros in financial aid for the archipelago, building on previous support. While adult migrants typically leave the islands for mainland Spain or other European destinations, the regional government is responsible for unaccompanied minors. The Canary Islands are currently caring for over 5,000 children and teenagers who arrived alone or lost their parents during the perilous journey from West Africa. Sánchez and Clavijo agreed to pursue long-term solutions for irregular migration, particularly for unaccompanied minors. Torres noted that a proposed legal change to mandate solidarity among Spanish regions must pass through parliament. However, a similar attempt in late July was unsuccessful, with lawmakers rejecting a proposal to distribute unaccompanied minors among other regions. Sánchez’s visit comes just before his trip to Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia to address migration issues at their sources. Between January and mid-August this year, over 22,300 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands, a 126% increase compared to the same period last year. On Friday, Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service reported rescuing 173 people, including six babies and eight women, and recovering two bodies from a boat near El Hierro. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canaries is among the world’s deadliest, with migrant rights group Walking Borders estimating thousands of fatalities due to the lack of precise departure data. Boats often disappear in the Atlantic or are found adrift in the Caribbean, carrying the remains of their passengers.

Libyan dominance ends Kitara’s Confederation Cup run

Al Hilal Benghazi secures their place in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating Kitara of Uganda in a thrilling encounter.

Heavy rains trigger state of emergency in Mali

West and Central Africa are facing a severe flooding crisis, with Mali being particularly hard hit.

RSF leader praises Geneva efforts to end Sudan conflict

RSF chief Mohamed Daglo endorses Geneva’s peace process, lauding international mediation while criticizing Burhan-controlled SAF absence, and stresses the need for immediate humanitarian relief in Sudan.

Nigeria floods kill 33, displace thousands in Jigawa state

Thousands have been displaced and many homes and farms have been destroyed.

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