Death toll from suicide bombing at Somalia beach rises to 37
The death toll from a suicide bombing late last week on a crowded beach in the Lido area of the Somali capital Mogadishu rose to 37 on Sunday. “As of now, the number of people killed in the heinous attack stands at 37, while nearly 70 others were wounded,” said Ahmed Abdi, a police officer in Mogadishu who spoke by phone to Anadolu. He said an investigation into the attack is underway, while the government has named a ministerial committee tasked with coordinating the emergency response and support for the wounded. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who visited Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital in the capital, said security officials and soldiers in charge of the area where the attack took place were arrested due to negligence. “Rest assured, we are taking strict action against those responsible,” Barre said in a brief statement on X. Barre did not elaborate further on how many soldiers and officials were arrested. Lido Beach is frequented by civilians, security officials and businesspeople. The Al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack. The blast was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks so far this year in Somalia, which has been plagued by insecurity for years, with the main threats emanating from al-Shabaab and the Daesh/ISIS terror groups. Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) — a multidimensional mission authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council. Al-Shabaab has stepped up attacks since Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an “all-out war” on the group.
Zambia starts importing 218 megawatts of power from South Africa
Zambia has started importing 218 megawatts of power from South Africa during off-peak hours through the country’s Electricity Supply Commission (ESCOM). Matongo Maumbi, a spokesman for the state-owned power utility Zesco, told state television Sunday that the imports commenced on Aug. 1, with an aim to cushion the power deficit facing the country. Africa’s second-largest copper producer is also importing electricity from Mozambique. “The imports have enabled Zesco to reach stabilization levels as the demand for power keeps increasing. This means we can now supply power to critical installations such as hospitals, mines and other industries,” said Maumbi. Following a drought in the 2023-24 rainy season, Zambia has lost 1,000 megawatts of power generation, causing consumers to face an average daily routine of 12 hours of rolling blackouts. Maumbi said that Zesco had also procured generators to support public installations. “So far, 22 generators have been procured and are expected to be in the country within the month. These generators will be installed in public institutions such as hospitals, market areas, and those difficult to isolate from the national grid when loadshedded,” he added.
Ethiopians held by human traffickers in South Africa have been rescued
In South Africa, 90 Ethiopian irregular migrants held by human traffickers were rescued by the police. According to a statement from South African police, the operation in a building in Johannesburg, aimed at freeing Ethiopians kidnapped for ransom, led to the rescue of these 90 individuals. They were found “locked in rooms under inhumane conditions” and were transferred to hospitals for medical care. Two suspects believed to be human traffickers were arrested at the scene.
Nigerian women’s basketball team qualifies for Olympic quarterfinals
Ezinna Kalu led Nigeria with 21 points as the team made Olympic history by becoming the first African squad, male or female, to reach the Olympic basketball quarterfinals, defeating Canada 79-70 on Sunday. With this win, Nigeria (2-1) is now awaiting their next opponent. They have already surpassed their previous best in pool play, doubling their win tally from the 2004 Athens Games. The team celebrated their achievement by heading to midcourt, where an assistant coach recorded the moment with her phone. After high-fiving the Canadian players, they regrouped for a jubilant midcourt huddle. An assistant coach also took the opportunity to capture photos with a fan’s flag on the court. The Nigerians savored the moment with hugs and photos as they celebrated their historic victory. Canada, ranked fifth in the world, finished the group stage winless, falling short on the final day of play to a team ranked 12th. Five teams had already secured their quarterfinal spots before this game: the U.S., aiming for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold, and Spain, Serbia, France, and Germany. The final draw for the quarterfinals will be determined after the last group stage game between Australia and host nation France. Nigeria had not qualified for the 2016 Rio Games and went winless in Tokyo. The women’s team was initially barred from Nigeria’s boat for the opening ceremony on July 26 but will now play in Bercy Arena on Wednesday, located on the banks of the Seine River. Nigeria started strong, scoring the first six points of the game. Captain Amy Okonkwo injured her right shoulder early in the second quarter in a collision with Canada’s Aaliyah Edwards. Canada led 41-37 at halftime, but Okonkwo returned for the third quarter, during which Nigeria opened with a 13-1 run. Nigeria outscored Canada 23-5 in the third period, taking a 60-46 lead into the final quarter. Elizabeth Balogun contributed 14 points, and Promise Amukamara added 12 for Nigeria. Shay Colley led Canada with 17 points, with Bridget Carleton and Kayla Alexander adding 13 and 12 points, respectively. In another game, Belgium defeated Japan 85-58. Emma Meesseman was instrumental with 30 points and 11 rebounds, helping Belgium secure one of the three remaining quarterfinal berths. The Belgian team celebrated at midcourt, with some players in tears of joy as the final buzzer sounded. Japan, which had won silver three years ago in Tokyo, was eliminated after finishing with a 0-3 record in group play. This marks the second consecutive Olympics where the previous silver medalist has failed to medal; Spain, the 2016 silver medalist, also fell short in Tokyo. Belgium (1-2) needed a 27-point victory over Japan to advance with a better point differential than China. The game was closely watched by Chinese fans as Belgium, located just 20 miles (32 kilometers) away, aimed to secure their place. Japan initially led 4-2, but Belgium took control with a 3-pointer from Antonia Delaere, leading 19-7 by the end of the first quarter. The lead grew to 39-23 at halftime, and despite Japan’s efforts, Belgium outscored them 22-16 in the third quarter for a 61-39 lead. Elise Ramette’s 3-pointer with 4:52 left secured the necessary point margin, leading to a Japan timeout and a celebration from Becky Massey. Ramette finished with 16 points, and Delaere and Maxuella Mbaka Lisowa each contributed 12. Saki Hayashi led Japan with 13 points, and Evelyn Mawuli added 12.
Libya vows to defend oil interests after Sharara protest
The Libyan government has vowed to protect the country’s oil interests and condemned the actions of the demonstrators.
Houthis claim first attack on shipping lanes in two weeks
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated in a televised address that the ship was attacked using ballistic missiles
Ukraine’s Kuleba visits to Malawi, Zambia, Mauritius
Dmytro Kuleba strengthens Ukraine-Africa ties with pivotal tour focusing on peace and partnerships.
African nations lead in global climate action
African nations are taking bold steps in the fight against climate change
Nigerian president demands end to deadly protests
Tinubu expressed concern over the protests being hijacked by looters and stressed the need for order and dialogue
Niger coup leader blames France for border tensions
The leader of Niger’s military government has blamed France for border tensions with Benin, claiming that French intelligence services are operating in the region.
Cairo International Airport: Africa’s oldest and busiest aviation hub
Cairo International Airport holds the distinction of being Africa’s oldest international airport
Massive terror attack in Mogadishu; dozens killed
Security forces killed 3 terrorist attackers who stormed popular hotel after initial blast late Friday
Burkina Faso launches first state bank for economic sovereignty
Captain Ibrahim Traore opens ‘Burkindlim’ in capital Ouagadougou
Protesters rally in Somalia to condemn killing of Hamas leader
Protesters in Somalia rallied Friday to condemn the assassination of Hamas’ Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh by Israel. Students, business people and religious clerics came out in Mogadishu to show solidarity with the Palestinian people who have been facing an Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank since an Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, against Israel. Protesters were led by famous Somali religious scholar Sheikh Abdi Hayi who chanted against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “There is no God but Allah, Netanyahu is an enemy of Allah,” protesters chanted. The Somalia government strongly condemned Haniyeh’s assassination on Wednesday and said it was a violation of international law. Haniyeh, who was in the Iranian capital of Tehran to attend the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian, was killed by an airstrike that targeted the building where he was staying. Hamas and Iran have blamed Israel for the attack but Tel Aviv has neither claimed nor denied responsibility. “Somalia fears an escalating pace of violence that could lead to more violations against civilians,” said the Somali Foreign Ministry, expressing “heartfelt condolences” to the Palestinian people. Mogadishu condemns political killings and violence “in all its forms, whatever its motives are,” it said in a statement.
Egypt, Saudi foreign ministers discuss escalating regional tensions
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Friday that Badr Abdelatty and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, discussed the “dangerous” regional escalation following assassinations by Israel, The ministers explored “avenues for enhancing cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia across various domains,” in a telephone call. They also discussed “the alarming regional tensions resulting from Israel’s extremist policies and the pattern of assassinations,” it said in a statement, in reference to the assassination Wednesday of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political bureau in the Iranian capital of Tehran. Abdelatty emphasized the urgency of “halting the ongoing escalation and underscored the responsibility of major international powers, particularly the US, in curbing the escalation.” Bin Farhan expressed anticipation for “continued bilateral relations to bolster coordination on regional issues.” The Israeli military claimed Thursday to have “confirmed intelligence” regarding the killing of Mohammed Deif, the military wing leader of Hamas, al-Qassam Brigades. The airstrike occurred July 13 in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, despite prior denials by the Palestinian resistance group. Israel’s confirmation followed Hamas and Iran’s declaration Wednesday regarding the assassination of Haniyeh. An Israeli airstrike targeted Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran, following his participation in the inauguration ceremony of President Masoud Pezeshkian. While Israel maintains silence on Haniyeh’s assassination, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indirectly alluded to Tel Aviv’s responsibility for the operation. Additionally, the Israeli army explicitly claimed responsibility for the assassination of Fouad Shukr, Hezbollah’s top military commander, in an airstrike Tuesday on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Escalating tensions between the two sides have persisted since early October, stemming from the Israeli onslaught against Gaza. -Sudan crisis The two top diplomats also addressed efforts by Cairo and Riyadh to resolve the Sudanese crisis to maintain Sudan’s unity and sovereignty by working together to achieve a cease-fire and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group have been engaged in fighting that has resulted in 18,800 deaths and 10 million displaced individuals, according to the UN.
Zambian police seize $1.6 million in fake cash
The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission has successfully disrupted a counterfeit currency operation, arresting five suspects and recovering a substantial amount of fake US dollars.
Niger militants unveil video featuring two alleged Russian hostages
Two Russian nationals have been abducted in Niger by the GSIM terrorist group. The kidnapping comes amid increasing violence in the West African country.
Regional stability in jeopardy as Sudan crisis deepens — UN
The UN is urging immediate action to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where famine has struck North Darfur.
Sudan’s RSF accuses Al Burhan’s forces of weaponizing famine
The RSF calls for immediate international intervention to save millions from starvation.
Curfew imposed in Nigeria amid deadly protests, 17 killed
We will seek military support if our personnel overpowered by protestors, says police chief
Burundi urges regional coordination for peace in DR Congo
‘I am particularly concerned about the resurgence of M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo,’ Burundi’s president says in Zambian parliament
At least 17 killed in Nigeria anti-government rallies
Anti-government protests in Nigeria have turned deadly, with at least 17 fatalities reported.
Catastrophe for feline lovers as Kenya introduces cat tax
The Nairobi City County’s plan requires cat owners to register their pets, pay an annual fee of 200 Kenyan shillings (about $1.50), and provide proof of rabies vaccination
Tunisian presidential candidates report restrictions and intimidation
The new requirement for a document certifying candidates have no criminal record has delayed their ability to register
Tanzania launches first modern railways built by Turkish firm
Built by Turkish firm at cost of $3.1 billion, 541-kilometer railway runs from Dar es Salaam and Morogoro to capital Dodoma
Nigeria police may seek military help after violent protests
Police in Nigeria have been placed on high alert and may seek military assistance following violent protests in several cities that resulted in at least three deaths, the Inspector General of Police announced. Major cities, including the capital Abuja and Kano in the north, experienced clashes between police and demonstrators, along with looting on Thursday. Despite the early calm on Friday, further protests were anticipated. Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun stated late Thursday that the police were fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly to any additional threats to public safety and order. “In light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert,” Egbetokun said. “The police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will seek assistance from other security agencies, including the military, if necessary.” The protests, inspired by youth-led movements in Kenya, have been organized under the banner “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” and are set to continue for 10 days. Protesters are reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which have led to rampant inflation, a weakened currency, and increasing hardship for ordinary Nigerians. President Tinubu acknowledged the pain caused by the reforms but emphasized that they are essential for putting Nigeria’s economy on a path to sustainable growth. Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous and predominantly Muslim states, imposed a 24-hour curfew after protesters looted a shop and a government complex. Additionally, three other states have implemented curfews in certain areas.
African cities embrace rapid urbanization
A growing focus on developing smart cities in Africa is emerging, aiming to enhance living standards