Nigeria’s 29 children face death sentences for protests
There has been widespread outrage in Nigeria over the potential death sentences facing 29 children accused of participating in protests against the cost-of-living crisis. The minors, aged 14 to 17, were part of a group of 76 individuals charged in court on Friday. The charges include treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and inciting a military coup. During the proceedings, four of the children collapsed from exhaustion before entering a plea. Reports indicate they have been in police custody since August. Protests erupted across Nigeria in August against economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation, which have led to soaring inflation and increased hardship for many citizens. Despite this, President Bola Tinubu insists these reforms are essential for the country’s stability. Security forces have faced allegations of excessive force during the protests, with Amnesty International reporting at least 13 fatalities in clashes with police. Lawyers representing the children confirmed they were granted bail, with the case set to go to trial in January. The death penalty has been on the books in Nigeria since the 1970s, but there have been no executions since 2016.
Libya mass grave toll rises to 73
The number of bodies recovered from a mass grave in Libya, dating back to the 2011 civil war, has increased to 73.
Tumaini Festival: Beacon of hope in Malawi camp
Tumaini Festival, held in Malawi’s Dzaleka Refugee Camp, is a testament to the power of music and art to bring people together.
Turkey aims to end African conflicts, FM says
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan outlined the country’s active role in resolving African conflicts, particularly the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Lightning strike in Uganda kills 14, injures dozens at refugee camp
The tragedy occurred in Lamwo district, located in northern Uganda, as heavy rain began around 5:00 p.m. local time
Mauritius’ mesmerizing underwater waterfall illusion draws global fascinatio...
In Mauritius lies a natural wonder that has captured the imaginations of locals and travelers
DR Congo’s mpox cases may be leveling off
Mpox cases in Congo appear to be declining, but health officials warn that the virus is still spreading in some areas and more vaccines are needed to stop the outbreak.
Chad denies killing civilians in airstrike
Chad’s government has strongly denied accusations that its military killed civilians in a recent airstrike targeting Boko Haram militants in Nigeria’s Lake Chad region.
Turkey, Djibouti discuss ties at Africa partnership conference
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf during the Turkey-Africa partnership conference in Djibouti.
Guinea’s junta leader Doumbouya promotes to general
Guinea’s junta leader Mamadi Doumbouya has promoted himself to general as the country grapples with political instability and an ongoing crackdown on dissent.
Botswana’s historic shift: Duma Boko unseats long-ruling party
Rather than entering parliament, Boko focused all his efforts on the presidency, a move seen as bold and determined
The great Jollof debate: West African nations vie for Jollof rice supremacy
Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal each proudly claim that their version of the dish reigns supreme
WHO Allocates Nearly 1 Million Mpox Vaccine Doses to Africa
The World Health Organization announced on Friday that nearly one million doses of mpox vaccines have been allocated to nine African countries. This follows the creation of an Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) last month to ensure equitable access to the vaccines. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that over 50,000 individuals have already been vaccinated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, thanks to donations from the U.S. and the European Commission. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 500 percent increase in mpox cases compared to last year, now affecting 19 countries. The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency in mid-August after a new strain began spreading from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dr. Ghebreyesus stated that the allocation of approximately 900,000 doses was based on public health needs, especially in areas with significant transmission. He emphasized that this is the first allocation of nearly six million doses expected to be available by the end of 2024. While vaccination is a critical component, he highlighted the importance of other strategies, including case finding, contact tracing, infection prevention, clinical care, risk communication, and testing, as part of a comprehensive response plan.
Algeria marks 70 years of independence from France
The event highlighted the country’s military strength and the sacrifices made by its people.
South Africa drops charges against Zizi Kodwa
Zizi Kodwa welcomed decision as South Africa drops corruption charges in significant move amidst political tensions.
Over 50,000 vaccinated in DRC, Rwanda amid mpox outbreak
The WHO has announced the allocation of nearly 900,000 mpox vaccine doses to nine African countries.
Nigeria charges 76, including minors, with treason for protest
The charges have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups.
CIA chief Burns meets Somali President Mohamud
Both hold ‘high-level discussion on strengthening the enduring Somalia-U.S. strategic partnership,’ says Somali presidency
Ethiopian shield returns home after 156 years
A significant cultural artifact, the shield of Emperor Tewodros II, has been returned to Ethiopia after being looted during the 1868 Magdala War.
Africa’s youth drive technology boom with start-up ecosystems
Africa is experiencing a technological and entrepreneurial surge as cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town
Botswana’s Masisi concedes as opposition leads in election upset
Botswana’s President Masisi conceded defeat as preliminary results showed his party lost its majority, ending nearly 60 years of BDP rule.
DR Congo military rescues 118 hostages, including women, kids
Hostages freed during Wednesday patrol in northeastern Ituri province, says military
Kenyan court approves new deputy president
A Kenyan high court on Thursday, October 31, approved the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president, despite an ongoing legal challenge to the impeachment of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. The three-judge panel in Nairobi overturned a prior court order that had temporarily suspended Kindiki’s inauguration, stating that the suspension risked creating a political vacuum. Gachagua was impeached on October 17 by over two-thirds of legislators on charges of corruption, inciting ethnic tensions, and supporting anti-government protests. President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, currently the interior minister, the following day. The impeachment revealed divisions within Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, particularly between Ruto and Gachagua. The former deputy president faced accusations of insubordination after opposing government policies regarding forced evictions during floods. Gachagua is contesting his impeachment in the High Court, claiming the charges lack evidence and the proceedings were unfair. He experienced chest pains and was hospitalized during the Senate hearings on October 17, prompting his lawyers to request a delay, which was denied. Following the Senate’s vote on the impeachment, Gachagua’s supporters condemned the process as rushed and biased, suggesting it had Ruto’s backing. Ruto, who initially campaigned as a champion for Kenya’s poorest citizens, has faced backlash over tax increases aimed at servicing foreign debt. This public discontent has led him to reorganize his Cabinet and reconsider certain policies.
The death toll from the cholera outbreak in Sudan has risen to 852
It has been reported that the number of deaths due to the cholera outbreak in Sudan has risen to 852. The Sudanese Ministry of Health stated that the total number of cholera cases in the country has reached 29,147. The announcement noted that the death toll from the cholera outbreak has increased to 852. Heavy rains and floods affecting Sudan since June have contributed to the spread of cholera. Sudanese authorities declared a cholera outbreak on August 12. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on October 1 that 3.4 million Sudanese children are at risk of epidemic diseases. On October 5, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced that it had sent 1.4 million doses of cholera vaccine to Sudan. In war-torn Sudan, the ineffective functioning of the healthcare system during this period exacerbates the spread of infectious diseases, making life even more difficult for the people.
Mozambique limits social media access amid election protests
Social media access in Mozambique has been restricted again, marking the second instance in a week, according to the global internet watchdog NetBlocks. This comes amid rising tensions following a controversial presidential election. The ruling Frelimo party, which has governed for 49 years, declared victory in the October 9 election, a result that opposition leaders and observers claim was flawed. Following this, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp were restricted after a previous blackout last Friday, which severely impacted mobile internet access. Daniel Chapo of Frelimo won the presidency with nearly 71% of the vote, while opposition leader Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos party garnered about 20%. The announcement of the results sparked protests, leading to clashes with security forces that resulted in at least 11 deaths and over 50 injuries, according to Human Rights Watch. Despite the social media restrictions, Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike from October 31 to November 7 to protest the election results. The capital, Maputo, appeared largely deserted as residents seemingly observed the strike. Authorities have warned against participation in what they term “acts of sabotage,” while the public prosecutor acknowledged the right to protest, threatening consequences for any damage caused. The Podemos party has appealed to Mozambique’s Constitutional Court for a recount, urging for electoral transparency. The court has requested detailed election data from the electoral commission within eight days. With political tensions high and social media access limited, the situation in Mozambique remains precarious as opposition leaders seek justice and transparency.
At least 15 killed in attack in Nigeria’s Benue state
At least 15 people have been killed in an attack by armed bandits in Nigeria’s Benue state, local media reported Thursday. Several people were also wounded when the assailants invaded the town of Anyiin in the Logo Local Government Area. Nigeria has long been facing attacks from armed gangs as well as the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist groups in various regions of the country. Despite the death penalty being enforced for kidnapping, incidents of abduction for ransom are still common. Armed perpetrators typically target villages, schools and travelers in the northern part of the country to demand ransoms.
Moroccan activist arrested over Macron visit
The arrest has raised concerns about the shrinking space for dissent in the country.
