Africa - Radar Africa

Africa

Sudan’s RSF leader Dagalo accuses SAF’s Burhan of assassination plot

Drone attack kills UN worker in eastern DRC

MSF confirms release of colleagues detained in Central African Republic

Blacklisted Israeli holding firm settles foreign bribery case in Congo

Ivory Coast authorities reject claims of unjust protest arrests

Denmark to close embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso

Denmark has announced that it will close its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso as part of its new strategy for African engagement. The Foreign Ministry explained on Monday that the recent military coups in these countries have restricted “the scope for action in the Sahel region.” Instead, Denmark plans to establish new missions in Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda, and to expand its diplomatic presence in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. Following the closures in Bamako and Ouagadougou, Denmark will appoint a special representative for the Great Lakes and Sahel region. Relations between Mali and Burkina Faso with the West have soured since Mali’s coup in 2020 and Burkina Faso’s in 2022. Both countries have since sought support from Russia and its Wagner mercenary group. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that Denmark’s reorganization aligns with the European Union’s goal of becoming the continent’s “preferred partner.” He emphasized that the EU needs to offer a compelling alternative to the growing influence of China and Russia in Africa. Denmark’s revised strategy will emphasize increasing trade and development aid, particularly for water initiatives.

Nine dead in quarry collapse in Zambia

It has been reported that nine people died in a quarry collapse in Zambia. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that the collapse occurred at an informal quarry in Chongwe, about 50 kilometers east of the capital Lusaka. Hamoonga confirmed that nine people were killed in the collapse, with one person injured and rescued. An investigation into the incident has been launched. In December 2023, a collapse at an open copper mine in northern Zambia resulted in the deaths of approximately 30 miners.

Torrential rains isolate Niamey from the rest of the country

In the village of N’Dounga Tarey, located about fifteen kilometers from Niamey, the impact of the heavy rains from a week ago is still evident. The village has seen its homes reduced to rubble, and resident Idrissa Issoufou Souley surveys the damage. “In N’Dounga Tarey, over 12 houses have collapsed due to the heavy rains. Although there were no casualties, we have suffered significant material damage to our homes, millet fields, and rice fields,” said Souley. The main road to Niamey has been severed, with two other roads completely submerged. This has isolated Niamey, cutting off not only internal connections but also essential supplies like fuel. “Since Sunday, all routes have been blocked, including supply routes, because the Niamey depot is on the Sorey plateau. At Sorey Ganda, the bridge was submerged and impassable. It is a situation of force majeure, but Sonidep has been actively working to supply the country,” explained Maazou Aboubacar Oumani, Commercial Director of SONIDEP. There have been long queues at the few gas stations still with fuel, and people are struggling to fill their tanks. Fuel has been unavailable for four days. “Since 1 p.m., I haven’t been able to get any fuel and have had to park my vehicle. We urge the government to find a solution for fuel supply. We are enduring hardships,” said taxi driver Chamsou Moussa Oumarou. Authorities recently managed to restore this route to enable resupply to the capital. “This restoration is a relief for the people of Kollo and Niamey. Traffic was halted for over a week, and we faced significant difficulties. There was no passage between Niamey and Kollo due to the heavy rains,” noted Aissatou Harouna Faran Maiga, the mayor of Kollo. Since June, floods in Niger have resulted in nearly 200 deaths and substantial material damage. The heavy rains have also led to shortages of various goods due to deteriorated roads.

Drought forces Ghana to halt grain exports

Ghana has temporarily banned the export of grains due to near-drought conditions that have disrupted crop production in the West African nation.

Kais Saied reshuffles cabinet due to ‘national security’ concerns

In a move ahead of the October 6 vote, Tunisian President Kais Saied has overhauled his cabinet, replacing nearly all ministers and emphasizing national security and the need for more responsible government actions and coherence.

Congo’s fight against mpox delayed by vaccine supply issues

Vaccine inequity remains a major issue as Congo awaits its first shipment of mpox vaccines.

Sudan’s RSF reaches out to DCAF for post-conflict support

Sudan’s RSF has met with DCAF to discuss potential collaboration in rebuilding the country’s security sector.

Deadly gravel collapse claims nine lives in Zambia

The victims were working illegally and loading gravel onto a truck when the collapse occurred.

Binance money laundering case fast-tracked in Nigeria

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is facing a money laundering trial in Nigeria.

Landslides in northern Ethiopia kill 23, displace thousands

A series of deadly landslides triggered by heavy rains in northern Ethiopia have killed 23 people and displaced thousands.

Denmark closes Sahel embassies, expands elsewhere

The country is also upgrading its existing embassies in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria to regional hubs.

Libya’s eastern government orders oilfield shutdown

Waha Oil Company, a subsidiary of NOC, has signaled plans to gradually reduce its output due to ongoing protests and pressures

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.