Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, with Nigeria’s aviation authorities investigating the crash’s cause

African Union Chair and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani stated that Africa is counting on BRICS countries for support in obtaining permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Speaking at the “Expanded BRICS+” meeting during the BRICS Leaders Summit in Kazan, Russia, Ghazouani highlighted that the delays in achieving sustainable development goals and the current inadequacies in addressing serious global security, economic, and environmental challenges stem from political and economic imbalances in the international system. He emphasized the need for Africa to foster a new dynamic of multilateral cooperation, international solidarity, and assistance. For this to happen, he argued, the financial and political rules of international governance must be reformulated. Ghazouani pointed out that Africa’s ability to leverage development opportunities and unlock its growth potential is hindered by debt issues. He also noted that Africa’s weak representation in multilateral financial institutions has led to urgent development needs—particularly in infrastructure, technology transfer, and education—not being prioritized on the international agenda. He called for the establishment of a new development finance agreement that ensures equitable access to financing aligned with the priorities of least developed countries. Ghazouani underscored the importance of granting Africa permanent membership in the UN Security Council to ensure its voice is heard and its priorities are considered globally, expressing trust in BRICS countries for this support.

Election officials in Mozambique announced on Thursday that the ruling party, Frelimo, has won the country’s disputed elections, solidifying its grip on power for over five decades. Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s candidate, will succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after two terms. Frelimo has governed Mozambique since its independence from Portugal in 1975, and the results were widely anticipated to favor the party. The electoral commission reported that Chapo received 70 percent of the vote, while his closest rival, Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos party, garnered 20 percent. Mondlane replaced the former opposition party, Renamo, which saw its candidate finish in third place. Following the announcement of the results, violent protests erupted in several towns amid allegations of fraud and vote rigging. European Union observers expressed concerns over the integrity of the elections, citing “irregularities during counting and unjustified alterations of results.” Opposition parties echoed these claims, leading to nationwide protests called by Podemos, which were met with police dispersing crowds using live rounds and tear gas. Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike on Thursday and Friday in response to the alleged electoral misconduct. Tensions escalated after the recent shootings of two prominent Podemos figures in Maputo. As fears grow that the protests could escalate into violence, Mondlane has until December to contest the election results. Chapo is set to be officially sworn in as president in January. The elections held on October 9 also included parliamentary and provincial contests, in which Frelimo secured a majority in the Assembly of the Republic, further entrenching its political dominance in Mozambique.

In Nigeria, operations against terrorist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP (the West African branch of ISIS) resulted in the neutralization of 140 individuals over the course of one week. Edward Buba, the Director of Media Operations for the Nigerian Defense Ministry, provided this information at a weekly press briefing, highlighting the country’s ongoing battle against escalating security challenges. Buba stated that the operations took place across various regions, leading to the deaths of 140 terrorists and gang members, while 135 were captured. Additionally, 76 individuals held for ransom were rescued. Nigeria has long faced threats from armed gangs, as well as attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP, despite the death penalty for kidnapping crimes. Armed groups typically target villages, schools, and travelers in the northern parts of the country to demand ransoms.

The legacy of Hama Amadou, Niger’s ex-prime minister who battled political strife and medical issues, ends with his death at 74.

A helicopter carrying eight people crashed off the coast of Nigeria, resulting in at least three deaths.

President Felix Tshisekedi’s decision to review the constitution and potentially remove term limits has raised alarm among political opposition leaders.

Israel closed its embassy in Eswatini in 1994 and shifted it to Pretoria in South Africa

New cases found in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, says official

Africa is leveraging modern technology to preserve its rich cultural heritage

Mali, Senegal, and Somalia condemned a “heinous” terrorist attack on a defense industry facility in Turkey’s capital on Wednesday. Mali’s transitional government president, Col. Assimi Goita, expressed “total solidarity” with Turkey, a key defense partner, and extended condolences to the victims’ families. The attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) resulted in at least five deaths and 22 injuries, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye labeled the attack “cowardly,” expressing compassion for the Turkish people and condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Somalia condemned the incident as a “heinous” act, noting it poses a threat to global peace. The Foreign Ministry commended the swift response of Turkish security forces and expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. Somalia reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism alongside Turkey and the international community, calling for strengthened cooperation against such threats.

African leaders at the ongoing BRICS summit in Russia highlighted key international issues on Wednesday. Originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the coalition has expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for membership, with many other nations also expressing interest. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi noted that the current international system’s shortcomings extend beyond political and security concerns to economic and development challenges. He emphasized the “escalation of the debt problem and the lack of necessary funding” as barriers to rapid economic growth for developing countries. He stressed Cairo’s commitment to raising awareness about its role in fostering development. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for reform of the World Trade Organization, advocating for updated trade rules to facilitate industrialization. He urged BRICS members to enhance cooperation by launching joint development programs in exports, industrial collaboration, and technology exchange. Ramaphosa also expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the Middle East, demanding an immediate ceasefire and recognition of Palestinian self-determination. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed suggested reforms for the UN Security Council, asserting that developing nations must have their voices heard in global governance. “This is not just about representation; it’s about justice, equity, and allowing all nations to contribute,” he stated. The three-day summit marks the largest gathering of world leaders in Russia in decades, occurring as the West seeks to isolate Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.

Nigeria’s Disease Control Center Reports 1,191 Deaths from Diphtheria Outbreak The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported that 1,191 people have died from a diphtheria outbreak in the country over the past 17 months. Muzzammil Gadanya, Director of the Diphtheria Emergency Operations Center at the NCDC, stated that between May 2023 and September 2024, 1,191 individuals lost their lives to the outbreak. During this period, over 38,000 suspected diphtheria cases were recorded, with confirmed cases numbering around 23,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the country is experiencing a second wave of the outbreak due to the rising number of diphtheria cases. In response to the crisis, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) sent 9.3 million doses of vaccine to Nigeria last year as part of the effort to combat the outbreak. Diphtheria, also known as “corynebacterium diphtheriae,” is caused by a microorganism that infects the throat, nose, eyes, and skin. The contagious disease can lead to severe health complications and even death.

Sixteen members of the opposition NUP party in Uganda have been convicted and sentenced to five years in prison by a military court.

Fighting has intensified in eastern DRC as M23 rebels have retaken Kalembe, a disputed town.

Plane used by Burhan’s army with Russian crew members on board was shot down in North Darfur, providing insight into the international support for the conflict as it resupplied the city of al-Fashir under siege.

Since taking office last year, Tinubu’s rapid reform initiatives have raised hopes that his leadership could address the escalating economic challenges facing Africa’s largest oil producer

While 33 nations have made progress, 21 countries have experienced a decline, impacting almost half of the continent’s population

This comes after four MPs defected ahead of the upcoming 7 December general election, leaving the balance of power uncertain

The downed aircraft, a Soviet-era Il-76 heavy transport plane, has been widely used in conflict zones for its cargo capacity and versatility

Africa is home to vast natural resources, particularly in the oil and gas sectors

Mo Ibrahim Foundation report reveals significant governance decline in Africa as conflicts worsen and reforms are needed for progress.

A devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred near the Ugandan capital, resulting in the tragic loss of 11 lives.

The UN migration agency reports that 7 million people remain internally displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to ongoing conflict and disasters.