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Africa

Namibian businessman killed by lioness near Skeleton Coast

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

Eritrea releases 31 Yemeni fishermen after 3 days of detention

Eritrean authorities released 31 Yemeni fishermen on Thursday after holding them for three days, according to Houthi-affiliated media. The Saba News Agency reported that the fishermen returned to the fishing port in Al Hudaydah province, which is under Houthi control. The fishermen revealed that Eritrean forces arrested them in Yemeni territorial waters while they were fishing in three boats and took them to Eritrean prisons at gunpoint. During their detention, the fishermen said “they were subjected to torture and starvation before being forced to return on a single boat, with the Eritrean forces confiscating the other two boats along with their fishing equipment,” the agency reported. There has been no official response from Eritrean authorities regarding the incident. For years, Yemen and Eritrea have been locked in a dispute over the Hanish Islands, located between the two countries’ coasts near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In 1998, an international arbitration court ruled in favor of Yemen, but Eritrea has not fully acknowledged the ruling and frequently detains Yemeni fishermen near the islands. Many Yemenis in coastal cities rely on fishing for their livelihood amid deteriorating living conditions caused by the ongoing war in the country. Yemen has been embroiled in nearly a decade of conflict between government forces backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, who have controlled several provinces, including the capital Sanaa, since September 2014.

Rwanda announces ban on over 40 religious groups

Rwandan authorities announced a ban Thursday on the activities of 43 faith groups across the country effective Aug. 28, weeks after thousands of illegal churches were closed. A letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government directed districts leaders to enforce the ban, saying an ongoing evaluation found the affected faith-based organizations operating in contravention of existing regulations. Most of the affected groups were of Pentecostal denominations, including the Lutheran Church, a member of the Lutheran World Federation established in the 1990s in Rwanda to continue the work of German missionaries. The move came weeks after authorities, in a major crackdown, closed over 5,000 churches accused of failing to comply with required legal standards and exposing the lives of worshipers to unnecessary risks. Authorities said 59.3% of over 13,000 churches inspected at the end of July were shut down due to non-compliance. It was the second major crackdown on places of worship in the country. In 2018, Rwandan authorities closed more than 700 churches found to be operating illegally. All preachers were also required to have theological training before opening a church under the law determining the organization and functioning of faith-based organizations in the country. The government had given church leaders five years to enforce the necessary legal standards, something that many reportedly failed to do. A large number of Rwandans, or about 40% of the population, belong to the Roman Catholic Church. But the number of Pentecostal churches has been growing in recent years in many parts of the African continent, mostly run by charismatic preachers who preach the prosperity gospel — promising their followers miracles to change their fortunes. However, authorities have become suspicious of the intentions of some religious groups. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, commenting on the crackdown on churches this month, suggested that some clerics under the cover of God manipulate and fleece their followers. He also suggested the need to introduce a tax on church collections.

Malian singer Rokia Traoré may face house arrest in Rome

Malian singer and composer Rokia Traoré has been held in Italy for two months following a European arrest warrant issued by Belgium. This arrest is related to a long-standing custody dispute with her ex-partner, Belgian playwright Jan Goossens, dating back to 2019, over their daughter. On Thursday, August 22, the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation may decide to place Traoré under house arrest in Rome. Traoré was detained on June 20, just before a scheduled performance at a music festival at the Colosseum, and has since been held in a women’s prison in Civitavecchia, near Rome. In October 2023, a Belgian court sentenced her to two years in prison for not presenting their daughter to Goossens, following allegations of sexual abuse against Goossens that were later dismissed. Two hearings have been held in Rome’s Court of Appeal since her arrest. On July 13, Traoré’s lawyer, Maddalena Claudia Del Re, challenged the procedural aspects of the Belgian sentence. The Italian judges have decided to refer the case to the European Court of Justice to determine whether Traoré should be released or extradited to Belgium. The Court of Cassation is expected to review the request for house arrest on August 22, which would improve Traoré’s current conditions.

Somalia threatens to halt Ethiopian Airlines flights

Somalia has warned that it may suspend all Ethiopian Airlines flights to its territory due to a territorial dispute. On August 21, 2024, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) announced that the airline has not addressed concerns regarding Somali sovereignty. The dispute intensified after Ethiopia signed a January 2024 agreement with the separatist region of Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline for 50 years in exchange for recognizing the region. Somalia views this deal as a breach of its sovereignty, escalating tensions between the two nations. The SCAA also criticized Ethiopian Airlines for removing Somali destination names from its systems, which it sees as a further affront to Somali sovereignty. Ethiopian Airlines has until August 23, 2024, to resolve these issues or face a suspension of all flights to Somalia.

Niger’s capital isolated by rising floodwaters

The city of Niamey is facing a transportation crisis due to rising floodwaters that have made roads impassable.

Dozens of civilians killed by SAF since start of Geneva Talks, RSF says

According to the RSF, these indiscriminate bombings have led to hundreds of civilian deaths and severe damage to infrastructure, including public and private buildings

Kenya and Ethiopia strengthen ties to combat terrorism

The two East African countries have committed to strengthening coordinated operations to prevent and counter the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups, especially the OLA.

Famine relief efforts gain momentum as aid reaches Sudan

The reopening of the border crossing offers hope for millions facing severe food shortages.

Mali’s gold reserves plummet 17% in two years

Syama mine remains the largest gold reserve in Mali despite a significant decrease in the country’s overall reserves.

Africa demands bigger climate funding share at COP

African nations are calling for a significant increase in global climate financing to tackle the continent’s growing climate challenges.

River boat accident in DRC claims 29 lives

The boat capsized after hitting underwater obstacles, and overloading and night navigation contributed to the tragedy.

Africa CDC leads the charge in improving health across the continent

Africa is witnessing a remarkable transformation in public health, marked by significant improvements

Kenya offers cash reward for escaped serial killer suspect

Last month, police reported that Khalusha had confessed to the murders of 42 women, including his wife, since 2022

Violent attack rocks Southern Ethiopia, killing 13

Unidentified assailants carried out a three-day attack in southern Ethiopia, killing 13 people, including police officers and civilians.

Sudan receives another Kuwaiti aid shipment amidst crisis

The Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society continues its humanitarian efforts to support the Sudanese people.

Congo boat accident death toll rises to at least 29, authorities confirm

The accident occurred on Sunday night when a boat carrying between 250 and 300 passengers capsized after striking submerged tree trunks in a river within Kutu territory

Senegal establishes commission to review oil and gas contracts

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko officially established a commission on Monday, August 19, to review the country’s oil and gas contracts with multinational corporations. Announcing the decision on national TV, Sonko emphasized that the commission, comprised of experts in law, taxation, and energy, will carefully scrutinize all legal aspects. Sonko dismissed rumors of nationalization, affirming his government’s goal to realign the contracts in favor of national interests. This development follows Senegal’s entry into oil production, with Woodside Energy announcing in June that its Sangomar field had started producing oil. Gas production from the GTA project is also expected to begin this year. The commission’s recommendations and potential changes will be closely watched, as this initiative was a key promise of the Faye administration.

Floods in Nigeria claimed 28 lives

In Nigeria’s Bauchi State, 28 people have died due to floods caused by heavy rainfall. Reports indicate that excessive rainfall in villages within the Gamawa region of Bauchi State has led to severe flooding over the past few days. The floods have resulted in 28 deaths, numerous injuries, and displaced about 100 people from their homes. Last week, flooding in Jigawa State, also in Nigeria, resulted in 30 deaths. Nigeria’s Ministry of Water Resources had issued warnings for severe rainfall and flooding in some regions of the country.

Mpox surge in DRC spurs WHO response and vaccine Push

The Mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, is causing concern globally as cases rise in multiple regions. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the outbreak’s epicenter, reporting at least 18,000 cases and 500 deaths, with over 70% of cases affecting children. Despite ongoing insurgency in the DRC, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working to respond effectively. Dr. Samuel Boland, WHO’s Mpox incident manager for Africa, explained that new strategies, including using radio broadcasts, are being employed to reach conflict-affected areas. The DRC expects to receive vaccine doses next week, according to the health minister. Dr. Boland emphasized the urgent need for these vaccines and the importance of immediate distribution to key populations. The outbreak has led the WHO to declare Mpox a global health emergency. Dr. Boland highlighted that while vaccination is crucial, prevention through public health measures and awareness is equally important. The WHO reassures that Mpox is not another COVID-19 but stresses the need for effective prevention and response strategies.