The officers, along with their weapons, ammunition, and other arms, were officially handed back to the Democratic Republic of Congo

Sudanese women have frequently been displaced and face various dangers during their journeys

European health authorities have recommended that EU countries issue travel warnings for regions affected by mpox following its designation as a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). On Friday, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) cautioned that Europe may see more imported cases due to the virus’s spread in several African nations. However, the ECDC noted that the risk of ongoing transmission within Europe remains low, as long as imported cases are quickly identified and controlled. This advisory comes after Sweden detected a new mpox variant, marking the first case of this strain outside Africa. Bruno Ciancio, ECDC’s head of surveillance, expressed concern over the worsening situation in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, where case numbers may be underreported. To curb the spread in Europe, the ECDC stressed the importance of rapid case identification and containment. They have advised EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries to issue travel advisories for regions impacted by mpox. Since last year, mpox has spread in the DRC and other African countries, resulting in over 500 deaths, primarily in the DRC. The WHO’s global emergency declaration underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to address the crisis. The ECDC highlighted that EU/EEA travelers with close contact to affected communities face a higher risk, while close contacts of imported cases in Europe have a moderate risk. There are two subtypes of the mpox virus: Clade I, more severe and endemic to central Africa, and Clade II, responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. Currently, several African countries are dealing with Clade I and a new strain, Clade Ib. Sweden’s report of the first European case of Clade Ib has led the ECDC to increase the risk level for EU/EEA travelers and the general population. Although the impact in Europe is expected to be low, the ECDC recommends high preparedness, including effective surveillance, testing, and contact tracing. Travelers to mpox-affected areas are advised to consider vaccination, and European clinicians are urged to remain vigilant for potential cases, despite mpox not being endemic to Europe. Ciancio emphasized that while the risk should be taken seriously, it should not be overstated, given the availability of effective and safe vaccines.

In Uganda, the death toll from the landfill collapse in Kampala has risen to 34, with many homes and residents in the Kiteezi neighborhood buried under a massive pile of waste following heavy rains. The landslide occurred on Saturday, August 9, and rescue operations are ongoing, with 35 people still missing. The collapse is thought to have been triggered by the intense rainfall. The Kiteezi landfill, situated on a steep slope in a poor part of the city, has long been a hazardous area. Women and children often scavenge plastic waste there for income, and some homes are built nearby. Kampala authorities have been considering closing the landfill and moving waste disposal to a larger site outside the city, but the plan has not been implemented since 2016. President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Goma, long plagued by conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is now at the center of a severe mpox outbreak, formerly known as monkeypox. The Nyiragongo General Hospital, located on the outskirts of Goma, is seeing a surge in mpox cases. The current variant is particularly concerning, with increased severity compared to earlier strains. Patient Nyota Mukobelwa recounted her experience after being transported to the hospital by a Doctors Without Borders vehicle. She initially experienced headaches, fever, muscle pain, and groin discomfort, which were followed by lesions, leading her to suspect an infection. Doctors and nurses report that most patients are children. Dr. Pierre Olivier Ngadjole from MEDAIR DRC, which operates the mpox treatment site, noted that 75% of the patients are children under ten, with 70% coming from internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Nurse Trésor Basubi expressed concern over the rising number of admissions. The ongoing conflict around Goma has led to an influx of displaced people seeking refuge in the city’s camps. In 2022, mpox outbreaks were reported in over 70 countries, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global emergency. While vaccines and treatments helped control the outbreaks in wealthy nations, access remained limited in Africa. This year, a new, potentially more infectious form of mpox has been identified in a mining town about 270 kilometers south of Goma. At least 13 African countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have reported new cases, often linked to the outbreak in Congo. Furaha Elisabeth visited the clinic for her child’s treatment, expressing her fear and anxiety after seeing distressing images of the disease. “I am scared and so worried,” she said.

President Mnangagwa assumes the SADC chair as leaders meet in Harare to discuss strategies for boosting economic growth and addressing regional security concerns.

The Rapid Support Forces blame Burhan-controlled SAF for destroying the crucial Wad Madani land port in a devastating airstrike, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Uganda has repatriated nearly 100 Congolese police officers who fled across the border to escape clashes between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army.

The U.S. has urged Sudan’s military to join peace talks as the conflict escalates and a worsening humanitarian crisis grips the country.

At least 20 university medical students were kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria’s north-central Benue State on Thursday evening, police confirmed on Friday. The students, traveling on two buses, were ambushed while en route to a religious event in the state, according to police spokesperson Catherine Anene. The incident occurred near Otukpo, a town in Benue State.   Anene stated that the police are currently investigating the matter and have launched a search for the abducted students. The identities of the universities the students attend have not been released.   The kidnapping of students has become a recurring issue in Nigeria, with armed groups targeting schools and universities for ransom. The incidents have sparked widespread outrage and calls for increased security measures to protect educational institutions.   Authorities have yet to provide further details on the abduction, including the identities of the kidnappers or their motives.

The RSF has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating humanitarian aid in Sudan while accusing Burhan-controlled SAF of obstructing relief efforts and using food as a weapon of war.

Namibia has lifted its ban on live poultry and bird imports from South Africa following an outbreak of avian influenza.

However, SAF’s absence from the initial discussions has raised doubts about the potential for a comprehensive peace agreement

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has fueled a cholera outbreak killing over 300 people, with rising cases of dengue and meningitis.

The Red Cross warns of a humanitarian crisis, as the WHO declares a global health emergency.

African cities are undergoing a dramatic transformation as modern architecture surges

South Sudan’s controversial security legislation allowing warrantless arrests has become law despite international condemnation and without presidential approval.

The Sudanese army is absent from ceasefire talks, but progress continues through daily communication focused on humanitarian aid.

Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has spoken out for the first time since winning gold in the women’s 66-kilogram category at the Paris Games, addressing the scrutiny and misinformation she endured. Khelif revealed the emotional impact of false allegations questioning her gender, which began after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their match. Despite the International Olympic Committee’s support and condemnation of the false claims, high-profile figures like Donald Trump, J.K. Rowling, and Elon Musk contributed to the controversy with critical remarks. “It hurt me deeply and caused immense fear,” Khelif told Algerian news channel El Bilad. “I can’t describe how scary it was. Thankfully, people in Algeria and the Arab world know me for my femininity, courage, and determination.” Khelif expressed frustration over the politicization of sports and condemned the unfounded accusations as an insult to her, her family, and Algeria. “They have no right to label me as transgender. This is an offense to my family, to Algeria, and to the Arab world,” she said. In response to the harassment, Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, has filed a complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s office, leading to an investigation into the online hate campaign. Charges under consideration include cyber harassment, public insults based on gender, and incitement to discrimination. Khelif remains resolute in her demand for justice and respect. “I will accept an apology if offered, but to those who don’t apologize, I say: I am a female and will remain so, and my honor comes before everything,” she affirmed.

Several African countries are emerging as global leaders in economic growth. How are they doing it?

‘We can say that sardines in Africa have decreased under pressure of climate change and overfishing,’ university lecturer says

This marks Blinken’s second call to al-Burhan in August, highlighting the urgency of securing a ceasefire and ensuring unrestricted humanitarian access

Defense lawyer Andrew Dalack expressed relief, stating the case had been “overcharged from the beginning”

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan removed long-serving Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu in a mini-Cabinet reshuffle Wednesday, a move seen as part of broader efforts to realign her government ahead of general elections next year. According to a statement issued by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka, the president has appointed Jenista Mhagama as the new minister of health. Mhagama previously served as the minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament and Coordination. Mwalimu, who held the health portfolio for a long time, has not been reassigned with any other duty. In the same reshuffle, President Hassan appointed renowned law professor Palamagamba Kabudi as the Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, a portfolio previously held by Pindi Chana. Chana, in turn, has been appointed as the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, the docket she had held previously. The president also promoted William Lukuvi to the position of Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, tasked with overseeing policy, parliament and coordination. The reshuffle, which includes key changes in the Attorney General’s Office, where a senior aviation expert, Hamza Johari, has been appointed attorney general, replacing Eliezer Feleshi, who has been appointed as a judge of the Court of Appeal, signals President Hassan’s ongoing efforts to consolidate her administration and strengthen governance as the country navigates through its development challenges.