Leaders of Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia meet amid rising tensions
Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia leaders convene in Asmara for crucial talks on regional security and stability amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Africans recruited for Russian jobs tricked into manufacturing drones
Young African women recruited for jobs in Russia have reported being deceived into assembling drones intended for use in the conflict in Ukraine. Initially lured by social media ads promising free flights, lucrative salaries, and job training in hospitality and catering, many arrived to discover they were to work in a drone production facility instead. In interviews with The Associated Press, several women shared experiences of long hours under constant surveillance, unmet wage expectations, and exposure to hazardous chemicals that have left them with severe skin issues. These women were part of a Kremlin initiative to address labor shortages amid wartime production demands. Recruitment has targeted women aged 18 to 22 from countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, as well as from Sri Lanka. The Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, approximately 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow, has become a focal point for this recruitment effort. One woman, who left a job in her home country, recounted her initial excitement upon arriving in Alabuga, only to realize that the promise of a bright future was merely a facade. “The company is all about making drones. Nothing else,” she said, expressing regret about her decision to come. The recruitment campaign, dubbed “Alabuga Start,” involved completing a simple online game and a basic Russian vocabulary test. However, the reality revealed a grim working environment where foreign workers were often mistreated and denied the freedoms enjoyed by their Russian counterparts. The women live in guarded dormitories and are closely monitored while working, with their communications severely restricted. Reports indicate that about 200 African women are currently employed in the Alabuga facility, alongside vocational students as young as 16. The plant is primarily engaged in producing Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which have been employed in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite an initial promise of $700 a month, many women reported receiving much less, with various deductions reducing their take-home pay. The workers have described grueling shifts of up to 12 hours, with inadequate time off. One woman lamented, “The African women are maltreated like donkeys, being slaved.” Human rights organizations have raised alarms over these practices, highlighting the potential for trafficking if the recruitment methods are found to be exploitative. Betty Amongi, Uganda’s Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, has voiced concerns regarding the welfare of the women, urging thorough investigations into the recruitment efforts. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Russia’s reliance on foreign labor to bolster its military production raises questions about the ethical implications of such recruiting tactics. The situation has caught the attention of the international community, with calls for accountability and safeguards to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation.
Dallol, Ethiopia: The hottest inhabited place on Earth
Dallol, Ethiopia, has earned the title of the world’s hottest inhabited place
Egypt denies being involved in Sudan conflict
Egypt on Wednesday denied claims by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), of its involvement in his country’s ongoing conflict. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the accusations come at a time when Egypt is making considerable efforts to stop the war, protect civilians and strengthen international response efforts for humanitarian relief to those affected by the conflict. The ministry called on the international community to examine the evidence which would verify the validity of the claims made by Dagalo. Egypt also reaffirmed its commitment to the security, stability and unity of Sudan. The statement added that Egypt will continue to spare no effort in providing all forms of support to its Sudanese “brothers” as they face the severe consequences of the ongoing war. Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have been engaged in a conflict that has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced nearly 10 million people, according to the United Nations. There has been a growing call from the UN and international bodies to end the conflict, as the war has pushed millions of Sudanese to the brink of famine and death due to food shortages, with the fighting spreading to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.
Chad’s capital at risk as river hits historic high
The Logone river in Chad’s capital has reached a record-breaking high, threatening to worsen the already devastating floods affecting millions of people.
RSF leader blames Egypt for backing Burhan, extending war
The RSF leader in Sudan accused Egypt of carrying out airstrikes against his forces and supporting the Sudanese army.
Ghana intensifies crackdown on illegal mining
New measures include military deployment, special courts, and legal action against those involved.
Independent mission in Sudan gets extension amid conflict
UN’s Human Rights Council votes to continue investigation into grave abuses in Sudan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, documenting suffering and accountability.
Kenyan senate to begin impeachment hearings for Gachagua
Historic impeachment hearings for Rigathi Gachagua will commence next week in the Kenyan Senate after a decisive vote by the National Assembly.
Wagner group claims recovery of mercenary bodies in Mali
Mali has been grappling with a prolonged Islamist insurgency, a situation exacerbated by military coups in 2020 and 2021
Africa’s size surpasses USA, China, and Europe combined
This geographical enormity often goes unnoticed due to common map projections that tend to distort Africa’s size
Nigeria receives 600,000 doses of cholera vaccine
Nigeria received 600,000 additional doses of cholera vaccine Tuesday to contain an outbreak of the infectious disease in northeastern Borno State caused by devasting floods. UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria Rownak Khan said the vaccine and other medical items were part of a global response to halt the spread of cholera, a waterborne disease which hit the state weeks after massive flooding damaged sanitary facilities and water supply. “This oral cholera vaccine was a joint effort between the government and the partners. UNICEF is one of the partners. We also have other partners who also put a lot of effort to bring the cholera vaccine to Nigeria,” Khan told Anadolu in the state capital Maiduguri after handing over the items to the government. The donation also included acute water diarrhea kits and hospital beds worth $69,000, she added. Last month, UNICEF delivered the first 300,000 doses of cholera vaccine to the state, starting massive vaccination in the area. Abubakar Hassan, special adviser to the Borno State governor on Health, said the state is yet to record any cholera-related deaths days after the outbreak of the disease was reported. Authorities said 451 suspected cases of cholera were recorded in Borno on Oct. 4, with 128 cases testing positive after a rapid diagnostic process.
Mozambique Elections: Frelimo set to maintain power
Mozambique is set to welcome 17 million voters for elections on October 9, determining the makeup of 250 parliamentary members and provincial assemblies. The ruling Frelimo party, in power since independence from Portugal in 1975, is expected to nominate its next presidential candidate from within its ranks. Daniel Chapo, a former radio announcer and law teacher, is anticipated to succeed Filipe Nyusi as president. Local resident Julio Macamo expressed hopes for progress, stating, “We aspire for a better future. Given our past experiences, we want the new government to succeed.” At least four candidates are vying for change in a nation grappling with a jihadist insurgency and severe climate challenges, including flooding. The insurgency has displaced over 1.3 million people, while many others face significant food shortages due to drought. Sheila Duarte Timana from Maputo remarked, “If the president-elect delivers the improvements we’ve been asking for, I believe the people will be very happy.” Last year’s local elections were marred by serious allegations of vote-rigging and fraud, leading to violent protests in Maputo and its vicinity. This time, however, concerns appear to be less pronounced.
21 feared dead after boat collision in Nigeria
At least 21 people drowned after two unregistered passenger boats capsized after colliding in Nigeria’s Lagos state, police confirmed Tuesday. The incident occurred in the town of Imore in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. The boats, each carrying 16 passengers, capsized in the middle of a lagoon. Lagos state police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the incident occurred on Monday. He said 11 passengers with injuries were rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija. Police teams, local divers and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene. Hundeyin confirmed that efforts are underway to recover the bodies of those who drowned, adding an investigation into the incident is being conducted. Last week, 48 people died and around 150 others went missing when a boat capsized in Kebbi state. The boat was carrying around 300 passengers.
Nearly one million displaced in DR Congo this year — UN
The UN human rights chief reports nearly one million people displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year amid escalating violence and concerns over human rights violations.
UN considers halting food aid in Ethiopia’s Amhara region
Deadly attacks on humanitarian workers prompt UN to evaluate aid suspension in Ethiopia’s Amhara region impacting millions in need.
Siga tech supplies mpox therapy to Morocco
Morocco takes proactive measures to combat mpox by procuring the antiviral drug Tpoxx from Siga Technologies.
Uganda reports new case of mpox
Mpox continues to pose serious threat, with 16 countries currently affected in Africa, according to World Health Organization
Idris Elba champions African cinema’s future at Accra Summit
Golden Globe winner Idris Elba calls for a global stage for African cinema, highlighting its untapped potential and the need for homegrown support.
Cholera cases in Sudan rose by 40% in two weeks — UN
UNICEF and WHO are working to address the outbreak through vaccination campaigns and other measures.
Sahara’s singing sands: The mysteries of sound-emitting dunes
Certain sand dunes emit a haunting, low-frequency hum when disturbed by wind or footsteps
Rare deluge turns Sahara into water wonderland
A rare deluge of rainfall in the Sahara Desert has brought relief to drought-stricken regions in Morocco and Algeria, but has also caused flooding and damage to crops.
Somali forces kill 59 al-Shabaab militants, lose 4 soldiers in operations
Somali National Army conducted operations against militants in east of Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions, supported by local militias and international security forces, says ministry
Ethiopia evacuates over 50 citizens from Lebanon as war looms
Ethiopian Foreign Ministry announces ongoing efforts to evacuate more citizens while the consulate assists in relocating individuals to safer areas in Lebanon
Towards the parliamentary elections in Mozambique
Mozambique is set to hold general elections on October 9 to choose a new President, Parliament, and regional governments. The ruling Liberation Front of Mozambique (Frelimo) is campaigning to maintain the presidency and its parliamentary majority under new leader Daniel Chapo. They face challenges from the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) led by Ossufo Momade, the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) headed by Lutero Simango, and independent candidate Venancio Mondlane. As the campaign wraps up on October 6, there have been no significant reports of partisan violence. However, on September 28, the National Electoral Commission (CNE) disclosed it had experienced a cyber-attack, the repercussions of which are still unclear. In anticipation of the elections, authorities are expected to heighten security across the nation, with potential measures including checkpoints, increased patrolling in urban areas, border restrictions, and curfews. Protests and clashes between party supporters and security forces are anticipated, particularly in major urban centers, opposition strongholds, and northern provinces like Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia. Significant disruptions to urban and intercity travel, business operations, and telecommunications may occur due to civil unrest or preemptive security measures.
Ethiopia elects Taye Atske Selassie as first female president
Ethiopia’s two houses of parliament elected Taye Atske Selassie as president on Monday (Oct. 7). He was sworn in on the same day, receiving the Constitution from the outgoing president. Taye succeeds Ethiopia’s first female president, who held the largely ceremonial role for six years, as executive power remains with the prime minister. The Chairperson of the African Union congratulated Taye and reaffirmed the AU’s support for Ethiopia’s democratic development. A seasoned diplomat, Taye previously served as Ethiopia’s Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations in New York. His predecessor, Zewde, who made history as Ethiopia’s first female president in 2018, resigned from her role as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the African Union to take on the presidency. Reports suggest there were tensions between her and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Zambia and China sign MOU for Africa’s first cholera vaccine plant
Zambia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China on Monday to establish the southern African nation’s first cholera vaccine manufacturing plant. The project’s first phase will cost $37 million, with about three million doses expected to be produced through a joint venture between Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Jijia International Medical Technology Corporation. Speaking during the signing ceremony for the agreement at State House in the capital Lusaka, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said the development was a key step in the country’s quest to eradicate the disease, which took away productivity as a result of affecting citizens. “We are also sending a signal that Zambia, Africa and the globe are able to work together. Zambia must be looked at as a center, as a location to manufacture for a bigger market. And if you look at the population of Africa, it is growing very rapidly,” Hichilema was quoted as saying on state television. Hichilema said he expected the project to be commercially viable, adding there was no room for bureaucracy in its implementation, as it was lifesaving. He added that ahead of the manufacturing, China would donate about three million doses of the cholera vaccine. Cholera is perennial in the southern African nation, especially during the rainy season, and while curable, it also claims lives.