Uganda charges opposition lawmakers, supporters over protest
Kenyan authorities detained 36 members of Uganda’s opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) on July 23 during their visit for a training course
Nigeria warns citizens against UK travel amidst riots
Nigeria has advised its citizens to be cautious when traveling to the UK due to ongoing anti-asylum riots and violence against minority groups.
Djibouti Airport: A strategic hub for global air traffic
The airport in Djibouti is gaining recognition for its strategic location near vital shipping lanes
Grief and anger grip Somalia following al-Shabab attack
Survivors and families are demanding action as the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives.
Egypt calls for unconditional humanitarian aid access to Gaza
Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers met in Cairo to discuss the Gaza crisis, emphasizing the need for immediate cessation of hostilities and unrestricted aid delivery.
Court adjourns case of Libyans found in South African camp
A group of 95 Libyan men found in a South African training camp are facing legal trouble.
Vessel hit by Yemen’s Houthis arrives safely in Djibouti
A container ship struck by Houthi militants off Yemen on Saturday, marking the first attack in two weeks, has safely arrived in Djibouti. The Greek manager of the vessel confirmed that there were no injuries or water ingress as a result of the strike. The Liberia-flagged MV Groton was reportedly targeted by ballistic missiles in the Gulf of Aden, according to the Iran-aligned Houthis. This attack is the first on shipping lanes since a retaliatory Israeli airstrike on Hodeidah port on July 20. The ship was hit about 60 nautical miles from the Yemeni coast while traveling from Dubai to Jeddah. Following the attack, it was diverted to Djibouti, where it arrived on Sunday. The ship’s manager, Conbulk Shipmanagement Corporation, reported that the crew managed to extinguish a fire that broke out in the cargo holds and containers on the main deck. A full assessment of the damage will be conducted, with repairs to follow. This incident is the first Houthi attack since a period of relative calm following the Israeli strike on Hodeidah, which occurred after an Iranian-backed drone attack on Tel Aviv. The Houthis have been targeting international shipping near Yemen since last November in support of Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. These attacks have led to retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and Britain and have disrupted global trade, prompting shipowners to reroute vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
UN agency urges action as famine hits parts of Darfur
‘We need urgent, concerted action to prevent an even greater catastrophe from unfolding,’ says UN food agency’s director-general
Nearly 100 Congolese police flee to Uganda amid fighting
Uganda is facing a refugee influx as Congolese police and civilians escape the intensifying fighting in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Congolese police officers flee to Uganda amid intensifying fighting
The officers, armed with 43 guns and ammunition, crossed into Uganda via the Ishasha border in Kanungu district and were disarmed upon arrival, according to Major Kiconco Tabaro
Mali cuts diplomatic relations with Ukraine after terrorist attack
Mali announced Sunday that it is cutting off diplomatic relations with Ukraine following an admission of Ukrainian involvement in a recent deadly terrorist attack in the West African country. “The transitional government of the Republic of Mali has learned, with deep shock, of the subversive remarks by which Mr. Andriy Yusov, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, has admitted Ukraine’s involvement in a cowardly, treacherous and barbaric attack by armed terrorist groups which resulted in the deaths of elements of the Malian defense and security forces in Tinzaouaten, as well as material damage,” said government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga in a statement. The Malian army admitted on Monday a high death toll following clashes in Tinzaouaten in the north of the country, while the Russian-affiliated Wagner Group supporting the Malian army had confirmed Russian losses and the death of a commander following heavy fighting there. The comments were reinforced by Yurii Pyvovarov, Ukraine’s ambassador to Senegal, who openly and unequivocally displayed his country’s support for international terrorism, particularly in Mali, according to Maiga. Maiga said Ukrainian officials have done worse by announcing that there are “more results to come.” “These extremely serious accusations, which have not been denied, show the Ukrainian government’s official support for terrorism in Africa, in the Sahel, and more specifically in Mali,” he declared. The remarks by Yusov and Pyvovarov “constitute acts of terrorism and an apology for terrorism,” he added. The Malian government has therefore decided to break off diplomatic relations immediately, to refer the matter to the competent judicial authorities, and to take the necessary measures to prevent any destabilization of Mali from African states, in particular from Ukrainian embassies in the sub-region, by terrorists disguised as diplomats, and to formally alert regional and international bodies as well as states that support Ukraine to the fact that this country has openly and publicly displayed its support for terrorism. Mali considers support for Ukraine “as support for international terrorism” and an aggression which is part of “the broader pattern of certain actors who actively support and instrumentalize terrorist groups in the region.”
Death toll from suicide bombing at Somalia beach rises to 37
The death toll from a suicide bombing late last week on a crowded beach in the Lido area of the Somali capital Mogadishu rose to 37 on Sunday. “As of now, the number of people killed in the heinous attack stands at 37, while nearly 70 others were wounded,” said Ahmed Abdi, a police officer in Mogadishu who spoke by phone to Anadolu. He said an investigation into the attack is underway, while the government has named a ministerial committee tasked with coordinating the emergency response and support for the wounded. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who visited Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital in the capital, said security officials and soldiers in charge of the area where the attack took place were arrested due to negligence. “Rest assured, we are taking strict action against those responsible,” Barre said in a brief statement on X. Barre did not elaborate further on how many soldiers and officials were arrested. Lido Beach is frequented by civilians, security officials and businesspeople. The Al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack. The blast was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks so far this year in Somalia, which has been plagued by insecurity for years, with the main threats emanating from al-Shabaab and the Daesh/ISIS terror groups. Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) — a multidimensional mission authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council. Al-Shabaab has stepped up attacks since Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an “all-out war” on the group.
Zambia starts importing 218 megawatts of power from South Africa
Zambia has started importing 218 megawatts of power from South Africa during off-peak hours through the country’s Electricity Supply Commission (ESCOM). Matongo Maumbi, a spokesman for the state-owned power utility Zesco, told state television Sunday that the imports commenced on Aug. 1, with an aim to cushion the power deficit facing the country. Africa’s second-largest copper producer is also importing electricity from Mozambique. “The imports have enabled Zesco to reach stabilization levels as the demand for power keeps increasing. This means we can now supply power to critical installations such as hospitals, mines and other industries,” said Maumbi. Following a drought in the 2023-24 rainy season, Zambia has lost 1,000 megawatts of power generation, causing consumers to face an average daily routine of 12 hours of rolling blackouts. Maumbi said that Zesco had also procured generators to support public installations. “So far, 22 generators have been procured and are expected to be in the country within the month. These generators will be installed in public institutions such as hospitals, market areas, and those difficult to isolate from the national grid when loadshedded,” he added.
Ethiopians held by human traffickers in South Africa have been rescued
In South Africa, 90 Ethiopian irregular migrants held by human traffickers were rescued by the police. According to a statement from South African police, the operation in a building in Johannesburg, aimed at freeing Ethiopians kidnapped for ransom, led to the rescue of these 90 individuals. They were found “locked in rooms under inhumane conditions” and were transferred to hospitals for medical care. Two suspects believed to be human traffickers were arrested at the scene.
Nigerian women’s basketball team qualifies for Olympic quarterfinals
Ezinna Kalu led Nigeria with 21 points as the team made Olympic history by becoming the first African squad, male or female, to reach the Olympic basketball quarterfinals, defeating Canada 79-70 on Sunday. With this win, Nigeria (2-1) is now awaiting their next opponent. They have already surpassed their previous best in pool play, doubling their win tally from the 2004 Athens Games. The team celebrated their achievement by heading to midcourt, where an assistant coach recorded the moment with her phone. After high-fiving the Canadian players, they regrouped for a jubilant midcourt huddle. An assistant coach also took the opportunity to capture photos with a fan’s flag on the court. The Nigerians savored the moment with hugs and photos as they celebrated their historic victory. Canada, ranked fifth in the world, finished the group stage winless, falling short on the final day of play to a team ranked 12th. Five teams had already secured their quarterfinal spots before this game: the U.S., aiming for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold, and Spain, Serbia, France, and Germany. The final draw for the quarterfinals will be determined after the last group stage game between Australia and host nation France. Nigeria had not qualified for the 2016 Rio Games and went winless in Tokyo. The women’s team was initially barred from Nigeria’s boat for the opening ceremony on July 26 but will now play in Bercy Arena on Wednesday, located on the banks of the Seine River. Nigeria started strong, scoring the first six points of the game. Captain Amy Okonkwo injured her right shoulder early in the second quarter in a collision with Canada’s Aaliyah Edwards. Canada led 41-37 at halftime, but Okonkwo returned for the third quarter, during which Nigeria opened with a 13-1 run. Nigeria outscored Canada 23-5 in the third period, taking a 60-46 lead into the final quarter. Elizabeth Balogun contributed 14 points, and Promise Amukamara added 12 for Nigeria. Shay Colley led Canada with 17 points, with Bridget Carleton and Kayla Alexander adding 13 and 12 points, respectively. In another game, Belgium defeated Japan 85-58. Emma Meesseman was instrumental with 30 points and 11 rebounds, helping Belgium secure one of the three remaining quarterfinal berths. The Belgian team celebrated at midcourt, with some players in tears of joy as the final buzzer sounded. Japan, which had won silver three years ago in Tokyo, was eliminated after finishing with a 0-3 record in group play. This marks the second consecutive Olympics where the previous silver medalist has failed to medal; Spain, the 2016 silver medalist, also fell short in Tokyo. Belgium (1-2) needed a 27-point victory over Japan to advance with a better point differential than China. The game was closely watched by Chinese fans as Belgium, located just 20 miles (32 kilometers) away, aimed to secure their place. Japan initially led 4-2, but Belgium took control with a 3-pointer from Antonia Delaere, leading 19-7 by the end of the first quarter. The lead grew to 39-23 at halftime, and despite Japan’s efforts, Belgium outscored them 22-16 in the third quarter for a 61-39 lead. Elise Ramette’s 3-pointer with 4:52 left secured the necessary point margin, leading to a Japan timeout and a celebration from Becky Massey. Ramette finished with 16 points, and Delaere and Maxuella Mbaka Lisowa each contributed 12. Saki Hayashi led Japan with 13 points, and Evelyn Mawuli added 12.
Libya vows to defend oil interests after Sharara protest
The Libyan government has vowed to protect the country’s oil interests and condemned the actions of the demonstrators.
Houthis claim first attack on shipping lanes in two weeks
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated in a televised address that the ship was attacked using ballistic missiles
Ukraine’s Kuleba visits to Malawi, Zambia, Mauritius
Dmytro Kuleba strengthens Ukraine-Africa ties with pivotal tour focusing on peace and partnerships.
African nations lead in global climate action
African nations are taking bold steps in the fight against climate change
Nigerian president demands end to deadly protests
Tinubu expressed concern over the protests being hijacked by looters and stressed the need for order and dialogue
Niger coup leader blames France for border tensions
The leader of Niger’s military government has blamed France for border tensions with Benin, claiming that French intelligence services are operating in the region.
Cairo International Airport: Africa’s oldest and busiest aviation hub
Cairo International Airport holds the distinction of being Africa’s oldest international airport
Massive terror attack in Mogadishu; dozens killed
Security forces killed 3 terrorist attackers who stormed popular hotel after initial blast late Friday
Burkina Faso launches first state bank for economic sovereignty
Captain Ibrahim Traore opens ‘Burkindlim’ in capital Ouagadougou
Protesters rally in Somalia to condemn killing of Hamas leader
Protesters in Somalia rallied Friday to condemn the assassination of Hamas’ Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh by Israel. Students, business people and religious clerics came out in Mogadishu to show solidarity with the Palestinian people who have been facing an Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank since an Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, against Israel. Protesters were led by famous Somali religious scholar Sheikh Abdi Hayi who chanted against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “There is no God but Allah, Netanyahu is an enemy of Allah,” protesters chanted. The Somalia government strongly condemned Haniyeh’s assassination on Wednesday and said it was a violation of international law. Haniyeh, who was in the Iranian capital of Tehran to attend the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian, was killed by an airstrike that targeted the building where he was staying. Hamas and Iran have blamed Israel for the attack but Tel Aviv has neither claimed nor denied responsibility. “Somalia fears an escalating pace of violence that could lead to more violations against civilians,” said the Somali Foreign Ministry, expressing “heartfelt condolences” to the Palestinian people. Mogadishu condemns political killings and violence “in all its forms, whatever its motives are,” it said in a statement.
Egypt, Saudi foreign ministers discuss escalating regional tensions
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Friday that Badr Abdelatty and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, discussed the “dangerous” regional escalation following assassinations by Israel, The ministers explored “avenues for enhancing cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia across various domains,” in a telephone call. They also discussed “the alarming regional tensions resulting from Israel’s extremist policies and the pattern of assassinations,” it said in a statement, in reference to the assassination Wednesday of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political bureau in the Iranian capital of Tehran. Abdelatty emphasized the urgency of “halting the ongoing escalation and underscored the responsibility of major international powers, particularly the US, in curbing the escalation.” Bin Farhan expressed anticipation for “continued bilateral relations to bolster coordination on regional issues.” The Israeli military claimed Thursday to have “confirmed intelligence” regarding the killing of Mohammed Deif, the military wing leader of Hamas, al-Qassam Brigades. The airstrike occurred July 13 in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, despite prior denials by the Palestinian resistance group. Israel’s confirmation followed Hamas and Iran’s declaration Wednesday regarding the assassination of Haniyeh. An Israeli airstrike targeted Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran, following his participation in the inauguration ceremony of President Masoud Pezeshkian. While Israel maintains silence on Haniyeh’s assassination, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indirectly alluded to Tel Aviv’s responsibility for the operation. Additionally, the Israeli army explicitly claimed responsibility for the assassination of Fouad Shukr, Hezbollah’s top military commander, in an airstrike Tuesday on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Escalating tensions between the two sides have persisted since early October, stemming from the Israeli onslaught against Gaza. -Sudan crisis The two top diplomats also addressed efforts by Cairo and Riyadh to resolve the Sudanese crisis to maintain Sudan’s unity and sovereignty by working together to achieve a cease-fire and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group have been engaged in fighting that has resulted in 18,800 deaths and 10 million displaced individuals, according to the UN.
Zambian police seize $1.6 million in fake cash
The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission has successfully disrupted a counterfeit currency operation, arresting five suspects and recovering a substantial amount of fake US dollars.
