Algeria’s beloved Makroud: A sweet tradition of flavor and family
This delicious treat has earned a special place in the hearts of Algerians
Congo faces Mpox outbreaks amid healthcare crisis
Health authorities have struggled to contain outbreaks of mpox in Congo, a huge central African country where a myriad of existing problems makes stemming the spread particularly hard. Last month, the World Health Organization declared the outbreaks in Congo and about a dozen other African countries a global health emergency. And in Congo, scientists have identified a new strain of mpox that may spread more easily. It has reached areas where conflict and the displacement of a large number of people have already put health services under pressure. Overall, Congo has more than 21,000 of the 25,093 confirmed and suspected mpox cases in Africa this year, according to WHO’s most recent count. Has Congo seen cases of mpox before? Yes, Congo is one of the African countries where mpox has been endemic for decades. Mpox, once known as monkeypox, comes from the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms such as fever. People with more serious cases can develop skin lesions. More than 720 people in Africa have died in the latest outbreaks, mostly in Congo. Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to humans from infected animals. In the global mpox outbreak of 2022, the virus spread between people primarily through sex and close physical contact. What changed in Congo? In September 2023, mpox spread to Congo’s eastern province of South Kivu; it had previously been seen in the center and far west. Scientists then identified a new form of mpox in South Kivu that may be more infectious. The WHO said that from the outbreak in South Kivu, the virus spread among people elsewhere in the country, arriving in neighboring province North Kivu. Those two provinces — some 2,000 kilometers from the capital, Kinshasa — face escalating violence, a humanitarian crisis and other issues. What are the problems in eastern Congo? More than 120 armed groups have been fighting each other and the Congolese army for years in the eastern part of the country over the control of minerals. That has forced millions of people fleeing violence into refugee camps or nearby towns. That means mpox is hitting already-stretched health facilities. Dr. Musole Mulambamunva Robert, medical director of the Kavumu hospital in eastern Congo, said it is “truly a challenge” — sometimes treating as many as four times the facility’s capacity for patients. With more than 6 million displaced people in the east, authorities and aid agencies were already struggling to provide food and healthcare, while fighting other diseases such as cholera. Many people have no access to soap, clean water or other basics. Some eastern Congo communities are out of reach of health clinics — roads are unreliable, and hourslong risky boat trips are sometimes the only means of transport, said Mercy Muthee Lake of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent. People can be more susceptible to severe mpox cases because of malnutrition and undiagnosed HIV, she said. She also said health workers in eastern Congo have requested more mpox training as medications to treat fever and ease pain run out. Health authorities “are up against it because it’s such a complex area,” said Chris Beyrer, of Duke University’s Global Health Institute. What about vaccines? Africa has no capacity to produce mpox vaccines. Around 250,000 doses have arrived in Congo from the European Union and the United States, and more are expected. Congolese authorities say they need around 3 million vaccines. It will likely be weeks before any vaccines reach people in eastern Congo. For now, the vaccine is approved only for adults. There’s limited evidence of how it works in children. Vaccines are desperately needed, but they’re just “an additional tool,” said Emmanuel Lampaert, the Congo representative for Doctors Without Borders. The key, Lampaert said, is still identifying cases, isolating patients, and executing grassroots health and education campaigns. Local conditions make that trying — Lampaert noted it’s almost impossible to isolate cases among poor, displaced people. “Families with six to eight children are living in a hut, which is maybe the space of the bed we are sleeping in,” he said. “So, this is the reality.” Why are critics blasting the mpox response? Unlike the millions of dollars that poured into Congo for Ebola and COVID aid, the response to mpox has been sluggish, many critics say. Health experts say the sharp contrast is due to a lack of both funds and international interest. “Ebola is the most dangerous virus in the world, and COVID wiped out the world economy,” said professor Ali Bulabula, who works on infectious diseases in the medical department at Congo’s University of Kindu. “While mpox is a public health emergency of international concern, there is a lack of in-depth research and interest in the virus, as it’s still seen as a tropical disease, localized to Africa with no major impact on Western economies.”
Somalia strengthens security training to combat IED threat
As Somalia progresses toward self-reliance and sustainability in national security, the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) remains significant. Over the past year, approximately 600 IEDs have caused around 1,500 casualties, severely impacting local communities and national armed forces. The Somali National Army (SNA), supported by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), is leading efforts to combat this persistent IED threat. “The seriousness of this threat is well understood here. The primary targets are your fellow SNA soldiers. It is vital that we find a solution,” stated James Swan, the UN Acting Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, during the launch of a month-long ‘train-the-trainer’ course aimed at enhancing the SNA’s capabilities in countering IEDs. Many attendees at the training have firsthand experience of the dangers faced by soldiers. “We faced numerous threats, including enemy blockades and remote-controlled IEDs, leading to the loss of many comrades,” recalled Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Mohamud Awale, reflecting on his operational experience in the Hiraan and Galgaduud regions. Colonel Faisal Ali Noor shared his haunting memories of IED incidents: “At times, IEDs detonated while we were digging, resulting in casualties. Our limited knowledge even led us to use fire to attempt to defuse them, which caused more fatalities.” The statistics are alarming: in 2023 alone, the SNA reported 378 deaths and 451 injuries due to IEDs, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by both military personnel and civilians. As Somalia strives to take full responsibility for its security, training initiatives like the one beginning today in Mogadishu aim to better equip national forces through comprehensive training, mentoring, and hands-on experience.
Kenya’s Ruto visits Haiti amid UN gang violence crisis
President William Ruto’s visit to Haiti underscores international attempts to support Kenyan and Jamaican forces combating widespread gang control.
DR Congo releases 600 prisoners amid prison overcrowding
Makala Prison in Congo, one of the most overcrowded prisons in the world, released hundreds of inmates as part of a government initiative to decongest the facility.
Severe flooding in Chad claims 503 lives
The floods in Chad have had a devastating impact on livestock, with 69,000 cattle drowned.
South Africa’s roads paralyzed by unprecedented snowfall
Unusually heavy snowfall caused significant disruptions on South Africa’s roads, leaving many people stranded in their vehicles.
RSF sets up civil administration in West Kordofan amid conflict
RSF seeks to fill the power vacuum left by the collapse of Sudan’s military-led government
Moroccans rally in solidarity with Palestinians
106 protests held in 50 cities to condemn Israeli oppression, says Moroccan civil society group
Madagascar’s RN5 Road: The ultimate African adventure
Madagascar’s RN5 road is often hailed as one of the toughest roads in Africa
Kenyan court rules Meta can be sued over content moderator firings
A Kenyan court of appeal declared Friday that Meta can be sued in Kenya over the firing of dozens of content moderators. The decision paves the way for a legal battle between the Facebook parent company and the aggrieved moderators, who allege wrongful termination. In a statement, their lawyer Mercy Mutemi applauded the ruling, saying: “The Court of Appeal has today upheld the Employment Court’s decision that Facebook can be sued in Kenya.” Noting that the cases by the content moderators could now proceed, he said Facebook had “argued it’s a foreign company that can’t be sued in Kenya.” The development follows an out-of-court settlement in August last year, where Meta reached an agreement with the group of content moderators who had previously sued the company over similar claims of unjust dismissal. The dispute originated from when 260 Kenyan-based content moderators employed by Sama, a company contracted by Meta for content moderation, were abruptly informed of their redundancy in March 2023. In response, the moderators filed a lawsuit against Meta, asserting that their terminations were unlawful and lacked valid justification. This incident was not the first legal challenge Meta has faced in Kenya. In December 2022, the company was sued for $2 billion over accusations of exacerbating ethnic violence in the East African country, as well as in neighboring Ethiopia.
Maiduguri faces crisis as devastating floods hit West Africa
Torrential rains across Central and West Africa have caused devastating floods, with Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s Borno state—already struggling with an ongoing insurgency—bearing the brunt of the disaster. This year alone, the floods have claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands in countries like Chad, Nigeria, Mali, and Niger. The United Nations reports that more than four million people have been affected in West Africa, a dramatic increase from last year. As rescue operations continue, the exact death toll remains uncertain, but preliminary figures indicate at least 230 deaths in Nigeria, 265 in Niger, 487 in Chad, and 55 in Mali, which has seen its worst flooding since the 1960s. Despite contributing only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, with adaptation costs projected to reach $30-50 billion annually over the next decade. Maiduguri is in crisis, as the region has faced a relentless wave of attacks from Boko Haram, resulting in over 35,000 deaths in the past decade. Local resident Saleh Bukar recalled being awakened by neighbors’ urgent cries for help as floodwaters surged. Many older adults and those with disabilities were unable to escape in time, leading to tragic losses. With over 600,000 people displaced in Borno state alone, the local government struggles to cope. Recent floods have devastated wildlife, destroyed vital infrastructure, and caused significant structural damage, including the collapse of key bridges and a dam that released vast amounts of water into the city. Governor Babagana Zulum has called for urgent international aid, emphasizing that local resources are overwhelmed. The World Food Program is providing food assistance, but many survivors report feeling abandoned. In Niger, floods have affected over 841,000 people, with single mother Harira Adamou lamenting the loss of her home and the absence of state support. She and her children are now living in a temporary shelter, fearing more rains. As Maiduguri remains partially submerged, forecasts suggest further rain, prompting warnings of additional flooding. Bukar, displaced and living in a shelter with thousands, has taken it upon himself to help others while grappling with his own loss. “I am volunteering to help, but I am also a victim,” he said, highlighting the resilience of the community amid profound suffering.
Somalia accuses Ethiopia of illegally arming Puntland
Somalia has demanded an immediate cessation of Ethiopia’s unauthorized arms shipments to Puntland, citing documented evidence of the deliveries.
UN raises alarm over mpox cases among Burundian children
Children in Burundi are disproportionately affected by the ongoing mpox outbreak, prompting UNICEF to lead the response efforts.
UN warns of escalating Sudan crisis as aid falls short
Efforts to deliver aid are severely hindered by a significant funding gap, with only $1.3 billion of the $2.7 billion needed for 2024 having been secured so far
Burundi’s children hit hard by mpox outbreak in Africa
UNICEF medical doctor says mpox showing ‘alarming rates of infection’ in the central African country
Africa’s youth: A force for innovation and growth
Africa holds the distinction of being the youngest continent on the planet
Mali militant attack damages UN-chartered plane
The plane was on the ground in Bamako at the time of the attack.
Rwanda: First mpox vaccines administered in Africa
The African Union’s disease control center has initiated a vaccination program targeting high-risk individuals.
West, central Africa displacement doubles in 5 years
Conflict and instability have forced millions from their homes, straining resources and exacerbating suffering.
Ousted Gabonese president quits politics, demands release of family
The 65-year-old former leader also called for the release of his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin, who are currently in detention facing corruption charges
Somalia commends Turkey for steadfast support
Horn of Africa country honors Turkish envoy, official for their services
RSF wants peace, accuses Sudanese military of prolonging conflict
RSF accused the military of obstructing a genuine ceasefire and hindering progress towards lasting peace
Nigerian flood victims face steep canoe fees amid crisis
The worst flooding in 30 years followed a dam collapse caused by torrential rains, which also impacted regions across West and Central Africa
South Africa holds 70% of global platinum reserves
This precious metal plays a critical role in a variety of industries
Somali army apprehends senior al-Shabaab ringleader
Somalia announced on Wednesday that it has apprehended a senior member of the terrorist organization al-Shahaab in the central Galgadud region. The Somali National Army (SNA) apprehended Ali Geelle, a senior al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group al-Shabaab ringleader, during a military operation in the central region of Galgadud, the country’s Defense Ministry said in a brief statement. “The arrest, carried out in Galhareeri district, Galgaduud region, also led to the seizure of a vehicle, a firearm, and ammunition,” the ministry stated on X, adding that Geelle was responsible for extortion and the abhorrent practice of recruiting children for the terror outfit. The Somali National Army, backed by local militias, has been fighting al-Shabaab in south-central provinces for the past two and a half years, liberating large swaths of territory, including the strategic coastal town of Haradhere in the Mudug region. Somalia 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. The terror group has stepped up attacks since Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an “all-out war” on the group.
NDC protests across Ghana, demands voter roll audit
Ghana’s largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), held nationwide protests on Tuesday, demanding an audit of the voter roll ahead of the December general elections. Millions of supporters participated in demonstrations across all 16 regional capitals, including the capital, Accra, according to NDC member of parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah emphasized the party’s demand for free and fair elections, stating, “We are not asking for a big favor from the electoral commission.” The NDC claims to have identified nearly 300,000 irregularities, including unauthorized transfers and removals of voters’ names. Omane Boamah, the NDC’s director of elections, called for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to facilitate an independent audit, suggesting that the electoral commission may be hiding something. Ghana has a strong history of peaceful and transparent elections, but recent allegations of voter roll irregularities have raised concerns about potential democratic backsliding. The electoral commission has dismissed the NDC’s call for a forensic audit as “misguided.” Asiedu-Nketiah urged immediate action to prevent any threats to democracy, warning that complacency could lead to conflict. The protests culminated in a petition delivered to parliament and the electoral commission, demanding a bipartisan inquiry into the electoral commission’s conduct and an independent forensic audit of the voter register, with the immediate publication of the findings. This year’s elections, set for December 7, will be the ninth since Ghana’s return to multi-party democracy in 1992, with former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC challenging Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party.