Turkey calls for immediate Sudan cease-fire, humanitarian aid
Turkey expressed deep concern Sunday over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly highlighting violence against civilians in Al Jazirah state. “We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sudan and the attacks against civilians in Al Jazirah state in violation of humanitarian law,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in an official statement. The ministry emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire “without further delay to restore peace and stability.” It also urged swift action to “ensure the return of displaced persons to their homes and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.” The statement reiterated Turkey’s commitment to Sudan’s “sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity.” As part of this commitment, Ankara pledges ongoing humanitarian support to “alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people,” the statement added.
Egypt’s FM, Blinken discuss cease-fire efforts in Middle East
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed cease-fire efforts in Gaza and Lebanon as well as the crisis in Sudan in a phone call Sunday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The top diplomats discussed efforts to secure an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and to address the sharp deterioration in humanitarian conditions in the enclave, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of Israel’s actions that impede humanitarian aid and block the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from carrying out its mission. He emphasized the importance of empowering the Palestinian Authority and treating the West Bank and Gaza as a unified Palestinian territory, with a view toward ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state. The two officials also addressed political and field developments in Lebanon. Abdelatty stressed the need for international efforts to secure an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon, calm tensions, fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and provide humanitarian aid in response to Lebanon’s severe crisis. Resolution 1701, adopted on Aug. 11, 2006, calls for a cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and for the establishment of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River in southern Lebanon to be patrolled by the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Abdelatty condemned Israel’s incursions into Lebanese territory and its targeting of UNIFIL in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. Regarding Lebanon’s internal issues, he discussed Egypt’s efforts to resolve Lebanon’s presidential vacancy, underscoring the importance of electing a president without external influence. Since September 2022, Lebanon’s parliament has failed 12 times to elect a head of state. The two men also discussed the deteriorating situation in Sudan and ongoing efforts to secure a cease-fire and ensure humanitarian access. Abdelatty stressed the importance of maintaining Sudanese state institutions, supporting Sudan’s territorial integrity and increasing humanitarian aid. Since mid-April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left more than 20,000 people dead and displaced more than 11 million, according to the UN. International calls are growing for an end to the conflict, which has driven millions toward famine and death amid severe food shortages across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.
Women in Senegal demand climate justice ahead of COP29 summit
Ahead of the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, women in Senegal marched through Dakar on Saturday to demand climate justice. Approximately 50 activists gathered to call for the protection of the country’s resources and a decarbonized future. Cheikh Niang Faye, a former tour guide, expressed frustration over four years of protests yielding little change. “They’re spending billions on conferences but owe us billions in compensation. It’s the industrialized nations that have caused these greenhouse gases,” she stated. This year, record floods in Senegal have affected tens of thousands and damaged over 1,000 hectares of crops. Activists argue that those responsible for emissions owe Africa reparations for the climate-related suffering. Khady Faye, an activist from the Saloum Delta, emphasized the need to protect local communities from coastal erosion exacerbated by oil drilling. She urged, “Leave the gas at Sangomar underground, and let the community live normally. We want climate justice.” Khady Camara, the march’s main organizer, called for countries to respect the Paris Agreement, urging polluting nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which she identified as the root of Africa’s climate catastrophes.
Sudan’s Al-Burhan replaces foreign minister
Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, removed several ministers, including foreign minister, and appointed new ones late Sunday. In a statement, the Sudanese Sovereign Council said al-Burhan has decided to relieve Foreign Minister Hussein Awad Ali of his responsibilities and replace him with Ali Youssef Ahmed. However, he was appointed as acting foreign minister. Graham Abdelkader, the minister of information, has been replaced by Khalid Ali Aleisir. Similarly, Omar Bakhit has taken over as Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments from Osama Hassan Mohamed Ahmed. The new government reshuffle comes amid an ongoing deadly conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has killed over 20,000 people and displaced more than 10 million since mid-April 2023, according to the UN. The international community and the UN have intensified their calls for an end to the violence, as the conflict threatens to drive millions into famine due to food shortages in 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.
Nigeria’s 29 children face death sentences for protests
There has been widespread outrage in Nigeria over the potential death sentences facing 29 children accused of participating in protests against the cost-of-living crisis. The minors, aged 14 to 17, were part of a group of 76 individuals charged in court on Friday. The charges include treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and inciting a military coup. During the proceedings, four of the children collapsed from exhaustion before entering a plea. Reports indicate they have been in police custody since August. Protests erupted across Nigeria in August against economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation, which have led to soaring inflation and increased hardship for many citizens. Despite this, President Bola Tinubu insists these reforms are essential for the country’s stability. Security forces have faced allegations of excessive force during the protests, with Amnesty International reporting at least 13 fatalities in clashes with police. Lawyers representing the children confirmed they were granted bail, with the case set to go to trial in January. The death penalty has been on the books in Nigeria since the 1970s, but there have been no executions since 2016.
Libya mass grave toll rises to 73
The number of bodies recovered from a mass grave in Libya, dating back to the 2011 civil war, has increased to 73.
Tumaini Festival: Beacon of hope in Malawi camp
Tumaini Festival, held in Malawi’s Dzaleka Refugee Camp, is a testament to the power of music and art to bring people together.
Turkey aims to end African conflicts, FM says
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan outlined the country’s active role in resolving African conflicts, particularly the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Lightning strike in Uganda kills 14, injures dozens at refugee camp
The tragedy occurred in Lamwo district, located in northern Uganda, as heavy rain began around 5:00 p.m. local time
Mauritius’ mesmerizing underwater waterfall illusion draws global fascinatio...
In Mauritius lies a natural wonder that has captured the imaginations of locals and travelers
DR Congo’s mpox cases may be leveling off
Mpox cases in Congo appear to be declining, but health officials warn that the virus is still spreading in some areas and more vaccines are needed to stop the outbreak.
Chad denies killing civilians in airstrike
Chad’s government has strongly denied accusations that its military killed civilians in a recent airstrike targeting Boko Haram militants in Nigeria’s Lake Chad region.
Turkey, Djibouti discuss ties at Africa partnership conference
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf during the Turkey-Africa partnership conference in Djibouti.
Guinea’s junta leader Doumbouya promotes to general
Guinea’s junta leader Mamadi Doumbouya has promoted himself to general as the country grapples with political instability and an ongoing crackdown on dissent.
Botswana’s historic shift: Duma Boko unseats long-ruling party
Rather than entering parliament, Boko focused all his efforts on the presidency, a move seen as bold and determined
The great Jollof debate: West African nations vie for Jollof rice supremacy
Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal each proudly claim that their version of the dish reigns supreme
WHO Allocates Nearly 1 Million Mpox Vaccine Doses to Africa
The World Health Organization announced on Friday that nearly one million doses of mpox vaccines have been allocated to nine African countries. This follows the creation of an Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) last month to ensure equitable access to the vaccines. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that over 50,000 individuals have already been vaccinated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, thanks to donations from the U.S. and the European Commission. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 500 percent increase in mpox cases compared to last year, now affecting 19 countries. The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency in mid-August after a new strain began spreading from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dr. Ghebreyesus stated that the allocation of approximately 900,000 doses was based on public health needs, especially in areas with significant transmission. He emphasized that this is the first allocation of nearly six million doses expected to be available by the end of 2024. While vaccination is a critical component, he highlighted the importance of other strategies, including case finding, contact tracing, infection prevention, clinical care, risk communication, and testing, as part of a comprehensive response plan.
Algeria marks 70 years of independence from France
The event highlighted the country’s military strength and the sacrifices made by its people.
South Africa drops charges against Zizi Kodwa
Zizi Kodwa welcomed decision as South Africa drops corruption charges in significant move amidst political tensions.
Over 50,000 vaccinated in DRC, Rwanda amid mpox outbreak
The WHO has announced the allocation of nearly 900,000 mpox vaccine doses to nine African countries.
Nigeria charges 76, including minors, with treason for protest
The charges have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups.
CIA chief Burns meets Somali President Mohamud
Both hold ‘high-level discussion on strengthening the enduring Somalia-U.S. strategic partnership,’ says Somali presidency
Ethiopian shield returns home after 156 years
A significant cultural artifact, the shield of Emperor Tewodros II, has been returned to Ethiopia after being looted during the 1868 Magdala War.
Africa’s youth drive technology boom with start-up ecosystems
Africa is experiencing a technological and entrepreneurial surge as cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town
Botswana’s Masisi concedes as opposition leads in election upset
Botswana’s President Masisi conceded defeat as preliminary results showed his party lost its majority, ending nearly 60 years of BDP rule.
DR Congo military rescues 118 hostages, including women, kids
Hostages freed during Wednesday patrol in northeastern Ituri province, says military
Kenyan court approves new deputy president
A Kenyan high court on Thursday, October 31, approved the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president, despite an ongoing legal challenge to the impeachment of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. The three-judge panel in Nairobi overturned a prior court order that had temporarily suspended Kindiki’s inauguration, stating that the suspension risked creating a political vacuum. Gachagua was impeached on October 17 by over two-thirds of legislators on charges of corruption, inciting ethnic tensions, and supporting anti-government protests. President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, currently the interior minister, the following day. The impeachment revealed divisions within Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, particularly between Ruto and Gachagua. The former deputy president faced accusations of insubordination after opposing government policies regarding forced evictions during floods. Gachagua is contesting his impeachment in the High Court, claiming the charges lack evidence and the proceedings were unfair. He experienced chest pains and was hospitalized during the Senate hearings on October 17, prompting his lawyers to request a delay, which was denied. Following the Senate’s vote on the impeachment, Gachagua’s supporters condemned the process as rushed and biased, suggesting it had Ruto’s backing. Ruto, who initially campaigned as a champion for Kenya’s poorest citizens, has faced backlash over tax increases aimed at servicing foreign debt. This public discontent has led him to reorganize his Cabinet and reconsider certain policies.