Unesco calls for action to prevent Sudan’s museums from looting
Unesco has expressed deep concern over recent reports of looting and damage at several Sudanese museums and cultural institutions by armed groups.
Sudanese general al-Burhan’s military plans to extend power for decades
During a visit to the military camp in Mu’aqeel, Al-Atta declared that General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto leader, would continue to hold power far beyond any upcoming elections
Over 260 women sexually assaulted during Congo prison break: UN report
More than 260 women incarcerated at Makala Central Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo were sexually assaulted during a recent mass escape attempt, according to an internal U.N. report obtained by Reuters. At least 129 people were killed as prison guards opened fire on inmates trying to flee the Kinshasa facility, which, despite being designed to hold 1,500 prisoners, had a population exceeding 15,000 at the time of the incident. Following the chaotic escape attempt in the early hours of Sept. 2, the government acknowledged reports of sexual violence against female prisoners but did not provide specific figures. However, the U.N. report revealed that 268 of the 348 women held at the prison were subjected to sexual violence, including rape. Among the victims, 17 were under the age of 19. The report also highlighted the urgent need for post-assault medical care, stating that each victim required access to emergency contraception and post-rape kits within 72 hours. Government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. One victim, who spoke to Reuters anonymously out of fear of retaliation, described being raped by at least a dozen inmates. Another woman, also requesting anonymity for safety reasons, recounted witnessing male prisoners assaulting female inmates, including elderly women. “It was horrific,” she said. The women’s block, one of seven out of the prison’s 11 blocks that were vandalized, was specifically targeted during the attack. “This is the worst case we’ve encountered in terms of the number of rapes during a prison escape,” said Emmanuel Cole, a Congolese human rights defender who has been monitoring prisons since 1997. Cole believes the true number of victims could be higher, as many may be too afraid to report the assaults. In response to the incident, President Felix Tshisekedi has ordered an investigation into the prison break and a review of the country’s overcrowded prisons. Despite the attempted escape, no prisoners ultimately managed to flee.
Mali suspends another French television station
Mali suspended another French TV station, according to a statement Wednesday. The High Authority of Communication (HAC) proceeded to withdraw the service of TV5 Monde from authorized distributors for three months, it said. The decision follows violations of legislative and regulatory texts on media regulation detected Aug. 26. The HAC criticized TV5 Monde for not taking into account the version of the Malian army in a broadcast regarding the death of at least 15 civilians in drone strikes in the northern Tinzaouatene region. In 2022, the HAC permanently suspended the broadcasts of France24 television and RFI radio. LCI, another French television channel, was suspended July 27 for two months.
Kenya Airways delays amid airport strike and deal legal halt
Passengers at Kenya’s main international airport are stranded following a workers’ demonstration on Wednesday protesting a planned deal between the government and a foreign investor. Since the protest began, all flights have been suspended. The government has proposed a build-and-operate agreement with India’s Adani Group, which would involve renovating Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, constructing an additional runway and terminal, and allowing the group to manage the airport for 30 years. The Kenya Airport Workers Union, which called the strike, argues that the deal would result in job losses and impose “inferior terms and conditions of service” for remaining employees. Kenya Airways announced on Wednesday that flight delays and potential cancellations are expected due to the ongoing strike at Nairobi’s main international airport. Last week, airport workers had initially threatened a strike but suspended their plans to allow for further discussions with the government. Local media reported concerns after unknown individuals were seen moving around with airport officials, taking notes and photographs, leading to speculation that the Indian firm’s representatives were preparing for the deal. On Monday, the High Court issued a temporary injunction halting the implementation of the agreement until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is reviewed.
Severe floods in Nigeria leave residents displaced
Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria has resulted in 30 deaths and affected over a million people, authorities reported on Wednesday. The disaster was triggered by the collapse of a major dam in Borno State on Tuesday, marking some of the worst flooding the region has seen since a similar incident 30 years ago. The dam had reached full capacity due to unusually heavy rainfall. Many residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. This latest flood comes nearly two years after Nigeria experienced its worst flooding in a decade, which claimed more than 600 lives nationwide. According to state police spokesperson Nahum Daso, about 15% of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is submerged. Ezekiel Manzo, spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the death toll of 30 on Wednesday. An aide to the Borno governor stated that approximately one million people have been affected so far, with that number potentially rising to up to two million as efforts to account for displaced individuals continue. This surge in displacement coincides with some of the worst flooding West Africa has seen in decades, with over 2.3 million people affected across the region this year, a threefold increase from last year, according to the UN. A new report reveals that African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to the impact of climate change, which has intensified in one of the continent’s hottest years on record. The World Meteorological Organization notes that many African countries are allocating up to 9% of their budgets to climate adaptation efforts. The governor’s aide emphasized that rescue operations are ongoing and that displaced people are currently seeking refuge at a former refugee camp outside the flooded areas.
RSF blames Burhan’s SAF of war crimes in Sudan oil station attack
Al-Ailafoun Oil Station in Sudan has been the target of a devastating drone attack, leading to severe injuries and significant damage.
Dengue outbreak hits CAR with over dozen cases
Central African Republic’s capital Bangui records an unprecedented surge in dengue cases with 13 confirmed infections since July as health officials issue warnings.
Russian veterans among Wagner killed in Mali desert storm
Mali desert clash raises doubts over Wagner’s effectiveness as Russian mercenaries face off against Tuareg rebels and militants.
UN maintains arms embargo on Sudan
The international community has renewed its commitment to supporting peace and security in Sudan by extending sanctions against the country.
Over 60 accused in DRC prison break trial
The DRC government has accused 63 people of participating in a prison break that resulted in a mass escape and widespread violence.
Iran offers security expertise to Burkina Faso, says envoy
Tehran to set up pharmaceutical production unit, other units in West African nation, says Mojtaba Faghihi
26 bodies recovered after migrant boat capsizes off Senegal
Wooden boat was carrying over 100 illegal migrants from town of Mbour when it sank, according to reports
Strike leaves passengers stranded at Nairobi Airport over Adani deal
The strike, which saw workers engage in a “go-slow” by deliberately working slowly to cause disruption, led to long queues outside the airport
Africa: The largest French-speaking region in the world
Africa has become the largest French-speaking region in the world, surpassing even France
No step back: South Africa advances Israel’s Gaza genocide case
South Africa will submit a memorial next month in its ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, with several countries supporting the case.
DRC receives 50,000 more mpox vaccines from the US
The Democratic Republic of Congo has received 50,000 additional mpox vaccine doses from the United States to help combat the ongoing epidemic.
Cholera outbreak in Sudan claims 235 lives
The government and international organizations must work together to provide urgent medical care, improve sanitation, and prevent further deaths.
Senegal arrests captain in migrant boat tragedy
The deadly incident is part of a larger trend of increasing migration from West Africa to Europe.
UN resumes talks to end Libya’s central bank crisis
Libya’s future hangs in the balance as the UN mediates a central bank dispute that has halted oil production.
Niger hosts international West Africa climate change conference
Meeting in capital Niamey comes amid rise in extreme climate disasters affecting nearly 28M people
Somalia begins nationwide polio vaccination for children under five
UNICEF highlights campaign’s crucial role in eradicating polio amid ongoing challenges
Chad floods affect nearly 1.5M people: UN
‘With farmland flooded and livestock drowned, there will be a lot less food available now and in the future in a country where 3.4M people already face acute hunger,’ says spokesperson
The Okavango Delta: A lush oasis in the heart of the Kalahari
One of the world’s largest inland deltas, this unique ecosystem defies the norm
Niger arrests over 245 linked to terror groups
Authorities in Niger have arrested at least 245 people allegedly linked to terrorist groups as part of ongoing operations to combat crime and insurgency, officials said Thursday. The arrests were carried out by Niger’s Central Service for the Fight against Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime, according to the Integrated Operations Coordination Center (CICO). Many of those detained are suspected to be members of armed groups involved in kidnappings and other criminal activities, operating along the Niger-Nigeria border, where the militant group Boko Haram is active. Additional arrests were made near the Mali-Niger border, an area where the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM) operates, as well as in the Agadez region, known for its gold mines. Among those arrested were nationals from Algeria, Chad, and Somalia. Security forces also confiscated over 559 kilograms of drugs, 108,381 tablets of various types, and arrested 139 traffickers. CICO stated that these actions are part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the region. The arrests coincide with the junta’s launch of two major military operations: Operation Almah in the Tillaberi region, located on the left bank of the Niger River, and Operation Garkoua in the Agadez region, aimed at rooting out criminals. Niger, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) last September after ECOWAS threatened military intervention following the Niger coup in July. Earlier this year, the three nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States and announced the creation of a joint military force to tackle escalating security challenges posed by terrorist groups in the region.
Death toll increases in Algeria and Morocco after catastrophic floods
The death toll is climbing in Algeria and Morocco following severe flooding triggered by intense rainfall. Over 20 people have lost their lives, with dozens more reported missing as floods inundated villages in these typically arid regions. In Morocco, the floods have destroyed homes and severely impacted infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water supplies, and phone networks. Officials noted that the storms over the weekend brought rainfalls surpassing the annual average in some areas. This deluge comes at a time when the country is grappling with a water shortage due to six consecutive years of drought. Neighboring Algeria is facing similar devastation, with bridges and railways also affected by the flooding. The government has deployed thousands of civil protection and military personnel to aid in emergency response and assist residents trapped in their homes. Rescue operations are ongoing in both countries.
Turkey’s Erdogan calls for summit of Muslim leaders on Gaza war
The OIC, composed of 57 member states, serves as the collective voice for the Muslim world