Niger demands EU ambassador’s replacement over aid dispute
Niger Requests EU Ambassador’s Replacement Amid Aid Dispute Niger’s government has formally requested the European Union to replace its ambassador, Salvador Pinto da Franca, amid tensions over the distribution of emergency aid. The EU recalled da Franca on Saturday after Niger’s military rulers accused him of allocating €1.3 million in flood relief to NGOs without prior approval. The EU rejected these allegations, expressing “profound disagreement.” On Sunday, Niger’s foreign ministry accused da Franca of continuing “unauthorized operations” despite previous warnings issued in October. The ministry declared that cooperation with the ambassador had become untenable and called for his replacement “as soon as possible.” Since June, flooding in Niger has killed more than 300 people and displaced over 1.1 million. The government stated that it had not requested EU aid and would address the damage with its own resources. Tensions between Niger and the EU have escalated since the July 2023 military coup, with the country distancing itself from both France and the European bloc.
Nigeria: The world’s yam powerhouse
Nigeria has firmly established itself as the global leader in yam production, cultivating over 60% of the world’s supply
Namibia’s Nandi-Ndaitwah poised to become first female president
Namibia’s Vice President Could Make History as First Female President Namibia’s Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, could become the country’s first female president if she wins the upcoming presidential election on Wednesday. Around 1.4 million people—approximately half the population—have registered to vote, with 15 political parties vying for the presidency and National Assembly seats. Early results from special polls for Namibia’s foreign missions, seamen, and security services, released this month by the Electoral Commission of Namibia, show that Nandi-Ndaitwah and her party, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), are leading the race. SWAPO has governed Namibia since the country gained independence from South Africa’s apartheid regime in 1990. However, the party lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the first time in 2019, a blow largely attributed to corruption and money laundering scandals in Namibia’s fishing industry, which led to arrests and convictions of key ministers and businessmen. Political analyst Henning Melber, a professor at the University of Pretoria and University of the Free State, cautioned that SWAPO and Nandi-Ndaitwah must heed the 2019 election results, despite their apparent lead in the current race. He noted that SWAPO faces the challenge of attracting younger voters, who may not feel the same emotional connection to the party’s liberation history as older generations. Melber pointed out that “born-frees”—those born after the country’s liberation—are more likely to vote based on policy delivery and governance rather than historical sentiments. “The process of erosion of legitimacy as a former liberation movement has advanced too much,” he said. Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, has promised to tackle high youth unemployment, which stands at 20%, by creating more than 500,000 jobs over the next five years, backed by a $4.7 billion investment. However, critics argue that her goals may be unrealistic. Issues affecting women, such as reproductive rights, equal pay, and healthcare, are also expected to be key topics for voters. Should she win, Nandi-Ndaitwah would join the ranks of other pioneering female African leaders, such as Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Malawi’s Joyce Banda, and Samba Pranza of the Central African Republic. Erika Thomas, a political science lecturer at the University of Namibia, emphasized that Nandi-Ndaitwah would need to demonstrate independence, transparency, and accountability if elected. “She must also push for policies that increase women’s participation in political structures,” Thomas added. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main competition will come from the Independent Patriots for Change, led by former dentist Panduleni Itula, and university professor Job Amupanda’s Affirmative Repositioning party. As the election campaigns wrapped up this weekend, political analysts pointed to significant changes across southern Africa this year. The ANC in South Africa lost its 30-year parliamentary majority, Botswana’s ruling party was unseated after 58 years in power, and the opposition in Mauritius claimed a landslide victory. Meanwhile, protests continue in Mozambique over disputed election results, leading to at least 30 deaths.
Power system failure leaves Zambia in the dark
Zambia experienced a nationwide power outage on Sunday due to a power system disturbance, and the state utility Zesco is working to restore power.
South African writer Breyten Breytenbach dies at 85 in Paris
Renowned poet and artist Breyten Breytenbach passed away at 85; his life was marked by anti-apartheid activism, imprisonment, and global recognition.
Sudan risks collapse as civil society crumbles, warns aid chief
Over 10 million people have been displaced, with millions on the brink of starvation, as aid efforts falter.
The heart of African society: The extended family
The extended family is not just a social structure—it is the foundation of community life
Gunmen kill 7 farmers in Niger state, Nigeria
In Nigeria’s Niger state, gunmen from a local gang carried out an attack that resulted in the deaths of seven farmers. According to local reports, the armed assailants targeted workers in a field in the Bangi area of Niger state. Several others were injured in the attack. Niger state has experienced periodic armed assaults in recent years. In a similar incident on November 6, 10 people were killed in an attack in the Rafi region. Nigeria has long been grappling with violence from both armed criminal groups and terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
Deadly landslide hits eastern DR Congo
The impact of climate change is evident in the deadly landslide that struck eastern DR Congo, claiming the lives of 10 people.
Boat accident claims tens of Somali lives
At least 22 Somali migrants lost their lives when two boats carrying 70 passengers capsized off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The incident, which occurred on an unspecified date, was confirmed by Somali Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union Abdullahi Warfa. While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, the tragic event underscores the perilous journey taken by many Somalis seeking a better life. The Indian Ocean has become a deadly route for migrants, with numerous incidents of boat capsizing and loss of life reported in recent months. Earlier this year, at least 24 people, including women and children, perished after a boat sank off the coast of the Comoros Islands, allegedly due to deliberate capsizing by human traffickers. These recurring tragedies highlight the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and to provide safe and legal pathways for those seeking a better future.
Kenya accused of role in Ugandan opposition leader’s arrest
A Ugandan lawyer has accused Kenyan authorities of playing a significant role in the arrest and extradition of opposition figure Kizza Besigye from Nairobi to Kampala.
Ethiopia launches rehab program for Tigray ex-combatants
Ethiopia has launched a rehabilitation program for 75,000 ex-combatants in the Tigray region, aiming to reintegrate them into society after years of conflict.
EU recalls ambassador from niger over aid dispute
Diplomatic tensions between the European Union and Niger’s military junta have escalated after the junta accused the EU of mishandling a 1.3 million euro aid fund for flood victims.
EU recalls envoy from Niger amid aid mismanagement allegations
Niger’s junta alleged the funds were distributed among international NGOs without transparency or coordination with local authorities
Tanzania: Opposition leader Freeman Mbowe freed on bail after arrest
While some party members remain in custody, Mbowe and others have been summoned for a November 29 hearing
Africa’s indigenous writing systems: A legacy of early literacy
Africa’s rich history of innovation and culture showcases remarkable indigenous writing systems
Seven Russian mercenaries killed in Mali
A deadly attack in central Mali has claimed the lives of at least seven Russian mercenaries.
France raises alarm over missing writer in Algeria
Sansal, a vocal critic of the Algerian government, is rumored to have been detained by Algerian authorities, though no official confirmation has been given
Tanzania opposition leader detained before local elections
Freeman Mbowe, Tanzania’s opposition leader, was arrested after a rally crackdown, intensifying concerns about fairness in upcoming local polls.
US pressures Congo to block Chinese Chemaf deal
Congo’s state-owned mining company, Gecamines, is offering $1 million to acquire Chemaf’s cobalt and copper assets, a move aimed at preventing China’s Norinco from gaining further control over the country’s critical mineral resources.
Russian, Senegalese leaders talk counterterrorism in Africa
Vladimir Putin, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye speak in favor of strengthening ties in trade, investment
Camels: The Asian migrants who became icons of the Sahara
These resilient creatures are not native to Africa. They were introduced from Asia centuries ago
Yaz plus pills recalled in South Africa over packaging error
Manufacturer Bayer Ltd confirmed the issue involved batch WEW96J (expiry: March 2026), where packs contained 24 inactive pills instead of the standard 24 active hormone pills
Haiti summons French envoy over Macron’s remarks
Haiti’s foreign minister summoned the French ambassador Thursday to address “unacceptable remarks” by President Emmanuel Macron at the G20 summit this week in Brazil, in which he accused the Caribbean country’s transitional council of being “total morons” for firing its prime minister. “Honestly, it is Haitians who killed Haiti by letting in drug trafficking,” Macron was caught on video saying. “They are completely dumb. They should never have fired him,” he added, referring to the dismissal of former Prime Minister Garry Conille by Haiti’s transitional presidential council just days ago. Conille, who was appointed by the council to the position in May, worked for several years at the United Nations before returning to the country to pave the way for presidential elections next year and to restore stability. After learning he was dismissed following a power struggle with the council over control of the government, he said the measure to oust him was unconstitutional. Conille was replaced on Nov. 11 by businessman Alix Didier Fils Aimé. “They are complete idiots. They should never have taken him out. The prime minister was wonderful,” Macron said. The controversial remarks drew protests from Haitian authorities on Thursday. Haiti’s Foreign Ministry said that French Ambassador Antoine Michon had been summoned following the remarks, which the ministry branded as “unfriendly and inappropriate.” Macron pledged Thursday that “France will never look away in the face of a crisis,” adding “there will never be a double standard in the face of tragedy, whether in Haiti, Venezuela or on the doorstep of Europe.” Haiti’s Foreign Ministry said that at the meeting, Michon pledged that France would stand by Haiti to help restore security and carry out elections. France has pledged to contribute €4 million ($4.18 million) to the UN fund that finances the security mission destined to restore security in Haiti.
Record 43,000 participants compete in Ethiopia’s 10km race
Over 43,000 runners participated in Ethiopia’s 24th annual international 10km road race, setting a new record with nearly 5,000 more participants than last year. The race, held at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, was attended by distance running legends, including race founder Haile Gebrselassie. Gebrselassie, speaking at the event on Sunday, emphasized the importance of attracting elite athletes from around the world while maintaining the race’s quality and atmosphere. “It’s not just about numbers, but about bringing top talent and keeping the race competitive,” he said. The Sofi Malt Great Ethiopian Run, now awarded World Athletics Label status, featured prominent athletes, including Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, the newly-crowned world marathon record holder. It was her first time racing in Ethiopia, and she expressed her excitement about the experience and the enthusiastic crowd. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Asayech Aychew claimed victory with a time of 32 minutes and 13 seconds. In the men’s race, defending champion Binyam Mehari improved on his previous time to win in 28 minutes and 25 seconds. Both winners received cash prizes of 250,000 Ethiopian birr (approx. USD $2,000), part of a total prize purse of 1.3 million birr.
Netanyahu: ICC arrest warrant against me “black day in history”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision on Thursday, November 21, to issue arrest warrants against him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of committing war crimes during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a defiant statement, Netanyahu called the ruling a “black day in the history of nations,” and criticized the ICC, which he said had become “the enemy of humanity.” He rejected the charges, which include accusations of starvation, murder, and persecution, arguing that Israel had provided “hundreds of thousands of tons of food” to Gaza, and blamed Hamas for the humanitarian crisis. The ICC panel, however, found that there were reasonable grounds to believe both men were responsible for crimes against humanity, particularly related to the ongoing starvation in Gaza. Despite this, Netanyahu stated that the arrest warrants would not deter him from continuing Israel’s military campaign. The ICC’s move marks a significant moment, as it is the first time that a sitting leader from a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes by the global court. However, since Israel is not a state party to the ICC, the practical implications of the warrants remain uncertain, especially given the strong support Netanyahu has from the United States and other allies. The decision has already raised tensions with Israel’s European partners, some of whom signaled they may act on the warrants should Netanyahu travel abroad. However, Netanyahu’s government has dismissed the ICC’s jurisdiction, with the United States and Israel both rejecting the court’s authority on the matter. The ICC’s chief prosecutor had requested the warrants six months prior, and the decision further isolates Netanyahu and Gallant on the international stage, increasing the diplomatic pressure on Israel.
UK targets Uganda’s dos Santos in corruption crackdown
The UK government has imposed sanctions on Angola’s Isabel dos Santos, a billionaire businesswoman, and two other global oligarchs for corruption and money laundering.