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.
UN urges Uganda to investigate Besigye’s abduction
The UN has demanded that the Ugandan government release Kizza Besigye and investigate his abduction, which is a serious violation of human rights.
Journalist turns whistleblower reveals Russia’s C.A.R. disinfo
A former staffer of a Russian-backed disinformation network in the Central African Republic has exposed the Kremlin’s tactics to spread propaganda and suppress dissent.
Gunfire erupts in South Sudan after arrest attempt
Heavy gunfire erupted in South Sudan’s capital Juba after security forces attempted to arrest the former head of the National Security Service.
Music and nationalism: A rallying cry in Niamey
Junta-led nations in the Sahel region gathered in Niamey to denounce Western imperialism and strengthen their alliance.
Six arrested in break-in at Patrice Lumumba’s mausoleum
Authorities confirmed the arrests on Wednesday and are continuing to search for two additional suspects
Mali’s army government appoints Gen. Abdoulaye Maiga as new PM
Appointment comes after military administration dismissed civilian Premier Choguel Kokalla Maiga over rare criticism of the military rulers
Zambian MP arrested in Zimbabwe after escaping custody
At a press conference on Wednesday, Zambian Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu confirmed that Banda had been arrested earlier in the week in Harare, Zimbabwe
Kenya probes abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Besigye
Besigye, a vocal critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, vanished from Nairobi on Saturday and reappeared on Wednesday in a Ugandan military court
South Sudan rejects accusations of Kiir family’s business empire
South Sudan’s government has rejected a report by The Sentry accusing the Kiir family of controlling a vast network of companies, claiming the accusations are baseless and malicious.
Snow in Africa? Atlas Mountains transform into winter wonderland
Parts of the continent are proving that even tropical climates can surprise us
Zambian authorities concerned about 3 recent fatal elephant attacks
Authorities in Zambia said Wednesday they are worried after three deaths were recorded, and a critical injury, in separate elephant attacks in as many days. They cited the deaths of two men and a woman. Most of the encounters occurred during the night. One elderly person is fighting for his life after an encounter. “All these and similar other incidents are regrettable and could have been otherwise avoided had they all adhered to wildlife protected area ethics and rules of avoiding walking at night and molesting elephants,” Dominic Chiinda, from the National Parks and Wildlife Department said in a statement in the national capital of Lusaka. He advised residents to exercise extra caution when traversing wildlife hotspots by giving the right of way to elephants when on their corridor and resisting surrounding or harassing elephants with incessant noise and throwing objects at them. “Reduce movements, particularly at night and being too close to elephants, avoid following elephants and taking close photos or selfies and remain calm when you see an elephant,” he added. Due to its vast savanna, the southern African nation has a rich elephant population, with at times migrations from neighboring countries, including Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. Most cases of human-animal conflict have also been attributed to human encroachment on national parks and Game Management Areas (GMAs). The issue has also been debated on the floor of the parliament, with select members being granted honorary wildlife police officers to supplement the number of wildlife officers policing Zambia’s 20 national parks and 36 GMAs.
UN warns ‘Haiti is at a dire crossroads’
Haiti is mired in an unprecedented crisis as gang violence escalates, threatening state authority, a UN official said Wednesday. “Haiti is at a dire crossroads. Extreme levels of gang violence continue to erode state authority and pose an alarming threat to the people of Haiti and to international peace and security in the region, with no improvement in sight,” Miroslav Jenca, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, said at a UN Security Council meeting. He said the current situation in Haiti “is not just another wave of insecurity; it is a dramatic escalation that shows no signs of abating.” Noting that the instability has reached new heights, Jenca said that gangs now control an estimated 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. He said armed groups have encircled the city, “attacking government buildings and infrastructure while using extreme violence, including sexual violence, as a weapon of subjugation.” Highlighting the severe humanitarian toll, he said that more than 20,000 people have fled their homes in just four days this month, adding to the nearly 700,000 displaced by violence earlier this year. Jenca also criticized the insufficient funding for the $674 million UN Humanitarian Response Plan, which is only 43% financed. He also noted the efforts of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission led by Kenya and said just 400 personnel have been deployed out of a planned 2,500. Without additional international support, Jenca warned that Haiti risks a “complete breakdown of state authority.” “Such an outcome would be inexcusable for the people of Haiti, who have endured far too much already,” he added, urging the global community to step up security assistance and crack down on the illicit flow of drugs, weapons and ammunition fueling the gang violence. – Haiti’s escalating crisis Haiti, with a population of over 11 million, faces severe challenges, including political instability, economic turmoil and a worsening security crisis. According to the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, armed gang violence has claimed 3,900 lives since the beginning of the year. The surge in violence has also led to significant political changes. Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned in April this year, prompting the establishment of a transitional council. Garry Conille was appointed prime minister on May 28 but was replaced on Nov. 11 by businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé following a council decision.
Mali: Choguel Maïga dismissed after criticizing military junta
Mali’s Prime Minister Choguel Maïga was dismissed on Wednesday, November 20, following a decree read on national television by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, Alfouseyni Diawara. The decree, signed by transitional President Assimi Goïta, officially removed Maïga from his position. Maïga, appointed in 2021 after Mali’s second coup in a year, had publicly criticized the ruling junta on November 16, during ceremonies marking the recapture of Kidal. He expressed frustration over being sidelined from key decision-making, particularly regarding the timeline for Mali’s political transition. His comments sparked widespread protests in the capital, Bamako, and other cities, with demonstrators calling for his resignation. A faction of the Malian military, known as the Collective of Military Defense (CDM), accused Maïga of “treason” and “denunciation” following his criticism of the country’s military leaders.
DR Congo opposition rallies against reforms
Congo’s opposition leaders have called for nationwide protests against President Felix Tshisekedi’s plans to revise the country’s constitution.
Putin talks security with Central African Republic leader
Leaders exchange views on regional issues, focusing on countering terrorist threat and ensuring stability throughout Central African Republic
ICC sentences Malian militant to 10 years for Timbuktu repression
Dressed in traditional white West African attire, Al Hassan showed no emotion as the sentence was delivered
Boko Haram attacks convoy, seven missing
A convoy of Nigerian security forces was ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents in Niger state, leading to the disappearance of at least seven personnel.
Southern African leaders meet in Zimbabwe on security
16-member regional bloc also expected to find solutions to post-election violence in Mozambique
African elephants: Nature’s long-distance communicators
African elephants have mastered a unique form of communication that underscores their extraordinary intelligence
Congo accuses M23 rebels of ‘ethnic cleansing’ in East
The accusations follow the M23’s recent appointment of administrators in areas it controls
Ugandan opposition leader to face military court after Kenya abduction
Over the years, Besigye has faced numerous arrests, injuries from police confrontations, and accusations of inciting violence
Dozen soldiers killed in attacks by Boko Haram on Nigeria
More than a dozen soldiers were killed Tuesday in multiple attacks on a military base in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, said local and military sources. The terrorists attacked the base in the remote town of Kareto in the Mobbar Local Government Area with improvised explosives and shot at it from different directions, residents told Anadolu. Heavy shooting was heard from the base as troops engaged Boko Haram militants in a gun battle, residents said. They said the terrorists returned hours later to resume their attack with some civilians also hit by bullets. The attacks came days after a raid by Boko Haram that led to the deaths of some soldiers. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum conveyed his condolences to the military “I convey our heartfelt condolences to the armed forces and families of the deceased over the demise of our fellow compatriots. May Allah rest their souls and grant fortitude to the affected families,” the governor said in a statement issued by Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security Usman Tar. Zulum said the state government identified with the military over the loss. Nigeria has been experiencing 14 years of terrorist attacks which have led to the deaths of more than 100,000 people and the displacement of three million, according to the county’s National Emergency Management Agency.
Gangs clash with residents and police in Haiti’s Pétionville
Gangs launched a new assault on Haiti’s capital early Tuesday, targeting the upscale Pétionville area, where gunmen clashed with residents who joined forces with police to defend their community. The attack was led by the Viv Ansanm gang, headed by former elite police officer Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue, who had posted a video announcing the assault. At least 28 gang members were killed, and hundreds of munitions were seized, according to Lionel Lazarre, deputy spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police. It remains unclear whether police were prepared for the attack, given that Chérizier had publicly planned the assault. Local residents, angry over the ongoing violence, reported that some suspected gang members were decapitated or had their feet cut off, with bodies piled up and set on fire. Eyewitnesses said two trucks carrying gang members entered Pétionville, with one truck blocking the community’s main entrance. Chérizier had previously threatened retaliation against hotel staff and management in the area, accusing them of sheltering politicians and “oligarchs.” The attack follows a surge in gang violence that recently led to the closure of Haiti’s main international airport after gunmen opened fire on a plane preparing to land. This violence has displaced more than 20,000 people, with gangs now controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince. Attacks on previously peaceful neighborhoods are part of a broader effort to expand gang control. The escalation of violence coincides with the arrival of a Kenyan-led U.N. peacekeeping mission, and the U.S. is now advocating for a new peacekeeping force due to the Kenyan mission’s funding and personnel shortages.
Disease, famine claim 25 lives in Sudanese village
A Sudanese village has been ravaged by the ongoing conflict, with at least 25 people dying from disease and malnutrition.
