A Chinese envoy emphasized on Wednesday the urgent need for external armed forces and mercenaries to withdraw from Libya. “The peaceful reconstruction of Libya is at a critical juncture, and promoting political transition is essential for long-term peace and stability. China urges all parties to adhere to a political settlement, enhance dialogue, and build consensus for the early resumption of political negotiations and the establishment of unified state institutions,” stated Dai Bing, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, during a Security Council briefing on the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Dai called on the international community to support African-led solutions to African issues and promote a political resolution to the Libyan crisis. “We advocate for respect for Libya’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and reiterate the call for the swift and orderly withdrawal of external armed forces and mercenaries,” he added. He also urged for a reduction in hostility and confrontation, emphasizing the need to focus on humanitarian challenges and improve living conditions in Libya. Pointing out Libya’s long history of civil war and conflict, which has resulted in a fractured security structure, Dai noted that recent unilateral actions have exacerbated the fragile security situation. He called on all Libyan factions to prioritize the country’s interests, exercise restraint, adhere to the ceasefire agreement, implement the consensus of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, and work together to maintain the hard-won peace. Under the 2020 ceasefire agreement, foreign forces were supposed to withdraw within months, but reports suggest that very few have actually left. Rival factions in Libya continue to rely on fighters from African nations, Turkey, Syria, and Russia.

In operations against the terrorist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP (the West African branch of ISIS) in Nigeria, 165 terrorists and armed gang members were neutralized in one week. Edward Buba, Director of Media Operations for the Nigerian Defense Ministry, stated that the military conducted operations nationwide targeting terrorism and armed gangs. He noted that 165 terrorists and gang members were killed, and 238 terrorists were arrested. Buba also reported the rescue of 188 individuals taken hostage by armed gang members and terrorists, along with the seizure of 153 weapons, numerous motorcycles, and significant ammunition. Nigeria has long faced attacks from armed gangs, Boko Haram, and ISWAP across various regions. Despite the death penalty for kidnapping, incidents of abduction for ransom are common, with armed individuals typically targeting villages, schools, and travelers in the northern parts of the country.

The appeal process began on Thursday for 37 people sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over an alleged coup attempt in May.

Floods in South Sudan have displaced over 241,000 people and affected nearly 900,000 others, with aid agencies warning of the worst flooding in decades.

The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time.

Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia leaders convene in Asmara for crucial talks on regional security and stability amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa.

Young African women recruited for jobs in Russia have reported being deceived into assembling drones intended for use in the conflict in Ukraine. Initially lured by social media ads promising free flights, lucrative salaries, and job training in hospitality and catering, many arrived to discover they were to work in a drone production facility instead. In interviews with The Associated Press, several women shared experiences of long hours under constant surveillance, unmet wage expectations, and exposure to hazardous chemicals that have left them with severe skin issues. These women were part of a Kremlin initiative to address labor shortages amid wartime production demands. Recruitment has targeted women aged 18 to 22 from countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, as well as from Sri Lanka. The Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, approximately 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow, has become a focal point for this recruitment effort. One woman, who left a job in her home country, recounted her initial excitement upon arriving in Alabuga, only to realize that the promise of a bright future was merely a facade. “The company is all about making drones. Nothing else,” she said, expressing regret about her decision to come. The recruitment campaign, dubbed “Alabuga Start,” involved completing a simple online game and a basic Russian vocabulary test. However, the reality revealed a grim working environment where foreign workers were often mistreated and denied the freedoms enjoyed by their Russian counterparts. The women live in guarded dormitories and are closely monitored while working, with their communications severely restricted. Reports indicate that about 200 African women are currently employed in the Alabuga facility, alongside vocational students as young as 16. The plant is primarily engaged in producing Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which have been employed in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite an initial promise of $700 a month, many women reported receiving much less, with various deductions reducing their take-home pay. The workers have described grueling shifts of up to 12 hours, with inadequate time off. One woman lamented, “The African women are maltreated like donkeys, being slaved.” Human rights organizations have raised alarms over these practices, highlighting the potential for trafficking if the recruitment methods are found to be exploitative. Betty Amongi, Uganda’s Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, has voiced concerns regarding the welfare of the women, urging thorough investigations into the recruitment efforts. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Russia’s reliance on foreign labor to bolster its military production raises questions about the ethical implications of such recruiting tactics. The situation has caught the attention of the international community, with calls for accountability and safeguards to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation.

Dallol, Ethiopia, has earned the title of the world’s hottest inhabited place

 Egypt on Wednesday denied claims by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), of its involvement in his country’s ongoing conflict. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the accusations come at a time when Egypt is making considerable efforts to stop the war, protect civilians and strengthen international response efforts for humanitarian relief to those affected by the conflict. The ministry called on the international community to examine the evidence which would verify the validity of the claims made by Dagalo. Egypt also reaffirmed its commitment to the security, stability and unity of Sudan. The statement added that Egypt will continue to spare no effort in providing all forms of support to its Sudanese “brothers” as they face the severe consequences of the ongoing war. Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have been engaged in a conflict that has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced nearly 10 million people, according to the United Nations. There has been a growing call from the UN and international bodies to end the conflict, as the war has pushed millions of Sudanese to the brink of famine and death due to food shortages, with the fighting spreading to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.

The Logone river in Chad’s capital has reached a record-breaking high, threatening to worsen the already devastating floods affecting millions of people.

The RSF leader in Sudan accused Egypt of carrying out airstrikes against his forces and supporting the Sudanese army.

New measures include military deployment, special courts, and legal action against those involved.

UN’s Human Rights Council votes to continue investigation into grave abuses in Sudan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, documenting suffering and accountability.

Historic impeachment hearings for Rigathi Gachagua will commence next week in the Kenyan Senate after a decisive vote by the National Assembly.

Mali has been grappling with a prolonged Islamist insurgency, a situation exacerbated by military coups in 2020 and 2021

This geographical enormity often goes unnoticed due to common map projections that tend to distort Africa’s size

Nigeria received 600,000 additional doses of cholera vaccine Tuesday to contain an outbreak of the infectious disease in northeastern Borno State caused by devasting floods. UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria Rownak Khan said the vaccine and other medical items were part of a global response to halt the spread of cholera, a waterborne disease which hit the state weeks after massive flooding damaged sanitary facilities and water supply. “This oral cholera vaccine was a joint effort between the government and the partners. UNICEF is one of the partners. We also have other partners who also put a lot of effort to bring the cholera vaccine to Nigeria,” Khan told Anadolu in the state capital Maiduguri after handing over the items to the government. The donation also included acute water diarrhea kits and hospital beds worth $69,000, she added. Last month, UNICEF delivered the first 300,000 doses of cholera vaccine to the state, starting massive vaccination in the area. Abubakar Hassan, special adviser to the Borno State governor on Health, said the state is yet to record any cholera-related deaths days after the outbreak of the disease was reported. Authorities said 451 suspected cases of cholera were recorded in Borno on Oct. 4, with 128 cases testing positive after a rapid diagnostic process.

Mozambique is set to welcome 17 million voters for elections on October 9, determining the makeup of 250 parliamentary members and provincial assemblies. The ruling Frelimo party, in power since independence from Portugal in 1975, is expected to nominate its next presidential candidate from within its ranks. Daniel Chapo, a former radio announcer and law teacher, is anticipated to succeed Filipe Nyusi as president. Local resident Julio Macamo expressed hopes for progress, stating, “We aspire for a better future. Given our past experiences, we want the new government to succeed.” At least four candidates are vying for change in a nation grappling with a jihadist insurgency and severe climate challenges, including flooding. The insurgency has displaced over 1.3 million people, while many others face significant food shortages due to drought. Sheila Duarte Timana from Maputo remarked, “If the president-elect delivers the improvements we’ve been asking for, I believe the people will be very happy.” Last year’s local elections were marred by serious allegations of vote-rigging and fraud, leading to violent protests in Maputo and its vicinity. This time, however, concerns appear to be less pronounced.

At least 21 people drowned after two unregistered passenger boats capsized after colliding in Nigeria’s Lagos state, police confirmed Tuesday. The incident occurred in the town of Imore in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. The boats, each carrying 16 passengers, capsized in the middle of a lagoon. Lagos state police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the incident occurred on Monday. He said 11 passengers with injuries were rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija. Police teams, local divers and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene. Hundeyin confirmed that efforts are underway to recover the bodies of those who drowned, adding an investigation into the incident is being conducted. Last week, 48 people died and around 150 others went missing when a boat capsized in Kebbi state. The boat was carrying around 300 passengers.

The UN human rights chief reports nearly one million people displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year amid escalating violence and concerns over human rights violations.

Deadly attacks on humanitarian workers prompt UN to evaluate aid suspension in Ethiopia’s Amhara region impacting millions in need.

Morocco takes proactive measures to combat mpox by procuring the antiviral drug Tpoxx from Siga Technologies.

Mpox continues to pose serious threat, with 16 countries currently affected in Africa, according to World Health Organization

Golden Globe winner Idris Elba calls for a global stage for African cinema, highlighting its untapped potential and the need for homegrown support.