At least 45 people have lost their lives and many others are missing following two separate migrant boat disasters off the coast of Djibouti. The tragic incidents occurred in the Red Sea, highlighting the perilous nature of the Eastern Route for migrants from Africa seeking a better life. Two boats, each carrying 310 people, departed from Yemen. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 32 survivors have been rescued so far, while the search and rescue efforts continue. Djibouti’s coastguard said the tragedies struck approximately 150 meters off a beach near the northwest Khor Angar region. A joint rescue operation, involving Djibouti’s coastguard, the French navy, and other agencies, was launched in the early hours of Monday. The French navy reported rescuing 115 people. The IOM expressed its commitment to finding the missing persons and ensuring the safety of the survivors. Each year, tens of thousands of migrants risk their lives by crossing the Red Sea on the Eastern Route. Many are fleeing conflict, natural disasters, and economic hardship in the Horn of Africa, hoping to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries for employment opportunities. Yemen, itself plagued by a decade-long civil war, poses additional dangers for migrants. In April, 24 people were killed when a boat capsized near Obock, Djibouti. This recent tragedy marks the second fatal maritime accident in two weeks off Djibouti, indicating a significant increase in the number of people returning from Yemen to the Horn of Africa nation.

Kenyan lawmakers move to impeach deputy president Rigathi Gachagua over ethnic hatred and public disagreements.

Funeral services for those who succumbed to Marburg will be restricted to maximum of 50 people

Investigation being conducted to determine the facts, official says

Gachagua, who played a key role in Ruto’s 2022 election victory, now finds himself politically isolated as lawmakers prepare to push for his removal

Africa is home to one of the largest terrestrial snails in the world, the Giant African Land Snail

The Nigerian Air Force insisted Monday that 24 people killed in an airstrike on a village in Kaduna state were terrorists. Residents of Jika da Kolo village in the Giwa Local Government Area say the victims of the Sept. 27 strike were worshippers at a mosque and people at a market. Nigerian Air Force Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Kabiru Ali, said the location has been notorious for being a terrorist enclave for years. “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force has been drawn to reports of alleged civilian casualties following the successful airstrike on a terrorist enclave in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state,” he said. Ali said the airstrike on the location was based on credible intelligence from numerous reliable sources as well as confirmatory surveillance of the target area before the strike. He said the Nigerian Air Force is not taking these allegations lightly, as its focus is to always achieve the desired operational objective without collateral damage, assuring that a thorough investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the facts with a view to keeping the populace informed in due course.

Botswana’s High Court has confirmed that four presidential candidates will compete in next month’s general elections. Incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi is among them, seeking a second and final term. Under Botswana law, presidential candidates must demonstrate to the chief justice that they have sufficient support to be eligible. The High Court verified that four out of five potential candidates met this requirement. Addressing party supporters outside the court on Monday, Masisi expressed confidence in his victory. “We have completed the nomination process in the High Court,” he stated. “While we are all equal before the law, politically we are superior. Let us show the opposition that we are stronger.” Duma Boko, leader of the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), warned that his party would not tolerate a rigged election. In 2019, Boko claimed that the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had stolen the election. “If the election is free and fair, we will accept the outcome. But if it mirrors the situation in 2019, we will reject the results,” he stated. Boko urged voters to remain vigilant against any irregularities. The UDC will enter the October 30 polls without the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), which left the coalition last year over differences. BCP spokesperson Mpho Pheko expressed optimism about their chances, saying, “For the BCP, 2024 presents the best opportunity to change the government in Botswana.” She emphasized that completing the nomination process brings excitement and hope for their message to resonate with Batswana, the citizens of Botswana. The president in Botswana is elected indirectly by parliament, with recent proposals for direct voting rejected after national consultations. The confirmed candidates are Masisi, Duma Boko, Dumelang Saleshando from the BCP, and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). Biggie Butale from the smaller Botswana Republican Party did not meet the necessary requirements.

 Burkina Faso and Niger top diplomats took stand on Monday at the UN General Assembly’s 79th session, demanding cease-fire in Lebanon.  The diplomats welcomed the participation of Palestine in this session, emphasizing its significance. Bakary Yaou Sangare, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed hope that it marks a step toward “the advent of a free, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state, living in peace with its neighbors and within its 1967 borders.” Niger and Burkina Faso reaffirm their support to the Palestinian cause and believe only a two-state solution could end the cycle of violence and guarantee peace and security in the region. The Niger minister and Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Burkina Faso’s minister of foreign affairs, also deplore the situation in Lebanon and calls for an immediate end to hostilities. Concerning the fight against terrorism in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger), the diplomat from Burkina Faso deplores a vast and virulent campaign of denigration and stigmatization against security forces whom they accuse of violating human rights without proof. Burkina Faso top diplomat states “nearly 70% of the territory is now under state control compared to 40% in 2022”.  This has enabled the resettlement of displaced populations and the reopening of schools. In less than two years, the reconquest actions have enabled more than 700,000 people to return to their villages, and nearly 1,500 schools to reopen, he added. Bakary Yaou Sangare deplores subversive actions and the new recolonization strategy claimed and assumed by France.  He added “France informs, trains, finances and arms terrorist groups in the Sahel. It offers accommodation and meals to its local servants, some of whom occupy Niger’s diplomatic holdings in Paris in flagrant violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations”. Burkina Faso reiterates its support for the political process in course in Western Sahara, with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable and negotiated political solution.

Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate on Monday in New York. Despite ongoing battles against a terrorist group in the northeast, he reported that nearly 70% of the territory is now under control, up from 40% in 2022. Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore criticized what he described as propaganda against the Burkinabe Defense Forces. He emphasized their “professionalism and stellar conduct,” citing their participation in peacekeeping operations and ongoing training in international humanitarian law, which ensures that their commitment to human rights is unwavering. He also denounced foreign powers for “financing and supporting terrorism.” Traore explained that the Alliance of Sahel States aims primarily to “protect the populations of the Sahel who have suffered from the security and humanitarian crisis, and against whom deadly measures have been deliberately enforced to worsen their suffering.” He reiterated Burkina Faso’s accusation that Ukraine acts as a “sponsor” of terrorism in the region. He noted that the public support for the Alliance stems from the failure of sub-regional institutions to adequately address the legitimate security concerns of the people. “The creation of the Alliance has been lifesaving, and it will be our salvation,” he stated. The Minister mentioned that the Alliance is still awaiting a response from the UN Security Council, to which it appealed last August, hoping for “strong decisions.” He also expressed Burkina Faso’s support for reforming the UN Security Council to include African nations, asserting that this would enhance the UN’s universal character and address the ongoing injustices faced by Africa.

Dikembe Mutombo, an NBA Hall of Famer and beloved global ambassador, has died at the age of 58 from brain cancer.

The humanitarian crisis in Congo continues to worsen, with armed groups perpetuating sexual violence against women and girls.

The devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan is slowly being addressed as more aid reaches vulnerable populations.

U.N. Security Council unanimously extends Kenya-led force’s mandate in Haiti amid rising gang violence concerns.

In a landmark case, a Tanzanian court has convicted four men of brutal gang rape and sexual assault.

Flooding sweeps away over 730 livestock amid rainy season, according to official

The UN warns of increased revenue for the M23 rebel group in Rubaya, Congo, as they have seized control of the region’s coltan mining operations.

South Africa plans to prioritize Africa’s aspirations during G20 presidency for sustainable growth in developing nations.

‘We are taking appropriate action,’ health minister says as East African nation reports 8 deaths

The protests come in response to policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu, who, on his first day in office, removed a long-standing fuel subsidy and devalued the currency twice

The watermelon has roots that stretch back thousands of years to the Kalahari Desert

Over 60,000 tons of aid sent to East African country since 2016, says Turkish official

During his address to the UN General Assembly, Egypt’s Foreign Minister emphasized the need for permanent seats for Africa and Arab nations on the UN Security Council. “We cannot accept that Africa and Arab states currently lack permanent representation on the Security Council and the associated privileges,” Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty stated. He reaffirmed support for the Sirte Declaration and the Ezulwini Consensus, aiming to rectify the historical injustices faced by Africa. Abdelatty also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, as the conflict approaches its 12th month, asserting that ending the fighting is a top priority for his government. He urged for the urgent provision of medical and humanitarian aid to civilians in the region, as the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.

During the UN General Assembly, foreign ministers from Indonesia, Denmark, and Trinidad and Tobago urged an end to hostilities in the Middle East. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasized the dire situation, stating, “Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, and there is a very real risk of an all-out regional war that would impact us all. This must end, and it must end now.” The Trinidad and Tobago foreign minister echoed his concerns, expressing distress over the escalating conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza, describing the situation as deeply troubling. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has consistently called for an end to the violence, warning that Lebanon must not become “another Gaza.” These calls for peace come amid a sharp increase in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon resulting in hundreds of casualties. An airstrike in Beirut reportedly killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, prompting Iran’s Supreme Leader to vow retaliation.