Sudan: Democracy mechanism unveils project to end conflict
Sudan’s NMDT presents a comprehensive plan to end the ongoing conflict and pave the way for a stable future.
Kenya-led multinational force headed to Haiti to face major hurdles
Corruption, links between the police, politicians and gangs, overcrowded prisons, outnumbered police officers, and difficulties of protecting civilians in urban warfare are some of the many challenges listed in the report. “For all these reasons, preparation will be of critical importance,” the report read. Less than 10,000 officers are estimatyed to be on duty at any time in a country of more than 11 million people. Ideally, there should be some 25,000 active officers, according to the U.N. “The police are completely outnumbered and outgunned by the gangs,” said Diego Da Rin, with International Crisis Group, who spent nearly a month in Haiti late last year to do research for the report. He said the people he interviewed were very skeptical that the force would even be deployed, given that it was approved by the U.N. Security Council last October, a year after Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested the urgent mobilization of an international armed force. Many issues “left unsaid” Some 300 gangs control an estimated 80% of the capital of Port-au-Prince, with their tentacles reaching northward into the island’s food basket. Over 200,000 people have been forced to flee their communities as gangs set fire to homes, kill and rape residents. Da Rin said he interviewed a Haitian security expert who did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation whom he quoted as saying, “Where are the prison facilities to put thousands of gang members? Is the international community suggesting that we kill thousands of lads? What structures are in place to reintegrate these young people into society? I’m appalled by what’s left unsaid.” International Crisis Group said it separately interviewed two sources within Haiti’s National Police who were quoted as saying that senior commanders previously managed to prevent the capture of a powerful gang leader because of his alleged links to politicians or police. Even if the mission is successful, officials must stop the flow of weapons and ammunition into Haiti, the report stated, and sever “the strong bond between gangs and Haitian business and political elites.” The UN-backed multinational force has yet to deploy as it awaits a court ruling in Kenya. Burundi, Chad, Senegal, Jamaica and Belize also have pledged troops for the multinational mission.
Somalia signs law nullifying Ethiopia’s sea access with Somaliland
Mogadishu declared deal ‘illegitimate,’ demanded international emergency meeting
Ethiopian Christians celebrate Christmas
Night masses were conducted at churches across the country. At dawn, a cannon was fired nine times to mark the occasion.
Algerian war: Independence from French rule
The National Liberation Front (FLN), the primary Algerian nationalist movement, spearheaded the resistance
Five Senegalese marines missing in trafficker shipwreck
Search intensifies for missing Senegalese marine commandos after drug-trafficking boat sinks during interception.
DRC election chaos: 82 candidates tossed, opposition calls for rerun
Invalidated votes for 82 candidates in Congo’s December election fuel political unrest and instability.
Sudanese warplane downed in Khartoum amid RSF-SAF conflict
Sudanese warplane crashed in Khartoum’s eastern Nile region, RSF claims responsibility, pilot’s fate and reason for targeting unknown.
Turkey to repair historic mosque damaged in Ethiopian conflict
Tigray regional leader welcomes initiative to restore mosque, which was center for first Muslims who migrated from Mecca to escape persecution
First group of tourists arrive in Kenya via new visa-free entry program
Kenya opens its doors to global travelers, waiving visa requirements for all nationalities
Sudan’s Burhan rejects ceasefire, vows to continue war
Sudan’s army chief rejects ceasefire, pledging to continue a nine-month war with RSF amid war crimes accusations.
DR Congo experiencing worst flooding in 60 years
At the end of December, the flooding hit the provinces of Ituri and Mongala as well as the capital Kinshasa.
Rwanda, Congo deny talks with Israel to welcome Palestinian migrants
‘No such discussion has taken place either now or in the past,’ says Rwanda
Kenya suspends 27 hospitals amid allegations of $126 million fraud
Health minister notes government took decisive action to address fraudulent activities affecting national health Insurance
How traditional African societies fostered stability in power shifts
In many corners of Africa, ancient traditions continue to offer valuable lessons in governance
Record-breaking success: A Tribe Called Judah tops Nigerian box office
Describing the film as a “cultural gem,” FilmOne Entertainment lauded Akindele for her dedication to storytelling
Insurgents kill 14 in northeast Nigeria, residents say
Escalating violence as suspected insurgents claim 14 lives in a deadly attack on a nightclub in Yobe, Nigeria.
Oscar Pistorius granted parole after almost 9 years behind bars
Double amputee, known as Blade Runner for his athletic achievements, shot and killed his girlfriend in Feb. 2013
Senegal court rejects opposition leader Sonko’s presidential bid
Senegal’s Constitutional Council has rejected the candidacy of jailed opposition leader Ousmane Sonko for the upcoming presidential election, citing an incomplete application.
Niger reinstates call tax to boost struggling economy
Economic measures adopted in Niger to counter sanctions and boost economy.
Militant attack leaves three dead in northern Mozambique village
Ntontwe village in Cabo Delgado province attacked again by militants, despite Rwandan presence.
Nigeria to ban degrees from Kenya, Uganda in crackdown
Nigeria has announced an expansion of its suspension of degrees accreditation, encompassing additional countries such as Kenya and Uganda.
Nigerian army kills 10 terrorists
4 children, 5 women rescued in Katsina and Zamfara states, says official
‘Unauthorized armed persons’ board merchant ship off Somalia
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operation advises vessels to transit with caution, report any suspicious activity
Sudan recalls ambassador to Kenya
Kenyan President William Ruto’s meeting with Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has sparked diplomatic tensions.
EU reaffirms its support for territorial integrity of Somalia
The Horn of Africa doesn’t need more tensions,’ says Josep Borrell
Ethiopia completes 94% of controversial Renaissance Dam
Renaissance Dam council calls for continued meetings between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to address disagreements