Thousands of coup supporters gathered near French base in Niger

West Africa army chiefs to meet in coming days to discuss Niger plans – spokesman

RSF says another Sudanese Army platoon has joined its ranks

Burkina junta suspends radio station over Niger criticism

After 4 months, Sudan war stalemated and plagued by abuses

African Union calls treatment of detained Niger leader ‘unacceptable’

Egypt dig unearths 41mn-year-old whale in desert

Concern alarmed at worsening Sudanese refugee crisis

Nigerian politician and activist Hajiya Najatu Muhammed has said the quest to declare war on Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by President Bola Tinubu is a ploy to distract Nigerians from the proceedings of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).  Najatu, in a statement, called on Nigerians to stand united in calling the ECOWAS leaders to order by denouncing violence and addressing the devastating consequences of war on human lives and societies.  She said, “Such despicable action in the name of democracy is not only condemnable, but also unacceptable. Today in Nigeria, we have Tinubu being supported by France after the most controversial election declaration in the history of our country.” “If Nigeria is at war, Tinubu can declare a state of emergency or a martial law that will allow him to remain in power indefinitely, putting aside any tribunal or judicial process challenging his eligibility to even contest the election.” “With the backing of France and other colonial powers, he will deploy security forces to quail any form of protest to his undemocratic and unconstitutional machinations.” “Tinubu is aware that he is not eligible to contest. The Tribunal judges know this, APC as a political party also knows this. So, why is Tinubu so eager to go to war on behalf of France and with the backing of France in the name of democracy?”  But speaking during the 12th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC on Thursday last week in Abuja, Tinubu described the 2023 presidential election as the most credible in the history of Nigeria. He said, “Yes, we are facing challenges in the court, but I think this is the most credible election in Nigeria. So, we must congratulate ourselves. As a democrat, those who cannot accept the results of a free and fair election do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph.” “Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.” Source: DailyTrust

 Kenyan President William Ruto, who is currently on a state visit to Mozambique, fortified diplomatic ties between the two countries by signing new deals Thursday with his counterpart Filipe Nyusi. The leaders engaged in bilateral talks in the capital Maputo which culminated in the signing of seven crucial memorandums of understanding (MoUs). Ruto said the MoUs encompass a wide spectrum of collaborative endeavors based on the commitment of both countries to enhance mutual development and progress. He said in a statement that the MoUs cover “various areas of cooperation, including mutual legal assistance, diplomatic training, public service training, investment promotion, the Blue Economy and mutual recognition of driving licenses.” “Kenya-Mozambique relations stand on a strong pedestal of trade and investment. We celebrate the longstanding warm and cordial relations between the two countries and undertake to strengthen our ties, to enhance trade volumes that remain relatively low.” President Nyusi echoed Ruto’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the two countries in achieving sustainable development goals. He noted that through joint efforts, Kenya and Mozambique can leverage strengths and resources to drive positive change.

Flights bring group to Addis Ababa, from where new immigrants will continue to Israe

West Africa leaders have directed the deployment of a ‘standby force’ to restore democracy in Niger

Several staff members of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation temporarily left Niger

‘We very much support ECOWAS’s leadership and work on this,’ says top US diplomat

Conflict in Sudan destroys country’s education sector

Burkina Faso accuses France of ‘serious breach’ after suspension of flights

ECOWAS leaders begin summit on Niger coup

Russia says it will deliver free grain to African nations very soon

Kenyan cult leader to remain in police custody: court

Uganda president accuses World Bank of coercion after loan freeze

A Turkish hospital is struggling to provide its services in South Darfur

South Africa’s manufacturing output rose 5.5% year on year in June

Niger junta appoints 21 new ministers ahead of ECOWAS summit

Egypt’s headline inflation rises to record 36.5% in July