Arab countries welcome Gaza cease-fire deal

Arab countries welcomed Wednesday’s announcement of a Gaza cease-fire deal between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, the result of more than a year of intensive negotiations with Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators. “I welcome the cease-fire agreement in Gaza after over a year of strenuous efforts mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US,” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Facebook. He emphasized the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. “This agreement highlights the importance of quickly providing critical aid to the people of Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, without any obstacles, until a sustainable peace is achieved through a two-state solution,” he said Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting a just peace, remaining a steadfast partner in achieving it, and defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry praised the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the US to reach the agreement, emphasizing the “need for full adherence to it.” The statement quoted Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi as stressing the “need to launch an immediate international initiative to deliver sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to address the humanitarian disaster caused by the Israeli aggression on Gaza.” It highlighted that Jordan, “under the guidance and follow-up of King Abdullah II, will continue providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their full legitimate rights to achieve a just peace.” Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also welcomed the announcement of a cease-fire deal. “This announcement closes a bloody chapter in the history of the Palestinian people, who have suffered greatly due to Israeli aggression,” said Mikati, saying he hopes the cease-fire “will be sustainable and that Israel will adhere to it, paving the way for a final resolution to the Palestinian issue and granting Palestinians their legitimate rights.” – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Yemen, Libya Saudi Arabia also welcomed the news, stressing “the need for adherence to the agreement, the cessation of Israeli aggression on Gaza, the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the (Gaza) Strip and all Palestinian and Arab territories, and the return of displaced people to their areas.” The Saudi Foreign Ministry also stressed “the importance of building on this agreement to address the root cause of the conflict by enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.” United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also welcomed the deal. He commended “the efforts made by Qatar, Egypt and the United States to achieve this agreement,” voicing hope that it “will pave the way to end suffering, prevent further loss of life, and put an end to the crisis and tragic conditions in the Gaza Strip.” The Iraqi Foreign Ministry also said that it “welcomes the agreement, which comes after significant sacrifices and immense suffering by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.” The ministry called the cease-fire efforts “a reflection of the importance of international cooperation to end civilian suffering and ensure regional stability.” Similarly, Yemen, through a Foreign Ministry statement, praised joint mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt and the United States that led to the agreement, “which is expected to end the war in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.” Mohamed Menfi, the head of Libya’s Presidency Council, welcomed the cease-fire announcement, voicing hope for a smooth implementation of its terms. “The Palestinian cause will remain the central cause to the Libyan people,” Menfi said on X, stressing Libya’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause on all international platforms. On the organizational front, the International Union of Muslim Scholars welcomed the “cessation of aggression on Gaza and commended the resilience and sacrifices of its people,” calling in a statement for “the reconstruction of Gaza.” Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed the agreement, which is set to come into effect on Sunday. He outlined the first phase, which will last for 42 days and include the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. The announcement comes on day 467 of Israel’s genocide against Gaza, which with US backing has killed and wounded more than 156,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The war has left more than 11,000 people missing, with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of many elderly people and children in one of the worst global humanitarian disasters ever.

France weighs response to Algeria’s ‘hostile posture’

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with key government officials to decide on a response to what France deems as growing hostility from Algeria.

Death toll from cholera outbreak in South Sudan rises to 334

The death toll from a cholera outbreak in South Sudan has risen to 334, with over 19,000 cases reported across seven states.

ISIS-linked attack village in eastern DR Congo, kill 10

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Kenyan minister claims son was abducted by intelligence agents

A Kenyan minister alleges his son was abducted by the National Intelligence Service during protests, and President Ruto personally intervened to secure his release.

Floods shut down key South Africa-Botswana trade route

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Central African Republic leader visits Moscow for key talks

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Congo sentences three Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities

The three defendants were found guilty on charges of money laundering, illegal acquisition of mineral resources, and other offenses

South African govt faces criticism as mining siege death toll hits 60

The siege began in August when authorities attempted to block food and water supplies to force the miners out

Suspected Marburg virus outbreak claims 8 lives in Tanzania

Samples have been collected for testing, and the WHO is working with Tanzanian authorities to investigate and contain the potential outbreak.

Moroccan activist jailed for protesting earthquake response

Human rights groups have condemned the sentence as arbitrary and politically motivated.

Sierra Leone declares mpox emergency after two cases

Sierra Leone has declared a public health emergency after confirming two cases of mpox and implementing measures to control the virus.

EU announces $41M humanitarian aid package for Ethiopia

Aid will primarily be directed to internally displaced persons within Ethiopia, refugees from countries such as Sudan

South African rescuers recover 36 bodies, save 82 from gold mine

The mine, located about 150 km (93 miles) from Johannesburg in Stilfontein, has been under siege by law enforcement since August

Boko Haram attack on Cameroonian military camp kills three

Suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a military camp in Cameroon’s Far North Region, killing three personnel and seizing weapons.

US Central Command commander visits Egypt to discuss security

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited Egypt on Monday to discuss security issues. Kurilla met with Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, in the capital Cairo to discuss a range of issues, including efforts to address shared security challenges and combat violent extremist organizations. He reaffirmed the military-to-military relationship between the two nations and discussed efforts to advance the partnership to ensure a secure and stable future, CENTCOM said in a statement. On Jan. 11-12, Kurilla visited US servicemembers and conducted key leader engagements in Saudi Arabia. Kurilla met with Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, to discuss shared security concerns. While in Saudi Arabia, Kurilla also met with Lt. Gen. Saghir Hamood Bin Aziz, Chief of Staff of the Yemini Armed Forces, to exchange views on efforts to strengthen security cooperation and combat regional threats such as the Houthis and their attacks against military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb Strait. According to local media, Kurilla is also expected to visit Israel.

Mozambique parliament sworn in amid protests and general strike

Mozambique’s new parliament was sworn in on Monday in Maputo amid tight security, as opposition-led protests and a general strike paralyzed the city, leaving it eerily quiet. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who continues to dispute the results of the October 9 election, called for the strike to protest alleged electoral fraud. During the swearing-in, around 30 seats were left vacant as opposition parties Renamo and MDM boycotted the event, demanding a recount. However, members of the Podemos party were present, with MP Ivandro Massingue accusing the boycotting parties of “cowardice.” Protests in the city included barricades and burning tires, with police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. “We are tired of manipulation. Independence begins today,” said one protester, Osvaldo. Some businesses remained closed, fearing looting, though others, like shopkeeper Selzio, expressed support for the strike, saying, “Change requires sacrifice.” Incoming President Daniel Chapo has called for unity, while newly elected Speaker Margarida Talapa promised a parliament “open to dialogue.” Yet, many citizens remain skeptical, with widespread criticism of the government for neglecting the country’s worsening conditions.

ISIS militants killed in clashes with Somali security forces

Somali security forces killed several Islamic State fighters and seized eight of their outposts during military operations in the Puntland region, according to a statement from the Puntland army.

France declares state of calamity for cyclone-ravaged Mayotte

French Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls has pledged comprehensive support for Mayotte following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, including emergency aid.

Gold seizure at Barrick mine escalates Mali-miner dispute

The Malian government has begun enforcing a provisional order to seize gold stock at Barrick Gold’s Loulo-Gounkoto mine, escalating a dispute between the miner and the government over a new mining code.

At least 40 farmers killed in Nigeria by suspected militants

Nigerian officials confirm that suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP militants killed 40 farmers who had left a military-secured corridor in Borno state.

DRC army reclaims towns but rebels push back in conflict zones

The Congolese army has recaptured several towns from rebel groups in eastern Congo, but fighting has intensified in other areas, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis.

250 MPs sworn in as calm returns to Mozambique after protests

Lawmakers were sworn in on monday in Mozambique, where calm has returned after protests against disputed elections claimed 300 lives, but opposition parties refused to attend.

Turkish UAVs find buyers in Africa

Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have made inroads into Africa, with solutions developed in Türkiye from UAV technologies undertaking new missions abroad. Turkish drone company Zyrone Dynamics, renowned for its expertise in rotary-wing and variable-volume UAVs, has added a significant milestone to its export achievements. The company recently exported its ZD100 and ZD200 rotary-wing UAVs to an African country, where they will play a critical role in missions such as disaster search and rescue operations and the delivery of cargo to vital locations. Both the ZD100 and ZD200 models are distinguished by their advanced technical capabilities and versatile applications. The ZD100 sets itself apart from competitors with an impressive flight time of 80 minutes, a payload capacity of 3 kilograms (6.61 pounds), and a top speed of 130 kilometers (80.7 miles) per hour.  Designed for ease of use and compactness, it excels in challenging environments thanks to its monocoque carbon body, which ensures durability and resilience in harsh weather conditions. The ZD100 is particularly valued for its high performance and adaptability across diverse terrains and operational needs. The ZD200, designed for more demanding missions, boasts a maximum payload capacity of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and can achieve a flight range of over 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) when carrying a 10-kilogram (22-pound) payload. Its modular design supports the integration of specialized equipment such as thermal cameras, LIDAR sensors and environmental monitoring tools, making it suitable for tasks ranging from critical infrastructure inspections to coastline mapping and mine surveillance.  Built with a durable carbon frame, the ZD200 can withstand wind speeds of up to 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) per hour, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions. – Confident steps in global market Murat Kanber, co-founder of Zyrone Dynamics, shared insights with Anadolu about the growing global interest in UAV technology.  He highlighted the widespread adoption of UAVs across various fields and emphasized the increasing demand from both domestic and international markets for Zyrone’s innovative air vehicles. “We are proud to export our ZD100 and ZD200 UAV models to Africa, following our earlier ZD100 technology exports to India,” Kanber said. “Our UAVs are successfully deployed in critical missions such as post-disaster search and rescue, medical aid delivery, and essential cargo transportation.” Kanber underscored how these exports demonstrate Zyrone Dynamics’ global technological capabilities and reaffirm the company’s commitment to supporting humanitarian aid efforts.  He also highlighted the ZD200’s flexible and advanced integration features, which open new possibilities in diverse sectors, from natural resource protection to critical infrastructure monitoring. “Our experience operating in varied geographies has been instrumental in developing more efficient and safer UAVs,” he said. “We aim to meet users’ evolving needs with enhanced performance and capabilities. As we continue to succeed in this mission, we’ve observed a steady rise in foreign demand.” Kanber revealed that the company is actively engaged in negotiations with other regions while continuing to deliver on existing international requests.  “We are confident that our products rank among the best in their class globally,” he said. “With this confidence, we are taking bold strides toward becoming a leading and trusted solution provider in the global UAV market.”

Nine people were killed in an armed attack in Nigeria

Nine people have been reported dead in an armed attack in Nigeria’s Nasarawa State. According to local media, the attack took place in the Karu area, where armed gang members targeted victims, leaving nine dead and many others injured. Nigeria has long struggled with armed gang violence, as well as attacks from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Although the country imposes the death penalty for kidnapping, abductions for ransom remain common. Armed assailants often target villages, schools, and travelers, demanding ransoms.

Ethiopians sweep Dubai marathon titles

Ethiopia celebrated a triumphant performance at the Dubai Marathon on Sunday, with its athletes dominating the top spots. Bute Gemechu claimed the men’s title with an impressive time of 2:04:51. The 23-year-old, still early in his international career, has only participated in a few major races to date. In a thrilling women’s race, Bedatu Hirpa surged past her compatriot Dera Dida in the final stretch to win with a world-leading time of 2:18:27. While Hirpa marked her biggest career victory and set a personal best, Dida, who finished just four seconds behind in 2:18:31, appeared devastated at the line. It was a remarkable sight against the iconic Dubai skyline, as Ethiopian runners claimed the top 10 spots in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Tanzania activist kidnapped in Kenya and freed after quick action

Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai was abducted in Nairobi, prompting international outcry, before being freed through quick intervention.

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