Deadly clashes between security forces and protesters have erupted in Mozambique following a controversial election.
Mozambique’s defence minister issues ultimatum to protesters Read More »
The debt relief, coupled with other international aid, aims to help Somalia overcome its challenges.
US forgives Somalia’s billion-dollar debt Read More »
The UN reported on Monday that 16 people, including children, have died in Libya this year due to explosions from landmines and unexploded ordnance. Fatima Zurik, head of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Libya, warned that more than 444 million square meters of land need to be cleared of war remnants and landmines, a process that could take up to 15 years. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, ongoing conflict between armed groups has left large areas contaminated by mines and unexploded munitions, which continue to pose a deadly threat to civilians. Libya has remained in turmoil since Gaddafi’s ousting, with the country divided between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and forces loyal to Benghazi-based military commander Khalifa Haftar.
UN reports 16 deaths in Libya from landmine explosions since january Read More »
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed grave concern Monday over Israel’s attacks on hospitals in Gaza, calling for an immediate cease-fire to protect civilians and health workers. “It is appalling that hospitals in Gaza continue to be attacked,” he said on X, adding: “Lives depend on an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. It’s time to silence the gunfire and deliver peace!” The appeal follows a recent WHO-led mission to Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, where the third floor was reportedly struck after the team’s departure, injuring six child patients — one critically. Nearby shelling continued as WHO staff delivered essential supplies including medical kits, 150 units of blood and 20,000 liters of fuel, Tedros said. Despite these risks, the team also facilitated the transfer of 25 patients and 37 companions to Al-Shifa Hospital, he noted. In addition, the WHO reached Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, where they managed to transfer five patients but were barred from delivering supplies, endangering the hospital’s operations, he added. Tedros condemned the lack of protection for health care workers amid ongoing Israeli bombardments, which have also hindered humanitarian access. Separately, he extended his thanks to Latvia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Northern Macedonia and Luxembourg for pledging $10.8 million to support the WHO Investment Round, noting that “every contribution counts.”
WHO chief calls for cease-fire as Israel attacks hospitals in Gaza Read More »
Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby has warned that his country may withdraw from the regional security coalition, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), due to frustrations with its lack of effectiveness in countering insurgent threats in the Lake Chad region. Deby expressed these concerns during a visit to the area on Sunday, following an attack in late October that killed around 40 Chadian soldiers, reportedly by Boko Haram militants. He criticized the MNJTF’s poor coordination and lack of joint efforts against insurgents, claiming the force has not lived up to its intended purpose of enhancing operations and intelligence-sharing. The Lake Chad basin region, which borders Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, has been a hotspot for militant activity, particularly from Boko Haram, since 2009. The MNJTF was created to combat insurgent activity across these borders, but Deby’s frustration highlights ongoing challenges in unifying the force. Chad’s potential withdrawal would deal a significant blow to the MNJTF, which has already faced difficulty in coordinating a unified response. At this time, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon have not commented on Deby’s statement.
Chad threatens to quit security coalition Read More »
M23 Rebels Capture Key Town in Eastern DRC Amid Ongoing Tensions M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of the strategic town of Kamandi Gîte in eastern DRC, reports confirmed on Sunday (Nov. 03). Located by Lake Edward, Kamandi Gîte offers a vital link to the city of Beni. The town’s capture has led to widespread displacement, with local sources reporting heavy civilian movement. The M23 faced resistance from self-defense groups, known as Wezalendo, who are allied with DRC’s armed forces. The fighting occurs as Rwanda and DRC continue discussions under the Luanda peace process, with Angola mediating. A key meeting is set for November 16. Both countries have agreed on plans to withdraw military forces and neutralize the FDLR, a militia group with ties to the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
M23 Rebels Seize Key Town in Eastern DRC Read More »
Fourteen people, including eight men, were killed by a lightning strike on Saturday evening in the Palabek settlement camp in northern Uganda. The victims, aged 9 to 21, were gathered for a prayer service when the storm hit around 5:30 PM. Police reported that all victims died instantly, with the youngest being a 9-year-old girl. The strike occurred in a temporary metal structure, which lacked lightning protection. Investigations revealed that deadly lightning strikes are common during Uganda’s wet season. The victims are believed to be refugees from neighboring South Sudan.
Uganda: Lightning strike victims buried Read More »
Turkey expressed deep concern Sunday over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly highlighting violence against civilians in Al Jazirah state. “We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sudan and the attacks against civilians in Al Jazirah state in violation of humanitarian law,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in an official statement. The ministry emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire “without further delay to restore peace and stability.” It also urged swift action to “ensure the return of displaced persons to their homes and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.” The statement reiterated Turkey’s commitment to Sudan’s “sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity.” As part of this commitment, Ankara pledges ongoing humanitarian support to “alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people,” the statement added.
Turkey calls for immediate Sudan cease-fire, humanitarian aid Read More »
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed cease-fire efforts in Gaza and Lebanon as well as the crisis in Sudan in a phone call Sunday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The top diplomats discussed efforts to secure an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and to address the sharp deterioration in humanitarian conditions in the enclave, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of Israel’s actions that impede humanitarian aid and block the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from carrying out its mission. He emphasized the importance of empowering the Palestinian Authority and treating the West Bank and Gaza as a unified Palestinian territory, with a view toward ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state. The two officials also addressed political and field developments in Lebanon. Abdelatty stressed the need for international efforts to secure an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon, calm tensions, fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and provide humanitarian aid in response to Lebanon’s severe crisis. Resolution 1701, adopted on Aug. 11, 2006, calls for a cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and for the establishment of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River in southern Lebanon to be patrolled by the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Abdelatty condemned Israel’s incursions into Lebanese territory and its targeting of UNIFIL in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. Regarding Lebanon’s internal issues, he discussed Egypt’s efforts to resolve Lebanon’s presidential vacancy, underscoring the importance of electing a president without external influence. Since September 2022, Lebanon’s parliament has failed 12 times to elect a head of state. The two men also discussed the deteriorating situation in Sudan and ongoing efforts to secure a cease-fire and ensure humanitarian access. Abdelatty stressed the importance of maintaining Sudanese state institutions, supporting Sudan’s territorial integrity and increasing humanitarian aid. Since mid-April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left more than 20,000 people dead and displaced more than 11 million, according to the UN. International calls are growing for an end to the conflict, which has driven millions toward famine and death amid severe food shortages across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.
Egypt’s FM, Blinken discuss cease-fire efforts in Middle East Read More »
Ahead of the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, women in Senegal marched through Dakar on Saturday to demand climate justice. Approximately 50 activists gathered to call for the protection of the country’s resources and a decarbonized future. Cheikh Niang Faye, a former tour guide, expressed frustration over four years of protests yielding little change. “They’re spending billions on conferences but owe us billions in compensation. It’s the industrialized nations that have caused these greenhouse gases,” she stated. This year, record floods in Senegal have affected tens of thousands and damaged over 1,000 hectares of crops. Activists argue that those responsible for emissions owe Africa reparations for the climate-related suffering. Khady Faye, an activist from the Saloum Delta, emphasized the need to protect local communities from coastal erosion exacerbated by oil drilling. She urged, “Leave the gas at Sangomar underground, and let the community live normally. We want climate justice.” Khady Camara, the march’s main organizer, called for countries to respect the Paris Agreement, urging polluting nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which she identified as the root of Africa’s climate catastrophes.
Women in Senegal demand climate justice ahead of COP29 summit Read More »
