Africa

The death toll from the cholera outbreak in Sudan has risen to 852

Africa /

It has been reported that the number of deaths due to the cholera outbreak in Sudan has risen to 852. The Sudanese Ministry of Health stated that the total number of cholera cases in the country has reached 29,147. The announcement noted that the death toll from the cholera outbreak has increased to 852. Heavy rains and floods affecting Sudan since June have contributed to the spread of cholera. Sudanese authorities declared a cholera outbreak on August 12. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on October 1 that 3.4 million Sudanese children are at risk of epidemic diseases. On October 5, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced that it had sent 1.4 million doses of cholera vaccine to Sudan. In war-torn Sudan, the ineffective functioning of the healthcare system during this period exacerbates the spread of infectious diseases, making life even more difficult for the people.

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Mozambique limits social media access amid election protests

Africa /

Social media access in Mozambique has been restricted again, marking the second instance in a week, according to the global internet watchdog NetBlocks. This comes amid rising tensions following a controversial presidential election. The ruling Frelimo party, which has governed for 49 years, declared victory in the October 9 election, a result that opposition leaders and observers claim was flawed. Following this, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp were restricted after a previous blackout last Friday, which severely impacted mobile internet access. Daniel Chapo of Frelimo won the presidency with nearly 71% of the vote, while opposition leader Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos party garnered about 20%. The announcement of the results sparked protests, leading to clashes with security forces that resulted in at least 11 deaths and over 50 injuries, according to Human Rights Watch. Despite the social media restrictions, Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike from October 31 to November 7 to protest the election results. The capital, Maputo, appeared largely deserted as residents seemingly observed the strike. Authorities have warned against participation in what they term “acts of sabotage,” while the public prosecutor acknowledged the right to protest, threatening consequences for any damage caused. The Podemos party has appealed to Mozambique’s Constitutional Court for a recount, urging for electoral transparency. The court has requested detailed election data from the electoral commission within eight days. With political tensions high and social media access limited, the situation in Mozambique remains precarious as opposition leaders seek justice and transparency.

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At least 15 killed in attack in Nigeria’s Benue state

Africa /

 At least 15 people have been killed in an attack by armed bandits in Nigeria’s Benue state, local media reported Thursday. Several people were also wounded when the assailants invaded the town of Anyiin in the Logo Local Government Area. Nigeria has long been facing attacks from armed gangs as well as the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist groups in various regions of the country. Despite the death penalty being enforced for kidnapping, incidents of abduction for ransom are still common. Armed perpetrators typically target villages, schools and travelers in the northern part of the country to demand ransoms.

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Climate change fuels health crisis, warns new report

Africa, Discover /

A new report from global health experts warns that climate change is pushing temperatures to dangerous levels, leading to increased deaths and the spread of infectious diseases. The Lancet Countdown report, released ahead of the COP29 climate summit, highlights that every country faces unprecedented health threats due to climate change. The experts urge governments to redirect the trillions spent on fossil fuels towards protecting health and livelihoods. “Resources should not perpetuate fossil fuel use but rather promote access to clean, renewable energy,” said Dr. Marina Romanello, the report’s executive director. The study, conducted by 122 experts, reveals record levels of heat-related deaths, food insecurity, and infectious diseases driven by climate change. In 2023, people faced an average of 50 additional days of extreme temperatures. Nearly half of the global land area is experiencing extreme droughts, exacerbating food insecurity for 151 million people in 124 countries. Romanello emphasized that climate change is a critical health issue affecting all demographics, particularly vulnerable populations. “The health implications are enormous,” she stated, referencing the acute hunger crisis in regions like Somalia due to drought.

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Rwandan ex-doctor sentenced to 27 years for genocide complicity

Africa /

A French court has sentenced Rwandan former doctor Eugene Rwamucyo to 27 years in prison for his involvement in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group. The Cour d’Assises de Paris found him guilty of “complicity in genocide,” “complicity in crimes against humanity,” and “conspiracy” to commit these crimes, while acquitting him of genocide and crimes against humanity charges. Rwamucyo, who denied the allegations during his trial, was accused of promoting anti-Tutsi propaganda and overseeing the burial of victims in mass graves in southern Rwanda’s Butare Prefecture. French prosecutors had sought a 30-year sentence. Genocide survivor Jean Pierre Gakwerere described the ruling as a positive step toward justice for victims. Rwamucyo, 65, was arrested in May 2010 and had previously been sentenced to life in absentia by a Rwandan court. This verdict follows a recent lawsuit by Rwandan genocide survivors against France, seeking $540 million in reparations, with a ruling expected on November 14. French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged France’s responsibility in the genocide, stating that France and its allies “could have stopped” it but “lacked the will to do so.” Approximately 1 million people, primarily Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed in the genocide within 100 days.

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Former Zambian 1st lady arrested on money laundering charges

Africa /

 Zambia’s former first lady Esther Lungu was arrested and charged with possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and money laundering offences Wednesday by the country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). DEC spokesman Allan Tamba said this is in relation to ongoing investigations into her ownership of several properties. “Mrs. Esther Lungu has since been released on police bond pending court proceedings,” Tamba said in a statement issued in the capital, Lusaka. Her lawyer, Charles Changano, also confirmed the arrest to Anadolu. On the property-related charge, Changano said this was in relation to a property his client possesses in a Lusaka suburb. He said the second charge was that of money laundering for hiring a third party and that she had denied both charges. ”So she has been granted extended bond and we have been told that we may be called again, as this matter is under ongoing investigation,” Changano said after his client underwent questioning in Lusaka.

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Botswana awaits election results

Africa /

Botswana awaits election results that could extend the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 58-year rule. Duma Boko, leader of the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, suggesting the Independent Electoral Commission is undermining fair elections. Ballot counting began shortly after polls closed at 17:00 GMT, though some stations remained open late to accommodate voters in line. This election will shape the parliament of the diamond-rich nation, with lawmakers later selecting the president. In the previous 2019 election, the ruling party secured 38 of 57 contested seats. President Mokgweetsi Masisi, a former high school teacher, is vying for a second and final term, with a party needing at least 31 seats to claim victory.

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Zambia good partner in many areas, says Turkey

Africa /

Turkey’s Ambassador to Zambia said Tuesday that the southern African nation was a good partner in many areas. “We are working together in every field, from trade to business, from Turkey scholarships to other exchanges, as we strive to build a better future together,” Istem Circiroglu told guests during an event marking the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in the capital, Lusaka. Circiroglu said she was pleased to note that Turkish development assistance in Zambia had exceeded $2 million, with the figure surpassing $5 million with the addition of scholarships so far provided to Zambian students. “The Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), Diyanet Foundation and others are also engaged in Zambia. This year is also my farewell to beautiful Zambia and my friends here. I promise I will always remember and keep a place for all of you in my heart,” she added. Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata was elated that the occasion was held only days after the commemoration of Zambia’s 60th independence anniversary, adding the country would continue consolidating bilateral ties with Türkiye. A Zambian independence celebration was also held in the Turkish capital Ankara, punctuated with a performance by Zambian and Turkish musicians.

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Russia launches major nuclear exercise amid west tensions

World /

Amid rising tensions with the West over the Ukraine war, Russia on Tuesday conducted a major exercise involving its nuclear forces, simulating a response to an enemy’s first strike. President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for modern strategic forces, stating, “We will maintain nuclear forces at the necessary level of sufficiency” without entering a new arms race. The drills included test-firing a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from Plesetsk, and ICBMs launched from the Novomoskovsk and Knyaz Oleg submarines in the Barents Sea and Sea of Okhotsk. Nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers also conducted practice launches of long-range cruise missiles, all reaching their intended targets. This exercise follows warnings from Moscow about potential responses to Western support for Ukraine’s missile capabilities. Putin announced a new nuclear doctrine indicating that a conventional attack by a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power would be viewed as a joint attack, serving as a warning to the U.S. and its allies. The revised doctrine also includes provisions for the possible use of nuclear weapons in response to a significant air attack.

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