Africa

Niger, Burkina Faso call for immediate cease-fire in Lebanon

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 Burkina Faso and Niger top diplomats took stand on Monday at the UN General Assembly’s 79th session, demanding cease-fire in Lebanon.  The diplomats welcomed the participation of Palestine in this session, emphasizing its significance. Bakary Yaou Sangare, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed hope that it marks a step toward “the advent of a free, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state, living in peace with its neighbors and within its 1967 borders.” Niger and Burkina Faso reaffirm their support to the Palestinian cause and believe only a two-state solution could end the cycle of violence and guarantee peace and security in the region. The Niger minister and Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Burkina Faso’s minister of foreign affairs, also deplore the situation in Lebanon and calls for an immediate end to hostilities. Concerning the fight against terrorism in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger), the diplomat from Burkina Faso deplores a vast and virulent campaign of denigration and stigmatization against security forces whom they accuse of violating human rights without proof. Burkina Faso top diplomat states “nearly 70% of the territory is now under state control compared to 40% in 2022”.  This has enabled the resettlement of displaced populations and the reopening of schools. In less than two years, the reconquest actions have enabled more than 700,000 people to return to their villages, and nearly 1,500 schools to reopen, he added. Bakary Yaou Sangare deplores subversive actions and the new recolonization strategy claimed and assumed by France.  He added “France informs, trains, finances and arms terrorist groups in the Sahel. It offers accommodation and meals to its local servants, some of whom occupy Niger’s diplomatic holdings in Paris in flagrant violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations”. Burkina Faso reiterates its support for the political process in course in Western Sahara, with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable and negotiated political solution.

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Samuel Eto’o banned by FIFA from national team for six months

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Cameroon soccer legend Samuel Eto’o was banned by FIFA on Monday from attending any national team matches for six months. Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation since 2021, faced two charges stemming from an incident during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11. FIFA did not disclose specific details about the incident that occurred during Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16. According to FIFA, Eto’o was found to have violated disciplinary rules related to “offensive behavior, fair play principles, and misconduct towards officials.” The ban prohibits him from attending any men’s or women’s matches involving Cameroon across all categories and age groups. This suspension extends through March, encompassing crucial matches for the men’s national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Eto’o, 43, represented Cameroon in four World Cups from 1998 to 2014, scoring a record 56 goals for the Indomitable Lions. He was part of two Africa Cup of Nations title-winning teams in 2000 and 2002 and boasts three Champions League titles, including back-to-back wins in 2009 with Barcelona and 2010 with Inter Milan, solidifying his status as one of soccer’s greatest forwards.

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Burkina Faso’s foreign minister urges UN reform at general assembly

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Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate on Monday in New York. Despite ongoing battles against a terrorist group in the northeast, he reported that nearly 70% of the territory is now under control, up from 40% in 2022. Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore criticized what he described as propaganda against the Burkinabe Defense Forces. He emphasized their “professionalism and stellar conduct,” citing their participation in peacekeeping operations and ongoing training in international humanitarian law, which ensures that their commitment to human rights is unwavering. He also denounced foreign powers for “financing and supporting terrorism.” Traore explained that the Alliance of Sahel States aims primarily to “protect the populations of the Sahel who have suffered from the security and humanitarian crisis, and against whom deadly measures have been deliberately enforced to worsen their suffering.” He reiterated Burkina Faso’s accusation that Ukraine acts as a “sponsor” of terrorism in the region. He noted that the public support for the Alliance stems from the failure of sub-regional institutions to adequately address the legitimate security concerns of the people. “The creation of the Alliance has been lifesaving, and it will be our salvation,” he stated. The Minister mentioned that the Alliance is still awaiting a response from the UN Security Council, to which it appealed last August, hoping for “strong decisions.” He also expressed Burkina Faso’s support for reforming the UN Security Council to include African nations, asserting that this would enhance the UN’s universal character and address the ongoing injustices faced by Africa.

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Egypt urges permanent security council seats for Africa and Arab nations

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During his address to the UN General Assembly, Egypt’s Foreign Minister emphasized the need for permanent seats for Africa and Arab nations on the UN Security Council. “We cannot accept that Africa and Arab states currently lack permanent representation on the Security Council and the associated privileges,” Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty stated. He reaffirmed support for the Sirte Declaration and the Ezulwini Consensus, aiming to rectify the historical injustices faced by Africa. Abdelatty also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, as the conflict approaches its 12th month, asserting that ending the fighting is a top priority for his government. He urged for the urgent provision of medical and humanitarian aid to civilians in the region, as the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.

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UN delegates call for immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East

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During the UN General Assembly, foreign ministers from Indonesia, Denmark, and Trinidad and Tobago urged an end to hostilities in the Middle East. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasized the dire situation, stating, “Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, and there is a very real risk of an all-out regional war that would impact us all. This must end, and it must end now.” The Trinidad and Tobago foreign minister echoed his concerns, expressing distress over the escalating conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza, describing the situation as deeply troubling. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has consistently called for an end to the violence, warning that Lebanon must not become “another Gaza.” These calls for peace come amid a sharp increase in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon resulting in hundreds of casualties. An airstrike in Beirut reportedly killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, prompting Iran’s Supreme Leader to vow retaliation.

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Morocco rebuilds 12th-century mosque destroyed by 2023 quake 

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The hand-carved domes and brick arches of the Great Mosque of Tinmel had nearly been restored when a powerful earthquake struck Morocco, causing them to collapse and crash to the ground. After almost 900 years, the mosque now lay in ruins—its minaret toppled, prayer hall filled with debris, and outer walls shattered. Yet, despite the devastation, it remained sacred to the residents of Tinmel. Villagers carried the sheet-covered bodies of 15 community members who perished in the quake down the hillside, laying them before the ruined mosque. Historic sites in the High Atlas region have long attracted tourists, but the recent earthquake has highlighted significant disparities in this primarily agricultural area. Poverty and illiteracy rates here exceed the national average, as noted in a government report from October 2023 on the five affected provinces. “The mountainous areas most impacted were already suffering from geographical isolation,” stated the Civil Coalition for the Mountain, a group of Moroccan NGOs, marking the earthquake’s anniversary. “The tragedy exposed structural inequalities stemming from development policies that have overlooked the mountains.” Najia Ait Mohannad, the coalition’s regional coordinator, remarked, “There’s a Morocco in Rabat and Marrakech, but another Morocco exists in the mountains. The immediate priority is rebuilding homes.” The government has promised a comprehensive reconstruction plan that includes strengthening infrastructure and improving public services. Officials vowed to rebuild in a manner that honors the region’s heritage and respects local customs. For the villagers, these efforts could symbolize renewed investment in one of Morocco’s poorest regions and pay tribute to its rich history. Currently, however, the area remains in disrepair, with enchanting ruins supported by wooden scaffolding, while villagers live in plastic tents amidst the remnants of their former homes.

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Ethiopian athletes excel at Berlin Marathon

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A group of Ethiopian athletes shone at this year’s Berlin Marathon on Sunday, led by Milkesa Mengesha, who won the men’s race with a personal best time of just over 2 hours and 3 minutes. Ethiopia’s Haymanot Alew also performed well, finishing just shy of second place, which went to Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut. In the women’s category, Tigist Ketema emerged victorious with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 42 seconds, while her compatriots Mestawut Fikir and Bosena Mulatie secured second and third places, respectively. This edition marked the first time since 2014 that the marathon took place without prominent runners Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya or Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele. Over 58,000 runners from 161 nations participated, setting a new record for the event.

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 Israel seeks to expand war beyond Gaza: Turkish foreign minister

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 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday said Israel’s expanding military actions, particularly the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, suggests it has a desire to take the Gaza conflict to the region. “There is a desire within Israel, including [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu, to escalate the conflict across the region,” Fidan said. He emphasized that “if Israel is not stopped in Gaza and Palestine, it will spread its war to surrounding regions,” noting that after reaching its military targets in Gaza, Israel is now moving to the front in Lebanon. Hezbollah and Israel continued cross-border warfare since the Gaza war last October, but Tel Aviv recently escalated its offensive in Lebanon, killing hundreds, displacing thousands and also assassinating the group’s leader Nasrallah. The conflict could escalate further, as there are fears of an Israeli military ground invasion. Fidan characterized the ongoing situation in Gaza, where more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion, as a “tragedy,” but said if there is greater tragedy than this, it is hypocrisy and inefficiency of the international system. – Need for reform in the UN Fidan said the conflict had showed us that international institutions, including the UN, are not functioning, highlighting an urgent need for reform. He said “the despair in the UN, the silence of the international community on this issue, has become a frightening situation.” The top Turkish diplomat also underscored the importance of establishing an independent Palestine, saying the Gaza Contact Group, formed at a joint summit of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League in Saudi Arabia last November, continues to take up the matter. More than 150 countries have already supported full recognition of state of Palestine, he added. – Turkey’s role in advocacy The minister said that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Türkiye has been proactive in advocating for peace. “Türkiye is not confined to either Western or Eastern axis,” Fidan said, arguing that Ankara will continue to move forward with a constructive, peace-oriented approach in the region. – US role in conflict He criticized the extent of US support for Israel, describing it as troubling that “all of the US’ power is at Israel’s disposal.” Fidan noted that “America’s political, financial, and military support continues,” referencing President Joe Biden’s recent statements about the attacks in Lebanon and Israel’s right to self-defense. He called Nasrallah’s death a significant loss for both Hezbollah and Iran. The foreign minister expressed alarm at Israel’s actions potentially dragging its allies into a wider conflict, saying it is “drawing both itself and its allies into a major conflict.

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