Africa

Nigeria court convicts 125 Boko Haram militants in mass trial

Africa /

A Nigerian court has convicted 125 Boko Haram militants and financiers on various terrorism-related charges. According to the Attorney General’s office, the convictions include charges of terrorism, terrorism financing, material support for terrorism, and International Criminal Court-related crimes. The two-day trial was conducted by five Federal High Court judges at a military detention facility in Kanji, Niger State. Boko Haram’s insurgency, which began in 2009, has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions, creating a severe humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria. Of those convicted, 85 were found guilty of terrorism financing, 22 of ICC-related crimes, and the rest for terrorism offenses, receiving various prison sentences. The last major trials of Boko Haram suspects occurred between 2017 and 2018, resulting in 163 convictions and 887 acquittals. The 2014 kidnapping of over 270 girls from Chibok by Boko Haram drew global attention, including the #BringBackOurGirls campaign supported by former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama. While more than 180 girls have since been freed or escaped, many remain missing, and those who have returned face ongoing challenges in their communities.

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South Africa’s ANC expels ex-President Jacob Zuma

Africa /

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) party, where he had been a member for many decades, public broadcaster SABC reported Sunday. Zuma, 82, who has been an ANC party member for 60 years, was found guilty of founding and campaigning for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which obtained 58 seats in parliamentary elections in May, it said. The broadcaster said it was in possession of documents confirming Zuma’s expulsion. The ANC has, however, not yet issued a statement regarding the expulsion.  The report said the ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee found Zuma guilty of prejudicing the integrity of the party by acting in collaboration with uMkhonto weSizwe in a manner contrary to the aims, policies and objectives of the ANC.  Zuma, who governed the country as president for nearly a decade, was also the former president of the ANC, which ruled South Africa since 1994 without a coalition. The ANC, which liberated South Africans from white minority rule and racial segregation, used to secure more than 60% in all elections since 1994, barring 2019, when its parliamentary share dipped to 57.5%. But it lost its parliamentary majority in the May elections, getting 40% of the vote and receiving 159 seats of the 400-seat parliament. The party had to reach coalition deals with nine other political parties to form a government of national unity. In January, the ANC suspended Zuma, in what experts described as a sign of a growing rift between him and current President Cyril Ramaphosa. Zuma now has 21 days to appeal the judgment with the ANC’s National Committee of Appeal.

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Gabon’s Transitional Leader to Run in Presidential Poll

Africa /

Eleven months after coming to power in a coup, there are increasing calls for Gabon’s transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema to run for office. Oligui Nguema was sworn in last September, shortly after ousting President Ali Bongo, who had ruled for over 50 years. According to Radio France International, Deputy Prime Minister Alexandre Barro Chambrier announced on Saturday that he will not be a candidate. He stated that his party, the Rally for the Homeland and Modernity (RPM), would support Oligui Nguema if he decides to run in the August 2025 presidential elections. While the transition charter allows Oligui Nguema to run, it does not permit other leaders to do so. Although his actions suggest he may run, the president has yet to officially declare his candidacy.

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23 abductees rescued from ADF rebels in eastern Congo

Africa /

Congolese and Ugandan troops rescued 23 women and minors who were abducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, during a joint military operation in eastern Congo, according to the military. The rescue followed fighting with the rebels near the Malibongo River in northern Tokomeka in the eastern province of Ituri, Bilal Katamba, spokesperson for Uganda’s military Mountain Division, said in a statement. The abductees were taken to the Uganda army’s tactical headquarters in Luna, Ituri Province, he said. Among the minors were three infants under the age of 1, who are severely malnourished. “A joint medical team is providing emergency care to save their lives. The mothers are also receiving basic medical treatment in the field,” said Katamba. Congolese and Ugandan forces launched a joint military offensive in 2021 to flush out the ADF, which was founded in the 1990s by several opposition movements in Uganda to topple the government of President Yoweri Museveni. The group pledged allegiance to the Daesh/ISIS terror group in 2019.

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French company reports major losses due to challenges in Niger

Business /

The French nuclear fuel specialist reported a loss of 133 million euros for the first half of the year, a sharp decline from the 117 million euros net profit in Q1 2023. The company’s difficulties this year include Niger’s decision in June to revoke its rights to the Imouraren mine, the world’s largest with estimated reserves of 200,000 tons. Additionally, its subsidiary Somair, which is 63% owned by Orano, is facing issues exporting uranium from its Arlit operations in northern Niger due to an export ban imposed by the military government in Niamey. As a result, the company had to sell its uranium production, which was initially intended to finance the site’s closure.

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Armed attack in South Africa kills 8

Africa /

In an armed attack on an entertainment venue in South Africa’s North West province, 8 people have been killed. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, North West Province Police Spokesperson, reported that 8 individuals, including one woman, were killed in the attack on the drinking establishment near the town of Orkney. Mokgwabone explained that the attackers, who were looking for members of the local Basotho community, fired randomly at the venue. Seven victims died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The attackers stole money from the venue’s cash register, as well as the security camera system and a pool table. Mokgwabone also noted that they took customers’ cell phones before fleeing. He called for witnesses to assist in identifying and locating the suspects, whose identities and numbers remain unknown.

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Activists urge action to address global food crisis

Discover /

Activists and chefs worldwide joined a new campaign on Thursday (July 25) to spotlight the global food crisis. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where G20 leaders were meeting for a two-day summit, campaigners staged a demonstration. Members of various NGOs distributed empty plates from a mock food truck. The CEO of Sustainable Development Goal 2 Advocacy explained the symbolism behind the empty plates: “We use these plates to represent the 733 million people worldwide who face hunger. We need urgent action and commitment to drive change, building on Brazil’s and the G20’s promises to create an alliance for this cause.” The protest came after Brazil committed to partially funding the global alliance against hunger and poverty.

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