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Kenyan court approves new deputy president

Africa /

A Kenyan high court on Thursday, October 31, approved the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president, despite an ongoing legal challenge to the impeachment of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. The three-judge panel in Nairobi overturned a prior court order that had temporarily suspended Kindiki’s inauguration, stating that the suspension risked creating a political vacuum. Gachagua was impeached on October 17 by over two-thirds of legislators on charges of corruption, inciting ethnic tensions, and supporting anti-government protests. President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, currently the interior minister, the following day. The impeachment revealed divisions within Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, particularly between Ruto and Gachagua. The former deputy president faced accusations of insubordination after opposing government policies regarding forced evictions during floods. Gachagua is contesting his impeachment in the High Court, claiming the charges lack evidence and the proceedings were unfair. He experienced chest pains and was hospitalized during the Senate hearings on October 17, prompting his lawyers to request a delay, which was denied. Following the Senate’s vote on the impeachment, Gachagua’s supporters condemned the process as rushed and biased, suggesting it had Ruto’s backing. Ruto, who initially campaigned as a champion for Kenya’s poorest citizens, has faced backlash over tax increases aimed at servicing foreign debt. This public discontent has led him to reorganize his Cabinet and reconsider certain policies.

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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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Valencia devastated by flash floods; death toll reaches 155

World /

Residents of Valencia awoke Thursday to scenes of devastation after catastrophic flash floods claimed at least 155 lives and destroyed villages. The death toll may rise as search efforts continue for those still missing. This disaster is the worst Spain has faced this century, resembling the aftermath of a hurricane or tsunami. Wrecked vehicles littered highways, and many streets were buried under mud as Spanish military personnel assisted in the cleanup. Over a thousand soldiers joined local emergency workers to search for bodies and survivors. Thousands are without water and electricity, and many areas remain isolated due to blocked roads and disrupted train lines. Spain’s government has declared three days of mourning starting Thursday.

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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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Rapporteur urges Israel’s UN membership suspension

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A UN rapporteur urged the suspension of Israel’s UN membership on Wednesday, citing repeated violations of international law and the occupation of Palestinian territories. “I do believe that the impunity that has been granted to Israel has allowed it to become a serial violator of international law,” Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, said at a news conference. Albanese said she recommends that the General Assembly consider the suspension of Israel’s credential as a member of the UN until it ends violating international laws and withdraws the occupation, which she said is “clearly unlawful.” She said the creation of the Israeli state “came at a huge price for the Palestinians” and it has never been addressed, and that since 1967, Palestinians have been increasingly segregated and repressed. “Israel, in the pursuit of realizing Greater Israel, is attempting to reduce physically or spiritually … the presence of the Palestinian identity in the occupied Palestinian territory,” he said, adding that 75% of Gaza’s population are refugees. “They’re not from Gaza. They’re from modern-day Israel and therefore the presence is a continuous reminder for Israel of what I call its original sin, in fact, that its creation doesn’t matter the justification behind it,” she said. Albanese said Israel has no right to be in the occupied Palestinian territory. “The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to withdraw, unconditionally, totally, rapidly as possible its military presence, dismantling the colonies, stopping the seizing the exploitation of natural resources on the occupied Palestinian territory and making also reparations,” Albanese added. Albanese issued a report earlier this week that accused Israel of a systematic campaign of forced displacement, destruction and acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. In the report submitted to the UN General Assembly, Albanese described the “long-term, intentional, state-organized forced displacement and replacement” of Palestinians, particularly following the escalation of violence after Oct. 7, 2023. The report focused on “genocidal intent, contextualizing the situation within a decades-long process of territorial expansion and ethnic cleansing aimed at liquidating the Palestinian presence in Palestine.” Regarding attacks against Albanese because of the report, she said special rapporteurs get attacked when they scrutinize the human rights records of member states. “What it seems in the case of Israel is (that) there is a cohort who echoes and reverberates what Israel says and does, and there is an army of minions at work to produce, literally — fabrications have one and only one objective, to distract the attention from where it should stay,” she said.

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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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North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile, says Japan

World /

North Korea launched a long-range ballistic missile early Thursday, said the Japanese government, marking the 12th such launch by Pyongyang this year. Japan’s Defense Ministry said the missile, launched eastward from North Korea’s interior at 7.11 a.m. local time (2211GMT Wednesday), flew for one hour and 26 minutes before landing outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), west of Okushiri Island, NHK News reported. The missile was reportedly launched on a lofted trajectory, meaning it was fired at a steep, near-vertical angle, a tactic often used by North Korea to test missiles without overflying neighboring countries. The missile reached an estimated altitude of over 7,000 kilometers (4,349 miles) and traveled a distance of about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), identifying it as an “ICBM class,” the government said, according to Kyodo News. There was no damage to planes and ships reported from the missile, it added. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of the National Security Council. Japan’s Coast Guard confirmed that no immediate reports of damage had been received related to the launch. The latest launch marks North Korea’s first missile test since it fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Sept. 18. South Korean military authorities also detected the launch and said the missile was likely launched from an area near the capital Pyongyang. On Wednesday, they had suggested North Korea might conduct an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test amid heightened tensions. The missile launch follows recent reports of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia, a move condemned by South Korea, the US and NATO, further intensifying regional security concerns. -US strongly condemns ICBM test The US strongly condemned the ICBM test, saying “this launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.” The launch did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory or to its allies, but “needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region,” White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said in a statement.  “We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue,” said Savett, using the initials of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea’s official name.

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