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News and information from the fast-changing continent.
Congo-Kinshasa: Congo - Election Enters Second Day After Logistical Chaos
[DW] National elections in Congo have been marred by delays and logistical problems, as well as fraud and violence. Opposition presidential candidates have rejected the extension, saying it violates the constitution.
Five Congolese opposition presidential candidates called on Wednesday for a rerun of the general elections that were beset with voting delays.
They claimed the Election Commission's decision to extend the ballot into Thursday for some voters was "not constitutional."
Nearly a third of polling
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Congo-Kinshasa: Voting Marred By Delays, Alleged Malpractices Continues on December 21
[New Times] CONGOLESE headed to the polls again on Thursday, December 21, in a general election marked by widespread logistical troubles that meant some polling stations never opened.
After a chaotic campaign marred by allegations of fraud, electoral violence, and logistical setbacks, the presidential and legislative elections in DR Congo started despite severe disruptions as polling stations experienced lengthy delays on the morning of Wednesday.
The troubled mineral-rich country staged four concurrent elections - on
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Sierra Leone: Germany and WFP Join Forces to Boost School Feeding in Sierra Leone
[WFP] The Federal Republic of Germany through its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has provided EUR 10 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for the provision of nutritious meals to 25,300 primary school children in Karene district, northern Sierra Leone. With this contribution, WFP will provide nutritious, safe, and diverse meals to pre and primary school children in 115 schools from 2024 to 2028, using locally produced foods to be sourced from 8,000
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Somalia: Hijacked Cargo Ship Has Moved Towards Somalia, Says EU Naval Force
[RFI] The European Union's maritime security force says it's monitoring a Maltese-flagged merchant ship that was hijacked last week in the Arabian Sea off the Horn of Africa.
Eighteen crew were on board the bulk carrier Ruen - now located in Somali waters. One crew member was reportedly evacuated for unknown medical reasons.
The EU naval force EUNAVFOR said it was working with local Somali authorities to monitor the vessel, which was hijacked last Thursday, adding that the identity and demands of the hijackers
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Nigerian Trains Go Free, Bus Fares Halved for Holiday Season
[Daily Trust] The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC ) has declared a free train ride from Thursday on all its passenger services.
This followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu who also approved a 50 percent reduction in interstate bus fares to enable people to travel for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The NRC in a statement said following the President's directive, it would commence free train service on its entire passengers' services from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to Thursday January 4, 2024, both days
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Angola: Isabel Dos Santos Loses Fight Against Freezing Order Over Assets
[ANGOP] Businesswoman Isabel dos Santos recently lost a lawsuit filed against her by Angolan telecommunications operator Unitel, in which she requested the freezing of her assets and funds.
According to the television channel Sky News, businesswoman Isabel dos Santos lost the case in the High Court of London in which the operator Unitel asked for the freezing of up to 580 million pounds of assets and funds, equivalent to more than 660 million euros.
Also according to the television channel, among the assets and
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African Activists Praise Pope's Decision On Same-Sex Marriage - Religious Groups Critical
[VOA] Nigerian activist Promise Ohiri, known as Empress Cookie, woke up to cheering news on Tuesday.
Pope Francis had given Catholic priests permission to give blessings to same-sex couples in a landmark declaration.
Ohiri, a Catholic transgender woman, has faced serious discrimination and threats to her life related to her sexuality. She said she couldn't have hoped for better news, but acknowledged there would be resistance.
"It's not going to be an easy thing," she said. "I'm very sure that African people
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Morocco Ponders Bill On Crypto Assets
[MAP] Morocco is drafting a bill to regulate crypto assets in line with the recommendations made during the last G20 Summit, Governor of the Kingdom's central bank "Bank Al-Maghrib" (BAM), Abdellatif Jouahri, said Tuesday in Rabat.
"The main objective of this legislation is to align Moroccan regulations with international standards concerning crypto assets according to a rigorous approach, in order to protect investors and guarantee the stability of the financial system," Jouahri underlined at a press briefing
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Congo-Kinshasa: Monusco's Departure - DRC, UN Sign Withdrawal Plan
[Premium Times] DRC makes a bold move towards being free of MONUSCO as the withdrawal plan takes centre stage this December.
In a significant move towards the accelerated withdrawal of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the Congolese Vice Prime Minister, Christophe Lutundula, and MONUSCO Head, Bintou Keita, jointly signed a comprehensive disengagement plan in Kinshasa on Tuesday, 21 November. The plan outlines an orderly and responsible withdrawal of
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Africa: COP28's Failures On Adaptation Leave Africa Adrift
[African Arguments] The long-awaited Global Goal on Adaptation puts Africa at the periphery of an agenda that's central to its development.
As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events has risen sharply over the past decade, there has been growing recognition that taking actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change must be one of the core pillars of the global response to the crisis.
At the COP28 climate talks that concluded in Dubai last week, adaptation was high on the agenda and one of the key outcomes was
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Namibia Speaks Out Against Restrictions On Russian Diamonds
[Namibian] Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo says a proposed restriction on the importation of Russian diamonds by G7 countries needs to be reconsidered.
This comes after the G7 proposed a restrictive measure on the import of all non-industrial diamonds mined, processed and produced in Russia, which launched a war against Ukraine in February last year.
Alweendo said the proposed restriction will have a negative economic impact on African diamond-producing countries, including Namibia.
"This will undermine our
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South Sudan: Hundreds of Thousands of People Flee Intense Fighting in Sudan's Wad Madani
[Islamic Relief Worldwide] Islamic Relief forced to suspend vital programmes and evacuate staff
Around 300,000 people have fled the city of Wad Madani in central Sudan as fighting rages in and around the city, and desperate civilians are running out of safe places to go.
Five days of heavy fighting has forced Islamic Relief and many other aid agencies to temporarily halt humanitarian work there and evacuate some staff out of the city.
Wad Madani has been an oasis of relative calm during the past eight months since war broke out
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Nigeria: Why We're Finding It Difficult to End Oil Theft in Niger Delta - Nigerian Military
[Premium Times] Oil theft and its negative impact on the country's economy have been a source of concern to the Nigerian government over the years.
The Chief of Defence of Staff, Christopher Musa, has given the reason why the Nigerian military has been unable to permanently end oil bunkering and theft in the Niger Delta region.
Mr Musa, an army general, spoke when he appeared on Channels TV's Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.
He explained that communities in the region "protect" those carrying out the oil bunkering and also help
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South Africa: Platinum Miners Refuse to End Underground Sit-In
[allAfrica] More than 2,200 Impala Platinum (Implats) mineworkers participating in an allegedly illegal strike have refused to return to the surface after their underground sit-in entered its second day, eNCA reports. The workers took action following a disagreement with Bafokeng Rasimone Mine and their union over dividends in a R104-million shares agreement which they want paid into their bank accounts.
Previously, Implats suspended operations in response to the strike action, which management declared illegal.
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Liberia: Finance Minister Samuel Tweah Says Detractors Succeeded After U.S. Sanctions
[New Dawn] --Minister Tweah cries out over US Sanction
Liberia Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, Jr., says his malicious detractors and propagandists have finally succeeded against him due to the United States sanctions imposed on him and his family.
The sanctioned Liberian official addressed a press conference Thursday, 14 December 2023 at the Ministry of Gender Conference Room in Monrovia.
Minister Tweag said on 11 November 2023, his wife showed him a text from Sister Oretha Pannoh in the U.S., describing what
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Africa: For Many Who Are Suffering With Prolonged Grief, the Holidays Can Be a Time to Reflect and Find Meaning in Loss
[The Conversation Africa] The holiday season is meant to be filled with joy, connection and celebration of rituals. Many people, however, are starkly reminded of their grief this time of year and of whom - or what - they have lost.
The added stress of the holiday season doesn't help. Studies show that the holidays negatively affect many people's mental health.
While COVID-19-related stressors may have lessened, the grief from change and loss that so many endured during the pandemic persists. This can cause difficult emotions to
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Angolan Billionaire's Assets Frozen in London Over Corruption Claims
[allAfrica] Angolan billionaire and former president's daughter Isabel dos Santos lost a London court battle to prevent the freezing of £580 million ($734 million) of her assets, claiming a political vendetta behind the accusations, reports BBC.
Unitel, an Angolan telecom giant, accuses Dos Santos of using her position at the company to secure $400 million in loans for another company, Unitel International Holdings, with terms allegedly benefiting her personally.
Dos Santos vehemently denies the
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Sudan: WFP Warns of Major Setback to Aid Efforts As Fighting Spreads in Sudan
[WFP] The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been forced to temporarily suspend food assistance in some parts of Gezira State, as fighting spreads south and east of Sudan's capital Khartoum.
This is a major setback to humanitarian efforts in the country's breadbasket, where WFP had been regularly providing aid to over 800,000 people, including many who escaped the fighting in Khartoum. "We already lost our homes in Khartoum and watched as our lives were destroyed before our eyes. Now we are forced to
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Rwanda: How Rwanda's New Fertiliser Plant Could Boost Agriculture
[New Times] A Bugesera based fertiliser blending factory that Rwanda launched on Wednesday, December 20, envisages increasing crop yields by 40 per cent, according to its owners and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).
They indicated that the Rwanda Fertiliser Blending Plant could accomplish this by blending fertilisers tailored to the specific soil and crop nutrient requirements. It will be importing fertiliser raw materials, and blending them locally.
The plant is set up at the Bugesera
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South Africa: No End in Sight for Impala Mine Protest - South African News Briefs - December 21, 2023
[allAfrica]
Impala Platinum Mine Protest Unresolved as Over 2,000 Remain Underground
Over 2,000 Impala Platinum Mine workers remain underground in an ongoing protest sparked by a recent ownership change and concerns about employee benefits, reports TimesLIVE. While some have returned to the surface, the majority remain, fueled by demands for immediate pension payouts, tax-free bonuses, and a revised profit-sharing scheme. Implats is providing support for affected families and offering assistance to any wishing
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Zimbabwe: Pius Jamba Jailed 30 Years for Opposition Activist Moreblessing Ali's Murder
[New Zimbabwe] Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali's killer, Pius Jamba has been jailed for 30 years.
Jamba was convicted by High Court judge Justice Esther Muremba two weeks ago after a full trial.
In sentencing him the judge said he deserves a lengthy custodial sentence because he killed a defenceless woman.
Prosecutors had prayed for the death penalty but they did not support their submission and only said the case had shocked the society.
They also said that 15 years in prison, as suggested
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Nigeria: NGE to Launch Trust Fund for Media Sustainability
[Daily Trust] In line with the resolution of the All-Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), recently held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) intends to establish the Nigerian Editors Trust Fund, which will address the professional/welfare needs of Nigerian media organisations and editors.
At the ANEC in Akwa Ibom State, publishers, media executives, and editors harped on the urgent need by the Guild to initiate a strategic move that will focus on the professional/welfare needs of media houses and
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Rwanda: New Study Shows Faster Walking May Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk
[New Times] A new study suggests that brisk walking, at a speed of four or more kilometres an hour (about 2.5 miles per hour), can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
ALSO READ: Type 2 diabetes is preventable; understand the risk factors
A faster walking speed is associated with fewer heart disease risk factors, including higher insulin resistance, higher body weight, and higher blood pressure.
Experts noted that people who walk at a faster pace
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Senegal: Sonko Trial - What Can We Expect From Swiss Justice?
[JusticeInfo.net] In this podcast produced with Asymmetrical Haircuts, two Justice Info correspondents take the floor. Mariam Sankanu, who is covering the post-Truth Commission period in Gambia. And Hannah el Hitami, who in Germany has covered several major universal jurisdiction trials, including the latest against a Gambian, Bai Lowe, sentenced to life imprisonment. They recount their experiences of these trials, and explain, along with two legal experts, what we can expect from the trial of former minister Ousman Sonko,
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Nigeria: Yuletide - Tinubu Approves Slash in Bus Fares, Free Train Rides for Nigerians
[Premium Times] The federal government said air transportation is not part of the arrangement because the target of the president "is the masses."
President Bola Tinubu has approved a 50 per cent slash in the cost of public transportation across Nigeria.
The president also directed that all trains rides across Nigeria will be free from Thursday, December 21 to 4 January.
The directive was announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, while addressing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa Abuja on
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Tanzania: CJ Seeks Legal Education Review to Align With Judicial Reforms
[Daily News] DODOMA: THE Chief Justice (CJ), Professor Ibrahim Hamis Juma, has called for review of the country's legal education system so that it can align with the ongoing judicial reforms as well as the envisaged National Development Vision 2050.
The CJ made the call in the country's capital on Tuesday when officiating the Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Judges and Magistrates' Association of Tanzania (JMAT).
According to Prof Juma, as different stakeholders including those from JMAT will be
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Nigeria: Mixed Feelings Greet Outcomes of UN Anti-Corruption Conference in U.S.
[Premium Times] The CSOs said geopolitical conflicts seemingly contributed to the watering down of many resolutions.
Over 100 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from across the world have expressed mixed feelings over the outcomes of the just-concluded 10th Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC CoSP10) in Atlanta, the United States of America.
They said the outcomes fell short of what they and some State Parties had set out to achieve and that geopolitical conflicts seemingly
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Liberia: Weah Overturns Liberia's 'No' Vote On Ceasefire in Gaza
[Observer] -- Says he was not aware of the vote
In the wake of the bold stance taken by Liberia as the only African nation to vote against a ceasefire in Gaza at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 12, President George Manneh Weah has demanded that the vote be rescinded on grounds that the earlier decision runs contrary to an intervention he made in the matter as Head of State, as well as to his personal stance as a peace advocate.
In a release issued on Tuesday, December 19, the Liberian Ministry
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South Africa: 7 Ways You Can Help Bush Radio Stay On Air
[Bush Radio] Practical ways you can support Bush Radio:
Make a Donation:Directly contribute to Bush Radio's pledge campaign by making a financial donation. Check our official website for banking details or contact us for details on how to donate.
Group Donation:Get your friends, family, or colleagues to make a collective donation. This not only increases the impact but also fosters a sense of community involvement.
Employer Advertising:Suggest to your employer the idea of advertising their products or services on Bush
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Senegal: Court Clears Jailed Opposition Leader Sonko for Senegal Presidential Race
[allAfrica] A Senegalese court ruled that opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who is currently imprisoned, be added back on the electoral roll, Al Jazeera reports.
This decision may allow Sonko, to run for president in February, 2024.
Over the previous two years, Sonko faced legal proceedings that included allegations of rape and libel - both of which he denies.
Although the 49-year-old was cleared of rape, he was found guilty of an offense classified as immoral behaviour against people under the age of 21, and was
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