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News and information from the fast-changing continent.
Niger: France Closes Embassy in Niger
[RFI] France announced the closure of its embassy in Niger after months of worsening relations between the two countries. Diplomatic sources told RFI that the French representation “is no longer able to function normally or carry out its missions”.
It is a very rare decision which illustrates a new episode in the progressive rupture between Paris and Niamey. Starting with the attack on the French embassy a few days after the July 26 coup, as recalled by diplomatic sources contacted by RFI.
Meanwhile,
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Sudan: No Clean Drinking Water in South Darfur Capital
[Dabanga] People living in the capital of South Darfur are getting sick from drinking polluted water, caused by the battles that took place in the city from end April until October 26, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of Nyala. Yesterday, the Nyala Stock Exchange officially resumed its work.
Unofficial reports say that the battles between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in the South Darfur capital, which lasted about six months, left more than 2,000 civilians and soldiers dead, and that it was
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Zimbabwe: Beitbridge, Musina Twins Separated By a Big River ... Towns Now Finding Each Other
[The Herald] The story of Beitbridge town in Zimbabwe and Musina in South Africa has for over the years been that of a modern city divided by a big river.
The two towns are in different countries as defined by the colonial boundaries, but they are one urban development separated by a river, bridges and border post with similar challenges on service delivery, infrastructure and pollution.
Daily, the authorities in the two towns struggle to meet the service requirement for their estimated population of 80 000 each plus
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Somalia: Somali Pirates Hijack 2nd Ship in a Month, Raising Concerns
[Shabelle] Britain's maritime watchdog said another ship had been hijacked off the coast of Somalia on Friday, raising fears that Somali pirates are back again, around ten. years after they created chaos in international shipping.
The small commercial ship was captured by an armed group near the Eyl district on the coast of Puntland, according to the British Maritime Trade Agency, which quoted the officials of the company that owns the ship.
The agency did not provide any further details about the identity of the
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Malawi: Tanzania Imposes Bans On Soybeans, Maize Seeds From Malawi
[Daily News] In a decisive move to protect its agricultural sector, the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA) has imposed import bans on soybeans and maize seeds from Malawi.
The bans come in the wake of comprehensive Pest Risk Analyses conducted by the TPHPA, revealing potential threats to Tanzania's crops.
TPHPA Director General Professor Joseph Ndunguru said in a statement on December 18 and 19 that TPHPA's Pest Risk Analysis identified the presence of the Tobacco Ringspot Virus (TRSV) in Malawi
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Nigeria: 2024 Budget - Tinubu's Improved Funding for Education Still Below Unesco Recommendation
[Premium Times] A review of the proposed budget revealed that the government's proposed spending for education next year is less than seven per cent.
President Bola Tinubu's proposed 2024 budget increased allocations for the education sector when compared to the sector's allocation in the previous year.
But the increased spending for the sector is still below the recommendations of the global education agency, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Going by UNESCO's recommendation,
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Africa: Forging a Path Towards Climate-Resilient Health and NTDs Control in Africa
[allAfrica] In the aftermath of COP28, where world leaders convened to address the pressing issue of climate change, the stark reality emerges: the realization of the vision of the "Africa We Want" is at risk. Despite global commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C, carbon emissions fall far short of the 45% reduction target by 2030, disproportionately burdening Africa, which is only responsible for just 4% of global emissions. Devastating climate events continue to wreak havoc, heightening vulnerabilities
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Sudan: Fighting in Sudan's El Gezira State Threatens Aid, Displaces Thousands
[RFI] Violence in Sudan has spread to El Gezira state, southeast of the capital Khartoum, forcing more displacement and suffering as the civil war enters its ninth month.
Since the start of the war El Gezira has become a crucial hub for aid operations and a refuge for internally displaced people, with hundreds of thousands of families moving to Wad Madani, Sudan's second city.
But now that city is under attack, with as many as 300,000 people reportedly fleeing El Gezira since mid December as a result of clashes
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Africans Differ Over Clerical Blessings for Same-Sex Couples
[DW] The Catholic Church has shown that it wants to welcome everyone, irrespective of their sexuality. However, the pope's latest move has sparked confusion in Africa -- and left the LGBTQ+ community wanting more.
Homosexuality is a controversial topic in Africa, a continent where many people have strong and very conservative views on sexual orientation.
Pope Francis' recent approval of blessings for same-sex couples has left many Africans confused, triggering mixed emotions.
"As a Christian I am very
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Nigeria: Ex-Central Bank Head Accused of Stashing Billions in Foreign Banks
[Premium Times] The CBN Special Investigator recommends the prosecution of Mr Emefiele and at least 13 others, including his deputy governors, for alleged gross financial offences.
The Special Investigator probing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Jim Obazee, has discovered 593 bank accounts located in the United States, United Kingdom and China in which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), under Godwin Emefiele, kept Nigerian funds without authorisation by the Board and Investment Committee of the bank.
The investigator
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South Africa: Lights On! Minister Promises Load Shedding-Free Festive Season - South African News Briefs - December 22, 2023
[allAfrica]
No Blackouts This Christmas!
Festive cheer can shine a little brighter this year as South Africa's Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confidently predicts lights on throughout the holidays, reports EWN. Ramokgopa expressed confidence in maintaining an uninterrupted power supply over the festive season, briefing the media amid seven consecutive days without load shedding. He attributed the suspension of power cuts to a notable decrease in breakdowns within the power grid,
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Congo-Kinshasa: Congolese Voters Share Hopes, Expectations of Next DRC Leader
[VOA] Vote counting is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo after Wednesday's presidential and parliamentary elections, which have been extended into Thursday. Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi is vying for a second term amid a backdrop of instability and conflict, particularly in the eastern provinces.
Tshisekedi, first elected in 2019, faces stiff competition from a range of political opponents, including businessman Moise Katumbi, Nobel laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, and opposition leader Martin
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Malawi Bans Maize Imports From Kenya, Tanzania Over Disease
[VOA] Malawi, which already is suffering from food shortages, this week banned the import of unmilled maize from Kenya and Tanzania over concerns that the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease could wipe out the staple food.
The ministry of agriculture announced the ban in a statement that said the disease has no treatment and can cause up to 100% yield loss. The statement said maize can be imported only after it is milled, either as flour or grit.
Henry Kamkwamba, an agriculture expert with the International
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Sudan: A Tragedy of Disregard
[CFR] A directionless response toward the conflict in Sudan continues to exact devastating consequences on civilians and the region.
Sudan's crisis, already so costly, is getting worse by the day. News that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken Wad Madani, a major city that had served as a refuge for hundreds of thousands of civilians and a hub for humanitarian operations, is the latest blow. For most of 2023, the people of Sudan have been trapped between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), who have
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Seychelles: Government and Businesses to Further Tackle Climate Change in Future Planning
[Seychelles News Agency] Government agencies, ministries and businesses in Seychelles will now include aspects of climate change in their planning and strategic policies, a top official said on Tuesday.
The Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert, told SNA that this follows Seychelles' participation in the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28), held in Dubai from December 1 to 12.
Joubert said that although there is still a need "to show the urgency of the situation where climate change is concerned,
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Nigeria: Emefiele Released From Kuje Prison
[Vanguard] A former Central Bank of Nigeria CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre, Abuja.
Emefiele was said to have regained his freedom on Friday afternoon after his lawyers were able to perfect his bail.
Justice Hamza Muazu granted the bail of N300 million with two sureties in like sum.
Emefiele was on November 18 arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on procurement fraud and using his position to confer a corrupt advantage on Sa'adatu Yaro, a staff of CBN, by
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Africa: I Have Covid. How Likely Am I to Get Long Covid?
[The Conversation Africa] EG.5 or the Eris COVID variant is dominant in parts of Australia. Eris, along with other circulating strains, are descendants of Omicron.
While these strains appear less severe than the original Alpha and Delta variants, the risk of long COVID remains.
So what does the latest data say about the chance of long COVID? What symptoms should you look out for? And what can be done to support people with long COVID?
Read more: We're in a new COVID wave. What can we expect this time?
When COVID becomes 'long
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Africa: From Boniface to Kudus - African Stars Set to Make Their Afcon Debut in Ivory Coast
[Vanguard] The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has less than a month to go as the 24 qualified countries prepare their teams for the tournament in Ivory Coast.
The prestigious tournament has in the past unearthed new talents while also giving others the opportunities to shine for their respective countries.
Sports Brief looks at ten African stars who are set to make their debut at the tournament in Ivory Coast next year.
Victor Boniface -- Nigeria
The Super Eagles star has taken the Bundesliga by storm, winning the Rookie
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Zimbabwe: 139 New Cholera Cases Reported Countrywide
[The Herald] A total of 139 new cholera cases, with more than half from Harare Province, were recorded on Thursday as Zimbabwe continues to battle the current outbreak, which has hit more than 12 000 people.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care situation report for December 21, this was a 17 percent increase from the 118 suspected cases reported the previous day.
The cases were reported from Beatrice Road Infectious Disease Hospital (38), Kuwadzana (16), Glen View (13), Mutare (12), Chitungwiza City (15),
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Kenya: NHIF Reforms Will Boost UHC Roll-Out - Ruto
[Capital FM] President William Ruto says the government is revamping the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to accelerate the realisation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The head of state indicated that the government is committed to offering Kenyans affordable and all-inclusive public health insurance.
He noted that majority of Kenyans who are not in formal employment will now be expected to pay Sh300 monthly NHIF contributions down from Sh500 and stated that the government will pay for those who are not able.
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Congo-Kinshasa: 'I Try to Awaken Humanity in Every Person', Says Woman Peacebuilder Vaweka
[Monusco] Women are often shut out of conflict resolution processes the world over, despite clear and growing evidence that their engagement improves the likelihood of reaching peace agreements and the chances those agreements will be sustainable. But in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Pétronille Vaweka has not accepted exclusion.
Pétronille is one of the country's few female peace mediators. Growing up in the province of Ituri, a volatile region rich in natural resources but teeming with
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Malawi - Rights Group Expelled From Refugee Camp
[HRW] Ensure Civil Society Access to Dzaleka; Uphold Refugee Rights
The Malawian government is jeopardizing refugee rights at Dzaleka refugee camp by expelling an important refugee rights group, Human Rights Watch said today. INUA Advocacy had been providing independent scrutiny of the human rights situation at the camp, which is about 40 kilometers from Lilongwe, the capital.
The media reported that the Malawian Ministry of Homeland Security wrote to INUA Advocacy in November 2023 to terminate its partnership
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Nigeria: Senate Confirms Appointment of 11 New Supreme Court Justices
[Premium Times] With the confirmation, the Supreme Court now has its full complement of 21 justices as mandated by law.
The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of the 11 new justices of the Supreme Court.
Those confirmed are Haruna Tsammani (North-east) who chaired the Presidential Election Petition Court, Moore Adumein (South-south), Jummai Sankey (North-central), Chidiebere Uwa (South-east) and Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South-east)
Others are Obande Ogbuinya (South-east), Stephen Adah (North-central), Habeeb Abiru
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Angola to Quit Opec Over Oil Production Quotas Disagreement
[Leadership] In a stunning development, Angola has announced its decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective immediately.
This unexpected move throws a wrench into the oil cartel's plans and sends shockwaves through global markets.
Angola, a member of OPEC since 2007, cited dissatisfaction with the organization's policies as the driving force behind its departure. Oil Minister Diamantino Azevedo, in a televised address, declared that OPEC membership was no longer serving
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Africa: WHO Prequalifies Second Malaria Vaccine
[Premium Times] In October, WHO recommended its use for the prevention of malaria in children.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to its list of "prequalified vaccines."
The global health body had in October, recommended the use of the vaccine for prevention of malaria in children following the advice of its Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunisation and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group.
The prequalification means larger access to vaccines as a key tool to
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Kenya: Scientists Aim to Save Northern White Rhino From Extinction
[VOA] Kenyan and international researchers are hoping to save the northern white rhino species from extinction by implanting eggs from an older female northern white rhino into a female surrogate rhino from another species.
Samuel Mutisya, head of research and species at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya, says his team used 29 eggs taken from one of the two aging white rhino females that remain in the conservancy.
He says his team aimed to fuse the eggs with saved northern white rhino sperm to create a
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Nigeria Loses $11 Billion Arbitration Case over Failed Gas Deal
[Premium Times] P&ID had little or nothing to show as track record of work executed in the gas sector to merit a project of that scale.
Nigeria on Wednesday got a hard-won relief from a thorny lawsuit against it by Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID), a company registered in the British Virgin Islands.
The case had ground on for more than a decade and would have wiped out about one-third of Nigeria's foreign reserves if victory had gone the way of the company.
P&ID, founded by Irish businessmen Michael
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Mauritius: Stakeholders Participate in Two-Day Consultation Workshop On Early Warning System
[Government of Mauritius] The National Launch and Consultation Workshop on Early Warning for All (EW4All), organised by the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Centre (NDRRMC), the World Meteorological Office, and the United Nations (UN) Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, opened on, 19 December 2023, at the Hilton Hotel in Flic en Flac.
The Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Dhanandjay Kawol; the
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Africa: The Pandemic Limited Children's Ability to Socialise - Here's How to Encourage Your Child's Friendships
[The Conversation Africa] As many parents and teachers know, friendships can be the most important thing in the world to children and young people. And this is for good reason. Friendships are integral to children's healthy development and learning.
Friendships help children learn to negotiate social interactions and understand emotions. But many children had these important relationships severely curtailed during the pandemic.
Most children were not able to interact with their friends. Lockdowns and restrictions led to the closure
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Africa: Migration and Displacement in African Cities
[African Arguments] Constant Cap, Rebecca Enobong Roberts and Taibat Lawanson examine the gaps in planning and policy around urban migration.
Curated Conversations · Season 1, Episode 4: Migration and Displacement in African CitiesWhere does migration policy happen? Who devises and implements it?
Researchers and policymakers are increasingly aware of the fact that, beyond interior ministries, borders and refugee camps, the stakeholders of migration governance encompass city-level decision-makers and municipal
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