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The News Update channel powered by Innovware with updates from Newslibre.com, spurzine.com, CNN, BBC, FOX, Daily Monitor, New Vision, Red Pepper and many more.
Polish news anchor pulled off air as Tusk reforms take effect
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67781171?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
Polish state TV channel TVP Info taken off air after Donald Tusk's government moved to depoliticise public media.
'I don't want to be a number': Gaza deaths pass grim milestone
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67779700?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
At least 8,000 children are among those killed since the war began, according to Hamas.
JN.1 Covid variant: WHO charts its rapid global spread
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67772390?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
Covid and other infections could rise in many parts of the world this winter, the experts warn.
Talks on new pause in Gaza war gain urgency as Hamas chief visits Cairo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67771533?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
Hamas's leader is in Egypt to discuss a potential deal that could see more Israeli hostages released.
Airbnb fined A$15m for misleading Australian customers
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-67771926?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
Prices on the short-term lettings site were in US dollars rather than the lower value Australian dollars.
🇳🇬 Gunmen kidnap Nigerian judge and kill her guard
Gunmen have kidnapped a Nigerian high court judge and killed her guard in southern Akwa Ibom state, police say.
Justice Joy Uwanna is said to have been abducted on her way back from a court sitting on Monday night, along Uyo-Okoboin in Oron town.
The gunmen reportedly opened fire and shot a policeman protecting the judge before whisking Justice Uwanna and her driver away.
A police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom state Odiko Macdon said the incident was "unfortunate", adding that security forces were now investigating the matter.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility but abductions for ransom by criminal gangs are frequent in some parts of Nigeria.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
🇪🇬🇪🇹 Egypt says talks over Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have failed
Egypt said on Tuesday that the latest talks over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have failed, but it will closely monitor the process of filling and operating the dam and reserve the right to defend its water.
"Egypt reserves its right, in accordance with international charters and accords, to defend its water and national security in case of any harm," Egypt's ministry of water resources and irrigation said. "The meeting was unsuccessful due to Ethiopia's persistent refusal to accept any of the technical or legal compromise solutions that would safeguard the interests of all three countries," the Egyptian statement said.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in July that they would aim to finalise a deal over the disputed dam within four months. Africa Intel made a material regarding the dam and the fuss around it. Well, as it seems even with all talks and even some hope of problem resolution since summer, the issue is still there and both sides do not want to back down.
However, with the threat of looming default in Ethiopia, maybe Egypt will try to use it as a trump card and somehow come out on top during further negotiations. We'll see.
#Egypt #Ethiopia
@africaintel
🇨🇩 DR Congo holds presidential vote amid unrest in the east
Voters in Democratic Republic of Congo take part in a general election on Wednesday. For months, the CENI election commission has insisted it will deliver a free and fair vote as promised.
Some 44 million Congolese are registered to take part in the presidential, legislative, and regional vote. As voting day neared, the authorities sought extra helicopters, raising concerns about the CENI's ability to open polling stations in areas otherwise unreachable due to bad roads or deep insecurity.
President Felix Tshisekedi is competing against around two dozen opposition challengers in the hope of a second term running the mineral-rich yet poverty-stricken nation.
Opposition candidates have wooed voters with pledges to bring stability, peace, and the economic development they say was absent from Tshisekedi's first term.
Meanwhile, authorities said internet access will not be cut off during the election day.
#DRC
@africaintel
💰🇪🇹 African Development Bank to withdraw international staff from Ethiopia
The African Development Bank (AfDB) will withdraw its international employees from Ethiopia following what it said was an assault on its staff members by government security forces.
The AfDB lodged a formal complaint with Ethiopian authorities last month, calling the physical assault and hours-long detention of two of its employees on October 31 a "very serious diplomatic incident".
Reuters sources were not aware of a timetable for the withdrawal of the Ethiopia-based employees, nor did they provide details on how the decision might affect the AfDB's operations in Ethiopia.
#ADB #Ethiopia
@africaintel
🇲🇦 Moroccan central bank keeps benchmark interest rate at 3%
Morocco's central bank said it left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3% on Tuesday to keep prices stable.
Inflation, driven by food prices, would stand on average at 6.1% this year, down from 6.6% last year, the bank said.
In 2024, inflation would further drop to 2.4%, on the back of an expected fall in prices of imported goods and stability of food prices.
Assuming an average cereals harvest, growth would improve to 3.4% next year, after 2.1% expected this year.
An increase in car exports, tourism receipts and remittances of Moroccans abroad would keep foreign exchange reserves at $35.8 bln in 2024 and $36.8 bln in 2025, enough to cover five months of import needs.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇿🇦🇵🇸🇮🇱 South African president condemns Gaza crisis as genocidal, calls for ceasefire
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has strongly condemned the ongoing crisis in Gaza, describing it as a "genocidal onslaught and slaughter of the people of Palestine."
In a press statement, he drew parallels between the struggles faced by Palestinians and those experienced by South Africans during their own tumultuous history.
"As we have looked at the sufferings of the Palestinians, we have seen similar features of what the Palestinians are going through as what we, as South Africans, went through," Ramaphosa said.
"What is unfolding now, in Gaza, is beyond being unjust. It is genocidal, and that is why we are dubbing it as a genocide against a people and a collective punishment against innocent people," he declared.
President Ramaphosa called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the urgency of halting what he perceives as a genocidal onslaught.
#SouthAfrica #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
🇸🇴 Commercial ship still hijacked off Somali coast
A commercial vessel hijacked by unknown assailants remains off the coast of Somalia raising fears of further instability for global shipping as attacks escalate in the Red Sea, maritime security sources said.
A Spanish navy ship was dispatched at full speed on Friday towards the Maltese-flagged Ruen vessel, which sources said had been hijacked.
British maritime security company Ambrey said the vessel had reached nine miles offshore from Bander Murcaayo in Puntland, Somalia on December 17.
"This was assessed likely to be the first hijacking of a merchant vessel by Somali pirates since the ARIS 13 in 2017. Ambrey assessed the event was likely partly a consequence of political instability in Puntland," Ambrey said.
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇳🇪🌍🇺🇸🇷🇺 Well, the trade between the new Nigerien military government and the West is over, as it seems.
Especially considering how the US are ready to resume cooperation with Niger if the junta is willing to negotiate some terms. Most likely, the USA are aiming at expanding their military presence in the region (they already have an Air Force base in Agadez).
In this situation Russia have to move quickly to take the initiative in the military field not only in Niger, but also in Africa. Washington already tries to slowly, but steadily win over CAR from Russia. It is too early to say something, since there are still a lot of Wagner PMC fighters in the country, but this trend is starting to grow.
Moscow have to accelerate the establishment of an African corps and to advertise it in the best way possible, if it wants not to loose to America in Africa.
One thing we can say for sure. The USA since the beginning of 2023 is getting more and more involved in Africa. They have already conquered many French assets on the continent, Russian ones are next, as it seems.
2024 is going to be a very interesting year for Africa. Well, the race for the continent have already begun. It's time to start betting on who's gonna win it. Maybe China or even Turkey will try to involve themselves more, who knows. Only time will show us.
#Niger #Africa #USA #Russia
@africaintel
🇧🇫🏴 Authorities accuse jihadist groups of massacres of civilians in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso's military government accused jihadist groups of carrying out massacres against civilians in the north of the country, urging people to "give no credence" to images of abuses committed by armed men portrayed as Burkina Faso soldiers.
Since the beginning of December, several videos have been widely posted on social networks accusing the army of committing acts of violence against civilians in the Djibo area.
These videos "attempt to make people believe that massacres of civilians have been perpetrated by Burkina Faso's fighting forces", government spokesman and Minister for Communication said, denouncing a "communication campaign fuelled by the terrorists".
#BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
🇸🇩🔥📹 — RSF fighters sitting triumphantly in the general's office in the First Division of Sudanese Armed Forces' base in Wad Madani, which per observers, was handed over without major resistance
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Leaked Iran hijab documents call for mobile courts and jail terms for celebrities
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67771532?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
"Confidential" documents obtained by the BBC show how Iran is dealing with women violating its dress code.
London chess prodigy, 8, wins title at European championships
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67770604?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
Bodhana Sivanandan wins after beating an international master at the European blitz championships.
Polish state TVP Info channel off air as Tusk reforms kick in
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67772070?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
MPs from the former ruling party stage a sit-in accusing the new government of illegal actions.
Has Marine Le Pen given Emmanuel Macron the 'kiss of death'?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67772077?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
A key immigration reform passed in the French government on Tuesday was reliant on far-right votes.
— 🇨🇳/🇹🇼/🇺🇸 BREAKING: Chinese President Xi Jinping recently informed Biden that Beijing will reunify Taiwan with mainland China, but the timing has not yet been decided, according to U.S. Officials - NBC
@Middle_East_Spectator
🇱🇷🇵🇸🇮🇱🇺🇳 President Weah pushes Liberia to reverse U.N. vote against Gaza ceasefire
Liberian President George Weah has intervened to reverse his country's vote against a U.N. resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Liberia was the only African state and one of only ten countries of the 193-member U.N. General Assembly to reject the United Nation's December 12 call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants that was backed by 153 countries.
The diplomats who voted against the ceasefire lacked President Weah's approval, the information ministry said. Weah "has always stood on the side of peace across the world," it added in a statement.
The Liberian foreign ministry has requested the U.N. General Assembly reverse its 'NO' vote and register a new vote in favour of the Gaza ceasefire.
#Liberia #Palestine #Israel #UN
@africaintel
🇺🇳🇨🇩 UN security council agrees to gradual withdrawal of Congo force
The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution starting to wind down its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi said in September at the U.N. General Assembly that he had asked his government to fast-track the withdrawal of the peacekeeping mission to ensure it begins at the end of the year.
The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution on Tuesday laying out MONUSCO's "responsible and sustainable" withdrawal in three phases over the course of 2024.
#UN #DRC
@africaintel
🇸🇩 Sudan's army announces withdrawal from key city as civilians flee
Sudan's army said on Tuesday that its forces had withdrawn from positions in Wad Madani after the advance of its paramilitary rivals on the city triggered a mass exodus of civilians.
Wad Madani is a major city about 170 km southeast of the capital Khartoum that has served as an aid hub and refuge for internally displaced people. It is the capital of El Gezira state, an important farming region in a country facing worsening hunger.
The RSF's entry into the city has caused up to 300,000 people to flee the area, the International Organization for Migration said.
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇿🇦🇮🇱 Pretoria warns South African citizens that they risk punishment for joining Israeli forces
"Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making them liable for prosecution in South Africa," the South African Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Naturalized citizens are at further risk of being stripped of their South African nationality for engaging in a war that the country "does not support or agree with," the ministry added.
In a separate statement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the events in Gaza a "genocide and slaughter" of the Palestinian people and reiterated his call for a ceasefire.
🛢🇫🇷🇳🇬 TotalEnergies pledges $6 billion in Nigeria oil, gas investments
TotalEnergies reaffirmed its commitment to business interests in Nigeria, the French company said, adding that its head Patrick Pouyanne had met Nigeria President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
TotalEnergies said it had signed a co-operation agreement with Nigeria's state oil firm NNPC Ltd to carry out methane detection and measurement campaigns using its advanced drone-based AUSEA technology on oil and gas facilities in Nigeria.
TotalEnergies pledged to "invest $6 billion in the coming years," with focus on offshore oil projects and gas production across all terrain, Tinubu's office said.
Tinubu's meeting with Pouyanne follows similar talks with oil majors Shell and Exxon Mobil as part of moves to attract capital to Nigeria.
#France #Nigeria
@africaintel
🇸🇩 At least 250,000 flee fighting in Sudan's El Gezira state
At least 250,000 to 300,000 people have fled Sudan's El Gezira state since December 15 as a result of clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and Sudan's army, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday.
The RSF, at war with the army for the past eight months, has been advancing on El Gezira's state capital, Wad Madani, and its fighters entered the city earlier on Monday, witnesses said.
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇰🇪🇷🇼 Kenyan minister called Rwanda an "autocracy" sparking controversy
A Kenyan minister has stirred controversy after saying that Rwanda was an "autocracy" where "whatever the president says is the law".
Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said Kenya, unlike Rwanda, was a democracy with legal processes.
He was responding to criticism that unfavourably compared Kenya's transport system to that of its near neighbour.
Rwanda, which has in the past enjoyed good relations with Kenya, is yet to respond to the minister's comments.
Kenyans urged Murkomen to retract the remarks fearing that they would unnecessarily provoke Rwanda.
#Kenyna #Rwanda
@africaintel
⚡️🇳🇪 The United Nations has announced that the military junta that took power in Niger after ousting the president is now the real legitimate government of Niger.
The UN Credentials Committee recognized Niger's ruling military junta as the sole representative of the Nigerien authorities to all UN bodies.
@themediterraneanman
🇺🇳🇨🇩 The UN prepares the early departure from DRC
The UN Security Council is expected to launch on Tuesday an early but gradual withdrawal of peacekeepers from the DR Congo from the end of 2023, as requested by Kinshasa.
Despite this situation in the east, the Congolese government has been calling for months for an "accelerated" withdrawal of Blue helmets, from the end of 2023 and not the end of 2024. It considers the UN force ineffective in protecting civilians against armed groups and militias that have been raging for three decades in eastern DRC.
Several members of the Council, notably the United States, have expressed doubts in recent months about the fact that the Congolese forces are ready to replace MONUSCO to ensure the security of the population.
From May 2024, MONUSCO will only be present in North Kivu and Ituri. From July 1, its workforce will be reduced by some 2,350 people.
#UN #DRC
@africaintel
🇨🇩 DRC presidential candidate Katumbi held final campaign rally while the country prepares for election
Business magnate and former provincial governor Moïse Katumbi held his last campaign rally in Lubumbashi on Monday.
The 58-year-old is one of 19 candidates vying for the presidency in the December 20 elections.
The presidential race is a first-past-the-post vote, giving the President Felix Tshisekedi, who is seeking a second five-year term, a healthy chance of winning against a divided opposition.
However, analysts say Katumbi has run the best campaign and poses the strongest challenge to Tshisekedi.
44 million registered voters are set to cast a ballot in concurrent presidential, parliamentary, provincial, and municipal polls.
There remain doubts about the ability of the electoral commission to organise the ballot on time though.
#DRC
@africaintel