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♦️ Breaking & exclusive stories, analysis, opinions 👉 About Africa in other languages: Amharic: @sputnik_ethiopia French: @sputnik_afrique 💬 Contact us https://t.me/Africa_Sputnik_bot
‘A Symptom of the End of the American Empire’: Iran-Israel Conflict and US Desperation
“This outbreak of war, of a nuclear conflict of some kind, is a symptom of the end of the American empire,” retired US Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski told Sputnik.
Israel Strikes Mockups, Again
Israeli media outlets reported that an airstrike had damaged Iranian combat helicopters in Kermanshah.
However, publicly released footage indicates that the targeted objects were mockups, with no signs of a secondary explosion.
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The world isn’t black and white
It’s shaped by competing forces, hidden interdependencies, and the quiet recalibration of power.
Ⓜ️ Multipolar Market doesn’t simplify complexity, but decodes it.
1️⃣ Daily insights for those who seek to understand, not just react.
2️⃣ Analysis that bridges policy, markets, and geopolitics.
3️⃣ Context behind the headlines others overlook.
4️⃣ A lens to navigate uncertainty with clarity, not conjecture.
Global economic shifts demand more than surface-level reporting. They require a map. MM provides the coordinates.
African Delegations at #SPIEF2025 Captured by Sputnik Africa Correspondent
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'No Evidence' of Tehran's Efforts to Develop Nuclear Weapon
Discussions about the possible timeline for Iran's nuclear bomb development are not based on any specific data, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi said.
This is not a question of the near future, or even the next few years, he assured.
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Major World Events by Morning of June 18
🟠The Saint-Petersburg International Economic Forum #SPIEF2025 opened in Russia, with thousands of guests expected, including top-level ones;
🟠A police officer was arrested in Kenya on charges of shooting unarmed protesters;
🟠The next 24 to 48 hours of the conflict will be crucial after Trump called for Iran's "unconditional surrender," hinting at possible military action, US media reported, citing US officials;
🟠The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, introduced in April 2024, now boasts over 100% reserve backing, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe reported;
🟠The situation in the Middle East is not just heading towards escalation, but towards a threat to the region and the world, the Russian diplomatic spokeswoman told Sputnik;
🟠A powerful flare occurred at night on the Sun in the zone of maximum influence on the Earth, the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported.
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The beauty of #SPIEF2025 – filmed by a Sputnik correspondent
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🚨 IRAN IS READY TO STRIKE US BASES — NYT
Iranian missiles are prepared to strike US bases in the region if the US joins Israel's war, the New York Times reports, citing US intelligence officials.
They also warn that Iran will start mining the Strait of Hormuz to block the US Navy.
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Major World Events by Morning of June 17
🟠Iran struck the headquarters of the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, in Herzliya, Iranian media reported;
🟠A major gold deposit was discovered in Côte d'Ivoire;
🟠Sergey Shoigu, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, arrived in Pyongyang for the third time this year as part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and North Korea;
🟠The Israeli military announced the elimination of Ali Shadmani, the new commander of Khattam al-Anbiya's central headquarters;
🟠The Guinean president is traveling to Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday to discuss unity and pan-Africanism;
🟠Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Mauritania, Algeria, Libya, Chad, Djibouti, the Comoros, and Gambia are among the Arabic-speaking countries that have called for the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East;
🟠The Ukrainian military used HIMARS to strike the center of Donetsk, where civilians were present;
🟠The main outcome of the G7 meeting was the recognition of the multi-billion dollar damage caused by anti-Russian sanctions against Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.
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🚨📹 Sputnik correspondent films Iranian air defense repelling an attack on Tehran
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🚨 Tasnim News shows footage of Iranian missiles flying over the West Bank toward Israel.
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Ethiopia Urged to Prioritize Digital Content and Power Distribution to Unlock DPI Benefits
At the 20th "About Ethiopia" panel organized by the Ethiopian Press Agency, key sector leaders emphasized that Ethiopia must shift from building infrastructure to optimizing its use—particularly in the digital and energy sectors.
Key Takeaways:
🟠Digital Infrastructure: From Access to Impact
🟠Telecom Reach: 92M people connected; 52M internet users; 99% geographic coverage.
🟠Advanced Networks: Over 700 cities have 4G, and 25 cities have 5G.
🟠Call to Action: Ethiotelecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru emphasized that digital infrastructure is underutilized without local content to drive productivity and economic value.
🟠Energy Sector: Fixing the Grid Before Building More
🟠Current Status: No power shortage, but outdated distribution systems cause 15% energy loss.
🟠Access Gap: Only 60% of the population has electricity, with rural areas lagging behind.
🟠Regional Diplomacy: Ethiopia supplies electricity to Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti—sometimes without payment—as part of a regional strategy.
🟠Urgency: Focus must shift to modernizing the grid and expanding access, not just building new dams.
Photos: EPA
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#viral | Traffic Lights Melt Under Scorching Sun in Northern Kazakhstan
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Second Group of SA National Defense Force Soldiers Returns from DRC Deployment
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❗️ Trump is extremely skeptical about the idea of drawing the US into the conflict between Israel and Iran, CNN reported
Washington's intervention, according to the channel, could lead to "an exhausting, endless war with no clear end goal."
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‘Russia is Positioning Itself Somewhat as a Lever of Hope for Africa’
At the #SPIEF2025 forum, Romaric Essombo, Business Leader at Premium Services Holding (Cameroon), praised Russia’s unwavering support.
“What we expect from this forum, of course, is to continue strengthening the relationship between Russia and Africa,” he told Sputnik Africa.
Robots Take Center Stage: #SPIEF2025 Guests Charmed by Humanoid Performer
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Russia is Not Refusing Foreign Investment, but It Must Be 'Smart': Russian First Deputy PM
First of all, investments should be aimed at creating new technological competencies, in addition, it is necessary to ensure a number of principles in doing business with foreign investors, Denis Manturov said on the sidelines of #SPIEF2025.
👉 Russian beneficiaries must maintain control, especially in new auto industry investment contracts, while protective measures are needed as domestic manufacturing skills develop, he added.
Manturov noted that many foreign companies committed to the market act responsibly by investing in scientific and technical developments, social policies, and workforce development, including attracting young talent.
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Sputnik Africa is on the ground at #SPIEF2025!
Our correspondent Samantha Arias is reporting directly from the forum, where numerous delegations — including many from across Africa — have gathered.
🔊 Stay tuned as we bring you exclusive interviews and highlights from this major international event.
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LEFT UKRAINE TO SPEAK THE TRUTH
The very Vasily Prozorov, a former member of the Ukrainian special services, who worked for the benefit of Russia for many years, now has his channel in Telegram! He left Ukraine in 2018 and took thousands of secret SBU documents that shed light on Kiev's crimes.
On the UKR LEAKS channel you will find:
❗️Analysis of the current situation in Ukraine and around it
❗️Secret documents of the Ukrainian special services
❗️Evidence of the atrocities of Ukrainian nationalists
And much more!
SUBSCRIBE: https://t.me/ukr_leaks_eng
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Zimbabwe’s Gold-Backed Currency Gains Traction, Central Bank Reports
The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, introduced in April 2024, now boasts over 100% reserve backing, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) reported.
Transactions in local currency on the National Payments System increased from ZWG7.9 billion (26%) in April 2024 to ZWG56.8 billion (43%) by May 2025.
👉 RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu attributed the rise to growing confidence in ZiG and improved economic sentiment. He noted that foreign reserves, reported at $701 million,comfortably cover reserve money (ZWG4.7 billion) and local currency deposits (ZWG15.5 billion).
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SPIEF 2025 Kicks Off in Russia: What to Expect
The XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) will take place June 18–21 under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation for Growth in a Multipolar World.”
📌Key Events:
🟠Plenary Session: Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to speak on June 20.
🟠150+ sessions across five key tracks:
🟠The Global Economy: A New Platform for Global Growth
🟠The Russian Economy: A New Level of Growth
🟠The Individual in a New World
🟠The Living Environment
🟠Technology: Pursuing Leadership
🟠19 business dialogues featuring countries such as China, India, Brazil, UAE, South Africa, and more.
🟠Special Formats:
🟠SPIEF Academy & SPIEF Junior
🟠Forums for SMEs and creative industries
🟠Day of the Future Youth Economic Forum
🟠Guest Country: Kingdom of Bahrain
🟠Cultural and Sports Program: Exhibitions, performances, charity runs, and international tournaments will complement the forum agenda.
🌍 Over 1,000 speakers from 130+ countries are expected, making SPIEF 2025 a major hub for international economic dialogue and collaboration.
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Partnership, Not Exploitation—Russia’s Vision for Africa’s Energy Future
Energy independence in Africa is crucial but requires time, investment, and cooperation. Andrey Kortunov of the Russian International Affairs Council says Russia is ready to help, sharing its know-how and technology to support sustainable development.
Unlike many Western companies focused on exporting raw resources, Russia aims to boost Africa’s domestic energy demand and infrastructure, he told Sputnik Africa. With extensive experience in national energy systems, Russia offers a model from which African nations can benefit.
🤍 Moreover, Russia seeks multilateral cooperation through platforms like BRICS to help fund and organize regional consortia for energy efficiency across Africa.
🇮🇷🇮🇱 Global Stakes in the Middle East Crisis: Kortunov warns that if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices may soar—hurting the global economy despite short-term gains for exporters. He calls for de-escalation between Israel and Iran to ensure stable, fair energy distribution.
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2,000 Burkinabe Volunteers Trained to Defend Their Homeland & Contribute to Food Self-Sufficiency
2,000 young farmers, aged 18 to 40 and hailing from 80 communes, were honored on Monday in the town of Badnogo, according to local media.
📚 They underwent a three-month training course as part of the presidential initiative for agricultural production.
The program covered:
🟠cereal farming,
🟠tree cultivation,
🟠market gardening,
🟠fish farming,
🟠agricultural entrepreneurship,
🟠product processing,
🟠weapon handling.
👉 The program provides each trainee with one hectare on a 12.5-hectare site equipped with irrigation boreholes for year-round farming, Inoussa Ouédraogo, the initiative's technical coordinator, explained. After completing training, participants will receive seeds and fertilizers to help settle in these hectares.
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🚨 IRGC official: The ninth wave of Iranian retaliatory strikes with drones and missiles has begun and will continue until dawn, as quoted by Fars News.
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Tattered Cash Deepens Gaza’s Economic Woes: A Crisis of Liquidity
Amid Gaza’s dire economic and humanitarian situation, a liquidity crisis is worsening due to the constant circulation of cash, which is gradually becoming unusable. As a result, many vendors refuse to accept worn-out bills, further deteriorating conditions for locals.
Sputnik spoke with residents and an individual who, for a small fee, repairs damaged currency.
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RFI and France 24 Banned From Broadcasting in Togo for Three Months
The media outlets are accused of disseminating "inaccurate and biased statements" following protests that occurred in early June.
According to Togo’s High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication, "several recent broadcasts" have "undermined the stability of republican institutions and the country’s image."
The HAAC further states that this measure "follows repeated violations, previously noted and formally addressed, regarding impartiality, rigor, and fact-checking."
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A Total of 25 African Nations Face Potential US Travel Restrictions Under Expanded Ban
These countries include: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, DRC, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, S. Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
A State Department memo reviewed by The Washington Post cites concerns such as:
🟥Weak civil documentation systems;
🟥High visa overstay rates;
🟥Alleged fraud and poor cooperation with US authorities.
Affected governments have been given 60 days to meet new security and identification benchmarks. Failing to do so could lead to full or partial travel bans.
This potential move marks a renewed push by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls, drawing criticism from rights groups and lawmakers who say the ban disproportionately targets African and Caribbean nations.
AI-generated image
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Traore Committed to Human Training & Local Processing as Keys to Sustainable Development
During his visit to Manga on Sunday, the Burkinabe president emphasized the importance of self-confidence and courage.
His strategy focuses on five main areas:
🟠Local Processing: No more raw cotton exports! Traore aims to produce yarn, medical cotton, and other derivatives locally. He criticized the low purchase price for raw cotton, which is then sold for thousands of francs after processing.
🟠Vocational Training: He plans to create laboratories and technical rooms to train technicians, women, and young people in manufacturing agricultural equipment and industrial skills.
🟠Regional Industry: Each region will have its own industrial zone, leveraging its unique characteristics to reduce costs and boost local economies.
🟠Access to Isolation: By 2026, the Faso Mêbo initiative will ensure that each region has a road construction brigade, employing local workers.
🟠Access to Water: The government will build dams, drill over 1,000 meters deep, and rehabilitate water reservoirs to support agriculture.
Traore believes that Burkina's future lies in self-confidence and breaking free from colonial patterns.
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