Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, witnessed a disturbing incident as the Ethiopian embassy became the target of a bombing. Both the Sudanese army and the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have engaged in a blame game, each accusing the other party of carrying out the attack.

According to an employee of the Ethiopian embassy, the air strike occurred three weeks ago, resulting in the injury of a security guard and damage to the embassy’s windows. Fortunately, no casualties were reported during the incident, although the embassy building suffered partial damage, as stated by Yibeltal Ayimiro Alemu, Ethiopia’s ambassador to Sudan.

While the RSF, engaged in a long-standing battle with the Sudanese army since April 15, has pointed fingers at the army for the attack, the Sudanese army has remained silent regarding the raid that took place on Tuesday.

The ongoing conflict between the two factions has had devastating consequences, with the United Nations reporting over 5,000 deaths and five million people being displaced as a result of the fighting. The army, under the command of Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, has employed air strikes and heavy artillery in Khartoum, causing significant civilian casualties since the conflict’s inception.

The RSF, infamous for its association with the Janjaweed militia from Darfur, has been accused of widespread theft and the mistreatment of residents in the city. Furthermore, the RSF and other Arab militias have faced allegations of targeting ethnic African groups in Darfur, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of numerous individuals from their homes.

The war has forced over five million people to flee their homes, with approximately one million seeking asylum in neighbouring countries, while millions remain trapped in Khartoum. Those in the capital endure prolonged water and power outages, inadequate healthcare, and escalating prices of food and gasoline.

During the early stages of the conflict, RSF soldiers resorted to storming and vandalising foreign embassies and international organisation headquarters, further exacerbating tensions and instability in the region.

 

Source: Arise News

A devastating incident unfolded in southern Nigeria’s Rivers State, as an illegal oil refinery erupted in flames, resulting in the loss of lives, including that of a pregnant woman. According to reports from both residents and a security official, at least 18 people perished in the tragic blaze.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Emohua district, when a makeshift refinery ignited a nearby oil reservoir, leading to severe burns and casualties among the victims. The local Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps revealed that 18 individuals were tragically burned beyond recognition, while 25 injured persons were rescued.

Among the victims were primarily young individuals, including a pregnant woman and a young lady who was preparing for her upcoming wedding ceremony next month, further highlighting the heart-wrenching impact of the incident.

In a separate report, a local community leader from Ibaa shared with Reuters that the death toll could be as high as 37 individuals. The leader, Rufus Welekem, stated that 35 people were caught in the fire, and two individuals who had managed to escape the initial incident sadly succumbed to their injuries in the hospital on Tuesday.

Illegal oil refining has become a common practice in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, where impoverished locals tap into pipelines to extract fuel for sale, often using rudimentary methods such as boiling crude oil in drums. However, these operations are fraught with danger and have resulted in numerous fatalities.

Despite Nigeria’s efforts to crack down on illegal crude refineries, the issue persists, with the involvement of influential politicians and security officials, according to local environmental groups. This ongoing challenge, coupled with crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and legal disputes over oil spills, has prompted oil majors operating in Nigeria to divest from onshore and shallow water assets and focus on deepwater operations instead.

The tragic explosion serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal refining activities and the need for sustained efforts to address the underlying issues and ensure the safety of the local communities in Nigeria’s petroleum-rich regions.

In a compelling interview on GZERO World with Ian Bremmer, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), passionately advocates for Africa’s integration into the global economy. With a population of 1.4 billion people, the African continent currently relies heavily on imports, sourcing more than 90% of its medicines and vaccines externally. However, Okonjo-Iweala believes that the time has come to change this narrative by embracing globalisation and attracting investments to African countries.

Okonjo-Iweala emphasizes the need to decentralise and diversify global trade, creating opportunities for new markets and enabling countries from the Global South to play a more prominent role in the world economy. By reducing reliance on any single country for crucial goods and services, Africa can pave the way for sustainable growth and development.

Although Africa has yet to fully embrace globalization, Okonjo-Iweala envisions a future where the continent becomes an integral part of the global economy. With the potential to establish a domestic market of over a billion people, comparable in scale to China and India, Africa can become a significant player in the international trade arena.

“Africa currently accounts for approximately 3% of world trade, and that’s far too small,” Okonjo-Iweala asserts. “However, when, not if, the experiment of better integration and trade within Africa becomes a reality, it will automatically become an attractive trade partner for the world.”

By positioning Africa as a thriving hub of commerce and fostering intra-African trade, the continent can unlock its immense potential, drive economic growth, and contribute to global trade in meaningful ways. Okonjo-Iweala’s vision for a globally connected and empowered Africa serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging stakeholders to embrace the possibilities that lie within the continent’s untapped potential.

Antigua and Barbuda woke up to a sombre morning as a fire engulfed the Yacht Club Marina in English Harbour, along with several businesses in Falmouth Harbour. This unfortunate incident occurred simultaneously with heavy rains, lightning, and widespread flooding caused by Tropical Storm Philippe.

According to ABS television/radio, the fire affected establishments including Skull Duggery café, Yacht Club Marina Gym, Cloggy’s, Dock Master Office, and Dockside Liquor. Prime Minister Gaston Browne took to social media to express his gratitude that no serious injuries were reported and to offer words of encouragement: “Giving thanks that no one got seriously hurt. We have been spared the worst. As a resilient people, we soldier on.”

The luxury yacht Alfa Nero had been relocated before the storm hit, avoiding any damage. However, Prime Minister Browne noted that the Yacht Club Marina, where the Alfa Nero was docked, was completely devastated by the fire. The destruction of several businesses has resulted in at least 100 job losses, adding to the sadness and economic impact suffered by the community.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda faced the aftermath of Tropical Storm Philippe, with the National Office of Disaster Service (NODS) reporting over 30 requests for search and rescue operations due to widespread flooding across the islands. Emergency 911 informed the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) about stranded residents in Bathlodge and on the Airport Road who had to be rescued, many of whom were travelling late at night.

Numerous homes in areas such as Piggotts, Cassada Gardens, and the vicinity of the Potworks Dam experienced flooding, and emergency personnel provided assistance to affected residents. In one incident, a bus became trapped in floodwaters in the Golden Grove extension area.

District Disaster Coordinators volunteering on behalf of NODS reported flooding in several other areas, including Upper Fort Road, Grays Farm/Green Bay, and various communities. Some individuals have sought refuge in shelters located in different districts.

While emergency responders continue their rescue efforts and firefighters battle a major fire at the Yacht Club Marina in English Harbour, they face the challenge of strong wind gusts hindering their progress.

Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors until given the all-clear signal, as there is a high number of people driving on the roads despite the hazardous conditions. With floodwaters and debris posing risks to individuals’ safety, it is vital for everyone to take necessary precautions and await official instructions to ensure their well-being.

Antigua and Barbuda now face the task of recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of both the devastating fire at the Yacht Club Marina and the impact of Tropical Storm Philippe. The resilience and unity of the community will be essential in overcoming these challenges and restoring normalcy to the beautiful Caribbean islands.

Uganda’s refugee population is in a desperate struggle for survival as humanitarian aid cuts have severely impacted their access to food, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The agency, facing a funding shortfall of over 60% for its global needs, was compelled to reduce food rations in Uganda from 70 to 30 percent in July of this year, focusing on providing for the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, further cuts are anticipated, intensifying the daily battle for refugees to put food on the table.

Uganda is home to the largest refugee population in Africa, hosting approximately 1.5 million refugees and 32,000 asylum seekers in 2022. The ongoing influx of refugees, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, has stretched resources thin. The reduced food rations have become life-threatening for these vulnerable individuals and families.

In their struggle to survive, many refugees have turned to petty trade, selling their belongings, or engaging in criminal activities. Santo Asiimwe, a WFP staff member at the Nakivale settlement near the Tanzanian border, stated, “We are seeing some of them resorting to selling their household assets. They have a goat or a cup or even a radio or a phone, and they sell that.” This desperate situation is especially challenging for the approximately 70% of refugees in Nakivale who are mothers, desperately seeking ways to care for their children.

The consequences of reduced food aid are evident in rising malnutrition rates among children, with 7% of young children in Nakivale suffering from acute malnutrition. Additionally, host communities are becoming increasingly hostile towards refugees, with some accusing them of theft. Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness Hillary Onek recently acknowledged that “hunger is forcing [refugees] into criminality” and emphasized that the situation is unsustainable. Uganda has appealed to the global community for support.

The WFP is urgently calling for immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Santo Asiimwe stated, “If donor support is not mobilised within the shortest possible time, we are yet to see another human catastrophe. So, what is the level of human need that we are talking about? We are talking about 78-79 million U.S. dollars by 2024, February.”

In 2022, less than half of the required funding for Uganda’s refugee response was received, as reported by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Despite the international community’s recognition of Uganda’s “progressive refugee response” that emphasises self-reliance and integration, the current lack of funding raises concerns that the Ugandan government may have no choice but to scale down support for refugees.

The plight of Uganda’s refugee population underscores the urgent need for increased global support and funding to ensure the basic needs, safety, and well-being of those seeking refuge in the country. Immediate action is vital to prevent a deepening humanitarian crisis and to provide a lifeline for those most vulnerable among Uganda’s refugee population.

 

Source: Africa News

In a fresh development, Algeria has taken the initiative to mediate a return to civilian control in Niger, and the military junta in Niger has accepted the offer. Algeria’s proposal, put forward in late August, outlines a six-month transition plan that would be overseen by a civilian authority.

Algeria’s role as a mediator is bolstered by several factors. The country maintains good relations with the United States while expressing opposition to French intervention in Africa, a stance shared by the Nigerien junta. Algiers has also condemned the coup and provided support to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Importantly, Algeria firmly opposes any military intervention against its southern neighbor.

Pressure is mounting on countries to the south and west of Niger to take action against this coup, which is the latest in a series of similar events in the region. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who also leads the political bloc of West African states known as ECOWAS, has activated a response force and issued a warning of potential military action against Niger as a last resort.

However, ECOWAS has shown hesitancy in taking immediate action, partly due to the complexities and potential entanglements that intervention in Niger may entail. The involvement of countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, which have pledged support to the junta, could further complicate the situation. Nevertheless, if Algeria is able to make progress through its mediation efforts, it would provide President Tinubu with a compelling argument against resorting to the measure of last resort.

While Algeria presents this mediation as a pathway to a peaceful resolution, some experts remain skeptical. Amaka Anku, the head of Eurasia Group’s Africa practice, notes that Niger’s previous statements about being open to negotiations with ECOWAS have yielded limited results. Diplomatic missions by both ECOWAS and US officials have made little headway in restoring civilian control in Niger. Consequently, the success of Algeria’s mediation efforts is uncertain.

Despite the challenges ahead, the involvement of Algeria as a mediator brings a new dimension to the ongoing discussions about Niger’s transition to civilian rule. The outcome of these efforts will play a crucial role in determining the future stability and governance of the country.

In South Africa, concerns are mounting as the country grapples with a shortage of eggs and a surge in prices, prompting consumers to question the cause of this predicament. Many speculate that the avian influenza outbreak currently affecting the nation’s poultry industry may be to blame.

Reports indicate that certain retailers are experiencing limited supplies of chicken products, with some even issuing notifications urging customers to purchase no more than one pack of eggs due to the scarcity. One prominent retail store posted a notice stating, “Due to the national shortage of eggs supply, we need to limit you to 1 pack size. Rest assured, we will do everything possible to get you eggs.”

In response to the crisis, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has addressed the issue in a media statement, urging the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, to provide urgent assistance to farmers. The DA has specifically requested support in the procurement and registration of vaccines, as well as financial aid to help affected farmers rebuild their businesses.

Noko Masipa, the DA’s shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, expressed concern over the slow response from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, emphasizing that the situation poses a threat to food security and contributes to increased chicken prices, which disproportionately impact vulnerable families. The outbreak has also led to the suspension of chicken imports from South Africa by Namibia.

To address the crisis, the DA proposes several measures, including financial support for affected farmers, accurate reporting of bird deaths and financial losses, expedited procurement, testing, registration, and distribution of poultry vaccines within a 30-90 day timeframe, and the establishment of emergency funding packages in collaboration with the private sector.

Agricultural economist Paul Makube explained in an interview that the shortage of eggs is a result of the avian flu outbreak. When an outbreak occurs, the birds are depopulated, leading to an immediate halt in egg production. However, Makube reassured the public that there should not be a shortage of chicken and meat at the moment.

As news of the egg shortage and avian influenza outbreak spread, social media became a platform for South Africans to express their concerns. One user, Thinelihle Tootsmathela, wrote on X platform, “By the end of October, prices could reach R200. There is no chicken or egg production due to the Avian Flu. Chicken and egg prices are increasing.” Another user, Kgaogelo Mosetsa, commented on the government’s handling of the situation, stating, “This virus will wipe out the entire poultry industry. The truth is, our government leaders lack agricultural expertise, as they spent many years in exile while our white communities dedicated their lives to farming and agricultural studies.”

As South Africa grapples with the avian influenza outbreak, the shortage of eggs and the potential impact on the poultry industry remain pressing concerns. Swift containment measures, support for affected farmers, and effective vaccination strategies will be crucial in safeguarding the industry, preserving jobs, and ensuring a continued supply of affordable chicken to consumers.

A former Nigerian oil minister appeared in court in London on Monday charged with receiving bribes in the form of cash, luxury goods, flights on private jets and the use of high-end properties in Britain in return for awarding oil contracts.

Diezani Alison-Madueke was Nigeria’s minister for petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015, during the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

Appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, she spoke only to give her name, date of birth and address. She was not asked to formally enter a plea, although her lawyer Mark Bowen told the court she would be pleading not guilty.

She is the second high-profile Nigerian politician to face prosecution in Britain in recent years, following James Ibori, a former state governor who was convicted of fraud and money-laundering in 2012 and received a 13-year jail sentence.

Nigeria is Africa’s top oil producer but it suffers from systemic corruption in the political class which has hampered development and prevented its oil wealth from benefitting wider society.

Alison-Madueke was arrested in London in 2015, shortly after stepping down as minister, and was charged in August with six bribery offences. She has spent the past eight years on police bail, living in St John’s Wood, an expensive area of London.

The charges against her, read out in court, all related to events alleged to have taken place in London.

Prosecutor Andy Young said she was alleged to have accepted a wide range of advantages in cash and in kind from people who wanted to receive or continue to receive the award of oil contracts which he said were worth billions of dollars in total.

The advantages included a delivery of 100,000 pounds ($121,620) in cash, the payment of private school fees for her son, and the use and refurbishment of several luxurious properties in London and in the English countryside.

They also included the use of a Range Rover car, payment of bills for chauffeur-driven cars, furniture, and purchases from the upmarket London department store Harrods and from Vincenzo Caffarella, which sells Italian decorative arts and antiques.

District Judge Michael Snow granted Alison-Madueke bail but imposed terms including an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, an electronic tag to be worn at all times and a 70,000-pound surety to be paid before she could leave the court building.

Her next court appearance will be at Southwark Crown Court, which deals with serious criminal cases, on Oct. 30.

Britain, Nigeria’s former colonial ruler, has long been a destination of choice for affluent members of the Nigerian political elite seeking to enjoy the benefits of their wealth.

London is a global money-laundering hub but it remains rare for public figures like Alison-Madueke to face prosecution for corruption-related offences.

($1 = 0.8222 pounds)

Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni in May, is one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws and punishes some same-sex acts with the death penalty. Lawyers in the case met before the court registrar and agreed to reconvene on Oct. 12, when the matter will be forwarded to the court’s judges to set a hearing date, according to Nicholas Opiyo, an attorney for the organizations contesting the law. At least six people have been charged under the law so far, and rights groups said last week they had documented hundreds of cases of torture, evictions, and intimidation against LGBTQ people this year.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 violates multiple fundamental rights guaranteed under Uganda’s constitution and breaks commitments made by the government as a signatory to a number of international human rights agreements. Uganda’s penal code already punishes same-sex conduct with life imprisonment, but the new law creates new crimes such as the vaguely worded “promotion of homosexuality” and introduces the death penalty for several acts considered as “aggravated homosexuality.” It also increases the prison sentence for attempted same-sex conduct to 10 years. Museveni’s signing of the anti-homosexuality bill is a serious blow to multiple fundamental rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and association, privacy, and equality.

The LGBTQ+ community in Uganda has been facing persecution and discrimination for years, and the Anti-Homosexuality Act has only made things worse. The law has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and governments around the world, and many have called for its repeal. The case against the law is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be

Nobel laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mukwege, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in for his work fighting sexual violence, made the announcement to a jubilant crowd of supporters at a conference center in the capital Kinshasa. Nicknamed the “man who repairs women,” the-year-old doctor has treated hundreds of war rape victims at the Panzi Hospital he founded in conflict-ridden east Congo in .

Mukwege will be running against President Felix Tshisekedi, whose first term was mired by economic hardship, epidemics, and worsening insecurity in the east, where the M23 rebel group launched a major offensive last year. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu, who came second to Tshisekedi in the last vote in , has also announced his candidacy.

Mukwege’s work has been dangerous, and in , he and his family were held at gunpoint and threatened with death by armed men in his home. Despite the risks, he has continued to advocate for women’s rights and has become one of the world’s leading experts on the treatment of internal injuries suffered by women subjected to gang rape. His hospital has so far treated more than 50,000 survivors of sexual violence.

If elected, Mukwege would face significant challenges in addressing the country’s ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises. The DRC has been plagued by violence and instability for decades, with numerous armed groups operating in the east of the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has also hit the country hard, with a surge in cases in recent months.

Mukwege’s candidacy has been met with enthusiasm by many, who see him as a symbol of hope and change in a country that has long been plagued by violence and corruption. However, he will face significant obstacles in his bid for the presidency, including opposition from powerful political and military figures.