Mali’s President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has announced the dissolution of the controversial Constitutional Court in an effort to calm the nation’s protests. “I have decided to repeal the licenses of the remaining members of the constitutional court,” the president said in a television address.
Category: Africa
Africa
Mali — Four Dead as Keita Calls for Dialogue
At least four people have been killed and dozens others injured as protests continued in Mali on Saturday for the second day running. Mali’s president, Ibrahim Boubacar keita, had called for dialogue, but the protesters did not heed the calls. he Prime Minister, Boubou Cisse, said that he and Keita were open to talks.
Police Launch Tear Gas Against Protesters in Mali
Police in Mali threw tear gas at protesters in the capital on the second consecutive day of protests against the government. The protesters challenged President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s most recent request for dialogue. Participation in the protests was much lower than on Friday.
Magufuli Unanimously Chosen as CCM Candidate
Tanzanian President John Magufuli has been officially approved as the presidential candidate for the ruling Party of the Revolution (CCM) in the general elections expected to be held in October this year. The move was reached on Saturday at the CCM’s General Assembly in Dodoma.
Five Killed in Attack on South African Church
Five people have been killed after assailants stormed a church in South Africa amid ongoing disputes over church leadership. South African police say they have rescued men, women, and children who were held hostage on the outskirts of Johannesburg on Saturday morning.
Mali — Protests Turn Chaotic, TV Off Air
Thousands of Malians turned up for anti-government demonstrations that turned chaotic on Friday. The country’s national television, ORTM, went off air after protesters forced their way to the building. It is alleged that the protesters tried to occupy the national assembly and national broadcasting house.
Ethiopia Arrests Two for Halachu Hundessa Killing
Ethiopian authorities have said that they have arrested two suspects over the killing of a local musician, Halachu Hundessa. “We have arrested those who killed him, and those who collaborated in the killing, the Attorney General, Adanech Abebe, said in a statement.
Coronavirus: Kenya Imposes New Rules of Worship
Evangelical churches in Kenya have complained about regulations issued by the government on how worship will be conducted starting next Tuesday. This is due to the advice of health professionals that the elderly and patients are more susceptible when they are infected with the coronavirus.
Facebook Deletes Gwajima 5G-COVID Message
Facebook has deleted a video message uploaded by Tanzanian preacher Josephat Gwajima about the coronavirus. In a message on Instagram and IGTV, Bishop Gwajima had claimed that the coronavirus epidemic had to do with efforts to distribute modern 5G communications technology.
CCM Picks Hussein Mwinyi for President of Zanzibar
Tanzania’s Minister of Defense, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi has been approved by a Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) executive committee meeting for the Zanzibar presidency. In addition to being the Minister of Defense in the coalition government, Dr. Mwinyi is also a Member of Parliament.
Three Killed in Violent DRC Protests
Three people are dead in protests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the appointment of Ronsard Malonda as the head of the nation’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). The decision was already passed by the National Assembly last week, and it is awaiting the president’s signature.
Coronavirus — 499 New Cases in Nigeria
A further 499 cases of coronavirus were identified in Nigeria on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 30,748. Data released by the country’s epidemics commission Thursday night showed that five people have died in 24 hours, with fewer than 15 dead on Wednesday.
One Dead, Several Arrested in DRC Protests
Several cities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were in turmoil on Thursday, responding to the call to protest launched by the UDPS of President Félix Tshisekedi. At least one person was killed in the capital, Kinshasa, and three others suffered gunshot wounds in the UDPS stronghold of Kananga.
Kenya Cancels 2020 School Year, Students to Repeat
All elementary and high school students in Kenya will have to repeat classes next year after the government canceled the tuition schedule this year due to the coronavirus epidemic. Hope that schools will open by September, or at least they will be allowed to return to school, has now disappeared.
Google Launches Balloon to Beam Internet to Kenya
Ballon Internet technology, from Google’s sister company Loon, was launched officially in Kenya, and will provide internet service in rural areas. The technology will offer 4G telephone services to enable people to regularly make telephone or video calls and connect to social networks.
Ethiopia — Death Toll Reaches 239 in Unrest
At least 239 people were killed and dozens others arrested due to the unrest in Ethiopia following the death of a local musician, Hachalu Hundessa. The regional police commissioner, Mustafa Kedir, said that the Oromia region lost 229 people. It was hardest hit and home to Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group.
Mali’s Keita Promises to Reform Constitutional Court
Mali’s President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has promised to reform the country’s constitutional court. He made the announcement through a televised speech. “In the hours and days to come, the constitutional court will be reconvened and put into operation as soon as possible,” the president said.
Amadou Coulibaly, Ivorian PM, Dies
Ivorian Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly died on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting. Coulibaly was rushed to a hospital in the nation’s capital, Abidjan, after he began feeling unwell. He was 61. The prime minister had just returned to Côte d’Ivoire on July 2, after close to two months in France.
DRC — Govt. Recruits Warlords for Peace as Thousands Flee
Several former warlords have been sent by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Ituri, their hometown, to try to fix the ongoing situation in the region. In the epicenter of the country’s long-lasting war, Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo arrived last week.
Algeria — Cases Skyrocket, Digital Plans Announced
Algeria recorded 475 new positive cases on Tuesday, against 463 the previous day. The country totals 16,879 cases since the onset of the disease last February. Some regions are hit hard, particularly in Biskra, where the medical profession itself recorded the deaths of three doctors on Monday.
Burkina Faso — HRW Finds Mass Grave, Union Strikes
The remains of at least 180 men were found in mass graves in northern Burkina Faso, according to a Human Rights Watch report. The graves were found in an area where government forces are fighting a jihadist insurgency. The men were buried near the city of Djibo.
Amnesty Demands Tanzania Drop Case Against Comedian
Human rights organization Amnesty International has called on Tanzania to drop charges against prominent comedian Idris Sultan. Idris Sultan is expected to appear in court tomorrow, responding to a pair of charges. Idris Sultan was arrested in May after a video showed him laughing at a picture of Tanzanian president John Magufuli.
Kenya Issues New Transport Guidelines to Control Coronavirus
There will be no need for compulsory isolation for travelers and tourists arriving in Kenya if they show no signs of COVID-19 syndrome, according to a government announcement. Transport Minister James Macharia said yesterday that Madaraka Express passenger services will resume on Monday.
Four Nations Reject Israeli Annexation
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Egypt, and Jordan issued a joint statement today saying that they will not recognize the annexation of the West Bank to Israel. The four countries also warned that a possible Israeli move to annex the West Bank could affect relations with Israel.
President Keita, Iman Dicko Meet in Mali
The President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has finally met the leader of a protest movement dubbed, “Movement of 5 June.” A video posted by the presidency showed the meeting between the president and Mahmoud Dicko, an influential imam and prominent religious leader.
Boko Haram Accused of Shooting Down UN Helicopter
A United Nations aid helicopter was attacked by militants in northeastern Nigeria. The attack on Saturday claimed the lives of two civilians. It is alleged that militants attacked Damasak area in Borno State and opened fire on the helicopter, but none of the crew members were injured.
Four Killed in Separate Attacks in Somalia
Two separate bomb attacks in Somalia’s largest cities have claimed the lives of four and left several others injured. In one of the attacks, an explosion at a restaurant in Baidoa, in the southern part of the country, killed four people. In the second attack, a suicide bomb close to the port of the capital, Mogadishu, left seven people injured.
Death Toll from Ethiopian Protests Rises to 166
The death toll from protests that erupted in Ethiopia following the killing of a local Musician, Hachalu Hundessa has risen to 166. “In the aftermath of Hachalu’s death, 145 civilians and 11 security forces have lost their lives in the unrest in the region,” said Girma Gelam, deputy police commissioner of Oromia region.
Ambush in Congo, Shooting in Greenville, Claim Lives
Eleven people, both civilian and military, died on Saturday in an attack attributed to militias in Ituri, in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a local source said today. Law enforcement officials, police, and an administration official are among the victims.
Nine Malian Soldiers Killed in Ambush
At least nine Malian soldiers were killed in an ambush in Guoari, one of the villages where 31 civilians were massacred the day before. Army spokesman Col. Diarran Kone said that a military unit was dispatched to the village to help bury the bodies. He said that around 8 PM, the village seemed deserted.
Ethiopia — Jawar Mohammed Appears in Court
A prominent politician in Ethiopia, Jawar Mohammed, appeared in court on Thursday as Halachu Hundessa was laid to rest amid tight security. Jawar and another prominent Oromo politician, Bekele Gerba, are facing charges of “participating in the death of a person.”
Military Deployed in Ethiopia, Statues Torn Down
The military has been deployed in Ethiopia’s capital as protests continued following the death of a local musician, Halachu Hundessa. Gangs armed with machetes and sticks roamed the streets as gunshots could be heard in the city. The unrest has so far claimed more than 80 lives.
AU Appeals for Calm in Ethiopia
The chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, appealed for calm in Ethiopia, and “restraint by all sides.” In a statement, issued on Thursday, Faki called “on all Ethiopians to refrain from acts that could further escalate the current situation.”
Dozens Killed in Ethiopian Protests
At least 50 people have been killed and dozens injured in Ethiopia following protests that erupted after the killing of a local musician, Halachu Hundeessaa. The 34 year-old Musician was attacked and shot at as he was driving in the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa. It is alleged that Halachu had received death threats previously.
Chakwera Dissolves 60 Government Boards, Cancels Contracts
Malawi’s new president, Lazarus Chakwera, has hit the ground running by ordering the dissolution of the boards of directors of more than half of the country’s 100 public institutions and companies, suspected of mismanagement and corruption. These dissolutions were made with immediate effect.
Africa Needs to Go Green
Will Africa arise after the Corona virus pandemic is over? Africa need to fully utilize the untapped wealth resources and fight corruption so that her people will not be vulnerable during difficult times. The continent need to focus on grassroots empowerment. Main focus have to be in the following sectors , food production(agriculture revolution) , water and Sanitation , health , electricity energy sources , industrialization revolution, vocational training skills and research centers.
I Can’t Breathe – A Perspective From Africa
In 1964, in Oslo Norway Dr King was awarded the Nobel Prize for great work he did which was birthed from his passion to see equality in the nation of America despite your race, color, tribe. Few people including Dr .King expected that black man could actually win the Nobel prize. It was a triumphant and an historic moment.
UN Renews Mali’s Peacekeeping Force
The United Nations has renewed its peacekeeping force in Mali for another year without reducing its troops, which comprise of 13,289 soldiers and 1,920 police officers. The UN mission in the country is known as Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
Macron Renews Criticism of Turkey Over Libya
French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized Turkey for its role in the Libyan conflict. Macron said Monday night, after meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Mizeburg, near Berlin, that this role “is a threat to Africa and Europe, and France condemns external interference” in Libya.
Sudan Arrests “Mercenaries” En Route to Libya
Sudanese authorities announced that they had arrested 122 people who were on their way to Libya to “work as mercenaries,” according to the official SUNA news agency. The Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) has long accused Sudanese mercenaries of supporting the forces of Khalifa Haftar.
New Mass Grave Found in Libya
At least nine bodies have been discovered in a new mass grave in the city of Tarhouna, western Libya. The announcement was made today by the forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA), recognized by the UN. Pro-GNA forces posted a statement to that effect on Facebook.
Chakwera Declared Winner of Malawi Mulligan
Malawi’s opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera was officially declared the winner of the country’s repeat presidential election on Saturday. Chakwera got 58.57 percent of the vote, and thus the required majority, said the head of the local elections commission, Chifundo Kachale.
Burundi Holds State Funeral for Nkurunziza
Thousands of Burundians turned up to bid farewell to their former president, Pierre Nkurunziza, who was accorded a state funeral. They lined up on the road to the capital, Gatega, to pay their last respects to him as his body was escorted under tight security. Ingoma Stadium was filled with citizens from across the country.
Ivory Coast Flash Floods Kill Seven
At least seven people have been killed by flash floods in Ivory Coast. Authorities have said the floods were as a result of the torrential rains that have pounded Abidjan in the past couple of days. Some of the residents were forced to seek refuge on roofs, cling on walls and trees.
Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan Reach Dam Agreement
Sudan and Egypt announced that Ethiopia agreed, during a mini-African summit, to postpone filling the Renaissance Dam, which it is building on the Nile River until a tripartite agreement is reached. It was also agreed to form a committee for this purpose. Negotiations over the dam have been described as “tortuous,” and lasted years.
Malawi: Opposition Candidate Claims Victory
Malawi’s national broadcaster, MBC, has announced that Lazarus Chakwera, the joint opposition candidate, is leading the country’s presidential election held on Tuesday. The vote tallying is still being finalized, and the nation’s electoral body hasn’t announced the official results yet.
World Pledges $1.8 Billion for Sudan Reconstruction
Sudan received pledges of nearly $2 billion in aid, including €150 million from Germany, during an international conference hosted by Germany. The conference was aimed at supporting the transition process in a country that is under a debt burden, and suffering from a severe economic crisis.
Ten Aid Workers Abducted in Niger
At least 10 aid workers have been abducted by unidentified armed men in the Tillaberi area, south western part of Niger. The aid workers, who are all locals, were distributing food in a village when they were attacked, the aid group Action and Impact Progress (APIS) said.
US Embassy in Tanzania Expresses Concern Over Human Rights
The US Embassy in Tanzania has issued a declaration of concern over the government of Tanzania’s steps to crush democracy. The actions, according to the statement issued on Thursday, included arresting opposition party leaders in their internal meetings and revoking an opposition newspaper’s media license.
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