Recently, a fictional movie about Putin has been completed. The budget for the film was 800 million Rubles ($13.1 million) The movie has a historic theme and Vladimir Putin is portrayed as Czar Nikolas I and the whole plot is about how the emperor is always right. The epoch is early 1800s. It is not a surprise, with the movie budget alone, to believe the film is social engineering propaganda in the post Russian space. Of course, along the golden Russian tradition, the film has already been leaked on purpose. That way it will reach a wider audience everywhere versus people having to go to a Russian movie theater to see it. It is a prelude.
Tag: Africa
Niger Army Base Attack Kills Twenty-Five
Twenty-five soldiers have been killed in a suspected jihadist attack on a military camp in Niger along the western border with Mali, Niger’s army has confirmed. The army has said that more than 60 militants were also killed when the army responded backed up French air strikes.
Al-Shabaab Attacks U.S. Military Base in Kenya, Three Killed
Security was heightened in Kenya after an attack by al-Shabaab at a military base in Lamu that is usually used by US and Kenyan military personnel. A US military service member and two US contractors were killed in the attack. Two other Department of Defense personnel were injured is Sunday’s attack on Manda Bay Airfield in Lamu County. “The wounded Americans are in stable condition and being evacuated,” African Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement.
Five Soldiers Killed in Bomb Attack in Mali
Five Malian soldiers have been killed and four others wounded in a roadside bomb attack, a government spokesperson has said. The troops were travelling in the region of Alatona, near the border with Mauritania, when their convoy hit a bomb on Monday morning. Four vehicles were destroyed in the blast. “Reinforcements are already in place for the operation to neutralize the enemies,” government spokesman, Yaya Sangare said on Twitter.
Macron Vows to Defend Sahel States Against Jihad
A rise in the attacks by terrorists in West Africa has raised concerns over French military involvement in the region. The current French operation has been on-going since 2014, coordinating security related issues with Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Chad. Currently, over 4,500 French troops are in the region. Despite the challenge, the French President, Emmanuel Macron vows to give a new force to the fight armed groups in the Sahel states in West Africa.
Liberia Closes Schools Ahead of Teachers’ Strike
The Ministry of Education in Liberia has ordered the closure of all public schools a week before scheduled time due to a teachers’ strike. In a press statement over the weekend, the ministry said the decision was arrived at because of the strike that was set to begin on Monday, as announced by the National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL) and the Monrovia Consolidated School System Teachers Association.
World Summit on Industry and Manufacturing Highlights Africa’s Untapped Potential
The World Summit for Industry and Manufacturing organized a joint initiative between the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with a new promotional tour in the city of Pretoria. The aim of the initiative is to examine the untapped industrial potential of countries in Southern Africa and its potential impacts on global value chains, and its role in shaping the future of the industrial sector.
Bashir, Ex-Sudanese President, Sentenced for Corruption
A court in Sudan has sentenced the country’s former President, Omar al-Bashir, 75, to two years in prison for money laundering and corruption. This is the first conviction amid a series of lawsuits against the former Sudanese president. Due to his advanced age, he will serve his sentence in a rehabilitation center for seniors convicted of crimes not punishable by death. “Under the law, those who reached the age of 70 shall not serve jail terms,” the judge said.
Burkina Faso Church Attack Leaves 14 Dead
At least fourteen people, amongst them children, lost their lives on Sunday in an attack on a Protestant church in Hantoukoura, eastern Burkina Faso. The attack left scores of others nursing terrible injuries. At the time of the attack, the faithful were gathered to celebrate Sunday Mass.
What is the Geopolitical Future of France?
French President Emanuel Macron has not been a strong leader. France is experiencing a negative pattern and the next election will be held in 2022. France reached its zenith in global influence in 1812. Napoleon Bonaparte became the Emperor of France in 1804. The title was created for Napoleon to preserve the appearance of the French Republic and show that after the French Revolution, the feudal system was abandoned and a nation state was created.
Landslides Kill at Least 29 People in Kenya
Mudslides that were caused by heavy rains have killed at least 29 people in western Kenya, the nation’s interior minister said Saturday. A previous record of local officials reported at least twelve dead. “We are saddened to confirm that 12 people from Tapach and Parua in Pokot South, and 17 from Tamkal in Pokot Central lost their lives,” Kenyan Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i said in a statement.
Uganda Homosexuals to Be Killed
Uganda wants to introduce a law that makes homosexuality punishable by a death penalty. The Ugandan government made the announcement. The new law is meant to curb what the local authorities describe as the rise of “unnatural sex” in the East African country. Human rights activists fear that the plan will encourage violence against LGBTs and transgender people.
Are There Any Geopolitical Winners in Libya Since Gaddafi’s Death 8 Years Ago?
Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was murdered 8 years ago. Gaddafi, commonly known as Colonel Gaddafi, was a Libyan revolutionary, politician, and political theorist. Shortly after his death, it was announced that the war in Libya was over. In reality, the war mutated into a new trajectory. Even the worst pessimists could not have predicted the ramifications. Former US President Barack Obama scarcely admitted it was a mistake.
Putin’s Geopolitical Agenda – Russia to Host Russia/Africa Summit
This week Russia will host a Russia-Africa summit from October 23-24. The purpose of the summit is to promote Russian initiatives in Africa. There are 54 countries on the African continent and 47 of the nations confirmed their attendance. Russian’s official strategy pertaining to Africa will be unveiled at the summit.
The Golden Coffin of the Priest “Nedjemankh” Returns to Egypt from New York
In the framework of Egypt’s efforts to retrieval the smuggled Egyptian antiquities abroad, the Egyptian State and its institutions attach great importance to preserving their heritage and civilizational history, the role played by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Antiquities in the field of restoring smuggled Egyptian antiquities, and in the framework of bilateral cooperation with the United States and the Memorandum of Understanding The foreign ministers of the two countries in November 2016 on the protection of Egyptian antiquities from smuggling, Egypt succeeded in retrieval the Egyptian artifact “Golden Coffin of the Egyptian priest Nedjemankh”, which was on display at the “Metropolitan Museum” in New York, where he participated Cary, the secretary of state at the ceremony to receive the coffin at the US Attorney’s Office in New York State, and signed the protocol on the restoration of the coffin with the US attorney in New York.
Zimbabwe’s Former President Robert Mugabe Dies, Aged 95
Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe has died, aged 95 years old. The country’s current President, Emerson Mnangagwa, has confirmed the news of his death via the social media network, Twitter. “It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe,” he tweeted.
African Migrant Explosive Vomiting Blood – Quarantine at Manchester Airport
Passengers “quarantined” on a plane after a suspected Ebola virus outbreak occurred on board. Dozens of emergency services personnel are at the scene and passengers were not allowed to leave the tarmac. Photos taken from inside the aircraft by passengers showed dozens of emergency services vehicles lined up on the tarmac surrounding the plane.
Zimbabwe: Police, Opposition Demonstrators Clash in Capital
Zimbabwean Police armed with tear gas and clubs today clashed with the opposition party’s protesters in the country’s capital city Harare after the protesters went ahead with their planned demonstrations despite the previous ban on their protests by the government. Supporters of Zimbabwe’s main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), sang songs condemning the police brutality while the police dispersed them with tear gas. At one instance, police surrounded a group of protesters and beat them mercilessly with clubs. A woman was later on seen being evacuated in a Red Cross ambulance.
Tunisia: Nearly 100 Presidential Candidates to Square Off in the Polls
Nearly 100 presidential candidates have filed their candidacy for the presidential election anticipated in Tunisia in the hope of succeeding Beji Caid Essebsi, the first democratically elected head of state following the Arab Spring country. In total, the names of 98 applicants interested in competing in the presidential election were recorded by the closing of registrations today. This was officially confirmed by the country’s Election commision (Isie).
Tunisian Ennahda Nominates Abdelfattah Mourou for Presidential Elections
Tunisia’s Ennahda has decided to nominate Abdel Fattah Mourou to run in early presidential elections. The decision to nominate Mourou, deputy leader of the movement, was made at a meeting of the group’s consultative council Tuesday evening. The elections are expected to be held on September 15. He was invited after the death of President Baji Kaid Essebsi last month.
Haftar Airstrike Leaves 43 Dead In Southern Libya
At least 43 people have died and more than 60 have been injured in an aerial bombardment against the city of Al Murzuq (southwest of Libya) executed by the forces led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, a local strong man, as reported by news sources citing a representative of the city council. Haftar’s forces, based in eastern Libya, say they targeted the city on Sunday evening but denied targeting civilians.
148 Killed by Islamic Terrorists This Week, During 26 Separate Attacks
This is a significant decline from the last few weeks. There were no major attacks out of Afghanistan, which had been a hot spot right up until the peace road map was signed.
The worst attack occurred in Kismayo, Somalia where 26 were killed and 56 were injured. A suicide car bomb exploded at the base of the Asasey hotel in the southern port city while a presidential candidate was meeting with local elders. Timed just seconds behind the explosion, three heavily armed gunman entered the Hotel killing 26 including American and a UK citizen. A gun battle ensued for 14 hours before armed security were able to retake control of the hotel.
Jacob Zuma Refuses to Cooperate on Corruption Inquiry
Jacob Zuma, former South Africa president ended his cooperation Friday with a corruption investigation focused on his time in office, saying it was biased. Zuma 77, testified since Monday before the commission to shed light on the many scandals that have tarnished his presidency (2009-2018) and forced him to resign a year and a half ago.
“It’s a Conspiracy Against Me” – South Africa’s Jacob Zuma Rejects Allegations of Crimes
In court testimony, Former South African President Jacob Zuma rejects allegations of crimes and claims to be the target of conspiracies to get him out of the picture. He is accused of corruption and involvement with entrepreneurs who had an influence in his government. Zuma denied a number of accusations against him on Monday. He said that for years he has been the target of conspiracies and attempts to destroy his reputation.
Migration to Europe: UN Urges Libya to Close Detention Centers After Deadly Bombing
The United Nations has called for the closure of immigration detention centers in Libya, saying these facilities are unsuitable for shelter. This comes about two weeks after the killing of more than fifty people in an air strike targeting a detention center in the Libyan capital Tripoli.
Somalia Terrorists: 26 People Die in Asasey Hotel Attack
At least 26 people, including a prominent journalist in Canada and several foreigners, were killed in an attack on a hotel in southern Somalia. A suicide bomber drove a car containing explosives at the Asasey Hotel in Kismayo Port, and then snipers attacked the building. Journalist Hodan Naleyah and her husband are believed to be among the dead.
Sudan Crisis: Ruling Military Foils Coup Attempt
Sudan’s ruling transitional military has foiled a “coup attempt” aimed at “blocking the deal” with opposition representatives. The head of the Security Committee Council, Jamal Omar Ibrahim, said that a number of officers and soldiers has been arrested.
The announcement of the attempted coup failed after the agreement of the military council and opposition representatives to end the political deadlock in the country. Ibrahim said that 12 officers were arrested, including seven in service and five in pensions and four officers were detained.
Bosco Ntaganda: Congolese Ex-Rebel Chief Convicted of War Crimes
Today, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has condemned a Congolese rebel commander Bosco Ntaganda for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Known as the “Terminator,” Ntaganda was charged for his role in atrocities in an ethnic conflict from 2002 to 2003.
The ICC found him guilty on all 18 charges. These included cruel massacres, the use of child soldiers and sexual enslavement of young girls. Bosco Ntaganda asserted his innocence during the trial. When Judge Robert Fremr announced the verdict, he showed no emotion. The sentence is to be announced at a later meeting – Ntaganda faces a life sentence.
Military, Civilians Reach Agreement in Sudan; Cautious Optimism Reigns
A power-sharing agreement was reached Friday between Sudan’s military government and civilian opposition, bringing an end to the month-long standoff between the two sides, and the best bit of news in nearly 30 years. The country will be controlled by a joint sovereign council until elections can be held in three years and three months. The preliminary deal also includes the promise of an independent investigation into the June 3 massacre, in which 100 protesters were killed. The opposition, and its supporters, were jubilant, but cautious.
164 Murdered in 32 Islamic Terrorist Attacks Over Last Week; Attacks Increased but Deaths Declined
Twenty seven people were killed by Islamic terrorist attacks per day, each and every day over the last six days. That was an average of five attacks per day. The overall number of attacks has increase but the number of deaths has declined three weeks in a row.
The most horrific Islamic attacks last week were in a northeast Nigerian village as the militants struck the village of Ngamngam in Borno state, near the border with Niger. The Islamic insurgents executed at least 20 locals on their farms, while many of the rest fled to the nearby town of Damasak, a government and a security source claimed.
Tunisia: One Policeman Killed, 8 Wounded in Two Suicide Bombings in Tunis
This double attack testifies to the resilience of certain terrorist groups in Tunisia, despite a general improvement in the security situation.
A policeman was killed and eight others injured in Tunis on Thursday (June 27th) in two different attacks in the city center and in front of a barracks of the National Guard, incidents testifying to the resilience of certain terrorist groups in Tunisia despite a general improvement of the security situation.
171 Murdered in 21 Islamic Terrorist Attacks Over Last Week; Down 2 Weeks in a Row
Twenty four people were killed by Islamic terrorist attacks per day each and every day last week. That was an average of three attacks per day. This was an improvement over the 216 deaths per day last week from 28 attacks and the 261 deaths per day the week before that from 48 separate attacks.
216 Murdered in 28 Islamic Terrorist Attacks Over Last Week, Down from Previous Week
This worked out to be 61 killed by Islamic terrorist attacks per day and an average of four attacks per day as well. This was below last week’s 261 killed with 48 separate attacks.
As Ramadan ended on June third it appears the number of attacks has declined, but this week we have seen one of the most villainous attacks in awhile, especially because of the high number of innocent children involved.
Opposition Arrests, Military Violence, Escalate Sudan Crisis
Three opposition members, acting as mediators between Sudan’s Transitional Military Council and the pro-democracy Alliance for Freedom and Change, were arrested over the weekend. In response, protesters called for a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience Saturday. It’s the latest development in an ongoing, and frequently violent crisis in a country all too accustomed to them.
Rapid Growth in Middle East & Africa Data Storage Market
The MEA data storage market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach $8.43 billion by 2025 end. Sales revenue is expected to increase at a CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period i.e. 2017–2025. According to a new report published by Future Market Insights titled “Data Storage Market: Middle East & Africa Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017–2025),” major factors responsible for the growth of the data storage market in MEA include increased investments in infrastructure, a notable shift in data centre investments from being server centric to more data and storage centric, and increased adoption of entry-level and mid-range storage devices.
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