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.
Tag: Africa
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.
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.
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.
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).
Russia Waits as Turkey to Resume Operations in Idlib
According to Russian news outlet avia.pro, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that it is time for Turkey to actively continue its military operations in Syria’s Idlib province. The publication quoted him as saying that the Turkish military will continue to fight all “terrorist organizations” that pose a threat to Turkey’s security, whether inside its borders or outside them.
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.
Libya — GNA, LNA Fight Over Sirte
In Libya, the operation by the forces under the Government of National Accord (GNA) to retake the city of Sirte back from the hands of General Khalifa Haftar continues. Rejecting Haftar’s call for a ceasefire, the Tripoli government, supported by Turkey, say they will not sit at the table without Sirte.
Tanzania — Four Suspects, Including Police, Accused of Murder
Police in the Mbeya region are holding four suspects, including police officers, on suspicion of killing a driver, Erasto Mwalwego (29), a resident of Nzovwe, in a shootout. Among the suspects is a police officer, John Kaijage (34), an Isyesye resident, according to Mbeya Regional Police Commander, Ulrich Matei.
Zitto Kabwe, Fellow Leaders, Arrested in Tanzania
Ado Shaibu, General Secretary of the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT), has confirmed the arrest of opposition leader Zitto Kabwe in southern Tanzania. Kabwe was on a three-day tour of southern Tanzania, visiting various constituencies and welcoming councilors who want to join his party.
Despite Coronavirus, Malawi to Vote in Presidential Re-Run
Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, it is all systems go in Malawi as the country is scheduled to hold a new presidential election tomorrow. The European Union has released a statement imploring the nation’s electoral body, political parties, candidates, and Malawians in general to create conditions for a credible, inclusive, transparent and peaceful election.
Malians Call for President Keita’s Resignation
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Mali’s capital, Bamako, calling for the resignation of the president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. They assembled in the city’s Independence Square, where they blew vuvuzelas and chanted slogans as they held placards with anti-government messages.
Landslides in Ivory Coast Kill 13
At least 13 people were killed by landslides caused by heavy rains in the outskirts of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. Several others, including children, were missing and feared dead. The landslides flattened homes and ruined a rail trail of destruction a suburb in the town. The search operation for the missing persons was ongoing in Anyama.
Kerbino Wol, Brief Rebel Leader, Killed by South Sudan
Former South Sudanese political prisoner Kerbino Agok Wol, leader of the “October 7 Movement,” rebel group, which was formed merely a few days ago, was killed after a lengthy military confrontation with the soldiers of his group. South Sudan’s armed forces confirmed the killing of the rebel chief on Tuesday.
Adieu, Turkey? Ankara Angers France Over Libya
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Turkey’s actions in Libya by the hands of militants transferred to the region threaten the European Union. Furthermore, France will not allow anyone to annex the Mediterranean Sea. The Head of the French Foreign Ministry said this in an interview with the French newspaper, La Croix.
Mali Reports 24 Soldiers Killed, 8 Rescued
At least 24 bodies of Malian soldiers, who went missing after their convoy was ambushed over the weekend, have been found on the northern part of the capital, Bamako, the army said on Monday. “Twenty-four Mali army personnel died, eight survivors have been found,” Col. Diarran Kone told Reuters.
Nigerian Governor Quits Ruling Party in Dispute with Leader
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after an internal dispute with the party’s president, Adams Oshiomole. Obaseki told reporters after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in his palace in Abuja that he would return to another party to run for a second term.
Coronavirus — Tanzania Claims 66 Patients in New Data
Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said that Tanzania has 66 coronavirus patients in the country, this being the latest data released on the disease since it stopped reporting its data on April 29. The Prime Minister said that 66 patients were admitted in 10 regions, and that 16 other regions had not reported any patient to date.
Two UN Peacekeepers Killed in Mali
Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in northern Mali after gunmen attacked their convoy. The incident was confirmed by the UN peacekeeping force in the country, who said the convoy was attacked by unidentified armed individuals. The logistics convoy was travelling between the towns of Tessalit and Gao.
ISWAP Kills Dozens in Twin Terror Attacks
At least 20 Nigerian soldiers and more than 40 civilians have been killed by militants in two separate attacks in Borno State, in the Northeastern part of Nigeria. In one of the attacks In Monguno, a home for International non-governmental organizations, the militants overpowered the government forces, killing the 20 soldiers, and taking some of the casualties.
ISWAP Claims Responsibility for Twin Terror Attacks
The jihadist group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility for two terror attacks that rocked North-Eastern Nigeria’s Borno State yesterday. The two separate attacks took place in the areas of Monguno and Nganzai, and resulted in the death of at least 20 soldiers, as well as 40 civilians.
Coronavirus — Angola Reports 19 Recoveries in 24 Hours
Another nineteen patients in Angola are free from COVID-19, the largest number of recoveries registered since the first cases were reported last March. The previous record was twelve recovered. The Secretary of State for Public Health said their recovery was the result of a new psycho-social approach to patients.
East Africa Mourns Death of Nkurunziza
Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda, which are members of the East African Community, have united to mourn the Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza, who died suddenly on Tuesday this week. Tanzanian President John Magufuli has announced three days of mourning from Saturday to Monday, with all flags at half mast.
Magufuli Declares Tanzania “Coronavirus Free”
Tanzanian President John Magufuli has announced that the country is coronavirus free, thanks to God’s intervention. Speaking at a church service in Dodoma a few days ago, he lauded the congregation for not wearing face masks. He described it as an indicator of progress in the fight against the scourge.
Attackers Kill 10 in Ivory Coast
At least 10 soldiers have been killed and six others were injured after an attack at a military post in Ivory Coast. Lassina Doumbia, the head of the armed forces, confirmed the incident, adding that one of the assailants was also killed. Doumbia said that the troops were on high alert and were combing the region in search of the attackers.
Coronavirus — WHO Warns Pandemic Accelerating in Africa
The World Health Organization has sounded a warning that the Coronavirus pandemic is “accelerating” in Africa. According to the WHO, the basis of arriving at their conclusion was that while it took 98 days for the continent to reach 100,000 coronavirus cases, it has taken a mere 18 days for it to get to 200,000 cases.
Boko Haram Kills 69 in Raid on Nigerian Village
At least 69 people lost their lives in attacks carried out on Tuesday by the Boko Haram terrorist group at a village in northeastern Nigeria. The Reuters news agency reported that at least that many bodies were found by the authorities, and it is suspected that the number could be higher.
BREAKING — Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza Dies
The president of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, is dead. The country’s government broke the unfortunate news in a statement on Twitter, and explained that Nkurunziza, 55, died of cardiac arrest. As per the statement, Nkurunziza attended a volleyball match on Saturday afternoon, and was rushed to hospital that very day in the evening, after he begun feeling unwell.
Tanzanian Opposition Leader Beaten, Hospitalized
Tanzania’s opposition leader Freeman Mbowe has been hospitalized following an attack by unknown assailants. Mbowe is the national chairman of Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, and the leader of the parliamentary opposition. The politician is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital, as confirmed on Tuesday by the nation’s police authorities and his party.
Former Political Prisoner, Businessman, Forms Armed Group in South Sudan
A former South Sudanese political prisoner, Kerbino Agok Wol, has formed a new armed group, dubbed the October 7th Movement, which he says aims at bringing democratic change in the country. “We are the 7 October Movement. We are voices of the collective citizenry and the sacred homeland that is called South Sudan,” reads the rebel group’s manifesto.
Thousands Flee Niger Refugee Camp After Attack
Thousands of refugees have been forced to flee after a devastating jihadist attack in Intikane camp in Niger that left three people dead. Most of them opted for Tlemces, which is about 27 kilometers from Intikane. The refugee camp is home to about 20,000 Malian refugees and 15,000 internally displaced Niger citizens.
Protests Against George Floyd’s Death Go Global
Following the brutal murder George Floyd, a 44 year-old African American, by a policeman who knelt on his neck, many demonstrations have since ensued globally in protest against the beastly act. The protests are not only confined to the United States, but have since spread to various parts of the world.
Coronavirus — Two Ugandan MPs Arrested at Protests
Two Ugandan lawmakers were arrested on Monday by the country’s police force on allegations that they mobilized protests against the re-opening of the borders with South Sudan amid a new surge in cases of the coronavirus. In particular, the protesters alleged that the new coronavirus infections are being caused by transporters crossing the Elegu border.
Burkina Faso — 50 Dead in Three Separate Attacks
The government of Burkina Faso estimates that at least 50 people lost their lives in a mere span of two days following three attacks that recently rocked the country. The first attack was reported following an ambush by the attackers on a market in the eastern village of Kompienga, killing 25 civilians on the spot.
Geopolitical Security Threat – China’s Sinister Plan in Africa Revealed
China announced its strategy to focus on the third world countries digitalization via the use of Crypto-Yuan. Crypto-Yuan (BSN) on April 25 in Beijing. China. China Mobile is heavily involved in the Crypto-Yuan payment system and is also involved in a Facebook underwater cable initiative around Africa.
Malawi’s Mutharika Slams Supreme Court
Malawi’s President, Peter Mutharika, has accused the country’s Supreme Court of having engineered what he describes as a “judicial coup d’état” on Friday. It was his first reaction to the court’s confirmation that his re-election as head of state last year wasn’t legitimate after all.
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