Tag Archives: Africa

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 10, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Ukraine crisis signals the rise of African realpolitik

On February 21, 2022, President Vladimir Putin declared Ukraine’s two breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk, independent. Click here to read…

How America plans to break China’s grip on African minerals

Mining indaba, Africa’s largest mining conference, is an anthropologist’s dream. Click here to read…

NEWS

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, elects Bola Tinubu as the new president

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been declared as the winner of Nigeria’s presidential elections, beating out two other prominent candidates. Click here to read…

Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s political kingmaker, wins a flawed election

After a chaotically organised vote and messy count, Bola Tinubu, the candidate of Nigeria’s incumbent ruling party, has been declared the winner. Click here to read…

Kenyan traders protest against Chinese competitor’s cheap prices

More than a thousand Kenyan traders protested in the capital Nairobi on Tuesday against a new Chinese-owned retail shop they accuse of undercutting them with ultra-low prices. Click here to read…

Libya confirms constitutional fix to hold elections

Libya’s High Council of State approved a constitutional amendment to provide a foundation for elections, but there seems to be little progress on disputes in the way of polls in the country. Click here to read…

Mali: Expert weighs in on draft constitution

Mali’s draft constitution which gives the president sweeping powers has elicited diverse views. Click here to read…

South Sudan president fires defence and interior ministers

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has sacked two top security ministers, violating the terms of a peace agreement with opposition party leader First Vice President Riek Machar. Click here to read…

U.S. and others express concern at conflict in Somalia breakaway region

Representatives from the United States, Britain, Qatar, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey met on Tuesday and expressed concern at the conflict in and around Laascaanood, a disputed town in Somalia’s northern breakaway region of Somaliland. Click here to read…

U.S. offers reward of up to $5 million for Congo’s IS leader

The U.S. Embassy in Congo says the U.S. is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information that could lead to the capture of Congo’s top jihadi, who leads an affiliate of the Islamic State groupClick here to read…

Sudan police kill protester in anti-military demonstrations

Mazjoob is the 125th protester killed in weekly protests launched after the October 2021 coup. Click here to read…

Austria supports Morocco’s initiative for Western Sahara

Chancellor Karl Nehammer pointed out that the Austrian country considers the Moroccan proposal a “serious and credible contribution” to the political process developed by the UN. Click here to read…

Tunisia bans upcoming opposition protest

Tunisian authorities on Thursday banned an upcoming protest by the country’s main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front (NSF), but the group has vowed to press ahead with its planned demonstration on Sunday. Click here to read…

Burkina scraps 61-year-old military assistance deal with France

Burkina Faso scrapped a 1961 agreement on military assistance with France, a move that comes only weeks after it told the French ambassador and troops supporting its anti-jihadist campaign to exit the country. Click here to read…

Former Ghana Leader Mahama Launches 2024 Campaign

Former Ghanaian president John Mahama launched his campaign Thursday to recapture the post he held from 2012 to 2017. Click here to read…

Ramaphosa ready to announce new minister of electricity – one month later

Despite president Cyril Ramaphosa promising to address South Africa’s power crisis with urgency, he has delayed the announcement of a new minister of electricity and a shake-up of his cabinet by almost an entire month. Click here to read…

African Union says Israel’s observer status suspended

AU Commission chief confirms Israel was not invited to the weekend summit where Israeli ambassador was removed. Click here to read…

Tripartite naval exercises between Russia, China and South Africa ended in Indian Ocean

Trilateral naval exercises involving warships and logistics vessels of the Russian Navy, The People’s Liberation Army and the South African navies concluded today in the Indian Ocean. Click here to read…

US increases military support for Somalia against al-Shabab

The United States is increasing its military assistance to Somalia as the country sees success in battling what the U.S. calls “the largest and most deadly al-Qaida network in the world.” Click here to read…

U.S., Djibouti, Japan Partner in Trilateral Engagement to Combat Illegal Shipping

Members of the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 8, the Djiboutian Navy, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force participated in a trilateral training engagement aboard the Japanese destroyer JS Suzutsuki based in the Port of Djibouti, Feb. 25. Click here to read…

China dominates scramble for Zimbabwe’s lithium

China and other eastern nations that enjoy cordial relations with Zimbabwe are rushing for lithium as the President Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government is hoping to make the most of the rising global demand for the white gold. Click here to read…

Macron: ‘New era’ in economic, military strategy in Africa

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to reduce the number of French troops in Africa under a “new security partnership” with the concerned nations. Click here to read…

Emmanuel Macron to fly to Africa to counter waning French influence

President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to fly to Africa later this week to counter Russian efforts to France from the continent. Click here to read…

Era of French interference in Africa is ‘over,’ Macron says in Gabon

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated on Thursday that France harboured no desire to return to past policies of interfering in Africa after he began a four-nation tour of the continent. Click here to read…

France’s Macron continues African tour with stop in Brazzavile ahead of DR Congo visit

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday carried his African tour aimed at renewing frayed ties to the Republic of Congo after inking an economic accord with Angola. Click here to read…

French president offers hope to Angola for de-escalation in Congo

Angolan President Joao Lourenco met his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday. Click here to read…

Macron warns of sanctions if east Congo peace process is derailed

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged 34 million euros ($36 million) of aid to Congo’s conflict-hit east on Saturday and said any party seeking to derail peace efforts there should face sanctions. Click here to read…

Why Ethiopia is taking its debt relief case directly to China, bypassing the G20

With no sign of progress in a G20-led debt-relief initiative, cash-strapped Ethiopia is turning directly to China for a way out of its loan problems. Click here to read…

China willing to play constructive role in debt talks

China is willing to “constructively” participate in solving the debt problems of relevant countries under a multilateral framework, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Ghana non-payment triggers CDS, panel says

A panel of investors on Friday determined that a credit event had occurred with respect to Ghana, triggering payments of default insurance known as credit default swaps. Click here to read…

On last day of visit, Jill Biden urges more countries to send aid for East Africa drought

U.S. first lady Jill Biden got an up-close look Sunday at the historic East Africa drought as she walked along arid land. Click here to read…

Algeria and Russia strengtens military ties

The head of Algeria’s army hosted Russia’s top security official on Monday to discuss boosting their military ties, the defense ministry in Algiers said. Click here to read…

South Sudan’s Kiir to attend Russia-Africa summit in July

The Russian’s leader Vladimir Putin has invited his South Sudanese counterpart, Salva Kiir for the Russia-Africa summit. Click here to read…

Biden names nominees for Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Nigeria and Niger ambassadorship

The United States foreign relations committee held confirmation hearings for President Joe Biden’s Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Rwanda and Niger ambassadorship nominees on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Morocco Issues $2.5 Billion Bond on International Financial Market

Morocco has successfully issued a $2.5 billion bond on the international financial market, with two $1.25 billion tranches. Click here to read…

Shell makes ‘big’ oil discovery offshore Namibia — results imminent

Shell has made a significant oil and gas discovery offshore Namibia, one of the expected hotspots for exploration this year. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s Supreme Court rules CBN naira redesign invalid
Nigeria’s Supreme Court has ruled that old banknotes remain legal tender until the end of the year, bringing relief to millions affected by a chaotic redesign of the naira notes. Click here to read…

World Bank President nominee Ajay Banga to visit Cote D’Ivoire, Kenya next week

World Bank President candidate Ajay Banga will travel to Cote D’Ivoire and Kenya from March 6 to March 8 as he begins a global listening tour. Click here to read…

Saudia Plans New China, Nigeria, South Africa And UK Routes

The international network expansion is being supported by a connectivity program that aims to subsidize Saudi airlines when opening new routes. Click here to read…

Israeli Drip Irrigation Manufacturer Inaugurates Factory in Morocco

Israeli drip irrigation manufacturer Netafim officially inaugurated its factory in Morocco’s Kenitra region on Thursday. Click here to read…

Mozambique – Thousands Displaced as Cyclone Freddy Brings Flooding Rain

At least 7 people have died and thousands have been displaced after Tropical Cyclone Freddy made its way across Mozambique. Click here to read…

Death Toll in Equatorial Guinea Marburg Outbreak Rises to 11

Two more people in Equatorial Guinea have died of Marburg hemorrhagic fever, a cousin of the Ebola virus, bringing the toll of fatalities to 11. Click here to read…

Blast at Shell’s Nigeria oil pipeline kills 12 – police

An explosion on a Nigerian oil pipeline owned by Shell (SHEL.L) killed at least 12 people on Friday, authorities at the scene said, while members of the affected community in Emohua said they feared many more had died in the blast. Click here to read…

Uganda lawmakers revive anti-LGBTQ bill, call homosexuality a cancer

MPs in Uganda have introduced a draft legislation that seeks to punish gay sex and the promotion or recognition of such relations. Click here to read…

Egypt unveils newly discovered chamber inside Great Pyramid

Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass and the country’s Minister for Tourism Ahmed Eissa, announced the discovery Thursday at an unveiling ceremony outside the pyramid. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Egypt’s FM, Indian counterpart discuss bilateral ties, regional and international issues

On the 1st session of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (G20FMM) in New Delhi on Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Click here to read…

Seychelles, India join forces for enhanced maritime security in the Indian Ocean

Seychelles and India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday 28th of February, to improve maritime security in the Indian ocean by sharing information and educating people. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe team in AP looking for solar power

A team from Zimbabwe, located in the southern part of Africa bordering South Africa, which is currently facing a serious energy crisis, is looking for partners to develop green energy projects in the land-locked country, particularly solar power units. Click here to read…

Uncertainty in Nigeria affects Indian auto, pharma, and consumer firms

Nigeria is a major destination for Indian pharmaceutical companies, especially mid-sized onesClick here to read…

Bajaj Auto shares fall over 5% after demonetisation in Nigeria. Here’s why

Shares of Indian two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto tanked over 5 per cent on Monday after a note ban came into effect in Nigeria. Click here to read…

Air Mauritius resumes its operations to New Delhi from May 3

Air Mauritius will resume its direct operations to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi as from the 03rd of May 2023. Click here to read…

Ugandan biologist detained at Kolkata airport for 30 hours after visa goof-up

Airport officials said the Ugandan national was detained as he did not have valid travel documents. Click here to read…

PODCAST

India Africa collaboration on Renewable energies

In this episode of VIF podcast, Shri Rakshpaul Singh Malhotra, former Indian Ambassador to Niger and Samir Bhattacharya, Senior Research Associate at the Vivekananda International Foundation discusses the current contours of India’s collaboration with Africa on renewable energies, what are the challenges and opportunities. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 9, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

The Future of Ethiopia’s Peace Deal

There are nations with states and nations without a state. And in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a third category: states without nations. Click here to read…

Why South Africa is drifting into the Sino-Russian orbit

South Africa’s navy, like much of the country, is dilapidated. Its fleet spends less than half the time on the seas than it did a decade ago. Click here to read…

NEWS

President of Comoros has assumed AU chairmanship

President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros takes over as the New Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for 2023. The Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) have elected H.E Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros, as the new Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2023. Click here to read…

Nigerian voters cast ballots to choose President amid bank note shortage

Voters in Nigeria cast ballots Saturday to choose a new president as Africa’s most populous nation struggles with a bank note shortage that some observers fear will result in a lower than expected turnout. Click here to read…

African Union leaders gather in Addis Ababa for 36th summit

Dozens of African heads of state and government on Saturday participated in the official opening of the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Click here to read…

Israel spat erupts at African Union summit

Israel accused arch-foe Iran of orchestrating the expulsion of a top diplomat from the African Union summit on Saturday, with the help of Algeria and South Africa. Click here to read…

Kazakhstan Takes Part in African Union Summit in Ethiopia as Observer State

Kazakh Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) Barlybai Sadykov participated in the annual 36th African Union summit in Addis Ababa. Click here to read…

African Union reaffirms neutrality on Sahara issue despite Algerian gas money

The standing decision-making organ of the African Union, the Peace and Security Council, issued its annual report without mentioning the Algeria-fueled conflict over southern Morocco, the Sahara. Click here to read…

Italy supports Sahrawi refugee mothers and children in Algeria through WFP’s school feeding and nutrition programmes

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a €1 million contribution from the Government of Italy that will help provide daily school meals for children attending schools and nurseries in Tindouf refugee camps. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s presidential frontrunners in final push for votes

The leading contenders in Nigeria’s presidential election have made their last push for support, a week before the West African nation’s key election. Click here to read…

Djibouti holds parliamentary vote branded as sham by opposition

Only two parties are contesting seats in the 65-member National Assembly in Friday’s election. Click here to read…

Sudan’s military does not have political ambitions: General

Sudan’s army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said the military does not have political ambitions. Click here to read…

Sierra Leone opposition party names runner-up for 2023 presidential vote

Sierra Leone’s main opposition party has named Samura Kamara, the runner-up in the last presidential election, as its candidate for the next vote in June 2023. Click here to read…

Gabon president proposes cutting presidential mandate to five years

Gabon President Ali Bongo on Monday proposed shortening the presidential mandate from seven to five years as he began consultations to prepare for elections this year and measures to prevent violence. Click here to read…

Gambia appoints former civil service head as new vice president

Gambia’s President Adama Barrow on Friday appointed a former head of civil service, Muhammad B. S. Jallow, to replace the West African country’s late Vice President Badara Alieu Joof, the presidency said in a statement. Click here to read…

Tunisia judge imprisons politicians, businessman amid crackdown

A Tunisian “anti-terrorism” investigative judge has imprisoned two prominent politicians and a high-profile businessman, their defence team has said. Click here to read…

Mass trial starts in Chad over former ruler Deby’s death

Authorities in Chad on Tuesday started the mass trial of hundreds of alleged rebels accused of killing longtime President Idriss Deby Itno, who died under murky circumstances in 2021 two days after winning a sixth term in office. Click here to read…

Shadow games on the Red Sea as scramble for Sudan’s ports intensifies

Fishermen tell MEE they were attacked by Russian fighters off Sudan’s coast, as Moscow, Washington and others vie for power and profit. Click here to read…

Local elections chance to advance peace in Central African Republic

Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza reported on recent progress by the Government, including in election preparations and security sector reform. Click here to read…

Eskom chief ousted after TV broadside against South Africa politics

South Africa’s struggling Eskom power monopoly has removed its outgoing chief executive with immediate effect after he implicated senior politicians of the ruling African National Congress in corruption. Click here to read…

Morocco not commenting on crisis with France

The Moroccan Foreign Ministry as well as officials have not officially commented on the nearly two-year-old crisis with France. Click here to read…

Somaliland clashes between government and militias kill nearly 100 in two weeks

At least 96 people have been killed in more than two weeks of clashes between security forces and clan members in the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland. Click here to read…

Angola draws inspiration from Israel as it diversifies its economy

Emerging from a 27-year civil war in 2002, Angola has spent the past two decades rebuilding the country, for a time becoming the continent’s fastest-growing economy. Click here to read…

South Sudan’s Kiir Calls for 2.3 Million Refugees to Return Home

South Sudan’s president is appealing to the more than 2 million South Sudanese refugees living in neighboring countries to start returning home. Click here to read…

Cyclone Freddy slams Mozambique with ‘dangerous’ rainfall

Tropical Cyclone Freddy dumped “dangerous and exceptional rainfall levels” over Mozambique Friday as the long-lasting weather system continued to wreak havoc across southern Africa. Click here to read…

Cyclone Freddy death toll rises to 7 in Madagascar

A total of 78,078 people in Madagascar have been affected by the flooding caused by the torrential rain and strong winds. Click here to read…

Niger: EU launches its military partnership mission

The Council is launching today a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger) to support the country in its fight against terrorist armed groups. Click here to read…

US strike kills 7 al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia, Pentagon says

A US strike in Somalia killed seven al-Shabaab fighters on Tuesday, US Africa Command said in a statement. Click here to read…

Rebels Capture More Ground In Congo As Fighting Intensifies | Congo Rebel Advances

Rebel group linked with neighboring Rwanda seized more territory Friday, threatening supply routes to the regional capital, as fighting intensified in conflict-ridden east Congo. Click here to read…

Scores Killed in Cameroon’s Battles with Separatists Ahead of Senate Elections

Cameroon’s military says it has killed scores of armed separatists in clashes this month and at least 15 have surrendered. Click here to read…

More than 70 soldiers killed in Burkina Faso, claims IS

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for killing more than 70 soldiers, wounding dozens and taking five hostage, in an ambush on a military convoy in northern Burkina Faso. Click here to read…

13 civilians killed in Mali attack

At least 13 civilians were killed and three others wounded during a raid on a village in central Mali by armed men, local media reported, citing witnesses. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso gunmen kill 15 Nigerian pilgrims bound for Senegal

The Muslim pilgrims were travelling to a religious ceremony in Senegal through conflict hotspots in northern Burkina Faso and central Mali. Click here to read…

Namibian dancers, president welcome Jill Biden to Africa

The first lady’s trip is part of a commitment by President Joe Biden to deepen U.S. engagement with the fast-growing region. Click here to read…

Botswana, Namibia Agree to Abolish Passports for Citizens Crossing Border

The leaders of Botswana and Namibia have signed an agreement that will allow their citizens to cross the two countries’ border without passports. Click here to read…

FATF puts South Africa, Nigeria on ‘grey list’

This was despite desperate attempts by South Africa to pass several relevant laws late last year, as well as a high-level delegation sent to the FATF recently to make representations. Click here to read…

Tanzania Approves $3.5 Billion Pipeline Project

The 1,443-kilometre (900-mile) pipeline will transport crude from vast oilfields being developed in Lake Albert in north-western Uganda to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean. Click here to read…

Six deals signed at UAE-Rwanda Business Forum

Six trade and investment agreements have been signed at the ongoing business forum attended by more than 200 senior executives from Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Click here to read…

Benin entrepreneur transforms plant waste into charcoal

Maize husks, cassava peelings, coconut shells and other organic waste are the untraditional raw materials of Roland Adjovi’s charcoal business that he hopes will help slow the destruction of Benin’s trees for cooking fuel. Click here to read…

Egypt Likely to Devalue Currency Again, Societe Generale Says

Egypt is likely to devalue its currency again in the “not-too-distant future,” and the pound may end the quarter 10% below current levels. Click here to read…

China plans naval exercises with Russia, South Africa

The drills come as the US has recently begun seeing “disturbing” trendlines in China’s support for Russia’s military and there are signs that Beijing wants to “creep up to the line” of providing lethal military aid to Russia without getting caught. Click here to read…

China, Ethiopia strengthen apparel sector ties with new MOU

China and Ethiopia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish an investment and economic cooperation working group. Click here to read…

Zelensky seeks India, Africa’s participation in peace formula on war anniversary

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday vowed to do everything to defeat Russia this year. Click here to read…

China beating Tesla, US in African lithium rush

China has beat out Tesla in a bid to mine for lithium in Nigeria as top nations like the U.S. and leaders across Europe race to go electric amid growing climate change concerns. Click here to read…

China is Ravaging Africa’s Donkey Population

China is shipping in large numbers of donkey skins from Africa in order to tap into a mysterious ingredient with rumored miraculous health benefits. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Second edition of India-Africa joint military exercise to be held in March

THE FOREIGN Training Node (FTN) of the Indian Army located at Aundh Military Station in Pune will host a multinational military exercise involving the Indian Army and armies of several African countries in March. Click here to read…

India and African Nations to Strengthen Military Ties at AFINDEX Exercise in Pune

The Indian Army is all set to host the second edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) at the Aundh military station in Pune from 21 March to 30 March. Click here to read…

India to soon trade in rupee with UAE, Malaysia and Nigeria

Officials from Reserve Bank of India are in discussion with their counterparts in UAE, Nigeria and Russia over the last few months to work out on rupee trade mechanism with the local currencies of the countriesClick here to read…

India – Egypt hold 3rd ‘Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism’ meeting in New Delhi

India has been collaborating with numerous countries and organizations to counter global terrorism at various levels. Click here to read…

India, Seychelles sign pact on information sharing in maritime security

The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region of India and the RCOC (Regional Coordination Operations Centre) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on maritime cooperation. Click here to read…

UPI may extend to UAE, Mauritius & Indonesia

After Singapore, the RBI is in talks with several countries, including Indonesia, UAE and Mauritiusfor establishing a direct payment link of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with networks in these countries to enable quicker andcheaper fund transfers using mobile phones. Click here to read…

Access to these pharmaceuticals is important: Gambia High Commissioner Mustapha Jawara on Jan Aushadhi

Highlighting the lack of proper testing of quality medicines in Gambia, the country’s High Commissioner to India Mustapha Jawara on Friday laid thrust on the importance of quality and reasonably priced medicines in the Western African country. Click here to read…

India’s opportunity to unlock the clean energy potential of North Africa

As India strives to achieve its own energy independence by 2047 through ambitious clean energy initiatives, it can forge strategic partnerships withNorth African nations to help them unshackle the chains of fossil fuels. Click here to read…

European nations, Egypt eye buying Indian rice as prices stabilise

Indian rice continues to get good enquiries from the global market with European nations and Egypt joining the list of nations looking for the cereal from the sub-continent, traders say. Click here to read…

12 more cheetahs brought to India from South Africa, released in Kuno

The cheetahs, seven males and five females from South Africa, were released into quarantine enclosures at the Park, five months after the first batch of eight cheetahs arrived here from Namibia under the same project. Click here to read…

Customs seize over Rs 7-crore worth gold from 23 Sudan women at Hyderabad airport

The foreigners were found carrying gold concealed in different cavities in their shoes and also in the hidden folds of their clothes. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 8, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

What India’s “One Earth, One Health” Policy means for Africa

Last year, at the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forward the vision of ‘One Earth, One Health’ to the world. Click here to read…

Can a political underdog save Nigeria?

“Obi, obi, obi” chants the bouncing crowd, fists in the air, as Peter Obi strides into a campaign rally after having unexpectedly taken a lead in the race to become the next president of Nigeria. Click here to read…

NEWS

Tunisian Islamist leader arrested in crackdown on opposition

Tunisian authorities arrested the leader of the Ennahda opposition Islamist movement in a crackdown on rival politicians. Click here to read…

Opposition leader detained as Senegal tensions rise

Senegalese opposition politician Ousmane Sonko was forcibly removed from his vehicle by security forces Thursday after his supporters were dispersed by teargas, in a new bout of tension ahead of presidential elections due next year. Click here to read…

Insecurity threatens Nigeria’s democracy as voters elect a new president

Bandits spraying villages with bullets, killing residents and setting buildings ablaze. Rampant cattle rustling and clashes between farmers and herders. Mass kidnappings for ransom. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s naira shortage: Banks attacked in Warri and Benin City

Angry protests have broken out in some Nigerian towns and cities as people struggle to get hold of new banknotes. Click here to read…

The Gambia National Day

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of The Gambia on the 58th anniversary of your independence. Click here to read…

Libya marks twelve years anniversary of the revolution that ousted Moammar Gadhafi

Libyans on Friday marked the 12th anniversary of their 2011 uprising. Many cities witnessed major celebrations and in the capital, Tripoli, residents took to the streets to celebrate, with squares decorated with national flags and lights. Click here to read…

Dollar-strapped Egypt resorts to selling state assets to Gulf nations

Egypt is running out of dollars and is attempting to bolster its finances by selling state assets to rich Gulf countries, showed a media report. Click here to read…

South Africa: Russia-China drills strain ties with West

Pretoria’s Western allies are unhappy about South Africa hosting upcoming joint naval exercises with Russia and China. Historical ties between Moscow and the ruling ANC may explain President Ramaphosa’s stance. Click here to read…

Europe Parliament bans Morocco lawmakers from entering headquarters

European Parliament has voted on a recommendation preventing Moroccan lawmakers from entering its headquarters until investigations into an alleged corruption case are completeClick here to read…

Tunisia expels European Trade Union chief for ‘interference’

Esther Lynch, who is Irish, has been expelled from Tunisia for participating in a protest organized by the country’s trade union. Click here to read…

Israeli observer delegation kicked out of African Union summit in Addis Ababa

Foreign Ministry blames South Africa and Algeria for severe diplomatic breach; Israel gained official observer status in 2021. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe polls predict a Chamisa triumph over Mnangagwa

Results of an independent survey of Zimbabwean voters show that opposition leader Nelson Chamisa could defeat the incumbent president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in the national elections later this year. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe opposition fears skewed election over crackdown, bias

Fears are growing in Zimbabwe of another disputed poll, considering the ongoing political violence and a clampdown on the opposition. Click here to read…

Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso push for return to AU in spite of coups

Suspended countries Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso are lobbying to be re-admitted to the African Union, more than a year after coups plagued the West African region. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso: 5 people killed in a jihadist attack

Five people, including two soldiers, were killed Thursday in an attack by suspected jihadists in eastern Burkina Faso, Click here to read…

Zambia criticises debt restructuring delays

Zambia’s finance minister criticised the prolonged nature of the country’s debt restructuring negotiations. Click here to read…

US try to control China’s dominance of rare minerals from Africa

Cape Town in South Africa hosted the Indaba Mining Conference from February 6 to 9. Several experts at the event pointed out that the United States and China are in a race to gain more crucial minerals that will dominate the world’s projected transition to clean energy. Click here to read…

Ghana mining fund in talks over Atlantic Lithium investment

The MIIF said it plans to take an equity stake in Atlantic Lithium and that the company had agreed to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Click here to read…

Mali PM cuts short visit to north over security fears

Malian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga Saturday cut short his visit to the extremist-hit north due to security threatsClick here to read…

Sudan military finishes review of Russian Red Sea base deal

Sudan’s ruling military concluded a review of an agreement with Russia to build a navy base on the Red Sea in the African country, two Sudanese officials said Saturday. Click here to read…

African nations wary of China’s soft loan trap

Witnessing the living example of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, African countries, which are caught in China’s soft loan trap, are fearing that Beijing won’t bail them out, Pardafas.com reported. Click here to read…

Germany mulls sending refugees to Africa

The German government has installed a special representative to make deals with African countries and other states to help with asylum procedures. But migration experts say they’ve seen these proposals before. Click here to read…

Somalia: 5 shebab killed in an American strike

The US military announced on Thursday that it had killed five Shebab fighters in a strike in a remote region of Somalia. This country is waging a major offensive against this group of radical Islamists affiliated with Al-Qaeda. Click here to read…

Rwanda accuses DR Congo soldiers of attack on army border post

DRC authorities have denied its soldiers entered a neutral zone and opened fire on Rwanda’s troops as tensions rise between the countries. Click here to read…

France says its troops misrepresented in ‘Wakanda Forever’

France’s defense minister has denounced the way he says French soldiers deployed in Africa appear to be depicted in the Marvel Studios superhero film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” as “false and misleading.” Click here to read…

US first lady Jill Biden expected to visit Namibia

UNITED States first lady Jill Biden is expected to visit Namibia next week. Biden’s African trip is expected to include a visit to Kenya. Click here to read…

Uganda loses EU Shs70b railway line repair grant

Uganda has lost funding to a tune of €18m (about Shs70.3b), part of a €21.5m (Shs84b) grant that the European Union (EU) had made available to facilitate rehabilitation of the 375km metre-gauge Tororo– Gulu railway. Click here to read…

Tanzania is ready to welcome Elon Musk’s Starlink into the country

The Tanzanian government has distanced itself from reports that its bureaucracy would continue to refuse Mr. Elon Musk’s Starlink application permission to operate in the nation. Click here to read…

Botswana’s Longtime Diamond Deal With De Beers Under Threat

Botswana’s president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, is threatening to walk away from a diamond mining deal with industry giant De Beers unless the firm offers better terms. Click here to read…

Cyclone Freddy Could Slam Madagascar Next Week on Rare, Long Voyage From Near Indonesia

Cyclone Freddy is already formidably strong in the southern Indian Ocean and is an increasing danger to Madagascar, then possibly parts of southern Africa, next week. Click here to read…

The Israeli Hackers Who Tried to Steal Kenya’s Election

The campaign by Kenya’s opposition to cast doubt on William Ruto’s 2022 victory was aided by Israeli hackers, who accessed the Telegram accounts of the president’s senior officials. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

International Solar Alliance and West African Power Pool hosts 13 African countries in New Delhi to share best practices in solar deployment

International Solar Alliance (ISA), in collaboration with Grid Controller of India Ltd (Grid-India) and West African Power Pool (WAPP), is hosting delegates from the West African Region in New Delhi, India, from 14th to 18th February. Click here to read…

India, Mauritius discusses cooperation in area of urban development

Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri met his Mauritian counterpart Louis Steven Obeegadoo and vowed to strengthen cooperation between the two countriesClick here to read…

Mauritius minister thanks India on Chagos Islands, confirms US base in Diego Garcia will remain

His visit is part of a series of visits expected from Mauritius to India this year, given that the country has been invited to be a guest country during India’s G20 PresidencyClick here to read…

Vistara to start Mumbai-Mauritius flight service from 26 March. Details here

Vistara has announced the launch of its flight services from Mumbai to Mauritius starting from 26 March. Click here to read…

India – Egypt hold 3rd ‘Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism’ meeting

India has been collaborating with numerous countries and organizations to counter global terrorism at various levels. Click here to read…

India, Egypt call upon countries to root out all forms of terrorism

Just about three weeks after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi completed a successful visit to India, during which both sides had condemned cross-border terrorism and vowed to step up counter-terror cooperation. Click here to read…

India-Egypt counter-terror ties: countering terror finance & use of UAVs

Both sides discussed way forward to address new and emerging challenges posed by virtual currencies, unmanned aerial systems and misuse of cyber space by terrorists for terrorist propaganda. Click here to read…

Indian diaspora in Nigeria celebrates Sankranti

More than 400 people of the Telugu community in Nigeria participated in the Sankranti festivities organised at Darlington hall, Illupeju in Lagos on February 5. Click here to read…

Madurai businessman Arunraja appointed trade commissioner of India Africa trade Council-Ghana

World Pulses Day 2023 was celebrated on the 10th of February in Hotel Alisa by the India Africa Trade Council in Accra with the collaboration and support of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Indian High Commission in Accra to accelerate the trade relationships between both countriesClick here to read…

Union Cabinet gives nod to pact between India, South Africa on cooperation in disability sector

The pact will assist Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and ageing population in both countries who especially require modern, scientific, durable, cost effective aids and assistive devicesClick here to read…

New India-Africa cooperation ushering in an era of sustainable agriculture for the continent

A new era of cooperation between India and African countries is bringing a range of benefits to the agricultural sectors of both regions. Click here to read…

South Africa witnesses 200% surge in Indian travellers amid strong recovery

For the third consecutive year, South African Tourism finished another extremely successful partnership with South Asia’s premier travel exhibition, SATTE 2023Click here to read…

2nd batch of 12 cheetahs expected to arrive at MP’s Kuno on Feb 18, says official

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first batch of eight cheetahs – five females and three males – from Namibia into a quarantine enclosure at KNP on his 72nd birthday on September 17. Click here to read…

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 February 2023

DEFENCE

  • Defence Budget 2023-24.
  • Mission Mode (MM) projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army visiting India.
  • HAL’s Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru inaugurated by PM.
  • Operation Dost.
  • NSA Shri Ajit Doval visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023.
  • Maiden landing of LCA Navy and Mig-29K fighter aircraft on board INS Vikrant.
  • MoD signs contract worth over Rs 2,585 crore, for Corps of Engineers of Indian Army.
  • 11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group.
  • Prime Minister inaugurates Aero India 2023
  • Defence Secretary meets delegations from Saudi Arabia, USA and Oman on the sidelines of Aero India 2023
  • Defence Secretary meets UK Delegation.
  • Raksha Mantri hosts Defence Ministers’ Conclave.
  • Indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines; MoD working on the details
  • Raksha Mantri calls for joint efforts to develop India as MRO hub.
  • Defence Secretary holds talks with several defence delegations.
  • Record 75 per cent of defence capital procurement budget earmarked for domestic industry in FY 2023-24.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
  • “lack of employment- a main driver of violent extremism in Sub-Saharan Africa”: UNDP
Afghanistan
  • Taliban killed three IS operatives in a raid in Kabul.
  • “Afghanistan remains primary source of terrorist threat for Central and South Asia”: UN report.
East Asia
  • South Korean police arrested two foreigners funding terrorist groups using cryptocurrency.
  • Singaporean law-enforcement authorities detained an 18 years-old IS supporter for planning terror attacks in the country.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • Security forces arrested six JeM terrorists from Kulgam.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • A key-Maoist surrendered in Jharkhand.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in connection with ‘Coimbatore car bomb blast’ and ‘Mangaluru blast’ cases.
  • “Popular Front of India wanted to turn Bharat into Islamic State by 2047”: Maharashtra ATS.
  • NIA filed charge sheet against a PFI operative in ‘Activities of IS module in India’ case.
  • NIA arrested two accused in the ‘Phulwarisharif Patna PFI’ case.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • Bharat condemned vandalism in Melbourne, Australia.
Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) cases
  • Assam-based FICN racket busted in West Bengal.
  • STF team recovered FICNs worth ₹ 31 lakh from Odisha.

DEFENCE

Defence Budget 2023-24.

The Armed Forces allocation fornon-Salary revenue outlay has been enhanced to Rs 90,000 crore in BE 2023-24, representing a 44% jump. The Union Budget for Financial Year 2023-24 envisages a total outlay of Rs 45,03,097 crore. Of this, Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total Budget of Rs 5,93,537.64 crore, which is 13.18 % of the total budget. This includes an amount of Rs 1,38,205 crore for Defence Pensions. The total Defence Budget represents an enhancement of Rs 68,371.49 crore (13%) over the Budget of 2022-23. The Capital Allocations pertaining to modernisation and infrastructure development of the Defence Services has been increased to Rs 1,62,600 crore representing a rise of Rs 10,230 crore (6.7%) over FY 2022-23.
For more information: Click here to read…

Mission Mode (MM) projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Government has worked out the Mission Mode (MM) projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). As on date, DRDO is working on 55 MM Projects for a total sanctioned cost of Rs 73,942.82 crore. These are in the area of Decoys, Nuclear Defence Technologies, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), Combat Suite, Propulsion System, Air Droppable Container, Torpedo, Fighter Aircraft, Cruise Missile, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, AEW&C Aircraft System, Gas Turbine Engine, Assault Rifle, Warhead, Light Machine Gun, Rocket, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Infantry Combat Vehicle Command, Ordnance Disposal System, Tactical Radios, EW Systems, Radars, Life Support System, Geographical Information System, Surface to Air Missile, Anti-ship Missile, anti-Airfield Weapon, Glide Bomb, Simulator etc.
Reference: Click here to read…

Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army visiting India.

Lieutenant General Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army along with a delegation visited India from 02 to 04 February 2023. This was the maiden visit by any Commander of Royal Cambodian Army and is a milestone in Army to Army relations between both countries. He called on Mr Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary and was briefed on Indian indigenous defence equipment manufacturing eco-system by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) and the Army Design Bureau. He later called-on the Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankar, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Deputy National Security Advisor Mr Vikram Misri.
For more information: Click here to read…

HAL’s Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru inaugurated by PM.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru in Karnataka on February 06, 2023. He took a walk through of the Helicopter Facility & Structure Hangar and unveiled the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). The factory is India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility and will initially produce LUHs. The LUH is an indigenously designed and developed three-ton class, single engine multipurpose utility helicopter with unique features of high maneuverability. Initially, this factory will produce around 30 helicopters per year and can be enhanced to 60 and then 90 per year in a phased manner.

The Greenfield Helicopter Factory, spread across 615 acres of land, is planned with a vision to become a one-stop solution for all helicopter requirements of the country. After initially producing LUHs, the factory will be augmented to produce other helicopters such as Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) and Indian Multirole Helicopters (IMRHs). It will also be used for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of LCH, LUH, Civil Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and IMRH in the future. Potential exports of civil LUH will also be catered to from this factory. The HAL plans to produce more than 1,000 helicopters in the range of 3-15 tonnes, with a total business of over Rs four lakh crores over a period of 20 years.
For more information: Click here to read…

Operation Dost

Following the massive earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023, Prime Minister directed that all possible assistance be extended to the affected people. In pursuance of this, Operation Dost was launched to provide necessary support in terms of search and rescue (SAR) efforts as well as medical assistance. This swift response led to the first C-17 IAF aircraft with a specialized SAR team leaving for Türkiye within hours of a request of assistance being received. Since then, India has been able to send more than 250 personnel, specialized equipment and other relief material amounting to more than 135 tons to Türkiye on 5 C-17 IAF aircrafts.

These include three self-sustained teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) numbering more than 150 specially trained personnel, along with dog squads, specialized equipment, vehicles and supplies. Their equipment allows for detection, location, access and extrication of people trapped under collapsed structures. In addition, personnel and equipment have been sent to set up a 30-bed self-sustained field hospital of the Indian Army. This includes a team of 99 specially trained personnel, with essential medicines, advanced equipment, vehicles and ambulances. The hospital will provide for a fully functional Operation Theatre, and facilities such as X-ray, ventilators, etc.
For more information: Click here to read…

NSA Shri Ajit Doval visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023.

NSA visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023. He participated at the 5th Multilateral Meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan on 08 February 2023. Apart from the host country, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were represented at this meeting. Issues discussed included the security and humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan.

In his remarks, NSA stressed the need to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan does not become a source of radicalization and terrorism, regionally or globally, as well as to intensify intelligence and security cooperation to deal with terror outfits, including those designated under the UNSCR 1267. He also pointed out that the well-being and humanitarian needs of the Afghan people is India’s foremost priority.

NSA also called on the President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Putin and had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues. It was agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership.

On 09 February 2023, NSA held a bilateral dialogue with Secretary of the Russian Security Council, and discussed issues, including bilateral relations, regional and international developments. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry and discussed issues pertaining to bilateral defence and economic cooperation.
For more information: Click here to read…

Maiden landing of LCA Navy and Mig-29K fighter aircraft onboard INS Vikrant.

The Carrier has been undertaking extensive Air Operations with Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft since 13 Dec 22 towards Air Certification and Flight Integration Trials for achieving the ultimate aim of being ‘Combat Ready’. As part of the aviation trials, landing of LCA (Navy) and MiG-29K on board INS Vikrant was carried out on 06 Feb 23 for the first time.
For more information: Click here to read…

MoD signs contract worth over Rs 2,585 crore, for Corps of Engineers of Indian Army.

Ministry of Defence has approved the proposal for indigenous manufacture of 41 sets of Modular Bridges for the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. These game-changing bridges have been designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and shall be produced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as DRDO-nominated production agency. The contract for the procurement of Modular Bridges was signed with L&T on February 08, 2023 at an estimated cost of over Rs 2,585 crore.
For more information:

11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group.

The 11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group was held today on 10th February 2023 in New Delhi. Both sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to further enhance the existing areas of cooperation and articulated steps in this direction. During the meeting, both the sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries despite the limitations imposed by Covid-19 pandemic.

India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955. The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened in 1971. This relationship was upgraded to “strategic partnership” in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mongolia and declared it as an essential component of ‘Act East Policy’.
For more information: Click here to read…

Prime Minister inaugurates Aero India 2023.

Prime Minister inaugurated the 14th edition of Asia’s largest aero show –– Aero India 2023 – in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 13, 2023. February 13th to 15th were the business days, while 16th & 17th were public days to allow people to witness the show. The event comprised of a Defence Ministers’ Conclave; a CEOs Round Table; Manthan start-up event; Bandhan ceremony; breath-taking air shows; a large exhibition; India Pavilion and a trade fair of aerospace companies.

Organised at Air Force Station, Yelahanka in a total area of around 35,000 sqm, the event, the biggest-ever till date, witnessed the participation of 98 countries. The Defence Ministers of 32 countries, Air Chiefs of 29 countries and 73 CEOs of global and Indian OEMs were expected to attend the event. Eight hundred and nine (809) defence companies, including MSMEs and start-ups, showcased the advancement in niche technologies and the growth in aerospace and defence sector.
For more information: Click here to read…

Defence Secretary meets delegations from Saudi Arabia, USA and Oman on the sidelines of Aero India 2023.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane held bilateral meetings on 12 February 2023 with three defence delegations on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 at Bengaluru. Defence Secretary met Mr. Engr Turki Saad, General Manager Industrial Relations, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and discussed a number of bilateral defence cooperation issues.

A US delegation led by Mr. Jedijiah P. Royal, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and accompanied by Ambassador Elizabeth Jones, Charge D’Affairs US Embassy and Maj Gen Julian Cheator, US Air Force, met the Defence Secretary.
A wide range of ongoing and future defence cooperation issues were discussed. US is participating in Aero India with a number of officials, companies and aircrafts.

Later, Defence Secretary met a delegation from Oman led by HE Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary General, Ministry of Defence. The ongoing defence cooperation was reviewed and possible opportunities for increasing the depth and scope of engagements was discussed.
Reference: Click here to read…

Defence Secretary meets UK Delegation.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane had a bilateral meeting with UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement Mr Alex Chalk. The meeting was conducted on the side-lines of the Aero India 2023 which was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 13 February 2023. A number of ongoing and future defence cooperation issues were discussed including areas for potential defence industrial cooperation. The UK Minister was accompanied by British High Commissioner to India Mr Alex Ellis.
Reference: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri hosts Defence Ministers’ Conclave.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hosted the Defence & Deputy Defence Ministers of 27 countries at the Defence Ministers’ Conclave held on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru on February 14, 2023. The broad theme of the conclave was ‘Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence’ (SPEED). It sought to address aspects related to deepening cooperation for capacity building (through investments, R&D, joint ventures, co-development, co-production and provisioning of defence equipment), training, space, AI and maritime security to grow together.

Over 160 delegates from several countries, including Defence & Deputy Defence Ministers from 27 countries, 15 Defence and Service Chiefs and 12 Permanent Secretaries from 80 countries participated in the conclave attesting to India’s tremendous growth and engagement in the defence and security sectors.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines; MoD working on the details.

Ministry of Defence is working on the details of indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines to provide a new fillip to the aerospace sector and achieve complete self-reliance. This was stated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during his inaugural address at a seminar titled ‘Indigenous Development of ‘Futuristic Aerospace Technologies including Way Forward for Development of Indigenous Aero Engines’, organised by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of 14th Aero India in Bengaluru on February 14, 2023.
For more information: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri calls for joint efforts to develop India as MRO hub.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called for joint efforts to develop India as a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub. He emphasised the need for MRO services to safeguard our defence equipment and systems, and protect our defence forces. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the seminar on “Sustenance in MRO and Obsolescence Mitigation: Op capability Enhancers in Aerospace Domain” organised by the Indian Air Force at Aero India 2023 on February 14, 2023.

Speaking on the need to give a push to indigenisation, Shri Rajnath Singh mentioned that the requirement for minimum 50% indigenous content in ‘Buy Indian- IDDM’ category currently does not include maintenance. He suggested that the procurement cost as well as maintenance and support should have 50% indigenous content to make the acquisition truly “Buy Indian- IDDM” and give a boost to Aatmanirbharta. He further pointed out the need to consider the cost of defence products over their entire lifespan. “The Life Cycle cost of high value defence equipment, including service and maintenance, should be examined at the time of acquisition for a clear estimate of total expenditure on these products throughout their usable life, and to enable us to get better value for money”, he suggested. He said that this will also enable us to understand the overall financial implications and estimate the level of indigenisation in particular defence equipment.
For more information: Click here to read…

Defence Secretary holds talks with several defence delegations.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane met a number of defence delegations on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 at Bengaluru on 14 February 2023. A bilateral meeting was held with UAE delegation led by Mr Matar Salem Ali Marran Aldhaheri, Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence, UAE. They discussed a number of ongoing defence cooperation issues and expressed satisfaction at the regular military engagements.

Defence Secretary met a Myanmar delegation led by Lt Gen Kan Myint Than, Chief of Defence Industries. The ongoing defence cooperation issues were discussed. A bilateral meeting was held with Brazil. The Brazilian delegation was led by Brig Rui Chagas Mesquita, Head of Secretariat for Defence Production. They discussed a number of defence industrial cooperation issues and the possibilities for further cooperation.

Defence Secretary met a Cambodia delegation led by Gen Yun Min, Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defence. They reviewed the current cooperation between the two countries and discussed ways to enhance the defence cooperation.
A bilateral meeting was organized with Ms Katerina Gramatikova, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria with Defence Secretary. Issues related to defence industrial cooperation were discussed.

A Mauritius delegation led by Mr Kechan Balgobin, Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Mauritius met Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. They considered the ongoing and future defence cooperation matters and exchanged views on important issues.
For more information: Click here to read…

Record 75 per cent of defence capital procurement budget earmarked for domestic industry in FY 2023-24.

Record 75 per cent (approx. Rs one lakh crore) of the defence capital procurement budget has been earmarked for domestic industry in Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, up from 68 per cent in 2022-23. This was announced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the Bandhan ceremony of 14th Aero India in Bengaluru on February 15, 2023.

The Bandhan ceremony also witnessed the forging of 266 partnerships including 201 MoUs, 53 major announcements, nine product launches and three Transfers of Technology, worth around Rs 80,000 crore.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
“Lack of employment- a main driver of violent extremism in Sub-Saharan Africa”: UNDP.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report— Journey to Extremism in Africa: Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement, released on 07 February 2023, lack of job opportunities is the leading factor driving people to join violent extremist groups in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Lack of income, lack of employment and livelihoods, means that desperation is essentially pushing people to take up opportunities, with whoever offers that,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator.

Sub-Saharan Africa has become a new global epicenter of violent extremism with almost half of global terrorism deaths recorded there in 2021. After lack of employment, peer pressure from family members or friends is cited as second most common driver; followed by religious ideology for joining up the terror group.
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan
Taliban killed three IS operatives in a raid in Kabul.

In an overnight operation on 14-15 February 2023, the Taliban’s intelligence wing killed three Islamic State (IS) terrorists and arrested one during a raid in the Karti Naw neighbourhood in Kabul. According to a Taliban-appointed spokesman for Afghanistan’s General Director of Intelligence— Khalil Hamraz, “the raid on a residential building targeted IS terrorists who were involved in recent attacks in Kabul.”
For more information: Click here to read…

“Afghanistan remains primary source of terrorist threat for Central and South Asia”: UN report.

The United Nations (UN)’s 31st report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (ISIS/ISIL, al-Qa’ida) highlighted that due to the Taliban’s failure to implement a successful security policy, organisations like the Islamic State (IS/ISIL/ISIS), al-Qa’ida, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continue to pose a significant threat to Central and South Asia.

The report also mentioned that IS’s branch in Afghanistan— Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) is the primary rival to the Taliban de-facto administration, having strategic focus on Afghanistan and beyond in the historical Khurasan region. IS-KP’s main objective is to unearthed the Taliban’s in-capabilities to provide effective security in the country. By attacking diplomatic missions, IS-KP seeks to undermine the relationship between the Taliban and neighbouring countries.
For more information: Click here to read…

East Asia
South Korean police arrested two foreigners funding terrorist groups using crypto currency.

On 15 February, South Korea’s National Police Agency (NPA) arrested two foreign nationals for funding al-Qa’ida-linked terrorist group— Katibat al-Tawhidwal-Jihad (KTJ), using crypto currency. Police arrested an Uzbek and a Kazakh man who were later sent to the Supreme Prosecutors Office on charges of breaking the anti-terrorism and anti-terrorist funding acts. The United Nations (UN) designated KTJ as a terrorist group in March 2022. According to the police statement, in December 2022, nine foreign nationals were arrested on charges of funding KTJ and were later deported. It was suspected, the Uzbek collected some 10 million won (USD 7,770) by instigating other foreigners based in Yeongam, South Jeolla province, and sending funds to KTJ since August 2022. The Kazak national allegedly sent 01 million won of crypto currency to KTJ.
For more information:Click here to read…

Singaporean law-enforcement authorities detained an 18 years-old IS supporter for planning terror attacks in the country.

Singaporean law-enforcement agency detained an 18 years-old Islamic State (IS) supporter for allegedly planning to carry out terror attacks in the country. As reported, Muhammad Irfan Danyal bin Mohammad Nor, a Singaporean student, was detained under the Internal Security Act. “Muhammad Irfan became radicalised after viewing IS group propaganda online, adding that he wanted to use social media to gather terrorists to conduct attacks in Singapore”, read the statement released by the authorities.
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
Security forces arrested six JeM terrorists from Kulgam.

On 03 February 2023, security forces arrested six Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists— i) Shahid Ahmad Padder, ii) Ubaid Ahmad Itoo, iii) Danish Ahmad Dar, iv) Nawaz Ahmad Ganie, v) Abid Mushtaq, and vi)Kifayat Ahmad Lone, from Kulgam district and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. “On the basis of intelligence inputs regarding carrying out of subversive actions in Mirhama and Damhal Hanjipora area of Kulgam district, joint team of Police and 9 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) arrested six JeM terrorists in the operations,” said police.

Security forces recovered a pistol, a pistol magazine, eight pistol rounds, a hand grenade, four UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) shell, 30 rounds of AK-47, 446 rounds of M4, eight magazines of M4, one each magazine of AK-47 and INSAS, a wireless set and four walkie-talkies.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism
A ‘regional commander’ surrendered in Jharkhand.

On 10 February 2022, a key Maoist— Mithilesh Singh aka Duryodhan Mahto, who carried a bounty of ₹ 15 lakh, surrendered before security forces in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. Mithilesh was a ‘regional commander of the CPI (Maoist) group. He was ‘most-wanted’ in 104 cases in various districts of the State.

“In past three years, more than 1,300 Maoists were arrested, around 50 Maoists surrendered and 31 of them were killed in gunfight with security forces. The base area of the Maoists has shrunk, and they are now restricted to few pockets in the State,” said Inspector-General (IG) of Police (Operations)—Amol V Homkar.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in connection with ‘Coimbatore car bomb blast’ and ‘Mangaluru blast’ cases.

On 15 February 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 32 locations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in connection with the ‘Coimbatore car bomb blast’ case— RC-01/2022/NIA/CHE and eight locations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in ‘Mangaluru blast’ case— RC-47/2022/NIA/DLI.

The case— RC-01/2022/NIA/CHE pertains to a bomb blast in a car, laden with explosives in front of Kottai Eswaran temple in Coimbatore district. The accused— Jamesha Mubeen, after swearing allegiance to Islamic State (IS), planned to carry out a suicide attack on 23 October 2022. The case— RC-47/2022/NIA/DLI relates to a ‘pressure cooker bomb’/improvised explosive device (IED) blast that took place in a moving auto-rickshaw in Mangaluru, Karnataka. In two cases, during the search operations large numbers of digital devices and cash amounting to ₹ 4 lakh.
For more information: Click here to read…

“Popular Front of India wanted to turn Bharat into Islamic State by 2047”: Maharashtra ATS.

In its charge sheet filed in a local court on 02 February 2023, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) highlighted that the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned organisation, aimed to establish the ‘Rule of Islam’ in Bharat by 2047, and also had plans to obtain arms and ammunition with the assistance from foreign countries or their organisations to achieve the objectives. The ATS claimed to have recovered a document called— “India 2047-towards rule of Islam in India”.

As per the charge sheet, PFI wanted to create a split among several communities by projecting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as an organisation interested in the welfare of upper-caste Hindus.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed charge sheet against a PFI operative in ‘Activities of IS module in India’ case.

On 11 February 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against Mohammad Sohail, a PFI operative involved in conspiracy to disturb peace and spread communal hatred and enmity. Mohammad Sohail, along with other PFI members, have conspired to radicalise Muslim youth to commit violent and unlawful activities. Mohammad Sohail was arrested on 10 February 2023 from Jaipur, Rajasthan.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested two operatives in the ‘Phulwarisharif Patna PFI’ case.

On 04 February 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched eight locations and arrested two PFI operatives— i) TanveerRaza, and ii) Mohammad Abid, from Motihari, Bihar, in ‘Phulwarisharif Patna PFI’ case. Both accused were involved in conspiracy to carry out targeted killing in East Champaran district, Bihar. Few days ago, Yakoob, the PFI trainer, had posted derogatory and inflammatory Facebook video post which was aimed at disturbing the peace and harmony. Other users on Facebook trolled this post abusively. Yakoob, Tanveer, and Abid had identified some of the users and conspired to execute the killing of targeted users.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
Bharat condemned vandalism in Melbourne, Australia.

On 02 February 2023, Bharat condemned the recent anti-Bharat incidents of vandalism in various parts of Australia and asked the Australian government to ensure that country’s territory is not used for activities detrimental to “Bharat’s security, integrity, and national interest”.

“We (Bharat) strongly condemn such attacks by extremist elements. We urge the local authorities to investigate and punish the perpetrators. We have been repeatedly taking up with the Australian authorities our concerns about actions by such elements, including the proscribed terrorist organisations. Bharat has expressed a firm rejection of the Khalistan referendum and other politically-motivated activities by extremist elements,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)’s spokesman Arindam Bagchi.
For more information: Click here to read…

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) cases
Assam-based FICN racket busted in West Bengal.

On 01 February 2023, the Kolkata Special Task Force (STF)’s anti-FICN team busted an Assam-based Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) racket and arrested two racketeers— i) Abdul Rejjak Khan, and ii) Shahar Ali. During the arrest, STF team recovered a total of 2,000 notes of ₹ 500 from the possession of the duo. STF registered the case under Sections 120B, 489B, and 489C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
For more information: Click here to read…

STF team recovered FICNs worth ₹ 31 lakh from Odisha.

On 01 February 2023, Odisha’s Special Task Force (STF) and police seized a consignment of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) worth ₹ 31 lakh during a raid in Bolangir district in Odisha. The joint team seized FICNs from a man standing near the main gate of Titlagarh bus stand.
For more information: Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 7, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

The Promise and Peril of Africa in 2023

As the year 2022 ended, here is a brief recap of what happened in Africa over the past year. Most African countries were still battling to recover from the pandemic when the year began. Click here to read…

The Papal Theory of Underdevelopment

Pope Francis’ diagnosis of the causes of African underdevelopment is simplistic, condescending, and ahistorical. Click here to read…

NEWS

Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso seek re-entry to regional blocs

Foreign ministers from the three countries say ECOWAS sanctions ‘affect populations already battered by insecurity and political instability’. Click here to read…

Tigray set to restart banking services after Ethiopia sends $90m

The Ethiopian government said on Saturday it was sending about $90 million to the Tigrayan capital to help restart banking services in the country. Click here to read…

Eritrean president sidesteps questions about troops in Ethiopia

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Thursday sidestepped questions about whether his country’s troops remain in neighbouring Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Click here to read…

Kenyatta backs complete regional force deployment into DR Congo

Former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday asked countries in the East African Community to fully deploy troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Click here to read…

Sudan seeks lift of African Union’s membership suspension

Sudan has engaged in efforts with the African Union to end the suspension of its membership following the coup d’état that overthrew a civilian-led transitional government in October 2021. Click here to read…

Russia’s Lavrov backs Sudan bid to lift UN sanctions

Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov held talks in Khartoum Thursday with Sudanese officials, pledging support for their call to lift long-standing UN sanctions on the African nation. Click here to read…

Uganda says it will not renew mandate of UN human rights office

Uganda has said it will not renew the mandate of the United Nations human rights office in the East African country, citing the development of its own sufficient capacity to monitor rights compliance. Click here to read…

South Africa declares national disaster over blackouts

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a state of disaster on Thursday to combat severe electricity shortages that have crippled the country’s economy. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s naira crisis: Supreme Court suspends banknote deadline

Nigeria’s Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Friday’s deadline to stop using old banknotes, which had caused a cash crisis in the country. Click here to read…

African energy chamber endorses the 2023 Namibia international energy conference

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) recently endorsed this year’s edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference, slated for 25 to 27 April in Windhoek. Click here to read…

French-Moroccan diplomatic ties in turmoil: Ambassador’s mission comes to an end amid crisis

The mission of Morocco’s ambassador to France has ended without a successor being appointed, in a climate of diplomatic crisis between Rabat and Paris. Click here to read…

Algeria outraged by wanted protester’s French escape

Amira Bouraoui, a key leader of 2019 mass protests that brought down Algeria’s president, has escaped to France, sparking a diplomatic row. Click here to read…

Sudan: All roads lead to Khartoum as Russia, Israel and West vie in game of thrones

Israeli and Russian delegations have been to Sudan in the last week, with US and EU envoys also present. Click here to read…

Botswana warns of dangers in dash for African minerals

African governments must be wary of the risks created by rising global competition for the continent’s minerals. Click here to read…

Italy wants more money for Africa to curb arrivals in Europe

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will ask European Union peers this week to give more money to Africa and create “European humanitarian corridors” to curb irregular immigration, a document showed. Click here to read…

Can Meloni and Italy really build energy ties with Libya?

The Italian prime minister has visited Tripoli in her bid to ramp up new cross-Mediterranean energy links, but critics say that Libya is in no fit state to be a stable energy partner for Europe. Click here to read…

Russia, Mauritania eye development of economic ties

Foreign Minister Lavrov meets Mauritanian leadership on first-ever working visit to African countryClick here to read…

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visits Mali in sign of deepening ties

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on a visit to Mali on Tuesday said Moscow would continue to help Bamako improve its military capabilities. Click here to read…

Attack on UN helicopter in Central Africa; 1 peacekeeper killed, another injured

A United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed and another wounded in an attack on their helicopter in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Click here to read…

At least 24 dead in Somaliland fighting

At least 24 people have been killed and 53 wounded amid heavy fighting in the Somali city of Las Anod, after local clan elders declared their intention to cut ties with the breakaway republic of Somaliland and rejoin Somalia. Click here to read…

3 killed in attack on Ethiopian church amid tension over breakaway Orthodox synod

Three people were killed and at least four injured by alleged security forces in an attack on a church in southern Ethiopia Saturday amid growing tensions within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world. Click here to read…

UN Appeals for $2.6 Billion to Ease Hunger Crisis in Somalia

The U.N. is appealing for $2.6 billion this year to assist 7.6 million of the most vulnerable Somalis who are facing acute hunger and possible famine from conflict, high food prices, and unprecedented drought. Click here to read…

WTO head wants to ‘double or triple’ Africa’s share of global trade

Global trade is expected to slow sharply this year as high energy prices and rising interest rates take their toll on the economy. Click here to read…

Africa gears up to keep more of the profits from lithium boom

Lithium-rich African countries, including Zimbabwe and Namibia, are trying to develop processing and refining industries to capture more of the profits of global demand for the battery material. Click here to read…

Morocco to invest $1.95bn in renewable energy projects in disputed Western Sahara

Morocco has launched renewable energy projects worth 20 billion dirhams ($1.95 billion) in the disputed Western Sahara region. Click here to read…

Sub-Saharan Africa is ‘New Epicentre’ of Extremism, says UN

The new global epicenter of violent Islamic extremism is sub-Saharan Africa where people are increasingly joining because of economic factors and less for religious ones, says a new report by the U.N.’s international development agency. Click here to read…

UN High Commissioner Visits Displaced in Ethiopia

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi travelled to Ethiopia’s Tigray region this week to meet with families displaced by conflict. Click here to read…

Africa: Over Ten Ambassadors From Africa Visit China Kingho Group

On the morning of 4th February, 2023, Mr. Ding Shichao, President of China Kingho Group, accompanied the ambassadors and diplomatic staff from more than 10 African countries, including South Africa, Senegal, Benin, Rwanda, Mali, Madagascar, Malawi, Uganda, Lesotho and Chad. Click here to read…

China’s demand for Africa’s donkeys is rising. Why it’s time to control the trade

In recent years, there’s been a huge, rising demand for donkey hides in China, where they are used to make an ancient health-related product called ejiao. Click here to read…

WHO warns of Cholera outbreak in Africa, cases rise exponentially

Africa is facing an exponential rise in cholera cases, with infections in the single month of January already at a third of the level reached in the whole of 2022. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Nigeria, India Deepen Diaspora Engagement

Nigeria and India have collaborated to deepen their engagements in the area of Diaspora development for mutual benefits as both countries continue to boost cordial diplomatic relations. Click here to read…

EAM Jaishankar meets Deputy PM of Mauritius Steven Obegadoo

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius Steven Obegadoo on Friday evening. Click here to read…

Ghana seeks Indian investment in oil and gas sector

Ghana, which is struggling with its worst economic crisis in a generation, is seeking Indian investment in its oil and gas sector, William Owuraku Aidoo, its deputy minister of energy, said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

HAL delivers advanced light helicopter to Mauritius ahead of schedule

Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday said it handed over the advanced light helicopter mark-3 (ALH-Mk3) to the government of Mauritius ahead of schedule. HAL director-operations EP Jayadeva said: “HAL has handed over the helicopter way ahead of schedule. Click here to read…

Hifzur Rehman appointed next ambassador of India to Chad

Dr Hifzur Rehman, presently Director in the Ministry of External Affairs has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Chad. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Click here to read…

India’s Egyptian gateway to the Middle East

India taking more than seven decades to host the leader of the most populous Arab country as the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations signals the current state of bilateral relations. Click here to read…

ONGC Videsh eyes oil, gas ‘hot spots’ in Africa, Latin America, says MD

It’s better to invest in bigger hot spots where you can get larger discoveries… Africa and Latin America still hold a lot of potential. Ghana is there, Suriname is there. Click here to read…

Hindustan Zinc says $2.98 billion buyout of Africa zinc assets is an ‘attractive opportunity’

The transaction, approved by the Hindustan Zinc (HZL) board on January 19, was opposed by all three government nominees on the board over several concerns. Click here to read…

Kenya cashes in on growing demand for Indian travellers

Kenya is relying on the increasing appetite for leisure travel amongst the Indian youths and professionals to increase its tourism arrivals from the market. Click here to read…

SEBI reportedly probing Adani’s links with its FPO’s Mauritius-based investors

Adani cancelled the FPO even after it was fully subscribed, but the abrupt move caught the market regulator’s eye. Click here to read…

African writers share their story of storytelling

“Africa has been in motion for a long time, and the narratives that emerge about Africa challenge the grand narrative,” said South African novelist. Click here to read…

Indian filmmakers should shoot more films in Kenya, says country’s High Commissioner to India

Bollywood is “immensely popular” in Kenya, says the country’s High Commissioner to India Ambassador Willy Bett, who invited filmmakers here to shoot films in the East African nation. Click here to read…

How India’s Gujarat was shaped by East African music and culture: the Siddi influence

Africans first arrived in India about 800 years ago; today Muslim Siddis – Afro-Indians – are mostly found in the west and southwest, practising a mix of the two cultures. Click here to read…

Gujarat businessman abducted in South Africa, freed after Rs 30 lakh ransom paid

A 28-year-old businessman from Rajkot was abducted in South Africa, and released only after his father paid the captors a ransom of Rs 30 lakh. Click here to read…

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 January 2023

DEFENCE

  • The 15th India-UK foreign office consultations.
  • Prime Minister addresses first batch of Agniveers through video conferencing.
  • 5th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with his ROK.
  • 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France.
  • Indian army organises a cyber threat seminar cum workshop.
  • Inaugural Edition of Indo-Egypt Joint Training Exercise Cyclone – I.
  • Overseas deployment of ICGS SHAURYA and RAJVEER to Bangladesh.
  • Indian Coast Guard conducts course for officers & sailors of six friendly countries.
  • Fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir commissioned.
  • DRDO’s Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion system to soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari.
  • Maritime exercise TROPEX.
  • IAF’s joint air defence exercise with Japan concludes.
  • National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on an official visit to Washington DC from 30 January to 1 February 2023.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

United States
  • US Court sentenced an IS sympathiser to 50 years in prison.
West Asia
  • US drone strike killed three al-Qa’ida terrorists in Yemen.
Africa
Somalia
  • Wife of IS leader sentenced to 8 years in prison.
Burkina Faso
  • Jihadi attacks over several days killed at least 32 people in Sahel region.
Pakistan
  • Peshawar Mosque bombing: Over 100 people were killed and at least 220 injured.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • Security forces arrested four LeT terrorists and destroyed the hideout in forests of Awantipora.
  • Police arrested ‘longest-surviving’ HM terrorist from Shopian.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • NIA arrested a wanted Maoist in Chhattisgarh.
  • NIA filed two chargesheet against two accused in ‘funding to the cadres of CPI (Maoist)’ case.
  • NIA arrested a Maoist from Odisha.
  • Three hardcore Maoists surrendered in Odisha.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • NIA filed chargesheet against an accused in ‘activities of IS module in India’ case.
  • NIA filed chargesheet against two accused in ‘AQIS conspiracy’ case.
  • NIA arrested a PFI’s ‘reporter’ in ‘Kerala PFI case’.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • Pro-Khalistan slogans painted on walls in West Delhi area.
  • Hindu temple in Australia vandalised with ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ graffiti.

DEFENCE

The 15th India-UK Foreign Office consultations

The 15th India-UK Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held on 16 January 2023 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and the British side was led by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Last FOC was held in November 2020 in London.India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the adoption of Roadmap 2030 for Future Relations. The FOC provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the implementation of Roadmap 2030. Both sides discussed issues like trade & economic cooperation, defence & security, science & technology, people-to-people relationship, health and climate change.
For more Information: Click here to read…

Prime Minister addresses first batch of Agniveers through video conferencing.

Prime Minister addressed the first batch of Agniveers of the three Services, who have commenced their basic training, via video conferencing on January 16, 2023.The Prime Minister also spoke about how the scheme will further empower women. He expressed happiness at how women Agniveers are adding pride to the Naval forces, and said that he looks forward to seeing women Agniveers in all three forces. The Prime Minister also recalled how women are leading armed forces on various fronts, citing examples of woman soldier posted in Siachen and women driving modern fighter planes.

In his welcome remarks, Raksha Mantri stated that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken a number of decisions to empower the nation, terming AGNIPATH scheme as one of the most important and unprecedented reforms.

The Raksha Mantri pointed out that several ministries, including MoD, are coming forward for the welfare of Agniveers. “Reservation is being ensured for Agniveers on a number of posts in various departments of Ministry of Defence, Central Armed Police Forces and Ministry of Railways. Arrangements are being made jointly by MoD & Ministry of Education to ensure proper education to the Agniveers. In collaboration with Ministry of Finance, arrangements are being made to provide loans at reasonable rates to Agniveers, who wish to start self-employment or any business after service.
For more information: Click here to read…

5th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with his ROK.

Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, paid an official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) from 16-17 January 2023 to co-chair the 5th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with his ROK counterpart, First Vice Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, on 16 January 2023. During the FPSD, both sides agreed to enhance India–ROK Special Strategic Partnership by strengthening strategic communication through regular high-level engagements including the Foreign Minister-level Joint Commission Meeting, ‘2+2’ dialogue involving Foreign Ministry and Defence Ministry at Vice Minister/Secretary level, other ministerial and senior official dialogues, as the two countries celebrate 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including, trade and investment, security and defence, science and technology, as well as, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
For more information: Click here to read…

21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France.

The 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France – Exercise Varuna commenced on the Western Seaboard today, 16 Jan 23. While the bilateral exercise between the two navies was initiated in 1993, it was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001. This edition will witness participation of indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters and MiG29K fighter aircraft. The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique. The exercise will be conducted over five days from 16 to 20 January 2023.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indian army organises a cyber-threat seminar cum workshop

The Indian Army under the aegis of HQ Army Training Command (ARTRAC) organised the second edition of Hackathon aptly named “SAINYA RANAKSHETRAM 2.0” from October 2022 to January 2023 with an aim to seek solutions to operational cyber challenges and to jump start and telescope the development time for innovative solutions in the field of Cyber Security. The prize winners of the event were felicitated by Gen Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff during a virtual function on 17 January 2023. The event was aimed at providing a platform to identify indigenous talent in niche domains and enhance the standard of training in domains of Cyber Deterrence, Security Software Coding, Electro Magnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ ML). The participation was open to all Indian citizens and participation permitted in an individual / team manner.
For more information: Click here to read…

Inaugural Edition of Indo-Egypt Joint Training Exercise Cyclone – I

The first ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army named “Exercise Cyclone-I” is in progress at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan since 14 January 2023. The exercise aims to bolster defence co-operation between the two nations and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of Special Forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations.
Exercise “Cyclone – I” is the first exercise of its kind bringing the special forces of both the nations on a common platform. The 14 days long exercise which is being carried out in the deserts of Rajasthan engages both the contingents to advance special forces skills such as Sniping, Combat Free Fall, Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Designation, sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures.
For more information: Click here to read…

Overseas deployment of ICGS SHAURYA and RAJVEER to Bangladesh

Indian Coast Guard Ships ICGS Shaurya and Rajveer were on a six-day visit to Chattogram, Bangladesh from 13 to 19 January, 2023 to enhance the cooperative engagements and interoperability under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG). The visit holds significance in strengthening the bilateral relationships with BCG which has grown manifold over the years to ensure safe, secure and clean seas in the Region. The fruitful engagements with various senior officials and personnel of BCG during the visit has further enhanced the safety and security of the fishermen and mariners.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Coast Guard conducts course for officers & sailors of six friendly countries

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a one-week Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) operations & Search and Rescue (SAR) course in Mumbai between January 16-21, 2023. The course was conducted under the aegis of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) for officers and sailors of Maritime Security Agencies from six friendly countries – Bangladesh, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Myanmar and Maldives. A total of 22 trainees (10 officers & 12 sailors) participated in the specialised training.
For more information: Click here to read…

Fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir commissioned.

Indian Navy’s fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir was commissioned into the Indian Navy today, 23 Jan 2023 at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai in the presence of Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief Guest for the ceremony. Six Scorpene Class submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. INS Vagir would form part of the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another potent part of the Command’s arsenal. Vagir was launched on 12 Nov 20, under Project 75 (P75) and was delivered to Indian Navy on 20 Dec 22 post completion of sea trials. Vagir has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines till date.
For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO’s Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion system to soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari

In a major boost to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system of DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) will soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari. An agreement was signed between senior officials of NMRL and Naval Group France in Mumbai on January 23, 2023 to extend cooperation to enter into the detailed design phase for integration of indigenous AIP in the Kalvari class submarines. As part of the agreement, Naval Group France will certify the AIP design for integration in the submarines.
For more information: Click here to read…

Maritime exercise TROPEX

The 2023 edition of Indian Navy’s major maritime exercise TROPEX, is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region. This operational level exercise is conducted biennially and witnesses participation not only by all Indian Navy units but also of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard assets.TROPEX 23 is being conducted over a duration of three months from Jan – Mar 23.
For more information: Click here to read…

IAF’s joint air defence exercise with Japan concludes

The inaugural edition of the bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) concluded in Japan, on 26 January 2023.The JASDF participated in the exercise with its F-2 and F-15 aircraft, while the IAF contingent participated with the Su-30 MKI aircraft. The IAF fighter contingent was complemented by one IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift transport aircraft.

During the joint training spanning 16 days, the two Air Forces engaged in complex and comprehensive aerial manoeuvres in multiple simulated operational scenarios. The exercise involved precise planning and skilful execution by both the air forces. IAF and JASDF engaged in air combat manoeuvring, interception and air defence missions, both in Visual and Beyond Visual Range settings. Aircrew of the two participating Air Forces also flew in each other’s fighter aircraft to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s operating philosophies.
For more information: Click here to read…

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on an official visit to Washington DC from 30 January to 1 February 2023.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on an official visit to Washington DC from 30 January to 1 February 2023. He is accompanied by senior Government of India officials as well as leaders of Indian industry. Apart from his meeting with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, he also met Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, Acting Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, key Senators and industry leaders. He is scheduled to meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken later during the visit.

Together with NSA Sullivan, NSA Doval co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) at the White House on 31 January 2023, translating into action, the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden during their meeting in Tokyo in May 2022.
iCET aims to position the two countries as trusted technology partners by building technology value chains and support the co-development and co-production of items. It also aims to address regulatory restrictions, export controls and mobility barriers through a standing mechanism. The US side also assured support to ease export barriers to India in a few critical areas, including through efforts towards legislative changes. Emphasis was placed on strengthening linkages between the startup ecosystems and building innovation bridges in key sectors between the two countries, through expos, hackathons and pitching sessions.

In the field of defence manufacturing, the two sides agreed to focus on joint production of key items of mutual interest. The US committed to expeditious review of the license application submitted by M/s General Electric to produce jet engines in India for the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft. A new Innovation Bridge will be created to connect defence startups on both sides. In the field of space, there was appreciation of the opportunities offered by the opening up of India’s space sector, and the contribution of India’s space tech companies in the US. It was agreed that ISRO would work with NASA on human space flight opportunities, NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) project, and STEM talent exchanges.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

United States
US Court sentenced an IS sympathiser to 50 years in prison.

The United States Federal Court convicted Ibraheem Izzy Musaibli, 32 year-old, for providing and attempting to provide material support, conspiring to provide material support and attending an Islamic State (IS) training camp. The court sentenced Musaibli to maximum of 50 years in prison.

According to the Federal officials, Musaibli travelled to Yemen in April 2015 and researched about IS, including downloading group’s propaganda and an e-book on how to get into Syria. Officials said he travelled to Syria where he attended an IS-run religious training camp before going through armed/military training. Following graduation from IS’s training camp, he remained with the group before he was arrested by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDFs) and turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2018. Musaibli was convicted after a nine-day trial, and the jury deliberated for less than four hours. Sentencing is scheduled for 11 May 2023.
For more information: Click here to read… _

West Asia
US drone strike killed three al-Qa’ida terrorists in Yemen

On 30 January 2023, US forces carried out a drone strike on a car in Marib province in North-Eastern Yemen and killed three al-Qa’ida terrorists. However, the US administration did not comment on the incident or strike. The US considers al-Qa’ida’s Yemen branch— al-Qa’ida in Arab Peninsula (AQAP) among the most dangerous branches of global extremism network.
For more information: Click here to read… _

Africa
Somalia
Wife of IS leader sentenced to 8 years in prison.

On 30 January 2023, a military tribunal sentenced Fartun Abdirashid, wife of Abdiqadir Mumin, to eight years in prison for passing on information and organising financial transactions for Islamic State (IS). According to news reports, Abdiqadir Mumin is a head of IS group in East Africa. Fartun has been under custody since her arrest in March 2022 from Mogadishu. She had a working relationship with Bilal Al-Sudaani, a senior IS member who was killed on 25 January 2023 in US raid in Somalia’s northern Bari region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Burkina Faso
Jihadi attacks over several days killed at least 32 people in Sahel region

Multiple terror attacks by jihadists over several days have caused death to at least 32 people, including soldiers and civilians, in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso. On 30 January 2023, Burkina Faso’s State Information Agency stated on its Facebook page that dozens of soldiers and a civilian were killed in Falagountou in Sahel Region during gun-battle between military and terrorists. In two separate attacks on 28-29 January, another 20 people were killed in east-central and western regions of Burkina Faso.

Islamic extremism linked to al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS) has ruined the Western African nation for several years, killing thousands and displacing around two million people. According to the data prepared by Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, almost 5,000 civilians have been killed since 2015.
For more information: Click here to read…

Pakistan
Peshawar Mosque bombing: Over 100 people were killed and at least 220 injured

During the Zuhr (noon) prayers on 30 January 2023, over 100 people were killed, mostly police personnel, and at least 220 were injured in a suicide bombing targeting a mosque in high-security area of Police Lines in Peshawar. “The attacker blew himself up while among the worshippers. 90 per cent of casualties included police personnel,” said Siddique Khan, a police official.

The commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Pakistani Taliban— Sarbakaf Mohmand, claimed responsibility for attack on Twitter. However, few hours later, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khurasani distanced the group from the bombing, saying “it was not its policy to target mosques, seminaries and religious places.”
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
Security forces arrested four LeT terrorists and destroyed the hideout in forests of Awantipora.

On 30 January 2023, security forces, including Kashmir Zone police, arrested four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and destroyed their hideout in Hafoo Nageenpora forests of Awanipora, Union Territory in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Security forces recovered incriminating materials from terrorists’ hideout.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police arrested ‘longest-surviving’ HM terrorist from Shopian

On 22 January 2023, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested a ‘longest-suriving’ Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Nasir Ahmed Sher Gojri, from Shopian district.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism
NIA arrested a wanted Maoist in Chhattisgarh

On 29 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA)-Raipur arrested a female Maoist member— MadkamUngi aka Kamla, from Bhoplpatanam area in Bijapur district. Swiftly acting upon the information, soon the NIA team from Raipur was mobilised and deployed at the operation. Further investigation in this case. Further investigation in this case is in progress.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed charge sheets against two accused in ‘funding to the cadres of CPI (Maoist)’ case

On 20 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against two accused in NIA Special Court, Jharkhand. The case— RC-05/2021/NIA/RNC pertains to the conspiracy hatched by the CPI (Maoist) operatives, for its revival of Magadh zone and to raise funds for the organisation.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested a Maoist from Odisha

On 23 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a Maoist— Ranju Khilo, 40 years old, from Malkangiri district in Odisha. Ranju is an accused for participating in an ambush in which four BSF personnel attained Veergati.
For more information: Click here to read…

Three hard core Maoists surrendered in Odisha

On 26 January 2023, three hard core Maoists— i) Manoj Madhi, ii) Pandu Kabasi, and iii) AiteKarttami, carrying bounty of ₹ 1 lakh each, surrendered before the Malkangiri district police and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.
Recent appeals made by Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Director-General of Police (DGP), Odisha Police to active Maoists and militias have guided them in leaving the path of violence by surrendering and becoming part of the mainstream for peaceful development of these areas. In the past three years, more than 23 active Maoists and hundreds of active militias and Maoist sympathisers have surrendered in Malkangiri District, read the statement released by police.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
NIA filed charge sheet against an accused in ‘activities of IS module in India’ case

On 31 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against an Islamic State (IS) operative and accused— Mohammad Mohsin Ahmad, in NIA Special Court, Delhi. The case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to a conspiracy hatched by the IS operatives to propagate the ideology and raise funds for the organisation. The investigation had revealed that Mohsin raised funds for the IS and further sent these funds to his Syria-based IS handlers via cryptocurrency channels.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed charge sheet against two accused in ‘AQIS conspiracy’ case

On 19 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge sheet against two accused— i) Akhtar Hussain Laskar, and ii) Abdul Aleem Mondal, before NIA Special Court, Bangalore. The case— RC-40/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to conspiracy hatched by the group’s operative and to send youth to Kashmir and Khurasan province in Afghanistan. The accused spoke with online handlers situated overseas using end-to-end encrypted networks. The accused attempted to recruit young people, conduct war against Bharat, and train terrorists in Afghanistan’s Khurasan Province based on the instructions of their online handlers.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested a PFI’s ‘reporter’ in ‘Kerala PFI case’

On 17 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Mohammed Sadik, a Popular Front of India (PFI)’s ‘reporter’ from Kollam district in Kerala. Mohammed Sadik was arrested in connection to the ‘Kerala PFI case’— RC-02/2022/NIA/KOC which pertains to illicit activities of PFI, its office bearers, members, and other affiliates in Kerala.

Investigation have revealed that Mohammed Sadik was recruited and assigned the job of a ‘reporter’ by the PFI. A ‘reporter’ in the PFI system collects details about leaders of other community for possible targeting by ‘Hit Squads’ of the PFI. Further investigations in the case are in progress.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
Pro-Khalistan slogans painted on walls in West Delhi area

On 19 January 2023, pro-Khalistan slogan, including ‘anti-national’ and ‘Khalistan Referendum 2020’, in form of graffiti found on walls in West Delhi area. The Special Cell unit of Delhi Police removed the graffiti and registered the case under Sections 154B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

“In early morning hours of 19 January, multiple graffiti raising objectionable slogans appeared in the area of Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, PaschimVihar, Peeragarhi and other parts of west Delhi. Some people had painted anti-national, Khalistan-related graffiti,” said Delhi Police PRO Suman Nalwa.
For more information: Click here to read…

Hindu temple in Australia vandalised with ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ graffiti

On 20 January 2023, Iskcon temple was defaced with anti-Bharat and pro-Khalistan graffiti in Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia. Earlier, Shri Shiva Vishnu temple in Victoria was also vandalised with similar slogans. In January 2023, this was the third such attack on Hindu temples in Australia.
For more information: Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 6, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Whither Political Freedoms in Africa?

A marked disjuncture between the consolidation of democratic forms and the affirmation of civil liberties is one of the many paradoxes of Africa’s democratic evolution. Click here to read…

How the international community can help restore Sudan’s democracy

The 2019 Sudanese revolution was a uniquely inspiring moment for the world. Click here to read…

NEWS

Tunisia votes again in 2nd round of parliamentary elections

Tunisian voters headed to polling stations on Sunday for the second round of parliamentary elections in a country embroiled in a deepening political crisis. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso, Mali eye federation after expelling French soldiers

Burkina Faso’s prime minister, in a visit to neighbouring Mali this week, has suggested the two countries form a “federation” to boost their economic clout, his office said. Click here to read…

Ethiopian PM meets Tigray region leaders for first time since peace deal

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met senior leaders of the Tigray region forces on Friday for the first time since they signed a peace deal with the national government ending two years of war. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe approves ‘draconian’ law targeting civil society

Zimbabwe’s upper house of parliament has approved legislation that critics say will gag civil society groups, placing them under the threat of harsh sanctions and strict government control. Click here to read…

Why lifting Tanzania’s opposition ban suits President Samia

There is a well-deserved excitement about the return after six years of political rallies in Tanzania. Click here to read…
South Africa to host 15th BRICS summit at Durban in late August 2023

The 15th BRICS summit is all set to take place in South Africa’s Durban in late August this year. Click here to read…

Somalia hosts regional summit to discuss fighting al-Shabab

Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti are set to discuss a joint military offensive against the al-Qaeda affiliate. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s attempt to replace its currency notes descends into chaos

Long queues form outside cash machines and fights break out as customers demand access to money. Click here to read…

US seeks to expel Russian mercenaries from Sudan, Libya

The United States has stepped up pressure on Middle East allies to expel the Wagner Group, a military contractor owned by an oligarch with close ties to Russia’s president. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso Junta Leader Says No Wagner Mercenaries in Country as Ties with France Worsen

Burkina Faso’s military leader said Friday that there was no break in diplomatic relations with France, which he asked to withdraw its forces, and denied Russian Wagner mercenaries were in the country. Click here to read…

South Africa’s ANC calls for ‘state of disaster’ to end energy crisis

South Africa’s governing ANC party has asked top officials to declare a national state of disaster to end severe electricity blackouts that have wreaked havoc on Africa’s most industrialised nation. Click here to read…

Is Mozambique LNG rebirth in sight? Speculation builds about restart of $20 billion project

Thought to be in Mozambique, TotalEnergies’ chief executive Patrick Pouyanne may shortly announce positive progress on huge developmentClick here to read…

E Guinea accuses French firm of giving away domain name

Equatorial Guinea’s vice-president has accused French telecom operator Orange SA of “fraudulently” giving the .gq domain name to the Netherlands, forcing the African nation’s institutions to pay to use the domain. Click here to read…

Angola Needs U.S.$ 238.5 Million to Complete Clearing Landmines

Angola said Thursday it needs more than USD238.5 million to complete the demining process, started in 2002. Click here to read…

Chad to open embassy in Israel on Thursday: Israeli PM Netanyahu

Israel and Chad resumed ties in 2018 following a visit to Jerusalem by then-President Idriss Deby to PM Netanyahu. Click here to read…

Israel, Sudan announce deal to normalise relations

Israel and Sudan have finalised a deal to normalise relations, with a signing ceremony expected following a transfer of power from the military to a civilian government in Khartoum. Click here to read…

Yellen warns against violating Russia sanctions during SA stop of Africa Tour

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she had discussed economic sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine in every stop on her Africa tour and she was hopeful an agreement on the next Russian oil price cap could be reached soon. Click here to read…

China must join Ghana debt restructuring effort soon, Germany’s Lindner says

Germany’s finance minister singled out China during a visit to Ghana on Friday, as he called on countries that have lent to the embattled West African nation to form a creditor committee quickly to help it restructure its debt. Click here to read…

Russian Forces Help Secure Central Africa Gold Zone in New Pact

Three nations have agreed with the help of Russian troops to secure a gold-rich region in the Central African Republic rife with armed rebel groups, the latest sign of Moscow’s expanding influence on the continent. Click here to read…

ECOWAS accuses France of fuelling political lethargy on West Africa’s single currency

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has alleged that the French government is fueling a political inertia in the adoption of the West African single currency, ECO, over its CFA franc. Click here to read…

Tundu Lissu’s return reawakens opposition in Tanzania

Tanzanian politician Tundu Lissu has energised opposition politics after he returned to the country from exile to a heroic welcome. Click here to read…

Cameroon’s ex-defense minister gets 30 years in jail for corruption

A court in Cameroon on Thursday sentenced a former defense minister to 30 years in prison for embezzling more than $38 million. Click here to read…

Somalia is the most corrupt country in the world

Somalia sits at the bottom of the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index by Berlin-based corruption watchdog Transparency International that surveyed 180 countries. Click here to read…

Seychelles ranked Africa’s least corrupt country – 2022 CPI

Seychelles has maintained its top ranking for the sub-Saharan African region in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released on Tuesday. Click here to read…

More than 40 killed in Nigeria as gunmen and vigilantes clash

More than 40 people have been killed in clashes between gunmen and vigilantes in Nigeria’s northern Katsina state, the latest violence ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections. Click here to read…

UAE, Algeria explore cooperation in defence industries

The Joint Emirati-Algerian Committee concluded its 11th meeting on Thursday. Click here to read…

Spain and Morocco hold first summit in eight years

Spain and Morocco are holding their first summit for eight years as they seek to strengthen their economic ties. Click here to read…

Italy’s Meloni in Libya to conclude $8 billion gas deal

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Tripoli on Saturday to conclude an $8 billion gas deal aimed at boosting energy supplies to Europe despite the insecurity and political chaos in the North African country. Click here to read…

Italy is building ties with Algeria, and could bring it closer to the West

A perception of isolation within Algiers could push it to deepen relations with Russia and China, hindering relations with the West. Click here to read…

One Chinese citizen killed in Ethiopia’s Oromiya region – embassy

One Chinese citizen was killed in an attack on Monday in Ethiopia’s Oromiya region, the Chinese embassy in the country said, and it warned other citizens in Ethiopia to exercise caution and build up safety awareness. Click here to read…

‘Hands off Africa,’ Pope Francis tells rich world

Pope Francis denounced the “poison of greed” driving conflicts in Africa as he began a visit to Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, saying the rich world had to realise that people were more precious than the minerals in the earth beneath them. Click here to read…

Rhino poaching surges 93 percent in Namibia

Authorities say 87 rhinos were killed last year compared with 45 in 2021, most of them poached from the country’s largest park. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Rwanda opens third consulate in india

Rwanda has opened the third Honorary Consulate in India in the State of Kolkata and commissioned an Indian national to run the office with jurisdiction in nine States. Click here to read…

Rwanda names new consul to Indian city of Kolkata

Rudra Chartejee was on January 31, appointed the Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Kolkata, India. Click here to read…

Parliamentary delegation from Zambia calls on President Droupadi Murmu

A Parliamentary delegation from Zambia called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. Click here to read…

EAM Jaishankar meets Zambia National Assembly Speaker Nelly Mutti and her delegation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today held a meeting with Zambia National Assembly Speaker Nelly Mutti and her delegation in Parliament House and discussed economic and development cooperation. Click here to read…

India hands over 100 nautical charts to Kenya

A joint survey of the coastal area around the Lamu Archipelago near Kenya had been carried out by the Navies of the two countriesClick here to read…

India and Egypt Expand Space Cooperation through a Strategic Partnership

India and Egypt are expected to deepen their cooperation in the space sector after elevating their relations to a “Strategic Partnership” on 26 January 2023. Click here to read…

Ghana finds in India a dependable partner – Minister

Mr Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, a Deputy Minister, Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, says Ghana finds in India a dependable partner in bilateral cooperation, evident in India’s confidence and investment in the country’s economy. Click here to read…

India supports peace process and capacity building in South Sudan

India on Tuesday supported the peace process and capacity building in South Sudan in the journey for peace. Click here to read…

India Pavilion – Agritech West Africa 2023 Ghana

The Expo will feature participation from ten different countries and will be organised under the auspices of Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, with the support of Ghana’s High Commission in India and all major Chambers and Associations in the Agribusiness in Ghana. Click here to read…

Kenya showcases destination attractions to attract Indian tourists

Destination Kenya is all set to attract Indian Outbound Tourism with a slew of initiatives planned for the upcoming season. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 4, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Here’s how President Biden can build on the promise of his Africa summit

After an eight-year hiatus, the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit returned to Washington last month amid heightened global geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty. Click here to read…

The West, Debt and Other Takeaways from Chinese Foreign Minister’s Africa Trip

China’s new Foreign Minister Qin Gang wrapped up his first international tour to Africa this week, during which he visited five diverse countries — Ethiopia, Gabon, Benin, Angola and Egypt. Click here to read…

NEWS

Thousands protest in Tunisia against president’s rule

Thousands of protesters angry at Tunisia’s economic crisis and the president’s increasingly authoritarian drift marched on Saturday through the capital, responding to a call from opposition parties to mark 12 years since Tunisian protesters unleashed Arab Spring uprisings around the region. Click here to read…

Head of Ethiopia’s Supreme Court resigns

A letter to the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) on Tuesday did not state the reason for their resignation, local media house Addis Standard reported. Click here to read…

Western Sahara: The Polisario movement’s 16th congress set for election

Thousands of soldiers and supporters of The Polisario Front – the Western Sahara’s pro-independence movement, met on Thursday at the Dakhla Refugee Camp in the Tindouf Region of Algeria, to hold the start of a party conference. Click here to read…

Sudan forces crack down on protesters in capital

Sudanese protesters tried to march onto parliament on Thursday but were intercepted by security forces who fired tear gas and water hoses at the crowds. Click here to read…

Treasury Secretary Yellen kickstarts Biden administration visits to Africa

The Biden administration’s big push to engage more with Africa is underway as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen begins a 10-day visit aimed at promoting all the economic possibilities that lie between the U.S. and the world’s second-largest continent. Click here to read…

In Senegal, Yellen talks about future of US-Africa relations

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen caravanned from a government building to a business incubator in Dakar on Friday and was set to end her day at the president’s residence, spreading a message of mutually beneficial U.S.-Africa relations. Click here to read…

Al Qaeda’s JNIM pushes closer to Malian capital

Over the last few weeks, the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), al Qaeda’s branch for the Sahel and much of West Africa, has perpetrated a series of attacks that have inched closer and closer to the Malian capital of Bamako. Click here to read…

Italian PM Heads to Algeria to Secure Energy Supplies

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to travel to Algeria this weekend in the European country’s latest bid to secure more energy supplies away from Russia. Click here to read…

Ruslan Obiang Nsue: Equatorial Guinea president’s son arrested over plane’s sale

Equatorial Guinea’s vice-president personally ordered the arrest of his half-brother over allegations he sold a plane owned by the state airline, a government statement says. Click here to read…

Probe after comments to ‘free’ W.Sahara at Africa football cup

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said Sunday it will investigate comments made at the African Nations Championship in Algeria to “free” the disputed Western Sahara, that have sparked Moroccan fury. Click here to read…

Ghana to host Africa’s political, business leaders at Africa Prosperity Dialogues

The maiden edition of The Africa Prosperity Dialogue Series will take place from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 January, 2023 in Ghana, proud host nation of the AfCFTA Secretariat. Click here to read…

Egypt’s soaring prices drive home economic pain

In better times, Om Mohamed’s family used to take holidays at resorts on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Click here to read…

Are white mercenaries fighting in the DRC conflict?

Western diplomats are deeply worried about the sudden appearance of Eastern European mercenaries in the volatile eastern Congo. Click here to read…

Zambia received ‘debt-for-nature’ proposal from WWF for restructuring

Zambia received a “debt-for-nature swap” proposal as part of its $13 billion restructuring discussions, a move that while complex to secure and not part of current talks, could set an eco-friendly precedent for other debt crises if eventually included. Click here to read…

G20 creditors on board for Ghana debt relief talks: Paris Club

Ghana is in the throes of its worst economic crisis in decades and has requested a restructuring of its debt. Click here to read…

Somalia to Issue First New Banknotes in More Than Three Decades

Somalia’s central bank aims to replace the only high-value currency note still in use by next year to deal with counterfeit bills, excess cash in circulation and inflation. Click here to read…

They are on the run’: Somalia leads fight against al-Shabab

Enough was enough. For 13 years, extremists with al-Qaida’s East Africa affiliate had controlled Mohamud Adow’s village in central Somalia, imposing harsh ideology and arresting local teachers and traditional leaders. Click here to read…

Kenyan security forces kill 10 suspected al-Shabab fighters

Kenyan security forces have killed 10 fighters from the Somalia-based al-Shabab group in eastern Kenya, a government official says. Click here to read…

Abducted Burkina Faso women flee gunmen as attacks spike

Piercing thorns and stones underfoot did not stop the young woman as she charged through thickets, baby strapped to her back, fleeing armed men who kidnapped her with dozens of others in northern Burkina Faso last week. Click here to read…

Tanzania registers record $63 million diamond exports

Tanzania diamond exports increased significantly to $63.1 million (Sh147.46 billion) by November 2022, the Bank of Tanzania has revealed. Click here to read…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Skips Davos Amid Electricity Crisis
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has canceled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos in order to deal with his country’s worsening power blackouts. Click here to read…

Russia delivers more warplanes, helicopters to Mali

Mali’s current Air force Chief hails the latest deliveries as the latest stage in the “unprecedented” modernisation of the country’s forces, which are facing a militant insurgency. Click here to read…

Central African premier holds talks at Russian Defence Ministry

Central African Republic (CAR) Prime Minister Felix Moloua held talks in Moscow on Thursday with the leadership of Russia’s Defence Ministry. Click here to read…

Senegal institute wins $50 mln in boost to Africa’s vaccine capacity

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI) will invest up to $50 million over 10 years to help Senegal’s Institut Pasteur expand Africa’s ability to produce vaccines at scale. Click here to read…

Uganda turns away from belt and road rail deal as China stalls on loans

Kampala cancels US$2.3 billion construction deal over funding delays, looks to Turkish company to take over the projectClick here to read…

Uganda approves construction licence for $3.5 bln crude pipeline

Uganda on Wednesday issued a final tender to company controlled by TotalEnergies to construct a $3.5 billion oil pipeline through to Tanzania. Click here to read…

China, Benin ink deal on partial debt cancellation

China and Benin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on partial debt cancellation Saturday during the visit of the Chinese top diplomat Qin Gang to the African country. Click here to read…

Congo sees deal on $6 bln China mining contract overhaul this year

Democratic Republic of Congo expects to reach an agreement on overhauling $6 billion of an infrastructure-for-minerals deal with Chinese investors this year. Click here to read…

China-built Namibian railway renovation project completed

The restoration of the railway line between Walvis Bay and Arandis in Namibia, with a total length of nearly 110 kilometers, by a Chinese construction company was completed. Click here to read…

China-Africa traditional friendship shows ‘new characteristic’ as FM Qin concludes 8-day visit

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang concluded his first official overseas trip since his appointment on December 30, 2022, with visits to five African countries and two regional organizations on his busy eight-day schedule. Click here to read…

Russia, China to hold naval drills off South Africa

Russia and China will conduct naval drills in the Indian Ocean off the coast of South Africa next monthClick here to read…

Israel ready to support Nigeria with intelligence in tackling terrorism

Israel says it is ready to support Nigeria in the areas of Intelligence sharing, modern combat equipmentand extraction of relevant information to effectively win the ongoing war against terrorism. Click here to read…

Morocco says it will boost military ties with Israel

Morocco’s army said Tuesday it had agreed with Israel to strengthen military cooperation including in intelligence and cybersecurity, following defense meetings in Rabat. Click here to read…

Zambia, UAE to develop $2 billion solar projects

Zesco, the Zambian state-owned power utility, and Masdar, the United Arab Emirates renewable energy firm has signed an agreement to develop solar projects in the amount of $2 billion.Click here to read…

Gambian vice president dies after ‘short illness’ in India

Joof was the fourth deputy to serve under President Barrow since his historic 2016 win against former strongman Yahya Jammeh. Click here to read…

Gabon’s foreign minister dies after suffering heart attack during cabinet meeting

Gabon’s foreign minister Michael Moussa Adamo died Friday after suffering a heart attack during a cabinet meeting, the government and a presidential source saidClick here to read…

European Parliament condemns Morocco for first time in 25 years, after vote on human rights

European lawmakers voted on Thursday to condemn Morocco for the first time in 25 years, as it called on the country to respect media freedom and to release all political prisoners and jailed journalists. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India, Egypt to hold dialogue on defence ties during President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit

India and Egypt are likely to seal around half a dozen agreements during the visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi who is slated to arrive in New Delhi on January 24 ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. Click here to read…

180-Strong Egypt Contingent To Join Republic Day Parade, President Chief Guest

According to sources, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is set to arrive in New Delhi on January 24th and will be greeted by Minister of State for External Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. Click here to read…

CYCLONE – I: India, Egypt special forces hold joint exercise in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer

The 14 days long exercise will focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of special forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations. Click here to read…

Togo-India Partnership: President Gnassigbe recently met India’s ambassador

The Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbé, met India’s Ambassador to Togo, Ram Saajiv Tandon last Tuesday. Click here to read…

Lok Sabha Speaker calls on Tanzanian PM, says solutions to global issues require joint action

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to Tanzania, called on Prime Minister of Tanzania Kassim Majaliwa and said that solutions to global issues require joint action. Click here to read…

Seychelles receives new Ashok Leyland buses made for island use

The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) has received the first batch of new Ashok Leyland buses to upgrade its transport system. Click here to read…

HDFC Bank-HDFC merger: Mauritius FSC okays Griha share transfer from HDFC Holdings

The country’s largest housing finance company HDFC Ltd on Monday, January 16, said it got approval from the Financial Services Commission, Mauritius for the transfer of shares of Griha Investments from HDFC Holdings Ltd to HDFC Bank for the merger. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 51, 2022)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Where is Tunisia headed after its latest elections?

A 91 percent abstention rate from Tunisia’s parliamentary elections indicates a growing gap between Tunisians and the North African country’s politics. Click here to read…

A shift in the US perspective on Africa

China was the elephant in the room as the Biden administration sought to regain trust among African leaders gathered in Washington this week. Analysts say the US made some progress to that end. Click here to read…

NEWS

US, Africa seal $15 billion in trade investments during Washington summit

The United States committed to $15 billion worth of two-way trade deals with several countries in Africa during a summit in Washington this week, the White House said on WednesdayClick here to read…

US-Africa Leadership Summit: Nigeria & Rwanda become first African signatories of Artemis Accords on space collaboration

Nigeria and Rwanda became the first African signatories of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-led Artemis Accords on space collaboration, according to statement by the US White House December 13, 2022. Click here to read…

Battle for African Union leadership plays out at US-Africa Summit

With East Africa in line to select the AU chairman at its next annual leadership rotation in February, regional powerhouse Kenya is facing off with the island nation of Comoros. Click here to read…

Angola hosts 10th summit of the OACPS, represents 79 states

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states, which represents 79 countries, held its penultimate meeting in Angola’s capital Luanda on Friday. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa re-elected as leader of ruling ANC party

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party despite being mired in scandal and facing calls to step down as president. Click here to read…

Tunisian election, dismissed by Saied critics as charade, draws just 8.8% turnout

Only 8.8% of Tunisian voters cast ballots in Saturday’s parliamentary elections, authorities announced, after most political parties boycotted the vote as a charade aimed at shoring up President Kais Saied’s power. Click here to read…

Nigeria 2023: Will Nigerians see a peaceful transition of power?

Next year, Nigerians will go to the polls in what some regard as the most significant election for decades. Click here to read…

Biden backs African Union becoming permanent G20 member

US also pledges $165m to help support elections and good governance as African nations prepare to hold votes next year. Click here to read…

Biden announces presidential visit to Africa next year

President Biden announced Thursday he would make his first presidential visit to Africa next year as he seeks to convince African leaders that the United States is serious about engaging them in international decisions and countering China’s rising influence in the region. Click here to read…

US Hits Zimbabwe President’s Son With Sanctions

The Biden administration on Monday slapped corruption sanctions on the son of Zimbabwe’s president as the U.S. prepares to host a major summit of African leaders in Washington. Click here to read…

DR Congo floods leave more than 120 dead in Kinshasa

More than 120 people have been killed following the worst floods in years in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, the authorities say. Click here to read…

Uganda to nationalise electricity utility as private contracts conclude

The government of Uganda is to form the Uganda National Electricity Company Ltd after contracts with Eskom and Umeme come to their conclusion. Click here to read…

Sudan, Ethiopia joint committee discusses railway connecting two countries

The Sudanese-Ethiopian Joint Technical Committee held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the feasibility study of a railway project linking the two neighbouring countries. Click here to read…

North gets lion’s share as Nigeria, US sign energy deal

At least 360 rural communities and 16 others have been earmarked nationwide for the construction of 5,000MW of solar power generation and 2,500MWh of battery energy storage power plants. Click here to read…

1st African Country to Provide Military Support To Ukraine, Morocco Could Send T-72 Tank Spare Parts To Kyiv

Morocco has reportedly decided to send military aid to Ukraine after the US secretly convinced Rabat to transfer spare parts for T-72 tanks to Kyiv. If true, this would make Morocco the first African country to provide military assistance to Ukraine. Click here to read…

Guinea’s ex-military leader denies role in 2009 stadium massacre

Guinea’s ex-military leader Moussa Dadis Camara on Monday denied charges that he was responsible for a 2009 stadium massacre, as he took the stand for the first time in a long-awaited trial. Click here to read…

Libya PM admits role in Lockerbie suspect’s transfer

Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbaiba has admitted that his administration was involved in the transfer of Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir al-Marimi, a Lockerbie bombing suspect, to the United States last week. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso aware of the dangers of Wagner force -France

France’s foreign ministry said on Thursday the Burkina Faso government was fully aware of the risks of working with mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner Group after Ghana alleged on Wednesday that Ouagadougou had hired the group. Click here to read…

Uganda army says 11 Islamist militants killed in cross-border raid

A group of 11 Islamist militants based in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were killed in clashes with Ugandan forces overnight during a cross-border raid, Uganda’s army said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Russian culture center head wounded in Central African Republic assassination attempt

The head of a Russian cultural center in the Central African Republic was taken to hospital in the capital Bangui on Friday after an assassination attempt, the Russian Embassy said. Click here to read…

Two UN peacekeepers shot dead near Timbuktu in Mali

An unidentified gunman has shot and killed two officers from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali while they were on patrol near the city of Timbuktu. Click here to read…

US gifts SAFE International patrol boat to Mozambique

As part of the U.S. commitment to assist Mozambique in stabilizing the conflict-ridden Cabo Delgado province, the U.S. government this week donated a patrol boat to the Mozambican navy. Click here to read…

Botswana Develops Security Strategy to Counter Terrorism Threat

Botswana is developing a national security strategy amid fears of heightened terrorism threats. Click here to read…

Bodies of 27 migrants, including children, found in Chad desert

The bodies of 27 migrants, including four children, have been found in the Chadian desert, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which said they died of thirst. Click here to read…

IMF Approves $3 Billion Loan to Egypt

The International Monetary Fund has approved a deal that will provide a USD 3 billion support package to cash-strapped Egypt over a period of almost four years. Click here to read…

Ghana expects $3 bln IMF loan approval early in 2023

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is poised to lend Ghana $3 billion as the African nation grapples with its worst economic crisis in a generation, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Body of Zambian national killed fighting in Ukraine returns home

The body of Lemekani Nathan Nyirenda, a fighter recruited by the mercenary group Wagner for combat operations in Ukraine, was returned to Zambia on Sunday. Click here to read…

Shell begins drilling offshore Namibia

Shell Upstream Namibia BV, a subsidiary of Shell Plc, is advancing drilling offshore Namibia with delivery of Northern Ocean Ltd.’s Deepsea Bollsta semisubmersible drilling rig. Click here to read…

Bangladesh could import gas from Mozambique

Bangladesh and Mozambique have the opportunities to increase bilateral trade, such as of agricultural products and fish, alongside tourism. Click here to read…

Microsoft targets internet expansion in Africa, longer-term cloud adoption

Microsoft targets internet expansion in Africa, longer-term cloud adoption. Microsoft Corp aims to secure internet access for 100 million more people in Africa by 2025, teaming up with a satellite provider and setting the stage for longer-term cloud adoption. Click here to read…

Visa Pledges to Invest $1 billion in Africa to Accelerate Digital Transformation

During US-Africa Business Forum, Visa outlines pledge to invest $1 billion in Africa by 2027 to scale operations, deploy new innovative technologies and deepen collaboration with partners. Click here to read…

Tunisia judge orders arrest of former prime minister

Ali Larayedh, vice president of opposition Ennahdha party, is arrested days after Tunisia’s legislative elections. Click here to read…

Ruto pitches Kenya Airways sale to Delta

Kenyan President William Ruto reportedly has pitched a plan to Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) to save Kenya Airways (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) as the government seeks to divest entirely from the struggling carrier. Click here to read…

Sudan strikes deal with UAE firms for $6 billion port

Sudan’s military government signed a $6 billion preliminary agreement with two firms from the United Arab Emirates Tuesday to construct a new port on the Red Sea coast, Sudanese state media said. Click here to read…

In Kenya, Meta sued for $2B for fueling ethnic violence

A lawsuit filed in a Kenyan court on Wednesday accused Meta of fueling political unrest in Africa demanding that the company pay over $2 billion in victims funds and make significant improvements to its service.’ Click here to read…

Egypt: Fake antibiotics kill several children in Egypt

Several children have died in Egypt as a result of the use of fake antibiotics, reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. Click here to read…

Fiery violence after France trounced Morocco wasn’t random hooliganism but an obligation

Football, was once with some consideration, described as “socialism without the politics.” Click here to read…

Fresh from World Cup game, France ends Morocco visa restrictions

France’s foreign minister Catherine Colonna said Paris has restored normal consular relations with Morocco following a year-long dispute linked to France’s decision to slash the number of visas for Moroccans visiting France. Click here to read…

France and Algeria mend ties after months long visa row

France said Sunday it had ended months of tensions over a visa dispute with Algeria, just days after Paris and Rabat made a similar announcement. Click here to read…

Kagame defends Africa’s right to a partnership with China

Rwandan President Paul Kagame was a vocal defender of Africa’s quest to expand its economic partnership with China, saying the continent has a right to seek partners and China is filling a gap for investment. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Serum Institute of India dispatches 40k doses of Ebola vaccine to Uganda

Oxford’s Ebola vaccine candidate has been shipped to Uganda, just 80 days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a Sudan Ebola virus outbreak. Click here to read…

India launches ‘Group of Friends’ to promote accountability for crimes against peacekeepers

India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco and Nepal are co-chairs of the ‘Group of Friends to Promote Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers’. Click here to read…

India Making for World! Modern Coach Factory receives order for AC coaches from Mozambique-PHOTOS

Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district has received a repeat order for 10 second class AC sitting loco hauled coaches from Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM), Mozambique. Click here to read…

Banks Looking At Possibility Of Rupee Trade With Bangladesh, African Nations

India imported goods worth USD 3,520.83 million from Egypt, of USD 1,004.24 million from Algeria and USD 2,725.08 million from Angola in the last financial year. Click here to read…

India rupee settlement mechanism draws interest from more nations

India’s rupee trade settlement mechanism, a means of using rupees instead of dollars and other big currencies for international transactions, is attracting interest from more countries. Click here to read…

Africa struggling to reduce dependency on imported Indian rice

Outside Dak village in central Senegal women sing and dance as they scythe through rice stalks with sickle or knife. The harvest is under way in the west African nation, but there will not be enough for everyone. Click here to read…

India contests Africa child death charge

India’s top drug regulator has accused the World Health Organisation of relying on a “premature deduction” to assert earlier this year that contaminated Indian-made cough syrups had caused child deaths in the Gambia. Click here to read…

India says samples taken from pharma firm linked to Gambia deaths meet required standards

India has told the World Health Organization that samples taken from Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma, whose products were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia, have been found to comply with required specifications. Click here to read…

Gambia child deaths: WHO stands by ‘dangerous’ India cough syrup claim

The WHO has said it stands by its action after India said that four cough syrups linked to child deaths in The Gambia complied with specifications when tested at home. Click here to read…

Senegal struggles to break dependence on imported rice

Around the village of Dak in central Senegal, women cut rice stalks with sickles and knives, singing and dancing. In this West African country, which is a major consumer of the cereal, the current harvest will not cover all needs. Click here to read…

No speedy resolution in sight as Indian businesses await South African visas

Indian High Commissioner Jaideep Sarkar previously assured Indian heads of companies represented in South Africa that the matter was being addressed with that country’s authorities. Click here to read…

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 January 2023

DEFENCE

  • 63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.
  • India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.
  • Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.
  • DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.
  • RM calls upon other Ministries, State Governments and private sector to provide new opportunities to Agniveer.
  • Raksha Mantri reviews operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command in Port Blair.
  • IAF & Japan Air Self Defence Force set to exercise jointly in Japan.
  • Roundtable conference for Aero India 2023.
  • Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves Acceptance of Necessity (AON) worth Rs 4,276 crore.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Somalia
  • The Somali government and al-Shabaab denied peace talks as the Somalian President called on terrorists to surrender.
  • Twin car bombings killed more than 20 people in central Somalia.
Nigeria
  • Nigerian security forces killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
Afghanistan
  • Taliban claimed to kill 08 IS terrorists and arrested several others in a raid in Nimroz province.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • MHA designated HM operative Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under UA(P) Act.
  • Two children were killed in an explosion in the Rajouri district.
  • MHA designated LeT and JeM’s proxy groups as “terrorist organisations”.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • “Bharat will be free from Maoist menace by 2024”: Home Minister Amit Shah.
  • Key Maoist leader eliminated in anti-Naxal operation on Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.
  • Security forces arrested two Maoists OGWs from Telangana.
  • Eight Maoists surrendered before the police in Jharkhand.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • Khalistan sympathisers’ graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple with hatred messages in Australia.
  • Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill was designated a terrorist under the UA(P) Act over Khalistan-inspired activities.

DEFENCE

Value of indigenous defence production.

The value of indigenous defence production for Financial Years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 are Rs 84,643 crore and Rs 94,846 crore respectively. To achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and realise the goal of ‘Make in India’, Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu.
For more information: Click here to read…

63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.

The 63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commenced on January 02, 2023 with Commandant NDC and the Course Participants laying wreaths at the National War Memorial, as a mark of respect to the fallen soldiers. The Course is focused on National Security & Strategy, along with strands of Governance, Technology, History, and Economics. It is represented by 41 Officers from Indian Army, 07 from Indian Navy, 13 from Indian Air Force, 19 from Civil Services, and 40 officers from 30 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
For more information: Click here to read…

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.

India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan. The Agreement, which was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991 provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the 32nd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 01 January 1992.
For more information: Click here to read…

Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.

India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody. Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on 01 January and 01 July. India shared lists of 339 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 95 Pakistani fishermen currently in Indian custody. Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 51 civilian prisoners and 654 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed to be Indians.

The Government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan’s custody. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 631 Indian fishermen and 02 Indian civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence and whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 30 fishermen and 22 civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed to be Indian.
For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.

The 65th Foundation Day of the Organisation, was celebrated on 1st January 2023. The DRDO Chairman stated that several systems developed by DRDO have been delivered, inducted or handed over to the users. Dr Kamat added that the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) has also been accorded by the Defence Procurement Boards and Defence Acquisitions Council for induction of several DRDO developed systems. Some of the notable systems include: Sarang ESM system, Light Tank, Tactical Advance Range Augmentation (TARA) kit, Long Range Guided Bomb (LRGB)-Gaurav, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), Air surveillance radar for NGMV, Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) -Ashwini, New Generation Anti-radiation Missile (NGARM), Pralay, Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka, Self-Propelled Mine Burier, Infantry Combat Vehicle-Command, Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Mine ‘Ulk’, Infantry Floating Foot Bridge, Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) T-72 and ACADA.

The DRDO Chairman said that it is expected that most of the systems under trials will be handed over to the users in the coming year. He summarised that five CCS programmes worth Rs 26,000 crore and 55 other projects worth Rs 11,000 crore were sanctioned in 2022. 32 previously sanctioned projects were successfully completed. Some other flagship programmes such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are also under consideration for approval by CCS.

He brought out that in the past year, DRDO has signed 145 ToTs. Towards IP protection, 160 patents were filed and 100 have been granted during 2022. The fund limit under Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme was enhanced to Rs 50 crore from Rs 10 crore per project. This will enable DRDO to support industry for development of more complex technologies. He mentioned that MoU was also signed between Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation and TDF to work jointly on advanced naval technologies. In addition, he mentioned that the 4th version of Dare to Dream contest has been launched by the Raksha Mantri. He informed that DRDO has now established a total of 15 DRDO-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). Currently, 867 projects are on-going with academia at a cost of Rs 1,183 crore.
For more information: Click here to read…

RM calls upon other Ministries, State Governments and private sector to provide new opportunities to Agniveer.

During the event, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) and all the three Services signed/exchanged MoUs/ Agreements with various stakeholders to facilitate continued education of Agniveers while serving in the Armed Forces and award of appropriate skill certificates in accordance with their expertise/experience. Under these MoUs with National Institute of Open School (NIOS) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), suitable 12th Class certificates and Bachelor’s degree will be awarded to the Agniveers respectively.
For more information: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri (RM) reviews operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command in Port Blair.

RM reviewed the operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command and infrastructure development at operational areas during his visit to the Headquarters of the only operational joint services command of the country in Port Blair on January 05, 2023. Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lieutenant General Ajai Singh briefed the RM about the geo-strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role they can play towards enhancing India’s influence and support to military operations in the area.
For more information: Click here to read…

IAF & Japan Air Self Defence Force set to exercise jointly in Japan.

To promote Air Defence cooperation between the countries, India and Japan are all set to hold the joint Air Exercise, ‘Veer Guardian-2023’ involving the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan from 12 January 2023 to 26 January 2023. The Indian contingent participating in the air exercise will include four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 & one IL-78 aircraft, while the JASDF will be participating with four F-2 & four F-15 aircraft.
For more information: Click here to read…

Roundtable conference for Aero India 2023.

Raksha Mantri chaired, in New Delhi on January 09, 2023, the Ambassadors’ Roundtable conference for the forthcoming Aero India 2023. The reach-out event, organised by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, was attended by Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Chargé d’affaires and Defence Attachés of over 80 countries. The Raksha Mantri invited the representatives from across the world to attend Asia’s largest and 14th Aero show – Aero India-2023 – which will be held in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 13-17, 2023. He urged them to encourage their respective defence and aerospace companies to attend the global event.

Recalling the success of Aero India 2021, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the last edition had witnessed unprecedented attendance of over 600 exhibitors physically and another 108 virtually. He added that the event saw the participation of 63 countries and around 3,000 Business-2-Business meetings were held. He also elaborated on the huge success of DefExpo 2022 which witnessed unparalleled participation of over 1,340 exhibitors, businesses, investors, start-ups, MSMEs, Armed Forces and delegates from several countries. He asserted that the conclusion of 451 Memoranda of Understanding, Transfer of Technology agreements, product launches and orders to domestic businesses, worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore, etc. attest to the success of the DefExpo.
For more information: Click here to read…

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves Acceptance of Necessity (AON) worth Rs 4,276 crore.

A meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held on January 10, 2023 and accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals, amounting to Rs 4,276 crore. All the three proposals – two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy – are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

The DAC accorded AoN for procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by DRDO. Further, the DAC granted approval for procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships & Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for Indian Navy.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Somalia
The Somali government and al-Shabaab denied peace talks as the Somalian President called on terrorists to surrender.

On 07 January 2023, the Somali government and the al-Shabaab group denied having peace talks, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called “brainwashed” terrorists to surrender to the government. “We are not negotiating with the al-Shabaab terror group. However, individuals who wish to give up arms and leave the group will undergo a process to defect and be eligible for government amnesty,” said National Security Adviser— Hussein Sheikh Ali. On 06 January 2023, Somali President called on the al-Shabaab terrorists to leave the terrorist ideology before it was too late.

Al-Shabaab, too, denied any talks with the Somali government. “I can confirm that there are not and can be no talks between the government and us,” said an al-Shabaab terrorist.
For more information: Click here to read…

Twin car bombings killed more than 20 people in central Somalia.

More than 20 people were killed, and 30 more were injured in twin car explosions by al-Shabaab on 05 January 2023 in the Mahas neighbourhood of Central Somalia. Mumin Mohamed Halane, the District Commissioner of Mahas, claimed that the first bomb went off in front of his house, and the second device was aimed at a lawmaker’s residence. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident and said it resulted in the deaths of 87 persons, including military officers.
For more information: Click here to read…

Nigeria
Nigerian security forces killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

On 01 January 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out air strikes on four Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa forest in Borno State and eliminated 30 Boko Haram terrorists, including three commanders. The targeted camps included Bula Jitoye, Halka Kojoy, Halka Alai, and Bulamaye in Bama Local Council.
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan
Taliban claimed to kill 08 IS terrorists and arrested several others in a raid in Nimroz province.

On 04 January 2023, the Taliban carried out raids at various locations in Nimroz province and killed eight Islamic State (IS)/IS-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists in a spate of attacks in Kabul city. “The raids in the capital city and western Nimroz province targeted IS members who organised recent terror attacks on Kabul’s Longan Hotel, Pakistan’s Embassy, and the military airport. Eight IS terrorists, including foreign nationals, were killed, whereas seven others were arrested in the raids,” said Taliban spokesman— Zabihullah Mujahid.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
MHA designated HM operative Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under UA(P) Act.

On 07 January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released a notification designating Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) operative— Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, [UA(P)A]. Currently, Dar is based in Saudi Arabia.

Per the notification, Dar is involved in instigating the youth from Kashmir to use social media platforms for terrorist activities. He is also accused of conspiring terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and other major cities.
For more information: Click here to read…

Two children were killed in an explosion in the Rajouri district.

Two children were killed in an explosion on 02 January 2023, and four others were injured in the Dangri village of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Another IED (Improvised Explosive Device) was recovered from the same area and defused by security forces. To track down terrorists involved in the attack, security forces intensified the Cordon-And-Search Operation (CASO) by inducting security personnel, including drones and sniffer dogs were deployed.
For more information: Click here to read…

MHA designated LeT and JeM’s proxy groups as “terrorist organisations”.

In a notification released on 05 January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s— The Resistance Front (TRF) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)’s— People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) as terrorist organisations. “PAFF was involved in terror acts and is regularly issuing threats to security forces, political leaders, civilians working in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) from other states and is involved, along with other organisations, in conspiring pro-actively physically and in social media to undertake violent terrorist acts and Jammu-Kashmir and other major cities in Bharat,” read the MHA notification.

The MHA also declared Mohammed Amin and TRF commander— Shiekh Sajjad Gul terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. Khubaib is a launching commander of LeT and plays a key role in reviving and accelerating terror activities in the Jammu region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism
“Bharat will be free from Maoist menace by 2024”: Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing a public meeting organised by Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in Korba, Chhattisgarh, on 07 January 2023, the Union Home Minister— Amit Shah, said, “we are now on the verge of making Naxal-affected areas free from the menace. Our (BJP) efforts are to ensure that the country is free from the Naxal problem by 2024.” As per the strategy, youths who used to take up arms will be provided employment, roads, water, telephone, and electricity in remote areas to assist them in joining the mainstream of society.
For more information: Click here to read…

Key Maoist leader eliminated in anti-Naxal operation on Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.

On 11 January 2023, security forces engaged in a gun battle with Maoists and killed a top leader— Madvi Hidma, on the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. According to a communique from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the Chhattisgarh sector, CRPF’s COBRA battalion carried out the operation. Hidma’s killing will be a jolt to the Maoist organisation. Being a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist, Hidma was an expert in guerrilla warfare. Hidma was a prime suspect in an attack carried out in April 2021 in which 22 security personnel attained Veergati (fell in the battle).
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces arrested two Maoist OGWs from Telangana.

On 05 January 2023, the joint team of CRPF personnel and Charla police arrested two Maoist Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)/couriers— P Sammaiah (35 years old) and Satyaveni (33 years old) during a vehicle checking drive at Mandal headquarters town of Charla in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana.

Security forces recovered a bundle of 200-metre wire, ten pressure cookers, some explosive ingredients, and a tractor-trolley. According to police, for the last two years, the duo supplied essential commodities and explosive materials to Maoists operating in Chhattisgarh.
For more information: Click here to read…

Eight Maoists surrendered before the police in Jharkhand.

On 04 January 2023, eight Maoists of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist, including three women, surrendered before security forces in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The surrendered Maoists were facing charges of murder, and rioting, besides other cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.

“The Jharkhand government has vowed to make the state free of Naxalites. The surrender and rehabilitation policy has a positive impact. The Naxals are surrendering due to the CPI(Maoist)’s internal oppression, environment of fear, and increased police raids. Today, eight Maoists, including three women members of CPI(Maoist), who worked directly under the Central Committee member Misir Besra, surrendered,” said Inspector-General (IG) Operations— Amol Homkar.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

On 30 December 2022, Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Azharuddin from Saharanpur for his alleged involvement in radicalising youth through videos and terrorist literature. Azharuddin was detained for interrogation on the inputs from Lukmaan, a terrorist affiliated with al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), and later was arrested. Lukman was arrested on 26 September 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
Khalistan sympathisers’ graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple with hatred messages in Australia.

On 12 January 2023, Khalistan sympathisers graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple— BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, with pro-Khalistan and anti-Bharat slogans in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Mill Park. The BAPS Swaminarayan temple released a statement condemning the act. “We are deeply saddened by these acts of vandalism and hate. We offer our prayers for peace and harmony,” read the statement.

On the incident, the Liberal MP for the Northern Metropolitan Region— Evan Mulholland, said that this vandalism is deeply distressing for victoria’s peaceful Hindu community.
For more information: Click here to read…

Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill was designated as a terrorist under the UA(P) Act over Khalistan-inspired activities.

On 09 January 2023, the Government of India (GoI) designated Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill as a terrorist for his association with the Khalistan-inspired movement. Gill has been declared a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Gill is closely associated with Harshdeep Singh Nijjar, chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
For more information: Click here to read…