Tag Archives: Niger

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 1-15 August 2022

DEFENCE

  • RIMPAC – 2022.
  • DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.
  • Tejas Fighter Aircraft.
  • Army Design Bureau has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India.
  • 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”.
  • 12th Def Expo to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
  • Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40).
  • Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.
  • 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.
  • Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia.
  • Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded.
  • Bengaluru-based start-up innovates communication through Quantum Key Distribution Systems.
  • India gifts Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime security of Sri Lanka.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Nigeria
  • Around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered during the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations.
Niger
  • Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an airstrike in Shiroro LGA.
Afghanistan
  • Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.
  • “Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.
  • Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.
  • Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
  • JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.
  • Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida in Assam.
  • NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.
  • NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.
  • NIA officials searched and arrested an IS operative from Delhi.
  • UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.
  • NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.
  • Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.
  • SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

DEFENCE

RIMPAC – 2022.

INS Satpura entered Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, USA on 02 Aug 22 on completion of the sea phase of RIMPAC-22, a multilateral exercise conducted over 22 days off Hawaii, USA. RIMPAC-22 is one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in which the Indian Navy participates and the exercise this year has witnessed participation from 26 countries comprising 38 surface ships, 09 land forces, 31 unmanned systems, 170 aircraft and over 2,500 personnel.
For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.

Indigenously developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) were successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army.
Fore more information: Click here to read…

Tejas Fighter Aircraft.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence responded to a Request for Information (RFI) received from Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Malaysia in February, 2019 for LCA class aircraft. Subsequently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited responded in October, 2021 to Request for Proposal (RFP) issued against tender released by Royal Malaysian Air Force, Malaysia for 18 nos of Fighter Lead In Trainer – Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT – LCA) and HAL offered LCA Tejas twin seater variant. Other countries which have evinced interest in LCA aircraft are: Argentina, Australia, Egypt, USA, Indonesia, and Philippines.
For more information: Click here to read…

Army Design Bureau has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India.

The Army Design Bureau on behalf of the Indian Army has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India to collaboratively work towards promoting research, development, testing and manufacturing of drones, counter-drone and associated technologies that can assist the Indian Army in its operations.
For more information: Click here to read…

13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”.

The 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022” commenced at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP) today. The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) and Special Tactics Squadron (STS) of US Special Forces and the Indian Army contingent is formed by drawing Special Forces personnel under the aegis of SFTS. This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.

During the course of next 21 days, teams of both armies would jointly train, plan and execute a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.
For more information: Click here to read…

12th Def Expo to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujrat.

The 12th edition of DefExpo – India’s flagship exhibition on Land, Naval and Homeland Security systems – will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18-22, 2022. The five-day event will witness three business days followed by two public days. It was postponed in March 2022 due to logistical problems being faced by the participants.
For more information: Click here to read…

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40).

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) was on a two day visit to Bangalore. He flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), which are being inducted into IAF as part of its drive towards Atmanirbharta.
For more information: Click here to read…

Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.

US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai on August 07, 2022 for undertaking repairs and allied services. This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India. The US Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship. The USNS Charles Drew will be at Kattupalli shipyard for a period of 11 days and undergo repairs in various areas.
For more information: Click here to read…

4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.

The 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, was held in New Delhi on August 11, 2022. During their interaction, they reviewed ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries and expressed satisfaction that collaboration is growing despite difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides emphasised the need to work closely to implement the USD 500 million line of credit extended from India for defence items.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia

A contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Malaysia today to participate in a bilateral exercise named ‘Udarashakti’. Indian Air Force is participating in the air exercise with Su-30 MKI and C-17 aircraft while the RMAF will be flying Su 30 MKM aircraft. The Indian contingent departed from one of its air bases directly for their destination, the RMAF base of Kuantan. The exercise will give an opportunity to IAF contingent members to share and learn best practices with some of the best professionals from RMAF, while also discussing mutual combat capabilities. The four days of exercise will witness conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces. The aim of the exercise was to achieve inter-operability and to acquaint each other with operational procedures and combat drills in a Counter Terrorism environment under United Nations mandate.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded.
The Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges today. A solemn Closing Ceremony marked the culmination of the exercise. This platoon level 13 days exercise had commenced on 01 August 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…

Bengaluru-based start-up innovates communication through Quantum Key Distribution Systems.

QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based Deep Tech Start-up, has broken distance barriers by innovating advanced secured communication through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. The project was curated by iDEX-DIO with Indian Army. After the successful trials, now the Indian Army has initiated the process of procurement of QKD systems developed by QNu Labs by issuing commercial Request For Proposal (RFP) and its deployment.

Quantum technology has a huge potential for military application and a disruptive impact on modern-day warfare. A QKD system allows creation of a quantum secure secret pair of symmetric keys between two end points, separated by certain distance (in this case, over 150 Kms) in terrestrial optical fiber infrastructure.
For more information: Click here to read…

India gifts Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime security of Sri Lanka.

India gifted a Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft on 15 August 2022 towards strengthening the maritime security of Sri Lanka at a special event held in Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake. Navy and Air Force personnel of Sri Lanka who received training in India for close to four months shall operate the aircraft. They will also receive operational support from their Indian counterparts.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Nigeria
Around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered during the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations.

During a week of the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations in Nigeria, around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists and their families, comprising of 280 male, 523 females, and 925 Children, surrendered before the Nigerian troops, and handed over to relevant authorities. According to the out-going Defence Media Operations spokesman— Maj Gen Bernard Onyenko, “troops ambushed the hideouts of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along Road Uzoro-Gadamayo in Adamawa State.”

Likewise, airstrikes were carried out on 03 August 2022 as a part of Operation HADIN KAI at Degbawa near Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. During the airstrike, a key ISWAP commander— Alhaji Modu aka Bem Bem and his associates were eliminated. “Within a week of the same operation, Nigerian troops eliminated 29 terrorists, arrested 55 terrorists, and rescued 52 civilians. Also, troops recovered 128 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunitions, 05 bicycles, 12 AK-47 rifles, 04 motorbikes, and 05 mobile phones,” confirmed Maj Gen Onyenko.
For more information: Click here to read…

Niger
Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an airstrike in Shiroro LGA.

On 14 August 2022, the Niger’s Federal Government posted on official Twitter handle that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out an airstrike and have eliminated several Boko Haram terrorists, while attending a meeting called by a key commander— Aminu Duniya, in Kurebe in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA), Niger. The operation was conducted by ground and air force of the Nigerian armed forces.

“While @HQNigerianArmy troops laid siege around the location, @NigAirForce aircraft were directed to the suspected location of the terrorists. Several terrorists were confirmed killed after the strike, though it remains unclear if Aminu Duniya was also neutralized.”— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov).
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan
Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.

On 11 August 2022, the Islamic State (IS) carried out an attack and killed a prominent Taliban cleric— Rahimullah Haqqani, at his religious centre in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to the Taliban officials, the attack was carried out with explosives hidden in a plastic artificial leg. There have been several attacks on Taliban leaders and often target religious & ethnic minorities, since the Taliban came into power forcefully in Afghanistan.
For more information: Click here to read…

“Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.

According to the recent US intelligence assessment, the consensus view of the intelligence community is that “while fewer than a dozen al-Qa’ida core members remain in Afghanistan, Zawahiri was the only key figure who had tried to re-establish himself in the country after US forces departed.” According to the assessment, any surviving al-Qa’ida militants are not conspiring on an external attack, and the organisation as a whole “does not have capabilities to launch strikes against the United States (US) or its interests abroad from Afghanistan.”

“US will continue to remain vigilant, along with our partners, to defend our nation and ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorism,” said US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

On 05 August 2022, Islamic State (IS) terror organisation carried out a bomb blast in which at least eight people were killed and 18 wounded, in a Shi’ite residential area in Kabul in Afghanistan. According to a senior Taliban security official, “explosives were placed in a vegetable cart. There is a possibility of rise in death toll because many of the wounded people had critical wounds.”
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.

On 08 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched premises of six suspects in Doda district and one suspect’s house in Jammu district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in the case related to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-J&K terror funding case.

The case— RC-03/2021/NIA/DLI related to the financing activities of the JeI-J&K, which even after its declaration as the Unlawful Association in 2019, continues to raise funds in various forms under the shadow of charitable purposes. However, these funds were diverted to terrorist organisations, such as Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and others for carrying out terrorist activities in Kashmir valley and rest of India. During the search, the NIA personnel recovered incriminating material, receipt of funds raised by the JeI-J&K, bank and property related documents, and electronic devices.
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s terrorist— Lateef Ahmad Rather was involved in killings of several civilians, including Rahul Bhat— a clerk and TV actor— Amreen Bhat in May 2022. On 10 August 2022, security forces killed Lateef Ahmad Rather in exchange of fire in Waterhail area of Budgam district in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

In 2000, Rather joined terrorism and was involved in random terrorist incidents in the Valley. Since March 2022, Rather was directly involved in six terrorist attacks in the various areas of Kashmir.
For more information: Click here to read…

JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.
On 02 August 2022, terrorists of Jammu-Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), an off-shoot of terror group— Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) carried out a grenade attack on the police post in Gool area of Ramban district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). However, the attack was thwarted by the Sentry deployed at the post as he noticed suspicious movement around the post and fired some rounds of ammunition at terrorists. Police found a letter in which JKGF claimed the responsibility of the attack.

To evade international scrutiny and carry-on terrorist activities, post-Pulwama attack in 2019, JeM formed the JKGF terror group. The JKGF comprises of operatives from other terrorist groups, including Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), al-Badr, Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). “A grenade blast has occurred near the premises of police post which falls in the jurisdiction of police station gool. A letter has also been found claiming it to be done by JKGF. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and Army teams have been mobilised for cordon and search. The case has been registered and investigation in progress,” said Mukesh Singh, ADG Jammu.
For more information: https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/grenade-attack-on-police-post-in-ramban-ghaznavi-force-claims-responsibility-articleshow.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism
Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

On 06 August 2022, a Maoist woman leader— Podiam Jogamma aka Ritika surrendered before the police in Andhra Pradesh. According to police records, Jogamma was involved in the gun-battle with Chhattisgarh police in 2021 in which 22 police personnel attained Veergati and three Maoists were killed.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.

On 11 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Shaikh Shakeel, a 28 years-old, for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy of the murder of Umesh Pralhadrao Kolhe in Amravati, Maharashtra. Earlier, nine accused had already been arrested in the same case on 23 June, 24 June, 25 June, 02 July, and 02 August.
Umesh Pralhadrao Kolhe, a chemist by profession, was killed on 21 June 2022 in Amravati (Maharashtra), a week before the murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida-affiliate group in Assam.

On 04 August 2022, Assam police demolished an illegal madrassa managed by alleged ‘funding-handler’ of al-Qa’ida affiliate group— Ansar ul-Islam (AuI) at Moriabari in Morigaon district in Assam. On 27 July 2022, Mufti Mustafa, an operative of al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and the man behind madrassa, was arrested.

So far, total 28 AQIS operatives have been arrested in Assam, including a Bangladeshi national. Assam has already shutdown about 600 State-run madrassas and turned them into regular schools. However, about 1,000 madrassas are still active and operational. The demolition of Moriabari madrassa was in accordance with the Disaster Management Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.

On 07 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested two Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operatives— i) Hamidullah aka Raju Gaji, and ii) Mohammad Sahadat Hussain aka Abidullah, from the Police Station— Eint Khedi in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

The case— RC-11/2022/NIA/DLI is related to the arrest of six JMB operatives, including three illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from Aishbagh in Bhopal. The arrested operatives were involved in propagating JMB ideology and luring the youth to carryout jihad against India. The arrested duo— Hamidullah and Sahadat were close associates of earlier arrested JMB operatives and were communicating with their associates in India and Bangladesh via encrypted application.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.

On 10 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Muslim Khan aka Muslim Raza, for his alleged involvement in killing of Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a tailor by profession, in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Muslim Khan is a 09th accused in the same case.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA officials searched and arrested an IS “fund raiser” from Delhi.

On 06 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out a search operation and arrested an Islamic State (IS) operative— Mohsin Ahmad, from Batla House, New Delhi, for his alleged involvement in collection of funds for IS from sympathisers in India as well as abroad.
The case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI was registered suo-moto by NIA on 25 June 2022. Allegedly, Mohsin was transferring the funds to Syria and other places in form of cryptocurrency in order to further the activities of IS.
For more information: Click here to read… `

UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on 09 August 2022, foiled a conspiracy to target Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members and arrested an Islamic State (IS) operative— Sabahudeen Azmi from Azamgarh, UP. The ATS team recovered an illegal firearm and raw materials which are useful in preparing a “pipe bomb”. The preliminary investigation revealed that Sabahudeen was in contact with two other IS recruiters— i) Abu Umar, and ii) Abu Bakar al-Shami.
According to the ATS officials, on the basis of anonymity, Sabahudeen was radicalising more people to join IS through social media platforms and also created a Telegram channel ‘Al-Saqr Media’ to brainwash Indian Muslim youth.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.

On 03 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet before the NIA Special Court, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, against an al-Qa’ida operative— Umar Halmandi, based on Afghanistan-Pakistan border was radicalising and recruiting youth for the al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Umar was accused of raising an al-Qa’ida module and a chapter of Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH) in Lucknow to carryout terrorist activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.

Against Indian government’s campaign of Har Ghar Tiranga (Tiranga in every house), the proscribed unlawful organisation— Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) issued a statement in which its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu said that his organisation will start the Ghar Ghar Khalistan (Khalistan in every house) campaign and had threatened to replace India’s tallest national flag at the International Border of India-Pakistan at Attari, Amritsar, with the so-called Khalistan flag on 15 August 2022.

In one of the videos circulated on social media, a veiled woman, who identified herself as a ‘Kashmiri Mujahid’, vows support for the Khalistan and called for the removal of Tiranga at the Attari border.
For more information: https://newindian.in/sfj-threatens-to-replace-indias-tallest-tiranga-with-khalistan-flag/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.

Indian security agencies are suspecting the revival of Khalistan movement in India, which is being handled from Canada and Pakistan by involving the narco-terror network run by India-Canadian gangsters who operate out of Canada. The agencies had been tracking links between the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala with the India-Canadian criminal network, which has penetrated and entrenched deeply within the Canadian law enforcement, including its intelligence agencies.

According to Indian intelligence officials, pro-Khalistan sentiments are now wielding influence inside Canadian government offices due to the electoral power that some members of their group have in that country.
For more information: Click here to read…

SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

The banned unlawful organisation— Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum on 18 September 2022 in Toronto, Canada. In Referendum, the Canadian-Sikhs will vote on the question— “Should India governed Punjab be an independent country?”. The SFJ named the voting centre in Toronto after “Shaheed Harjinder Singh Pahra”, a young pro-Khalistan Sikh who went back to India from Canada to participate in violent movement against Indian Army’s counter-insurgency operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984.

“The referendum will be held in various phases during which the voting will take place across Canada, including cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Surrey,” said the SFJ in a statement.
For more information: Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 15, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

Justice for Thomas Sankara

This week, Blaise Compaoré was jailed for his role in the murder of Burkinabe revolutionary Thomas Sankara –but real justice can only be won by a movement that fights to bring Sankara’s socialist vision back to life. Click here to read…

Corridor in uncertainty

The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, a joint initiative of India and Japan, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a meeting of the African Development Bank in 2017Click here to read…

NEWS

Morocco, Spain mend ties after change in policy on Western Sahara

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez and Moroccan King Mohammad VI met in Rabat after a year of tense relations. Spain said it backed the kingdom’s plan of limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty for Western Sahara. Click here to read…

EXCLUSIVE- Draft Sudan deal seeks to cement military’s grip

Factions aligned with Sudan’s military have drawn up a deal to form a transitional government that would cement the army’s control and bypass pro-democracy groups it shared power with before an October coup. Click here to read…

Russia blocks UN security council request for investigation into Moura massacre

A UN Security Council request for independent investigations into the alleged Moura massacre in Mali has been blocked by Russia. Click here to read…

Despite a recent agreement, new clashes broke out between supporters of South Sudan’s rivals

Less than a week days after a major agreement was sealed between South Sudan’s rival leaders, fighting erupted in the North of the country. Click here to read…

Sparring Somali leaders now at odds over expulsion of African Union envoy

Somalia’s prime minister on Thursday expelled the African Union representative because of “acts incompatible with his status” but the president rejected the order, signalling a new rift between the leaders of the Horn of Africa nation. Click here to read…

Tunisia to compensate victims of revolution

Tunisian President Kais Saied, facing political and economic crisis and accusations that he took power in a coup, announced compensation on Sunday for the families of those killed and wounded in the 2011 revolution that brought democracy to the country. Click here to read…

DR Congo’s Tshisekedi signs EAC Treaty

Tshisekedi’s accession signature immediately brought the DR Congo into the realms and provisions of all the protocols and regional policies of the EAC. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s electricity grid collapses for the second time in a month

Nigeria’s national electricity grid has collapsed for the second time in a month, the federal ministry of power said on Saturday, leaving the parts of the country it serves, including capital Abuja and Africa’s biggest city Lagos, without power. Click here to read…

Burkina ex-president moved to home after house arrest

Burkina Faso’s military-led government said in a statement that former president Kabore would return to his home after house arrest. Click here to read…

Eastern Libyan military commanders urge closure of road to west

Military commanders in eastern Libya said on Saturday they had suspended participation in a U.N.-backed joint military council, accusing the Tripoli-based government of failing to hand power to a new cabinet and calling for the road west to be closed. Click here to read…

The Gambia votes for a new National Assembly

Gambians to vote for 53 legislators on a five-year term, with President Barrow picking five others, including the parliament’s president. Click here to read…

What is happening with Chad’s peace talks in Doha?

About 300 rebels landed in the Qatari capital, seeking a peace deal, but find themselves in a curious cohabitation. Click here to read…

Guinea junta chiefs warns mining giants over inequality

The head of Guinea’s ruling junta, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has warned foreign mining companies to build processing factories locally and to share revenues with the country equally. Click here to read…

Angola: UN Supports Angola’s Transition to Middle Income Country

The resident coordinator of the United Nations in Angola Zahira Virami reaffirmed Wednesday the support of the UN system in the preparation process of Angola’s transition from Least Developed Country to Middle Income Country. Click here to read…

New COVID-19 variant discovered in Botswana

A new COVID-19 variant has been discovered in Botswana, a government official said. The new variant, which has characteristics of both the Alpha and Delta variants, has yet to be named. Click here to read…

Kenya’s Odinga running his fifth presidential race. Why outcome means so much for Kenya

“Odinga has a common touch that resonates with Kenyans who have felt locked out of the power matrix controlled by two ethnic groups.” Click here to read…

Life sentence for Burkinabe ex-leader Compaoré for Sankara murder

The long-awaited verdict brings to close a six-month trial for the assassination of Thomas Sankara on October 15, 1987. Click here to read…

Separatist commander killed in infighting in Cameroon’s restive Anglophone region

Security and local sources said on Saturday that a notorious separatist commander has been killed in Cameroon’s war-torn Anglophone region of Northwest in clashes between rival separatist groups. Click here to read…

Ghana on high alert against terrorist attacks – Minister of National Security assures

The Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has given the assurance that the country will be able to respond and ward off any terrorist attacks in the country. Click here to read…

Coptic Christian Priest Killed in Egypt’s Alexandria

On Thursday 7 April 2022, the Ministry of Interior announced on its official Facebook page the arrest of a 60-year-old man who stabbed an archpriest to death in Alexandria. Click here to read…

US Alarmed by Reports of Atrocities in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region

The United States expressed concern Friday about reports of ethnically motivated atrocities in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Click here to read…

Draghi Heads to Algeria as Italy Seeks to Cut Russia Gas Imports

Mario Draghi will visit Algeria on Monday as part of a plan to wean Italy off Russian natural gas. Click here to read…

Zambia’s President Hichilema goes eight months without salary

The Zambian leader, who was elected into office last August, says a salary was not his motivation for seeking public office. Click here to read…

Togo dismisses more teachers in new dispute with teachers’ union

The Togolese government has dismissed nine teachers, within a week of firing 137 others, even as the teacher’s union continues to demand that the Faure Gnassigbe administration honour its promises to them. Click here to read…

The problem with gaming in Uganda

The gaming industry in Uganda is highly informal, with individual-owned gaming parlours charging per hour of game time. However, the opportunity is huge. Click here to read…

Tanzania commemorates 100 years of founding leader Julius Nyerere

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday joined fellow citizens in commemorating 100 years of the birth of founding leader Julius Nyerere. Click here to read…

Negotiating Local Business Practices with China in Benin

Beninese officials have shown how even small countries can use close coordination between ministries and other negotiating tactics to strike deals with Chinese counterparts that better protect their own interests. Click here to read…

Mozambique: All eyes on suitors as they await news on bid round qualification

Thirteen players — including two from Russia — will hear this week if they have succeeded in their plans to take part in Mozambique’s upcoming licensing round. Click here to read…

29,000 COVID-19 Vaccines Expired in Botswana: Official

At least 29,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have already expired and some will expire at the end of April in Botswana, an official said Saturday. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Haryana signs collaboration deal with Ethiopia to strengthen trade, investment ties

The FFC was signed by Haryana’s Principal Secretary Yogender Choudhary and Ethiopian Ambassador Dr Tizita Mulugeta. Click here to read…

India, Kenya holds 2nd Foreign Office Consultations, review bilateral relations

India and Kenya on Friday held the 2nd round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political and economicClick here to read…

MoU with Congo-based foundation

MS University has signed an MoU with the Vinmart Foundation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for our scholarships to students of Congo who will be coming to Vadodara to pursue higher education. Click here to read…

Haryana, Ethiopian panel sign trade framework

During the two-day meeting of the Haryana-Ethiopia Investment Commission (EIC), a framework of collaboration (FFC) was signed between Haryana and the EIC. Click here to read…

Madagascar joins India-backed Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

Madagascar has become the 30th country to join the India-backed Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) that aims to help small island nations develop resilience to deal with the adverse impact of climate change. Click here to read…

Fishermen team meets Kanimozhi for release of five captains from Seychelles

Thoothukudi MP and DMK leader Kanimozhi has assured a delegation from the International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET) that she will take efforts for the release of five captains and their boats detained in Seychelles. Click here to read…

Rwandans in India pay tribute to genocide victims

The Rwandan High Commission in New Delhi, India in collaboration with the India Africa Trade Council commemorated the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi on April 7Click here to read…

Why India’s beautiful flowers miss the plane of exports while Kenya & Ethiopia fly high

Ethiopia and Kenya have promoted floriculture in key markets, offered tax holidays, organised producers and worked to create infrastructure for farmers. Click here to read…

Why is a dragon carved on Jain temple in Mangalore? Medieval Africa-China trade holds answer

While many of us have heard of Indian interactions with Southeast Asia and China, or even Arabia, Africa is a gaping hole in how we think about premodern trade. But it was one of the most prosperous. Click here to read…

Review: India-Africa Relations: Changing Horizons by Rajiv Bhatia

A meticulously detailed book that tells us why Africa matters so much to India and presents good suggestions on how the India-Africa relationship should be enhanced and pushed ahead. Click here to read…

Chibuzor, who once ruled Kolkata football, dies in Nigeria

Nigerian striker Chibuzor Nwakanma – the first foreigner to play for Kolkata’s big three clubs and whose unique nose for goals often set the field afire with his special somersault celebration – is no more. Click here to read…

Egyptian Govt expresses interest to buy Indian wheat

Team from Cairo to visit New Delhi next week, to inspect facilities for imports by supplies and commodities authorityClick here to read…

Nigeria Exports Crude Oil worth NGN774.5 Bln to India in 4Q

Nigeria exported crude oil worth 774.5 billion Nigerian naira ($1.86 billion) to India in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics said in a report. Click here to read…

Paree Sanitary Pads Eyes Global Expansion, Enters Tanzania, Africa, and Nepal

With an objective to cater to women’s needs and make sanitary pads easily accessible, Paree Sanitary Pad has now expanded its operations to Tanzania, Africa, and Nepal. Click here to read…

Indian community to strengthen economic relations with Ghana

The Indian community in Ghana has said it will expand business operations as part of efforts to boost investment and increase its economic relations with the country. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 13, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

Heard of Eritrea, Africa’s Ukraine?

There was a little-known African nation that fought for its freedom from Ethiopia, the big bully next door. The little guy won there too. Click here to read…

UN’s Ukraine vote shows the racial subtext of global politics

“Like intercourse in Victorian England . . . race is a taboo topic in modern well-mannered society.” That is how the late R J Vincent, a extremely regarded British worldwide relations theorist, started his 1982 article, ‘Race in worldwide relations’. Click here to read…

NEWS

Ethiopia declares humanitarian truce in war-ravaged Tigray

Ethiopia’s government has announced what it called an “indefinite humanitarian truce” in its war-ravaged Tigray region, saying the action was necessary to allow unimpeded relief supplies into the area. Click here to read…

DR Congo to join EAC next week

The Democratic Republic of Congo will officially be admitted to the East Africa Community (EAC) next week, adding a 90 million market for the bloc. Click here to read…

Mali: ECOWAS leaders meet in Accra to debate sanctions

West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS leaders on Friday staged a summit over Mali’s political crisis, three months after slapping tough sanctions on the Sahelian nation. Click here to read…

Tunisia: Mass anti-Saied protests take place in capital Tunis

Thousands of Tunisians have taken to the streets of the capital Tunis in the latest of a series of rallies against President Kais Saied, accused by opponents of grabbing power amid a deepening political crisis. Click here to read…

More than 30 killed in twin attacks in Somalia

The death toll from twin attacks in central Somalia on Wednesday night has climbed above 30, the Beledweyne district police chief told AFP on Thursday, with the Al-Shabaab insurgent group saying it was targeting politicians ahead of elections. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso: Ousted ruling party calls for President Kabore’s “immediate release”

The party of ousted Burkina Faso president Roch Marc Christian Kabore on Thursday demanded his “immediate release” saying his house arrest is more like detention. Click here to read…

Rwanda to Host Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly

Rwanda has promised to successfully and safely host the 145th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU) due in Kigali in October 2022.
https://allafrica.com/stories/202203250607.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

China’s version of mediation for the Horn of Africa

Beijing is sending its Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa to countries in the region, with a promise to help reach lasting peace, via economic development, while leaving local political settings unaffected. Click here to read…

Sudan’s Military is Brutally Suppressing Protests

In Sudan, where prices for bread and fuel have skyrocketed following the military coup, people are once again taking to the streets. Click here to read…

Niger Attempts Peace Talks with Jihadists Following Attack

Following the most recent jihadist attack on Thursday, March 17, that killed 21 people, the government of Niger has decided to continue attempting peace talks with the militants. Click here to read…

Turkey urges Libya to avoid steps that could renew clashes

The Turkish National Security Council urged Wednesday all parties in Libya for restraint and refraining from steps that could cause new clashes. Click here to read…

Al-Shabab Increases Attacks as Elections Drag in Somalia

Al-Shabab mounted one of its deadliest attacks Wednesday, targeting elections at the regional presidential palace in Beledweyne town. Forty-eight people were killed and more than 100 others wounded. Click here to read…

China planning another military base in Africa, after Djibouti now eyes Equatorial Guinea

China is planning to build a military base in Equatorial Guinea, which once completed, would be China’s second base in AfricaClick here to read…
Tanzania viewpoint: What President Samia has achieved in her first year

If a happiness index was taken within the last few weeks, it would have shown Tanzanians to be the happiest people in the world, according to some Tanzanians on social media. Click here to read…

Egypt, UAE, Israel leaders meet for first ever three-way summit

Concerns over the war in Ukraine, as well as the Iran nuclear deal, are reportedly on the agenda. Click here to read…

Osinbajo: Any Muslim who supports RCCG member traitor to Islam – MURIC warns

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned that any political party that picks any member of the Redeemed Church of Christ Group (RCCG) will kiss the Aso Rock goodbye. Click here to read…

Spain PM eyes ‘more solid’ Morocco ties after Western Sahara U-turn

Under attack over Spain’s decision to change its stance on Western Sahara, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday defended the move as crucial to securing a “more solid relationship” with Morocco. Click here to read…

Ex-Togo premier elected head of UN labour agency

Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo, was on Friday elected the next head of the International Labour Organization, and will become the first African to lead the UN agency. Click here to read…

Blinken to visit Israel, West Bank, Morocco and Algeria

The Russia-Ukraine war, Arab-Israeli normalisation and the two-state solution are on the agenda during the US secretary of state’s visit, the United States says. Click here to read…

Uganda: Court issues warrant for author in exile in Germany

The author fled to Germany earlier this year, the second government critic to leave Uganda in less than six months. Click here to read…

Mauritius challenges UK rights over Indian Ocean domain name

The right to license lucrative online domain names favoured by cryptocurrency firms has become the latest battlefield in the escalating dispute between Mauritius and the UKClick here to read…

Qatar takes up mediation role in Chad talks

Qatar has agreed to act as a mediator in Chad peace talks in a bid to unblock the fledgling process, officials and rebel groups said Friday. Click here to read…

Guinea Expands Role in Mining Sector with Plan to Ship Exports

Guinea’s government plans to export half of miners’ output in a push to exert more control over the lifeblood of its economy. Click here to read…

Young teacher committed to introducing Chinese language in Botswana

Excitement and joy could be felt as students at Legae English Medium School in Gaborone, Botswana, greeted their teacher Goitseone Ishmael with the Chinese phrase nihao, which literally translates to “hello” in English, before she began her Chinese language lesson. Click here to read…

Angola on a mission to hunt for European investors

The first-ever EU-Angola Business forum took place this Thursday in Brussels with an objective of convincing European investors to bet on Angola’s reforms to support private sector investment and business links. Click here to read…

Cameroon Starts Cholera Vaccinations as Outbreak Kills 62 Since October

An outbreak of cholera in Cameroon has claimed 62 lives since October, prompting the central African nation to vaccinate people against the water-borne disease. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India-Madagascar chamber of commerce launched in Antananarivo

The Indian embassy in Antananarivo organized a trade promotion event on Thursday, which saw the launch of the India-Madagascar Chamber of Commerce in the capital city of the island nation. Click here to read…

India’s HAL To Help Uganda with Maintenance of Sukhoi Su-30 Fighter Jets as Russia Gets Entangled in Ukraine War

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Moscow have put countries importing defence equipment from Moscow in a spot. However, this crisis has opened a window of opportunity for India. Click here to read…

India to boost wheat exports to fill void left by Ukraine conflict

Egypt, Israel, Oman, Nigeria and South Africa have approached India to secure wheat supplies, two government officials said, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict entered its fourth week, threatening a global food crisis. Click here to read…

Steel major JSPL Mauritius’ arm makes $ 357-mn prepayment to lenders

Homegrown steel major JSPL on Sunday said its subsidiary in Mauritius has made a prepayment of USD 357 million to lenders. Click here to read…

Opening of Opportunities for Tamil Nadu Businessmen in Ethiopia

The India Africa Trade Council-COMESA organized the India Ethiopia Trade Conference which was attended by the Business community in South India especially Tamil Nadu. Click here to read…

KQ to start daily flights to India on easing of curbs

Kenya Airways will now fly daily to India after the Asian country lifted the restrictions that had limited the national carrier to three flights a week, coming as a major boost to the airline that is struggling financially. Click here to read…

India, Namibia partnership grows progressively

Indian High commissioner to Namibia Prashant Agrawal said a defining feature for Namibia and India is confronting and overcoming challenges that set precedents on the relations and cooperation between the two states. Click here to read…

Doctor alleges smuggling of PPE kits to Africa

The Doctor Was Working In A Hospital In Congo During The Pandemic When She Allegedly Saw Illegally Sourced PPE Kits Being Used ThereClick here to read…

Mumbai-Seychelles travel links boosted at OTM – India’s biggest travel trade show

Air Seychelles and Tourism Seychelles had the opportunity to promote their services, products and best travel options to the island nation at the OTM travel show in India. Click here to read…

Airtel Africa plans to raise $194 million via debt from IFC for capex needs

The debt financing package for Airtel Africa Plc will comprise a direct $150 million investment from Washington-based IFC and an additional $44 million in mobilisation from its Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP). Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 12, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Where do African Countries Stand?

On 21st February 2022, President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of Ukraine’s breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk and decided to support Moscow-backed separatists with a military operation. Three days later, when Russia started its air and missile strikes in Ukraine’s Donbas region, it transformed into a full-blown war. Click here to read…

NEWS

Tensions rise in Libya as risk of ‘parallel governments’ grows, Security Council hears

Amid a political impasse that threatens to see Libya fractured again by two parallel governments, the priority must be maintaining hard-won gains and fulfilling the electoral aspirations of nearly three million registered voters. Click here to read…

Tanzania is getting a political remake as President Hassan eyes the 2025 polls

The sudden death of Tanzania’s populist president John Pombe Magufuli on 17 March 2021 catapulted his then little-known vice-president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, to the helm of political leadership. Click here to read…

Somalia delays election process again as deadline lapses

Somalia has again pushed back the deadline for completing lower house elections, delaying until March 31 a process that is already more than a year overdue and has resulted in political sanctions. Click here to read…

West African bloc says it won’t abandon Burkina Faso after coup

A representative of West Africa’s regional bloc said it would keep working with Burkina Faso despite concerns about the military’s plan to hold power for three years after a January coup. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan hold secret talks on GERD dispute in UAE

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are holding secret talks mediated by the United Arab Emirates on the filing and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Click here to read…

Niger pushes for peace with jihadist talks

Niger is pressing ahead with an initiative to talk to jihadists whose attacks have shaken the country’s southwest, amid fears that a new wave of bloodshed lies ahead. Click here to read…

Sudan: Russian influence and Ukraine war stir domestic tensions

Officials courted Russian influence but the interference and the war in Ukraine are driving a wedge between its two most powerful men and stirring up domestic tensions. Click here to read…

Mali to suspend France 24 TV station and RFI radio

The Malian military government is moving to suspend broadcasts by French state-funded international RFI radio and France 24 television channel, accusing the news outlets of reporting “false allegations” that the army killed dozens of civilians. Click here to read…

‘Union will not remain silent’: Tunisia’s UGTT demands dialogue

Tunisia’s powerful UGTT labour union says it will not remain silent if authorities do not include it in negotiations over the country’s political and economic future, rejecting proposed reforms. Click here to read…

UK approves Rwandan envoy ahead of Commonwealth meet

The United Kingdom has approved Rwanda’s new envoy to the country, Johnston Busingye, despite calls from critics to London to reject the nomination. The approval comes three months before Kigali hosts the Commonwealth Head of Governments meeting slated on June 20. Click here to read…

Ambush and reprisals in western Ethiopia kill 64 – rights body

At least 53 people have died in western Ethiopia after an unidentified armed group attacked a civilian convoy and its military escort in a region plagued by ethnic violence. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa blames NATO for Russia’s war in Ukraine

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blamed NATO for the war in Ukraine and said he would resist calls to condemn Russia, in comments that cast doubt over whether he would be accepted by Ukraine or the West as a mediator. Click here to read…

Russia, China Build Ties in Africa as U.S. Falls Behind

In a new “scramble for Africa”, Russia and China are cutting deals, extending loans, making friends and allies across the continent at a time when jihadists in many countries have posed a growing threat to citizens and national security forces. Click here to read…

US’s Blinken meets Ivory Coast PM to discuss trade, security

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has welcomed Patrick Achi, prime minister of Ivory Coast, for bilateral talks on a number of trade and security issues at the US Department of State. Click here to read…

Complementing Rafales, US Could Sell Its ‘Top Dogfighters’ to Egypt as Cairo Moves Away from Russian SU-35 Jets

The Biden administration is planning to approve the sale of F-15 Eagles to Egypt, a top US military official said. This comes despite speculation that Washington might cut military aid to Cairo due to concerns about Egypt’s human rights record. Click here to read…

Chad military gov’t, armed groups peace talks in Doha on hold

A first round of negotiations between Chad’s ruling transitional military council (TMC) and representatives of armed groups set to kick off in Doha, the Qatari capital, has been delayed by 48 hours. Click here to read…

Nigeria moving ahead on nuclear power plant plan

Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja earlier this month, Idris said that Nigeria had had a small nuclear research reactor in operation for 18 years “so if anyone tells you Nigeria can’t manage a nuclear power plant – they are just telling you a story”.Click here to read…

Italy Negotiates with Libya, Algeria for Renewable Energy Deal

Italy is currently holding negotiations with Libya and Algeria for the mobilization and development of renewable energy resources. The European country is looking to diversify its energy mix, adopting clean energy sources from renewable-rich countries in northern Africa. Click here to read…

Rebel attacks in eastern Congo kill more than 60

Suspected Islamist militants have killed more than 60 people over five days of attacks on villages in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local residents said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Western Sahara: Spain and Morocco near end to diplomatic row over disputed territory

Morocco and Spain have moved closer to resolving a decades-long dispute over Western Sahara. Spain’s Prime Minister stated that a proposed autonomous region under Rabat control is the “most serious, realistic and credible” solution, according to Morocco’s royal palace. Click here to read…

Cameroon’s separatist conflict spills into Nigeria

The peaceful Nigerian fishing village of Manga sits not far from Cameroon’s border, but its residents know all about the separatist war raging inside their West African neighbour. Click here to read…

What drives South Africa’s political violence?

South Africa has a history of political violence, including a culture of violent protests and political killings. Historically, the violence is rooted in diverse drivers such as ethnic and tribal differences, and political intolerance. Click here to read…

The Chagos archipelago: Between British colonial past, American interests and Mauritian sovereignty

Last month, while global attention was fixated on the Ukraine crisis, Mauritius sent an expedition, a first of its kind, to the Chagos archipelago, also known as the Chagos Islands. Click here to read…

OIC Africa Group in Solid Support of Gambia Hosting Summit

In response to false and misleading rumours emerging largely on social media, The Gambia OIC Secretariat wishes to inform the public that The Gambia maintains its role as the rightful host of the next OIC Heads of State and Governments Summit. Click here to read…

African Countries Build Capacity on Cyber security

Sixty-five participants from 32 countries are attending a forum in Accra to promote cybersecurity capacity building in Africa. Dubbed Africa Cyber Experts (ACE) Community Kick-Off Meeting, it is on the theme “Setting the Scene for Cybersecurity Status in Africa.” Click here to read…

President of Guinea-Bissau says he stands firm in his post

The President of Guinea-Bissau said on Thursday that the Guinean State is still standing and that he remains firm in his post. The president’s speech, delivered on Thursday, takes place after the attempted coup on the 1st of February. Click here to read…

Eswatini Air adds first aircraft, an E145

Eswatini Air – the new regional airline brand of state-owned Royal Eswatini National Airways (RENAC) – plans to debut by the end of 2Q22 on Southern African regional routes using two EMB-145EPs. Click here to read…

How China-African trade may evolve

China is taking a more cautious approach to trade and investment in Africa and shifting its focus from governments to multilateral institutions. Click here to read…

Uganda bids to host Africa drugs agency

Uganda has the required capacity to host the African Medicine Agency (AMA) following its investments in developing and manufacturing drugs over the years. Click here to read…

Kenya Receives A $750 Million Boost to Support Economic Transformation Post-Pandemic

In an effort to help accelerate Kenya’s ongoing inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, the World Bank has approved a $750 million Development Policy Operation (DPO) that will help strengthen fiscal sustainability through reforms that contribute to greater transparency and the fight against corruption. Click here to read…

Mauritania says fight against slavery an ‘irreversible priority’

Fighting slavery in Mauritania is “a constant and irreversible” priority for the authorities, one of the country’s top rights officials said Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the issue there. Click here to read…

Talks underway to resume iron ore project in Guinea

Company representatives and officials are actively seeking a joint solution to a quick resumption of work at the Simandou project in Guinea, which has the world’s largest untapped iron ore reserves, the Global Times has learned. Click here to read…

Zambia’s late former President Rupiah Banda buried

Zambian late former President Rupiah Banda, who ruled from 2008 to 2011 and died at 85 last week after a battle with cancer, was buried at Embassy Park in Lusaka, the capital. Click here to read…

Mozambique: Cyclone Gombe death toll rises to 53

Tropical Cyclone Gombe has killed at least 53 people since it hit Mozambique a week ago, a sharp rise from earlier estimates. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

‘Green Triangle’ named after Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated in Madagascar’s capital as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

As part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate India’s 75th year of independence, a “Green Triangle” named after Mahatma Gandhi was jointly inaugurated in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo. Click here to read…

Delegation from Telangana announced for Namibia for diamonds and pharma sectors

The India Africa Trade Council organized the India Namibia Summit which was attended by the Business community in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Click here to read…

Indian-American Puneet Talwar Appointed New US Ambassador to Morocco

US President Joe Biden on Friday announced Indian American Puneet Talwar for Ambassador of Morocco as part of some key nominations for his administration, a White House press release said. Click here to read…

India, Namibia committed to partnership in pharma sector

Trade between India and Namibia stood at approximately $80 million in the last few years. Namibia imports drugs and pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agricultural machinery from India. Click here to read…

South Africa Tourism aims at 64% rise in arrivals from India

With 48 per cent of the total Indian visitors to South Africa travelling from Mumbai, the city is the leading source market for South African Tourism in India. Click here to read…

South Africa to soon start e-visa facility for Indian travellers

The South African Tourism Board has recently expressed that it’s eyeing 64% year-on-year growth in arrivals from India this year. Click here to read…

2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports launched in India at Rs 16.01 lakh, bookings open

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India announced today that bookings for the new 2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sports are now open in India at Honda’s exclusive Big Wing Topline dealerships. Click here to read…

South Africa, India, EU, US reach compromise on Covid-19 vaccine patent

Any agreement must be accepted by the WTO’s 164 member countries in order to be adopted. If one country rejects the proposal, it could mean the end of the waiver. Click here to read…

India at UNSC calls for elections in Libya, hopes issues resolve peacefully

At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on the situation in Libya, R. Madhu Sudan, Counsellor at Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations reiterated the imperative for holding the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the North African country at the earliest. Click here to read…

34 countries, including India, confirm presence at Commonwealth Summit in Rwanda

The CHOGM or Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has been scheduled to start in the third week of June with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame being the host of the summit. Click here to read…

South Africa to issue e-visas for Indian travellers soon

As part of post-pandemic revival plans, South Africa will introduce e-visas for Indians to attract more tourists, business travellers and movie-makers, mainly from the south. Click here to read…
Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 11, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

How Burkina Faso became the epicentre of conflict in the Sahel

In 2014, when millions of Burkinabes ended the 27-year rule of Blaise Campaore by forcing him to step down, observers and analysts dubbed the occurrence West Africa’s version of the “Arab Spring”. Click here to read…

How China’s Ambitious Belt and Road Plans for East Africa Came Apart

As China draws back from large scale infrastructure investments in Africa, it is worth considering why so many major Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the region, unveiled with great fanfare, have ultimately struggled. Click here to read…

UN chief wants Amisom to remain in Somalia

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has recommended to the Security Council that the African Union maintains its staffing level in Somalia through the end of the year. Click here to read…

Libya armed groups backing rival PM withdraw from Tripoli

Libya’s parliament-appointed Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha said that armed groups backing him have withdrawn from positions around Tripoli, after the UN warned of a new escalation in the divided country. Click here to read…

Russia ramps up ties with Sudan as Ukraine war rages

As much of the West seeks to isolate Russia after it invaded Ukraine, experts say Moscow is boosting relations with its long time African ally Sudan, eyeing its gold wealth and strategic location. Click here to read…

France to continue aerial support to Mali after troop withdrawal

France will still provide aerial military support to Malian troops battling an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel even after its counter-terrorism mission has withdrawn, but only where Russian fighters are not present. Click here to read…

Arab League summit to take place in Algeria starting November 1

The Arab League will hold its first annual summit for three years in November in Algeria, the bloc said on Wednesday, after the pandemic forced the meetings’ suspension. Click here to read…

Ukraine looms over US-African Union summit

The United States and the African Union (AU) held their first high-level summit since the Covid-19 pandemic this week with the conflicts in Ukraine and Ethiopia looming over the gathering. Click here to read…

South Africa is ready for a woman chief justice

During the vetting of the candidates for chief justice, the question was asked if South Africa is ready for a woman chief justice. Although the question is absurd, misogynistic and a confirmation of our patriarchal society, the answer is a resounding yes — and it is long overdue. Click here to read…

Mohamed Bazoum: Is Niger France’s new key partner in the Sahel?

The president of Niger discusses if his country will become the new focal point in the fight against ISIL and al-Qaeda. Click here to read…

Chad junta and rebels gear for tricky talks in Qatar

Chad’s ruling junta is scheduled to meet rebel leaders in Qatar on Sunday for delayed talks aimed at coaxing armed groups into joining a “national dialogue” on the troubled country’s futureClick here to read…

African Start-up Eswatini Air to Launch Soon After Taking First Aircraft

The southern African nation of Eswatini – previously Swaziland – is tiny. At just 6,704 square miles (17,364 square km), it is smaller in area than Wales and only a bit larger than the US state of Connecticut. It is Africa’s smallest landlocked country. Click here to read…

Important Step Toward Justice in DR Congo?

The Congolese human rights minister launched national consultations on a new transitional justice initiative that, if implemented, would help the Democratic Republic of Congo emerge from conflict, address grave human rights violations, and institute needed reforms. Click here to read…

Morocco to chair 6th UN Environment Assembly

At the end of the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) which took place in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, the member countries voted Morocco as the host country for the next edition. By hosting the 6th edition of UNEA, the Cherifian kingdom reaffirms the need to strengthen the fight against pollution and climate change whose effects have impacts on the global economy. Click here to read…

Tunisian authorities urged to drop draft law restricting civil society organizations

Thirteen NGOs urged Tunisian authorities on Friday to drop a draft law providing restrictions on civil society organizations, which could result in a “major setback” for rights after the country’s 2011 revolution. Click here to read…

New Zimbabwe law threatens to criminalise and ban NGOs

The bill will effectively criminalise the operations of NGOs, proposing harsh penalties, including closure of the organisations, require them to disclose their source of funding and jail terms of up to a year for breaches. Click here to read…

Egypt announces the country is to diversify its sources of wheat

Egypt’s Prime Minister announced the country is to diversify its sources of wheat to avoid relying on what he described as “specific sources” for this productClick here to read…

Chinese Imports Edging Out Kenya’s Local Products

Kenyan artisans say they are losing the market for their products to Chinese imports. According to the crafts persons, the high quality and lower prices of Chinese-made goods put them at a disadvantageClick here to read…

Lesotho: EU Considering Deployment of EOM

The European Union (EU) is planning to deploy the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Lesotho ahead of the elections which are due to take place in September 2022. Click here to read…

Malian Army Accused of Killing Mauritanian Citizens

A Malian delegation is expected in Mauritania’s capital Friday to discuss the alleged disappearance of several Mauritanians on Malian territory. Click here to read…

Rwanda to impose tax on watching Netflix

Rwanda is the latest African country to announce plans to tax online services consumed within the country. This comes a few months after Zimbabwe and Nigeria laid out plans for the collection of taxes from e-commerce and digital companies such as Netflix, Google, YouTube, and Amazon. Click here to read…

Guinea suspends Simandou iron ore project, saying there has been no progress

Guinea’s ruling junta has ordered the cessation of all activities at the massive Simandou iron ore deposit owned by Rio Tinto and a Chinese-backed consortium, saying it was seeking clarification of how Guinea’s interests will be preserved.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/guinea-suspends-simandou-iron-ore-mine-project-2022-03-11/

Turkey’s women diplomats shape relations with Africa

Turkey has made significant progress in its political, economic and cultural ties with African countries in the last two decades, and women diplomats have an important place in these relationsClick here to read…

Uganda: Doctors, MPs unite against bid to jail unvaccinated

In February, the Ugandan parliament introduced a bill proposing to fine anyone refusing to take COVID-19 vaccines four million Ugandan shillings ($1,100) or sentence them to jail for six months. Click here to read…

Ethiopian Airlines, Air Djibouti partner for China-Africa Sea to air transport

Ethiopia’s national air carrier, Ethiopian Airlines announced on Tuesday it has partnered with Air Djibouti and Djibouti Industrial Park Operation (IDIPO) to commence sea-air multimodal transportation. Click here to read…

Eni And bp Finalize Agreement to Create New Independent Joint Venture in Angola

BP and Eni confirmed Friday that they have signed an agreement to form a new 50/50 independent company, Azule Energy [a bp and Eni Company], through the combination of the two companies’ Angolan businesses. Click here to read…

Zambia’s ex-President Rupiah Banda dead at 85

Rupiah Banda, who served as president of Zambia from 2008 and 2011, died Friday evening in the capital Lusaka at age 85 after a two-year battle with cancer. His son Andrew confirmed the former leader’s death, saying, “He is gone.” Click here to read…

Prince William says war normal in Africa and Asia, ‘alien’ in Europe; invites backlash

Prince William’s comments that it is ‘very alien’ to see a war in Europe while it was normal to witness conflict in Asia and Africa has invited a backlash on social media. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Defence Expo put off

The situation in Ukraine has led to the postponement of the prestigious defence exhibition DefExpo-2022, to be held from March 10-14 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Click here to read…

India, European Union hold inaugural consultations on Africa

The leaders of India and EU held the inaugural India-EU Consultations on Africa on March 7, in virtual mode, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

South Africa: Made-in-India Suzuki Celerio goes on sale

Suzuki has launched the second generation Celerio in the South African market. The car is manufactured and exported from Maruti Suzuki’s production facility in India. Click here to read…

Indian Embassy unveils plaque of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in Antananarivo

To mark the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on the occasion of 75 years of India’s Independence, the Indian Embassy in Madagascar organized a special unveiling ceremony of the plaque of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. Click here to read…

India focuses on Revitalization Agreement, election preparations in South Sudan at UNSC

India emphasised the execution of the Revitalization Agreement and election preparations at a UN Security Council (UNSC) briefing on the situation in South Sudan. Click here to read…

South Africa to issue e-visas for Indian travellers soon

As part of post-pandemic revival plans, South Africa will introduce e-visas for Indians to attract more tourists, business travellers and movie-makers, mainly from the south. Click here to read…

26 more Indian fishers held in Seychelles

Twenty-six more Indian fishermen were detained by authorities in Seychelles, off East Africa, on Wednesday on charges of entering their territorial waters. This takes the total number of Indian fishermen detained there in three days to 59. Click here to read…

Sewa International evacuates 467 African students from Ukraine

Houston-based Indian-American non-profit body Sewa International has evacuated 467 African students including 367 Nigerians, from Ukraine’s Sumy amidst a Russian military offensive. Click here to read…

Former diplomat Rajiv Bhatia’s India-Africa Relations: Changing Horizons, is an essential reader on India’s burgeoning ties with African states

This book is certainly rare considering the paucity of scholarly writings by Indians on the core issues of Africa. As a scholar-diplomat, who headed Indian embassies in South Africa, Kenya and Lesotho, Rajiv Bhatia has deftly handled changing horizons of Indo-African ties. Click here to read…

Chennai’s Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science celebrates its 12th Convocation

Chennai’s Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS) celebrated its 12th annual convocation on March 5 where Dr Grace Akello, Uganda Ambassador to India, was one of the key guest speakers. Click here to read…

Morocco & Jordan join hands with India to organise sporting tournament in Kashmir

Key Arab states of Morocco and Jordan have taken a key step in organising a sporting tournament in collaboration with India in Kashmir. Click here to read…

‘Best experience in India’: Travelers from Morocco join clean-up drive at Thiruvanmiyur beach

Two Moroccon travelers joined the save a turtle team for a beach clean-up drive to create awareness on responsible tourism at Thiruvanmiyur beach on Friday. Click here to read…

Telecoms major Airtel Uganda plans IPO by 2022-end: MD

Airtel Uganda, the country’s second largest telecoms company and a unit of India’s Bharti Airtel, plans to list a part of its equity by the end of this year, a top company official told local NTV Uganda late Monday. Click here to read…