Afghanistan

Imposing Sanctions Does Not Benefit Kabul, Washington: Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate reacted to the new sanctions imposed by the US on the members of the Islamic Emirate, saying that such sanctions do not benefit Kabul and Washington. The US Department of State announced on Tuesday new restrictions on the “issuance of visas for the current or former Taliban members, members of non-state security groups, and other individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, repressing women and girls in Afghanistan through restrictive policies and violence Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Indian President: Dhaka, Delhi connectivity improved with Maitri Setu on Feni River: Dhaka Tribune

President of India Droupadi Murmu has said that connectivity between Bangladesh and India has increased with the construction of Maitri Setu over Feni River. At the same time, she said, it has become convenient for entrepreneurs of India’s Tripura state to use the ports of Chittagong and Ashuganj. Click here to read…

Bhutan

India looking forward to expanding cooperation: Sitharaman tells Bhutan FM: Business Standard

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met her Bhutan counterpart Lyonpo Namgay Tshering in Washington on Wednesday and expressed India’s wish to expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries including hydropower, COVID-19 assistance, among other issues. Click here to read…

Maldives

The Maldives wins UN Human Rights Council seat: Avas

The Maldives has won a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council at the elections held Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Tuesday’s election saw 17 countries competing for 14 vacant seats. The Maldives competed in the Group of Asia-Pacific States, for one of the 4 vacant seats. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Former Myanmar army general Shwe Mann dissolves his political party: Myanmar Now

Former general Thura Shwe Mann disbanded his political party on Wednesday morning, more than one-and-a-half years after Myanmar’s military coup and ahead of promises of a junta-controlled election allegedly taking place in August 2023. He announced in a statement that the central executive committee (CEC) members of the Union Betterment Party (UBP) had unanimously decided to dissolve the party, which he founded in April 2019 ahead of Myanmar’s general election in late 2020. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal votes in favour of UN resolution to condemn referendums in Ukraine: The Kathmandu Post

Nepal on Wednesday voted in favor of a resolution condemning Russia’s attempted annexation of four Ukrainian areas by conducting a referendum within Ukraine, at the United Nations General Assembly. Click here to read…

Pakistan

UN sees major gap between pledges and flood relief aid: Dawn

United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator Julien Harneis said on Wednesday that aid pledges made by UN member states towards the 2022 flood response plan for Pakistan were not converting into commitment as quickly as they were a couple of weeks ago. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

SL abstains from UN vote condemning Russia’s ’annexation’ of parts of Ukraine: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka on Thursday abstained as the UN General Assembly voted to adopt a resolution condemning Russia’s “attempted illegal annexations” of the four Ukrainian regions following a “referendum”. The resolution, which declared that “attempted illegal annexation” of the regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine have no validity under international law, was adopted by a 143-5 vote in the 193-member General Assembly. Thirty-five countries, including Sri Lanka, India, China and Pakistan abstained. Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.
Week 41, 2022

COMMENTARY

Coups d’état as Instrument of France Non-grata in Africa: The Cases of Mali and Burkina Faso

Very few African countries had an independent status before 1960. These countries included Ethiopia in East Africa, Liberia and Ghana in West Africa. When many of the dependent countries began to accede to both national and international sovereignty in the 1960s, coup-making was generally presented as an instrument to achieve better governance and not necessarily for good governance. Click here to read…

For the second time this year soldiers stage a coup in Burkina Faso

At first glance the images of soldiers in a television studio on September 30th, some of them masked and bristling with guns were almost indistinguishable from those broadcasts in Burkina Faso in January, when the army overthrew an elected president, Roch Kaboré. Click here to read…

vWho is Peter Obi, and why is he making the Nigerian establishment so nervous?

It is not easy to get 2 000 Nigerians to sing the national anthem as if they mean it. On a Monday evening earlier this month, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Peter Obi did exactly that. He was there to give a speech on the role of the Nigerian diaspora in civic leadership, as part of his global tour. Click here to read…

NEWS

Ibrahim Traore declared Burkina Faso president after coup

Captain Ibrahim Traore has been appointed as president of Burkina Faso after Paul-Henri Damiba was removed in the West African country’s second coup in less than nine months. Click here to read…

Who is Ibrahim Traore, the soldier behind Burkina Faso’s latest coup?

As a heavily armed convoy drove through a cheering crowd in Burkina Faso’s capital on Sunday morning, the boyish face of the country’s latest military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traore, emerged from the turret of an armored personnel carrier. Click here to read…

Pro-Russia demonstrators rally in Burkina after coup

Several dozen protestors waving Russian flags rallied in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou on Tuesday as West African delegates arrived on a fact-finding mission following the country’s second coup in less than nine months. Click here to read…

Protesters attack French Embassy in Burkina Faso after coup

Protesters in Burkina Faso’s capital have attacked the French Embassy after the military junta in charge accused France of sheltering the ousted interim president. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso coup supporters gather near regional mediation

Protesters waving Russian flags gathered in Burkina Faso’s capital where West African regional envoys were meeting on Tuesday to press the country’s latest coup leaders to swiftly return the country to civilian rule. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso’s new military government meets West Africa bloc

Burkina Faso’s new military leaders met with representatives of West Africa’s main political and economic bloc ECOWAS on Tuesday to discuss plans for a democratic transition after the country’s second coup this year, the interim presidency said. Click here to read…

vOusted Burkina Faso Leader Leaves Country for Togo

Burkina Faso’s ousted coup leader Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba left the country for Togo Sunday two days after he himself was overthrown in a coup, while the new junta urged citizens not to loot or vandalize. Click here to read…

AU invites Tigray, Ethiopia leaders for peace talks in South Africa

Ethiopia’s government on Wednesday said it has accepted an invitation from the African Union to take part in peace talks aimed at ending a nearly two-year-long ongoing civil war in the country’s northern Tigray region. Click here to read…

Junta set to stay in power after Chad delays elections by two years

Chad has adopted resolutions that push back democratic elections by two years and allow interim leader Mahamat Idriss Deby to stay in power and be eligible to run for president in the eventual vote. Click here to read…

Lesotho votes in election with political crisis still unresolved

Lesotho citizens were due to vote in an election on Friday, after years of political instability that the southern African mountain kingdom’s lawmakers have yet to resolve. Click here to read…

Gabon Takes the UN Security Council Hot Seat, Sticking to African Views

Naturally enough, Gabon is focusing on Africa as the country leads the United Nations Security Council this month. Gabon’s UN ambassador, Michel Xavier Biang, detailed his country’s plans for the rotating presidency, elaborating on a climate change agenda as well as counterterrorism, alignment of UN and African Union interests plus strengthening women’s resilience in conflicts. Click here to read…

Uganda president apologizes to Kenya for son’s ill-advised invasion tweets

President Yoweri Museveni has apologized to Kenyans over tweets posted by his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba that had repeatedly threatened to invade Uganda’s East African neighbor. Click here to read…

Two Including Russian Pilot Killed in Mali Plane Crash

A Russian pilot and a member of ground crew staff died Tuesday when a plane that Russia recently delivered to Mali’s armed forces crashed near the northern city of Gao, an official and the military said. Click here to read…

Sudan’s democracy groups approve charter opposing army rule

More than 50 Sudanese pro-democracy groups have agreed on a new draft constitution, in one of the largest shows of unity from the country’s opposition since the 2019 popular uprising. Click here to read…

Malawi: Political crisis looms as VP Chilima graft scandal unfolds

A report by Malawi’s anti-corruption body has landed Vice President Saulos Chilima in hot water. With pressure from President Lazarus Chakwera, his second-in-command might be tried in court at some point, a scenario that could lead to a political deadlock. Click here to read…

DR Congo appoints new army chief as part of military reforms

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi has replaced the head of the country’s armed forces as part of broader military reforms aimed at boosting efficiency. Click here to read…

Lawmakers in breakaway Somaliland extend president’s term

The House of Elders in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland has extended the term of office of President Muse Bihi Abdi by two years, a decision expected to cause more unrest by opposition groups. Click here to read…

Tunisian labour union warns of strikes as IMF talks loom

Tunisia’s powerful UGTT labour union has no deal with the government on reforming subsidies and publicly owned companies and will lead street protests over any “painful” changes, it said on Monday, potentially complicating foreign bailout talks. Click here to read…

Nigeria Discovers Huge Pipeline Used for Oil Theft

The head of Nigeria’s petroleum company told a legislative committee this week that a 4-kilometer pipeline from the Forcados export terminal has been used to steal oil for nine years, resulting in the theft of hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day. Click here to read…

Ghana Cedi is worst performing currency against US dollar – World Bank report

The World Bank has ranked the Ghana cedi as the worst-performing currency in Africa since the beginning of the year with a depreciation of 60 per cent against the United States dollar. Click here to read…

Somalia, Ethiopia sign deal to strengthen ties

Somalia and Ethiopia say they will work together to protect each other’s territories, including requesting the UN Security Council to lift an age-old arms embargo on Mogadishu. Click here to read…

South Africa’s phoenix president Zuma wants to rise from the ashes

Popular wisdom dictates that you will not die as long as you stay in politics, which means that every leading politician does their best to remain in the local political landscape, just like 86-year-old Silvio Berlusconi, who was seen during Italy’s election weekend. Click here to read…

Cameroon’s Biya Orders Enforcement of Bilingualism Law

Cameroon’s president has ordered officials to enforce a 2019 law on bilingualism and make life easier for English speakers in the French-speaking majority country. Click here to read…

Youth are vital for Sudan’s post-coup stability

Sudanese youth drove the demonstrations and uprising that toppled former president Omar al-Bashir’s nearly 30-year-long rule. They were instrumental in mobilising and creating a social movement urging the military to eventually step in to remove al-Bashir from power in a popular coup in April 2019. Click here to read…

US airstrike killed an al-Shabaab leader in Somalia on Saturday

A US airstrike in Somalia killed an al-Shabaab militant leader on Saturday in coordination with the Somali government, US Africa Command said in a statement. Click here to read…

‘Ma’awisley’ Militias in Central Somalia Mobilizing Against al-Shabab

For years, Somali clans and villages have tried to resist demands from the Islamist group al-Shabab, which can include taxes called “zakat,” plus livestock, weapons and boys they can turn into fighters. Click here to read…

Blast in Central African Republic kills 3 Bangladesh UN peacekeepers

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers and the people in government of Bangladesh,” he added. Click here to read…

Mozambique Marks Five Years of Extreme Violence in Cabo Delgado

Mozambique marks five years since extreme violence erupted in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, forcing nearly 1 million people to flee during that time in October. Click here to read…

Regional court dismisses Maasai eviction case against Tanzania government

A regional court on Friday dismissed a case brought by a group of Maasai villagers claiming the Tanzanian government used violence to evict them from their ancestral lands in the north of the country. Click here to read…

Rwanda, IMF agree on $310m deal on climate financing

Rwanda has secured $310 million (approximately Rwf318 billion) loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to tackle climate change. Click here to read…

In Kenya, green parties struggle for votes

In August, Kenya held its fifth general elections since the introduction of multiparty politics in 1991. Four of the 93 registered political parties were green parties. Click here to read…

Amid climate politics, Uganda presses on with oil pipeline

Uganda’s ambitions of joining the oil producer’s club almost entirely rest on a pipeline being built between the oil fields in the Lake Albert region and the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the east African coast. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe is poised to become Africa’s largest steel producer

Zimbabwe is poised to become Africa’s largest steel producer and one of the biggest steel players in the world. A multi-billion steel plant is being constructed in Manhize, central Zimbabwe, that has the potential to meet all of the country’s requirements plus that of most countries in Africa and beyond. Click here to read…

Namibia, Zambia sign deal to develop oil, gas pipeline

Namibia and Zambia on Thursday inked an agreement in Swakopmund, Namibia, to facilitate a private sector-led infrastructure development project. Click here to read…

Nigerians mark independence anniversary ahead of key poll

Nigerians celebrated the 62nd anniversary of their independence Saturday with the country’s leader acknowledging the economic and security hardships citizens are facing as they prepare to vote for a new president in four months. Click here to read…

Botswana turns 56: From one of the poorest countries to an upper middle-income economy

Botswana celebrates 56 years of independence on Friday after attaining self-government in 1965, following 80 years as the British protectorate Bechuanaland. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

MoS Muraleedharan meets Gabon FM, conveys wishes on UNSC Presidency

On the sidelines of the UNSC High-Level debate at New York, MoS for External Affairs V Muraleedharan met with the foreign minister of Gabon Michael Adamo and held discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations. Click here to read…

‘Terror outfits enhancing their finances and presence by exploiting natural resources in Africa’: Indian minister V Muraleedharan at UNSC

V Muraleedharan said terrorist organisations were exploiting resources to bolster their finances. “These regions have remained vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing. Click here to read…

India and Nigeria hold Foreign Office Consultations

New Delhi played host to the second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Nigeria on 29 September 2022. Click here to read…

INS Tarkash visits Namibia’s Port Walvis Bay

Indian Navy warship, INS Tarkash visited Port Walvis Bay at Namibia from Oct 3-6 as a part of an ongoing extended-range operational deployment, the Indian Navy said in an official statement. Click here to read…

INS Sunayna participates in combined maritime forces exercise in Seychelles

The Indian Naval Ship Sunayna participated in the capacity-building exercise Operation Southern Readiness conducted by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) at Seychelles during September 24-27, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Click here to read…

India in talks with Angola, Algeria for LNG supplies

India is in talks with Angola and Algeria to procure liquefied natural gas (LNG) on long-term contracts, said two officials aware of the development, amid concerns of a global gas shortage fuelled by the Ukraine crisis. Click here to read…

Togo govt plans to sign MoU with Andhra University on IT, space

Togo’s minister of education and research, Dr Wateba said that they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Andhra University and will work in various fields. Click here to read…

‘A Hell Of A Fighter’ – Why India’s Joint Collaboration With Egypt Failed To Develop A Supersonic Warplane – The Helwan 300?

With the recent visit of the Indian defense minister to Egypt, the two nations are boosting their security cooperation. However, their defense ties stretch back to the 60s, when India played a pivotal role in Egypt’s attempts to develop a supersonic aircraft. Click here to read…

Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal: India’s export restrictions complicate rice supply

New Delhi’s rice export restrictions herald higher prices for many West African countries, including big rice importers Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana. Click here to read…

Tunisia runs out of sugar, to import from Algeria and India

Tunisian sugar reserves have run out, according to the secretary general of the Ben Arous regional office of the tourism, trade and industry federation of the UGTT trade union Souhail Boukhris. Click here to read…

Gambia deaths: 4 states had red-flagged Maiden Pharma

Several Indian states and at least one foreign country have red-flagged the quality of medicines manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceutical, whose contaminated cough syrups has reportedly led to the deaths of more than 60 children in The Gambia, in west Africa, prompting the WHO to issue an alert. Click here to read…

India-made cough syrups and deaths in Gambia: what we know so far

The World Health Organisation has issued an alert about four Indian-manufactured cough syrups that it said could have caused 66 deaths in Gambia. What do we know about the cough syrups? Are they sold in India? Should you be worried? Click here to read…

Why Bhagwat brought up East Timor, South Sudan & Kosovo in speech about ‘population imbalance’

In his annual Vijayadashmi speech in Nagpur, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat called for a comprehensive population control policy, citing “religion-based population imbalance”. Click here to read…

India Community in Ghana commemorates Gandhi’s 153 anniversary

The India Community in Ghana has commemorated the 153 anniversary of Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi, late leader and the foremost campaigner for India’s independence, in Accra. Click here to read…

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

COMMENTARY

India must step up its diplomatic efforts to help Mali

Mali is currently experiencing both an Islamist insurgency in the north of the country and a political crisis in the centre as a result of two consecutive coups. On August 18, 2020, a group of senior army officers dissatisfied with the deteriorating political and security situation overthrew the current democratically elected government and established a new transitional one. Click here to read…

Egypt is hosting COP27. What are the expectations?

As the host country for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) from November 6-18, Egypt has a huge role to play during its presidency of the event. Click here to read…

The rise of the opposition in Africa: Which governments are likely to fall next?

Governments in Africa are in trouble. Economic decline, more strategic opposition parties and increasingly sophisticated electorates have left ruling parties increasingly susceptible to election defeat. Click here to read…

NEWS

Eritrea starts big offensive in Ethiopia’s Tigray region – TPLF

Eritrean troops have launched a full-scale offensive in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, a spokesman for the Tigrayan rebel group, the TPLF, has said. Click here to read…

Ethiopia Rejects UN Report Warning of Crimes against Humanity in Tigray

Ethiopia on Tuesday rejected a report by U.N. investigators that accused Addis Ababa of possible ongoing crimes against humanity in its war-torn Tigray region, including using starvation as a weapon. Click here to read…

Central African Republic’s top court deals blow to president’s 3rd term bid

The Central African Republic’s Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that a commission for constitutional reforms set up recently is “unconstitutional,” dealing the first blow to President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s bid to get through legislation allowing him to run for a third term. Click here to read…

Equatorial Guinea’s Obiang, Africa’s Longest-Serving President, to Seek New Term

Teodoro Obiang, the president of Equatorial Guinea, who has led the country for more than 43 years, is the longest serving head of state in the world, excepting monarchs. Click here to read…

Senegal’s president appoints former economy minister as PM

Senegalese President Macky Sall reinstated the post of prime minister on Saturday, appointing a former economy minister to the job two months after a tense legislative election in which Sall’s ruling coalition lost its comfortable majority. Click here to read…

Sudan generals agree in principle to civilians naming prime minister, head of state

Sudan’s military leaders agreed on the appointment of a prime minister and head of state by civilian political forces, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said in a statement on Friday, following a meeting with head of state General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Click here to read…

Thousands protest alleged electoral fraud in Angola

Thousands of Angolans have protested against what they say was a flawed election last month that returned the ruling MPLA to power, continuing its nearly five decades of uninterrupted rule. Click here to read…

Commonwealth to observe Lesotho’s general elections

The Commonwealth will deploy a team to observe the general elections in Lesotho, scheduled for 7 October, 2022. The group will be led by the former president of Seychelles, His Excellency Danny Faure. Click here to read…

Mmusi Maimane says he is ready to be South Africa’s next president

Former Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane has partnered with struggle veteran and current deputy mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay metro, Mkhuseli Jack, to form a new political platform, Build One SA, which is expected to contest the 2024 elections. Click here to read…

Western countries call for holding elections in war-torn Libya

The United States and four European countries have reiterated support to hold inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya “in the shortest time possible.” Click here to read…

Kenya’s Polisario Snub Reveals Morocco’s Growing Clout in Africa

Morocco’s phosphate riches are enabling its growing geopolitical clout, and its vital importance towards food security in Africa and beyond. Click here to read…

Western Sahara: South Sudan Slams Alleged Rapprochement with Polisario

Over the past years, South Sudan has repeatedly expressed interest in advancing economic and diplomatic ties with Rabat while notably distancing itself from the Polisario separatists. Click here to read…

Sudan committed to achieve national reconciliation, General Assembly hears

Abdel-Fattah Al Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, the President of the Transitional Government of Sudan, called for more multilateral action to find sustainable solutions to global challenges and to reduce terrible repercussions for people worldwide, particularly in countries affected by conflict and in the least developed countries. Click here to read…

Mozambique’s Nyusi Re-elected as Leader of Ruling Party

Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi was elected on Sunday to a third five-year term as leader of the ruling Frelimo party. Click here to read…

Biden and Ramaphosa vow to strengthen US-South Africa ties

South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa visits Washington for talks with Joe Biden on climate crisis, trade and Ukraine war, among other issues. Click here to read…

US Bill on Russia will punish African countries: SA Prez Cyril Ramaphosa

In terms of the Bill, the US will assess the influence that Russia has on African countries, especially those which it believes undermines the interests of those nations. Click here to read…

US Prez Biden calls South Africa a vital voice despite Russia stance

Biden made no direct mention that Ramaphosa is among African leaders who have maintained a neutral stance in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ruling ANC Loses Control of Key City Council

South Africa’s African National Congress was voted out of power in the southern Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, leaving the ruling party in control of only three of the nation’s eight biggest urban areas. Click here to read…

ECOWAS sanctions Guinea, condemns Mali over Ivorian troops

The Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, has announced more sanctions on Guinea’s military government after it failed to establish a new schedule for a transition to democracy. Click here to read…

South Africa in electricity crisis, nationwide blackouts

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had an urgent meeting scheduled with his Cabinet on Wednesday to discuss the country’s electricity crisis, which has led to unprecedented levels of nationwide power blackouts in Africa’s most developed economy. Click here to read…

Devil in detail of South Africa’s $8.5 billion climate funding, deal on hold

South Africa uses coal to generate more than 80% of its electricity and is the world’s 13th-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. With the country facing record blackouts this year and a number of its coal-fired plants approaching retirement age, additional generating capacity is urgently needed, along with the money to finance it. Click here to read…

At UN, Mali army-appointed PM slams France, praises Russia ties

Mali’s military-appointed prime minister has lashed out at France and the United Nations in a grievance-filled address over his nation’s deteriorating security situation while praising the “exemplary” cooperation with Russia. Click here to read…

Chinese, Algerian FMs meet on sidelines of UNGA session

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here with Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra on Saturday on the sidelines of the ongoing 77th session of the UN General Assembly. Click here to read…

Mali – Burkina Faso: Goïta and Damiba met to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation

Mali’s transitional president Assimi Goïta received Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, his Burkinabe counterpart, for the first time on 3 September in Bamako. At the heart of their discussions was counter-terrorism cooperation between their two countries, which have been shaken by jihadist groups. Click here to read…

Egypt’s leader meets with Sudan’s military ruler in Cairo

President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt on Saturday met with Sudan’s leader in Cairo for talks that focused on ties between the two neighbors, officials said. Click here to read…

Presidential terms should be “limited” – Namibian President

Representative of the last wave of African leaders, Namibian President Hage Geingob, was in Luanda last week for the inauguration of João Lourenço and shared with Euronews his vision of current African politics. Click here to read…

South Sudan Hopes Planned Port in Djibouti Will Increase Market Access, Profits

Officials in South Sudan confirmed this month they have bought land on the coast of Djibouti to build a port. South Sudan says the port will be key for exporting the country’s crude oil. Click here to read…

Tunisia detains former PM Ali Laarayedh after 14-hour questioning

Tunisia’s anti-terrorism police have detained Ali Laarayedh, a former prime minister and senior official in the Ennahdha party, a move the opposition party have called a “political attack” by the country’s president. Click here to read…

Algeria: Free Activist Granted Refugee Status in Tunisia

Algerian authorities should immediately release Slimane Bouhafs, an Algerian activist who disappeared a year ago from Tunisia and is now detained under investigation by an Algerian court, and ensure his freedom to leave the country. Click here to read…

Al-Shabaab suicide attack kills 7 in Somalia

A suicide attack claimed by the Somali Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab killed at least seven people and injured nine others in Mogadishu on Sunday, the army and eyewitnesses told AFP. Click here to read…

Jihadist Attack Kills Four in Burkina Faso

At least two soldiers and two civilian auxiliaries died in a “terrorist” attack on a patrol in eastern Burkina Faso, the army said Sunday. Click here to read…

Armed bandits kill 15 at mosque in northwest Nigeria, residents say

A gang of armed men killed at least 15 people at a mosque in northwest Nigeria’s Zamfara state, residents said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Tanzania’s investment bill to open up the economy

In a quest to reform the country’s economy, a new proposed investment act, tabled for the first reading, seeks to encourage and attract more trade and investments both local and foreign. Click here to read…

As COP27 Looms, Africa Receives a 10th of Climate Financing It Needs

As the international climate community prepares to descend on Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, new analysis shows just how far off their host continent is in terms of attracting the finance it needs to adapt to catastrophic global warming. Click here to read…

Why Angola is Africa’s next agricultural powerhouse

When thinking of Angola, often the first thing that comes to people’s mind is the oil industry, with the country having overtaken Nigeria as Africa’s largest oil producer last month. However, Angola may soon be known as an agricultural powerhouse on the African continent as well. Click here to read…

Ethiopia terminates contract with Chinese POLY-GCL effective today

Takele Uma, Ethiopia’s Minister of Mines & Petroleum announced the termination of the contract with the Chinese POLY-GCL, which has been engaged in oil exploration in Ethiopia. Click here to read…

DAL Group and Air Arabia announce joint venture to launch new airline in Sudan

Sudan’s most innovative and customer-focused conglomerate, DAL Group, and Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier operator, announced on Thursday the planned launch of “Air Arabia Sudan,” a joint-venture company to be based in Khartoum International Airport. Click here to read…

Major fair marks Turkish defense industry’s high ambitions in Africa

The Turkish defense industry has various high-quality products for African countries and the states in the region are already interested in what Türkiye has to offer. Click here to read…

Vietnam boosts cooperation with Netherlands, African countries

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh had bilateral meetings with the Dutch Prime Minister, and Foreign Ministers of Sierra Leon, Guinea-Bissau and Malawi in New York on September 23 on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 77th United Nations General Assembly. Click here to read…

Eswatini hosts the 15th biennial East, Central and Southern Africa College of Nursing conference

The Kingdom of Eswatini has once again hosted the East, Central, and Southern Africa College of Nursing (ECSACON) delegates for the 15th Biennial Scientific Conference and the 7th Quadrennial General Assembly. Click here to read…

Chinese, Gabonese FMs meet on sidelines of UNGA session

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here with Gabonese Foreign Minister Michael Moussa Adamo on Saturday on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. Click here to read…

Pressure is rising for western countries to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe

At the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Sept. 20, the African Union (AU) piled more pressure on the US, EU, and UK to lift all sanctions against Zimbabwe. Click here to read…

Uganda says Ebola caseload rises to 16 as outbreak grows

Uganda said on Sunday its Ebola caseload had jumped to 16 people while a further 18 people also likely had the disease, fuelling fears of a spreading outbreak that involves a strain for which a vaccine has not yet been found. Click here to read…

Severe Drought Set to Plague the Horn of Africa in October; Could Impact Over 36 Million People

At least 36.1 million people in the Horn of Africa, including 24.1 million in Ethiopia, 7.8 million in Somalia, and 4.2 million in Kenya, will be affected by severe drought in October, the United Nations has warned. Click here to read…

South Africans want this diamond back from Britain

A recent report said that calls for the return of Great Star of Africa or Cullinan I, world’s largest known clear-cut diamond, were growing in South Africa. Click here to read…

Rich Chinese culture wows fans in Rwanda

A crowd made up mainly of young people braved the scorching sun in the Rwandan capital of Kigali Friday visiting Chinese cultural exhibitions on display at the University of Rwanda, featuring items ranging from Chinese literature, calligraphy, dance music, traditional costume, cuisine to Chinese kung fu. Click here to read…

Three baby chimps were kidnapped from a sanctuary. Their abductors are demanding a ransom

An animal sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing demands for ransom money, after kidnappers abducted three of its baby chimpanzees. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India: Visit of Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan to the Republic of Djibouti (September 21-22, 2022)

Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan will pay an official visit to the Republic of Djibouti on 21-22 September 2022. This will be his first visit to the country. Click here to read…

At DefExpo 2022, India-Africa defence dialogue on the anvil

The forthcoming DefExpo 2022, scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar from October 18 to 22, will host the second edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue with invites extended to 53 African countries. A separate Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave with participation of approximately 40 countries is also on the anvil, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Growing India-Africa Bonhomie: Factors and Trends

Despite the constraints posed by post-pandemic challenges, there has been a marked increase in the flurry of visits and engagement between India and Africa. In just 2021, there were at least 22 engagements between India and Africa including bilateral visits at the level of External Affairs Minister (EAM) and Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, routine foreign office consultations, virtual meetings and phone calls at the level of Prime Minister and other such diplomatic events. Click here to read…

India, Egypt sign MoU to further defence cooperation

India and Egypt on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation. This was signed by Defence Minister Rajanth Singh, who is in a two day visit to Cairo, and his Egyptian counterpart General Mohamed Zaki. Click here to read…

Indian Navy holds anti-piracy operations in Africa

Indian Navy warship INS Tarkash deployed in the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of Africa participated in a joint maritime exercise with Nigerian Navy patrol ships NNS Kano, Osun, Sokoto and Nguru. Click here to read…

Industry can be roped in to fund CV Raman International Fellowship for African Researchers: DST Secy

The objective of this Fellowship is to provide an opportunity for African researchers to conduct collaborative research in various areas of science and technology in different Indian universities and R&D institutions under the guidance of host scientists in India. Click here to read…

Indian Envoy in South Africa Inaugurates Brahmos Aerospace Corporation Pavilion

Indian High Commissioner in South Africa Jaideep Sarkar September 21 inaugurated the BrahMos Aerospace corporation pavilion on the inaugural day of the Africa Aerospace and the Defence Expo in Cape Town. Click here to read…

India hopes to see Sudan emerge as prosperous, peaceful and stable country

India hopes to see Sudan emerge as a prosperous, peaceful and stable country, said India’s Permanent Representative at United Nations Ruchira Kamboj on Tuesday. Click here to read…

This time for Africa: For Indian exporters, a new continent of opportunities as demand wanes in Europe, US

“We are getting 20-25% more export orders from Africa than Europe, a major market that now seems to be drying up,” says Ritesh Bhansali, Director at Mumbai-based exporting firm Picaso Trade Enterprises. Click here to read…

India limits rice exports, Togo braces for impact

India recently decided to limit its rice exports, and this poses new risks for Africa’s food security. On September 9, the Indian government imposed a 20% tariff on exports of white and brown rice and banned the sale of broken rice abroad. Click here to read…

Bharathiyar Awards return to South Africa after Covid hiatus

The annual awards named after renowned Tamil poet and freedom fighter C Subramania Bharati, returned to the Siva Gnana Sabay — a religious organisation based in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg — after a two-year break forced by the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to read…

Durga Puja goes global: From Finland to Colombia to Nigeria and more

Durga Puja has come a long way (quite literally) since the first ever barowari puja in Hooghly’s Guptipara in 1790, with Bengal’s favourite festival becoming a truly international affair in the third decade of the 21st century. Click here to read…

EEPC India raises curtain on INDEE Tanzania & inks MoU with Tanzania Chamber

India’s largest overseas engineering exhibition INDEE after completing 45 years, traversing 27 nations all set for the 42nd edition from September 22-24 in Tanzania. Click here to read…

After 8 Namibian cheetahs, India now working to get big cats from South Africa

After Namibian wild cheetahs, India might soon get to see South African felines roaming free in the wilds of the country. Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has said that India is now working with South Africa to bring the big cats from there. Click here to read…

Chinese FM meets Russian counterpart: Xinhuanet

September 22, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here on Wednesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the ongoing 77th session of the UN General Assembly. Click here to read…

China says U.S. EV subsidy provisions “suspected of violating WTO rules”: Xinhuanet

September 22, 2022

The electric vehicle (EV) subsidy provisions in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act are discriminatory and suspected of violating the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. Click here to read…

Chinese premier calls on China, Japan to enhance economic cooperation: Xinhuanet

September 22, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday said China is ready to work with Japan to upgrade the all-round, wide-ranging and multi-level cooperation, noting that China welcomes the Japanese business community to continue seizing development opportunities and actively expand its presence in the Chinese market to achieve win-win results. Click here to read…

Former provincial legislator stands trial for bribery: Xinhuanet

September 22, 2022

Song Taiping, a former senior legislator in north China’s Hebei Province, stood trial for bribery on Thursday at the Intermediate People’s Court of Yuncheng City in the neighboring Shanxi Province. Click here to read…

Former senior provincial official given death sentence with reprieve: Xinhuanet

September 22, 2022

Wang Like, a former senior Party official in east China’s Jiangsu Province, was on Thursday sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for taking and offering bribes, sheltering and conniving with mafia-like organizations, and forging identity documents. Click here to read…

China’s former senior official Fu Zhenghua sentenced to death with reprieve: Xinhuanet

September 22, 2022

Former senior official Fu Zhenghua on Thursday was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for taking bribes worth more than 117 million yuan (16.76 million U.S. dollars) and bending the law for personal gainsClick here to read…

China sends new naval fleet on Gulf of Aden escort mission: China Daily

September 22, 2022

The 42nd fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy set out from a military port in East China’s Shandong province on Wednesday to take over an escort mission from the 41st naval fleet in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Click here to read…

China calls enhanced effort to fight climate change at UNGA: Global Times

September 22, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made four-point proposals in addressing the global climate change on Wednesday during the ongoing UN General Assembly (UNGA), stressing that countries should not abandon the efforts in energy restructuring because of the COVID-19 outbreak or the energy crisis, developed countries should achieve carbon neutrality significantly in advance, making room for developing countries. Click here to read…

China launches survey on marriage and childbearing as country tackles population problem: Global Times

September 22, 2022

China has launched a nationwide survey on marriage and fertility in an effort to “objectively and comprehensively” understand the challenges faced by people of marriage and child-bearing age and find solutions as the country has been tackling the population problem with a decline in marriage and fertility rate in recent years. Click here to read…

Microsoft, other US firms expand in China, defying decoupling push: Global Times

September 22, 2022

US technology giant Microsoft announced on Wednesday plans to expand recruitment and upgrade its campuses in China, following a series of recent moves and plans of major US businesses, including chipmaker Nvidia, to expand their presence in the Chinese market, despite the US decoupling push. Click here to read…

China sees vigorous development of its manufacturing industry over past 10 years: Qiushi

September 23, 2022

China’s value-added industrial output grew from 20.9 trillion yuan ($3.1 trillion) in 2012 to 37.3 trillion yuan in 2021, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3 percent. During the same period, manufacturing value-added output increased from 16.98 trillion yuan to 31.4 trillion yuan, accounting for nearly 30 percent of total global output. China has maintained the largest producer of over 40 percent of the world’s 500 major industrial goods. Click here to read…

Silk Road Economic Belt core area spurs Xinjiang development: Qiushi

September 23, 2022

At an exhibition booth of the ongoing China-Eurasian Expo, Tursun Mettursun and his brother earnestly promoted their self-made wool mattresses to clients. “This is the first time that I’m attending the expo. I hope to broaden my horizons and make more friends,” said Tursun Mettursun from Qira County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Click here to read…

Action plan to remediate Yangtze River: Qiushi

September 23, 2022

In a move to strengthen the conservation of the Yangtze River Basin, 17 central government bodies released a joint action plan on Monday, vowing a series of measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants into the river. Click here to read…

Judges agree to promote investment: China Daily

September 23, 2022

Chief justices from BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — have declared that they will promote the convenience of trade and investment by the rule of law and improve international judicial assistance by information-based means. Click here to read…

Former vice-minister of public security Sun Lijun sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve: China Daily

September 23, 2022

Sun Lijun, former vice-minister of public security, was given a death sentence with a two-year reprieve for accepting bribes, manipulating the stock market and illegally keeping firearms, a court in Northeast China’s Jilin province ruled Friday. Click here to read…

China Council for Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Nepal inaugurated: Xinhuanet

September 23, 2022

The China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Nepal was inaugurated on Thursday in the Nepali capital. Jin Xiaodong, president of the Overseas Chinese Association of Nepal, said his association decided on such a move in response to the strong patriotism of overseas Chinese in Nepal. Click here to read…

Shanghai rolls out regulation to promote AI industry development: Xinhuanet

September 23, 2022

The local legislature in Shanghai on Thursday passed a regulation on boosting the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The regulation, China’s first provincial-level one in the AI sector, is to go into effect on Oct. 1. AI is one of the three leading industries that Shanghai seeks to develop through the concentration of resources. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 121 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

September 23, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Thursday reported 121 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, with Sichuan and Guizhou provinces reporting 43 cases each, according to the National Health Commission’s report on Friday. A total of 627 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Maintaining CPC’s position as leadership core in developing socialism with Chinese characteristics: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

When the Communist Party of China (CPC) reviewed the historic achievements and shifts accomplished in the past decade, the upholding of the CPC’s overall leadership was highlighted. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, has taken a clear stand on upholding and strengthening overall Party leadership, providing fundamental guarantees for the cause of the Party and the country. Click here to read…

Xi meets with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Friday morning at Forumlar Majmuasi Complex in Samarkand. Xi pointed out that China and Iran enjoy a longstanding friendship and that their relations have stood the test of a changing international landscape. Click here to read…

Full text of Xi’s speech at SCO Samarkand summit: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) here on Friday. The following is the full text of the speech: Click here to read…

Xi meets Pakistani PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday Morning at Forumlar Majmuasi Complex in Samarkand. Xi pointed out that China and Pakistan are close neighbors linked by mountains and rivers and with a shared futureClick here to read…

China property investment down in January-August: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

China’s investment in property development went down 7.4 percent year on year in the first eight months of 2022, widening by 1 percentage point from that in the first seven months, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Friday. Click here to read…

ASEAN Media Partners Forum boosts cooperation: China Daily

September 16, 2022

The 2022 ASEAN Media Partners Forum, co-sponsored by the Central Radio and Television Administration and the government of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, was held in Nanning, Guangxi, on Thursday. Click here to read…

China sanctions CEOs of Raytheon Technologies, Boeing Defense over arms sale to Taiwan region: Global Times

September 16, 2022

The Chinese government is set to impose sanctions on Gregory J. Hayes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon Technologies Corporation, and Theodore Colbert III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, following recent US arms sales to China’s Taiwan region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. Click here to read…

China property investment down in January-August: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

China’s investment in property development went down 7.4 percent year on year in the first eight months of 2022, widening by 1 percentage point from that in the first seven months, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Friday. Click here to read…

China Telecom investigates fire in Changsha building; no casualties reported: Global Times

September 16, 2022

The large fire that engulfed a high-rise building belonging to China Telecom in Changsha, Central China’s Hunan Province, has been put out. No casualties were reported, the group announced Friday on China’s Twitter-like Sina Weibo. The group said that it had shut off power to some facilities in the building. Some customers’ mobile phones were affected and the group was dealing with the issue, read the announcement. Click here to read…

Chongqing reports first monkeypox case in Chinese mainland, low risk of transmission: authorities: Global Times

September 16, 2022

A monkeypox case was reported in Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality on Friday. It is the first time that the disease has been discovered in the Chinese mainland, following reports of it in China’s Taiwan and Hong Kong regions. Click here to read…

Xi urges SCO to strengthen cooperation, promote building of closer SCO community with shared future: China Military

September 17, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to uphold the Shanghai Spirit, strengthen unity and cooperation, and promote the building of an even closer SCO community with a shared future. Click here to read…

China raises holdings of Treasuries in July, Japan cuts holdings, U.S. Treasury Department data show: Reuters

September 17, 2022

China increased its holdings of Treasuries in July for the first time in eight months, while Japan reduced its U.S. government debt load, data from the U.S. Treasury department showed on Friday. China’s stash of Treasuries rose to $970 billion in July, from $967.8 billion in June, which was the lowest since May 2010 when it had $843.7 billion. Click here to read…

China, Russia to hold meetings on security, law-enforcement: Xinhuanet

September 18, 2022

Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, will travel to China for the 17th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation and the 7th meeting of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism from September 18 to 19, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Sunday. Click here to read…

China’s large UAV completes first meteorological observation operation in Qinghai-Xizang Plateau: Global Times

September 18, 2022

The first test flight of the domestically developed plateau meteorological observation variant of Wing Loong II drone in China’s Qinghai-Xizang Plateau was conducted successfully over the weekend, which will provide more data for ecological protection on the plateau and scientific response to climate change. Click here to read…

China sees two manned submersibles put into joint operation in deep sea for first time: Global Times

September 18, 2022

China’s deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe (Striver) has recently completed assigned tasks in the South China Sea at a depth of 1,500 meters with a 4,500-meter manned submersible, which is the first time that two manned submersibles have been put into a joint operation in China. Click here to read…

CH-4, WZ-7 drones spotted in PLA patrols near Taiwan island for 1st time: Global Times

September 18, 2022

The defense authority on the island of Taiwan on Saturday spotted a CH-4 armed reconnaissance drone of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the island for the first time, marking the sixth type of drone that has appeared in the region in September following the WZ-7 high-altitude reconnaissance drone that made its debut on Thursday. Click here to read…

Central enterprises to establish chief compliance officer; compliance reviews embedded in business management: Global Times

September 18, 2022

China’s central government-owned companies should establish chief compliance officer and compliance reviews must be embedded in the business management process, a document released by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) said. Click here to read…

China’s rice imports jump over 42% in Jan-Aug amid low prices: Global Times

September 18, 2022

China’s cumulative imports of rice showed rapid growth during the first eight months of this year, customs data showed on Sunday. The rise in rice imports, which are expected to be mainly used as feed grain, mainly reflected low global prices and does not reflect changes in domestic output due to drought, experts noted. Click here to read…

Chinese cities race to experiment autonomous driving, ready to accelerate commercial use: Global Times

September 18, 2022

Don’t get surprised if a visitor board a taxi or bus in Shenzhen, a tech hub in South China’s Guangdong Province, and can’t find a driver. Nowadays, more cities in China are offering driverless public transport, reflecting the rapid growth of autonomous driving in the country. Click here to read…

Crash victims in southern China were on COVID quarantine bus: Reuters

September 18, 2022

The victims of a bus crash which killed 27 people and injured a further 20 in southwest China’s Guizhou province were in an official government health vehicle and were being transported for COVID reasons, local media reported on Sunday. Click here to read…

Officials in Tibet’s capital Lhasa apologise for handling of Covid lockdown after string of complaints: South China Morning Post

September 18, 2022

The authorities in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa have apologised for their handling of the city’s lockdown after angry residents complained about food shortages, a lack of proper care for hospital and quarantine patients, and a chaotic mass-testing system.
Zhandui, one of the city’s vice mayors, bowed in apology during a media briefing on Saturday night and said the complaints had highlighted the city government’s shortcomings and weaknesses. Click here to read…

China’s top police chief warns law enforcement to stay alert to risk of ‘colour revolution’ ahead of major Communist Party gathering: South China Morning Post

September 18, 2022

China’s top police chief has hailed law enforcement’s role in supporting the implementation of Hong Kong’s national security law and urged police to stay alert to the risk of a “colour revolution” in an article for a leading Communist Party journal ahead of the year’s biggest political set piece. In the article, Wang Xiaohong, the minister for public security, also stressed the importance of loyalty to President Xi Jinping and the leadership, urging law enforcement to “clear risks” and “maintain stability” ahead of next month’s party congress, where Xi is expected to secure a norm-breaking third term. Click here to read…

Biden again says U.S. will defend Taiwan if China invades: Kyodo

September 19, 2022

President Joe Biden said in an interview aired Sunday that U.S forces would defend Taiwan if it is attacked by China, the clearest response yet to the issue of whether the United States will come to the aid of the self-ruled island. Click here to read…

Frugal is the new cool for young Chinese as economy falters: Reuters

September 19, 2022

Before the pandemic, Doris Fu imagined a different future for herself and her family: new car, bigger apartment, fine dining on weekends and holidays on tropical islands. Instead, the 39-year old Shanghai marketing consultant is one of many Chinese in their 20s and 30s cutting spending and saving cash where they can, rattled by China’s coronavirus lockdowns, high youth unemployment and a faltering property market. Click here to read…

China to accelerate projects, boost consumption to spur recovery: Reuters

September 19, 2022

China will speed up fund injections to expedite project construction and boost domestic consumption, China’s state planner said at a news conference on Monday. That came after the world’s second-biggest economy slowed sharply in the second quarter, dragged down by a deepening property crisis, and slowing exports and imports. Click here to read…

Former general manager of China’s state railway expelled from Party: Global Times

September 19, 2022

Sheng Guangzu, former general manager of China’s state railway, has been stripped of his Party membership for severely violating Party discipline, and for criminally profiting from his influence, according to China’s anti-graft body. Click here to read…

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

COMMENTARY

The crisis in Mali poses a stiff hurdle for Indian diplomacy

With a heterogeneous mix of Islamists, separatists and ethnic militias, Mali has become a tinderbox and can explode anytime. India must act cautiously but fast. Click here to read…

Ten years after the Marikana massacre in South Africa

This August 2022, South Africa commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Marikana massacre. Located 90 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg, Marikana is one of the richest mineral belts in the world. Click here to read…

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: its Impact and Implications for Southern Africa

This article attempts to contribute to the discussions on the evolutionary political confrontations and contradictions between Russia and Ukraine, its impact on and implications for Africa. Click here to read…

NEWS

Angola’s Joao Lourenco takes oath of office for second term as president

Angola’s Joao Lourenco took the oath of office Thursday for a second term as the country’s president at an inauguration ceremony held in Luanda, the Angolan capital. Click here to read…

Kenya snaps ties with Western Sahara’s Polisario after talks with Morocco

Nairobi rescinds its recognition of the area controlled by Polisario movement, which seeks independence of Western Sahara from Rabat after President William Ruto meets Moroccan FM Nasser Bourita. Click here to read…

Ethiopia’s economy struggles as war reignites in Tigray

Once home to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Ethiopia is struggling as the war in its Tigray region has reignited and weary citizens far from the front are pleading for peace. Click here to read…

Ruto appoints predecessor as peace envoy to Ethiopia, Great Lakes region

Newly sworn-in Kenyan President William Ruto has appointed his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta as peace envoy to Ethiopia and the Great Lakes region. Click here to read…

William Ruto: New Kenya president’s bold move to scrap subsidies

While leaders around the world are introducing subsidies to protect people from the rising cost of living, in his first major policy announcement, Kenya’s President William Ruto has surprised the nation by scrapping a subsidy on petrol which has increased the retail price to an all-time high. Click here to read…

Kenya revokes its support for Western Sahara independence, pleases Morocco

Hours after his swear-in ceremony, William Ruto, Kenya’s new president, upended the country’s decades-long policy of siding with the African Union on Western Sahara’s independence by revoking Nairobi’s support. Click here to read…

Egypt withdraws from Arab League meeting amid Libya presidency row

Egypt withdrew from an Arab League meeting on Tuesday in protest of chairing the session by the Libyan foreign minister in the outgoing government of Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. Click here to read…

Djibouti: France’s President Emmanuel Macron reaffirms support for Ismaïl Omar Guelleh

France’s President Emmanuel Macron assured his “attachment to Djibouti’s stability” during a phone conversation with his Djiboutian counterpart Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. Click here to read…

Mozambique’s jihadis spread into most populous province

Extremists allied with the Islamic State group have spread their attacks further south into Mozambique’s most populous province, Nampula, including an assault on a Catholic mission in which an Italian nun was among those killed. Click here to read…

Grim outlook for Guinea-Bissau elections

Bá was found guilty of coordinating the import of 1 800 kilograms of cocaine in September 2020, resulting in the biggest seizure on record in Guinea-Bissau. Click here to read…

In Somalia, al-Shabab’s courts win more converts

More Somalis are losing faith in the country’s slow judicial process and taking their complaints to the armed group. Click here to read…

Chadian rebel pardoned by Egypt ahead of N’djamena dialogue

The release comes on the heels of a pre-negotiation parley held for months in Doha by the Qatari emirate with Chad’s envoys and more than 300 rebel groups. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast asks for ECOWAS summit over diplomatic row with Mali

Ivory Coast on Wednesday accused Mali of “blackmail” over 46 Ivorian troops who have been detained by Bamako and called for West African leaders to discuss the crisis as soon as possible. Click here to read…

‘Difficult’ Discussion on Ukraine Predicted at Biden-Ramaphosa Meeting

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will meet U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House Friday, with trade, energy, and security all on the agenda. What’s not officially on the program, but will likely be discussed, analysts say, are the two democracies’ differences over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

Hungary’s Cooperation with Africa Built on Respect

“Hungary sees Africa not primarily as a continent of threats, but as a continent of opportunities and a continent of the future,” said Tristan Azbej, the State Secretary for the Aid of Christians and the Hungary Helps Program, at the opening of the Hungary-Africa Week, an educational, cultural, and economic event in Budapest on Monday. Click here to read…

UK-Africa ties: future looks gloomy under Liz Truss as political myopia reigns

Britain has a new prime minister in Liz Truss. For African leaders wondering what the new administration might mean for UK-Africa relationships, the view must be pretty gloomy. Click here to read…

Talks between rival Palestinian factions to resume in Algeria in October

The Fatah Party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) will join the dialogue on October 2. Click here to read…

South Sudan offers 14 oil blocks to increase output

South Sudan is putting up 14 oil blocks for sale in a bid to increase production to pre-war levels of 350,000 barrels a day. Click here to read…

Morocco, Nigeria ink deal to pipe gas to West Africa, Europe

The 5,600-km Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project traverses 13 African countries along Atlantic coast and would be linked to Maghreb–Europe Gas Pipeline in order to reach Europe via Algeria. Click here to read…

Morocco, World Bank Sign €236.7 Million Loan Agreement for North-East Project

Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah and World Bank Vice President for the MENA region Ferid Belhaj signed on Monday a €236.7 million (MAD 2.5 billion) loan agreement to finance Morocco’s North-East Economic Development Project. Click here to read…

NEWS

Turkish firm to build three luxury hotels in Rwanda

A Turkish company, Doğuş Group, is looking into investing in Rwanda’s hospitality sector by setting up at least three luxury resort hotels. Click here to read…

Senegal seeks to cash in on global dash for gas

President Macky Sall of Senegal has become a popular figure on the international stage. His country’s gas reserves, from which exports are due to start in the next couple of years, are now the target of intense interest by European leaders desperate to find alternatives to Russian gas following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Click here to read…

Botswana seeks investors in project to triple strategic oil reserves

Botswana Oil said in a tender document it was seeking bids from companies to design, build, finance and operate the Tshele Hills strategic oil storage depot, which will be transferred to the government after 20 years. Click here to read…

U.S. to withhold $130 mln of military aid to Egypt over human rights -official

The Biden administration has decided to withhold $130 million of foreign military aid to Egypt over its failure to fulfill human rights conditions, U.S. officials said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Lenders urged to cancel Zambia debt as country faces economic collapse

More than 100 economists and academics have urged international lenders to crisis-stricken Zambia to write off a significant slice of their loans during financial restructuring talks this month. Click here to read…

Demonstrators burn Israeli flag in Morocco amid probe into misconduct at mission

Around 100 protestors rally against normalization in wake of recall of top Israeli envoy after allegations; initial investigation suggests sexual and financial improprieties. Click here to read…

Chinese-born candidate running for office in Lesotho promises jobs if elected

Jason Shao is an independent candidate running in the October 7 elections in Lesotho. Shao is a Chinese national and a naturalised citizen of Lesotho since 2006. Click here to read…

Nigerian inflation hits 17-year high

Inflation in Nigeria hit a 17-year high of 20.5 per cent in August, driven by soaring prices of food, diesel and a weakened currencyClick here to read…

Guests call out burkini ban at Tunisian hotels as discriminatory

On the second day of her stay at the Marriott Hotel in Sousse, Jannette Mensi waded into the swimming pool only to be told by hotel staff that she would have to get out due to her choice of swimwear — a burkini. Click here to read…

Soldiers and ‘terrorists’ dead in Burkina Faso attack

Two soldiers died and a dozen “terrorists” were killed on Monday during an attack against a military detachment in Burkina Faso’s militant-hit north, the army said. Click here to read…

Yemenia Airways handed maximum fine over 2009 plane crash in Comoros

Yemen’s national airline was convicted of “manslaughter and unintentional injuries” and given a fine of €225,000. The company was also ordered to pay two associations more than €1 million in legal fees and damages. Click here to read…

Tanzania becomes the latest African country to launch 5G

Tanzania’s leading telecom operator by subscriptions, Vodacom has launched the country’s first 5G technology in what promises to be a transformational development in the country’s digital journey. Click here to read…

William Ruto’s rise from chicken seller to Kenya’s president

He went to primary school barefoot, wearing his first pair of shoes at the age of 15. He also sold chicken and groundnuts by the roadside in rural areas of the Rift Valley. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India-Africa ties deepen, MoS Muraleedharan in Nairobi

India and Kenya are working towards consolidating economic cooperation, maritime security, Indo-Pacific, Space Cooperation, fight against terrorism and Big Four Agenda of the African nation. Click here to read…

PM Modi congratulates Angola’s President on being re-elected

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco on being re-elected as the president of Angola. Click here to read…

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to embark on key Egypt visit next week

The two-day visit by Indian Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh to Egypt next week will be part of India’s attempt to strengthen strategic ties with the Middle East. Click here to read…

CECPA fosters trade ties between India, Mauritius

The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) offers new opportunities for trade, investments, and services activities between Mauritius and India and can accelerate our economic growth. Click here to read…

Mauritius PM hails India for CECPA agreement, says it fosters trade between the two countries

Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, on Tuesday, while speaking at an event to commemorate the relations between India and Mauritius expressed gratitude to New Delhi for their continued support and unwavering commitment to making CECPA a reality. Click here to read…

India, Madagascar sign MoU on training of diplomats

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Madagascar for the training of diplomats, according to an official statement. Click here to read…

Egypt, India discuss strengthening bilateral relations, international issue

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received on Saturday a telephone call from his Indian counterpart Subramaniam Jaishankar, where they discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest. Click here to read…

Egypt interested in coordinating with India on climate issues: FM

FM highlighted Egypt’s interest in coordinating with India on various climate issues, taking into account India’s upcoming presidency of the G20 next year Click here to read…

Nigeria to produce vaccines locally with Serum Institute of India

Nigeria will partner with Serum Institute of India to start local manufacturing of vaccines used in the country’s immunisation programmes, health minister Osagie Ehanire said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

INS Tarkash Mission Deployed in Gulf of Guinea

Reinforcing Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime security, INS Tarkash is currently mission deployed in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) for anti-piracy operations. Click here to read…

Indian war vessel INS Tarkash takes part in Joint Maritime Exercise with Nigerian Navy

Indian Navy warship INS Tarkash which is currently mission deployed in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), took part in a Joint Maritime Exercise with Nigerian Navy Patrol Ships on September 12-13, according to a statement by Indian Navy. Click here to read…

Shri Prakash Chand appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Eritrea

Shri Prakash Chand (YOA: 2004), presently Consul General, Consulate General of India, Bali, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Eritrea. Click here to read…

India hopes to see Sudan emerge as prosperous, peaceful and stable country

India hopes to see Sudan emerge as a prosperous, peaceful and stable country, said India’s Permanent Representative at United Nations Ruchira Kamboj on Tuesday, adding that India remains confident that the people of Sudan will overcome the current challenges and press further ahead towards securing a stable and prosperous future. Click here to read…

Indian-origin officer appointed South Africa’s intelligence inspector-general

Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel, an Indian-origin intelligence service officer, has been appointed as the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) of South Africa by the country’s Parliament. Click here to read…

India will do its best to promote South-South cooperation: UN envoy Kamboj

South-South cooperation is a broad framework of collaboration among countries of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains. Click here to read…

Gujarat Ion Exchange and Chemicals Limited supplied and commissioned the High Speed Fully Automatic Turnkey Mineral Bottling Project in Ethiopia

GIECL, a leader in mineral water plant and turnkey water projects supplier for 26 years in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, delivered a working model of the unique combination “Fully Automatic Turnkey Mineral Water Bottling Project”. Click here to read…

10 things to know about the 8 Namibian cheetahs flying to India on PM Modi’s birthday

Five female and three male cheetahs are in the group being transported to India. All of them are below 5.5 years of age. Click here to read…

Chinese premier chairs State Council executive meeting: Xinhuanet

September 15, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday presided over a State Council executive meeting, which made decisions on multiple economic issues. The country will further extend the tax and fee deferrals for manufacturing firms as part of the stepped-up support for enterprises to navigate hardships, according to the meeting. Click here to read…

Xi calls for more concrete results in China-Tajikistan relations: Xinhuanet

September 15, 2022

China and Tajikistan need to continue to provide solid support for each other and bring about more concrete results in bilateral ties, said Chinese President Xi Jinping while meeting with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon, here on Thursday morning. Click here to read…

China to hold international forum on supply chains: Xinhuanet

September 15, 2022

The International Forum on Resilient and Stable Industrial and Supply Chains will take place in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province in east China, from Sept. 18 to 20, an official said Thursday. Click here to read…

China ready to work with Russia to support each other on issues concerning core interests: Xinhuanet

September 15, 2022

China is ready to work with Russia in extending strong support to each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, here on Thursday. Click here to read…

Top Chinese legislator pays official goodwill visit to Nepal: Xinhuanet

September 15, 2022

At the invitation of Speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives Agni Sapkota, Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Li Zhanshu paid an official goodwill visit to Nepal from Monday to Thursday. Click here to read…

China to further improve business environment, lower costs for companies: Xinhuanet

September 15, 2022

China has rolled out new measures to optimize its business environment, aiming to ease current strains on small businesses and cement the foundations of economic recovery, according to a guideline unveiled on Thursday. Click here to read…

China’s tax, fee cuts, deferrals inject market vitality: Xinhuanet

September 15, 2022

China’s tax and fee cuts and deferrals are injecting vitality into the country’s market players, official data shows. The country’s accumulated tax refunds, tax and fee cuts, and tax and fee deferrals this year topped 3.3 trillion yuan (477.56 billion U.S. dollars) by Aug. 31, according to the State Taxation Administration. Click here to read…

China approves development of sub-orbital aerospace transportation system with capability of global delivery within one hour: Global Times

September 15, 2022

China has officially granted state approval for the development of the sub-orbital aerospace transportation system, which by completion could realize global delivery within one hour and lay the foundation for space travel for the general public, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the country’s top rocket manufacturer that filed for the application, on Thursday. Click here to read…

Xi, Putin meet at SCO summit, forging closer ties amid US-caused world turbulence: Global Times

September 15, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is ready to work with Russia in extending strong support to each other on issues concerning their respective core interests when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Thursday. Click here to read…

Xi, Putin affirm China-Russia coordination in countering West: Kyodo

September 15, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday affirmed close coordination in countering the United States and its allies amid the Ukraine crisis and heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Click here to read…

China, Russia conduct joint patrolling in Pacific Ocean: Kyodo

September 15, 2022

Chinese and Russian naval vessels have begun joint patrols in the Pacific region, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday, signaling deepening cooperation as the leaders of the two countries held talks in Uzbekistan. Click here to read…

China adds urgency to US plans to return to moon: Taipei Times

September 16, 2022

It is not just rocket fuel propelling the US’ first moonshot after a half-century lull. Rivalry with China’s flourishing space program is helping drive NASA’s effort to get back into space in a bigger way as both nations push to put people back on the moon and establish the first lunar bases. Click here to read…

Xi article gives insight into China’s direction ahead of party congress: South China Morning Post

September 16, 2022

The Chinese Communist Party is now the standard-bearer of the global socialism movement and must learn how to constantly self-correct itself to avoid the fate of the Soviet Union, Xi Jinping said in a recent article. Qiushi – the party’s most authoritative theoretical journal – published the article on Wednesday, just a month ahead of the 20th Party Congress on October 16, which will confirm an unprecedented third term for Xi as its paramount leader. Click here to read…

Xi attends sixth meeting of heads of state of China, Russia, Mongolia: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping held the sixth meeting of heads of state of China, Russia and Mongolia with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and Mongolian counterpart, Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, on Thursday afternoon at the Forumlar Majmuasi Complex in Samarkand. Click here to read…

China, Belarus issue joint statement on establishing all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

China and Belarus on Thursday issued a joint statement on establishing an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the sidelines of the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The two heads of state exchanged in-depth views on China-Belarus relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern, and reached broad consensus. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 102 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

September 16, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Thursday reported 102 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 43 in Sichuan, according to the National Health Commission’s report Friday. A total of 746 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

High-tech zones lead innovative growth over past decade: Qiushi

September 16, 2022

National high-tech industrial development zones will continue to be used to make new breakthroughs in core technologies, nurture quality talent, enhance global outreach and support China’s socioeconomic development, officials said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Xi meets with Azerbaijani President Aliyev: China Military

September 16, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Thursday afternoon at Forumlar Majmuasi Complex in Samarkand. Xi noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan. China supports Azerbaijan’s development path independently chosen by its people. The two sides need to view and plan for bilateral relations from a strategic height, increase strategic mutual trust, strengthen mutual support, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and work for steady, in-depth and practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries. Click here to read…

China’s Xi skips dinner with Putin, allies as COVID precaution: Reuters

September 16, 2022

Chinese leader Xi Jinping stayed away from a dinner attended by 11 heads of states at a regional security summit in line with his delegation’s COVID-19 policy, a source in the Uzbek government told Reuters on Friday. Click here to read…

SCO Samarkand Summit to write splendid chapter of friendship, win-win cooperation: People’s Daily

September 16, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Uzbekistan upon invitation and will attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to be held in Samarkand. Click here to read…

China to further optimize industrial chain for pharmaceutical sector: Xinhuanet

September 14 2022

China will shore up weak links in the industrial chain for the pharmaceutical sector, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Wednesday. A monitoring system for essential drugs in short supply has already been established, Zhou Jian, an official with the ministry told a press conference, adding that the supply of a total of 100 categories of the drugs has been secured. Click here to read…

China deliberates on updating cybersecurity law: Xinhuanet

September 14, 2022

China’s cyberspace regulator on Wednesday revealed a set of draft revisions to the country’s cybersecurity law to solicit public opinion. China’s cybersecurity law entered into force in 2017. It amended the Administrative Penalty Law and adopted the Data Security Law and the Law on Protection of Personal Information in 2021. Click here to read…

China Coast Guards in Zhejiang and Fujian brace for Typhoon Muifa: China Military

September 14, 2022

China has upgraded the typhoon alert to orange, the second-highest level, as Muifa, the 12th typhoon in this year, is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Wenling city and Zhoushan city in southeast China’s Zhejiang Province during the afternoon and night of September 14. The Zhejiang and Fujian Provincial Bureaus of China Coast Guard (CCG) have taken multiple precautionary measures to mitigate possible disasters. Click here to read…

Water discharged into Yangtze to fight drought: China Daily

September 14, 2022

The Ministry of Water Resources is discharging more water into the Yangtze River Basin from surrounding reservoirs, hoping to relieve the lingering drought in the major rice-producing area at a critical time for crop growth. Click here to read…

Widespread roll-out of new technologies promotes high-efficiency development of agriculture in China: People’s Daily

September 14, 2022

In the most recent past decade, China has witnessed the rapid development of its agricultural technologies. The contribution of scientific and technological progress to agriculture has reached over 61 percent. Besides, the overall level of mechanization in the plowing, sowing, and harvesting of crops has now exceeded 72 percent, while high-quality crop varieties have surpassed 96 percent of the total. Click here to read…

China poised to shake up economic leadership as reformers bow out: Reuters

September 14, 2022

China’s ruling Communist Party sets the stage next month for the biggest overhaul of its economic leadership in a decade, with a generation of reform-minded policymakers expected to step down amid worsening growth prospects. Click here to read…

China seen holding medium-term rate steady despite growing economic gloom: Reuters

September 14, 2022

China’s central bank is widely expected to pause its monetary easing efforts and keep the medium-term policy rate steady this month, a Reuters survey showed, as widening policy divergence with the Federal Reserve could put further pressure on the Chinese yuan and risk capital outflows. Click here to read…

China protests to International Atomic Energy Agency over Aukus nuclear safeguards: South China Morning Post

September 14, 2022

China has lodged a strong protest with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urging the nuclear watchdog not to back Australia’s plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines through the Aukus pact with the United States and Britain. Click here to read…

China’s top procuratorate orders arrest of former Yunnan political advisor: Xinhuanet

September 15 2022

China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) has announced its decision to arrest Huang Yi, a former senior political advisor in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, for suspected bribe-taking. Click here to read…

Chinese premier chairs State Council executive meeting: Xinhuanet

September 15 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday presided over a State Council executive meeting, which made decisions on multiple economic issues. The country will further extend the tax and fee deferrals for manufacturing firms as part of the stepped-up support for enterprises to navigate hardships, according to the meeting. Click here to read…

China to double down on stabilizing foreign trade, foreign investment to consolidate foundation of economic recovery: Xinhuanet

September 15 2022

China will take further measures to stabilize foreign trade and foreign investment, with a view to consolidating the foundation of economic recovery, according to the decision made at the State Council’s Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Chinese, Uzbek state news agencies ink cooperation agreement: Xinhuanet

September 15 2022

President of China’s Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua and Abdusaid Kuchimov, director general of the National News Agency of Uzbekistan (UzA) inked a cooperation agreement earlier this week. Fu expressed his confidence in successful cooperation between Xinhua and the UzA. Click here to read…

Xi arrives in Uzbekistan for state visit, SCO summit: Xinhuanet

September 15 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here Wednesday evening to pay a state visit to Uzbekistan and attend the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Click here to read…

China to have 220 national hi-tech zones by 2025: Xinhuanet

September 15 2022

China has established 173 national hi-tech zones so far and will raise the number to 220 by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to the Ministry of Science and Technology on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 126 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

September 15 2022

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 126 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 84 in Sichuan and nine in Tibet, according to the National Health Commission’s report Thursday. A total of 823 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Crackdown intensified on new addictive substances, illegal drugs: China Daily

September 15, 2022

Authorities have intensified their crackdown on new addictive substances and emerging drug-related problems, anti-drug officials said on Wednesday. The traditional and new drug problems have intertwined with each other, and the number of new types of drugs and new forms of crime are increasing, featuring anesthetic and psychotropic drugs to substitute for narcotics or taking multiple narcotics at the same time, said Zhao Zhongchen, deputy director of the narcotics control bureau of the Ministry of Public Security. Click here to read…

China mulls increased penalties, employment ban on internet violators to better safeguard cybersecurity: Global Times

September 15, 2022

China’s top cyberspace regulator on Wednesday proposed a series of amendments to the country’s cybersecurity law including raising penalty and an employment ban on internet operators who violated the law to better protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations in cyberspace and safeguard national security. Click here to read…

China, Kazakhstan to jointly crack down on the ‘three evil forces,’ resolutely oppose interference by external forces: Global Times

September 15, 2022

China and Kazakhstan will continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning national sovereignty, stand ready to jointly crack down on the “three evil forces” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism and resolutely oppose interference by external forces, according to a joint statement on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kazakhstan issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Digitalization leads to better life of Chinese people: People’s Daily

September 15, 2022

Navigation apps that show real-time traffic information and estimated travel time, virtual fitting room that helps you get the best clothes you want when you shop online, and virtual museums where you can get close to valuable cultural relics at home… These scenarios have already become a part of the daily life of the Chinese people. Click here to read…

Russia says its navy in joint patrols with China in Pacific: Reuters

September 15, 2022

The Russian and Chinese navies are holding joint patrols in the Pacific Ocean, the Russian defence ministry said on Thursday, deepening military and diplomatic ties between Moscow and Beijing when their relations with the West have soured. Click here to read…

Taiwan hosts lawmakers to push China sanctions: Taipei Times

September 15, 2022

Representative to the US Hsiao Bi-khim on Tuesday hosted dozens of international lawmakers who back sanctions on China for aggression toward Taiwan, a show of support for Taipei amid military pressure from Beijing. Click here to read…

Whistle-blower says Twitter had a Chinese agent: Taipei Times

September 15, 2022

Twitter Inc’s former head of security on Tuesday told the US Congress that there was “at least one agent” from China’s intelligence service on Twitter’s payroll and that the company knowingly allowed India to add agents to the company roster as well, potentially giving those nations access to sensitive data about users. Click here to read…

Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam embrace China’s games and films, but stay on guard for a ‘cultural invasion’: South China Morning Post

September 15, 2022

In Taiwan, people are flocking online to play Identity V, a mobile “horror” game developed by Chinese company NetEase. In Vietnam, made-in-China films like Journey to the West, My Fair Princess and Shanghai Bund are essential viewing on television. Across Asia, Chinese media and entertainment exports are gaining popularity due to cultural links, rising production quality and fair prices. Click here to read…

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

COMMENTARY

With Tears and Steel, Kenya’s ‘Hustler’ President Vanquishes His Foes

William Ruto built a career on beating the odds. In his greatest triumph, he is expected to be inaugurated as Kenya’s fifth president on TuesdayClick here to read…

The real reason Egypt is moving its capital

In 2015, Egypt’s government announced it would build a new capital city, about 45 kilometers outside of Cairo, the current capital. Click here to read…

Mikhail Gorbachev on the Streets of Accra

The aftershock of the collapse of the Soviet empire reverberated from Cape Town to Cairo. Click here to read…

NEWS

Kenya’s Supreme Court upholds Ruto’s narrow presidential win

Kenya’s Supreme Court on Monday unanimously rejected challenges to the official results of the presidential election and upheld Deputy President William Ruto’s narrow win in East Africa’s most stable democracy. Click here to read…

Angola court rejects poll result appeal, opposition urges protest

Angola’s Constitutional Court made a final ruling on Thursday to dismiss a complaint filed by the runner-up in the August 24 election seeking to annul the results that gave victory to the ruling MPLA party. Click here to read…

Tunisian opposition to boycott December elections, decry ‘coup’

The National Salvation Front, a body representing the main parties in Tunisia’s opposition, including Ennahdha, has announced that it will boycott December elections to replace a parliament dissolved by President Kais Saied. Click here to read…

Burundi president names new PM after coup plot claims

President Ndayishimiye, a former army general, gave no reasons for the replacement but had warned of a coup plot against his government last week. Click here to read…

Power struggle continues in Libya

Recent deadly clashes have alarmed regional and international powers, as civilians fear displacement and a shortage of medicine and food. Click here to read…

Denmark moves closer to sending asylum seekers to Rwanda

Denmark signed a deal with Rwanda to move the Nordic country closer to setting up an asylum center outside of the European Union to reduce the number of people seeking refuge. Click here to read…

Commonwealth to observe Lesotho’s general elections

The Commonwealth will deploy a team to observe the general elections in Lesotho, scheduled for 7 October, 2022. The group will be led by the former president of Seychelles, His Excellency Danny Faure. Click here to read…

Moroccan army to participate in Israeli military conference next week, Israeli spox says

Morocco and Israel have gone on to sign a number of agreements- especially military deals – since Rabat and Tel Aviv normalised ties in late 2020. Click here to read…

DRC officials tumble as bridge collapses at ribbon-cutting ceremony

Dignitaries gathered to inaugurate a footbridge in the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo only for the structure to collapse beneath their feet to the barely concealed delight of onlookers, a video shows. Click here to read…

Zambia seeks $8bn debt relief

Zambia is asking for more than $8bn of relief on its debts to Chinese lenders, private bondholders and other creditors, according to an IMF analysis, in a restructuring widely seen as a test of Beijing’s willingness to absorb losses on loans it has extended to developing countries. Click here to read…

Nigerian oil exports at lowest level in 25 years due to oil theft

Nigeria’s crude oil production fell below 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, figures from its regulator show, as the nation grappled with rampant theft from its pipelines. Click here to read…

Togo: Parliament extends state of emergency in the north for six months

Togo’s parliament on Tuesday extended for six months the state of emergency in the Savannah region in the far north of the country, which has been plagued by incursions by jihadist groups. Click here to read…

Dozens of civilians killed in eastern Mali

Local officials said dozens of civilians were killed this week in Talataye, a town located in north-eastern Mali. The locality which sits at croassroads of influence for rival terrorist groups was allegedly attacked by EIGS fighters who have ties with the Islamic State organization. Click here to read…

Thirty-five civilians killed in convoy blast in Burkina Faso

At least 35 civilians have been killed and 37 wounded when a convoy carrying supplies in Burkina Faso’s jihadist-hit north struck an improvised explosive device, the governor of the Sahel region has said. Click here to read…

At least six Mozambicans beheaded, Italian nun shot dead by insurgents

At least six people were beheaded and an Italian nun killed on Tuesday by Islamic State-linked insurgents in Mozambique’s Nampula province, authorities said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Al-Shabaab: the latest addition to Ethiopia’s woes

In late July, al-Shabaab militants carried out an attack on three towns, Aato, Yeed, and Washaqo, which are on the Ethiopia-Somalia border. Click here to read…

Somali army kills senior Al Shabab militant, frees hostages

Somalia claims to have killed a senior militant leader during a military operation against Al Shabab terrorists in the country’s Lower Shabelle region, as well as freed several civilians who had been held hostage by them. Click here to read…

Thousands flee deadly violence in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state: UN

Deadly fighting between armed groups in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state has prompted thousands to flee from their homes and triggered violence in displacement camps, a UN spokesman said. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso buys 5 Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey

Burkina Faso is the latest country to acquire Bayraktar TB2 drone from Turkey to reinforce its aerial capabilities against insurgents. Click here to read…

Phase 2 of Senegal LNG project needs $5 bln – president

The second phase of Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project will need investments worth around $5 billion and could start in 2024 or 2025, Senegal’s President Macky Sall said on Thursday. Click here to read…

How gold mining in Ghana is threatening Swiss chocolate

As the world’s second-largest cocoa producer continues to lose swathes of farmland to illegal gold mining, Switzerland’s chocolate makers are waking up to the threat to their raw material supply. Click here to read…

African bloc outlines 10-year plan

Africa’s second 10-year plan will focus on expansion of infrastructure development across the continent, increase agriculture outputs and clean energy transition, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission said Friday. Click here to read…

Deep-Water Somali Port Gives Landlocked Ethiopia New Trade Route

Somalia will open a deep-water port on its northern coast next month, with a road link forging a new trade route connecting Ethiopia’s south-eastern region with the city of Gara’ad. Click here to read…

Türkiye to send grain to Africa if Russian exports unblocked

President Erdogan echoes view of his Russian counterpart; says Ukrainian grain goes to developed countries, not to those in need. Click here to read…

1st Ukraine grain ship for Horn of Africa reaches Djibouti

The first ship carrying grain from Ukraine for people in the hungriest parts of the world has docked at the Horn of Africa port of Djibouti as areas of East Africa are badly affected by deadly drought and conflict. Click here to read…

Eni buys BP’s business in Algeria to secure more African gas

Italian energy group Eni (ENI.MI) said on Wednesday it had agreed to acquire BP’s (BP.L) business in Algeria, including two major gas fields. Click here to read…

African nations urged to pile on pressure at climate summit

The former Irish President has called on African nations to pile on the pressure on rich, heavily-polluting countries to fulfill their climate pledges to the continent during a visit to Uganda. Click here to read…

Tanzania dismisses claims of freezing maize export permits

Tanzania has dismissed claims by Kenyan traders that it has frozen the issuance of new maize export permits, urging them to follow procedures. Click here to read…

China-built flyover helps reducing traffic congestion in Botswanan capital

A China-built rainbow intersection which partially opened Friday will help reduce traffic congestion in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, said Mmoloki Baele, the project manager. Click here to read…

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II in Zimbabwe

In 1991, Queen Elizabeth II visited Zimbabwe for the meeting of the heads of government in the Commonwealth, a community of former British colonies. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

After vandalism during unrest in South Africa, India-based Cipla reopens Durban manufacturing site

Indian generic drug manufacturer Cipla revealed that one of its plants in South Africa has reopened more than a month after it was vandalized during a period of civil unrest that claimed the lives of more than 300 and caused an estimated $3.3 billion in economic losses. Click here to read…

INS Tarkash Visited Port Lome, Togo

As part of her ongoing deployment to the Gulf of Guinea, INS Tarkash entered Lome, Togo on 01 September 2022. The first Indian Navy ship to make a port call at Togo, she was welcomed there by the Indian Ambassador to Togo, along with the local Indian diaspora. Click here to read…

Indian warship INS Tarkash arrives at Nigeria’s Port Lagos

Continuing with her deployment in the Gulf of Guinea, the naval vessel was welcomed by officials of the Nigerian Navy, the High Commission of India and children of the Indian Language School at the largest port of Nigeria, the Indian Navy said in an official statement. Click here to read…

All set to create a sattvik environment in Africa

Sattvik Certification South Africa (Pty) Ltd, licensee of Sattvik Council of India, in collaboration with DNV Business Assurance South Africa (Pty) Ltd, has introduced the Sattvik Certification Scheme for the African market in New Delhi. Click here to read…

Lootere teaser: Hansal Mehta’s thriller shows Rajat Kapoor’s ship hijacked in Somalia

Helmed by Hansal Mehta, Lootere traces the story of an Indian ship hijacked in Somalian waters. Click here to read…

Former senior political advisor expelled from CPC, public office: Xinhuanaet

September 7, 2022

Shen Deyong, a member of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has been expelled from the CPC and dismissed from public office over severe violations of Party discipline and laws. Click here to read…

Huawei holds tech exchange meeting in Kuwait to promote cooperation: Xinhuanaet/h5>

September 7, 2022/h5>

Chinese tech firm Huawei on Tuesday held an alumni meeting for its information and communication technology (ICT) training program to enhance skills of Kuwaiti young talents and promote sci-tech exchange between the two countries. During the event, participants of the 2022 “Seeds for the Future” training program presented their projects, with the top three students winning awards for their innovations. Click here to read…

China power producer issues energy supply bonds: Xinhuanaet/h5>

September 7, 2022/h5>

A Chinese power producer issued 30 billion yuan (4.34 billion U.S. dollars) of special bonds recently in the first such issuance supported by the government to ensure electricity supply. The issuance by China Reform Holdings Corporation Ltd. has a maturity of five years with a coupon rate of 2.65 percent, according to the National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors. Click here to read…

Satellite observation alliance for sustainable development launched in China: Xinhuanaet/h5>

September 7, 2022/h5>

China has established a satellite observation alliance for sustainable development, aiming to give full play to the advantages and potential of Earth observation from space. The huge quantity of data obtained through the observation of Earth from space is of great significance for the monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development goals, as well as related scientific research, according to Guo Huadong, director of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS). Click here to read…

Chinese researchers find neutralizing antibody against COVID-19 variants: Xinhuanaet/h5>

September 7, 2022/h5>

Chinese researchers have found a neutralizing antibody that could provide protection against the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19, and it has shown preventative efficacy by nasal delivery. Click here to read…

Former senior provincial legislator arrested for bribery: Xinhuanaet/h5>

September 7, 2022/h5>

China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) announced its decision to arrest Sun Guoxiang, a former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress, for suspected bribe-taking. The National Commission of Supervision has completed an investigation into Sun’s case and handed it over to prosecutors, the SPP said. Click here to read…

Chinese life expectancy increased to 78.2 years over past decade thanks to childbearing, population policies: Global Times/h5>

September 7, 2022/h5>

Chinese people’s life expectancy made a historic leap over the past decade with the average lifespan increasing to 78.2 years from 74.8 years and key health indications ranking among the top of middle- and high-income countries, reflecting sufficient protection for people’s right to health, China’s top health authority announced on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Forex reserves down to $3.0549 trillion in August as dollar index surges: Global Times/h5>

September 7, 2022/h5>

China’s foreign exchange reserves totaled $3.0549 trillion at the end of August, down $49.2 billion from July, a drop of 1.58 percent amid the US dollar’s unusual strength and the depreciation of other currencies. Click here to read…

China’s trade with Russia picks up speed in August: Reuters/h5>

September 7, 2022/h5>

Chinese shipments to and from Russia accelerated in August compared with a month earlier, contrasting with slower flows elsewhere amid weak global demand. Chinese shipments to Russia, which has been hit by Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, rose 26.5% from a year earlier in dollar terms, up from a 22.2% gain in July, Reuters calculations based on Chinese customs data on Wednesday showed. Click here to read…

China names Zhang Qingsong as deputy central bank governor amid reshuffle: Reuters

September 7, 2022

China has named Zhang Qingsong as deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the cabinet said on Tuesday, as part of a reshuffle of the bank’s leadership ahead of an important Communist Party meeting. Click here to read…

China’s BYD to set up EV plant in Thailand: Reuters

September 8, 2022

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD on Thursday announced it would set up a facility in Thailand to start producing 150,000 passenger cars a year from 2024.BYD announced in a joint statement with Thai industrial developer WHA Group (WHA.BK) that a purchase agreement had been signed for 96 hectares (237.22 acres) of land in the eastern province of Rayong for the plant. Click here to read…

Key tunnel of South-to-North Water Diversion Project completed: People’s Daily

September 8, 2022

A Yellow River-crossing tunnel, as a vital part of the middle route of China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project, recently passed a verification test, laying a solid foundation for the high-quality development of the project. So far, all the 155 units of the phase-1 project of the eastern and middle routes have passed verification tests. Click here to read…

BRICS forum focuses on promoting common sustainable development: People’s Daily

September 8, 2022

A BRICS forum, focusing on deepening partnerships for a new industrial revolution and promoting common sustainable development, kicked off on Wednesday in Xiamen, a port city in east China’s Fujian Province. BRICS is an emerging-market bloc that groups together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Click here to read…

China’s rare earth export price hits record high in August as global supplies tighten: Global Times

September 8, 2022

China’s rare earth export price hit a record high in August, jumping to $26 per kilogram, up 93.8 percent year-on-year, and industry observers said this upward trend may continue for the rest of the year thanks to factors including tighter policies for environmental protectionClick here to read…

Privacy safeguards urged for AI tech: China Daily

September 8, 2022

As artificial intelligence technology requires vast quantities of personal information, related developers should take stronger measures to fulfill their privacy protection responsibilities, said experts and officials on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Luding quake toll rises to 82: China Daily

September 8, 2022

The death toll from a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit Luding county in Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province, on Monday had risen to 82 as of 8 am on Thursday. Thirty-five people remained missing. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 241 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanaet

September 8, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 241 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 69 in Sichuan and 67 in Inner Mongolia, according to the National Health Commission’s report Thursday. A total of 1,093 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

China urges avoiding further deterioration of humanitarian situation in Ukraine: Xinhuanaet

September 8, 2022

China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, on Wednesday called on the international community to do its utmost to avoid further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Click here to read…