🇸🇴 At least five injured after blast at mayor's office in Mogadishu
At least five people have been injured in a blast near the mayor’s office in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, with gunfire erupting afterwards, according to police and witnesses.
Witnesses said the huge explosion on Sunday damaged nearby buildings.
“Terrorists blasted a vehicle loaded with explosives onto a perimeter wall of the Mogadishu mall which is next to the Banadir administration headquarters,” police officer said.
Security forces immediately put the area under lockdown but an exchange of gunfire between the army and the assailants was ongoing.
#Somalia
@africaintel
At least five people have been injured in a blast near the mayor’s office in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, with gunfire erupting afterwards, according to police and witnesses.
Witnesses said the huge explosion on Sunday damaged nearby buildings.
“Terrorists blasted a vehicle loaded with explosives onto a perimeter wall of the Mogadishu mall which is next to the Banadir administration headquarters,” police officer said.
Security forces immediately put the area under lockdown but an exchange of gunfire between the army and the assailants was ongoing.
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇿🇦 South Africa's Eskom says worst power cuts over for now but urges less use
State power company Eskom's outgoing chief executive made a statement regarding power cuts. He asks people to "be sparing with electrical appliances after 4 p.m., think twice about whether you really need to boil so much water for that tea, and don't even think about switching on your air conditioner after dark."
Chief executive reassured citizens recent maintenance work would ease some of the harshest blackouts in living memory.
But outgoing CEO Andre De Ruyter also re-affirmed that power cuts would continue for two more years at least.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
State power company Eskom's outgoing chief executive made a statement regarding power cuts. He asks people to "be sparing with electrical appliances after 4 p.m., think twice about whether you really need to boil so much water for that tea, and don't even think about switching on your air conditioner after dark."
Chief executive reassured citizens recent maintenance work would ease some of the harshest blackouts in living memory.
But outgoing CEO Andre De Ruyter also re-affirmed that power cuts would continue for two more years at least.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
🇹🇿 The construction of Tanzania's Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Dam reached 80%
Official delegation have arrived at the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Dam to check the progress one month after the President of Tanzania closed the water diversion gate of the Rufiji river to start filling up the dam.
The head of the delegation said that this project is very big for Tanzania and it is progressing well. The progress reached 80% so far.
It is expected that by January 2024 the first electricity will begin to be produced and transported to Chalinze district to be connected to the National Grid and finally distributed to different parts of country.
This project is expected to become a reliable access to electricity that will completely eliminate the challenge of electricity shortages. Moreover, the dam will be used for irrigation, fishing and facilitating access to reliable water.
#Tanzania
@africaintel
Official delegation have arrived at the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Dam to check the progress one month after the President of Tanzania closed the water diversion gate of the Rufiji river to start filling up the dam.
The head of the delegation said that this project is very big for Tanzania and it is progressing well. The progress reached 80% so far.
It is expected that by January 2024 the first electricity will begin to be produced and transported to Chalinze district to be connected to the National Grid and finally distributed to different parts of country.
This project is expected to become a reliable access to electricity that will completely eliminate the challenge of electricity shortages. Moreover, the dam will be used for irrigation, fishing and facilitating access to reliable water.
#Tanzania
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇹🇿 Tanzania opposition holds first rally since ban lifted Thousands of supporters from Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema are flocking to the venue, in the city of Mwanza, of its first rally since a six-and-a-half-year ban on such gatherings was lifted…
🇹🇿 President Hassan’s decision to end a six-year ban on political gatherings has been lauded by the opposition
On Saturday, Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, held its first public rally in more than six years in the northwestern city of Mwanza just three weeks after President Samia Suluhu Hassan lifted a ban on political gatherings imposed in 2016.
While addressing the party’s cheering supporters, Chadema leader, Freeman Mbowe, was in a conciliatory mood, urging those gathered to shun hate against ruling party supporters and their leaders as he showered praise on President Hassan.
“Without shame, I stand before you and the world to thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the way she was patient in many meetings that we held as I convinced her to realise the need for reconciliation in this country. This president accepted reconciliation,” said Mbowe.
#Tanzania
@africaintel
On Saturday, Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, held its first public rally in more than six years in the northwestern city of Mwanza just three weeks after President Samia Suluhu Hassan lifted a ban on political gatherings imposed in 2016.
While addressing the party’s cheering supporters, Chadema leader, Freeman Mbowe, was in a conciliatory mood, urging those gathered to shun hate against ruling party supporters and their leaders as he showered praise on President Hassan.
“Without shame, I stand before you and the world to thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the way she was patient in many meetings that we held as I convinced her to realise the need for reconciliation in this country. This president accepted reconciliation,” said Mbowe.
#Tanzania
@africaintel
🇪🇬 Founder of Egypt’s Juhayna Food Industries and his son released from prison
The founder and former CEO of Juhayna Food Industries and his son were released from prison in Egypt on Saturday after about two years in detention. Juhayna, a listed company, is the country's largest dairy products and juices producer.
The authorities accused them of belonging to and financing a terrorist group - commonly a reference to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
The two were never convicted. Amnesty International reported in 2021 that authorities were holding the Thabets because of their refusal to cede assets to a state entity.
There was no immediate official statement from authorities on the release. A member of the family told the two men were released from a police station and returned home, but said the family had no other information about why they were freed.
#Egypt
@africaintel
The founder and former CEO of Juhayna Food Industries and his son were released from prison in Egypt on Saturday after about two years in detention. Juhayna, a listed company, is the country's largest dairy products and juices producer.
The authorities accused them of belonging to and financing a terrorist group - commonly a reference to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
The two were never convicted. Amnesty International reported in 2021 that authorities were holding the Thabets because of their refusal to cede assets to a state entity.
There was no immediate official statement from authorities on the release. A member of the family told the two men were released from a police station and returned home, but said the family had no other information about why they were freed.
#Egypt
@africaintel
🇨🇲 Prominent Cameroon journalist found dead after abduction
The mutilated body of a prominent Cameroonian journalist was found on Sunday near the capital Yaounde five days after he was abducted by unidentified assailants.
Zogo, the director of private radio station Amplitude FM, was kidnapped on January 17 by unknown assailants after trying to enter a police station to escape his attackers.
Zogo had recently been talking on air about a case of alleged embezzlement involving a media outlet with government connections
#Cameroon
@africaintel
The mutilated body of a prominent Cameroonian journalist was found on Sunday near the capital Yaounde five days after he was abducted by unidentified assailants.
Zogo, the director of private radio station Amplitude FM, was kidnapped on January 17 by unknown assailants after trying to enter a police station to escape his attackers.
Zogo had recently been talking on air about a case of alleged embezzlement involving a media outlet with government connections
#Cameroon
@africaintel
🇿🇦 South Africa’s President urges Eskom to delay power-price hikes
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the board of South Africa’s power utility Eskom to suspend its biggest electricity-price increase in more than a decade as the nation faces two more years of rolling blackouts.
Eskom won approval by the national energy regulator to raise electricity tariffs by an 18.65% and 12.74% for the next two years on January 19. The first increase is set to take effect in April.
“It will not be fair to impose the tariff on our people while there is load shedding,” Ramaphosa said.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the board of South Africa’s power utility Eskom to suspend its biggest electricity-price increase in more than a decade as the nation faces two more years of rolling blackouts.
Eskom won approval by the national energy regulator to raise electricity tariffs by an 18.65% and 12.74% for the next two years on January 19. The first increase is set to take effect in April.
“It will not be fair to impose the tariff on our people while there is load shedding,” Ramaphosa said.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
🇮🇹🇪🇬 Italy's foreign minister meets with Egyptian officials on migration
Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, held talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo that focused on regional security and the conflict in neighboring Libya, as well as sensitive bilateral issues.
The main topic of talks was illegal migration to Italy. Though Egypt has largely prevented departures of migrant boats from its own north coast since 2016, the number of Egyptian nationals crossing to Europe via Libya has risen sharply.
Tajani said his meeting with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi also covered energy security and economic cooperation in the Mediterranean, but focused "above all" on political instability in Libya and the efforts to stop "irregular immigration" from that country.
#Italy #Egypt
@africaintel
Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, held talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo that focused on regional security and the conflict in neighboring Libya, as well as sensitive bilateral issues.
The main topic of talks was illegal migration to Italy. Though Egypt has largely prevented departures of migrant boats from its own north coast since 2016, the number of Egyptian nationals crossing to Europe via Libya has risen sharply.
Tajani said his meeting with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi also covered energy security and economic cooperation in the Mediterranean, but focused "above all" on political instability in Libya and the efforts to stop "irregular immigration" from that country.
#Italy #Egypt
@africaintel
Forwarded from Sahel Intel
🇮🇷🇧🇫 Iranian official: the Westerners "created ISIS"
Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Bagheri, met recently with Burkina Faso's PM Apollinaire Kyélem, where he made this accusation.
"They created ISIS," he said, "to prevent you from fighting this scourge, they present themselves and offer their services [which allow them to station troops in Burkina Faso]." Bagheri also claimed that France provides significant support to terrorist groups in the Sahel region.
Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Bagheri, met recently with Burkina Faso's PM Apollinaire Kyélem, where he made this accusation.
"They created ISIS," he said, "to prevent you from fighting this scourge, they present themselves and offer their services [which allow them to station troops in Burkina Faso]." Bagheri also claimed that France provides significant support to terrorist groups in the Sahel region.
🇺🇸🌍 US ambassador to UN heading to Africa as part of Biden's big push
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, is the second Cabinet member heading to Africa as part of President Joe Biden's big push to engage with Africa.
The U.S. Mission to the U.N. said she will travel to Ghana, Mozambique and Kenya starting January 25 "to affirm and strengthen our partnerships with key current and former U.N. Security Council members."
Thomas-Greenfield's visit follows last week's start of a 10-day African visit by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
#USA
@africaintel
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, is the second Cabinet member heading to Africa as part of President Joe Biden's big push to engage with Africa.
The U.S. Mission to the U.N. said she will travel to Ghana, Mozambique and Kenya starting January 25 "to affirm and strengthen our partnerships with key current and former U.N. Security Council members."
Thomas-Greenfield's visit follows last week's start of a 10-day African visit by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
#USA
@africaintel
🇺🇳🇨🇻 Guterres arrives in Cabo Verde to raise concerns about climate change
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Cabo Verde for the Ocean Race Summit on Sunday.
He also plans to observe some of the solutions being considered to help protect the 10-island archipelago off the coast of Africa.
Guterres said, Cabo Verde “is on the frontlines of the existential crisis generated by climate disruptions” as it has “faced a severe drought” as well as sea level rise and loss of biodiversity and ecosystems which “present an existential threat to this and many other archipelagos.”
He added that he was “profoundly frustrated by the fact that world leaders are not taking the necessary action and making the investments needed to face this life and death emergency."
#UN #CaboVerde
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Cabo Verde for the Ocean Race Summit on Sunday.
He also plans to observe some of the solutions being considered to help protect the 10-island archipelago off the coast of Africa.
Guterres said, Cabo Verde “is on the frontlines of the existential crisis generated by climate disruptions” as it has “faced a severe drought” as well as sea level rise and loss of biodiversity and ecosystems which “present an existential threat to this and many other archipelagos.”
He added that he was “profoundly frustrated by the fact that world leaders are not taking the necessary action and making the investments needed to face this life and death emergency."
#UN #CaboVerde
Africa Intel
🇧🇫🇫🇷 Burkina Faso announces the departure of the French army from its territory The government of Burkina Faso denounced the agreement that regulates the presence of French armed forces on its territory since 2018. According to the terms of the agreement…
🇫🇷🇧🇫 France asks Burkina Faso to clarify troop departure reports
French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday he was awaiting “clarifications” from Burkina Faso’s leader following a report saying authorities ordered hundreds of French troops to leave within a month.
Macron said during a news conference in Paris that the message from Burkina Faso were “confusing”. “I think we must be very careful,” Macron said about the report, mentioning Russia’s possible interference and the need to make sure that there was no “manipulation” of information.
#France #BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday he was awaiting “clarifications” from Burkina Faso’s leader following a report saying authorities ordered hundreds of French troops to leave within a month.
Macron said during a news conference in Paris that the message from Burkina Faso were “confusing”. “I think we must be very careful,” Macron said about the report, mentioning Russia’s possible interference and the need to make sure that there was no “manipulation” of information.
#France #BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇷🇼 Rwandan government critic died in an accident A widely known journalist and government critic died in a road accident in the capital, Kigali. John Williams Ntwali - who was the editor of The Chronicles news site - died on Tuesday night when a motorbike…
🇷🇼 Hundreds attend burial of Rwandan government critic
Hundreds of people on Sunday attended the funeral of John Ntwali Williams, a critic of the Rwandan government who died last week in what police say was the result of a road accident in the capital, Kigali.
Rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the circumstance of his death.
The funeral was attended by friends and family alongside local journalists and prominent opposition figures.
Police said Mr Ntwali died on spot in a road accident on Tuesday night when a motorcycle taxi he had boarded was hit by a car. But Human Rights Watch said that “there are many reasons to question” the police narrative and called for an “international expertise to determine whether or not he was murdered”.
#Rwanda
@africaintel
Hundreds of people on Sunday attended the funeral of John Ntwali Williams, a critic of the Rwandan government who died last week in what police say was the result of a road accident in the capital, Kigali.
Rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the circumstance of his death.
The funeral was attended by friends and family alongside local journalists and prominent opposition figures.
Police said Mr Ntwali died on spot in a road accident on Tuesday night when a motorcycle taxi he had boarded was hit by a car. But Human Rights Watch said that “there are many reasons to question” the police narrative and called for an “international expertise to determine whether or not he was murdered”.
#Rwanda
@africaintel
🇷🇺🇿🇦 Lavrov arrives in South Africa on working visit
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in South Africa. He is expected to meet with the country’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor in the South African capital, Pretoria.
The ministers will discuss preparations for the second Russian-African summit, which will be held on July 26-29 in St. Petersburg. They will also exchange views on BRICS, where South Africa is holding presidency this year, engagement on other international platforms, bilateral issues and key international events.
#Russia #SouthAfrica
@africaintel
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in South Africa. He is expected to meet with the country’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor in the South African capital, Pretoria.
The ministers will discuss preparations for the second Russian-African summit, which will be held on July 26-29 in St. Petersburg. They will also exchange views on BRICS, where South Africa is holding presidency this year, engagement on other international platforms, bilateral issues and key international events.
#Russia #SouthAfrica
@africaintel
🇿🇦 South Africa defends naval exercise with Russia and China
South Africa defended its planned naval exercise with Russia and China next month. South Africa’s Ministry of Defense and Military Veterans said it has conducted similar military maneuvers with the US, UK and France without attracting “much attention.”
“South Africa, like any independent and sovereign state, has a right to conduct its foreign relations in line with its own diplomatic relations and national interests,” the ministry said. The exercise is aimed at “further strengthening the strong bonds that exist between South Africa, Russia and China,” it added.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
South Africa defended its planned naval exercise with Russia and China next month. South Africa’s Ministry of Defense and Military Veterans said it has conducted similar military maneuvers with the US, UK and France without attracting “much attention.”
“South Africa, like any independent and sovereign state, has a right to conduct its foreign relations in line with its own diplomatic relations and national interests,” the ministry said. The exercise is aimed at “further strengthening the strong bonds that exist between South Africa, Russia and China,” it added.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
🇸🇿 Eswatini opposition politician was killed
Gunmen in Eswatini killed an opposition politician and human rights lawyer at his home.
Thulani Maseko was shot dead on Saturday night by unknown attackers in Luhleko, about 50km from the capital Mbabane. An opposition spokesman said he was told that “assassins shot him through the window while he was inside the house with his family”. No more details are given.
The government sent condolences to the family, saying Maseko’s death was a “loss for the nation” and that police were searching for the killers.
Maseko was a leading human rights lawyer and columnist in Eswatini who had a pending court battle with King Mswati III over the monarch’s decision to rename the country Eswatini by decree.
#Eswatini
@africaintel
Gunmen in Eswatini killed an opposition politician and human rights lawyer at his home.
Thulani Maseko was shot dead on Saturday night by unknown attackers in Luhleko, about 50km from the capital Mbabane. An opposition spokesman said he was told that “assassins shot him through the window while he was inside the house with his family”. No more details are given.
The government sent condolences to the family, saying Maseko’s death was a “loss for the nation” and that police were searching for the killers.
Maseko was a leading human rights lawyer and columnist in Eswatini who had a pending court battle with King Mswati III over the monarch’s decision to rename the country Eswatini by decree.
#Eswatini
@africaintel