🇸🇳 Freed from jail, Senegal opposition presidential candidate draws hundreds to first event
A day after his release from jail, Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye drew hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential contender on Friday for March 24 elections, promising to tackle corruption.
Next to him, the popular firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko urged supporters to vote for his ally.
"We have an election to win. We have lost too much time," Sonko, also released from prison on Thursday, said at a joint news briefing.
Sonko threw his support behind Faye after being disqualified over a defamation conviction unrelated to his detention last July.
Most of Sonko's supporters are expected to vote for Faye, making the latter a serious threat to the other 18 presidential hopefuls, analysts say. Sonko is popular among urban youth frustrated with a lack of jobs and economic hardship.
#Senegal
@africaintel
A day after his release from jail, Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye drew hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential contender on Friday for March 24 elections, promising to tackle corruption.
Next to him, the popular firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko urged supporters to vote for his ally.
"We have an election to win. We have lost too much time," Sonko, also released from prison on Thursday, said at a joint news briefing.
Sonko threw his support behind Faye after being disqualified over a defamation conviction unrelated to his detention last July.
Most of Sonko's supporters are expected to vote for Faye, making the latter a serious threat to the other 18 presidential hopefuls, analysts say. Sonko is popular among urban youth frustrated with a lack of jobs and economic hardship.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇳🇬 Sixteen Nigerian soldiers killed in community clashes in Delta state
Sixteen Nigerian Army soldiers were surrounded by youths and killed earlier this week after they attempted to quell community clashes in the oil-producing southern Delta state, an army spokesperson said.
The troops from 181 Amphibious Battalion had responded to the conflict in the Okuoma community when they were killed on Thursday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said.
"The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers," Gusau said.
The chief of defence has directed an immediate investigation and the arrest of those involved, Gusau said.
"So far, a few arrests have been made while steps are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack," he added.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Sixteen Nigerian Army soldiers were surrounded by youths and killed earlier this week after they attempted to quell community clashes in the oil-producing southern Delta state, an army spokesperson said.
The troops from 181 Amphibious Battalion had responded to the conflict in the Okuoma community when they were killed on Thursday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said.
"The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers," Gusau said.
The chief of defence has directed an immediate investigation and the arrest of those involved, Gusau said.
"So far, a few arrests have been made while steps are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack," he added.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇿🇦🇳🇬🇬🇭🇱🇷🇧🇯🇧🇫🇨🇮🌍 South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Benin, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast hit by major internet outages Major internet disruption has been reported in various countries across Africa. Widespread outages were reported on Thursday in countries…
🌍 African internet outage was caused by subsea cable break, MainOne says
West African data center and connectivity provider MainOne said on Friday that an internet outage that hit West and Central Africa earlier this week was caused by a break in its submarine cable system.
MainOne, which is owned by data center operator Equinix, said that an "external incident" resulted in a cut to its cable system in the Atlantic Ocean, offshore Ivory Coast along the coast of West Africa. It ruled out human activity as a cause.
The major internet outage affected West and Central Africa on Thursday, with operators of multiple subsea cables reporting failures.
"Our preliminary analysis would suggest some form of seismic activity on the seabed resulted in a break to the cable", MainOne said, adding it would obtain more data when the cable is retrieved during repair.
#Africa
@africaintel
West African data center and connectivity provider MainOne said on Friday that an internet outage that hit West and Central Africa earlier this week was caused by a break in its submarine cable system.
MainOne, which is owned by data center operator Equinix, said that an "external incident" resulted in a cut to its cable system in the Atlantic Ocean, offshore Ivory Coast along the coast of West Africa. It ruled out human activity as a cause.
The major internet outage affected West and Central Africa on Thursday, with operators of multiple subsea cables reporting failures.
"Our preliminary analysis would suggest some form of seismic activity on the seabed resulted in a break to the cable", MainOne said, adding it would obtain more data when the cable is retrieved during repair.
#Africa
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal opposition leader backs off promise to create national currency
Senegal will seek to implement a reform of the West Africa region's CFA franc currency at a regional level first and if that fails, will consider creating a national currency, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko said on Friday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye a day after they were both released from jail, Sonko's comments seemed aimed to ease concerns after their election campaign, which promised to introduce the new currency if Faye wins.
"We will try implement a monetary reform at the sub-regional level first," Sonko said. "If that fails, we will make a decision as a nation."
Sonko said that there is widespread view that CFA franc currency, pegged to the euro and used by eight countries of the West Africa Monetary Union, hampers economic development in the region, and there was a need to look at other options.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal will seek to implement a reform of the West Africa region's CFA franc currency at a regional level first and if that fails, will consider creating a national currency, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko said on Friday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye a day after they were both released from jail, Sonko's comments seemed aimed to ease concerns after their election campaign, which promised to introduce the new currency if Faye wins.
"We will try implement a monetary reform at the sub-regional level first," Sonko said. "If that fails, we will make a decision as a nation."
Sonko said that there is widespread view that CFA franc currency, pegged to the euro and used by eight countries of the West Africa Monetary Union, hampers economic development in the region, and there was a need to look at other options.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast regulator warns cocoa exporters not to overpay
Ivory Coast's market regulator warned cocoa exporters against paying above the mandated price for beans delivered to their facilities at the top growing country's ports, threatening offenders with fines and the loss of their licenses.
Ivory Coast and number two producer Ghana are in the midst of their worst harvest in years, with Ivorian arrivals estimated to be down by more than 28% on last season.
The resulting scarcity of supply has pushed up prices in London and New York to record levels.
"This situation has led to a frantic race to buy beans," the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) said. "It has recently been observed that licensed exporters are overpaying for cocoa."
While farmers are allowed to earn above a minimum price set by the CCC, prices along the rest of the cocoa supply chain are fixed and overpaying is forbidden.
#IvoryCoast
@africaintel
Ivory Coast's market regulator warned cocoa exporters against paying above the mandated price for beans delivered to their facilities at the top growing country's ports, threatening offenders with fines and the loss of their licenses.
Ivory Coast and number two producer Ghana are in the midst of their worst harvest in years, with Ivorian arrivals estimated to be down by more than 28% on last season.
The resulting scarcity of supply has pushed up prices in London and New York to record levels.
"This situation has led to a frantic race to buy beans," the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) said. "It has recently been observed that licensed exporters are overpaying for cocoa."
While farmers are allowed to earn above a minimum price set by the CCC, prices along the rest of the cocoa supply chain are fixed and overpaying is forbidden.
#IvoryCoast
@africaintel
🇿🇦 South Africa's financial conduct regulator approves 59 crypto licences
South Africa's financial conduct regulator has approved 59 operating licences for crypto currency businesses, an official said.
In 2022, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) declared crypto assets to be financial products and said they needed to be regulated in order to protect financial customers from risks and prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
Regulating the assets also gives the central bank's Financial Surveillance Department explicit powers to require South African crypto asset trading platforms to report transactions involving crypto assets.
Felicity Mabaso, a divisional executive at the FSCA, said the authority had received 355 licence applications, with 59 approved. About 262 applications are in progress.
The authorised service providers will be subject to ongoing supervision after licensing, while investigations into people conducting crypto-related financial services without authorisation will begin, she added.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
South Africa's financial conduct regulator has approved 59 operating licences for crypto currency businesses, an official said.
In 2022, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) declared crypto assets to be financial products and said they needed to be regulated in order to protect financial customers from risks and prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
Regulating the assets also gives the central bank's Financial Surveillance Department explicit powers to require South African crypto asset trading platforms to report transactions involving crypto assets.
Felicity Mabaso, a divisional executive at the FSCA, said the authority had received 355 licence applications, with 59 approved. About 262 applications are in progress.
The authorised service providers will be subject to ongoing supervision after licensing, while investigations into people conducting crypto-related financial services without authorisation will begin, she added.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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🇸🇸 South Sudan shutters all schools as it prepares for an extreme heat wave
South Sudan's government is closing down all schools starting Monday as the country prepares for a wave of extreme heat expected to last two weeks.
The health and education ministries advised parents to keep all children indoors as temperatures are expected to soar to 45 degrees Celsius.
They warned that any school found open during that time would have its registration withdrawn, but didn't specify how long the schools would remain shuttered.
The ministries said they “will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public accordingly.”
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
South Sudan's government is closing down all schools starting Monday as the country prepares for a wave of extreme heat expected to last two weeks.
The health and education ministries advised parents to keep all children indoors as temperatures are expected to soar to 45 degrees Celsius.
They warned that any school found open during that time would have its registration withdrawn, but didn't specify how long the schools would remain shuttered.
The ministries said they “will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public accordingly.”
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
🇬🇭 Ghana says repairs on subsea cables could take five weeks
Repairs on damaged subsea cables that are causing internet outages across West and Central Africa are expected to take at least five weeks before completion and full service restoration, Ghana's communications regulator said.
The break in the cables has led to widespread disruption of internet and telecommunications-linked businesses, including banks, mobile phone operations, money transfer agencies and stock exchange markets.
Ghana's National Communications Authority said the service providers had located the approximate location of the damage and had made preparations to dispatch repair vessels.
"The cable landing service providers have indicated an estimated time frame of a minimum of five weeks for full service restoration from the time the vessels are dispatched to the various locations," the regulator said.
#Ghana
@africaintel
Repairs on damaged subsea cables that are causing internet outages across West and Central Africa are expected to take at least five weeks before completion and full service restoration, Ghana's communications regulator said.
The break in the cables has led to widespread disruption of internet and telecommunications-linked businesses, including banks, mobile phone operations, money transfer agencies and stock exchange markets.
Ghana's National Communications Authority said the service providers had located the approximate location of the damage and had made preparations to dispatch repair vessels.
"The cable landing service providers have indicated an estimated time frame of a minimum of five weeks for full service restoration from the time the vessels are dispatched to the various locations," the regulator said.
#Ghana
@africaintel
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🇪🇺🇪🇬 European Union announces $8 billion package of aid for Egypt
The European Union on Sunday announced a $8 billion aid package for Egypt amid concerns that economic pressure and conflicts and chaos in neighboring countries could drive more migrants to European shores.
The deal is scheduled to be signed during a visit by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece, according to Egyptian officials.
The package includes both grants and loans over the next three years for Egypt.
According to a document from the EU mission in Egypt, the two sides have promoted their cooperation to the level of a “strategic and comprehensive partnership,” paving the way for "expanding Egypt-EU cooperation in various economic and non-economic areas."
The EU will provide assistance to Egypt’s government to fortify its borders especially with Libya and will support the government in hosting Sudanese.
#Eu #Egypt
@africaintel
The European Union on Sunday announced a $8 billion aid package for Egypt amid concerns that economic pressure and conflicts and chaos in neighboring countries could drive more migrants to European shores.
The deal is scheduled to be signed during a visit by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece, according to Egyptian officials.
The package includes both grants and loans over the next three years for Egypt.
According to a document from the EU mission in Egypt, the two sides have promoted their cooperation to the level of a “strategic and comprehensive partnership,” paving the way for "expanding Egypt-EU cooperation in various economic and non-economic areas."
The EU will provide assistance to Egypt’s government to fortify its borders especially with Libya and will support the government in hosting Sudanese.
#Eu #Egypt
@africaintel
🇨🇩🇺🇳7 million displaced and “unprecedented” crisis in eastern DR Congo, according to the UN
Escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the displacement of at least 250,000 people over the past month, a senior United Nations official said, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis.
The result is "one of the world's largest humanitarian crises", with an estimated 7 million people displaced, many of whom are beyond the reach of aid, said the UN.
"It's really heartbreaking and what I saw is really a horrible situation," Ramesh Rajasingham, director of coordination at the United Nations humanitarian office, told.
Rajasingham said humanitarian agencies were doing their best to reach people affected by the conflict, but he warned that "a huge influx of people poses challenges that are beyond what we can do at the moment".
“We must find a solution to the suffering, the displacement, the loss of livelihoods, the loss of education,” he said.
#DRC #UN
@africaintel
Escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the displacement of at least 250,000 people over the past month, a senior United Nations official said, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis.
The result is "one of the world's largest humanitarian crises", with an estimated 7 million people displaced, many of whom are beyond the reach of aid, said the UN.
"It's really heartbreaking and what I saw is really a horrible situation," Ramesh Rajasingham, director of coordination at the United Nations humanitarian office, told.
Rajasingham said humanitarian agencies were doing their best to reach people affected by the conflict, but he warned that "a huge influx of people poses challenges that are beyond what we can do at the moment".
“We must find a solution to the suffering, the displacement, the loss of livelihoods, the loss of education,” he said.
#DRC #UN
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇸🇴 Three soldiers die in hotel attack in Somali capital Three soldiers were killed and 27 people wounded in an attack on a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said on Friday. Security services were earlier seen surrounding the Syl Hotel, usually frequented…
🇦🇪🇸🇴 United Arab Emirates condemns terrorist attack that targeted a hotel in Mogadishu
The UAE has strongly condemned a terrorist attack that targeted a hotel in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, which resulted in a number of deaths.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law.
The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and to the families of the victims of this heinous crime, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
#UAE #Somalia
@africaintel
The UAE has strongly condemned a terrorist attack that targeted a hotel in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, which resulted in a number of deaths.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law.
The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and to the families of the victims of this heinous crime, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
#UAE #Somalia
@africaintel
🇨🇩🇷🇼🌍 Kinshasa sues Kigali at EACJ over eastern DRC conflict
The conflict in eastern Congo is taking a legal turn after Kinshasa sued Kigali at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in Arusha.
The application is actually dated September 2023 but was amended early this year. And the Democratic republic of Congo accuses Rwanda of abetting war as well as violating its territorial integrity.
“Over the past 25 years, Rwanda has on innumerable occasions violated the DRC’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence,” the application reads in part.
The application details what it calls a list of atrocities committed allegedly by the DRC against Rwanda going back more than 25 years ago.
The DRC has sought orders to bar Rwanda from infringing on its territory and has asked Rwanda to withdraw its troops it claims are based on its soil.
#DRC #Rwanda #Africa
@africaintel
The conflict in eastern Congo is taking a legal turn after Kinshasa sued Kigali at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in Arusha.
The application is actually dated September 2023 but was amended early this year. And the Democratic republic of Congo accuses Rwanda of abetting war as well as violating its territorial integrity.
“Over the past 25 years, Rwanda has on innumerable occasions violated the DRC’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence,” the application reads in part.
The application details what it calls a list of atrocities committed allegedly by the DRC against Rwanda going back more than 25 years ago.
The DRC has sought orders to bar Rwanda from infringing on its territory and has asked Rwanda to withdraw its troops it claims are based on its soil.
#DRC #Rwanda #Africa
@africaintel
🇱🇾🇲🇱 Libyan-Malian discussions to strengthen cooperation relations.
Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Diop, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs in the Government of National Unity, Mohamed Issa, discussed Libyan-Malian relations and ways to strengthen and develop them.
During the meeting held at the Libyan delegation’s residence in Bamako, Diop affirmed the depth of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, stressing the importance of enhancing political ties between the two countries.
Diop expressed his thanks and welcomed Libya’s participation in the meeting of the African political alliance.
Issa stressed the importance of the role played by Mali in Africa, especially the Sahel region, highlighting the importance of strengthening security cooperation, especially combating terrorism.
Issa thanked and appreciated Mali for its cooperation with Libya on regional issues and called for the importance of signing and approving the protocol of the African Investment Bank.
#Libya #Mali
@africaintel
Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Diop, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs in the Government of National Unity, Mohamed Issa, discussed Libyan-Malian relations and ways to strengthen and develop them.
During the meeting held at the Libyan delegation’s residence in Bamako, Diop affirmed the depth of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, stressing the importance of enhancing political ties between the two countries.
Diop expressed his thanks and welcomed Libya’s participation in the meeting of the African political alliance.
Issa stressed the importance of the role played by Mali in Africa, especially the Sahel region, highlighting the importance of strengthening security cooperation, especially combating terrorism.
Issa thanked and appreciated Mali for its cooperation with Libya on regional issues and called for the importance of signing and approving the protocol of the African Investment Bank.
#Libya #Mali
@africaintel
🇲🇦 Ten tonnes of cannabis resin seized in Morocco
Police in Morocco say they have seized more than 10 tonnes of cannabis resin from a fishing boat in Agadir and arrested 13 suspects.
The police said they were investigating possible links with international drug trafficking networks.
Morocco, which is a major producer of cannabis, has allowed the cultivation, export and use of cannabis for medical, cosmetic and industrial purposes since 2021, but not for recreational use.
#Morocco
@africaintel
Police in Morocco say they have seized more than 10 tonnes of cannabis resin from a fishing boat in Agadir and arrested 13 suspects.
The police said they were investigating possible links with international drug trafficking networks.
Morocco, which is a major producer of cannabis, has allowed the cultivation, export and use of cannabis for medical, cosmetic and industrial purposes since 2021, but not for recreational use.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇸🇩 Sudan's army and RSF in heavy clashes close to capital
Heavy fighting has erupted in the Sudanese city of Bahri between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Bahri, also known as Khartoum North, is one of the three adjoining cities that make up the capital area.
The army said it had repelled a major attack by the RSF on a military base on Saturday.
The fighting came days after the army recaptured the headquarters of the state broadcaster.
The army has reportedly gained ground in recent weeks, taking control of most of the city of Omdurman, which is just across the Nile from Khartoum.
#Sudan
@africaintel
Heavy fighting has erupted in the Sudanese city of Bahri between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Bahri, also known as Khartoum North, is one of the three adjoining cities that make up the capital area.
The army said it had repelled a major attack by the RSF on a military base on Saturday.
The fighting came days after the army recaptured the headquarters of the state broadcaster.
The army has reportedly gained ground in recent weeks, taking control of most of the city of Omdurman, which is just across the Nile from Khartoum.
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇨🇬 Congo's President Denis Sassou-Nguesso seeks "to foster global peace"
President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo said his country is willing to contribute its efforts towards world peace in light of the prevailing violence and unrest in certain parts of the world, emphasizing the significance of China-proposed initiatives in global governance.
Noting that no country can be immune from the impact of global violence, Sassou said his country is deeply concerned about peace and security issues in some other parts of the world, during an exclusive interview with the China Central Television.
Sassou also highlighted the important role of the three initiatives put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which he thinks are very important for global governance in a world of turmoil and transformation.
The initiatives are the Global Civilization Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.
#Congo
@africaintel
President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo said his country is willing to contribute its efforts towards world peace in light of the prevailing violence and unrest in certain parts of the world, emphasizing the significance of China-proposed initiatives in global governance.
Noting that no country can be immune from the impact of global violence, Sassou said his country is deeply concerned about peace and security issues in some other parts of the world, during an exclusive interview with the China Central Television.
Sassou also highlighted the important role of the three initiatives put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which he thinks are very important for global governance in a world of turmoil and transformation.
The initiatives are the Global Civilization Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.
#Congo
@africaintel