News Snippets in Africa 29 March to 5 April 2021

Algeria:     Coronavirus figures: 

Cases confirmed: 117,622   Deaths confirmed:  3,105 (BBC)   

Angola:      Coronavirus figures: 

Cases confirmed: 22,631      Deaths confirmed:  542 (BBC)               

Benin:        Coronavirus figures: 

Cases confirmed: 7,313       Deaths confirmed: 93 (BBC)          

Botswana: Coronavirus figures: 

Cases confirmed: 40,878    Deaths confirmed:  591  (BBC)       

Burkina Faso: Coronavirus figures:                   

Cases confirmed: 12,817   Deaths confirmed: 150  (BBC)                  

Burundi: Coronavirus figures:                                                             

Cases confirmed: 2,911   Deaths confirmed: 6   (BBC)    

Cameroon: Coronavirus figures:                                                         

Cases confirmed: 57,337   Deaths confirmed: 851   (BBC)

Cardinal Christian Wiyghan Tumi, Cardinal Archbishop of Douala died 2 April 2021 in a clinic at the age of 91.

Cape Verde: Coronavirus figures:                                                       

Cases confirmed: 17,871    Deaths confirmed: 173  (BBC)                 

CAR: Coronavirus figures:                                                               

Cases confirmed: 5,245    Deaths confirmed: 72  (BBC)

Sidiki Abass, leader of 3R group (part of the Coalition Patriots for Change who attempted to prevent the recent presidential elections) died 25 March from wounds sustained during  an attack on a town November 2020. (Al Jazeera English)

Chad: Coronavirus figures:                                                               

Cases confirmed: 4,595   Deaths confirmed:  165  (BBC)

Accusations of rape and attempted rape by Chadian soldiers in Niger to help fight armed groups. Chadian authorities claim the perpetrators have been arrested and will be punished.  3 April. (Al Jazeera English)

 Comoros:  Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed: 3,719    Deaths confirmed: 146  (BBC)

 Congo-Brazzaville: Coronavirus figures:                                          

Cases confirmed: 9,681    Deaths confirmed:  135  (BBC)         

Democratic Republic of Congo: Coronavirus figures:                   

Cases confirmed:  28,325    Deaths confirmed:  745

Foreign Ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan met in Kinshasa 4thApril to try to reach an accord over the giant dam built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile. (France 24)

Measles epidemic broken out 8 months after last epidemic. MSF reported 13,000 case in 2021 so far. (Reuters)

ICC, 30 March, upheld convictions and 30-year prison sentence of warlord Bosco (The Terminator) Ntaganda for crimes committed 2002-2003 (France 24)

Oxfam has suspended 2 staff members after an investigation into sexual misconduct and bullying. (Al Jazeera English)

 Djibouti:             Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed:  8,509    Deaths confirmed:  72  (BBC)

 Egypt:        The Pharaoh’s Golden Parade. Procession of 22 mummies (18 kings and 4 queens from Egyptian Museum to new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo. (BBC)

Marwa Elselehdar, Egypt’s first female ship’s captain rumoured to be responsible for ship blocking the Suez Canal, even though she was hundreds of miles away in Alexandria. (BBC)

Coronavirus figures:                                                         

Cases confirmed: 204,965   Deaths confirmed:  12,163      (BBC)

Foreign Ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan met in Kinshasa 4thApril to try to reach an accord over the giant dam built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile. (France 24)

The last of the ships stranded because of the blockage in the Suez Canal passed through on Saturday 3 April (France 24)

 Equatorial Guinea:     Coronavirus figures:                                      

Cases confirmed:  7,008   Deaths confirmed: 103   (BBC)

 Eritrea:      Coronavirus figures:                                                         

Cases confirmed:  3,334  Deaths confirmed: 10   (BBC)

 Eswatini: Coronavirus figures:                                                            

Cases confirmed: 17,352   Deaths confirmed:  668    (BBC)

 Ethiopia:   Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 215,189   Deaths confirmed:  2,963        (BBC)

G7 “strongly concerned” by reports of human rights abuses and calls for those responsible to be held account. They also call for Eritrean troops to pull out of Ethiopia  (BBC)

                  30 Amhara civilians killed in gun attack on village in Western Oromiya on 1st April. Oromo Liberation Front blamed (Reuters)

Foreign Ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan met in Kinshasa 4thApril to try to reach an accord over the giant dam built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile. (France 24)

 Gabon:      Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 19,863   Deaths confirmed:  119    (BBC)

 Gambia:    Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 5,505   Deaths confirmed: 166   (BBC)

Ghana:      Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 90,782   Deaths confirmed:  748    (BBC)

 Guinea:     Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 20,405   Deaths confirmed:  130    (BBC)

Suspected carriers of Ebola fled a town in South-East. They are being sought after first case in a month confirmed 1st April. (Reuters)

 Guinea-Bissau:  Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed: 3,662   Deaths confirmed: 66   (BBC)

 Ivory Coast:        Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed: 44,749   Deaths confirmed:  255    (BBC)

Former Pres. Laurent Gbagbo free to leave Brussels after ICC upheld acquittal. (France 24)

 Kenya:       Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 138,988   Deaths confirmed:  2,224        (BBC)

UK to put Kenya on list of countries from where non-UK or non-Irish nationals will be refused entry from 9th April. British and Irish will have to follow 10 day mandatory quarantine in hotels. (Reuters)

It was reported 1 April that 3rd wave of Covid-19 hits Kenyan hospital (France 24)

Kenya has given UNHCR 2 weeks  (from 24 March) to produce a plan to close 2 refugee camps (Kakuma opened 1992 and Dadaab opened 1991) holding 410,000 refugees from several countries, otherwise they will be forced to the border with Somalia.  (Al Jazeera English)

 Lesotho:    Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed: 10,707   Deaths confirmed:  315    (BBC)

 Liberia:      Coronavirus figures:                                                         

Cases confirmed: 2,042   Deaths confirmed: 85   (BBC)

 Libya:        Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 162,294   Deaths confirmed:  2,737        (BBC)

 Madagascar:      Coronavirus figures:                                               

Cases confirmed: 25,572   Deaths confirmed:  454    (BBC)

 Malawi:     Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 33,661   Deaths confirmed:  1,123          (BBC)

 Mauritania:        Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed:  17,927  Deaths confirmed:  449    (BBC)

 Mali:          Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 10,580   Deaths confirmed:  392    (BBC)

4 peacekeepers killed and several injured when Aguelhok (Northern Mali) attacked on 3rd April. (Reuters)

 Mauritius: Coronavirus figures:                                                         

Cases confirmed: 1,121   Deaths confirmed: 12   (BBC)

 Morocco:  Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed:  498,197  Deaths confirmed: 8,850        (BBC)

 Mozambique:    Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed: 68,119   Deaths confirmed:  782    (BBC)

Palma retaken by Mozambican forces from al-Shabab on 5th April (BBC) 

Total has closed its operations in Northern Mozambique and withdrawn all its staff because of the recent Islamic incursions. It is claimed that the staff may not be easily persuaded to return (France 24)

Portugal to send troops in early April to train Mozambican troops to deal with Islamic insurgents (France 24)

Mozambican army have recaptured the airfield in Palma and significant numbers of fighters have been killed, but have not declared that they have retaken the town as yet. 5th April. (Al Jazeera English)

 Namibia:   Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 44,790   Deaths confirmed:  537    (BBC)

Namibia to receive $271M from IMF to fight Covid-19

 Niger:        Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 5,041   Deaths confirmed: 188  (BBC)

New Pres. Mohamed Bazoum sworn into office 1 April in first peaceful transfer of power. (France 24)

Accusations of rape and attempted rape by Chadian soldiers in Niger to help fight armed groups. Chadian authorities claim the perpetrators have been arrested and will be punished.  3 April. (Al Jazeera English)

 Nigeria:     Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 163,195   Deaths confirmed:  2,058        (BBC)

Boko Haram claim to have downed a Nigerian Air Force in North East Nigeria on 2nd April (Reuters)

 Rwanda:    Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 22,482   Deaths confirmed:  311    (BBC)

 São Tomé: Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed:  2,240   Deaths confirmed: 35   (BBC)

 Senegal:    Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 39,024   Deaths confirmed:  1,063          (BBC)

 Seychelles:         Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed: 4,290   Deaths confirmed: 24   (BBC)

 Sierra Leone:     Coronavirus figures:                                               

Cases confirmed: 3,988   Deaths confirmed: 79   (BBC)

 Somalia:    Coronavirus figures:                                                         

Cases confirmed: 11,783   Deaths confirmed:  557    (BBC)

4 youths and a child were killed in a teashop when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Mogadishu on 4th April. (Al Jazeera English)

Al-Shabab fighters attacked 2 military bases 2 April. Attacks repulsed. Dozens killed. (Al Jazeera English)

 South Africa:      Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed:  1,551,964  Deaths confirmed:  52,987           (BBC)

Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa announced that religious gatherings of up to 250 indoors and 500 outdoors to be allowed over Easter. (Reuters)

 South Sudan:     Coronavirus figures:                                                

Cases confirmed:  10,267  Deaths confirmed:  113    (BBC)

 Sudan:       Coronavirus figures:                                                         

Cases confirmed:  31,833  Deaths confirmed:  2,063          (BBC)

Foreign Ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan met in Kinshasa 4thApril to try to reach an accord over the giant dam built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile. (France 24)

 Tanzania: Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 509   Deaths confirmed:  21 (BBC)

Tanzanian police have announced that 45 people died during a stampede on 21 March at the stadium in Dar es Salaam where people were mourning the death of John Magufuli. (France 24)

 Togo:         Government using “Poverty Maps” – satellite images – to identify people economically affected by Covid-19 then sending them financial help. (BBC)

                  Coronavirus figures:                                                         

Cases confirmed: 11,187   Deaths confirmed:  112    (BBC)

Tunisia:     Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed:  260,044   Deaths confirmed:  8,965       (BBC)

Hundreds of protesters against unemployment tried to storm Govt. offices in Tataouine 29th March. Police fired tear gas 

 Uganda:    Sudden death of Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, Archbishop of Kampala. He was found dead in his house 3rd April 2021. He will be buried on Thursday 8th  April. (NTVUganda)

Bodies of 4 Ugandans killed in South Sudan returned to Uganda. Truck drivers parked their vehicles as a protest against insecurity. Claims that 15 + Ugandan drivers and passengers killed recently in South Sudan (NTVNews)  

Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 40,962   Deaths confirmed:  335    (BBC)

Western Sahara: Coronavirus figures:                                               

Cases confirmed:  0  Deaths confirmed:  0     (BBC)

 Zambia:     Coronavirus figures:                                                          

Cases confirmed: 88,930   Deaths confirmed:  1,220          (BBC)

 Zimbabwe: Coronavirus figures:                                                        

Cases confirmed:  36,923    Deaths confirmed:  1,525   (BBC)

News Snippets in Africa 21 to 29 March 2021

Democratic Republic of Congo: 

                           US Biden administration re-impose anti-corruption sanctions and remove licence of Dan Gertler, Israeli businessman, for mining in DRC. Mr. Gertler is alleged to have made a fortune together with ex-`pres. Joseph Kabila when US Trump administration removed sanctions. (BBC)  

Egypt:                 The container ship wedged in the Suez Canal (Ever Given) has been freed (BBC)

                           Nawal El Saadawi, doctor, feminist and writer dies at 89. (BBC)       

                           Container lines reported as saying backlog caused by ship stuck in Suez Canal may take months to clear. (Reuters)

                           2 trains collide in southern Egypt 32 dead, 100 injured 285 miles south of Cairo. (France 24)                   

Eritrea:               After months denying the presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia, PM Abiy Ahmed announced 23 March that they were fighting in Tigray. He admitted, without comment, that there had been human rights violations. 26 March he announced that the Eritrean troops would be withdrawing from Tigray. (France 24) Ethiopia:           Mr. Bolton, supposed UN official and political analyst who has tweeted repeatedly about the “brutal” Tigrayan leadership has been shown to be “fake”. Other tweets showing destroyed Tigrayan church has also been shown to be “fake news”. (BBC)

                           After months denying the presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia, PM Abiy Ahmed announced 23 March that they were fighting in Tigray. He admitted, without comment, that there had been human rights violations. 26 March he announced that the Eritrean troops would be withdrawing from Tigray. (France 24) 

                           Medecins Sans Frontieres claim rape and killing of civilians by Ethiopian troops. (France 24)

Gambia:             MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)    

Ghana:               MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)    

Guinea-Bissau:  MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)

Ivory Coast:        Border post on Burkina border (Kafolo) attacked for 2nd time in 8 months. 2 or 3 killed. (France 24)

                           Patrick Achi (close confidant of President Ouattara) named PM. (France 24)

Kenya:                3 DJs sacked after supposedly blaming women for being attacked. (BBC)

                           Pres. Uhuru Kenyatta has restricted trave from 25th March and introduced a stricter curfew in Nairobi and 4 surrounding districts. (Reuters)

                           Government to allow private sector health services to import vaccines and inoculate. No limit will be put on charges. (Reuters)  

                           Sarah Onyango Obama (99) step-grandmother of Barack Obama died in hospital. (France 24)             

Liberia:               MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)    

Malawi:              MTN to donate vaccine doses  (Reuters         

Mali:                   French (Barkhane) airstrikes north of Gao killed 6 men. Islamic militants according to France, innocent civilians according to the mayor of Talataye (nearby town). A similar strike from 3rd. January is being investigated by UN. French military claim they killed 30 Islamic fighters, locals claim it was a civilian wedding party. (Reuters)              

Mauritius:          MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)    

Mozambique:    Concern over escalation of violence in Northern Mozambique. Private militias from South Africa and Russian Wagner Group contacted by the Government to counteract Islamic Insurgents have been accused of implication in violence against civilians. US advisors have been accused of approaching the problem in a simplistic manner. (BBC)

                           Hundreds of Islamic militants attacked Palma (shops, banks, barracks). Dozens dead. Reports of headless bodies on the beach. (BBC)     

                           During a suspected Islamic insurgent attack 24th March 2021, 200 people hid in a hotel. Some were rescued, some were caught in an ambush whilst trying to escape. A convoy of civilians and foreign workers was attacked. (Reuters)

                           Islamic State group claims control of Palma after days of fighting. 6 – 10000 people waiting for rescue. Thousands have fled to Pemba the regional capital. (24th March)

                           Hours after Total announced it would recommence operations on huge gas project suspended after attacks in January. (France 24)

Niger:                 10 people killed in attacks on 2 villages in Tillaberi region 24thMarch.              

Nigeria:              Subsidies at petrol pump no longer tenable.  (Reuters) 

                           MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)    

Rwanda:             Commission of historians’ report submitted to Pres. Macron on 26th March claims France “not complicit” in Rwandan genocide but “blind” and bearing “overwhelming responsibility” (France 24)             

Senegal:             MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)             

Sierra Leone:     MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)

Somalia:             Abdirashid Janan, Security Minister of Jubbaland has defected with hundreds of troops to support Pres. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed whose 4 year term of office ended in February 2021. £ regions are supporting him but Jubbaland and Puntland no longer recognise him as President.  (Reuters                

South Africa:      Cameras in Balule Nature Reserve stream picked up by over 55,000viewers throughout the world who report on poachers. (Reuters)      

                           Plan for Chinese-backed coal-powered industry in Limpopo Province praised for bringing local jobs and attacked as a climate/health disaster. (Reuters)

                           Launch of TB mobile clinics. (Reuters)

South Sudan:     MTN to donate vaccine doses  (Reuters)       

Sudan:                Government has signed a declaration of principles separating religion and state and calling for freedom of religion and cultural identity. (BBC)

                           0.5M doses of Sinopharm vaccines due to arrive 26th March. (Reuters              

Tanzania:           Ex-Pres. Magufuli buried in home town, Chato. (BBC)

                           Pres. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s first decision has been to sack the DG of the ports authority for embezzlement. (BBC)

Togo:                  MTN has donated vaccine doses to 9 African countries (Reuters)                                                 

Zambia:Resumption of talks with IMF to begin 29thMarch onwards to stabilise debt-burdened economy. (Reuters)

News Snippets in Africa 14th to 20th March 2021

Algeria:     Street signs named after Thomas Bugeaud, first colonial governor of Ageria have been defaced in Paris. Members of SOS Racisme added Butcher to the name. Accusing him of war crimes. (BBC)

                  Thousands protested for press freedom and judicial independence 19thMarch. (France 24)

Cameroon: Danish warship to patrol Gulf of Guinea against pirate attacks. (BBC)     

Congo-Brazzaville: Pres. Denis Sassou Nguessou (77) who has ruled for a combined total of 37 years to contest election Sunday 21st March. The elections have been criticised by the Catholic Church and rights activists. (Reuters)

Democratic Republic of Congo: 

                  12 villagers killed with machetes and pickaxes by ADF in Eastern DRC. (Reuters)

                  According to the UN there has been an “alarming increase” in attacks by ADF (an extremist Islamic group from Uganda) since January 2021. Over 100 militia groups are operating in D R Congo. (BBC)

Egypt:        Human rights activist Sanaa Seif gaoled for 18 months for spreading false news concerning handling of Covid-19 in Egyptian prisons (BBC)               

Equatorial Guinea:     

                  Hospitals still overwhelmed by number of injured from blast. Many had no health cover, but treatment has now been made free. Israeli Defence Forces are providing some medical help in Bata. Pres. Mbazogo has blamed careless farmers lighting fires near the military barracks for the explosions.  (BBC)    

Ethiopia:   Houthi officials have apologised for the fire which killed 44 and injured 193 mainly Ethiopian migrants in Sanaa earlier this month. The migrants were demonstrating against conditions in the migrant centre where they were being held, they were herded into a hangar and the hangar was accidentally set on fire. (BBC)

                  Fire in Sanaa caused by Houthi projectiles during skirmish with detainees, according to Human Rights Watch. (Reuters)       

                  US to send Senator to meet PM Abiy Ahmed about grave concerns over humanitarian crisis in Tigray (Reuters)

Ivory Coast: 

                  Ruling party win peaceful parliamentary polls (France 24)

Kenya:       Kenya Police Service defends recruitment of officers with lower academic grades since those with higher grades have too high expectations of promotion.         (BBC)

                  High Court ruling on decriminalising FGM for adult women due Wednesday 17th March. (BBC)

                  Doctor calls for FGM to be retitled Female Circumcision which she claims is a minor operation when performed by a qualified medical practitioner and adult women should be allowed to do what they want with their own bodies. (KTN News)

                  Grain millers flag up concern about high level of aflatoxin still in maize delivered for processing despite import ban on Tanzanian and Ugandan maize. (KTN News)

                  Wednesday 17th March the High Court refused to allow to allow FGM. (al Jazeera English)

Libya:        UN report that arms embargo imposed in 2011 is totally ineffective. (BBC)

                  15 handcuffed bodies found dumped in Benghazi. (BBC)

Mali:          The Court proceedings against Amadou Sanogo. He was accused of killing 21 elite soldiers during 2012 coup. Amnesty was given to him and 15 others under 2019 reconciliation law. (Reuters) 

                  5-month siege of Farabougou village in Central Mali temporarily lifted. Defended by Dogon hunters and besieged by Jihadists, there will be a ceasefire of one month free movement. (Reuters)

                  Attack on military post near Ansongo 15th March. 31 dead. (France 24)

 Morocco:  Government backs legalising medical use of cannabis (France 24)                              

Mozambique:    

Children as young as 11 beheaded by so called Al Shabbab (apparently not related to Somali Al Shabbab). (BBC) (Reuters)

According to National Commission on Human Rights 20,000 albinos still face discrimination in Mozambique. 114 have disappeared aover the last 7 years. (BBC)

Namibia:   10th March. First Lady speaks out against misogynistic verbal violence on International Women’s Day (France 24)  

Niger:        3 days national mourning have begun for the 58 people killed in 2 separate attacks near the Mali border       . The attacks were on 4 vehicles filled with traders returning from market in Tillaberi region. (BBC) (Reuters)   

Nigeria:     Fighting in Kwara State schools concerning the wearing of the hijab by Muslim pupils. 10 schools had been closed because of fighting and attempts to reopen them          were thwarted by angry protesters. The schools had been founded by Baptist missionaries but were taken over by the Government. The Christians are against the wearing of the hijab in school and the Muslims are for it. (BBC)

                  27 soldiers and   10 Civilian Joint Task Force members killed by Islamic militants in NE Nigeria. (Reuters)

                  February food prices increase by 20%. Inflation is at 17.33%. Oil prices have slumped. (Reuters)

Italian court acquits Eni and Shell of corruption charges concerning Nigerian oil field (BBC)

                  Governor of Kaduna stated that the nearly 40 students kidnapped last week are safe and negotiations are ongoing for their release. No ransom will be paid. In a separate incident in Kaduna State last Monday, 3 primary school teachers were abducted. (Reuters)

                  Nigeria cabinet approves $1.5billion upgrade of Port Harcourt refinery. (Reuters)

                  Sunday Igboho Adeyemo, a car salesman and activist famous for calling for resistance to insurgents (particularly Fulani herdsmen), has put out a video calling for Yoruba secession from Nigeria. This has come after increasing violence in South Western Nigeria. (BBC)

Senegal:    Total denial of participation in protests by traditional wrestlers after Justice Minister blamed some protests on wrestlers letting off steam during coronavirus restrictions. (BBC)  

South Africa: Former Pres. FW de Klerk (85) and joint Nobel Peace Prize winner with Nelson Mandela. diagnosed with cancer. (BBC)

                  Ex-Pres. De Klerk diagnosed with mesothelioma (cancer of the lung’s lining) (Reuters)

                  $340 billion fund (Agri-Industrial Fund) set up by state-owned Industrial Development Corporation to help Black farmers gain access to capital to increase their role in commercial farming. (Reuters)

                  King Goodwill Zwelithini (72) leader of 12 million Zulus buried in traditional “ukutshalwa kweNkosi” Thursday 18th March after a reign of over 50 years. (al Jazeera English)

South Sudan: Human Rights Watch urged South Sudan to set up joint court with AU concerning human rights violations. (BBC)

                  Fourth Vic-Pres. Rebecca Nyandeng (widow of John Garang) has tested positive for Covid-19. (BBC)

Sudan:       PM Abdalla Hamdokhas formally written to UN, AU, US and EU asking for them to mediate in Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute. (Reuters)              

Tanzania: Still no sign of Pres. Magafuli since 27th Feb. (BBC)

                  Pres. John Pombe Magufuli died 17/03/21 14 days of national mourning announced. VP Samia Suhulu Hassan should be sworn in quickly as next president to complete Magufuli’s term of office. (BBC)

                  Pres. Magufuli dies of heart disease (Reuters)

                  Samia Suhulu Hassan sworn in as new president of Tanzania 19th March 2021. She urges no finger pointing (BBC)

Head of WHO congratulated new president of Tanzania and hopes to work with her on tackling Covid-19. (BBC)

                  Ex-Pres. Magafuli’s body will be viewed in Uhuru Stadium Dar es Salaam on Sunday, in Dodoma on Monday, in Mwanza on Wednesday, then buried in home town of Chato on Thursday 25 March 2021. (BBC)

Tunisia:     Pres. Kais Saied is visiting Libya to show solidarity with new interim government. (BBC)    

                  Hamed Bakayoko (deceased PM who died of cancer in Germany) was buried  after Friday prayers in his family farm. (BBC)

Uganda:    Pres. Yoweri Museveni claims not to have been vaccinated yet against Coronavirus. He is being careful and thinking it over. (Reuters)

Launch of rapid Covid-19 antibody test (Reuters)

News Snippets in Africa 7th to 13th March 2021

Algeria:     Cars swept away and 7 people dead in flooding in Chlef region (BBC) Pres. Abelmadjid Tebboune sets 12 June date for early legislative elections (France 24)                     

Cameroon: Hundreds of kidnappings by separatists for money according to Human Rights Watch (BBC)                  

CAR:          Legislative elections are being held in 118 out of 140 constituencies because they could not be held in December 2020. Rwandan and Russian troops are helping with security. (BBC)                 

Congo-Brazzaville:      

                  2 weeks of presidential election campaigning has begun. Pres. Denis Sassou Nguesso ( in power since 1979 apart from 5 year gap) is standing for 4thterm. Catholic bishops and civil society groups have expressed concern about transparency of the elections. Country spends 5 times more on debt repayment than on healthcare. (BBC)  

Democratic Republic of Congo: US blacklisted Allied Democratic Forces and its leader Abu Yasir Hassan as “specially designated global terrorists” (France 24)         

Egypt:        Egypt and Sudan call for international mediation to settle dispute over Nile dam. (BBC)             

Equatorial Guinea:

                  Big explosions in main city of Bata near the main military camp. The cause is unknown. (BBC)   

                  Mass funeral for 105 blast victims 12th March in Bata. Suggestions that blast caused by negligent handling of dynamite in military base and fires set by farmers. Pres. Nguema promised to bring those responsible to account. (Reuters)

                   Parents still phoning local radio stations searching for lost children after being separated by blast. (Reuters)       

Ethiopia:            Ethiopia rejects US accusations of ethnic cleansing in Tigray 13thMarch. (Al Jazeera English)              

Gambia:             Calls from Human Rights Watch to investigate role of ex-Pres. Yahaya Jammeh in killings of 59 West African migrants in 2005. Pres. Jammeh was removed from office in 2017 and is at present in Equatorial Guinea. (BBC)              

Ghana:               Pres. Akufo-Addo predicted strong economic recovery for Ghana in 2021        (Reuters)

                           MPs plan law criminalising promotion of LGBT+ rights (Reuters)      

Guinea:              The present Ebola outbreak is likely to come from latent infection in human population from last outbreak according to WHO (Reuters)             

Ivory Coast:        Death of PM Hamed Bakayoko Mon 8th March from Cancer in Germany. He became PM in July 2020 after death of former PM Amadou Gon Coulibaly from a heart attack. Coulibaly had been foreseen as governing party’s candidate in October 2020 presidential election. Pres. Ouattara then ran in his stead for controversial 3rd mandate. Bakayoko was then seen as eventual successor to Pres. Ouattara     in 2025 election. Now there is no clear successor. (Al Jazeera English)

Kenya:                Pres. Uhuru Kenyatta has extended nationwide curfew by 60 days, political gatherings for 30 days and further restrictions on weddings and funerals. Opposition leader Raila Odinga in quarantine after Covid positive test 11th March. (BBC)

                           Curfew extended by 60 days because of 3rd wave of Covid infections. (Reuters)                                     

Libya:                 UN Security Council calls for withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya. It is reckoned that 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries are in Libya. A UN embargo on arms has been ignored (Al Jazeera English)    

Mauretania: Ex-Pres. Muhamed Ould Abdel Aziz and 10 others charged with corruption. (France 24)                                  

Mozambique:    Schools to re-open Monday 8th March. (BBC)

                           Palma (NE Mozambique) cut off by Al-Shabab. 500,000 people forced out of homes by insurgents. They fled to escape beheadings and abductions. Criticism of Government restrictions on media and (too a lesser extent)  aid organisations. There is real hunger in the besieged enclave. (BBC)

                           Pres. Felipe Nyusi has appointed Maj-Gen Cristavo Chume as head of army. Ex-army and Airforce heads have been demoted. (BBC)  

US blacklisted Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama and its leader Abu Yasir Hassan as “specially designated global terrorists” (France 24)                                

Nigeria:              Archbishop of Canterbury criticised fellow Anglican Archbishop of Nigeria over making “unacceptable and dehumanising” anti-homosexual statements. (BBC)

                           180 students and staff kidnapped by gunmen from school near army base in Kaduna State. 150 were subsequently rescued by the army. 30 remain missing. (BBC)

                           10th March hundreds of trade union members marched on Parliament in Abuja about possible change in minimum        wage arrangements. 

Rwanda:             Paul Rusasesabangina (“Hotel Rwanda Hero”) on trial Kigali after being allegedly abducted from Dubai, has refused to attend terror trial after being refused 6 months to prepare his defence. (BBC)          

Senegal:             Riots continue into 5th day. (BBC)

                           Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko called for more protests against Pres. Macky Sall 8th March. He had just been released on bail for alleged rape. His arrest had caused the riots. (Reuters)

                           French-owned businesses across Dakar have been attacked during the latest protests. French troops are garrisoned in Dakar which also has the largest French embassy in sub-Saharan Africa. Peaceful protests against inequality, Government corruption and Corvid restrictions turned into attacks on businesses of former colonial power. (Al Jazeera English) 

Movement for Defence of Democracy (M2D) called for postponement of rally after rioting and deaths 12th March. (France 24)  

Somalia:             Kenya/Somalia maritime border dispute. Kenya says it will not attend hearing foreseen for 15th March in International Court of Justice (Hague).               

South Africa:      King Goodwill Zwelithini, king of the Zulus died last week aged 72 after being treated in hospital in KwaZulu-Natal for a diabetes-related condition. (BBC)   

                           King Zwelithini died 12 March. Hailed as “visionary monarch” by Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa (Reuters)

                           Police fired rubber bullets on protesters at Univ. of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg on Wed 10 March. One student was killed.           

Tanzania:          No public records of Covid infections and deaths since May 2020 (500 case/20 deaths) in order to avoid “spreading fear”.  There has been much speculation about Pres. Magufuli who has not been seen in public for 2 weeks (BBC)

                           PM Kassim Majaliwa denies that Pres. Magufuli (last seen 27thFeb.) is sick. Blames rumours on Tanzanians living abroad spreading rumours because of hate. (Reuters)

                           Opposition leader Tundu Lissu claimed that Pres. Magufuli had been taken to Kenya for treatment of Covid then transferred to India and is comatose since 10th March. This has all been denied by the Tanzanian Government and no information has been forthcoming from Kenya or India. (Reuters)                 

Tunisia:              39 die as 2 boats of migrants sink off Tunisian coast trying to reach Lampadusa (Italy) 10th March. Coastguard rscued 165. (Reuters)               

Uganda:             Human Rights Watch have insisted that Uganda stop abduction of Opposition supporters and release those illegally detained. US exploring ways to punish Ugandan security forces involved in crackdown and EU called for sanctions (Reuters)   

News Snippets in Africa 1st to 6th March 2021

Algeria:              Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 3,007 (BBC)

                           Military reckoned as second strongest in Africa. Arms from Russia. (The Africa Report)

Angola:               Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 511 (BBC)

Benin:                 Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 75 (BBC)

Botswana:          Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 359 (BBC)

Burkina Faso:     Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 143 (BBC)

Burundi:             Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 3 (BBC)

Cameroon:         Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 551 (BBC)

Cape Verde:       Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 152 (BBC)

CAR:                   Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 63 (BBC)

Chad:                  Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 140 (BBC)                                         France urges Chad to investigate killings at the home of Yaya Dillo (opposition leader) (Reuters)

Comoros:           Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 145 (BBC)

Congo-Brazzaville: 

Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 131 (BBC)

Democratic Republic of Congo: 

Leaked claim that UK intends to cut aid by 60%. (BBC)

Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 712 (BBC)

Djibouti:             Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 63 (BBC)

Egypt:                 Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 10,916 (BBC)

                           Pres. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has arrived in Khartoum for talks with the Sudanese Government for talks concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam ( on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia) which Egypt and Sudan consider a threat to their water supply. (Al Jazeera English)

Equatorial Guinea:     

Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 96 (BBC)

Eritrea:               Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 7 (BBC)

Eswatini:            Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 654 (BBC)

Ethiopia:            Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 2,404 (BBC)

                           Following accusations of massacres of civilians and children by Eritrean troops in Axum by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch claim Eritrean troops “killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood) (Al Jazeera English)

Gabon:               Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 90 (BBC)

Gambia:             Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 152 (BBC)

Ghana:               Election victory upheld for Pres. Nana Akufo-Addo. Mahama accepts defeat (Reuters) (The Africa Report)                                                 Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 637 (BBC)

Guinea:              Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 93 (BBC)

                           WHO expresses concern about the lack of preparedness of Guinea’s neighbours to deal with Ebola outbreak. (Al Jazeera English)

Guinea-Bissau:  Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 49 (BBC)

Ivory Coast:        Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 199 (BBC)

                           Calm parliamentary elections have taken place months after presidential elections won by Pres. Ouattara and boycotted by the Opposition. (Al Jazeera English)

Kenya:                7 out of 11 species of vulture in Africa on verge of extinction mainly through poisoning. Only 5 individuals left of Beardless Vulture left in Kenya. (BBC) (Reuters)                                                               Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 1,873 (BBC)                                      Vaccinations have begun for health workers with AstraZeneca under Covax initiative (BBC)                                                                 LGBT+ refugees call on UN for safer space after Attacks on refugee camp in NW Kenya. (Reuters)                                                              KiliAvo Fresh Ltd. Is building nurseries for avocados which, it is claimed, will interfere with the free movement of 2,000 elephants and Maasai cows         (Reuters)  

                           UK/Kenya trade deal ratification delayed from UK side because of fears that it will harm UK trade with East African Community and on Kenyan side because of perceived lack of transparency from Kenyan Govt.     (The Africa Report)

Ban on maize imports from Tanzania and Uganda imposed because of high levels of mycotoxins. Hardships for Ugandan traders. (NTVUganda)

Lesotho:             Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 307 (BBC)

Liberia:               Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 85 (BBC)

Libya:                 Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 2,236 (BBC)

                           PM-designate has submitted names to Parliament for a proposed cabinet in next step towards unifying the country Al Jazeera English)

Madagascar:      Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: (297 BBC)

Malawi:              Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: (1,063 BBC)

Mauritania:        Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 358 (BBC)

Mali:                   Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 442 (BBC)

                           It is claimed that Venezuela got around US sanctions by sending gold to Mali in Russian planes where it was refined then resold to the UAE. Venezuela is reckoned to have earned $1.21bn. (Al Jazeera English)

Mauritius:          Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 10 (BBC)

Morocco:           Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 8,673 (BBC)

                           Call for repeal of art. 490 which criminalises extra-marital sex. Moroccan Outlaws movement calls for individual freedoms to be put at the heart of legislative elections. (The Africa Report)

                           Military rated 5th strongest in Africa. Arms from France and US. (The Africa Report)

Mozambique:    Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 680 (BBC)

Namibia:            Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 437 (BBC)                                         Locals who have mineral exportation licenses are no longer allowed to sell them to foreigners. (Reuters)

Niger:                 Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 172 (BBC)                                         17 tonnes of Cannabis ($37M) en route for Libya seized (Reuters)

Nigeria:              Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 1,954 (BBC)                                      Vaccinations have begun for health workers with AstraZeneca under Covax initiative (BBC) (Reuters)                                                  Islamic insurgents take town of Dikwa then withdraw (Reuters)                                                                                                         $300,000 paid for release of kidnapped Chinese crew of fishing boat. 95% of all maritime kidnappings took place in the Gulf of Guinea in 2020 (Al Jazeera English)

                           A curfew has been put in force in Zamfara State after the kidnapped girls were freed. They were being checked medically when parents tried to grab them. 3 people were shot but it is not known by whom.  (Al Jazeera English)

Rwanda:             Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 267 (BBC)                                         Vaccinations have begun for health workers with AstraZeneca under Covax initiative (BBC) (Reuters)                                                  Rwanda first African nation to use Pfizer vaccine (Reuters)

São Tomé:          Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 31 (BBC)

Senegal:             3 days of street protests after Opposition leader arrested. (BBC)                                                                                                                 Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 907 (BBC)                                         Internet access restricted as protests intensify (Reuters)                                                                                                                              324,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses received (Reuters)

                           Call for people to “take over the streets” by Movement for the Defence of Democracy. Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has been detained and charged with rape and making death threats. (Al Jazeera English)

Seychelles:         Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 15 (BBC)                                           Seychelles to re-open tourism this month (Reuters)

Sierra Leone:     Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 79 (BBC)

Somalia:             Leaked claim that UK intends to cut aid by 60%. (BBC)                              

Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 294 (BBC)

20 dead and 30 injured in suicide car bombing near port in Mogadishu (Al Jazeera English) 

South Africa:      Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 50,566 (BBC)                                    Hundreds of fake Coronavirus vaccines seized by police in Johannesburg. £ Chinese and 1 Zambian arrested (Reuters)                   26 escaped crocodiles captured after escaping from breeding farm into river in Western Cape. Unknown number still at large. (Reuters)

                           South African variant of COVID produces giving high degree of protection against other variants. (Al Jazeera English

South Sudan:     Leaked claim that UK intends to cut aid by 59%. (BBC)                     Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: (102 BBC)                                           Next week Sudan to begin vaccinating health workers, then over-45s with chronic conditions  benefitting from Covax. (Reuters)

Sudan:                Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 1,895 (BBC)

Tanzania:           Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 21 (BBC)

Togo:                  Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 88 (BBC)

Tunisia:              Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 8,130 (BBC)

Uganda:             Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 334 (BBC)

                           US State Dept. spokesman has announced that members of Uganda’s Security Forces responsible for actions against members of the Opposition in last January’s presidential election. Targeted options are to be considered. Ugandan Govt. spokesman responded that US is “an international bully” (Al Jazeera English)

Western Sahara:Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 0 (BBC)

Zambia:              Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 1,116 (BBC)

Zimbabwe:         Confirmed Coronavirus deaths: 1,484( BBC)

News Snippets in Africa 22nd–28th February 2021

CAR: At least 14 people killed in clashes between security forces and militias in Bambari.

 Chad: Yaya Dillo is standing against Pres. Idris Derby in presidential elections in April. He claims presidential guards went to arrest him in his home in N’Djamena and killed 5 family members including his mother. The Government claim security forces went to arrest him and 2 people were killed and 5 wounded. Internet has been cut in N’Djamena. (Reuters)

 Democratic Republic of Congo: The Italian Ambassador to DRC was killed in an attack in Virunga National Park Monday 22/02/2021 together with his driver and a policeman. It is thought that this might have been an attempted kidnapping. (Al Jazeera English) Reuters)

Hutu rebels have denied killing the Italian ambassador and accused the RDC and Rwandan armies. (France 24)

 Ethiopia: 6 students feared dead in Tigray bus attack returning from graduation ceremony in Mekelle. (BBC)

US concerned about accusations of mass killings by Eritrean troops in Aksum and has demanded the withdrawal of Eritrean troops. Both Eritrea and Ethiopia have denied the presence of Eritrean troops. (BBC)

Amnesty International accuse Eritrean troops of massacring hundreds in Tigray Region last November. Eritrea denies the accusation (France 24)

Amnesty International has reported that Eritrean and Ethiopian troops began shelling Axum 19 November 2020. Then Eritrean troops killed hundreds of civilians 28-29 November 2020 (Al Jazeera English)

 Ghana: Catholic Bishops Conference of Ghana call upon Pres. Akufo-Addo to close the recently opened LGBTQI office in Accra and ask that he declare his stance on homosexuality in Ghana. (citinews.com) (pulse.com.gh)

LGBT centre in Ghana forced to close after threats of violence (France 24)

Ghana Catholic Bishop’s Conference told Pres. Akuffo Addo that they will never bless same-sex marriages.

 Guinea: Ebola vaccinations delayed by bad weather. (BBC)

 Ivory Coast: Vaccination doses arrived via COVAX. Ivory Coast is the second country to receive them after Ghana. (Reuters)

Kenya: Worst locust plague of locusts in decades. The Bug Picture is a start-up company harvesting locusts and transforming them into animal feed and organic fertiliser. It is thought that the increase in locusts is caused by warmer seas causing more rain, waking eggs and then the adult swarms are dispersed by cyclones. 

 Libya: Fathi Bashagha, Interior Minister survived an assassination attack on his motorcade whilst returning to Tripoli. (Al Jazeera English)

 Mali: 9 soldiers killed and 9 wounded in attack near Bandiagara (Mopti Region)

 Niger: 7 members of the electoral commission (CENI) were killed when their vehicle hit a mine in the Region of Tillaberi. Tillaberi is at the junction of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso where Islamist insurgents (al-Qaeda and ISIL) are strongly present. (Al Jazeera English)

2 killed and hundreds arrested after post election violence (France 24) 

2 killed and 400 injured after opposition claims of fraudulent elections. President-elect Bazoum was declared the winner and refused any power-sharing.(Al Jazeera English)

 Nigeria: Sokoto 16th February, one year after gunmen kidnapped and killed 18 year old seminarian Michael Nnadi. During the Mass, Bp. Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto claimed that things have got progressively worse for ordinary people. Speaking of Michael the bishop said that the people who killed him testified that they killed him for preaching Christ. Such a thing is unknown. The bishop referred to Michael’s death as a message of renewal for Nigeria. (Catholic Hearald)

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria claims that the Nigerian Bishops Conference has donated 425 hospitals and clinics for use as isolation centres for Covid-19 and the Government has made use of none of them. (CSN)

53 people who were kidnapped on a bus were freed. Others in a separate kidnapping incident at a school are still missing. Similar attacks are occurring almost daily.(Al Jazeera English)

Military aircraft crashed near Abuja airport (Minna). All 7 people on board were killed. (Al Jazeera English)

Gunmen have abducted schoolgirls in Zamfara State (Reuters)

Nigeria is expecting 4M Coronavirus vaccine doses from COVAX next week. (Reuters)

300 school girls kidnapped in Zamfara State confirmed. (Reuters) (France 24)

27 school boys released from kidnap in Niger State. (Reuters)

27 school boys, 3 school staff and 12 family members released from kidnap in Niger State.

 Rwanda: Saif Banporiki, opposition politician living in exile in South Africa was shot dead whilst sitting in his car in Cape Town. His wallet and phone were stolen. The motive of the murder is not clear as yet. The Rwandan Government has been accused of attacking dissidents in South Africa, but has consistently denied responsibility for these attacks. (BBC)

 Somalia: Jubbaland regional government has refused inclusion of national Pres. Mohamed in talks about delayed election.

 South Africa: 7M people covered by private health schemes. The Government have set aside $600M to cover the 40M they wish to have vaccinated. (Reuters)

African Swine Fever detected in Western Cape (Reuters)

 Tanzania: The Tanzania Law Society called on the Government to openly recognise the Covid-19 virus and take it seriously. (Al Jazeera English)

At Sunday at Mass in Dodoma Pres. Magufuli urged Tanzanians to take precautions against Corvid-19 and wear locally made masks.

 Tunisia: Tunisia’a Ennadha (Moderate Islamist) and QalbTounes (liberal) parties were behind thousands of people on the streets protesting against Pres. Saied’s opposition to Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi’s recent cabinet reshuffle.

 Uganda: Bobi Wine says he has withdrawn his challenge to the presidential election results but maintains that the “courts are not independent”. A judiciary spokesman insisted that Bobi Wine has merely made a political statement but the case is still with the Supreme Court.

 Western Sahara: rebels against Morocco blame UN for deadlock on 45thanniversary of unilateral declaration of Independence. 

News Snippets in Africa 16th-21st February 2021

Algeria: Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Kherrata (300 kms East of Algiers) to protest against the government of Pres. Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the 2nd anniversary of demonstrations against former Pres. Abdelaziz Bouteflika. (Al Jazeera English) 12 pro-democracy activists released from prison after Presidential pardon. (BBC) Pres. Abdelmadjid Tebboune dissolved Parliament and called early elections . (France 24)

Cameroon: 8 soldiers detained after torture video. (Reuters)

 Central African Republic: 2 men accused at ICC of leading Christian-dominated militias attacks on Muslims. (Reuters)

 Chad: at the G-5 Sahel meeting in N’djamena France’s Pres. Macron ruled out French troop withdrawals for the time being. (Reuters) Pres. Deby is to stand for 6th term as President in April 2021. All anti-Government protests are banned before this election. (BBC) 

 Egypt: plans to re-open embassy in Libya 8 years after its closure. (Reuters)

 eSwatini: King Mswati the Third has recovered from Covid-19 and thanks Taiwan for snding vaccinations. (Al Jazeera English)

 Ethiopia: Sudan accuses Ethiopian troops of crossing the border.  TPLF (Tigray) leaders have issued a list of demands as a preamble to peace talks. These include withdrawal of Eritrean and Amhara forces, an independent inquiry and access to humanitarian aid. (BBC) Ethiopian Pres. Sahle-Work Zewde acknowledged “significant delays… in reaching people in need” and “The needs are tremendous”. (Al Jazeera English)

 Guinea; 10 suspected cases of Ebola and 5 deaths. (Potential contacts are being tracked. (Reuters) WHO pledge urgent aid. (France 24) 11,000 shots of anti Ebola vaccine sent by WHO. Innoculation campaign to start Monday 22nd February. (Al Jazeera English)

 Ivory Coast: Lost 47,000 hectares of forest in cocoa-growing regions in 2020. (Reuters)

 Kenya: Traffic problems have increased for the moment in Nairobi whilst the Nairobi Expressway (27 km between Jomo Kenyatta Airport and Nairobi-Nakuru highway is being built. (BBC)

 Mali: Despite objections by France, Mali has created a body to open talks with Islamic insurgents. (Reuters)

 Niger: Sunday 21 February 2021 second round presidential elections. First democratic transition of power in Niger since Independence (1960). (Reuters) Mohamed Bazoum (ruling party candidate and member of outgoing Pres. Mahamadou  Issoufou’s govternment) in the first vote received 39.3% and (a former president) Ousmane  polled 17%. Niger is facing Islamic insurgents from both the West and the South. (France 24)

 Nigeria: A boys school was attacked and boys, 4 staff members and their families were kidnapped in Kagara, Niger State. (BBC) (Reuters) Bandits release video of more than 20 people abducted for commercial bus near, Zungeru, Niger State (AlJazeera English) Obinwanne Okele (formerly cited as one of Africa’s most influential businessmen under 30) has been jailed for 10 years in US for cyber fraud. (BBC) Abdulrasheed Bawa nominated as head of anti-corruption agency to replace Ibrahim Magu, who was dismissed after accusations of corruption. (BBC) Negotiations have begun between the Government and the kidnappers of the staff and boys in the school in Kagara. (Al Jazeera English)

 RDC: Barge crash on Congo River. 60 killed, 300 survived, 240 unaccounted for. (Reuters) Ebola vaccination campaign begun in Butembo, East Congo. (Reuters) Suspected Islamists killed 3 soldiers, 13 civilians and burnt down a church in a raid in Ituri Province. (Reuters)

 Rwanda: The trial of Paul Rusesabagina (Hotel Rwanda Hollywood film “hero)” has begun in Kigali. He is a critic of Pres. Paul Kagame. He was arrested in August 2020 in UAE and is accused of supporting terrorism, kidnap and murder. (BBC) (Reuters) EU calls upon Rwanda to ensure fair trial for Rusesabagina. (France 24)

 Senegal: Dust cloud over much of West and Central Africa disrupts fishing in Dakar.

 Sierra Leone: Land border with Guinea to be re-opened after 4 months despite Ebola outbreak. Guinea had closed it during elections. (BBC) UK High Court dismissed Sierra Leone’s challenge against SL Mining. (Reuters)

 Somalia: US warship intercepted 2 dhows transporting illicit shipments of arms in international waters off the coast of Somalia. (BBC) There was heavy gunfire in Mogadishu when, despite a ban, opposition leaders marched to protest against delayed elections. There were claims that militias attacked army positions near the President’s palace. The President’s term of office expired last week. He has announced talks with regional 5 regional leaders, but as yet the leaders have not met. (BBC) (Reuters)

 South Africa: Ex-Pres. Jacob Zuma defied an order to appear at a hearing in Johannesburg  concerning corruption.  (Reuters) 3 more people to face charges in Ace Magashule (ANC official) fraud and money laundering case. (Reuters)

 South Sudan: WFP claim highest level of food insecurity since Independence 10 years ago. Covid-19, weather patterns and outbreaks of violence are cited as causes. (BBC) 75% of the country affected by “staggering levels of violence” according to UN Human Rights Council. (BBC) The Government has (after 2 years) agreed to establish a court to prosecute human rights violations. (BBC) 27 members of Pres. Salva Kiir’s staff have tested positive for Covid-19. (BBC) The violence in South Sudan is estimated to be far worse than during the Civil War with gender and ethnic targeting of civilians rampant. Civil war deaths of 400,00 people and millions still struggling to recover have been surpassed by recent violence, it is claimed. (Al Jazeera English)

 Sudan: Sudan accuses Ethiopian troops of crossing the border. (The border area is claimed by Sudan but Ethiopian farmers are settled there. (Reuters) Ethiopia has accused Sudan of provoking a border conflict between them. An AU envoy has arrived in Sudan to defuse the situation. (BBC) Increased cost of bread, fuel and medicines. (BBC)

 Tanzania: Zanzibar 1st Vice President dies of Covid-19. (BBC) At the Vice-president’s funeral, Pres. Magufuli claimed Tanzania beat the virus last year and will do so again. Chief of Staff John Kijazi died of an undisclosed sickness. (BBC) WHO requests Tanzania to publish the number of Corona-19 cases. At present the country is claiming to be Covid-19 free and so there are no plans for vaccinations. (BBC) The Catholic Church in Tanzania has spoken out encouraging people to take precautions because “Covid is still here.” There has been a noticeable increase of deaths in urban parishes. (BBC)

 Uganda: Bobi Wine (aka. Robert Kyagulanyi) wants 3 supreme court judges to recuse themselves from hearing his petition challenging the re-election of Pres. Yoweri Museveni on grounds of bias because of their alleged close association with the President. (BBC)

News Snippets Africa 8th-15th February 2021

Africa-China: The present “trade war” between Australia and China may give a boost to Africa-China trade, particularly as regards raw minerals and wine. (Reuters)

Benin: Only3 candidates out of 20 allowed to run for presidency against Pres. Talon. Opposition claim that the election is already rigged in Talon’s favour because of laws each candidate must be formally sponsored by 16 mayors or MPs. (France 24)

 Central African Republic: Government forces territorial gains have opened up vital lifeline from Cameroon. Rebel forces have approached very close to the capital, Bangui. At the end of 2020 they controlled 2/3 of the country and had surrounded Bangui in an attempt to topple newly-elected Pres. Touadera.  An attack on supply convoys to Bangui was repulsed by MINUSCA (a UN force) mid-January. 240,000 people have been forced from their homes and 2M people have been recognised as “food insecure”. (France 24)

 Chad: Will deploy 1000 troops at the Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger border to support national armies and others against Islamic insurgents. (Reuters)

Meeting of G5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauretania and Niger) in N’Djamena with Pres. Macron (France) about concerns that the fight against Islamic insurgents in the region is going nowhere.  Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and over 2M people displaced. France is hoping for more help from European allies through the Takuba Task Force. (France 24) (Al Jazeera English)

There have been signs of local feelings against the French military. The governments of both Mali and Burkina Faso have expressed the desire to negotiate with the insurgents. There have been some French military successes. 2 insurgent groups have recently begun turf wars about trafficking which has taken some pressure off the French military.  (Al Jazeera English)

 D R Congo: 11 people killed during attacks on 2 military camps by separatists looking for arms. The Bakata-Katanga Militia want the separation of Katanga from D R Congo and regularly attack Lubumbashi (mining city in Katanga region). (BBC)

4th Ebola case confirmed in Northern Kivu Province. (France 24)

 eSwatini: Stops use of AstraZeneca vaccine because only minimally effective against South African variant of Covid-19. (Reuters)

 Ethiopia: International calls for rumoured Eritrean military to withdraw from Tigray Region fighting. 2 refugee camps closed. (France 24)

2 refugee camps closed after they were destroyed. They housed refugees, some of whom were from Eritrea. Eritrean soldiers forced some back into Eritrea. Both Ethiopia and Eritrea have denied that Eritrean soldiers have operated on Ethiopian soil. (Al Jazeera English)

 Ghana: Finance Minister left for USA for post-Covid-19 complications to his health. (BBC)

Parliament suspends most of its activities after 17 MPs and 151 staff members tested positive for Covid-19. (Reuters)

Guinea: Ebola epidemic declared. 7 confirmed infections. 3 deaths. These are the first in 5 years. WHO concerned. (BBC) (Reuters) (France 24)

 Kenya: Decision to go ahead with vaccination of citizens with AstraZeneca vaccine. (Reuters)

 Libya: Mohammad Younes Menfi arrived from Athens to meet tribal elders, academics and activists in Benghazi. He is the president of the newly elected interim government fostering unity ahead of December 2021 elections. (Al Jazeera English).

Malawi: Pres. Lazarus Chakwera has sacked co-chair of taskforce overseeing Governments response to Covid-19 after allegations of misuse of $7.7M.e (BBC)

 Mali: The OSM (Organisation of Students of Mali) founded in 1990 has been accused of corruption and putting pressure on teachers and university management. Government funding has been suspended. (France 24)

 Morocco: Second batch of 4 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine received from India. (Reuters)

 Nigeria: Pres. Buhari has called for calm after ethnic clashes between Hausa and Yoruba youths in Ibadan. Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation. (BBC)

42,500 Nigerian farmers and fishermen allowed by UK Supreme Court to sue Royal Dutch Shell in English courts over oil spills which have contaminated Niger Delta land and groundwater. (Reuters)

Protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos were beaten and arrested by police.  20 October 2020 soldiers are accused of shooting at least 12 protesters dead in Lekki district and another area. The military have denied involvement. The present protesters are angered because of the lack of a report by the commission of inquiry.  It is claimed that despite the disbanding of SARS police beatings still occur. (Al Jazeera English).

Operation Amotekun. The 6 Governors in South Western Nigeria, faced with the alarming levels of criminal activities (killings and rapes) by herdsmen (mostly Fulani), are employing a newly recruited local police force to avoid vigilante-style retribution. But there have been accusations of extra-judicial killings. The Attorney-General fearing the setting up of a state police force deemed it illegal. However the Vice President intervened and it went ahead. Wole Soyinka insisted that the new force needed Ethics Training to avoid another SARS. (The Africa Report)

Rwanda: Covid-19 vaccination of health workers has begun (Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Morocco, and Seychelles have also started. (BBC)

Senegal: 200,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine from China at $19 a shot.

 Somalia: Proposed talks on Somalia’s delayed elections (should have taken place 2 weeks ago) will not take place on Monday because of disagreements between the leaders of Jubaland and Puntland (autonomous regions). (BBC)

3 people killed and 8 wounded after car bomb exploded near Somali parliament HQ. (Al Jazeera English)

 South Africa: Land borders now re-opened with Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. They were closed 1 month ago because of Covid-19 and fake certificates. (BBC) (Reuters)

Aim to immunise 350,000 – 500,000 health workers with Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine. (Reuters)

 Sudan: 300 people arrested after protests over bread, fuel and power shortages. State of Emergency declared in 4 provinces. (BBC)

 Tunisia: Thousands marched despite heavy security cordon in Tunis, protesting 8th anniversary of killing of Chokri Belaid and 6 months later of Mohammad Brahmi (both left-wing activists). No-one has been convicted of either killing. (France 24) 

 Uganda: ICC has convicted former Ugandan child soldier and commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army of dozens of crimes.

Zambia: IMF to discuss loan programme and debt relief after debt default to China. (Reuters)

Zimbabwe: First 200,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have arrived from China. 600,000 more doses expected in March. (BBC)

 WTO: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigerian) is the new head of the WTO after South Korean rival withdraws. The first female. The first African. (BBC) (France 24)

Fr. Stan Dye MAfr is laid to rest

The funeral of Fr. Stan Dye took place yesterday, Wednesday 16th. December 2020 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Brentford. Like Fr. Stan himself, it was very quiet and prayerful. The numbers present were severely limited because of pandemic regulations, and definitely did not reflect the great numbers of people whose lives were touched by Stan’s years of ministry as a teacher (VMM) in Tanzania and Uganda and as a Missionary of Africa priest in Sudan and UK.

The chief celebrant was Fr. Hugh Seenan MAfr and the chief mourner was Stan’s sister Allison. Altogether there were 17 mourners at the church including 2 co-workers from St. Beuno’s Retreat Centre, where Stan worked for many years accompanying retreatants, 2 Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and several confreres resident in London.

Later Stan’s body was accompanied by 6 mourners to St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery , Kensal Green and was laid to rest in the Missionary of Africa plot there to await the Day of the Resurrection with his confreres.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for Stan’s family who mourn his death..

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Fr. Stan Dye MAfr. 1953 - 2020. R.I.P

Fr. Stan Dye, after many years of ill health contracted on Mission in Sudan as a young priest, died at 4 a.m.on 6th December 2020 in hospital in North Wales. Fr. Stan will be known to very many people whom he accompanied with patience and cheerfulness during retreats at St,. Beuno’s Retreat Centre. He worked at the Jesuit retreat centre for many years after it became apparent that his physical condition made it impossible for him to return to work in Africa. More details will be given later. In the meantime please pray for the repose of his soul and for the family, friends and confreres mourning his passing.

A Book of Condolences for Stan can be accessed on the following link:

https://rememberancebook.net/book/fr-stan-dye-mafr/

Fr. Stan’s funeral will be held tomorrow (Wednesday 16th December 2020) at 11 a.m. at the local Catholic parish church, St. John the Evangelist, Brentford. Please join your prayers to those of his family and confreres at this time wherever you may be.

Pray for our confreres and all the people of Ethiopia Plea 18th November 2020

The Ethiopian Government forces launched military operations in Tigray (Northern Region) 12 days ago after the Government accused local authorities of attacking a military camp and attempting to loot military assets. The TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front), which is in power in the region, denies the charge and has accused the prime minister (Abiy Ahmed) of concocting the story to justify the offensive. Since the war started, air strikes and ground combat between government forces and the TPLF have killed hundreds of people, and losses of properties and so far 25,000 refugees have crossed into Sudan.

We now hear that in Tigray region all the communications are shut down (no telephone, no internet, and no movement, no electricity) and media are barred. We can hardly get any information from that region apart from what the government of Ethiopia puts on National TV and other media. 

We also hear that people are struggling to get food, water and medicine. It is indeed a critical humanitarian situation.

In Ethiopia, the M.Afr have communities in Adigrat, Wukro and Kombolcha. Kombolcha is in Amhara region in the central part of Ethiopia and so far this community is safe. In this community we have 2 Missionaries of Africa and one Stagiaire.

Adigrat and Wukro are within Tigray region where the war is. In Adigrat we have seven confreres.  We also have one M.Afr in a place called Abiy Adi at some 120 km away from Adigrat. In Adigrat we also have 5 seminarians who are in the pre first cycle (St Paul Formation house).

In Wukro community there is usually one missionary of Africa, but who is in Spainat the moment plus two diocesan priests. We also have more than 20 workers in both communities.

Since the beginning of the conflict we have no news from our confreres in Adigrat and Wukro. Are they safe? Are they still in their communities? Have they fled? Do they have food or water? We have no information.

The Delegate Superior has tried to contact International Red Cross (ICRC) offices in Addis to see if they could help  get some information on our confreres in Tigray and so far they have not yet succeeded. Attempts have also made to reach the Bishop of Adigrat and the Diocesan offices but in vain. It is really very worrying not to know about our confreres.

So we are asking you and all the people of good will to pray for our confreres and the entire Ethiopia so that peace may prevail again in this beautiful country.

 

Paul West. May he rest in peace.

Today I heard from Pam Scanlon, sister of Paul West, that Paul sadly died last Thursday (08/10/2020).

Paul had been ill for some years and had lost the ability to walk.

On Thursday last he was taken from Hillbury Care Home to Wrexham General Hospital where he died that evening.

Pam asked me to inform the Pelicans (ex-students and supporters of the Missionaries of Africa) and this I have done through the present webmaster, Tony Smyth.

Paul, himself, was a great supporter of the Pelicans and Pam writes that “he loved working for the Pelicans”.  When we celebrated one hundred years of our coming to Britain Paul was present at the celebrations in Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Heston and helped prepare a montage of our time at Heston parish.

I am sure many of you remember him and we will all keep him and his family in our prayers at this sad time.

May he rest in peace.

Fr .Chris Wallbank MAfr (Secretary, British Sector, Missionaries of Africa)

 

Prayers for Africa September 2020

We pray for the peace talks in Sudan

We pray for the victims of floods in Sudan and Kenya

 We pray for peaceful and transparent elections in Tanzania

 We pray for the people of Ethiopia, for a peaceful resolution to the Nile Dam dispute and to the violence in Oromia

 We pray that the will of the people of Mali may be heeded and justice prevail.

 We pray for all those in Africa suffering from religiously inspired violence, particularly in Central African Republic, Mozambique and Northern Nigeria

 We pray for all those in child marriages particularly in Malawi and Niger

 We pray for the long suffering people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

May Our Lady of Africa pray for her children, our brothers and sisters.

 

 

Prayers for Africa August 2020

We pray for a peaceful resolution to talks between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over the Nile river.

 

We pray for a peaceful settlement of the religious and ethnic problems in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia.

 

We pray for a return to peace and security in Northern Mozambique after the Islamist incursions.

 

We pray for political stability in Mali and Ivory Coast.

 

We pray for peace and security in the Sahel regions of West Africa.

 

We pray for peace in South Sudan.

 

May Our Lady of Africa pray for her children, our brothers and sisters.

White Fathers in England and Wales: Registered Charity No. 233302
Charity Registered in Scotland No. SC037981