Congo-Brazzaville President Denis Sassou-Nguesso to Visit Russia for Diplomatic Anniversary Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 26, 2024 Russian President Putin handshakes Congo brazaville President Denis Sassou-Nguesso Congo-Brazzaville President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is set to visit Russia on June 25th, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. President Sassou-Nguesso departed Brazzaville on June 23rd, following an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Delegation and Agenda Accompanying the president is a delegation of over 70 officials, including key ministers from various sectors such as Land Planning, Foreign Affairs, Hydrocarbons, and Higher Education. The National Security Council Secretary-General and the president's special envoy on strategy will also be part of the delegation. Strengthening Military and Economic Cooperation In early June, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Oyo, the stronghold of President Sassou-Nguesso. Lavrov emphasized continued military cooperation and mutual support in international forums like the United Nations. He praised Congo-Brazzaville's balanced perspective on the Ukraine conflict. Bilateral Initiatives The visit aims to advance joint economic projects, particularly involving the Congo National Oil Company (SNPC). In February 2024, members of the Congolese Labour Party attended an anti-neocolonialism forum hosted by Russia's ruling party, underscoring the deepening political ties between the two countries. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Sorrow and Anger as Congolese Mourners Blame Rwanda-Backed Rebels for Attack Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 16, 2024 ​ Mourners weeping on the grave of succumbed victims by Rwanda's M23 KIBATI, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 16 - In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, families gathered near small coffins, mourning the children and others killed in a recent rocket attack. Amid their grief, many directed accusations at the rebels they believe launched the assault. Relatives, holding crosses with the names of the dead, voiced their anger towards Rwanda, the neighboring country they, their government, and the U.N. allege is supporting the M23 insurgents—a claim denied by Kigali. On May 3, at least five rockets struck camps sheltering displaced people around Goma, resulting in the deaths of mostly children and women. At a mass funeral in Kibati, 22 children were laid to rest in small caskets, alongside 13 other victims. "My daughter-in-law was murdered in the Mugunga camp," said Fikiri Mvano. "She was the victim of bombs dropped by Rwanda in support of the M23... She left us her children. She had nine, and three died with her." Rwanda has denied involvement in the attack, stating it is being used as a scapegoat and suggesting that militias loyal to Congo were responsible. Rwanda's government spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday. Both Congo and the United States have attributed the attacks to forces from Rwandan troops and M23. This ongoing conflict, the most intense M23 offensive since their 2012-2013 insurrection when they seized Goma, has displaced tens of thousands in a region plagued by unrest since Rwanda and Uganda's invasion nearly three decades ago. The M23, named after the March 23, 2009 accord that ended a previous Tutsi-led revolt in eastern Congo, claims that the Congolese government failed to integrate Congolese Tutsis into the army and government as promised. Recently, fighting has neared Goma, a city of around two million people and a critical humanitarian and logistical hub for the region. Residents feel increasingly trapped, expressed by Jules Buturanye, a spokesman for the victims' families who lost his sister in the attack. "If the enemy reaches us in Goma, we have nowhere to go except to drown in the lake or flee to Rwanda to join the enemy," he said. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

EU Commits €1 Billion Loan to Egypt to Bolster Economy Amidst Regional Challenges Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Apr 13, 2024 ​ Cairo, Egypt – The European Union announced on Friday a significant financial commitment of over $1 billion to Egypt, aiming to provide short-term economic relief. This loan is part of a broader financial package valued at €5 billion, designed to support Egypt through various regional and international challenges. EU's Financial Support Strategy for Egypt The €1 billion loan is the initial segment of a larger plan set to unfold until 2027. The EU plans to extend an additional €4 billion between 2024 and 2027, underlining a robust partnership aimed at economic stability and growth in Egypt. Context and Implications of the Financial Aid This financial aid comes at a crucial time for Egypt, as the country navigates through the economic repercussions of multiple crises. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, Houthi incursions in the Red Sea, and the global economic disturbances following the war in Ukraine have significantly impacted Egypt’s fiscal stability. Conditions and Expectations The EU's financial support is contingent upon Egypt’s continued progress toward enhancing democratic governance and upholding human rights standards. The European Union emphasizes , " The need for Egypt to take concrete and credible steps towards respecting effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi-party parliamentary system, and the rule of law," as well as ensuring human rights are protected. Broader Financial Engagements In addition to the EU’s commitment, Egypt secured an expanded support programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last month, amounting to $8 billion. This is alongside another €8 billion deal with the EU, introduced in March, which aims to foster cooperation and mitigate migration issues from North Africa . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Rising Tensions in the Great Lakes: Burundi Accuses Rwanda of Rebel Support Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Drew Mcgee Jan 1, 2024 ​ Rwanda and Burundi Border Burundi's President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebel group RED-Tabara, which is allegedly responsible for recent attacks in Burundi, including a deadly raid on the village of Gatumba near the Burundi-Congo border. This attack resulted in at least 20 deaths, including civilians​​. President Ndayishimiye claimed that Rwanda has been providing shelter, logistics, and financial support to RED-Tabara, a group that emerged in 2011 and has been active in Burundi since 2015. He accused Rwanda of hosting and maintaining the rebels and also claimed that Burundi had been unsuccessfully negotiating with Rwanda for two years for the extradition of these rebels​​. In response to these allegations, the Rwandan government has denied any association with the RED-Tabara rebel group. Rwanda has stated that it is not involved with any Burundian armed groups and urged Burundi to address its concerns through diplomatic channels. The RED-Tabara group, based in South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has denied targeting civilians in their attacks and claimed to be supported only by the Burundian people, not by any country. This situation has complicated the already tense relations between Burundi and Rwanda. Despite some improvement in relations since Ndayishimiye's ascension to power in 2020, the recent allegations and counter-allegations suggest a renewal of strains between the two neighboring countries. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Burkina Faso Temporarily Halts BBC and VOA Broadcasts Following Controversial Human Rights Coverage Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Apr 26, 2024 ​ Ibrahim Traore: From Battlefield to Leading Burkina Faso OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso's government has suspended the radio broadcasts of BBC Africa and the U.S.-funded Voice of America (VOA) for two weeks. The suspension comes in response to their coverage of a Human Rights Watch report that accused the Burkinabe military of extrajudicial killings, including the deaths of at least 56 children in February. The report alleges these killings are part of a broader campaign against civilians suspected of aiding jihadist militants. The national communication council labeled the report as likely to incite public disorder due to its "peremptory and tendentious" statements against the military. In addition to the broadcast suspension, authorities have also blocked access within Burkina Faso to the websites of BBC, VOA, and Human Rights Watch. VOA Acting Director John Lippman emphasized the organization's commitment to accurate and balanced journalism and called on the Burkinabe government to reconsider its decision. This development has sparked international concern over press freedom and human rights in Burkina Faso. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Banyana Banyana Set to Take on Nigeria’s Super Falcons in 2024 Olympic Qualifiers Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Feb 28, 2024 ​ Banyana icons smashing down Tanzanian's Twigas. Photo provided by sportsnow Banyana Banyana Gears Up for Olympic Qualifier Showdown Against Nigeria’s Super Falcons. In a high-stakes battle for an Olympic berth, South Africa’s women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, is set to lock horns with Nigeria’s formidable Super Falcons. The clash, scheduled for next month, promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Here’s a recap of the journey so far: Banyana Banyana Triumphs Over Tanzania : In the third round of the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier, Banyana Banyana secured a hard-fought victory against Tanzania. A solitary goal by Thembi Kgatlana in the 58th minute sealed the deal, giving the reigning Africa Women’s Champions a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win. Their earlier 3-0 victory in the first leg showcased their dominance over the Twigas Stars. Jermaine Seoposenwe’s Milestone Moment : The match against Tanzania was particularly memorable for Jermaine Seoposenwe, who celebrated her 100th cap for Banyana Banyana. Seoposenwe, one of the goalscorers in the first leg encounter, continues to be a key player for the team. Parcour for Banyana Banyana and Falcons towards Olympic Games Qualification. Image: Instagram/Banyanabanyana Nigeria’s Super Falcons Await : The victory over Tanzania sets the stage for an intense showdown with Nigeria’s Super Falcons. The Nigerian team secured their place by defeating the Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon 1-0. Notably, the Super Eagles of Nigeria had previously knocked South Africa out of the 2023 AFCON semifinals in a penalty shootout. A Chance for Redemption : For South Africa, this upcoming clash is more than just a qualifier—it’s a chance for redemption. The memory of their AFCON defeat still lingers, and the Banyana Banyana will be eager to turn the tables and secure their ticket to the Olympic stage. Stay tuned as the battle unfolds, and football fans across Africa eagerly await this thrilling contest between two powerhouse teams.[ africatopsports ] More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Rwanda accused of being behind three grenade attacks in Bujumbura Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 12, 2024 ​ Six suspects accused of being behind three grenade attacks in Bujumbura Burundi's Interior Ministry spokesperson accused Rwanda of orchestrating three grenade attacks in Bujumbura. “ These terrorists are recruited and trained, even equipped with weapons in Rwanda, by Rwanda,” He says. He reported that RED-Tabara insurgents, blamed for numerous attacks, launched a grenade at a crowded bus stop in Bujumbura at 7:00 pm (1700 GMT) on Friday. According to ministry spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye, the attack injured 38 people, five seriously, with no fatalities officially reported. However, police sources and witnesses informed AFP that at least three people were killed Six suspects, aged 28 to 56, were presented to the media, accused of participating in the attacks since April 25. Burundian authorities allege these individuals are part of a Rwanda-backed network aimed at destabilizing the country. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Biniam Girmay Becomes First Black African to Win Tour de France Stage Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 2, 2024 Eritrean Cyclist Biniam Girmay's Historic Victory in Turin Biniam Girmay made history as the first black African to win a Tour de France stage, triumphing in a dramatic finish in Turin. Eritrea's Girmay clinched victory in a reduced sprint, beating Colombia's Fernando Gaviria and Belgium's Arnaud de Lie. The stage, a 230.8km route from Piacenza, was marred by a late crash that disrupted many riders, including Mark Cavendish. Cavendish, aiming for a record 35th stage win, was caught out of position due to the crash just over 2km from the finish. He and several others avoided serious injury but lost the chance to compete in the final sprint. Richard Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian to wear the yellow jersey, leading the general classification tied on time with Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard. At the finish, an emotional Girmay, 24, reflected on his victory. "I would say thanks to God for everything, for giving me all the strength and support," he said. "Since I started cycling I was never dreaming to be part of the Tour de France but now I can't believe it. I want to say thank you to my family, my wife, Eritrea, and Africa. We must be proud. Now is our moment, now is our time. This is for all Africa." Cavendish and his Astana-Qazaqstan teammates were on the right side of the road when the crash occurred. The 39-year-old expressed relief at avoiding injury, having crashed out last year on stage eight. "Something was going to happen," Cavendish said. "You could feel it but you didn't know where or when. I heard it happening ahead so you're on the brakes, you skid and you wait for somebody to hit you from behind. Thankfully we were OK and I don't think anyone was seriously hurt. We didn't sprint but we're safe and that's the main thing." The Tour heads into the Alps on Tuesday, tackling the mighty Col du Galibier on the mountainous 139.6km route from Pinerolo to Valloire. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Tanzania's Ambitious Leap: A Tsh49.34 Trillion ($19.35 billion) Blueprint for Elections and Afcon 2027 Glory Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 17, 2024 ​ Tanzania's Finance Ministry has announced a proposed budget of Tsh49.34 trillion ($19.35 billion) for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, marking an 11% increase from the previous year's Tsh44.4 trillion ($17.41 billion). This significant boost in budget allocation is primarily aimed at supporting the upcoming elections and the preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda. The budget emphasizes increased recurrent spending, set to rise to Tsh33.55 trillion ($13.15 billion), in anticipation of the local government elections in October and the 2025 general election. Development spending is also on the rise, with Tsh15.78 trillion ($6.19 billion) earmarked for key infrastructure projects, including the renovation and construction of stadia for Afcon 2027. Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba highlighted the government's focus on infrastructure and social services, such as subsidized public education, as priority areas for the coming fiscal year. The budget aims to be predominantly funded through domestic revenue, targeted at Tsh33.26 trillion ($13.04 billion), and supplemented by domestic and external loans, alongside a slight reduction in external grants and concessional loans. The Tanzanian government is committed to enhancing domestic revenue collection methods, including tightening Tanzania Revenue Authority systems and investing in sectors that expand the tax base. Initiatives to formalize the informal business sector and improve tax compliance are also underway, with an emphasis on public-private partnerships to alleviate the government's financial burden on development projects . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Tiwa Savage Transforms into 'Boss Lady' for Her New Film 'Water and Garri' Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Apr 16, 2024 ​ The original film on Prime Video, directed by Meji Alabi, is set to begin streaming on May 10, 2024. Instagram/tiwasavage Tiwa Savage Steps into Executive Producer Role for New Prime Video Original 'Water and Garri' Tiwa Savage has taken on the mantle of executive producer for the upcoming Prime Video original film, "Water and Garri," set to start streaming on May 10, 2024. In a recent interview with ABC, Savage shared her experiences working on the project, which was directed by Meji Alabi. "Executive producing was like me just putting my boss hat on and trying to be a boss lady in all aspects of my life. It was fun and it was stressful doing that and also starring in it. But it just showed me that I can do anything I put my mind to. There are so many things that I have dreams of accomplishing and now I’m really motivated,” she expressed. Savage also revealed her long-standing passion for acting, which predates her music career. "I've always wanted to do acting. I've always wanted to do movies. Actually, that was my first love before music. So it felt like a full circle moment for me. I just felt it was time for me to finally get into that. I never wanted to let go of music, so it's a great way for me to still embody that,” Savage added. The film "Water and Garri" tells the story of a Nigerian fashion designer who returns to her homeland after establishing a successful career in the United States. Savage was particularly drawn to the project for its female-driven narrative. “It's a story first of all told by a female from a female point of view. I'm always an advocate for that and I don't think we have enough of that in the space of Nollywood and just in Africa in general. We do have but I don’t think we have enough. It's refreshing for me. It's a story about love, female empowerment,” she highlighted. Additionally, Savage discussed the growing influence of Afrobeats in Western music, noting its roots in African musical traditions. “I feel like genres like RnB, jazz, soul all originated from Africa, so it's a full circle moment to have Afrobeats having its moment right now. And then hear elements of it from the rhythm to the soul in the music. I felt like we were losing a bit of that in commercial music these days. It's good to see that African music is getting its shine again,” Savage commented. The full interview can be viewed below. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

UK to Begin Rwanda Asylum Seeker Deportation Flights on July 23, 2024 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 3, 2024 ​ Prime Minister Rishi Sunak The UK government has announced its intention to start deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda on July 23, 2024, as revealed by court documents on Monday. This controversial plan hinges on the Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, winning the upcoming election. Despite being one of Sunak's key policies, the plan has faced numerous legal and parliamentary challenges, preventing its implementation thus far. Sunak recently indicated that deportation flights would not commence before the election on July 4. However, he assured that if the Conservatives win, the flights would begin shortly thereafter. Currently, the Conservative Party trails the opposition Labour Party by approximately 20 points in opinion polls, and Labour has pledged to abandon the deportation scheme if it comes to power. In documents submitted to the London High Court as part of a legal challenge by a charity, government lawyers stated the plan to "effect removals with a flight to Rwanda on 23 July 2024 (and not before)." More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Equity Bank Uganda Probes Alleged $16.7M Fraud in Loan Services Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 13, 2024 ​ Random equity bank employees at discussion table,note that people in the image do not represent the actual people alleged of fraud For Bank represantation purposes only Equity Bank Uganda Ltd is currently addressing an internal investigation concerning alleged fraudulent activities linked to its stock loan and agent float financing services. The issue, involving approximately Ush65 billion ($16.7 million), has led to the involvement of some employees and customers in ongoing legal inquiries. Despite the situation, the bank reassures that its operations remain unaffected, emphasizing its commitment to high standards of accountability and transparency. Stock financing, designed to provide working capital against goods, and agent float loans, aimed at supporting bank and mobile money agents, are at the center of this scrutiny. Equity Bank's firm stance on addressing any misconduct aligns with its dedication to ethical practices and legal compliance. Amidst the investigation, industry experts, including Dr. Fred Muhumuza, reassure depositors that their savings remain secure, attributing potential losses to the bank's accountability. The Bank of Uganda, represented by Dr. Adam Mugume, has yet to acknowledge the alleged fraud but confirms the bank's robust financial standing as of the latest audits. As part of Equity Group Holdings Plc, Equity Bank Uganda boasts significant assets and an extensive network, including 50 branches and over 9,000 agents, dedicated to serving more than two million customers across Uganda. The bank's leadership is focused on resolving the matter while continuing to empower communities through financial services . Read our related article about uganda's removal from financial grey list . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024