Know Afrika

  Namibia, renowned for its rich wildlife, faces a severe drought, prompting a controversial decision to cull over 700 wild animals to feed the vulnerable population. This drastic measure has sparked global debate, highlighting the intersecting challenges of humanitarian crises, human-wildlife conflict, and conservation efforts in Southern Africa. The cull targets elephants, hippos, zebras, and antelopes in a bid to provide food for communities affected by food insecurity, which is expected to impact nearly half of Namibia’s 2.5 million people between July and September. Devastating Impact of Drought Unprecedented drought conditions, fueled by El Niño and human-induced climate change, have drastically reduced Namibia’s food reserves, with 84% of the nation’s stockpiles depleted. The soaring temperatures and lack of rainfall since October 2023 have devastated agriculture and wildlife habitats, pushing the government to initiate the cull in parks and communal areas. The Namibian gov...

  In northern Sudan, devastating floods have claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands, worsening the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis amid conflict and displacement. Over the past two days, floodwaters have submerged towns and villages, killing at least 31 people and destroying hundreds of homes, according to Sudanese Civil Defense spokesman Queshi Hussein. Residents face dire conditions as entire communities remain underwater, with livelihoods ravaged by relentless rain. One of the affected residents, Yassin Abdul Wahab, lost his home and was forced to construct a temporary shelter for his family using collapsed house materials. “People are sleeping in the streets, and the situation is very bad,” Wahab lamented. The floods have severely impacted around 317,000 people across Sudan this month, displacing 118,000 and compounding one of the world's most significant displacement crises amid the ongoing war. This week marks 500 days since conflict erupted between the Suda...

  Nigeria has made history as the first African nation to receive Mpox vaccines, with the United States providing 10,000 doses of the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine. This milestone underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling global health challenges. Nigerian authorities have prioritized five high-risk states—Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Lagos, and Rivers—for vaccine distribution, marking a significant step in the country's fight against the Mpox outbreak. During a ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasized the broader implications of this vaccine handover as a symbol of global cooperation. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared a global health emergency, highlighting the urgent need to address the Mpox epidemic. Nigeria's proactive vaccination campaign made it the first recipient of this vital resource, with over ten states reporting confirmed cases. This donation ...

  Fethi Ghares’ arrest occurs just before the September 7 presidential elections, as President Tebboune campaigns for a second term. The timing is notable as it coincides with increased restrictions on Karim Tabbou, another prominent figure from the 2019 Hirak movement. The National Committee for the Release of Prisoners (CNLD) reported that Ghares, a leader of the banned Democratic and Social Movement (MDS), was detained at his Algiers home and taken to the central police station. Ghares' wife revealed in a Facebook video that plainclothes officers, who did not provide a formal summons, arrested him under the pretext of needing an explanation. Despite assurances that he would be taken to a nearby police station, conflicting reports emerged about his whereabouts. No official statement has yet been issued regarding his detention. At 49 years old, Ghares is a prominent left-wing activist who played a significant role in the 2019 Hirak protests, which led to former president Abdelaziz...

  The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached a historic milestone, approaching AED 1.4 trillion in the first half of 2024, marking an 11.2% year-on-year growth. This remarkable achievement underscores the nation’s robust economic policies and solidifies its status as a leading global trading hub. A significant driver of this growth was a 25% surge in non-oil exports, which totaled AED 256.4 billion — an impressive increase from 2023. Non-oil imports also saw a notable rise, nearing AED 800 billion, up by 11.3% year-on-year. Re-exports reached approximately AED 345.1 billion by the end of H1 2024, representing a 2.7% increase over the previous year. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reflected on this achievement, stating, “A few years ago, we set ambitious targets for our national economy, aiming for AED 4 trillion in foreign trade by 2031 — a goal once seen as highly challenging.” Sheikh Mohammed noted...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively developing a strategy to expand its investments across Africa, with a primary focus on infrastructure and natural resources. This initiative is designed to enhance economic cooperation between the UAE and African countries, fostering mutual growth and development. Investment Landscape Over the past decade, the UAE has emerged as one of the largest investors in Africa, committing nearly $60 billion between 2012 and 2022. This commitment was renewed in early 2023 with an additional $4.5 billion pledged for clean energy projects across the continent. The UAE's investments span various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, transportation, and logistics, with a particular emphasis on ports and natural resources. Key Areas of Investment Infrastructure Development: The UAE is heavily involved in infrastructure projects throughout Africa, focusing on critical developments such as roads, bridges, and airports. Notable projects include the ...

  During the ongoing Sudan peace talks in Switzerland, a significant joint statement was issued by the United Arab Emirates, United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations, highlighting the urgency of addressing Sudan’s humanitarian crisis and protecting civilians from ongoing conflict. The UAE and other delegations engaged with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to stress the need to adhere to international humanitarian law, including commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration. Key points included protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, and ensuring these areas remain accessible for their intended use. The talks focused on enabling unhindered access for humanitarian workers and supplies, particularly along the critical route from Gedaref through Wad Medani and Sennar, which could aid up to 12 million people. The joint statement also acknowledged the RSF’s participation in the negotiations and their...

  Transplantation Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 Group, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team from Cleveland Clinic U.S., has successfully completed the world’s first simultaneous robotic kidney transplant for both donor and recipient using a single robotic system. This groundbreaking achievement underscores the clinic’s commitment to advancing complex medical care through technological innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a global leader in healthcare. Pioneering Surgical Innovation This unprecedented surgery marks the first time in organ transplantation history that a robotic system has simultaneously performed both donor and recipient surgeries. The UAE National donor and recipient, both suffering from end-stage renal failure, underwent their procedures in separate operating rooms using the same robot. This innovation in surgical precision and speed significantly enhances patient outcomes, setting a new s...

  On World Humanitarian Day, the United Arab Emirates, United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations issued a powerful unified statement addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The statement began with a moment of silence to honor the humanitarian workers who have tragically lost their lives while serving in Sudan, where at least 22 aid workers have been killed and 34 others injured since April 2023. This solemn tribute highlights the immense risks faced by those working to deliver aid in conflict zones. The joint declaration emphasized the collective resolve of these nations and organizations to reopen critical supply lines for food and medicine in Sudan, aiming to alleviate the severe suffering and starvation affecting millions due to the ongoing conflict. The signatories urged all parties involved to prioritize the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers and to adhere to their obligations under international humanit...

  World Humanitarian Day is a moment to honor humanitarians and recognize the vital contributions of countries like the UAE in providing relief to those in need. This year’s focus is on Africa, where many nations face prolonged crises—from conflict to climate-induced disasters—making the continent a priority for humanitarian assistance. The UAE has emerged as a leading global donor, consistently delivering substantial aid across Africa. Africa has been at the epicenter of numerous humanitarian crises in recent years, with countries like Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Chad grappling with conflict, food insecurity, displacement, and the impacts of climate change. For instance, Sudan’s ongoing conflict has created severe humanitarian challenges, leaving millions displaced and in urgent need of assistance. Somalia, devastated by prolonged drought, suffers one of the world’s worst food crises. The UAE has been at the forefront of responding to these disasters, providing essential food su...

  On Thursday, thousands of Christians gathered at the Mugera Marian Shrine in central Burundi, located over 150 kilometers from Bujumbura, to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, a significant Catholic event. The shrine, known for its deep cultural and spiritual significance, draws devotees from across the nation and beyond. The Mugera Marian Shrine holds a special place in Burundian history. Father Venant Mpozako, the shrine’s rector, explained, "This mountain has been considered sacred long before the arrival of Christianity. It was once a sovereign territory with its own gods, revered by the people. Even today, when I caution against sorcery, some faithful take offense, as the belief in the mountain's ancient deities is deeply ingrained in our society. Historically, the king would always consult the Mugera gods." As Burundi prepares for the 2025 elections, many pilgrims, like Ferdinand Manirakiza, traveled long distances to the shrine, praying for peace and a smoot...

  The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring African nations as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration, the highest level of global health alert, underscores the severity of the outbreak, particularly due to the alarming symptoms associated with the virus. Mpox, a viral disease, typically begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. However, the most concerning symptoms are the rashes and lesions that appear on the skin, usually starting on the face and hands before spreading to other parts of the body. These lesions go through various stages, from flat areas to raised bumps filled with fluid, eventually crusting over. An infected individual remains contagious until the lesions have completely healed. The virus is primarily transmitted through large respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids or skin lesions,...

  On August 14, 2024, representatives from the UAE, USA, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, African Union (AU), and United Nations (UN) convened in Geneva, Switzerland, and released a unified statement urging an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan. The joint statement called for the swift delivery of food and essential supplies to those affected by the ongoing conflict, amidst intensified international efforts to end the brutal 16-month war that has devastated the country. The statement outlined three critical priorities: ensuring humanitarian aid access, halting violence, and honoring previous commitments, particularly those made in Jeddah. The UAE emphasized the crucial importance of uninterrupted aid delivery to the Sudanese population, reflecting its ongoing commitment to relief initiatives. The Geneva peace talks represent the latest global effort to restore political stability in Sudan. With over 15,000 lives lost, 7.7 million internally displaced, and 2.1 million seek...

  Amid the ongoing crisis, the United Arab Emirates’ field hospital in Gaza continues to provide essential medical care to the people of Rafah. The medical team, led by orthopedic surgery expert Dr. Saif Al-Mehrzi, has been treating a steady stream of injured women and children, as well as patients with chronic conditions. Recently, the hospital’s staff successfully removed a metal implant and performed an endoscopy on an inflamed wound for a patient who had complications from surgery last October. This critical operation prevented the patient’s limbs from needing amputation, highlighting the hospital’s crucial role in addressing war-related injuries and their aftermath. Beyond its own field hospital, the UAE is actively supporting other medical facilities in Gaza through Operation Gallant Knight 3. The UAE recently delivered approximately three tons of medications, treatments, and dressings to the British field hospital in Rafah, which operates under the UK-MED framework. This ai...

  Following a series of arrests at a prohibited youth meeting in southwestern Tanzania, several leaders of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, along with hundreds of their supporters, were released on Tuesday. Over 500 CHADEMA supporters, including party Chairman Freeman Mbowe and Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu, were detained throughout Sunday and Monday. Human rights organizations have condemned the arrests, with Amnesty International expressing concern that the crackdown was intended to intimidate the opposition ahead of upcoming local government elections later this year and national elections in 2025. Authorities had banned the CHADEMA youth section's gathering in Mbeya, citing concerns it could "disturb the peace." Defending the arrests, Police Commissioner Awadh Haji stated, “We will not allow a small number of criminals to undermine peace by emulating the unrest occurring in neighboring countries,” referencing recent youth-led protests in Kenya that have sparked similar...

  Police reports from Sunday confirm that at least 21 people have died in Uganda's capital, Kampala, after a massive landfill collapse late Friday. Following heavy rains, the Kiteezi landfill—Kampala's main waste disposal site—gave way, triggering a catastrophic landslide that buried nearby residents and scavengers under tons of debris. In addition to the high death toll, 14 others were injured, and the number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) reported that at least two children were among the deceased. While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, initial reports from city authorities suggest that "structural failure in the waste mass," likely exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall, was a key factor. The Kiteezi landfill, situated on a steep hill in a poor area of Kampala, has long been a hazardous site, with many locals living nearby and scavenging plastic waste for income. Kam...

  In an exclusive interview with Africanews, General Dominique Kamanzi Ndarurutse and Jean-Claude Habyarimana, key leaders of the “Wazalendo” armed coalition, have spoken out for the first time about their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Aligned with the Congolese army (FARDC), the Wazalendo are engaged in fierce battles against the M23 rebels, who continue to expand in the North Kivu region. The European Union imposed sanctions on the Wazalendo in July, accusing the group of severe human rights abuses — charges both leaders vehemently deny. “These sanctions are fabricated, and we are not concerned about them,” said Kamanzi, a prominent member of the Coalition of Movements for Change (CMC) and the Wazalendo. “They know we stand in the way of their plans to balkanize our nation. We won’t surrender; they want to exploit our minerals and wealth.” The conflict in eastern DRC has drawn international attention, with the UN Security Coun...

  With around 25 million people facing extreme food shortages in Sudan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis. The UAE specifically highlighted the dire situation in North Darfur, where famine has been declared in areas such as the Zamzam camp, home to over half a million displaced individuals. In addition to severe hunger in nine other states, the looming threat of starvation in the Abu Shouk and Al Salam camps has prompted the UAE to commend the recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting focused on Sudan. The UAE calls on the international community to maintain its attention on this critical issue. Stressing the urgency of a swift response to Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe, the UAE advocates for a ceasefire and the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid. While thousands are starving in places like Zamzam Camp and North Darfur, vehicles loaded with life-saving supplies remain stuck at the Sudanese border due to th...

  Gaza's ongoing humanitarian aid initiatives and increasing role in regional diplomacy have positioned the UAE as a beacon of hope. Through various projects, the UAE has alleviated suffering and enhanced its diplomatic standing by skillfully navigating the complex dynamics between Israeli and Palestinian factions. The United Arab Emirates has launched a significant campaign, providing tents and seventy tons of humanitarian supplies to hundreds of Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip. This effort is part of a broader strategy to deliver essential aid to those living under continuous conflict. Speaking with a local charity worker, it was evident that these supplies have become a lifeline for families, offering not only shelter but also hope amid the crisis. The UAE's humanitarian efforts have significantly bolstered its influence in regional diplomacy. By maintaining amicable relations with both Israeli and Palestinian factions, the UAE has effectively managed the region's ch...

  On Sunday, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu called for a halt to demonstrations against the rising cost of living, urging citizens to create a forum for communication. This marked his first public remarks since protests began last week. Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security personnel on the first day of protests, Thursday. By Saturday, police confirmed seven deaths, denying excessive use of force. Among the casualties, two were injured by a car, four by an explosive device in Borno state, and one was shot by a guard during a store looting. In a televised address, Tinubu called for an end to the violence and emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue. "My fellow Nigerians, particularly our younger generation, I have heard you clearly and unambiguously. I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our people. I know the suffering and frustration that motivate these ...

  A court in Guinea found former military dictator Moussa Dadis Camara guilty of crimes against humanity on Wednesday, sentencing him to 20 years in prison. The charges stem from the 2009 massacre of around 150 people during a pro-democracy rally in Conakry. The trial, which began in November 2022, saw over 100 survivors and relatives of victims testify, over a decade after the massacre. The court ruled that the charges, including kidnapping, rape, torture, and murder, were elevated to crimes against humanity. In this high-profile trial, seven other military leaders were also convicted of the same offenses, while four were acquitted. Camara had seized power in a 2008 coup following the death of President Lansana Conté. During a protest against his bid to run in the next presidential election, soldiers fired on demonstrators in a stadium. The junta at the time claimed "uncontrolled" soldiers were responsible for the atrocities. However, a Human Rights Watch investigation revea...