๐ซ๐ท๐ช๐ฌ The Paris prosecutor's office didn't find evidence regarding the role of a French military mission in the deaths of civilians in Egypt
The unit for crimes against humanity of the Paris judicial court will not investigate the "Sirli" case. So decided the unit's prosecutor, to whom a complaint of crimes against humanity, complicity and torture had been sent against those responsible for the Egyptian-French anti-terrorist operation bearing that name.
Conducted during the second half of the 2010s in the desert area between Egypt and Libya, this mission seems to have caused the death of many civilians in air strikes. This is what the two American NGOs behind the complaint, Egyptians Abroad for Democracy and Codepink, claim.
The decision to dismiss the case was received by the organizations' lawyers a few days ago. The letter from the prosecutor mentions, by way of explanation, an "insufficiently characterized offence".
#France #Egypt
@africaintel
The unit for crimes against humanity of the Paris judicial court will not investigate the "Sirli" case. So decided the unit's prosecutor, to whom a complaint of crimes against humanity, complicity and torture had been sent against those responsible for the Egyptian-French anti-terrorist operation bearing that name.
Conducted during the second half of the 2010s in the desert area between Egypt and Libya, this mission seems to have caused the death of many civilians in air strikes. This is what the two American NGOs behind the complaint, Egyptians Abroad for Democracy and Codepink, claim.
The decision to dismiss the case was received by the organizations' lawyers a few days ago. The letter from the prosecutor mentions, by way of explanation, an "insufficiently characterized offence".
#France #Egypt
@africaintel
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๐ฟ๐ผ Zimbabwe police arrest 25 opposition members ahead of presidential election
Zimbabwean police on Saturday fired teargas at an opposition party gathering in Harare and arrested 25 of its members, including two members of parliament.
The arrests come after a wave of violence against opposition supporters in rural Zimbabwe.
Police confirmed the arrests of members of the Citizens Coalition for Change, Zimbabwe's main opposition political party, and said a detailed statement would be released following investigations."It was an unsanctioned gathering according to the local authorities. I am receiving numerous reports that people were beaten, we will release a full statement in due course," police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
Zimbabwean police on Saturday fired teargas at an opposition party gathering in Harare and arrested 25 of its members, including two members of parliament.
The arrests come after a wave of violence against opposition supporters in rural Zimbabwe.
Police confirmed the arrests of members of the Citizens Coalition for Change, Zimbabwe's main opposition political party, and said a detailed statement would be released following investigations."It was an unsanctioned gathering according to the local authorities. I am receiving numerous reports that people were beaten, we will release a full statement in due course," police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
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๐ธ๐ด At least 8 people killed and over 25 wounded in blasts targeting troops in central Somalia
Three suicide car bomb blasts in central Somalia killed at least 8 people and wounded over 25 on Saturday as the army steps up offensive against al-Shabab.
Police said 2 explosions had happened in Jalalaqsi (2 dead, 11 hurt) and 3rd blast occurred in Buloburde (6 dead and 24 wounded).
"A suicide car bomb exploded at a government forces checkpoint near the bridge," said Seinab Abdullahi, a shopkeeper in the Jalalaqsi district.
#Somalia
@africaintel
Three suicide car bomb blasts in central Somalia killed at least 8 people and wounded over 25 on Saturday as the army steps up offensive against al-Shabab.
Police said 2 explosions had happened in Jalalaqsi (2 dead, 11 hurt) and 3rd blast occurred in Buloburde (6 dead and 24 wounded).
"A suicide car bomb exploded at a government forces checkpoint near the bridge," said Seinab Abdullahi, a shopkeeper in the Jalalaqsi district.
#Somalia
@africaintel
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๐น๐ณ Hundreds rally against President in Tunisia
Hundreds of people in the Tunisian capital have taken to the streets in demonstrations against President Kais Saied on the 12th anniversary of the fall of former dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
A crowd gathered in the capital Tunis to demand the end of his government. Tunisians who supported Saied since he came to power in 2021 have grown increasingly frustrated with the state of the economy. With debts piling up, the country has struggled to import basic goods, including staples such as coffee, milk and sugar.
Separately, protesters also marched against Saied's seizure of near total power. In 2021, the president sacked the prime minister, suspended parliament and pushed through a constitution enshrining his one-man rule.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
Hundreds of people in the Tunisian capital have taken to the streets in demonstrations against President Kais Saied on the 12th anniversary of the fall of former dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
A crowd gathered in the capital Tunis to demand the end of his government. Tunisians who supported Saied since he came to power in 2021 have grown increasingly frustrated with the state of the economy. With debts piling up, the country has struggled to import basic goods, including staples such as coffee, milk and sugar.
Separately, protesters also marched against Saied's seizure of near total power. In 2021, the president sacked the prime minister, suspended parliament and pushed through a constitution enshrining his one-man rule.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
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Forwarded from Sahel Intel
๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ท๐น๐ฉ๐ณ๐ช๐ง๐ซ G5 Sahel Defense Ministers renew support for united Mali
The Ministers of Defense of the G5 Sahel countries met on January 10th in N'Djamena, Chad, and reiterated their support for the reintegration of Mali, "in the common interest of our respective countries".
This is effectively a joint rejection of the Tuareg nationalist movement which has repeatedly sought independence from southern Mali, and in recent weeks has threatened to pull out of an earlier autonomy agreement.
The Ministers of Defense of the G5 Sahel countries met on January 10th in N'Djamena, Chad, and reiterated their support for the reintegration of Mali, "in the common interest of our respective countries".
This is effectively a joint rejection of the Tuareg nationalist movement which has repeatedly sought independence from southern Mali, and in recent weeks has threatened to pull out of an earlier autonomy agreement.
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Sahel Intel
๐ฒ๐ฑ Mali's President declares January 14th "Day of Recovered Sovereignty" Col. Assimi Goรฏta, military leader of Mali, has declared a national paid holiday for January 14th, celebrating the recovery of Mali's sovereignty from foreign influence. It may be assumedโฆ
๐ฒ๐ฑ Mali's first "Day of Recovered Sovereignty" was launched
Mali marked its new "National Day of Patriotic Sovereignty" on Saturday, introduced by military leader Colonel Assimi Goรฏta.
The event is intended to be a founding act of popular resistance to external pressure. This day is a reminder of the massive protests that took place just one year ago when Malians took to the streets to protest against the economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.
No large gathering is organized, officially for security reasons, but local initiatives do take place.
#Mali
@africaintel
Mali marked its new "National Day of Patriotic Sovereignty" on Saturday, introduced by military leader Colonel Assimi Goรฏta.
The event is intended to be a founding act of popular resistance to external pressure. This day is a reminder of the massive protests that took place just one year ago when Malians took to the streets to protest against the economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.
No large gathering is organized, officially for security reasons, but local initiatives do take place.
#Mali
@africaintel
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๐ธ๐ณ Senegal government critic released following court order
A judge on Tuesday (January 10) ordered the release of a Senegalese journalist and anti-government critic after more than two months in detention, his lawyers said.
Widely followed in Senegal for his regular columns on current affairs, Niang was released on December 14, 2022 but sent back to prison a week later, and had since been on a hunger strike in protest at his detention.
The case against Niang arose after he wrote about rape charges faced by Senegal's main opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko. Niang's arrest sparked a wave of criticism from the press, civil society groups and Senegal's opposition, with many calling for his release.
#Senegal
@africaintel
A judge on Tuesday (January 10) ordered the release of a Senegalese journalist and anti-government critic after more than two months in detention, his lawyers said.
Widely followed in Senegal for his regular columns on current affairs, Niang was released on December 14, 2022 but sent back to prison a week later, and had since been on a hunger strike in protest at his detention.
The case against Niang arose after he wrote about rape charges faced by Senegal's main opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko. Niang's arrest sparked a wave of criticism from the press, civil society groups and Senegal's opposition, with many calling for his release.
#Senegal
@africaintel
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๐บ๐ธ US Treasury secretary heads to Africa as US seeks to counter Chinaโs influence
US Treasury secretary Janet Yellen is going to depart to visit three African countries, including South Africa, central to President Joe Bidenโs strategy to rejuvenate ties with the continent and counter Chinaโs influence in Africa.
The 11-day journey comes just a month after Biden hosted more than 40 African leaders in Washington.
Yellen will participate in meetings in Senegal, South Africa and Zambia.
#USA
@africaintel
US Treasury secretary Janet Yellen is going to depart to visit three African countries, including South Africa, central to President Joe Bidenโs strategy to rejuvenate ties with the continent and counter Chinaโs influence in Africa.
The 11-day journey comes just a month after Biden hosted more than 40 African leaders in Washington.
Yellen will participate in meetings in Senegal, South Africa and Zambia.
#USA
@africaintel
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๐จ๐ณ China calls for more African representation in international bodies
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has said Africa should have a greater voice in the UN Security Council and other international bodies, something the continent's leaders "have long called for".
Qin made the call in a statement issued after meeting the head of the African Union Commission Moussa Mahamat Faki, who voiced frustration at what he said was the exclusion of Africa from international governance.
#China
@africaintel
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has said Africa should have a greater voice in the UN Security Council and other international bodies, something the continent's leaders "have long called for".
Qin made the call in a statement issued after meeting the head of the African Union Commission Moussa Mahamat Faki, who voiced frustration at what he said was the exclusion of Africa from international governance.
#China
@africaintel
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๐ฌ๐ญ Ghana increases salaries by 30% amid economic woes
Ghanaโs government and trade unions have agreed to increase all public servantsโ salaries by 30% for 2023, they said in a joint statement, as the country struggles to reduce debt and tackle rampant inflation.
Trade unions representing public service employees started negotiating salary rises with the government in November 2022. The two parties on Thursday settled on a 30% increase to base pay across the board.
#Ghana
@africaintel
Ghanaโs government and trade unions have agreed to increase all public servantsโ salaries by 30% for 2023, they said in a joint statement, as the country struggles to reduce debt and tackle rampant inflation.
Trade unions representing public service employees started negotiating salary rises with the government in November 2022. The two parties on Thursday settled on a 30% increase to base pay across the board.
#Ghana
@africaintel
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๐น๐ท Turkish export to Africa is on rise
Turkish exports to African countries in 2022 have totaled a record high, exceeding $21 billion, an increase of 12.3 percent compared to its exports in 2021.
According to the Turkish Exportersโ Assembly, the data showed that the value of Turkey's exports to the countries of the brown continent during the past year amounted to 21.8 billion dollars.
Egypt ranked first among the African countries that imported Turkish products, with a value of $3.9 billion, Morocco second with $3 billion, and Libya third with $2.4 billion.
#Turkey
@africaintel
Turkish exports to African countries in 2022 have totaled a record high, exceeding $21 billion, an increase of 12.3 percent compared to its exports in 2021.
According to the Turkish Exportersโ Assembly, the data showed that the value of Turkey's exports to the countries of the brown continent during the past year amounted to 21.8 billion dollars.
Egypt ranked first among the African countries that imported Turkish products, with a value of $3.9 billion, Morocco second with $3 billion, and Libya third with $2.4 billion.
#Turkey
@africaintel
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๐จ๐ฒ Cameroon urges workers to return back
The state-run Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), is calling for thousands of plantation workers who fled the country amid civil war to return to work.
About half the companyโs 20,000 workers left more than four years ago over unpaid wages and after deadly and brutal attacks. The company last week said it was safe to return, but workers are skeptical and say it should first rebuild homes destroyed or damaged in the conflict.
The CDC said it wants thousands of workers back at banana, palm oil, and rubber plantations in the restive Southwest region. CDC general manager said if the workers return, the companyโs sales will return to previous levels. He also added that they would then be able to afford paying back salaries and reconstructing destroyed buildings.
#Cameroon
@africaintel
The state-run Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), is calling for thousands of plantation workers who fled the country amid civil war to return to work.
About half the companyโs 20,000 workers left more than four years ago over unpaid wages and after deadly and brutal attacks. The company last week said it was safe to return, but workers are skeptical and say it should first rebuild homes destroyed or damaged in the conflict.
The CDC said it wants thousands of workers back at banana, palm oil, and rubber plantations in the restive Southwest region. CDC general manager said if the workers return, the companyโs sales will return to previous levels. He also added that they would then be able to afford paying back salaries and reconstructing destroyed buildings.
#Cameroon
@africaintel
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๐ฉ๐ช๐ซ๐ท German, French ministers want African solidarity with Europe
The top envoys said they wanted African countries to be part of a more unified front against Russia. The German and French foreign ministers wrapped up a two-day visit to Ethiopia on Friday, calling for cooperation between Europe and African countries to respond to world crises.
Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, German Foreign Minister said they wanted Africa to show solidarity with Europe against Russia. "We have common interests, and we have expectations of our African friends, and we have shared them with you," added French Foreign Minister.
#Germany #France
@africaintel
The top envoys said they wanted African countries to be part of a more unified front against Russia. The German and French foreign ministers wrapped up a two-day visit to Ethiopia on Friday, calling for cooperation between Europe and African countries to respond to world crises.
Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, German Foreign Minister said they wanted Africa to show solidarity with Europe against Russia. "We have common interests, and we have expectations of our African friends, and we have shared them with you," added French Foreign Minister.
#Germany #France
@africaintel
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๐ง๐ซ Terrorists killed near Ouanobia, Burkina Faso
Army destroyed a terrorist base on the night of Friday January 13 to Saturday January 14, 2023, and eliminated โseveral terroristsโ, near Ouanobia in the Center-North region.
โAn air-land operation launched with the support of a rapid intervention battalion made it possible to destroy a terrorist base near Ouanobia", government said.
During this operation the army also destroyed "explosives and logistics" and recovered "weapons and vehicles".
#BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
Army destroyed a terrorist base on the night of Friday January 13 to Saturday January 14, 2023, and eliminated โseveral terroristsโ, near Ouanobia in the Center-North region.
โAn air-land operation launched with the support of a rapid intervention battalion made it possible to destroy a terrorist base near Ouanobia", government said.
During this operation the army also destroyed "explosives and logistics" and recovered "weapons and vehicles".
#BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
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๐ฉ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฆ Nelson Mandela's grandson says Western Sahara must be liberated as "Africa's last colony"
During the opening ceremony of the African Cup of Nations CHAN in Algeria Nelson Mandela's grandson, Zwelivelile Mandela, gave a speech about the need to liberate Western Sahara as "the last African colony," which infuriated Morocco.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation issued a statement in which it said it "condemns the heinous actions and absurd maneuvers that accompanied the opening of the African Cup of Nations," and also called Zwelivelile Mandela's speech "a political delusion that has nothing to do with football.
Zwelivelile Mandela was invited to the opening of a new stadium in Algeria, named after Nelson Mandela, to coincide with the opening of the African Football Championship.
#Algeria #Morocco
@africaintel
During the opening ceremony of the African Cup of Nations CHAN in Algeria Nelson Mandela's grandson, Zwelivelile Mandela, gave a speech about the need to liberate Western Sahara as "the last African colony," which infuriated Morocco.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation issued a statement in which it said it "condemns the heinous actions and absurd maneuvers that accompanied the opening of the African Cup of Nations," and also called Zwelivelile Mandela's speech "a political delusion that has nothing to do with football.
Zwelivelile Mandela was invited to the opening of a new stadium in Algeria, named after Nelson Mandela, to coincide with the opening of the African Football Championship.
#Algeria #Morocco
@africaintel
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๐ง๐ฏ๐จ๐ณ Benin and China sign Memorandum of Understanding on partial debt cancellation
The Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs visited President Patrice Talon in Cotonou, Benin, on Saturday, with the aim to strengthen economic and industrial ties between the two countries. Qin said his visit was to "identify more fields of action."
During Qin's visit a memorandum of understanding on partial debt cancellation was signed by both countries.
In December 2022 China and Benin celebrated the 50th anniversary of their bilateral cooperation, with this visit signifying the implementation of a new strategy to increase the China's presence in Benin.
#Benin #China
@africaintel
The Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs visited President Patrice Talon in Cotonou, Benin, on Saturday, with the aim to strengthen economic and industrial ties between the two countries. Qin said his visit was to "identify more fields of action."
During Qin's visit a memorandum of understanding on partial debt cancellation was signed by both countries.
In December 2022 China and Benin celebrated the 50th anniversary of their bilateral cooperation, with this visit signifying the implementation of a new strategy to increase the China's presence in Benin.
#Benin #China
@africaintel
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๐จ๐ฉ Suspected Islamists kill at least 5 people in east DR Congo church bomb attack
At least five people were killed and 15 wounded in a suspected Islamist militant bomb attack during a Sunday service at a Protestant church in the eastern Congolese city of Kasindi, on the border with Uganda, the military said.
An army spokesman said the attack during a Sunday service was likely carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan militant group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
The ADF could not be reached for comment. It has not claimed responsibility for the bombing.
#DRC
@africaintel
At least five people were killed and 15 wounded in a suspected Islamist militant bomb attack during a Sunday service at a Protestant church in the eastern Congolese city of Kasindi, on the border with Uganda, the military said.
An army spokesman said the attack during a Sunday service was likely carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan militant group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
The ADF could not be reached for comment. It has not claimed responsibility for the bombing.
#DRC
@africaintel
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