🇿🇦 Court halts private prosecution against Ramaphosa
The Johannesburg High Court on Monday granted South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa an urgent interdict, halting his prosecution in a case brought by his predecessor, Jacob Zuma. This means that the president will not have to appear in a criminal court as an accused.
Mr Zuma accuses the president of failing to act against a state prosecutor and a journalist for allegedly disclosing his confidential medical records.
The interdict halts Ramaphosa’s private prosecution by former President Jacob Zuma for now. Ramaphosa is challenging the legitimacy of his private prosecution, which will now be heard in a civil court.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
The Johannesburg High Court on Monday granted South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa an urgent interdict, halting his prosecution in a case brought by his predecessor, Jacob Zuma. This means that the president will not have to appear in a criminal court as an accused.
Mr Zuma accuses the president of failing to act against a state prosecutor and a journalist for allegedly disclosing his confidential medical records.
The interdict halts Ramaphosa’s private prosecution by former President Jacob Zuma for now. Ramaphosa is challenging the legitimacy of his private prosecution, which will now be heard in a civil court.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇧🇫 In northern Burkina Faso, around 50 women kidnapped by suspected Islamists About 50 women were kidnapped on Thursday January 12 and Friday January 13 by suspected jihadists in Arbinda, in northern Burkina Faso, local officials told. According to several…
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso soldiers search for kidnap victims
The military government in Burkina Faso says it is searching for around 50 women who have been abducted by Islamist militants in the north of the country. It is the first time the government has acknowledged the kidnappings.
The women were seized on Thursday and Friday. They had been gathering leaves and fruit near the town of Arbinda because of a severe food shortage.
#BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
The military government in Burkina Faso says it is searching for around 50 women who have been abducted by Islamist militants in the north of the country. It is the first time the government has acknowledged the kidnappings.
The women were seized on Thursday and Friday. They had been gathering leaves and fruit near the town of Arbinda because of a severe food shortage.
#BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇿🇼 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…
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe activists in court accused of illegal gathering
25 Zimbabwean opposition activists have appeared in court after being arrested on Saturday. They were accused of holding an illegal gathering at the home of a member of parliament from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change.
The party said on Saturday a lawyer who was trying to meet the detained opposition activists was badly beaten by the police who broke his arm. The opposition and rights groups say the governing Zanu-PF party has launched a campaign of violence ahead of this year's elections.
State media, the only news outlets admitted at the start of the hearing, reported that the detainees filed a request for bail.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
25 Zimbabwean opposition activists have appeared in court after being arrested on Saturday. They were accused of holding an illegal gathering at the home of a member of parliament from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change.
The party said on Saturday a lawyer who was trying to meet the detained opposition activists was badly beaten by the police who broke his arm. The opposition and rights groups say the governing Zanu-PF party has launched a campaign of violence ahead of this year's elections.
State media, the only news outlets admitted at the start of the hearing, reported that the detainees filed a request for bail.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇩🇿🇲🇦 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…
🇲🇦 An investigation has begun into a speech made by Zwelivelile Mandela at the CHAN opening ceremony in Algeria
African football's governing body, the Confederation of African Football (Caf), has launched an investigation into political remarks made by Nelson Mandela's grandson during the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.
Mandla Mandela has outraged Morocco. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation called Mandela's statement "provocative", and CAF announced that it "will investigate and look into the political statements and events at the opening ceremony of the TotalEnergies CHAN Algeria 2022". At the time, CAF claimed that their position is "to be neutral on matters of a political nature".
#Morocco
@africaintel
African football's governing body, the Confederation of African Football (Caf), has launched an investigation into political remarks made by Nelson Mandela's grandson during the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.
Mandla Mandela has outraged Morocco. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation called Mandela's statement "provocative", and CAF announced that it "will investigate and look into the political statements and events at the opening ceremony of the TotalEnergies CHAN Algeria 2022". At the time, CAF claimed that their position is "to be neutral on matters of a political nature".
#Morocco
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Nigeria's inflation dips in December after 10 months of increases
Annual inflation in Nigeria dipped in December to 21.34% after 10 straight monthly increases, the statistics bureau said on Monday, ahead of a central bank meeting to set interest rates next week.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had attributed rising inflation, which hit 21.47% in November, to a sharp increase in demand ahead of the holiday season and a rise in production costs coupled with a weaker naira currency.
Food inflation dropped to 23.75% in December from November's rate of 24.13% as Nigeria struggled with high prices for staples.
High inflation, weak economic growth and mounting insecurity are major issues for voters as Nigeria heads for legislative and presidential elections next month, in which incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari will not take part due to term limits.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Annual inflation in Nigeria dipped in December to 21.34% after 10 straight monthly increases, the statistics bureau said on Monday, ahead of a central bank meeting to set interest rates next week.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had attributed rising inflation, which hit 21.47% in November, to a sharp increase in demand ahead of the holiday season and a rise in production costs coupled with a weaker naira currency.
Food inflation dropped to 23.75% in December from November's rate of 24.13% as Nigeria struggled with high prices for staples.
High inflation, weak economic growth and mounting insecurity are major issues for voters as Nigeria heads for legislative and presidential elections next month, in which incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari will not take part due to term limits.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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🇩🇿🇫🇷 Algeria President will visit France in May
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron agreed on Sunday to schedule Tebboune's state visit to France "for next May", during a telephone interview.
The two presidents discussed "questions relating to bilateral relations and the state visit of the President of the Republic to France, agreeing to also schedule it for next May," the presidency said in a statement.
The two heads of state had relaunched bilateral cooperation in a joint declaration signed with great fanfare at the end of August, paving the way in particular for a relaxation of the visa regime granted to Algeria, in exchange for increased cooperation from Algiers. in the fight against illegal immigration.
#Algeria #France
@africaintel
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron agreed on Sunday to schedule Tebboune's state visit to France "for next May", during a telephone interview.
The two presidents discussed "questions relating to bilateral relations and the state visit of the President of the Republic to France, agreeing to also schedule it for next May," the presidency said in a statement.
The two heads of state had relaunched bilateral cooperation in a joint declaration signed with great fanfare at the end of August, paving the way in particular for a relaxation of the visa regime granted to Algeria, in exchange for increased cooperation from Algiers. in the fight against illegal immigration.
#Algeria #France
@africaintel
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🇫🇷🇲🇦 In Paris, French journalists on trial for "trying to blackmail" King of Morocco
Two French journalists are on trial in Paris on suspicion of trying to blackmail Morocco's King Mohammed VI, demanding €2 million in 2015 in exchange for not publishing a damaging book about the monarch.
The case dates back to the summer of 2015. After several threats of publishing the book about Mohammed VI and unsuccessful attempts to make a deal with two journalists the Moroccan government alerted French authorities to the alleged blackmail, and a further meeting was arranged, this time under police surveillance. The pair were arrested in August 27, 2015.
Lawyers of journalists said "the blackmail was out of character for the client" and "the arrest resulted from a Moroccan government sting." Also, lawyers argued that the two defendants fell into a trap set by Moroccan intelligence.
#Morocco #France
@africaintel
Two French journalists are on trial in Paris on suspicion of trying to blackmail Morocco's King Mohammed VI, demanding €2 million in 2015 in exchange for not publishing a damaging book about the monarch.
The case dates back to the summer of 2015. After several threats of publishing the book about Mohammed VI and unsuccessful attempts to make a deal with two journalists the Moroccan government alerted French authorities to the alleged blackmail, and a further meeting was arranged, this time under police surveillance. The pair were arrested in August 27, 2015.
Lawyers of journalists said "the blackmail was out of character for the client" and "the arrest resulted from a Moroccan government sting." Also, lawyers argued that the two defendants fell into a trap set by Moroccan intelligence.
#Morocco #France
@africaintel
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🇪🇹 Ethiopian Minister of Mines and Petroleum Takele Uma said in an interview that Ethiopia is in talks with various companies, including Russia's Gazprom, Turkey's Çalik Energy, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and several U.S. companies that have expressed interest in natural gas reserves in Ethiopia.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
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🇿🇦 South Africa faces legal action over power crisis
South African opposition groups, a trade union and business owners have threatened to sue the government over the crippling blackouts in the country.
The demand letter, which pledges a lawsuit if the government doesn’t take certain steps in the coming days, further ratchets up pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa. Letter was addressed to the Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and the chief executive of the state utility Eskom boss, Andre de Ruyter, saying the state was in breach of its obligation to provide electricity.
Recently the country has been having up to 10 hours, or even entire days in some regions, of power cuts daily.
#SouthAfica
@africaintel
South African opposition groups, a trade union and business owners have threatened to sue the government over the crippling blackouts in the country.
The demand letter, which pledges a lawsuit if the government doesn’t take certain steps in the coming days, further ratchets up pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa. Letter was addressed to the Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and the chief executive of the state utility Eskom boss, Andre de Ruyter, saying the state was in breach of its obligation to provide electricity.
Recently the country has been having up to 10 hours, or even entire days in some regions, of power cuts daily.
#SouthAfica
@africaintel
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🇩🇿🇲🇱 Algeria and Mali have signed new security and military cooperation agreements
New agreements are aimed at strengthening coordination in the fight against terrorist groups operating in northern Mali, near the border with Algeria.
The agreements also include training and logistical support for the Malian armed forces.
The signing ceremony took place during the visit of an Algerian Armed Forces delegation to Bamako to attend the 16th session of the joint Algerian-Malian military committee.
#Algeria #Mali
@africaintel
New agreements are aimed at strengthening coordination in the fight against terrorist groups operating in northern Mali, near the border with Algeria.
The agreements also include training and logistical support for the Malian armed forces.
The signing ceremony took place during the visit of an Algerian Armed Forces delegation to Bamako to attend the 16th session of the joint Algerian-Malian military committee.
#Algeria #Mali
@africaintel
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🇹🇷🇸🇩 Turkish head of National Intelligence Organization holds talks with Sudanese leaders
Turkish head of National Intelligence Organization Hakan Fidan on Monday discussed intelligence sharing and other issues of common interest with Sudanese military leaders in Khartoum.
Fidan separately met the head of Sudan's ruling Sovereign Council Lt Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Lt General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.
Fidan conveyed his country's support for the framework agreement the military leaders signed with some pro-democracy groups on 5 December. Turkey was among members of the international community that backed the deal, which was meant to pave the way for the return of civilian rule in Sudan.
#Turkey #Sudan
@africaintel
Turkish head of National Intelligence Organization Hakan Fidan on Monday discussed intelligence sharing and other issues of common interest with Sudanese military leaders in Khartoum.
Fidan separately met the head of Sudan's ruling Sovereign Council Lt Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Lt General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.
Fidan conveyed his country's support for the framework agreement the military leaders signed with some pro-democracy groups on 5 December. Turkey was among members of the international community that backed the deal, which was meant to pave the way for the return of civilian rule in Sudan.
#Turkey #Sudan
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇸🇳 At least 19 dead after bus collides with truck in Senegal At least 19 people have been killed and 25 injured in northern Senegal when a bus and a truck collided, according to officials. The accident early on Monday morning occurred near Sakal in the Louga…
🇸🇳 Amid road safety concerns Senegalese transport unions prepare for strike
Ahead of an unlimited bus drivers strike, fear is growing among Senegalese passengers as tension builds among drivers. Part of the transport unions announced an indefinite strike from Tuesday to protest.
The government responded to car crashes that lead to 60 dead in a matter of days by announcing nearly two dozen measures, including limiting buses and trucks to 90 kilometers per hour, banning night buses and outlawing the import of used tires and more. However, some transport unions called certain dispositions out of touch with reality and lifestyles.
Another reason for confrontation between the government and carriers in an inflationary context: prices. Minibus operators have just announced an increase in their prices in the Dakar region. The government refused this increase.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Ahead of an unlimited bus drivers strike, fear is growing among Senegalese passengers as tension builds among drivers. Part of the transport unions announced an indefinite strike from Tuesday to protest.
The government responded to car crashes that lead to 60 dead in a matter of days by announcing nearly two dozen measures, including limiting buses and trucks to 90 kilometers per hour, banning night buses and outlawing the import of used tires and more. However, some transport unions called certain dispositions out of touch with reality and lifestyles.
Another reason for confrontation between the government and carriers in an inflationary context: prices. Minibus operators have just announced an increase in their prices in the Dakar region. The government refused this increase.
#Senegal
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇱🇾Presidential Council of Libya head Mohamed al-Menfi met in Cairo with the speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and LNA Commander-in-Chief Khalifa Haftar to discuss political and military issues. Official comments have not been released yet.…
🇱🇾 New details have been released regarding the meet of the head of Presidential Council of Libya, speaker of the House of Representatives and LNA Commander
Khalifa Haftar demanded the speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi to unite the armed forces of the east and west under a unified command that would have no place for militants and extremists.
The meeting also discussed the question of putting to a national referendum all the agreements made by the Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibeh government (rumored to be referring specifically to a memorandum of understanding with Turkey on oil and gas exploration in Libyan territorial waters).
#Libya
@africaintel
Khalifa Haftar demanded the speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi to unite the armed forces of the east and west under a unified command that would have no place for militants and extremists.
The meeting also discussed the question of putting to a national referendum all the agreements made by the Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibeh government (rumored to be referring specifically to a memorandum of understanding with Turkey on oil and gas exploration in Libyan territorial waters).
#Libya
@africaintel
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🇱🇾 LNA commander will not participate in the presidential race
Khalifa Haftar, commander-in-chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), announced his intention not to run for president of Libya, but demanded that the right of his sons to run for president not be infringed.
This was announced during five-hour meeting with the speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi in Cairo.
#Libya
@africaintel
Khalifa Haftar, commander-in-chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), announced his intention not to run for president of Libya, but demanded that the right of his sons to run for president not be infringed.
This was announced during five-hour meeting with the speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi in Cairo.
#Libya
@africaintel
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🇸🇴 Seven soldiers killed in al-Shabaab attack on Somali military base
Fighters from the al-Shabab group stormed a military base in central Somalia that the government had recaptured from them last year, killing at least seven soldiers, including the base commander, an officer said. “We repelled al-Shabab, but lost seven soldiers, including our commander,” a military officer added.
Assailants from the al-Shabaab a rammed the base in the village of Hawadley with a suicide car bomb and then opened fire. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, saying it had killed “many apostate soldiers and their commander”.
The base is located about 60km north of the capital, Mogadishu, and was wrested from al-Shabab’s control in October by government forces and allied clan militias.
#Somalia
@africaintel
Fighters from the al-Shabab group stormed a military base in central Somalia that the government had recaptured from them last year, killing at least seven soldiers, including the base commander, an officer said. “We repelled al-Shabab, but lost seven soldiers, including our commander,” a military officer added.
Assailants from the al-Shabaab a rammed the base in the village of Hawadley with a suicide car bomb and then opened fire. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, saying it had killed “many apostate soldiers and their commander”.
The base is located about 60km north of the capital, Mogadishu, and was wrested from al-Shabab’s control in October by government forces and allied clan militias.
#Somalia
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Electoral Chief assures that Nigeria election will definitely take place
Nigeria's general election will go ahead on February 25 despite rumors of a postponement because of insecurity in parts of the country, chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, informed.
This was made known at an event organised by the Chatham House think-tank in London.
It is said that 93.4 million people had registered to vote, with more than 74 million of them being between the ages of 18 and 49.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Nigeria's general election will go ahead on February 25 despite rumors of a postponement because of insecurity in parts of the country, chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, informed.
This was made known at an event organised by the Chatham House think-tank in London.
It is said that 93.4 million people had registered to vote, with more than 74 million of them being between the ages of 18 and 49.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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🇿🇦 South Africa plans to end load-shedding in 12-18 months
South Africa has a plan to improve energy provision that will end the need for any power cuts within the next 12-18 months, Finance Minister of South Africa, Enoch Godongwana, said in Davos.
Godongwana said so-called "stage 6" power cuts - which mean at least six hours a day without power for most South Africans - would no longer be needed within about five months as facilities are revamped and measures such as demand management take effect.
However, asked whether state-owned power utility Eskom could expect to be allocated more cash for diesel to help reduce the level of power cuts, he said: "I don't think Eskom has a diesel problem, I think Eskom has got a management problem."
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
South Africa has a plan to improve energy provision that will end the need for any power cuts within the next 12-18 months, Finance Minister of South Africa, Enoch Godongwana, said in Davos.
Godongwana said so-called "stage 6" power cuts - which mean at least six hours a day without power for most South Africans - would no longer be needed within about five months as facilities are revamped and measures such as demand management take effect.
However, asked whether state-owned power utility Eskom could expect to be allocated more cash for diesel to help reduce the level of power cuts, he said: "I don't think Eskom has a diesel problem, I think Eskom has got a management problem."
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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🇿🇦 South Africa plans new law to speed up power projects
South Africa is developing new legislation to speed up energy projects to add generating capacity and help end power cuts, a presentation by the country's energy crisis committee showed.
In presentation it was said that the committee is working to "develop emergency legislation which can be tabled in Parliament to allow energy projects to proceed more quickly and enable coordinated and decisive action." It added that a "web of bureaucracy" was making it difficult to deal with the power crisis and that "the current regulatory framework wasn't designed to deal with an energy shortfall".
President Ramaphosa is meeting different stakeholders this week to discuss ways to deal with the country's worst power cuts on record.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
South Africa is developing new legislation to speed up energy projects to add generating capacity and help end power cuts, a presentation by the country's energy crisis committee showed.
In presentation it was said that the committee is working to "develop emergency legislation which can be tabled in Parliament to allow energy projects to proceed more quickly and enable coordinated and decisive action." It added that a "web of bureaucracy" was making it difficult to deal with the power crisis and that "the current regulatory framework wasn't designed to deal with an energy shortfall".
President Ramaphosa is meeting different stakeholders this week to discuss ways to deal with the country's worst power cuts on record.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇿🇲 Military officers apprehended in Gambia after coup attempt Two military officers In Gambia have been arrested for allegedly plotting to remove President Adama Barrow from office. Their arrest followed the earlier interception of a group of soldiers that…
🇿🇲 Global alert issued for officer accused of Gambia coup bid
The International Police Agency has issued a “red notice” for foreign nations to arrest a military officer, Lamin Jadama, accused of plotting to overthrow the government in Gambia last month.
The "red notice" means that eight officers have now been identified as suspects in the alleged coup plot. Gambian officials say Jadama is a fugitive from justice and any person caught aiding or colluding with him, will be dealt with according to law.
Seven of the accused - including the alleged ringleader - have been arrested. Two civilians and a police officer were also in court on charges of treason and concealment of treason.
The accused were expected to file a plea, but this did not happen. Instead, the case was postponed as the state did not file its indictment and two of the accused soldiers did not have legal representation.
#Gambia
@africaintel
The International Police Agency has issued a “red notice” for foreign nations to arrest a military officer, Lamin Jadama, accused of plotting to overthrow the government in Gambia last month.
The "red notice" means that eight officers have now been identified as suspects in the alleged coup plot. Gambian officials say Jadama is a fugitive from justice and any person caught aiding or colluding with him, will be dealt with according to law.
Seven of the accused - including the alleged ringleader - have been arrested. Two civilians and a police officer were also in court on charges of treason and concealment of treason.
The accused were expected to file a plea, but this did not happen. Instead, the case was postponed as the state did not file its indictment and two of the accused soldiers did not have legal representation.
#Gambia
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇨🇩Democratic Republic of Congo starts clean-up ahead of Pope's visit The streets of the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, will undergo a makeover ahead of Pope Francis' visit at the end of the month. Kinshasa Governor says the main city center…
🇨🇩 Kinshasa traders are angered with their forced displacement before Pope visit
Market traders in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo have expressed dismay at being forced to dismantle their stalls ahead of a visit by Pope Francis.
Some traders complained that the police - using crowbars and bulldozers - had been heavy-handed. They also said many people had lost all their goods.
Hawkers are angry with the fact that they're also being forced out of the side streets around the city center.
#DRC
@africaintel
Market traders in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo have expressed dismay at being forced to dismantle their stalls ahead of a visit by Pope Francis.
Some traders complained that the police - using crowbars and bulldozers - had been heavy-handed. They also said many people had lost all their goods.
Hawkers are angry with the fact that they're also being forced out of the side streets around the city center.
#DRC
@africaintel
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