🇧🇮🇨🇩 Burundi sends troops in fight against DR Congo rebels
Burundi says it is deploying about 100 soldiers to North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where dozens of armed groups are fighting.
They are to join a regional East African force - which also includes soldiers from Kenya. It was deployed in November following the resurgence of the M23 rebel group which Rwanda is accused of backing but the Kigali government denies.
The rebels are due to withdraw by the end of the month from areas they have captured.
Previous deadlines have been missed and there have been recent demonstrations in eastern Congo by people who want the East African force to take a more aggressive stance against the rebels.
#Burundi #DRC
@africaintel
Burundi says it is deploying about 100 soldiers to North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where dozens of armed groups are fighting.
They are to join a regional East African force - which also includes soldiers from Kenya. It was deployed in November following the resurgence of the M23 rebel group which Rwanda is accused of backing but the Kigali government denies.
The rebels are due to withdraw by the end of the month from areas they have captured.
Previous deadlines have been missed and there have been recent demonstrations in eastern Congo by people who want the East African force to take a more aggressive stance against the rebels.
#Burundi #DRC
@africaintel
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🇹🇳 Tunisia president says he refuses participation of foreigners in local protests
Tunisian President Kais Saied said he refuses the participation of foreigners in local protests, a day after the authorities prevented foreign trade unionists from joining the UGTT Labor Union gathering expected on Saturday.
The UGTT said authorities had told it they would bar from entry a delegation from the International Trade Union Confederation that was invited to join the protest. It accused the president of taking "hostile steps."
#Tunisia
@africaintel
Tunisian President Kais Saied said he refuses the participation of foreigners in local protests, a day after the authorities prevented foreign trade unionists from joining the UGTT Labor Union gathering expected on Saturday.
The UGTT said authorities had told it they would bar from entry a delegation from the International Trade Union Confederation that was invited to join the protest. It accused the president of taking "hostile steps."
#Tunisia
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Nigerian court extends old banknotes to December 31 amid cash shortage
Nigeria's Supreme Court on Friday ordered the central bank to extend until December 31 the use of old banknotes, whose withdrawal from circulation became an election issue after it caused cash shortages, widespread hardship and anger.
Sixteen states in Nigeria had brought the case to the court, arguing that Most Nigerians were stuck with old notes and needed more time beyond the February 10 date when the bills ceased to be legal tender in a botched move to replace them with newer ones.
Replacement bank notes have been in short supply, which has caused chaotic scenes at banks and adding to Nigerians' already boiling frustrations with high inflation and fuel shortages. It has also overwhelmed the digital banking network, as a flood of transactions shifted into cyberspace.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Nigeria's Supreme Court on Friday ordered the central bank to extend until December 31 the use of old banknotes, whose withdrawal from circulation became an election issue after it caused cash shortages, widespread hardship and anger.
Sixteen states in Nigeria had brought the case to the court, arguing that Most Nigerians were stuck with old notes and needed more time beyond the February 10 date when the bills ceased to be legal tender in a botched move to replace them with newer ones.
Replacement bank notes have been in short supply, which has caused chaotic scenes at banks and adding to Nigerians' already boiling frustrations with high inflation and fuel shortages. It has also overwhelmed the digital banking network, as a flood of transactions shifted into cyberspace.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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🇹🇳 International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation lends Tunisia $280 million
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation lent Tunisia $280 million to finance energy imports, the economy ministry said on Friday.
Tunisia, suffering a financial crisis, has struggled to provide basic commodities such as energy and food amid a growing social and political crisis in the country.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation lent Tunisia $280 million to finance energy imports, the economy ministry said on Friday.
Tunisia, suffering a financial crisis, has struggled to provide basic commodities such as energy and food amid a growing social and political crisis in the country.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
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🇫🇷🇦🇴 French President Macron visited Angola
French President Emmanuel Macron continued his African tour and visited Angola on March 3.
Macron met with his Angolan counterpart, President João Lourenço, to discuss a range of issues including the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Macron said their discussion “fuels hope about achieving concrete results in the coming days for the path to peace.”
An agreement was signed between Angola and France to produce ANGEO-1, an Airbus satellite with applications that will "include boosting Angola’s agricultural data, monitoring deforestation, and detecting ships and oil spills."
“Airbus will deliver a latest-generation Earth observation satellite to support Angola’s social and economic development,” said Jean-Marc Nasr, the head of space systems for Airbus.
#France #Angola
@africaintel
French President Emmanuel Macron continued his African tour and visited Angola on March 3.
Macron met with his Angolan counterpart, President João Lourenço, to discuss a range of issues including the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Macron said their discussion “fuels hope about achieving concrete results in the coming days for the path to peace.”
An agreement was signed between Angola and France to produce ANGEO-1, an Airbus satellite with applications that will "include boosting Angola’s agricultural data, monitoring deforestation, and detecting ships and oil spills."
“Airbus will deliver a latest-generation Earth observation satellite to support Angola’s social and economic development,” said Jean-Marc Nasr, the head of space systems for Airbus.
#France #Angola
@africaintel
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🇫🇷🇨🇬 Macron continued Africa Tour in the Republic of the Congo
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday evening arrived in the capital of the Republic of the Congo.
He spent only a few hours in Brazzaville before traveling on Saturday night to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Macron met with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in Brazzaville. At an appearance before journalists, Sassou-Nguesso listed sites Macron could visit on a longer trip in the future, likely to be seen as a barb at the short length of the French head of state's stay.
#France #Congo
@africaintel
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday evening arrived in the capital of the Republic of the Congo.
He spent only a few hours in Brazzaville before traveling on Saturday night to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Macron met with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in Brazzaville. At an appearance before journalists, Sassou-Nguesso listed sites Macron could visit on a longer trip in the future, likely to be seen as a barb at the short length of the French head of state's stay.
#France #Congo
@africaintel
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🇷🇼🇨🇩 Rwanda says DR Congo soldier was killed after crossing border and opening fire
Rwandan soldiers shot dead a DR Congo's soldier who crossed the border and shot at security forces on Friday, triggering a brief exchange of fire between the two sides, Rwanda's defence ministry said.
The incident at the border took place on Friday evening when the Congolese soldier crossed into western Rwanda from the Grande Barriere border post, outside the city of Goma, and shot at Rwanda Defence Force soldiers, the ministry said.
#Rwanda #DRC
@africaintel
Rwandan soldiers shot dead a DR Congo's soldier who crossed the border and shot at security forces on Friday, triggering a brief exchange of fire between the two sides, Rwanda's defence ministry said.
The incident at the border took place on Friday evening when the Congolese soldier crossed into western Rwanda from the Grande Barriere border post, outside the city of Goma, and shot at Rwanda Defence Force soldiers, the ministry said.
#Rwanda #DRC
@africaintel
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🇸🇸 South Sudan president fires defence and interior ministers
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired two top security ministers, violating the terms of a peace agreement with opposition party leader First Vice President Riek Machar.
Kiir fired the country's defence minister, who is also Machar's wife, and interior minister, the President's spokesperson said.
"There is no reason I can give you right now" for their sacking but "it's a normal procedure usually," spokesperson said, adding that no decision had yet been made on their replacements.
In Friday's decree, Kiir handed the defence ministry to his party, a role which, under the terms of the agreement, is meant to be appointed by Machar's party. In exchange, the president gave Machar's party the interior ministry.
"The switch is unilateral and a new cycle of violating the revitalized agreement," said Machar's spokesperson.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired two top security ministers, violating the terms of a peace agreement with opposition party leader First Vice President Riek Machar.
Kiir fired the country's defence minister, who is also Machar's wife, and interior minister, the President's spokesperson said.
"There is no reason I can give you right now" for their sacking but "it's a normal procedure usually," spokesperson said, adding that no decision had yet been made on their replacements.
In Friday's decree, Kiir handed the defence ministry to his party, a role which, under the terms of the agreement, is meant to be appointed by Machar's party. In exchange, the president gave Machar's party the interior ministry.
"The switch is unilateral and a new cycle of violating the revitalized agreement," said Machar's spokesperson.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
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🇹🇳 Tunisian union holds another protest against president
Tunisia's UGTT labour union rallied in the capital on Saturday in what appeared to be the biggest protest yet against President Kais Saied. They were marching after weeks of arrests targeting opponents of Saied.
Many thousands of protesters filled Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the main street in central Tunis, holding banners that read "No to one-man rule" and chanting "Freedom! End the police state".
"We will continue to defend freedoms and rights, whatever the cost. We do not fear prisons or arrests," UGTT leader told. Head of the Workers Party said protests were the answer to what he called Saied's "creeping dictatorship".
#Tunisia
@africaintel
Tunisia's UGTT labour union rallied in the capital on Saturday in what appeared to be the biggest protest yet against President Kais Saied. They were marching after weeks of arrests targeting opponents of Saied.
Many thousands of protesters filled Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the main street in central Tunis, holding banners that read "No to one-man rule" and chanting "Freedom! End the police state".
"We will continue to defend freedoms and rights, whatever the cost. We do not fear prisons or arrests," UGTT leader told. Head of the Workers Party said protests were the answer to what he called Saied's "creeping dictatorship".
#Tunisia
@africaintel
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🇪🇺🇨🇩 EU releases funds, prepares aid flight for eastern DR Congo
The European Union said on Saturday it is releasing over 47 million euros for humanitarian aid for Congo's North Kivu and plans to send a flight with medical supplies and food to the conflict-stricken eastern province.
“The EU stands ready to mobilise all the necessary means to support humanitarian workers, including logistics and air, to meet the needs of the population in Democratic Republic of Congo," European Commissioner said.
"With this Humanitarian Air Bridge operation organised with the support of France and the new fund mobilisation, we reaffirm our support to the most vulnerable,” the commissioner for crisis management said in a statement.
#EU #DRC
@africaintel
The European Union said on Saturday it is releasing over 47 million euros for humanitarian aid for Congo's North Kivu and plans to send a flight with medical supplies and food to the conflict-stricken eastern province.
“The EU stands ready to mobilise all the necessary means to support humanitarian workers, including logistics and air, to meet the needs of the population in Democratic Republic of Congo," European Commissioner said.
"With this Humanitarian Air Bridge operation organised with the support of France and the new fund mobilisation, we reaffirm our support to the most vulnerable,” the commissioner for crisis management said in a statement.
#EU #DRC
@africaintel
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🇺🇸🇬🇭 U.S. Special Forces launch counter-terrorism drills with African armies in Ghana
The United States began its annual counter-terrorism training program for African forces in Ghana on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen border defences in the fight against Islamist insurgents who are spreading south into new territories.
The program, known as Flintlock, started at a military base in the dusty northern town of Daboya where U.S. and European trainers drilled soldiers from across Africa on first aid and firing drills in the heat.
"Flintlock intends to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, and provide security for their people," U.S. Africa Command said in a statement.
#USA #Ghana
@africaintel
The United States began its annual counter-terrorism training program for African forces in Ghana on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen border defences in the fight against Islamist insurgents who are spreading south into new territories.
The program, known as Flintlock, started at a military base in the dusty northern town of Daboya where U.S. and European trainers drilled soldiers from across Africa on first aid and firing drills in the heat.
"Flintlock intends to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, and provide security for their people," U.S. Africa Command said in a statement.
#USA #Ghana
@africaintel
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🇫🇷🇨🇩 Macron ends Africa tour in DR Congo
The French President Emmanuel Macron held talks on Saturday with President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo.
During press conference he said that "France will remain faithful to its role as an unfailing ally of the DRC in defending its integrity and sovereignty. The Democratic Republic of Congo must not be the spoils of war. The pillaging of the DRC must stop."
Tshisekedi asked France to back sanctions against Rwanda, but French President said he consider such a step after some observation of situation.
Macron also shared his vision of a renewed partnership with Africa in which it stands equal with France, and the image of France as an arrogant former colonial power whilst bidding for future influence would be dispelled.
#France #DRC
@africaintel
The French President Emmanuel Macron held talks on Saturday with President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo.
During press conference he said that "France will remain faithful to its role as an unfailing ally of the DRC in defending its integrity and sovereignty. The Democratic Republic of Congo must not be the spoils of war. The pillaging of the DRC must stop."
Tshisekedi asked France to back sanctions against Rwanda, but French President said he consider such a step after some observation of situation.
Macron also shared his vision of a renewed partnership with Africa in which it stands equal with France, and the image of France as an arrogant former colonial power whilst bidding for future influence would be dispelled.
#France #DRC
@africaintel
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🇲🇱🇹🇳 Malian migrants prepare to flee Tunisia after president's crackdown
Some 300 Malian migrants were set to leave Tunisia on repatriation flights Saturday, fearful of a wave of violence since President Kais Saied statements earlier in February.
In his February 21 speech, Saied ordered officials to take "urgent measures" to tackle irregular migration, claiming without evidence that "a criminal plot" was underway "to change Tunisia's demographic makeup".
A first group of 50 Guineans were flown home on Wednesday, while Ivory Coast and Mali prepared to repatriate a combined 295 of their citizens on special flights on Saturday, diplomats and community organisers said.
#Mali #Tunisia
@africaintel
Some 300 Malian migrants were set to leave Tunisia on repatriation flights Saturday, fearful of a wave of violence since President Kais Saied statements earlier in February.
In his February 21 speech, Saied ordered officials to take "urgent measures" to tackle irregular migration, claiming without evidence that "a criminal plot" was underway "to change Tunisia's demographic makeup".
A first group of 50 Guineans were flown home on Wednesday, while Ivory Coast and Mali prepared to repatriate a combined 295 of their citizens on special flights on Saturday, diplomats and community organisers said.
#Mali #Tunisia
@africaintel
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🇰🇪 Kenya hit by nationwide power outage
Kenya was hit by a nationwide power blackout on Saturday evening caused by a "system disturbance", electricity distributor Kenya Power said.
"We are working to restore normalcy within the shortest time possible," Kenya Power said in a statement.
Kenya Power is the country's sole electricity distributor and the bulk of its power comes from Kenya Electricity Generating Company, which is the main producer.
#Kenya
@africaintel
Kenya was hit by a nationwide power blackout on Saturday evening caused by a "system disturbance", electricity distributor Kenya Power said.
"We are working to restore normalcy within the shortest time possible," Kenya Power said in a statement.
Kenya Power is the country's sole electricity distributor and the bulk of its power comes from Kenya Electricity Generating Company, which is the main producer.
#Kenya
@africaintel
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🇸🇩 Sudanese Foreign Minister named 3 countries that are blocking the lifting of Security Council sanctions
"The USA, with the support of Great Britain and France, refuse to lift the UN Security Council sanctions imposed on Sudan," said Ali Al-Saddiq. The minister added that Arab and African countries, Russia and China support the cancellation of the resolution.
According to him, the time has come to lift the sanctions imposed in 2005 because of the war in Darfur against rebels. The resolution includes a ban on the supply of arms and related materiel, technical and professional assistance to organizations in Darfur.
"There is no longer a war in Darfur, and most of the refugees have returned to practicing their normal lives, and those who were fighting the Sudanese army are now members of the Sovereignty Council, and therefore there is a complete change in political life,” added Foreign Minister.
#Sudan
@africaintel
"The USA, with the support of Great Britain and France, refuse to lift the UN Security Council sanctions imposed on Sudan," said Ali Al-Saddiq. The minister added that Arab and African countries, Russia and China support the cancellation of the resolution.
According to him, the time has come to lift the sanctions imposed in 2005 because of the war in Darfur against rebels. The resolution includes a ban on the supply of arms and related materiel, technical and professional assistance to organizations in Darfur.
"There is no longer a war in Darfur, and most of the refugees have returned to practicing their normal lives, and those who were fighting the Sudanese army are now members of the Sovereignty Council, and therefore there is a complete change in political life,” added Foreign Minister.
#Sudan
@africaintel
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🇰🇪 Power restored to parts of Kenya after nationwide blackout
Power was restored to parts of Kenya after a nationwide blackout lasting several hours which was thought to have been caused by a fault on a transmission line, electricity distributor Kenya Power said on Saturday.
"Initial reports indicate that the outage was caused by a fault that occurred on the Suswa-Loyangalani high-voltage power transmission line," Kenya Power said in a statement.
The power supply was restored to parts of Eldoret, Kisumu and Nakuru, the distributor said. Electricity had also returned to at least one part of the capital Nairobi.
#Kenya
@africaintel
Power was restored to parts of Kenya after a nationwide blackout lasting several hours which was thought to have been caused by a fault on a transmission line, electricity distributor Kenya Power said on Saturday.
"Initial reports indicate that the outage was caused by a fault that occurred on the Suswa-Loyangalani high-voltage power transmission line," Kenya Power said in a statement.
The power supply was restored to parts of Eldoret, Kisumu and Nakuru, the distributor said. Electricity had also returned to at least one part of the capital Nairobi.
#Kenya
@africaintel
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