🇪🇹 Ethiopia rejects HRW accusations of "ethnic cleansing" in Tigray
The Ethiopian government on Tuesday rejected recent accusations by Human Rights Watch (HRW) of a campaign of "ethnic cleansing" in the western region of Tigray, which it said were not based on "any evidence".
In a report published on 1 June, the human rights organisation claims that paramilitary units and militias from the neighbouring Ahmara region continue to "forcibly expel Tigrayans" from the Western Tigray Zone "as part of a campaign of ethnic cleansing".
HRW "published these accusations without carrying out a rigorous and credible investigation in the areas concerned" and they "are not supported by any evidence", the Ethiopian government's Communications Service said.
"This distorted and misleading description of the situation is aimed at undermining peaceful coexistence, fuelling inter-ethnic conflict, and preventing national efforts for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia", the government continued.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
The Ethiopian government on Tuesday rejected recent accusations by Human Rights Watch (HRW) of a campaign of "ethnic cleansing" in the western region of Tigray, which it said were not based on "any evidence".
In a report published on 1 June, the human rights organisation claims that paramilitary units and militias from the neighbouring Ahmara region continue to "forcibly expel Tigrayans" from the Western Tigray Zone "as part of a campaign of ethnic cleansing".
HRW "published these accusations without carrying out a rigorous and credible investigation in the areas concerned" and they "are not supported by any evidence", the Ethiopian government's Communications Service said.
"This distorted and misleading description of the situation is aimed at undermining peaceful coexistence, fuelling inter-ethnic conflict, and preventing national efforts for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia", the government continued.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
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🇸🇩 Sudanese warring factions to resume indirect talks as clashes intensify
Sudan's warring military factions are restarting ceasefire talks sponsored by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The fighting between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, now in its eighth week, has caught civilians in the crossfire, cutting of their access to basic services, and spread lawlessness.
Talks between warring factions collapsed last week after the mediators said there had been numerous serious violations.
Saudi-owned Al Arabiya said the two sides had agreed to indirect talks without providing details.
Burhan emphasized the need for the RSF to exit hospitals, public facilities, and homes and to open safe pathways in order for "the Jeddah platform" to succeed, the statement said.
#Sudan
@africaintel
Sudan's warring military factions are restarting ceasefire talks sponsored by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The fighting between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, now in its eighth week, has caught civilians in the crossfire, cutting of their access to basic services, and spread lawlessness.
Talks between warring factions collapsed last week after the mediators said there had been numerous serious violations.
Saudi-owned Al Arabiya said the two sides had agreed to indirect talks without providing details.
Burhan emphasized the need for the RSF to exit hospitals, public facilities, and homes and to open safe pathways in order for "the Jeddah platform" to succeed, the statement said.
#Sudan
@africaintel
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🇸🇱🇩🇿🇺🇳 Sierra Leone, Algeria elected to UN Security Council
Sierra Leone and Algeria have been elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council representing Africa.
Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio termed the election “a generational accomplishment” . He said it “represented our unique success as a democratic and peaceful country of resilience” that had successfully transitioned from war to peace.
The new members will take up their seats on 1 January and will serve until 31 December 2025.
The Security Council is composed of 15 countries, five of which - China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – are permanent members with a right to veto any resolution.
#SierraLeone #Algeria #UN
@africaintel
Sierra Leone and Algeria have been elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council representing Africa.
Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio termed the election “a generational accomplishment” . He said it “represented our unique success as a democratic and peaceful country of resilience” that had successfully transitioned from war to peace.
The new members will take up their seats on 1 January and will serve until 31 December 2025.
The Security Council is composed of 15 countries, five of which - China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – are permanent members with a right to veto any resolution.
#SierraLeone #Algeria #UN
@africaintel
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🇬🇭 Ghana police fined for not complying with brutality probe
The police in Ghana have been fined more than $8,800 for failing to release information over alleged brutality in compliance with a directive by a commission.
Ghana's Right to Information Commission had directed the police to provide the information requested by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) Africa, an international non-governmental organisation that focuses on access to justice.
The commission in a statement said that the police had breached the law and imposed an administrative fine which the police are required to pay within 14 days.
It further stated that police had undermined the right of access to information. There will be an additional penalty interest of 10% if they fail to comply.
The police have often come under severe criticism and scrutiny over reports of brutality and rights abuse against individuals.
#Ghana
@africaintel
The police in Ghana have been fined more than $8,800 for failing to release information over alleged brutality in compliance with a directive by a commission.
Ghana's Right to Information Commission had directed the police to provide the information requested by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) Africa, an international non-governmental organisation that focuses on access to justice.
The commission in a statement said that the police had breached the law and imposed an administrative fine which the police are required to pay within 14 days.
It further stated that police had undermined the right of access to information. There will be an additional penalty interest of 10% if they fail to comply.
The police have often come under severe criticism and scrutiny over reports of brutality and rights abuse against individuals.
#Ghana
@africaintel
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🇿🇦 8 dead in South Africa shooting at men's hostel near Durban
Gunmen burst into a room at a men's hostel near the eastern South African city of Durban, killing eight people and leaving two others injured, police said on Sunday.
Seven men were declared dead immediately after the shooting in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday in the Umlazi township. An eighth man died on Sunday, police said.
Two others are hospitalized with injuries, and they include a man who jumped out of the window of the hostel room to escape the gunfire. Police said that 12 men were in the room drinking alcohol when numerous gunmen broke in, shot at them and then fled.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
Gunmen burst into a room at a men's hostel near the eastern South African city of Durban, killing eight people and leaving two others injured, police said on Sunday.
Seven men were declared dead immediately after the shooting in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday in the Umlazi township. An eighth man died on Sunday, police said.
Two others are hospitalized with injuries, and they include a man who jumped out of the window of the hostel room to escape the gunfire. Police said that 12 men were in the room drinking alcohol when numerous gunmen broke in, shot at them and then fled.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇮🇱🇪🇬 Israel demands Egypt help in full probe of deadly attack at border Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called the killing of three soldiers by a member of the Egyptian security services a terrorist attack and demanded a full joint investigation…
🇪🇬🇮🇱 Sissi-Netanyahu telephone conversation after rare border incident
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi spoke on the phone to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday following an incident on the border between the two countries, the Egyptian presidency announced.
Sissi received a call from Netanyahu "concerning the exchange of fire that took place on the Egyptian-Israeli border" on Saturday, and they stressed "the importance of coordination between the two countries to clarify the circumstances" of this incident, the spokesman for the Egyptian presidency said.
Sissi "offered his condolences" to Netanyahu, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
#Egypt #Israel
@africaintel
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi spoke on the phone to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday following an incident on the border between the two countries, the Egyptian presidency announced.
Sissi received a call from Netanyahu "concerning the exchange of fire that took place on the Egyptian-Israeli border" on Saturday, and they stressed "the importance of coordination between the two countries to clarify the circumstances" of this incident, the spokesman for the Egyptian presidency said.
Sissi "offered his condolences" to Netanyahu, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
#Egypt #Israel
@africaintel
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🇷🇺🇺🇦🇿🇦 Putin discusses Ukraine in call with Ramaphosa
Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a phone call with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.
The two leaders discussed "issues related to the well-known African initiative to find a solution to the Ukrainian conflict," it added.
According to the statement, Putin will receive a delegation of several African heads of state in the near future.
"Preparations for the second Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg at the end of July and the upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August were also discussed," the Kremlin said.
#Russia #Ukraine #SouthAfrica
@africaintel
Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a phone call with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.
The two leaders discussed "issues related to the well-known African initiative to find a solution to the Ukrainian conflict," it added.
According to the statement, Putin will receive a delegation of several African heads of state in the near future.
"Preparations for the second Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg at the end of July and the upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August were also discussed," the Kremlin said.
#Russia #Ukraine #SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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🇺🇸🌍 The US military influence in Africa
Part 1 – Military bases
Recently we’ve covered the theme of the UK’s influence in Africa. But it would be wrong not to talk about the ever-growing US military presence on the continent, which already exceeds that of Britain and France.
🔻After the end of the World War 2 the USA were quick to replace the UK and France as leaders not only in the western world, but also in Africa. However, up until the end of Cold War the continent was mostly viewed as a field for proxy wars with the USSR, and the United States policy was to support the pro-Western forces.
▪️After the dissolution of the Soviet Union the overall interest towards Africa lowered, because the only influential enemy just disappeared. But the 9/11 changed the situation drastically. The theme of terrorism became one of the main in the US international strategy. Whether it is true concern or just a mean to satisfy interests in certain regions, the fact remains that the US military presence greatly increased, and Africa was not an exception.
🔻Since 9/11, the US military has built a sprawling network of outposts in more than a dozen African countries. Officially, it is done so to battle the terrorism. Unofficially, goals also involve suppressing the growing influence of foreign nations, like Russia and China, and influencing African nations to make them more controllable to satisfy political and economic interests.
▪️The full footprint of the United States AFRICOM bases is hard to grasp, since some military facilities the US government tries not to reveal. However, as of now there are 26 active military bases (another one is planned to be established in the Kingdom of Morocco) and also US military personnel is present in 4 UN peacekeeping operations’ bases.
▪️The highest concentrations of the AFRICOM bases are in the Sahelian states on the west side of the continent, as well as in the Horn of Africa in the east. The AFRICOM is actively seeking to enhance its presence and is primed for expansion in the future. Some African states are positive about these bases, since the United States still provide some security to the states and help battle terrorism, like in Somalia, although not so actively.
🔻Despite some improvements, the situation in many countries that host US military personnel remains harsh. At the same time, the USA successfully preserves its influence and interest on the continent, although encountering competition from Russia, China and Turkey. The United States interests in Africa are growing, as the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022 indicated, and in trying to satisfy them they will continue to increase military presence
However, having only military bases does not mean a full projection of military power on region. For that special operations are also needed, which is a topic for another post, so stay tuned for part 2.
High-res
#USA #Africa #Map
@africaintel
Part 1 – Military bases
Recently we’ve covered the theme of the UK’s influence in Africa. But it would be wrong not to talk about the ever-growing US military presence on the continent, which already exceeds that of Britain and France.
🔻After the end of the World War 2 the USA were quick to replace the UK and France as leaders not only in the western world, but also in Africa. However, up until the end of Cold War the continent was mostly viewed as a field for proxy wars with the USSR, and the United States policy was to support the pro-Western forces.
▪️After the dissolution of the Soviet Union the overall interest towards Africa lowered, because the only influential enemy just disappeared. But the 9/11 changed the situation drastically. The theme of terrorism became one of the main in the US international strategy. Whether it is true concern or just a mean to satisfy interests in certain regions, the fact remains that the US military presence greatly increased, and Africa was not an exception.
🔻Since 9/11, the US military has built a sprawling network of outposts in more than a dozen African countries. Officially, it is done so to battle the terrorism. Unofficially, goals also involve suppressing the growing influence of foreign nations, like Russia and China, and influencing African nations to make them more controllable to satisfy political and economic interests.
▪️The full footprint of the United States AFRICOM bases is hard to grasp, since some military facilities the US government tries not to reveal. However, as of now there are 26 active military bases (another one is planned to be established in the Kingdom of Morocco) and also US military personnel is present in 4 UN peacekeeping operations’ bases.
▪️The highest concentrations of the AFRICOM bases are in the Sahelian states on the west side of the continent, as well as in the Horn of Africa in the east. The AFRICOM is actively seeking to enhance its presence and is primed for expansion in the future. Some African states are positive about these bases, since the United States still provide some security to the states and help battle terrorism, like in Somalia, although not so actively.
🔻Despite some improvements, the situation in many countries that host US military personnel remains harsh. At the same time, the USA successfully preserves its influence and interest on the continent, although encountering competition from Russia, China and Turkey. The United States interests in Africa are growing, as the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022 indicated, and in trying to satisfy them they will continue to increase military presence
However, having only military bases does not mean a full projection of military power on region. For that special operations are also needed, which is a topic for another post, so stay tuned for part 2.
High-res
#USA #Africa #Map
@africaintel
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Africa Intel pinned «🇺🇸🌍 The US military influence in Africa Part 1 – Military bases Recently we’ve covered the theme of the UK’s influence in Africa. But it would be wrong not to talk about the ever-growing US military presence on the continent, which already exceeds that of…»
🇨🇲🛤 Cameroon to start building railway to disputed iron ore project in August
Cameroon will begin construction in August of a railway line connecting its coast to a large iron ore deposit straddling its border with the Republic of Congo, the interim mines minister said.
Cameroon signed a deal with two China-linked companies in June 2021 to construct the railway, despite facing legal action from Australia's Sundance Resources.
Construction for the railway linking the deposit in Nabeba to Cameroon's southern port town of Kribi is set to begin at the end of August in the town of Ntam, Cameroon's interim Mines Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry said late on Tuesday, after a meeting with mining officials in Congo.
The minister added that 12 new mining projects had been identified in Cameroon, five of which were scheduled to begin this year.
#Cameroon
@africaintel
Cameroon will begin construction in August of a railway line connecting its coast to a large iron ore deposit straddling its border with the Republic of Congo, the interim mines minister said.
Cameroon signed a deal with two China-linked companies in June 2021 to construct the railway, despite facing legal action from Australia's Sundance Resources.
Construction for the railway linking the deposit in Nabeba to Cameroon's southern port town of Kribi is set to begin at the end of August in the town of Ntam, Cameroon's interim Mines Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry said late on Tuesday, after a meeting with mining officials in Congo.
The minister added that 12 new mining projects had been identified in Cameroon, five of which were scheduled to begin this year.
#Cameroon
@africaintel
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🇮🇱🇲🇦 Israel considers recognition of Morocco's rule over Western Sahara
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's national security adviser visited Rabat on Wednesday as his government mulls a possible announcement of recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over disputed Western Sahara, officials said.
Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but the Algeria-backed Polisario front demands an independent state there. In 2020, then-U.S. President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's rule over the territory in return for its partial upgrade of relations with Israel.
Israel's Western Sahara move could lead to a full upgrade of its diplomatic ties with Rabat, with their diplomatic missions, currently designated liaison offices, becoming embassies. Reuters source in Netanyahu's cabinet acknowledged it was being discussed within the country's National Security Council.
#Israel #Morocco
@africaintel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's national security adviser visited Rabat on Wednesday as his government mulls a possible announcement of recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over disputed Western Sahara, officials said.
Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but the Algeria-backed Polisario front demands an independent state there. In 2020, then-U.S. President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's rule over the territory in return for its partial upgrade of relations with Israel.
Israel's Western Sahara move could lead to a full upgrade of its diplomatic ties with Rabat, with their diplomatic missions, currently designated liaison offices, becoming embassies. Reuters source in Netanyahu's cabinet acknowledged it was being discussed within the country's National Security Council.
#Israel #Morocco
@africaintel
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🇱🇾 Joint "6x6" committee sign agreements on drafting election law in Libya
Members of the Libyan 6+6 Joint Committee for Preparing Electoral Laws announced that they had reached an agreement on presidential and legislative electoral laws, pending the signing of the agreement by the speakers of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State.
In a press conference the head of HoR delegation at the Committee, Jalal Al-Shuwaidi, explained that they had completed the laws of the presidential elections and the National Assembly in its two chambers, and they are awaiting the presence of HoR and HCS Speakers for the final decision on these laws.
In turn, the head of HCS delegation at the Committee indicated that the laws agreed upon by the committee allow everyone to run, and do not exclude anyone from participating in the elections, nor are they characterized by exclusivity and exclusion.
#Libya
@africaintel
Members of the Libyan 6+6 Joint Committee for Preparing Electoral Laws announced that they had reached an agreement on presidential and legislative electoral laws, pending the signing of the agreement by the speakers of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State.
In a press conference the head of HoR delegation at the Committee, Jalal Al-Shuwaidi, explained that they had completed the laws of the presidential elections and the National Assembly in its two chambers, and they are awaiting the presence of HoR and HCS Speakers for the final decision on these laws.
In turn, the head of HCS delegation at the Committee indicated that the laws agreed upon by the committee allow everyone to run, and do not exclude anyone from participating in the elections, nor are they characterized by exclusivity and exclusion.
#Libya
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇷🇼 Rwandan president reshuffles top military officers Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has appointed new military and intelligence chiefs in a major reshuffle. The president appointed Juvénal Marizamunda as the new defence minister, replacing Maj Gen Albert…
🇷🇼 Rwandan President Kagame again sacks top military leadership
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has sacked more than 200 soldiers, including senior military officers.
Maj Gen Aloys Muganga, commander of the army's mechanised division, and Brig Gen Francis Mutiganda are among 16 officers who have been dismissed. Another 228 soldiers of other ranks have also been kicked out.
The statement, released by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in the early hours on Wednesday, gave no reason for the sackings.
The move comes a day after Kagame reshuffled top military officers, firing a defence minister and army chief at the same time and announcing their replacements - uncommon in Rwanda.
The reshuffle and sacking come at a time of heightened tension between Rwanda and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
#Rwanda
@africaintel
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has sacked more than 200 soldiers, including senior military officers.
Maj Gen Aloys Muganga, commander of the army's mechanised division, and Brig Gen Francis Mutiganda are among 16 officers who have been dismissed. Another 228 soldiers of other ranks have also been kicked out.
The statement, released by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in the early hours on Wednesday, gave no reason for the sackings.
The move comes a day after Kagame reshuffled top military officers, firing a defence minister and army chief at the same time and announcing their replacements - uncommon in Rwanda.
The reshuffle and sacking come at a time of heightened tension between Rwanda and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
#Rwanda
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Two Nigerian states cut working week to three days
Two state governments in Nigeria have reduced the working week to three days for state employees.
The move is to help them cope with increased petrol costs, following the federal government announcement to scrap fuel subsidies.
The Edo and Kwara states governments’ announcement will fuel debate in the public and private sectors about measures to help workers cope with the rising costs.
Public service staff across Nigeria work five days a week, but there’s still a lot of confusion about the fate of employees in the private sector where some are required to work for six days a week. There are also indications that other states may adopt the new model.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Two state governments in Nigeria have reduced the working week to three days for state employees.
The move is to help them cope with increased petrol costs, following the federal government announcement to scrap fuel subsidies.
The Edo and Kwara states governments’ announcement will fuel debate in the public and private sectors about measures to help workers cope with the rising costs.
Public service staff across Nigeria work five days a week, but there’s still a lot of confusion about the fate of employees in the private sector where some are required to work for six days a week. There are also indications that other states may adopt the new model.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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