🇰🇪 Kenyan marathon world record holder Kiptum died in road accident
Kenya's marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach were killed in a traffic accident in the Rift Valley on Sunday, cutting short the career of the only man to have run the endurance classic in less than two hours and one minute.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana," World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said.
According to the police report, Kiptum was driving his Rwandan coach and a woman in a car near the Rift Valley village where he was born when the accident occurred.
The athlete lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road into a ditch, travelling for about 60 metres along it before crashing into a large tree.
#Kenya
@africaintel
Kenya's marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach were killed in a traffic accident in the Rift Valley on Sunday, cutting short the career of the only man to have run the endurance classic in less than two hours and one minute.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana," World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said.
According to the police report, Kiptum was driving his Rwandan coach and a woman in a car near the Rift Valley village where he was born when the accident occurred.
The athlete lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road into a ditch, travelling for about 60 metres along it before crashing into a large tree.
#Kenya
@africaintel
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🇿🇦🇨🇩 South Africa to deploy 2,900 soldiers to DR Congo
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of 2,900 soldiers to aid in the fight against armed rebel groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The troops will be posted as part of the southern African mission in DR Congo (SAMIDRC), which was approved by the regional bloc in May last year.
Malawi and Tanzania will also contribute troops to the mission.
The mission is replacing the East African regional force, which left DR Congo last December after the government deemed it ineffective.
The deployment will cost South Africa 2bn Rand ($105m) and is set to last until December this year, a statement from the presidency said.
#SouthAfrica #DRC
@africaintel
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of 2,900 soldiers to aid in the fight against armed rebel groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The troops will be posted as part of the southern African mission in DR Congo (SAMIDRC), which was approved by the regional bloc in May last year.
Malawi and Tanzania will also contribute troops to the mission.
The mission is replacing the East African regional force, which left DR Congo last December after the government deemed it ineffective.
The deployment will cost South Africa 2bn Rand ($105m) and is set to last until December this year, a statement from the presidency said.
#SouthAfrica #DRC
@africaintel
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🇸🇳 Senegal protest to demand election banned
A protest march set to take place today in Senegal's capital, Dakar, against President Macky Sall's controversial decision to delay this month's presidential election has been banned by the authorities,
Senegal's privately owned Seneweb news site reported that the authorities had cited “risks of serious disruptions” to public order as the reason for the ban.
The Aar Sunu Election ("Let's Protect Our Election") coalition - which includes civil society, religious and professional groups - called for the protest.
It has not yet made an official announcement on whether or not the demonstration will go ahead.
The AFP news agency quoted the co-ordinator of the coalition, Malick Diop, as saying that "we will postpone the march because we want to remain within the law".
"The march was banned. There's a problem with the route. So we will change this," he added.
#Senegal
@africaintel
A protest march set to take place today in Senegal's capital, Dakar, against President Macky Sall's controversial decision to delay this month's presidential election has been banned by the authorities,
Senegal's privately owned Seneweb news site reported that the authorities had cited “risks of serious disruptions” to public order as the reason for the ban.
The Aar Sunu Election ("Let's Protect Our Election") coalition - which includes civil society, religious and professional groups - called for the protest.
It has not yet made an official announcement on whether or not the demonstration will go ahead.
The AFP news agency quoted the co-ordinator of the coalition, Malick Diop, as saying that "we will postpone the march because we want to remain within the law".
"The march was banned. There's a problem with the route. So we will change this," he added.
#Senegal
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Nigeria's Access Bank appoints Bolaji Agbede after death of CEO
Access Bank, one of Nigeria's largest banks, has appointed a temporary replacement for CEO Herbert Wigwe, who died alongside five others in a helicopter crash last Friday.
Bolaji Agbede, Access Bank's most senior founding executive director, will assume the CEO position in acting capacity, the bank's parent company, Access Holdings Plc, announced.
Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 and has nearly 30 years of experience in banking and business consultancy, the company said.
Wigwe's chartered helicopter was on its way from Palm Springs to Boulder City in Nevada in the US when it went down, about 96km (60 miles) from Las Vegas.
According to Nigerian media, the 57-year-old banker was on his way to Las Vegas to attend Sunday's Super Bowl.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Access Bank, one of Nigeria's largest banks, has appointed a temporary replacement for CEO Herbert Wigwe, who died alongside five others in a helicopter crash last Friday.
Bolaji Agbede, Access Bank's most senior founding executive director, will assume the CEO position in acting capacity, the bank's parent company, Access Holdings Plc, announced.
Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 and has nearly 30 years of experience in banking and business consultancy, the company said.
Wigwe's chartered helicopter was on its way from Palm Springs to Boulder City in Nevada in the US when it went down, about 96km (60 miles) from Las Vegas.
According to Nigerian media, the 57-year-old banker was on his way to Las Vegas to attend Sunday's Super Bowl.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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🇿🇼 Zimbabwe to link exchange rate to hard assets, create currency board
Zimbabwe is working on new measures to stabilise its local currency including linking the exchange rate to hard assets such as gold and creating a currency board, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said.
The Zimbabwean dollar has fallen about 40% since the start of the year, hurt by increased foreign-currency demand from civil servants being paid December bonuses and weaker commodity prices denting inflows.
Last week President Emmerson Mnangagwa said authorities were looking to introduce a "structured currency", without explaining how that would work, and the central bank governor said that work was ongoing.
"The idea going forward is to make sure that we manage the growth of liquidity which has a high correlation to money supply growth and inflation. The way to do that is to link the exchange rate to some hard asset such as gold," said Ncube.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
Zimbabwe is working on new measures to stabilise its local currency including linking the exchange rate to hard assets such as gold and creating a currency board, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said.
The Zimbabwean dollar has fallen about 40% since the start of the year, hurt by increased foreign-currency demand from civil servants being paid December bonuses and weaker commodity prices denting inflows.
Last week President Emmerson Mnangagwa said authorities were looking to introduce a "structured currency", without explaining how that would work, and the central bank governor said that work was ongoing.
"The idea going forward is to make sure that we manage the growth of liquidity which has a high correlation to money supply growth and inflation. The way to do that is to link the exchange rate to some hard asset such as gold," said Ncube.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
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🇸🇳 Senegal suspends internet access
Senegal's communications ministry told mobile operators to suspend internet access on Tuesday, ahead of a planned march by activist groups, which was banned by authorities.
It was unclear whether the march would take place after authorities on Monday banned it, citing logistical concerns.
The civil society and religious groups that called the demonstration will hold a press conference later on Tuesday to announce next steps, spokesman Amadou Samb told.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal's communications ministry told mobile operators to suspend internet access on Tuesday, ahead of a planned march by activist groups, which was banned by authorities.
It was unclear whether the march would take place after authorities on Monday banned it, citing logistical concerns.
The civil society and religious groups that called the demonstration will hold a press conference later on Tuesday to announce next steps, spokesman Amadou Samb told.
#Senegal
@africaintel
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🇱🇷 Liberia's president appointed new defence minister
Liberia's President Joseph Boakai has appointed a retired female brigadier general, Geraldine George, as the acting minister of defence after protests by the wives of soldiers forced the resignation of her predecessor.
This is the first time a woman is serving in the post.
She enlisted in the army in 2006 as it was being rebuilt following the end of a civil war and rose to become part of the elite forces. She has served as the deputy chief of staff for the last six years.
After Boakai was sworn in as president on 22 January, he appointed her as the deputy for administration in the defence ministry.
Her promotion comes after Defence Minister Prince Charles Johnson III resigned following protests by the wives of soldiers on Monday.
#Liberia
@africaintel
Liberia's President Joseph Boakai has appointed a retired female brigadier general, Geraldine George, as the acting minister of defence after protests by the wives of soldiers forced the resignation of her predecessor.
This is the first time a woman is serving in the post.
She enlisted in the army in 2006 as it was being rebuilt following the end of a civil war and rose to become part of the elite forces. She has served as the deputy chief of staff for the last six years.
After Boakai was sworn in as president on 22 January, he appointed her as the deputy for administration in the defence ministry.
Her promotion comes after Defence Minister Prince Charles Johnson III resigned following protests by the wives of soldiers on Monday.
#Liberia
@africaintel
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🇪🇹 Ethiopian troops killed 45 civilians said human rights watchdog
Ethiopia's human rights watchdog says government forces carried out a massacre of civilians last month in Amhara state.
The Human Rights Commission said it had identified at least 45 civilian deaths, although the number was most likely higher as it couldn't investigate fully.
The commission said victims had been targeted for allegedly supporting an ethnic Amhara militia.
Eyewitnesses said they'd seen people shot dead on the streets as soldiers fought rebels in the town of Merawi.
The government has not yet commented.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
Ethiopia's human rights watchdog says government forces carried out a massacre of civilians last month in Amhara state.
The Human Rights Commission said it had identified at least 45 civilian deaths, although the number was most likely higher as it couldn't investigate fully.
The commission said victims had been targeted for allegedly supporting an ethnic Amhara militia.
Eyewitnesses said they'd seen people shot dead on the streets as soldiers fought rebels in the town of Merawi.
The government has not yet commented.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Islamic police arrest TikToker in northern Nigeria
The Islamic police in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano say they have arrested a popular female TikToker for posting “indecent and un-Islamic” content on the social media app.
Two weeks ago the police unit, known as Hisbah, launched a manhunt for six TikTokers who they say constantly violate Islamic guidelines in their use of social media.
Hisbah spokesperson Lawal Fagge told that Murja Ibrahim Kunya was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, along with her boyfriend.
Kunya is accused of using vulgar and uncouth language in her videos.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
The Islamic police in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano say they have arrested a popular female TikToker for posting “indecent and un-Islamic” content on the social media app.
Two weeks ago the police unit, known as Hisbah, launched a manhunt for six TikTokers who they say constantly violate Islamic guidelines in their use of social media.
Hisbah spokesperson Lawal Fagge told that Murja Ibrahim Kunya was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, along with her boyfriend.
Kunya is accused of using vulgar and uncouth language in her videos.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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🇿🇦🇺🇳🇵🇸🇮🇱 South Africa submits "urgent request" to ICJ regarding Israel's Rafah offensive
South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect the rights of Palestinians.
The South African presidency said it had submitted an "urgent request" to the ICJ on Monday, adding that the government was "gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction."
Last month, the World Court ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, following a case brought by South Africa.
#SouthAfrica #UN #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect the rights of Palestinians.
The South African presidency said it had submitted an "urgent request" to the ICJ on Monday, adding that the government was "gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction."
Last month, the World Court ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, following a case brought by South Africa.
#SouthAfrica #UN #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
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🇹🇳 Record number of migrants died or went missing off Tunisia in 2023
A record 1,313 migrants were reported to have died or went missing off the Tunisian coast last year, a rights group said, highlighting the worsening migrant crisis in country.
The number represented about 75% of the number of dead or missing off the coasts of Italy, Libya and Malta, Ramadan Ben Amor, an official at the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights told.
Tunisia has replaced Libya as north Africa's main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict elsewhere in Africa and across the Middle East in the hope of a better life in Europe.
About 100 migrants have died or gone missing off the Tunisian coast since mid-January.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
A record 1,313 migrants were reported to have died or went missing off the Tunisian coast last year, a rights group said, highlighting the worsening migrant crisis in country.
The number represented about 75% of the number of dead or missing off the coasts of Italy, Libya and Malta, Ramadan Ben Amor, an official at the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights told.
Tunisia has replaced Libya as north Africa's main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict elsewhere in Africa and across the Middle East in the hope of a better life in Europe.
About 100 migrants have died or gone missing off the Tunisian coast since mid-January.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Gunmen kill four, abduct at least 40 in northwest Nigeria
Armed men killed four people, including two policemen, and kidnapped at least 40 others in an attack on Kaura Namoda, in Nigeria's northwest Zamfara state, police and residents said.
Zamfara police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the attack and said reinforcements have been deployed to the Kasuwar Daji district of the town where the incident took place.
"They took more than 40 women and children, including some elderly men," said witnesses.
Gangs of heavily armed men referred to as bandits by locals have wreaked havoc across Nigeria's northwest in the past three years, kidnapping thousands of people, killing hundreds and making it unsafe to travel by road or to farm in some areas.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Armed men killed four people, including two policemen, and kidnapped at least 40 others in an attack on Kaura Namoda, in Nigeria's northwest Zamfara state, police and residents said.
Zamfara police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the attack and said reinforcements have been deployed to the Kasuwar Daji district of the town where the incident took place.
"They took more than 40 women and children, including some elderly men," said witnesses.
Gangs of heavily armed men referred to as bandits by locals have wreaked havoc across Nigeria's northwest in the past three years, kidnapping thousands of people, killing hundreds and making it unsafe to travel by road or to farm in some areas.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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🇲🇼 Viral conjunctivitis outbreak in northern Malawi
Malawi has confirmed an outbreak of viral conjunctivitis in the Karonga district, with 109 cases reported since 1 February.
The disease was first identified among long-distance travellers from neighbouring Tanzania, officials at the Songwe border post, and later within the community, Karonga’s director of health services, David Sibale, said.
An outbreak of viral conjunctivitis was reported in Tanzania in mid-January.
By the end of the month, it had spread to 17 regions in both the mainland and the islands of Zanzibar, with more than 5,000 cases recorded.
Kenya, Comoros, Madagascar and Mayotte have also recorded cases.
#Malawi
@africaintel
Malawi has confirmed an outbreak of viral conjunctivitis in the Karonga district, with 109 cases reported since 1 February.
The disease was first identified among long-distance travellers from neighbouring Tanzania, officials at the Songwe border post, and later within the community, Karonga’s director of health services, David Sibale, said.
An outbreak of viral conjunctivitis was reported in Tanzania in mid-January.
By the end of the month, it had spread to 17 regions in both the mainland and the islands of Zanzibar, with more than 5,000 cases recorded.
Kenya, Comoros, Madagascar and Mayotte have also recorded cases.
#Malawi
@africaintel
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🇺🇳🇸🇳 UN urges security forces in Senegal to respect and ensure human rights
As protests continue in Senegal against President Macky Sall’s decision to delay the country’s elections to December, there is increasing concern by the UN over the behaviour of security forces.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other human rights organisations have called on the authorities to "ensure that they uphold the country’s long-held tradition of democracy and respect for human rights."
“It is crucial that the authorities unequivocally order the security forces to respect and ensure human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” said OHCHR spokesperson.
“At least three young men were killed during protests and at least 266 people have reportedly been arrested across the country, including journalists,” she said.
#UN #Senegal
@africaintel
As protests continue in Senegal against President Macky Sall’s decision to delay the country’s elections to December, there is increasing concern by the UN over the behaviour of security forces.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other human rights organisations have called on the authorities to "ensure that they uphold the country’s long-held tradition of democracy and respect for human rights."
“It is crucial that the authorities unequivocally order the security forces to respect and ensure human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” said OHCHR spokesperson.
“At least three young men were killed during protests and at least 266 people have reportedly been arrested across the country, including journalists,” she said.
#UN #Senegal
@africaintel
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🇨🇮 Ivory Coast president rewards football team for their AFCON win
Celebrations for Ivory Coast’s football team continued on Tuesday as the country marked its victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Players, coaches, and officials were received by head of state, Alassane Ouattara, for a reception at the Presidential Palace.
The victorious Elephants, African champions in 2023, received medals from Ouattara and each members of the squad received a monetary gift.
In the country’s National Order of Merit, team officials were awarded the rank of Commander, while the coaches and players were named Chevalier and officers.
President showed his gratitude and confidence in team, which "showed bravery and resilience throughout the African Cup of Nations."
#IvoryCoast
@africaintel
Celebrations for Ivory Coast’s football team continued on Tuesday as the country marked its victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Players, coaches, and officials were received by head of state, Alassane Ouattara, for a reception at the Presidential Palace.
The victorious Elephants, African champions in 2023, received medals from Ouattara and each members of the squad received a monetary gift.
In the country’s National Order of Merit, team officials were awarded the rank of Commander, while the coaches and players were named Chevalier and officers.
President showed his gratitude and confidence in team, which "showed bravery and resilience throughout the African Cup of Nations."
#IvoryCoast
@africaintel
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🇳🇬🇸🇳 Nigeria's president's postpones visit to Senegal
Nigeria's President and ECOWAS Head, Bola Tinubu, had a scheduled meeting with President Sall for Monday.
As of now, no new date has been arranged for the visit.
The anticipated discussion between the Nigerian leader and Sall was aimed at urging the Senegalese President to uphold his country's constitution and steer clear of plunging Senegal into prolonged turmoil.
This call comes in the wake of recent protests sparked by the postponement of the presidential elections slated for the end of this month.
#Nigeria #Senegal
@africaintel
Nigeria's President and ECOWAS Head, Bola Tinubu, had a scheduled meeting with President Sall for Monday.
As of now, no new date has been arranged for the visit.
The anticipated discussion between the Nigerian leader and Sall was aimed at urging the Senegalese President to uphold his country's constitution and steer clear of plunging Senegal into prolonged turmoil.
This call comes in the wake of recent protests sparked by the postponement of the presidential elections slated for the end of this month.
#Nigeria #Senegal
@africaintel
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🇲🇬 Madagascar approved the law allowing castration of child rapists
Madagascar's Parliament has passed a law allowing for the chemical and, in some cases, surgical castration of those found guilty of the rape of a minor.
The law has prompted criticism from international rights groups, but also found support from activists who say it's an appropriate deterrent to rapes.
Parliament in Madagascar passed the law on February 2 and the Senate, the upper house, approved it last week. It must now be ratified by the High Constitutional Court and signed into law by President Andry Rajoelina, who first raised the issue in December.
Justice Minister Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa said it's a necessary move because of an increase in child rape cases.
Offenders would also face sterner sentences of up to life in prison as well as castration.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascar's Parliament has passed a law allowing for the chemical and, in some cases, surgical castration of those found guilty of the rape of a minor.
The law has prompted criticism from international rights groups, but also found support from activists who say it's an appropriate deterrent to rapes.
Parliament in Madagascar passed the law on February 2 and the Senate, the upper house, approved it last week. It must now be ratified by the High Constitutional Court and signed into law by President Andry Rajoelina, who first raised the issue in December.
Justice Minister Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa said it's a necessary move because of an increase in child rape cases.
Offenders would also face sterner sentences of up to life in prison as well as castration.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
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