๐ธ๐ณ Ousmane Sonko named as Senegal prime minister
New Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday appointed politician and key backer Ousmane Sonko as prime minister in his first act as president.
Sonko, an opponent of former President Macky Sall, is popular among the West African nation's youth but was barred from the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. He denied any wrongdoing.
Campaigning jointly under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko," Sonko urged supporters to vote for his top lieutenant, Faye, who ultimately won with over 54% of the vote in the first round.
Speaking after his appointment, Sonko said he would present Faye with a full list of proposed ministerial appointments for his approval.
"There will be no question of leaving him (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility", Sonko said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
New Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday appointed politician and key backer Ousmane Sonko as prime minister in his first act as president.
Sonko, an opponent of former President Macky Sall, is popular among the West African nation's youth but was barred from the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. He denied any wrongdoing.
Campaigning jointly under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko," Sonko urged supporters to vote for his top lieutenant, Faye, who ultimately won with over 54% of the vote in the first round.
Speaking after his appointment, Sonko said he would present Faye with a full list of proposed ministerial appointments for his approval.
"There will be no question of leaving him (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility", Sonko said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
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๐ณ๐ฌ Millions of Nigerians face power price hikes
Nigerians face soaring electricity bills if the government goes ahead with plans to scrap its subsidy for 15% of consumers.
Doing so would save the public purse $2.6bn but only heap more pressure on millions of people struggling under a cost-of-living crisis.
The move was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, as a way to ease pressure on public finances.
He did not say when the rate would go up, but said rates had last been reviewed in 2020.
#Nigeria
@arficaintel
Nigerians face soaring electricity bills if the government goes ahead with plans to scrap its subsidy for 15% of consumers.
Doing so would save the public purse $2.6bn but only heap more pressure on millions of people struggling under a cost-of-living crisis.
The move was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, as a way to ease pressure on public finances.
He did not say when the rate would go up, but said rates had last been reviewed in 2020.
#Nigeria
@arficaintel
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๐จ๐ฉ Health center was damaged in DR Congo rebel attack
At least 10 civilians were killed during an attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, reports say.
The rebels set fire to a health centre, looted shops and burned down houses in the nearby village of Mangodomu, according to Emmanuel Kathembo Salamu, the mayor of the city of Mangina in North Kivu province.
"The army is in contact with the enemy. Psychosis reigns here," the mayor said.
A patient at the health centre was reportedly among civilians who were killed during the attack.
#DRC
@africaintel
At least 10 civilians were killed during an attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, reports say.
The rebels set fire to a health centre, looted shops and burned down houses in the nearby village of Mangodomu, according to Emmanuel Kathembo Salamu, the mayor of the city of Mangina in North Kivu province.
"The army is in contact with the enemy. Psychosis reigns here," the mayor said.
A patient at the health centre was reportedly among civilians who were killed during the attack.
#DRC
@africaintel
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๐ฟ๐ฆ Jacob Zuma appeals against election ban
Former President Jacob Zuma has filed an appeal against South Africa's electoral commission, which last week barred him from standing in forthcoming elections.
The 81-year-old served as president from 2009 until 2018, when he had to step down because of corruption allegations.
He was convicted and received a 15-month prison sentence in 2021 for contempt of court - and the constitution says anyone who has had a prison sentence of longer than 12 months is not eligible to run for election.
The AFP news agency reports that court papers filed on his behalf argue that the electoral commission "had no valid reasons to violate the political rights of [former] President Zuma".
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
Former President Jacob Zuma has filed an appeal against South Africa's electoral commission, which last week barred him from standing in forthcoming elections.
The 81-year-old served as president from 2009 until 2018, when he had to step down because of corruption allegations.
He was convicted and received a 15-month prison sentence in 2021 for contempt of court - and the constitution says anyone who has had a prison sentence of longer than 12 months is not eligible to run for election.
The AFP news agency reports that court papers filed on his behalf argue that the electoral commission "had no valid reasons to violate the political rights of [former] President Zuma".
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
๐ฌ๐ฆ Parties debate democratic future for Gabon Talks have begun in Gabon over the country's transition to civilian rule. Representatives from more than 100 political parties are taking part in what's being called an Inclusive National Dialogue. The processโฆ
๐ฌ๐ฆ Gabon leader mulls truth and reconciliation push
Gabon's transitional president, Brig Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, has hinted at the possible creation of a truth, justice and reconciliation commission to address atrocities in the country's past.
The military junta "reserves the right to analyse the merits" of such a commission, he said.
Nguema's remarks about a truth process come amid growing calls for justice for 2016's post-election violence, when then-President Ali Bongo was controversially re-elected in disputed circumstances.
"The timeframe of a transition seems, to me, far too narrow to establish responsibility for each event," said Gen Nguema. It is unclear if his statement is an indirect request for more time in power, or more time to get a commission up and running.
#Gabon
@africaintel
Gabon's transitional president, Brig Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, has hinted at the possible creation of a truth, justice and reconciliation commission to address atrocities in the country's past.
The military junta "reserves the right to analyse the merits" of such a commission, he said.
Nguema's remarks about a truth process come amid growing calls for justice for 2016's post-election violence, when then-President Ali Bongo was controversially re-elected in disputed circumstances.
"The timeframe of a transition seems, to me, far too narrow to establish responsibility for each event," said Gen Nguema. It is unclear if his statement is an indirect request for more time in power, or more time to get a commission up and running.
#Gabon
@africaintel
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๐ธ๐ฉ Sudan suspends work of Al Arabiya, Al Hadath and Sky News Arabia channels, state news agency says
Sudan suspended the work of Saudi state-owned broadcasters Al Arabiya, Al Hadath and UAE-owned Sky News Arabia channel "due to its lack of commitment to the required professionalism and transparency and failure to renew its licenses", Sudanese state news agency (SUNA) said.
The suspension was prompted by the broadcasters' "lack of commitment to the required professionalism and transparency" and their failure to renew their licences, Information Minister Minister Graham Abdel Gader said.
Both Al Hadath and Al Arabiya said they were not officially informed of the suspension and have often renewed their licences.
The suspension comes just days after Sudan's foreign ministry accused Sky News Arabia of airing a forged militant report.
#Sudan
@africaintel
Sudan suspended the work of Saudi state-owned broadcasters Al Arabiya, Al Hadath and UAE-owned Sky News Arabia channel "due to its lack of commitment to the required professionalism and transparency and failure to renew its licenses", Sudanese state news agency (SUNA) said.
The suspension was prompted by the broadcasters' "lack of commitment to the required professionalism and transparency" and their failure to renew their licences, Information Minister Minister Graham Abdel Gader said.
Both Al Hadath and Al Arabiya said they were not officially informed of the suspension and have often renewed their licences.
The suspension comes just days after Sudan's foreign ministry accused Sky News Arabia of airing a forged militant report.
#Sudan
@africaintel
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๐ณ๐ฆ Namibia investigates surge in rhino poaching in Etosha park
Namibian authorities are investigating a surge in rhino poaching that has seen 28 rhinos poached already this year, two-thirds of them in the country's flagship Etosha National Park.
It was particularly concerning that 19 rhinos were poached in Etosha this year, given the park is a focus for conservation efforts and a major international tourist attraction, the environment ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Of the rhinos poached, 19 were critically-endangered black rhinos and nine near-threatened white rhinos.
No suspects have been arrested yet.
"We condemn the barbaric actions of those involved and urge anyone with any information that may assist us in apprehending the suspects to come forth," the ministry's statement said.
Rhinos are poached for their horns, which are used in East Asian countries for making traditional medicines and jewellery.
#Namibia
@africaintel
Namibian authorities are investigating a surge in rhino poaching that has seen 28 rhinos poached already this year, two-thirds of them in the country's flagship Etosha National Park.
It was particularly concerning that 19 rhinos were poached in Etosha this year, given the park is a focus for conservation efforts and a major international tourist attraction, the environment ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Of the rhinos poached, 19 were critically-endangered black rhinos and nine near-threatened white rhinos.
No suspects have been arrested yet.
"We condemn the barbaric actions of those involved and urge anyone with any information that may assist us in apprehending the suspects to come forth," the ministry's statement said.
Rhinos are poached for their horns, which are used in East Asian countries for making traditional medicines and jewellery.
#Namibia
@africaintel
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๐ฟ๐ฆ South African policymakers in talks on lowering inflation target said central bank's governor
South African policymakers are in discussions on lowering the central bank's inflation target, its governor said on Wednesday, adding that a lower target would make the country more competitive and bring the central bank in line with peers.
Lesetja Kganyago told he personally preferred a decision that would lower the target from its current range of between 3% and 6% "before we get to 2025", but that teams from the South African Reserve Bank and National Treasury were still identifying the appropriate range and risks associated with it.
"Our teams are in conversation now," Kganyago said. "The teams will advise the governor and the (finance) minister and say ok this is the appropriate target and this is the appropriate timeline within which we have got to achieve the target."
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
South African policymakers are in discussions on lowering the central bank's inflation target, its governor said on Wednesday, adding that a lower target would make the country more competitive and bring the central bank in line with peers.
Lesetja Kganyago told he personally preferred a decision that would lower the target from its current range of between 3% and 6% "before we get to 2025", but that teams from the South African Reserve Bank and National Treasury were still identifying the appropriate range and risks associated with it.
"Our teams are in conversation now," Kganyago said. "The teams will advise the governor and the (finance) minister and say ok this is the appropriate target and this is the appropriate timeline within which we have got to achieve the target."
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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Forwarded from .
๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ท South Africa's foreign ministry ัalls for justice following attack on Iranian consulate in Damascus
The South African Government has expressed its deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and has extended its condolences to the government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria.
South Africa has appealed to the UN, and it condemns the violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The South African Government has expressed its deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and has extended its condolences to the government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria.
"The South African Government views any attack on a diplomatic or consular establishment as a flagrant violation of international law that offers protection to diplomatic as well as consular representatives in a host state. The principle of protection of diplomatic and consular premises and staff constitutes a basic principle of International Law, which is required for the orderly conduct of relations between states," the statement reads.
South Africa has appealed to the UN, and it condemns the violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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๐ณ๐ฌ Nigerian state under curfew amid abductions
Nigeria's restive north-western Zamfara state has imposed a curfew along its borders with Sokoto and Katsina states in a bid to curb escalating cases of kidnapping in the area.
Movement will be restricted between 19:00 and 06:00 local time, the state's Commissioner for Information and Culture was quoted by local media as saying.
โThis is to tackle the incessant kidnapping of travellers along the Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua highway," Alhaji Mannir Haidara added.
Cases of kidnapping for ransom have surged in north-western Nigeria, where armed gangs, locally referred to as bandits, target villages, schools, and travellers.
Last month, dozens of schoolchildren were abducted but later rescued in Kaduna state.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Nigeria's restive north-western Zamfara state has imposed a curfew along its borders with Sokoto and Katsina states in a bid to curb escalating cases of kidnapping in the area.
Movement will be restricted between 19:00 and 06:00 local time, the state's Commissioner for Information and Culture was quoted by local media as saying.
โThis is to tackle the incessant kidnapping of travellers along the Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua highway," Alhaji Mannir Haidara added.
Cases of kidnapping for ransom have surged in north-western Nigeria, where armed gangs, locally referred to as bandits, target villages, schools, and travellers.
Last month, dozens of schoolchildren were abducted but later rescued in Kaduna state.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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๐ฒ๐ฟ Mozambique bans import of dog breeds deemed dangerous
Mozambiqueโs agriculture ministry has banned the import of dog breeds considered to be dangerous.
The decision is aimed at combatting the numerous dog attacks that have been reported all over the country.
Dog bites are common in Mozambique. In the first half of last year, around 9,000 people were bitten, a reduction of 21% from 2022.
Some of the attacks have ended in serious injuries, amputations and even death.
The ban affects 26 breeds, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, bull terriers, bullmastiffs, German Shepherds, and Boerboels.
The measure however excludes dogs used by public security agencies, private security companies and disaster and rescue services.
Guide dogs and companion dogs for disabled people are also exempt.
All banned breeds that are already in the country, as well as their cross-breeds, must be registered with the authorities within 60 days.
#Mozambique
@africaintel
Mozambiqueโs agriculture ministry has banned the import of dog breeds considered to be dangerous.
The decision is aimed at combatting the numerous dog attacks that have been reported all over the country.
Dog bites are common in Mozambique. In the first half of last year, around 9,000 people were bitten, a reduction of 21% from 2022.
Some of the attacks have ended in serious injuries, amputations and even death.
The ban affects 26 breeds, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, bull terriers, bullmastiffs, German Shepherds, and Boerboels.
The measure however excludes dogs used by public security agencies, private security companies and disaster and rescue services.
Guide dogs and companion dogs for disabled people are also exempt.
All banned breeds that are already in the country, as well as their cross-breeds, must be registered with the authorities within 60 days.
#Mozambique
@africaintel
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๐ณ๐ฌ Nigeria's tax agency apologises after Easter message outcry
Nigeria's tax agency has apologised over an Easter message that was criticised as offensive and disrespectful by some Christians in the country.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Sunday shared a post on X saying: "Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes", local media reported.
The now-deleted post was denounced by a number of Christian organisations, which demanded that the tax agency apologise.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), an umbrella group, said the message was โoffensive and derogatory to the Christian faithโ.
The association's National Director Abimbola Ayuba also complained that the post continued a pattern of "provocative messages around religious holidays".
In the apology FIRS spokesperson Dare Adekanmbi said the post was not intended to detract from the significance of Easter.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Nigeria's tax agency has apologised over an Easter message that was criticised as offensive and disrespectful by some Christians in the country.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Sunday shared a post on X saying: "Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes", local media reported.
The now-deleted post was denounced by a number of Christian organisations, which demanded that the tax agency apologise.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), an umbrella group, said the message was โoffensive and derogatory to the Christian faithโ.
The association's National Director Abimbola Ayuba also complained that the post continued a pattern of "provocative messages around religious holidays".
In the apology FIRS spokesperson Dare Adekanmbi said the post was not intended to detract from the significance of Easter.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa parliament speaker resigns over corruption probe
South Africa's Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has resigned after police raided her home during a corruption investigation.
Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of soliciting bribes in return for awarding contracts during her time as defence minister.
She has denied the charges and said her resignation was "in no way an indication or admission of guilt".
She said given the "seriousness" of the probe she couldn't continue her role.
She became speaker in 2021. Before that, she served as defence minister for seven years.
Last week Ms Mapisa-Nqakula's lawyers filed a request for a court order to prevent her arrest, saying it would infringe on her dignity.
Judges rejected her bid on the basis that the matter was not urgent and they could not speculate on an arrest that was yet to happen.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
South Africa's Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has resigned after police raided her home during a corruption investigation.
Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of soliciting bribes in return for awarding contracts during her time as defence minister.
She has denied the charges and said her resignation was "in no way an indication or admission of guilt".
She said given the "seriousness" of the probe she couldn't continue her role.
She became speaker in 2021. Before that, she served as defence minister for seven years.
Last week Ms Mapisa-Nqakula's lawyers filed a request for a court order to prevent her arrest, saying it would infringe on her dignity.
Judges rejected her bid on the basis that the matter was not urgent and they could not speculate on an arrest that was yet to happen.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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๐ฟ๐ผ Zimbabwe declares state of disaster over severe drought
Zimbabwe has declared a state of disaster over a drought that has left around three million people facing hunger - making it the third country in southern Africa to raise the alarm.
Poor rains have wrought havoc across much of the region, where according to the UN's World Food Programme 20 million people don't have regular access to nutritious food.
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the country needs $2bn to combat the effects of food insecurity within its borders.
Much like in neighbouring Zambia and Malawi, which have also declared states of disaster and emergency, low rainfall has wiped out about half of Zimbabwe's maize crop โ the nation's staple food.
The grain shortage has subsequently pushed up food prices.
Zimbabwe now joins the regional scramble to find maize on the international market.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
Zimbabwe has declared a state of disaster over a drought that has left around three million people facing hunger - making it the third country in southern Africa to raise the alarm.
Poor rains have wrought havoc across much of the region, where according to the UN's World Food Programme 20 million people don't have regular access to nutritious food.
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the country needs $2bn to combat the effects of food insecurity within its borders.
Much like in neighbouring Zambia and Malawi, which have also declared states of disaster and emergency, low rainfall has wiped out about half of Zimbabwe's maize crop โ the nation's staple food.
The grain shortage has subsequently pushed up food prices.
Zimbabwe now joins the regional scramble to find maize on the international market.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
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๐ฐ๐ช๐น IMF ends Ethiopia visit without agreeing loan deal
A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Ethiopia to discuss the country's request for financial support, but left without reaching a deal.
The IMF said in a statement that it however "made substantial progress" in establishing how it could support the country's economic programme.
Discussions with Ethiopia's authorities will continue later this month, said the team's head, Alvaro Piris.
Ethiopia is on the verge of an economic crisis after defaulting on a $33m interest payment that was due in December.
The Paris Club - a group of creditor nations - set a condition for Ethiopia to secure an IMF loan by the end of March in order to maintain a debt-servicing deal that gives the country repayment relief until next year.
#IMF #Ethiopia
@africaintel
A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Ethiopia to discuss the country's request for financial support, but left without reaching a deal.
The IMF said in a statement that it however "made substantial progress" in establishing how it could support the country's economic programme.
Discussions with Ethiopia's authorities will continue later this month, said the team's head, Alvaro Piris.
Ethiopia is on the verge of an economic crisis after defaulting on a $33m interest payment that was due in December.
The Paris Club - a group of creditor nations - set a condition for Ethiopia to secure an IMF loan by the end of March in order to maintain a debt-servicing deal that gives the country repayment relief until next year.
#IMF #Ethiopia
@africaintel
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๐ฐ๐ช Kenyan doctors reject government offer to end strike
Kenyan doctors working in public hospitals have rejected a government offer aimed at ending a weeks-long strike that has hampered health services.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) went on strike on 14 March over the non-payment of salary arrears, delays by the government to deploy medical interns and other grievances.
Late on Tuesday, the government asked the doctors to end their strike, saying the salary arrears have been paid and that trainee doctors would be hired from Thursday this week.
"We decline these proposals in total," KMPDU chairman Abidan Mwachi said.
He said the government's offer does not "honour" a collective bargaining agreement that was signed in 2017, when a separate doctors' strike lasted for three months.
#Kenya
@africaintel
Kenyan doctors working in public hospitals have rejected a government offer aimed at ending a weeks-long strike that has hampered health services.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) went on strike on 14 March over the non-payment of salary arrears, delays by the government to deploy medical interns and other grievances.
Late on Tuesday, the government asked the doctors to end their strike, saying the salary arrears have been paid and that trainee doctors would be hired from Thursday this week.
"We decline these proposals in total," KMPDU chairman Abidan Mwachi said.
He said the government's offer does not "honour" a collective bargaining agreement that was signed in 2017, when a separate doctors' strike lasted for three months.
#Kenya
@africaintel
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๐ง๐ผ๐ฉ๐ช Botswana threatens to send 20,000 elephants to Germany
The president of Botswana has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in a dispute over conservation.
Earlier this year, Germany's environment ministry suggested there should be stricter limits on importing trophies from hunting animals.
Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi told German media this would only impoverish people in his country.
He said elephant numbers had exploded as a result of conservation efforts, and hunting helped keep them in check.
Germans should "live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to", Masisi told. "This is no joke."
Botswana is home to about a third of the world's elephant population - over 130,000 - more than it has space for.
Herds were causing damage to property, eating crops and trampling residents, Masisi said.
"We would like to offer such a gift to Germany," Masisi said, adding that he would not take no for an answer.
#Botswana #Germany
@africaintel
The president of Botswana has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in a dispute over conservation.
Earlier this year, Germany's environment ministry suggested there should be stricter limits on importing trophies from hunting animals.
Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi told German media this would only impoverish people in his country.
He said elephant numbers had exploded as a result of conservation efforts, and hunting helped keep them in check.
Germans should "live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to", Masisi told. "This is no joke."
Botswana is home to about a third of the world's elephant population - over 130,000 - more than it has space for.
Herds were causing damage to property, eating crops and trampling residents, Masisi said.
"We would like to offer such a gift to Germany," Masisi said, adding that he would not take no for an answer.
#Botswana #Germany
@africaintel
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๐ณ๐ฌ Nigeria's Dangote refinery supplies petroleum products to local market
Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery started supplying petroleum products to the local market on Tuesday, a company executive and fuel marketing associations said, a major step in the country's quest for energy independence.
The refinery, Africa's largest, was built on a peninsula on the outskirts of the commercial capital Lagos at a cost of $20 billion by the continent's richest man Aliko Dangote and was completed.
Dangote's group executive, Devakumar Edwin, confirmed shipping of diesel and jet fuel into the local market.
"We have substantial quantities. Products are being evacuated both by sea and road. Ships are lining up one after another to load diesel and aviation jet fuel," Edwin told.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery started supplying petroleum products to the local market on Tuesday, a company executive and fuel marketing associations said, a major step in the country's quest for energy independence.
The refinery, Africa's largest, was built on a peninsula on the outskirts of the commercial capital Lagos at a cost of $20 billion by the continent's richest man Aliko Dangote and was completed.
Dangote's group executive, Devakumar Edwin, confirmed shipping of diesel and jet fuel into the local market.
"We have substantial quantities. Products are being evacuated both by sea and road. Ships are lining up one after another to load diesel and aviation jet fuel," Edwin told.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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๐บ๐ฌ Top Ugandan court upholds anti-LGBT law
Uganda's Constitutional Court has upheld the country's anti-homosexuality law, which imposes life imprisonment and the death penalty on those involved in certain same-sex acts.
But the court did weaken the legislation, saying that parts of it violated constitutional rights.
Sections that criminalise behaviour such as allowing gay sex to happen at oneโs property, failing to report acts of homosexuality and giving someone a terminal illness through gay sex are to be struck.
"We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement," lead judge Richard Buteera said.
The petitioners say they will appeal against the ruling.
#Uganda
@africaintel
Uganda's Constitutional Court has upheld the country's anti-homosexuality law, which imposes life imprisonment and the death penalty on those involved in certain same-sex acts.
But the court did weaken the legislation, saying that parts of it violated constitutional rights.
Sections that criminalise behaviour such as allowing gay sex to happen at oneโs property, failing to report acts of homosexuality and giving someone a terminal illness through gay sex are to be struck.
"We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement," lead judge Richard Buteera said.
The petitioners say they will appeal against the ruling.
#Uganda
@africaintel
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๐ธ๐ด๐ช๐น Somalia expels Ethiopian envoy amid naval base dispute
Somalia said on Thursday it was expelling Ethiopia's ambassador, closing two Ethiopian consulates and recalling its own ambassador to Addis Ababa amid a dispute over Ethiopia's plan to build a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Ethiopian foreign ministry spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla said Ethiopia did not have any information on the matter, which was first officially announced by Somalia's prime minister's office.
"This follows the actions of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia which infringe upon Somalia's sovereignty and internal affairs," Somalia's foreign ministry said.
Somalia has given Ethiopia's ambassador 72 hours to leave the country and ordered the closure of the Ethiopian consulates in Somaliland and the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, the foreign ministry said.
Senior officials from Somaliland and Puntland, which is engaged in another constitutional dispute with Mogadishu, said the edicts would not apply in their territories.
#Somalia #Ethiopia
@africaintel
Somalia said on Thursday it was expelling Ethiopia's ambassador, closing two Ethiopian consulates and recalling its own ambassador to Addis Ababa amid a dispute over Ethiopia's plan to build a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Ethiopian foreign ministry spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla said Ethiopia did not have any information on the matter, which was first officially announced by Somalia's prime minister's office.
"This follows the actions of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia which infringe upon Somalia's sovereignty and internal affairs," Somalia's foreign ministry said.
Somalia has given Ethiopia's ambassador 72 hours to leave the country and ordered the closure of the Ethiopian consulates in Somaliland and the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, the foreign ministry said.
Senior officials from Somaliland and Puntland, which is engaged in another constitutional dispute with Mogadishu, said the edicts would not apply in their territories.
#Somalia #Ethiopia
@africaintel
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๐ธ๐ธ South Sudan president presses on holding elections as scheduled
President Salva Kiir warned lawmakers against an extension of the period of transition.
He argued it would deny citizens an opportunity to choose their leaders and urged parliament to pass the necessary laws to pave the way for the elections.
Parliament Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba said lawmakers would redouble their efforts to ensure that all the prerequisites for elections are met.
His adress to parliament which return from recess comes just weeks after Salava Kiir's deputy and former rival Riek Machar proposed a postponement of elections expected to be held in December.
Vice President Machar suggested last month an extension of the transitional governmentโs term to allow for adequate preparation for the elections.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
President Salva Kiir warned lawmakers against an extension of the period of transition.
He argued it would deny citizens an opportunity to choose their leaders and urged parliament to pass the necessary laws to pave the way for the elections.
Parliament Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba said lawmakers would redouble their efforts to ensure that all the prerequisites for elections are met.
His adress to parliament which return from recess comes just weeks after Salava Kiir's deputy and former rival Riek Machar proposed a postponement of elections expected to be held in December.
Vice President Machar suggested last month an extension of the transitional governmentโs term to allow for adequate preparation for the elections.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
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