U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman will step down from his post this month after more than nine months in the job, Reuters reports. David Satterfield, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Turkey, will take up the role, the report say. Feltman, a veteran U.S. diplomat, assumed …
Read More »Liberia: food shortage in all prisons
All detention facilities in Liberia have this week run out of food for inmates, causing two prisons, including the main Monrovia Central Prison, to temporarily shut their doors to newcomers, the BBC reports. The situation is being blamed on a number of factors including delays in remitting funds for food …
Read More »Nigeria: armed gangs declared terrorist groups
The Nigerian government through a statement, has formally designated all armed gangs popularly known as bandits, operating in the country, as terrorist groups. The declaration titled Terrorism (Prevention) Proscription Order Notice, 2021, is contained in a document released by the justice minister on Wednesday. The criminal gangs who rule in …
Read More »Burundi: Rwandans expelled for refusing to be vaccinated
At least twelve Rwandans including women and children have been expelled by the Burundian authorities after refusing to be vaccinated against covid-19. Those expelled said they had fled the ongoing mandatory vaccination campaign in Rwanda. The provincial governor, Albert Hatungimana, directed that they be deported to Rwanda. Last Thursday, nine …
Read More »Senegal: parliament rejects bill to toughen laws on homosexuality
Parliament in Senegal has rejected a bill introduced by 11 MPs to toughen existing laws against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Same-sex relationships in Senegal are already punishable by up to five years, and the new bill aimed to extend it to ten years. The Office of the …
Read More »Nigeria: prisoners shot dead in jailbreak attempt
At least two prisonners were shot dead and two others are being treated after an attempted jailbreak in Kosere prison in Nigeria’ s south-western Osun State, local media reported. A spokesperson for the prisons, now known as Nigeria correctional centre, told the BBC that some inmates had injured a warder …
Read More »Rwanda: several deaths after consuming banana brew
Eleven people have died and four others hospitalized in the Rwandan district of Bugesera since Christmas Day after drinking a local banana-based brew, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) confirmed. According to the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, high levels of methanol, found in the stomachs of victims who drank the …
Read More »South Africa: Zondo inquiry highlights systemic corruption during Zuma’s era
A South African corruption inquiry pointed to systemic graft during former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure in the first part of its report published on Tuesday, after more than three years of investigations involving more than 300 witnesses. The inquiry chaired by senior judge Raymond Zondo was established in 2018 to …
Read More »Sudan: US and EU warn military against naming own PM
The United States, Norway, Britain and the European Union have warned the Sudanese military against appointing their own prime minister, saying it would risk to plung the nation into conflict. The countries said they would not support a prime minister or government appointed without the involvement of a broad range …
Read More »Ethiopia: US special envoy expected this week for talks
The US special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, is expected in Ethiopia this week to hold talks with the authorities about the ongoing civil war. The US State Department said that Mr Feltman was “to engage with senior officials regarding the prospects for a broader peace”. Read …
Read More »