TIMBUKTU UNDER SIEGE
Islamist militants have imposed a blockade on Timbuktu, a historic city in Mali. Local authorities say that, over the last few days, the insurgents have completely closed off all roads connecting the northern city to the rest of the region. Transportation links along the nearby Niger River have also been severed. This isolation has led to shortages of supplies and skyrocketing prices, with products unable to reach the city. Fuel prices have surged as well, with a litre of petrol rising from 845 CFA francs ($1.4) to 1,250 CFA francs ($2.06) in a single week.
Earlier, social-media messages linked to a commander from the al Qaeda-affiliated Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) declared war on the Timbuktu region, warning trucks against entering.
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Islamist militants have imposed a blockade on Timbuktu, a historic city in Mali. Local authorities say that, over the last few days, the insurgents have completely closed off all roads connecting the northern city to the rest of the region. Transportation links along the nearby Niger River have also been severed. This isolation has led to shortages of supplies and skyrocketing prices, with products unable to reach the city. Fuel prices have surged as well, with a litre of petrol rising from 845 CFA francs ($1.4) to 1,250 CFA francs ($2.06) in a single week.
Earlier, social-media messages linked to a commander from the al Qaeda-affiliated Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) declared war on the Timbuktu region, warning trucks against entering.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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Continued- TIMBUKTU UNDER SIEGE
The security crisis in Mali and across the Sahel can be traced back to NATO’s bombing of Libya and overspill from the ensuing civil war. Arms have trickled down south in the hands of militias, sparking conflicts that have killed thousands and displaced millions. Today, Burkina Faso, for example, controls only 60% of its territory (according to data from ECOWAS) - while for Mali, the figure is just 15% (according to a UN report).
Militarisation of the Sahel has not solved the problem. Various Western forces have made the region their home, but dozens of terror-related civilian deaths are reported daily.
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The security crisis in Mali and across the Sahel can be traced back to NATO’s bombing of Libya and overspill from the ensuing civil war. Arms have trickled down south in the hands of militias, sparking conflicts that have killed thousands and displaced millions. Today, Burkina Faso, for example, controls only 60% of its territory (according to data from ECOWAS) - while for Mali, the figure is just 15% (according to a UN report).
Militarisation of the Sahel has not solved the problem. Various Western forces have made the region their home, but dozens of terror-related civilian deaths are reported daily.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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SEA OF SUPPORT FOR NIGER COUP
Thousands of Nigeriens have again turned out in support of the coup. Mass rallies were held in Niamey at the weekend, where military leaders gave defiant messages in the face of new threats from ECOWAS.
The bloc’s announced it’s set a secret D-Day for an invasion if democracy is not restored.
However, people in the capital are making their feelings known loud and clear.
They back the power grab, saying for decades they’ve been failed by their government and its exploitative links with former coloniser France.
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Thousands of Nigeriens have again turned out in support of the coup. Mass rallies were held in Niamey at the weekend, where military leaders gave defiant messages in the face of new threats from ECOWAS.
The bloc’s announced it’s set a secret D-Day for an invasion if democracy is not restored.
However, people in the capital are making their feelings known loud and clear.
They back the power grab, saying for decades they’ve been failed by their government and its exploitative links with former coloniser France.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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RAMAPHOSA: NO MORE SHIPPING SAND AND ROCK!
A key topic at the BRICS summit being held in South Africa is how to help the African continent move away from being a mere shipper of “sand and stone” - to use host Cyril Ramaphosa’s phrase - to a position where it can itself do the high-end processing that ‘adds value’ to its highly-sought-after minerals. In his address, the South African president said Africa was ready to make the stuff that currently everybody else makes with its natural resources. A key to maximising the continent’s high-end processing potential, he says, is finding the right investors to help it industrialise - investors with an interest in a flourishing Africa.
What do you think?
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A key topic at the BRICS summit being held in South Africa is how to help the African continent move away from being a mere shipper of “sand and stone” - to use host Cyril Ramaphosa’s phrase - to a position where it can itself do the high-end processing that ‘adds value’ to its highly-sought-after minerals. In his address, the South African president said Africa was ready to make the stuff that currently everybody else makes with its natural resources. A key to maximising the continent’s high-end processing potential, he says, is finding the right investors to help it industrialise - investors with an interest in a flourishing Africa.
What do you think?
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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GOREE -ISLAND OF NO RETURN
Today is International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and it’s Abolition.
On the night of August 22-23rd, 1791, there was an uprising on Saint Domingue island, now Haiti, that played a crucial role in ending the brutal practice.
Between 1500 and 1866, over 12 million enslaved Africans were transported to the Americas. Nearly two million perished en route.
For many, their last stop before being packed onto ships was Gorée Island off the coast of Senegal’s capital Dakar.
We look at its dark history.
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Today is International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and it’s Abolition.
On the night of August 22-23rd, 1791, there was an uprising on Saint Domingue island, now Haiti, that played a crucial role in ending the brutal practice.
Between 1500 and 1866, over 12 million enslaved Africans were transported to the Americas. Nearly two million perished en route.
For many, their last stop before being packed onto ships was Gorée Island off the coast of Senegal’s capital Dakar.
We look at its dark history.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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MUGABE: WHY TAKING UP ARMS WAS RIGHT
As Zimbabweans go to the polls to chose a new leader, let’s remember the country’s most famous: Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe first as prime minster and then as president. Before that, though, he was an armed revolutionary in what was then colonial Rhodesia.
But he wasn’t always a fighter. He was a teacher who believed in peaceful and constitutional means to achieve independence for his country. Yet he felt compelled to take up arms when he realised that the White-minority regime of Rhodesia was unwilling to grant equal rights and freedom to the indigenous people of the land.
In this clip - taken from a news report right after his 1980 election win - Mugabe explains why he decided to join the liberation movement and lead a guerrilla war against the Rhodesian government.
Do you agree with his course of action?
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As Zimbabweans go to the polls to chose a new leader, let’s remember the country’s most famous: Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe first as prime minster and then as president. Before that, though, he was an armed revolutionary in what was then colonial Rhodesia.
But he wasn’t always a fighter. He was a teacher who believed in peaceful and constitutional means to achieve independence for his country. Yet he felt compelled to take up arms when he realised that the White-minority regime of Rhodesia was unwilling to grant equal rights and freedom to the indigenous people of the land.
In this clip - taken from a news report right after his 1980 election win - Mugabe explains why he decided to join the liberation movement and lead a guerrilla war against the Rhodesian government.
Do you agree with his course of action?
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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AU SUSPENDS NIGER
Niger’s been suspended from the African Union over the coup.
The AU also called on military leaders in Niamey to unconditionally return to their barracks and prioritise “the supreme interests of Niger and its people above all else.”
On top of that, the AU’s backed the hardline stance of ECOWAS and threat of military action to reinstate ousted President Bazoum.
All this while thousands of Nigeriens have come out in support of last month’s power grab, and Niger’s military leaders promised a return to civilian rule within three years.
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Niger’s been suspended from the African Union over the coup.
The AU also called on military leaders in Niamey to unconditionally return to their barracks and prioritise “the supreme interests of Niger and its people above all else.”
On top of that, the AU’s backed the hardline stance of ECOWAS and threat of military action to reinstate ousted President Bazoum.
All this while thousands of Nigeriens have come out in support of last month’s power grab, and Niger’s military leaders promised a return to civilian rule within three years.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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Continued - AU SUSPENDS NIGER
The AU’s move increases the risk of a bloodbath in Niger and raises questions about whose interests the organisation is serving.
We shouldn’t forget it gets 80 per cent of its funding from donors. What's more, while it's turfed out Niger, it's admitted Israel as an observer. This is a country that practices apartheid against Palestinians and sterilised Ethiopian women without their consent.
Is the AU really acting in Africa’s interests?
Maybe it’s a case of ‘He who pays the piper calls the tune.’
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
The AU’s move increases the risk of a bloodbath in Niger and raises questions about whose interests the organisation is serving.
We shouldn’t forget it gets 80 per cent of its funding from donors. What's more, while it's turfed out Niger, it's admitted Israel as an observer. This is a country that practices apartheid against Palestinians and sterilised Ethiopian women without their consent.
Is the AU really acting in Africa’s interests?
Maybe it’s a case of ‘He who pays the piper calls the tune.’
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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HAITIANS REJECT KENYAN-LED POLICE FORCE
Haitians are protesting against the possible deployment of a US-backed multinational security force. This follows the arrival of a Kenyan police delegation to Haiti in Port-au-Prince. The East African nation has committed to lead the force, and will deploy a contingent of 1,000 officers to help train Haitian police and assist in restoring order. The US has promised to back Kenya's deployment, and the move is seen by many Haitians as a ploy to perpetuate Western domination of their troubled country. The prospect reopens old wounds of occupation by outside forces, which the nation has had to fight so hard to expel over its history.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
Haitians are protesting against the possible deployment of a US-backed multinational security force. This follows the arrival of a Kenyan police delegation to Haiti in Port-au-Prince. The East African nation has committed to lead the force, and will deploy a contingent of 1,000 officers to help train Haitian police and assist in restoring order. The US has promised to back Kenya's deployment, and the move is seen by many Haitians as a ploy to perpetuate Western domination of their troubled country. The prospect reopens old wounds of occupation by outside forces, which the nation has had to fight so hard to expel over its history.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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XI: BRICS OPEN TO EXPANSION
BRICS is open to new members! Little wonder there are now between 20-40 nations looking to join the bloc. China's President Xi has called for greater representation of the Global South in global governance. Western media, such as Bloomberg, previously stated Brazil and India were against BRICS expansion, for fear of their influence waning. In recent weeks, both have publicly denied the claims, pouring cold water on possible Western wishful thinking.
Meanwhile those queuing up to join include Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria and Middle Eastern energy producers Iran and Saudi Arabia. There are increasing calls for BRICS members to use a common currency for trade to lessen dependence on the US dollar.
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BRICS is open to new members! Little wonder there are now between 20-40 nations looking to join the bloc. China's President Xi has called for greater representation of the Global South in global governance. Western media, such as Bloomberg, previously stated Brazil and India were against BRICS expansion, for fear of their influence waning. In recent weeks, both have publicly denied the claims, pouring cold water on possible Western wishful thinking.
Meanwhile those queuing up to join include Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria and Middle Eastern energy producers Iran and Saudi Arabia. There are increasing calls for BRICS members to use a common currency for trade to lessen dependence on the US dollar.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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Continued - XI: BRICS OPEN TO EXPANSION
Members China and South Africa also want the Global South to have more influence on the world stage. And BRICS seems to have a solid foundation on which to do that. Brazil and Russia are resource rich, while there's a strong industrial base through China and South Africa. Listen to what their leaders have been saying at the summit.
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Members China and South Africa also want the Global South to have more influence on the world stage. And BRICS seems to have a solid foundation on which to do that. Brazil and Russia are resource rich, while there's a strong industrial base through China and South Africa. Listen to what their leaders have been saying at the summit.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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BREAKING NEWS! NEW BRICS MEMBERS CONFIRMED
Breaking News! Six new BRICS members have been confirmed: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
They will become full-fledged members of the economic bloc starting January 2024. With the new additions, BRICS countries will comprise 46% of the world's population and account for 37% of global GDP (based on purchasing power parity).
Africa gets two new members: Egypt and Ethiopia. This will increase Africa's representation in global affairs as the new, multipolar order gains momentum.
Iran and Saudi Arabia's inclusion is a major economic and diplomatic coup for BRICS, thanks to their huge stakes in the oil-export market.
The new additions are another blow to Western dominance, acting as a strong counterweight to imperialist machinations in the Middle East and Global South more generally.
Let us know what you think of this big announcement in the comments below.
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Breaking News! Six new BRICS members have been confirmed: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
They will become full-fledged members of the economic bloc starting January 2024. With the new additions, BRICS countries will comprise 46% of the world's population and account for 37% of global GDP (based on purchasing power parity).
Africa gets two new members: Egypt and Ethiopia. This will increase Africa's representation in global affairs as the new, multipolar order gains momentum.
Iran and Saudi Arabia's inclusion is a major economic and diplomatic coup for BRICS, thanks to their huge stakes in the oil-export market.
The new additions are another blow to Western dominance, acting as a strong counterweight to imperialist machinations in the Middle East and Global South more generally.
Let us know what you think of this big announcement in the comments below.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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PUTIN | BRICS: DE DOLLARIZATION IN PROGRESS
The de-dollarisation train has left the station, and is going full-steam ahead. That was Vladimir Putin’s message, via video link, to the BRICS business forum taking place in Joburg, South Africa. The Russian president - who’s wanted by The Hague - is attending virtually, after Western pressure to have him arrested put the host nation in an awkward spot.
BRICS is fast creating an alternative to the Western-led global economic order. The five member nations have already surpassed the G7 in GDP (PPP). The widely felt need for alternatives to the dollar reflects US abuse of the global reserve currency. Thirty-nine countries are under US sanctions, and thus have limited use for the dollar. Africa is the most sanctioned continent.
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The de-dollarisation train has left the station, and is going full-steam ahead. That was Vladimir Putin’s message, via video link, to the BRICS business forum taking place in Joburg, South Africa. The Russian president - who’s wanted by The Hague - is attending virtually, after Western pressure to have him arrested put the host nation in an awkward spot.
BRICS is fast creating an alternative to the Western-led global economic order. The five member nations have already surpassed the G7 in GDP (PPP). The widely felt need for alternatives to the dollar reflects US abuse of the global reserve currency. Thirty-nine countries are under US sanctions, and thus have limited use for the dollar. Africa is the most sanctioned continent.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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Continued - PUTIN | BRICS: DE DOLLARIZATION IN PROGRESS
US macroeconomic policies don’t inspire trust either. By jacking up interest rates, dollar debtors have to pay more for debt-servicing, leaving little for public spending and social programmes. In this way, the Global South subsidises the US at the expense of the most vulnerable. Trends indicate a shift: in one year, the dollar’s share of global currency reserves dropped by 8% - from 55% in 2021 to 47% in 2022. That’s a decline that’s ten times faster than in the preceding two decades.
Moving away from the dollar thus makes business sense. Most of the applicants to the BRICS club are resource rich, which lends credibility to speculation the bloc is moving to a gold/commodity-backed currency. With this season’s summit having a special focus on Africa, the opportunities are there for the taking. Will Africa’s ruling class seize them?
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
US macroeconomic policies don’t inspire trust either. By jacking up interest rates, dollar debtors have to pay more for debt-servicing, leaving little for public spending and social programmes. In this way, the Global South subsidises the US at the expense of the most vulnerable. Trends indicate a shift: in one year, the dollar’s share of global currency reserves dropped by 8% - from 55% in 2021 to 47% in 2022. That’s a decline that’s ten times faster than in the preceding two decades.
Moving away from the dollar thus makes business sense. Most of the applicants to the BRICS club are resource rich, which lends credibility to speculation the bloc is moving to a gold/commodity-backed currency. With this season’s summit having a special focus on Africa, the opportunities are there for the taking. Will Africa’s ruling class seize them?
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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BRICS overtake G7
One reason there’s a bullish mood at the BRICS summit currently underway in Johannesburg is that the latest IMF data suggest that, collectively, member states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) have more economic clout than the G7 nations (US, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Japan).
The BRICS bloc has a combined share of global GDP (as based on Purchasing Power Parity - PPP) of 31.5%. For the G7, that figure is 30.7%. And the IMF forecast suggests the gap will only widen in the coming years. With more countries lining up to join BRICS, the group of ‘emerging economies’ is expected to contribute over 50% of global GDP by 2030.
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One reason there’s a bullish mood at the BRICS summit currently underway in Johannesburg is that the latest IMF data suggest that, collectively, member states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) have more economic clout than the G7 nations (US, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Japan).
The BRICS bloc has a combined share of global GDP (as based on Purchasing Power Parity - PPP) of 31.5%. For the G7, that figure is 30.7%. And the IMF forecast suggests the gap will only widen in the coming years. With more countries lining up to join BRICS, the group of ‘emerging economies’ is expected to contribute over 50% of global GDP by 2030.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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Continued - BRICS overtake G7
The BRICS bloc has a combined share of global GDP (as based on Purchasing Power Parity - PPP) of 31.5%. For the G7, that figure is 30.7%. And the IMF forecast suggests the gap will only widen in the coming years. With more countries lining up to join BRICS, the group of ‘emerging economies’ is expected to contribute over 50% of global GDP by 2030.
This growth represents a real shakeup of the existing global order, with BRICS members now wielding more power to influence changes in institutions such as the United Nations. Discussions at this year’s BRICS Summit in South Africa are centered on mechanisms for steering emerging economies, and with them the global economic order, away from a unilateral global base, led by the United States, to a multipolar one, led by the major BRICS economies.
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The BRICS bloc has a combined share of global GDP (as based on Purchasing Power Parity - PPP) of 31.5%. For the G7, that figure is 30.7%. And the IMF forecast suggests the gap will only widen in the coming years. With more countries lining up to join BRICS, the group of ‘emerging economies’ is expected to contribute over 50% of global GDP by 2030.
This growth represents a real shakeup of the existing global order, with BRICS members now wielding more power to influence changes in institutions such as the United Nations. Discussions at this year’s BRICS Summit in South Africa are centered on mechanisms for steering emerging economies, and with them the global economic order, away from a unilateral global base, led by the United States, to a multipolar one, led by the major BRICS economies.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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