OVER 260 WOMEN RAPED DURING CONGO PRISON BREAK
An internal UN report on the attempted prison escape from Makala prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this month reveals that more than 260 female inmates were sexually assaulted in the ensuing chaos.
The report also records that 17 of these women were under the age of 19. Many of the women were raped by more than one person and, in one case, a woman said she was raped by at least a dozen men.
Post-rape kits and emergency contraception were provided to all the women within 72 hours.
On 2nd September, prison guards opened fire on inmates attempting to escape Makala prison, killing at least 129 people. The mayhem spread over to the women’s block, where sexual assaults took place.
In the wake of the rapes and deaths, Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi called for investigations and a special inquiry commission has been established.
An internal UN report on the attempted prison escape from Makala prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this month reveals that more than 260 female inmates were sexually assaulted in the ensuing chaos.
The report also records that 17 of these women were under the age of 19. Many of the women were raped by more than one person and, in one case, a woman said she was raped by at least a dozen men.
Post-rape kits and emergency contraception were provided to all the women within 72 hours.
On 2nd September, prison guards opened fire on inmates attempting to escape Makala prison, killing at least 129 people. The mayhem spread over to the women’s block, where sexual assaults took place.
In the wake of the rapes and deaths, Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi called for investigations and a special inquiry commission has been established.
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NIGERIA'S DEVASTATING FLOODS
Devastating floods in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Nigeria have displaced around 1-million people and killed at least 40. Although floods are not uncommon in Northern Nigeria, UNHCR Nigeria said these floods were the worst in 30 years. Residential areas were submerged in water after heavy rains caused a dam to overflow and collapse. At least 274 inmates also escaped from a prison in the North Eastern State amid the heavy flooding. Wild animals have been swept into residential areas. Officials say the floods have killed or washed away 80% of the animals from the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo in Maiduguri.
Damaged septic tanks and flooded graveyards have spurred fears of a rapid spread of infectious diseases. The disaster increases the risk of food insecurity in the vulnerable region, which is the heart of a 15-year violent insurgency led by Boko Haram.
Video credits: @Aljazeera, @YoungProdigy
Devastating floods in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Nigeria have displaced around 1-million people and killed at least 40. Although floods are not uncommon in Northern Nigeria, UNHCR Nigeria said these floods were the worst in 30 years. Residential areas were submerged in water after heavy rains caused a dam to overflow and collapse. At least 274 inmates also escaped from a prison in the North Eastern State amid the heavy flooding. Wild animals have been swept into residential areas. Officials say the floods have killed or washed away 80% of the animals from the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo in Maiduguri.
Damaged septic tanks and flooded graveyards have spurred fears of a rapid spread of infectious diseases. The disaster increases the risk of food insecurity in the vulnerable region, which is the heart of a 15-year violent insurgency led by Boko Haram.
Video credits: @Aljazeera, @YoungProdigy
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SAHEL ALLIANCE: ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States - also known by its (French) acronym AES. This began as a defence agreement signed by the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Today, the AES represents an anti-imperialist bloc at the vanguard of the pan-African revolution. The three states have expelled French and other Western military forces, nationalised important economic sectors, forged relations with countries that oppose Western domination and are working to build a unified pan-African state.
In this video, Assimi Goïta - president of Mali and the current president of the AES confederation - recalls the history of the alliance and announces upcoming steps for the near future - including shared passports and a new media platform to serve the bloc. He also gives a special shout out to the diaspora for its role in defending the AES.
What do you think of the AES’s activities over the last year?
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States - also known by its (French) acronym AES. This began as a defence agreement signed by the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Today, the AES represents an anti-imperialist bloc at the vanguard of the pan-African revolution. The three states have expelled French and other Western military forces, nationalised important economic sectors, forged relations with countries that oppose Western domination and are working to build a unified pan-African state.
In this video, Assimi Goïta - president of Mali and the current president of the AES confederation - recalls the history of the alliance and announces upcoming steps for the near future - including shared passports and a new media platform to serve the bloc. He also gives a special shout out to the diaspora for its role in defending the AES.
What do you think of the AES’s activities over the last year?
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RSF LOOTS SUDAN’S NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have looted the country’s National Museum in Khartoum, smuggling artefacts across the border to South Sudan, according to reports by Sudan's national broadcaster, SBC. The RSF paramilitary - engaged in a war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023 - reportedly carried out a large-scale looting and smuggling operation earlier this year.
Satellite images confirm the movement of trucks loaded with museum items, though specific details on the stolen artefacts have not been disclosed. Knowledge of the extent of the looting is limited since the RSF controls the area.
Some of these items were allegedly offered for sale online and on social media.
The RSF had previously been accused of looting the museum at the onset of the conflict - something it denied, claiming it was protecting the site.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have looted the country’s National Museum in Khartoum, smuggling artefacts across the border to South Sudan, according to reports by Sudan's national broadcaster, SBC. The RSF paramilitary - engaged in a war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023 - reportedly carried out a large-scale looting and smuggling operation earlier this year.
Satellite images confirm the movement of trucks loaded with museum items, though specific details on the stolen artefacts have not been disclosed. Knowledge of the extent of the looting is limited since the RSF controls the area.
Some of these items were allegedly offered for sale online and on social media.
The RSF had previously been accused of looting the museum at the onset of the conflict - something it denied, claiming it was protecting the site.
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Continued... In a separate incident, RSF fighters also raided the M Bolheim Bioarchaeology Laboratory in Khartoum, where ancient human remains are housed.
The ongoing conflict between the RSF and SAF has displaced over 10-million people and left a third of Sudan’s population on the brink of famine. Rights groups have accused the RSF of committing numerous atrocities, including unlawful killings, rapes and ethnic cleansing, with violence in Darfur potentially amounting to genocide against the Massalit community.
The looting of Sudan’s cultural heritage adds to the devastating impact of the ongoing war on the country’s people and history.
The ongoing conflict between the RSF and SAF has displaced over 10-million people and left a third of Sudan’s population on the brink of famine. Rights groups have accused the RSF of committing numerous atrocities, including unlawful killings, rapes and ethnic cleansing, with violence in Darfur potentially amounting to genocide against the Massalit community.
The looting of Sudan’s cultural heritage adds to the devastating impact of the ongoing war on the country’s people and history.
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ALLIANCE OF SAHEL STATES TO ISSUE NEW JOINT PASSPORT
One year ago on this day, the presidents of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger gathered to sign the Charter of Liptako-Gourma - creating the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). On this first anniversary, the bloc has announced a new shared passport for the three member states. It’s also creating a shared media outlet that will broadcast across the trio of nations. The AES has been going from strength to strength - its members officially leaving ECOWAS and upgrading ties to the status of a confederation. The eventual aim is to unite into a single, anti-imperialist, pan-African state. What do you think of that idea?
One year ago on this day, the presidents of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger gathered to sign the Charter of Liptako-Gourma - creating the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). On this first anniversary, the bloc has announced a new shared passport for the three member states. It’s also creating a shared media outlet that will broadcast across the trio of nations. The AES has been going from strength to strength - its members officially leaving ECOWAS and upgrading ties to the status of a confederation. The eventual aim is to unite into a single, anti-imperialist, pan-African state. What do you think of that idea?
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DEATH PENALTY FOR 3 U.S. COUP PLOTTERS IN DRC
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 37 people, including some foreigners, to death - for an attempted coup on 19th May. Three US citizens were among those handed capital punishment for trying to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi. The coup was led by Christain Malanga, a former Congolese army officer and politician with US citizenship. Citizens of Belgium, the UK and Canada - of Congolese origin - were also sentenced to death. Malanga led armed men into the presidential palace in Kinshasa, the capital, after attacking parliamentary speaker Vital Kamerhe's home. Malanga and five others were killed by security forces. 51 men were detained. Their trial started on 7th June at the Ndolo military prison. 14 men were acquitted. DR Congo lifted a 21-year ban on the death penalty just two months before the botched power grab. Defence lawyers say they will appeal the death sentences.
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 37 people, including some foreigners, to death - for an attempted coup on 19th May. Three US citizens were among those handed capital punishment for trying to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi. The coup was led by Christain Malanga, a former Congolese army officer and politician with US citizenship. Citizens of Belgium, the UK and Canada - of Congolese origin - were also sentenced to death. Malanga led armed men into the presidential palace in Kinshasa, the capital, after attacking parliamentary speaker Vital Kamerhe's home. Malanga and five others were killed by security forces. 51 men were detained. Their trial started on 7th June at the Ndolo military prison. 14 men were acquitted. DR Congo lifted a 21-year ban on the death penalty just two months before the botched power grab. Defence lawyers say they will appeal the death sentences.
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UGANDA TO BECOME OIL PRODUCER IN 2025
According to a September 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund, Uganda will join the league of oil-producing countries in late 2025. A $10-billion joint venture by Total Energies, Uganda National Oil Company, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Company will begin pumping crude oil from fields around Lake Albert in the northwest of the African country. A 1,443-kilometre (896-mile) pipeline is currently under construction to pump the black gold to Tanzania's coastal port of Tanga and, at its peak production, the Uganda Oil Project will pump 84.4-million barrels of oil annually. An oil refinery is also slated for completion in 2027.
According to a September 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund, Uganda will join the league of oil-producing countries in late 2025. A $10-billion joint venture by Total Energies, Uganda National Oil Company, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Company will begin pumping crude oil from fields around Lake Albert in the northwest of the African country. A 1,443-kilometre (896-mile) pipeline is currently under construction to pump the black gold to Tanzania's coastal port of Tanga and, at its peak production, the Uganda Oil Project will pump 84.4-million barrels of oil annually. An oil refinery is also slated for completion in 2027.
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Continued... East Africa consumes nearly 200,000 barrels of refined petroleum products daily, presenting an opportunity for Uganda to fill its treasury with much-needed cash and reduce its energy-import bill. However, the project has not come without controversy. Conservationists claim it has negatively impacted ecosystems and displaced more than 120,000 people from their land in Uganda and Tanzania. The project's proponents point to hypocrisy from Western conservationists, arguing that the West pushes green policies on Africa that it happily flouts itself. Take coal, for instance: when Africans produce it, it’s harmful stuff we should all stop using; but when there’s an energy crisis in Europe, suddenly it’s fine again.
What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.
What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.
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RUTO CAUGHT IN A LIE
Kenya’s president William Ruto - in an interview with broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) during his two-day visit to Germany - claimed 250,000 young Kenyans could expect to get jobs in Germany. But he was quickly fact-checked by the German interior ministry, which tweeted that Ruto’s claim was false and that the new labour and migration deal signed between Berlin and Nairobi “does not include any numbers or quotas of skilled workers who will have the opportunity to work in Germany.”
The migration deal, signed with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, states that skilled workers from Kenya can apply to live and work in Germany. It also facilitates the repatriation of Kenyans who failed their asylum requests and therefore don't have the right to stay in Germany.
It's not the first time Ruto has been caught lying.
Kenya’s president William Ruto - in an interview with broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) during his two-day visit to Germany - claimed 250,000 young Kenyans could expect to get jobs in Germany. But he was quickly fact-checked by the German interior ministry, which tweeted that Ruto’s claim was false and that the new labour and migration deal signed between Berlin and Nairobi “does not include any numbers or quotas of skilled workers who will have the opportunity to work in Germany.”
The migration deal, signed with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, states that skilled workers from Kenya can apply to live and work in Germany. It also facilitates the repatriation of Kenyans who failed their asylum requests and therefore don't have the right to stay in Germany.
It's not the first time Ruto has been caught lying.
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Continued... The ‘flying president’ tried to excuse splashing out 1.5-million dollars on a private jet for his recent state visit to the US by claiming that, overall, it was cheaper than using the national carrier Kenya Airways. But people did the maths and called him out: if Ruto and four of his top officials had booked first-class return tickets ($4,500 a pop) and if the rest of his 30-strong entourage had flown economy ($1,300 each), that would have come to $61,500. And if we add a hotel bill of $600 per person (covering three days), the total price of his state visit could have been around $82,500.
Or there’s the fact that - bowing to pressure from nationwide protests - he dismissed his cabinet and promised to install fresh faces. Yet his new ‘unity’ government of 11 included six old faces he’d just ‘dismissed.’
What is your level of trust in Ruto, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Or there’s the fact that - bowing to pressure from nationwide protests - he dismissed his cabinet and promised to install fresh faces. Yet his new ‘unity’ government of 11 included six old faces he’d just ‘dismissed.’
What is your level of trust in Ruto, on a scale of 1 to 10?
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CLINTON: ARMING AFGHAN MUJAHIDEEN WAS WORTH IT
In 2009, Hillary Clinton - then US Secretary of State - said that arming the Mujahideen to fight the Soviet Union in Afghanistan “wasn’t a bad investment.” That’s because, she claims, it helped bring on the collapse of the USSR.
Of course, this also led to the rise of the Taliban, which the US then went on to fight for 20 years in a campaign that ended in defeat and a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The Soviet collapse also threw millions into poverty and saw the rise of an oligarch class that captured key industries and robbed the country’s wealth.
Washington has also destabilised countries in Africa with its self-interested meddling.
For example, in Somalia, terror group al-Shabaab emerged from the power vacuum left by the removal of the Islamic Courts Union, which controlled Mogadishu until it was ousted by US-backed Ethiopian forces.
In 2009, Hillary Clinton - then US Secretary of State - said that arming the Mujahideen to fight the Soviet Union in Afghanistan “wasn’t a bad investment.” That’s because, she claims, it helped bring on the collapse of the USSR.
Of course, this also led to the rise of the Taliban, which the US then went on to fight for 20 years in a campaign that ended in defeat and a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The Soviet collapse also threw millions into poverty and saw the rise of an oligarch class that captured key industries and robbed the country’s wealth.
Washington has also destabilised countries in Africa with its self-interested meddling.
For example, in Somalia, terror group al-Shabaab emerged from the power vacuum left by the removal of the Islamic Courts Union, which controlled Mogadishu until it was ousted by US-backed Ethiopian forces.
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SWEDEN’S HUGE CASH CARROT FOR MIGRANTS TO GO AWAY
Sweden has announced a significant increase in the financial incentive for migrants to return to their home countries - raising the offer from around $978 to over $34,000 per person. This policy, set to take effect in 2026, is part of a broader shift in Sweden’s immigration approach, spurred by the rise of the right-wing Sweden Democrats, a party that has pushed for stricter migration policies. Critics, however, argue that the increase sends a negative message to immigrants, signalling that they are not welcome in Sweden.
The move has sparked debate, with a government inquiry advising against it, warning that it could hinder migrant integration and yield only modest economic benefits. In 2023, only one person took advantage of the existing repatriation grant, suggesting that even a larger amount may not attract significant interest.
Sweden has announced a significant increase in the financial incentive for migrants to return to their home countries - raising the offer from around $978 to over $34,000 per person. This policy, set to take effect in 2026, is part of a broader shift in Sweden’s immigration approach, spurred by the rise of the right-wing Sweden Democrats, a party that has pushed for stricter migration policies. Critics, however, argue that the increase sends a negative message to immigrants, signalling that they are not welcome in Sweden.
The move has sparked debate, with a government inquiry advising against it, warning that it could hinder migrant integration and yield only modest economic benefits. In 2023, only one person took advantage of the existing repatriation grant, suggesting that even a larger amount may not attract significant interest.
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Continued... Many refugees in Sweden come from conflict-ridden countries such as Syria and Afghanistan - with Africa mainly represented by Somalis, Eritreans and Ethiopian. Experts believe that financial incentives are unlikely to outweigh the challenges these individuals would face in their home nations. It also goes against international laws on refoulment, as the refugees have no guarantees of safety upon return.
Some experts and organisations argue that the funds would be better used on integration programmes, helping refugees learn the language, find jobs and build a future in Sweden. The increased repatriation grant is viewed by many as part of Sweden’s growing trend towards stricter immigration and asylum policies, reflecting a broader European shift towards curbing migration amid rising right-wing and populist movements.
Even though today, neocolonialism ensures that the Global South continues to be drained for the benefit of Western societies, many in Europe don't see the irony - that historically, Europeans were the ones who invaded and exploited the Global South.
Some experts and organisations argue that the funds would be better used on integration programmes, helping refugees learn the language, find jobs and build a future in Sweden. The increased repatriation grant is viewed by many as part of Sweden’s growing trend towards stricter immigration and asylum policies, reflecting a broader European shift towards curbing migration amid rising right-wing and populist movements.
Even though today, neocolonialism ensures that the Global South continues to be drained for the benefit of Western societies, many in Europe don't see the irony - that historically, Europeans were the ones who invaded and exploited the Global South.
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