Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | AFP | Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Monday reopened a border crossing between their countries as part of an ongoing reconciliation between the former foes. The two leaders re-opened the border crossing between Humera in Ethiopia and Oum Hajer in …
Read More »China-US rivalry heading to East Africa
Donald Trump’s administration to focus on development finance and lending for infrastructure projects in Africa Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | The US will step up efforts to counter China’s growing influence in Africa this year, according to a recent report that shows the growing rivalry between the world’s two …
Read More »Restrictions and reforms: Saudi Arabia’s treatment of women
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | A desperate legal fight by 18-year-old Saudi Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun to stop her deportation from Bangkok airport has yet again shone a spotlight on the treatment of women in her homeland. Ultraconservative Saudi Arabia is striving to craft a new image — but …
Read More »Salah set to retain African Player of the Year title
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is set to be named 2018 African Player of the Year for a second successive time at a gala awards ceremony in Senegal Tuesday. The sharpshooter is competing against fellow English Premier League stars, Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane from Senegal …
Read More »Nigeria’s Buhari hands key colleague re-election role
Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday handed responsibility for his re-election campaign to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a sign of rapprochement with the man who masterminded his landmark 2015 election win. Former Lagos state governor Tinubu, head of the All Progressives Congress (APC), helped Buhari become …
Read More »Pressure mounts on DR Congo to announce election outcome
Kinshasa, DR Congo | AFP | Public and diplomatic pressure mounted Monday on the Democratic Republic of Congo to announce the outcome of December 30 elections to replace long-term leader Joseph Kabila. More than a week after the crucial poll, the volatile central African country’s electoral commission has not set …
Read More »UN chief condemns attempted coup in Gabon
United Nations, United States | AFP | UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned an attempted coup in Gabon, his spokesman said, recalling that the UN chief opposes unconstitutional changes of power by force. Gabon’s presidency said in a statement that soldiers burst into a state radio station at …
Read More »Gabon foils coup attempt, with ailing president out of country
Libreville, Gabon | AFP | Gabon foiled an attempted coup on Monday, capturing the rebel chief and killing two of his men after a group of soldiers stormed a radio station to call for an uprising while the country’s ailing president was abroad. Renegade soldiers burst into RTG state radio …
Read More »Pro-Bashir rally as Sudan says 800 protesters arrested
Khartoum, Sudan | AFP | More than 800 protesters have been arrested in anti-government demonstrations held across Sudan since last month, a minister said Monday, as hundreds gathered at a rally backing President Omar al-Bashir. Deadly protests have rocked Sudan since December 19, when unrest first broke out over a …
Read More »South Africa pushes UN to postpone DR Congo meeting
United Nations, United States | AFP | The UN Security Council has postponed a key meeting on the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, at South Africa’s request, after an announcement on the results was delayed, diplomats said. The council was due to hold a public meeting Tuesday which …
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