London, United Kingdom | AFP | Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday announced the suspension of parliament in the final weeks before Britain’s EU departure date, enraging anti-Brexit MPs. The pound slid on the surprise news, which opponents branded a “coup” and a “declaration of war”, although US President Donald …
Read More »Sudan’s persecuted Christians eye long-sought freedom
Khartoum, Sudan | AFP | Sudan’s Christians suffered decades of persecution under the regime of Islamist general Omar al-Bashir. Now they hope his downfall will give the religious freedom they have long prayed for. Deep within the maze of dusty alleys that honeycomb Omdurman, Khartoum’s sprawling twin city, Yousef Zamgila’s …
Read More »Iran foreign minister Zarif makes surprise visit to G7 summit
Biarritz, France | AFP | Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif flew into Biarritz in southwestern France for the G7 summit on Sunday in a surprise attempt to break a diplomatic deadlock over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme. Zarif’s presence had not been announced and represented a gamble by French host …
Read More »DRC: Tshisekedi finally forms coalition government
DR Congo announces new govt seven months after president inaugurated Kinshasa, DR Congo | AFP | The Democratic Republic of Congo announced a coalition government Monday, seven months after the inauguration of new president Felix Tshisekedi. “The government is finally here. The president has signed the decree and we will …
Read More »SOUTH AFRICA: Buthelezi, 90, finally steps down as Inkatha Freedom Party leader
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Mangosuthu Buthelezi, head of the once-feared Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), on Saturday stepped down as party leader after 44 years. Buthelezi, 90 led the party from its inception, a reign marked by bloody territorial battles with ANC supporters in black townships …
Read More »Sudan swears in ruling council and prime minister Hamdok
Khartoum, Sudan | AFP | Sudan took further steps in its transition towards civilian rule Wednesday, with the swearing in of a new Sovereign Council and prime minister. A government is expected to be formed within a week, after which the new institutions can tackle the daunting task of rescuing …
Read More »KAGAME: It may take a bit of time to understand each other
Why Uganda and Rwanda leaders have signed pact to end months-long standoff Luanda, Angola | AFP | The presidents of Rwanda and Uganda on Wednesday signed an agreement in Angola to ease months of tensions after the two leaders exchanged accusations of spying, political assassinations and meddling. Rwanda’s President Paul …
Read More »Formation of Sudan’s sovereign council drags on
Khartoum, Sudan | AFP | Sudan’s transition towards civilian rule got off to a bumpy start as generals and protest leaders fell two days behind schedule Tuesday in unveiling a joint sovereign council. The body will replace the transitional military council that took over from longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir when …
Read More »A bad year for Xi as Communist China celebrates 70th birthday
Beijing, China | AFP | It was meant to be an unabashed celebration of the triumph of Communism in China, and of President Xi Jinping’s authority as the country’s undisputed leader for years to come. But as the People’s Republic of China approaches its 70th anniversary on October 1st, …
Read More »IN THE INDEPENDENT: The Zigy Wyne death
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The top stories in this week’s THE INDEPENDENT. COVER STORY Zigy Wyne death: ‘Kiwani’ in Kampala streetspeak means “something fake.” Musician Bobi Wine coined the word in 2007 as the title of his song that won that year’s award for best Afro beat single. …
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