🇨🇩 Congo's South Kivu governor suspends mining operations in province
The governor of Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province has suspended all mining activities in the restive region and ordered companies and operators to leave mining sites, he said on Friday.
Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki said in a statement that the suspension until further notice was due to "disorder caused by the mining operators," without elaborating.
"All companies, businesses and cooperatives are required to leave the sites and operating locations within 72 hours," he said.
The decision will hit artisanal miners of metals such as gold and tin hard, as they are the region's dominant producers.
"The decision is illegal and falls within the scope of abuse of power," said Jean Pierre Okenda, an analyst on governance in Congo's extractive sector, adding that Congo's mines minister should urgently ask for the ban to be lifted.
In a separate statement, the governor called for a July 30 meeting with mining operators to assess the situation.
#DRC
@africaintel
The governor of Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province has suspended all mining activities in the restive region and ordered companies and operators to leave mining sites, he said on Friday.
Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki said in a statement that the suspension until further notice was due to "disorder caused by the mining operators," without elaborating.
"All companies, businesses and cooperatives are required to leave the sites and operating locations within 72 hours," he said.
The decision will hit artisanal miners of metals such as gold and tin hard, as they are the region's dominant producers.
"The decision is illegal and falls within the scope of abuse of power," said Jean Pierre Okenda, an analyst on governance in Congo's extractive sector, adding that Congo's mines minister should urgently ask for the ban to be lifted.
In a separate statement, the governor called for a July 30 meeting with mining operators to assess the situation.
#DRC
@africaintel
🇪🇸 Exhausted migrants arrive on beach in Spain's Canaries
Dozens of exhausted migrants arrived in a wooden boat on a beach in Spain's Canary Islands early on Friday amid a sharp rise in perilous crossings from Africa, with emergency personnel and a few stunned beachgoers rushing to help.
The boat carrying 64 people made it to the Las Burras beach on the island of Gran Canaria by its own means, authorities said. Eleven migrants were taken to hospitals, some by helicopter as four were in critical condition.
The number of migrants arriving irregularly by sea to the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean soared by 160% between January and July 15 from a year ago, totalling almost 20,000 people, according to Spain's interior ministry.
Overall arrivals by sea to Spain, including across the mainland, grew by 88% to around 25,300 people.
#Spain
@africaintel
Dozens of exhausted migrants arrived in a wooden boat on a beach in Spain's Canary Islands early on Friday amid a sharp rise in perilous crossings from Africa, with emergency personnel and a few stunned beachgoers rushing to help.
The boat carrying 64 people made it to the Las Burras beach on the island of Gran Canaria by its own means, authorities said. Eleven migrants were taken to hospitals, some by helicopter as four were in critical condition.
The number of migrants arriving irregularly by sea to the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean soared by 160% between January and July 15 from a year ago, totalling almost 20,000 people, according to Spain's interior ministry.
Overall arrivals by sea to Spain, including across the mainland, grew by 88% to around 25,300 people.
#Spain
@africaintel
🇰🇪 Kenya president unveils 'broad-based' cabinet amid crisis
Kenya's embattled president has announced a plan to form a new "broad-based government" following weeks of deadly anti-government protests sparked by an unpopular tax bill.
However, six of the 11 ministers President William Ruto proposed in Friday's address were from the cabinet he sacked just last week. When dismissing that cabinet, Mr Ruto had said the move came after "reflection and listening to Kenyans".
On Friday, he said the "crisis" Kenya was experiencing was lesser than the "opportunity" before the country. The demonstrations, in which more than 40 people died, began as a response to the tax rises.
However, after the government withdrew these proposals, the predominantly young protesters broadened their demands.
After he sacked his cabinet last Thursday, Kenya's police chief resigned.
Human rights groups had accused police of shooting dozens of protesters, some of them fatally, and abducting or arbitrarily arresting hundreds more.
On Friday, Mr Ruto said the 11 ministers he proposed were a "first batch" that would have to be approved by lawmakers in the National Assembly before being appointed.
One of the most notable names put forward by the president is Kithure Kindiki, who if appointed, would resume his position as the interior minister.
This is despite numerous calls for him to resign over the way the police and armed forces handled the protests.
As for the other key ministries, Mr Ruto put forward Debra Mlongo Barasa for minister of health, Julius Migos Ogamba for minister of education and Aden Barre Duale for minister of defence.
Mr Ruto said he had promised Kenyans he would "craft a broad-based government that would harness the enormous potential in our country to turbocharge our economic transformation and inclusive growth".
However, many Kenyans expected the new cabinet to not contain figures from the old one. They also expected it to be younger and dominated by professionals from various industries, as opposed to long-time politicians and presidential allies.
#Kenya
@africaintel
Kenya's embattled president has announced a plan to form a new "broad-based government" following weeks of deadly anti-government protests sparked by an unpopular tax bill.
However, six of the 11 ministers President William Ruto proposed in Friday's address were from the cabinet he sacked just last week. When dismissing that cabinet, Mr Ruto had said the move came after "reflection and listening to Kenyans".
On Friday, he said the "crisis" Kenya was experiencing was lesser than the "opportunity" before the country. The demonstrations, in which more than 40 people died, began as a response to the tax rises.
However, after the government withdrew these proposals, the predominantly young protesters broadened their demands.
After he sacked his cabinet last Thursday, Kenya's police chief resigned.
Human rights groups had accused police of shooting dozens of protesters, some of them fatally, and abducting or arbitrarily arresting hundreds more.
On Friday, Mr Ruto said the 11 ministers he proposed were a "first batch" that would have to be approved by lawmakers in the National Assembly before being appointed.
One of the most notable names put forward by the president is Kithure Kindiki, who if appointed, would resume his position as the interior minister.
This is despite numerous calls for him to resign over the way the police and armed forces handled the protests.
As for the other key ministries, Mr Ruto put forward Debra Mlongo Barasa for minister of health, Julius Migos Ogamba for minister of education and Aden Barre Duale for minister of defence.
Mr Ruto said he had promised Kenyans he would "craft a broad-based government that would harness the enormous potential in our country to turbocharge our economic transformation and inclusive growth".
However, many Kenyans expected the new cabinet to not contain figures from the old one. They also expected it to be younger and dominated by professionals from various industries, as opposed to long-time politicians and presidential allies.
#Kenya
@africaintel
🇸🇴🇹🇷 Turkey to send navy to Somalia after agreeing oil and gas search
Turkey is set to send navy support to Somali waters after the two countries agreed Ankara will sen d an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia to prospect for oil and gas.
President Tayyip Erdogan submitted a motion to the Turkish parliament late on Friday, seeking authorisation for the deployment of Turkish military to Somalia including the country's territorial waters, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
The move came a day after the Turkish energy ministry announced that Turkey will send an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia later this year to search for oil and gas as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between two countries.
Earlier this year, Turkey and Somalia signed a defence and economic cooperation agreement during Somali defence minister's visit to Ankara.
Turkey has become a close ally of the Somali government in recent years. Ankara has built schools, hospitals and infrastructure and provided scholarships for Somalis to study in Turkey.
#Somalia #Turkey
@africaintel
Turkey is set to send navy support to Somali waters after the two countries agreed Ankara will sen d an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia to prospect for oil and gas.
President Tayyip Erdogan submitted a motion to the Turkish parliament late on Friday, seeking authorisation for the deployment of Turkish military to Somalia including the country's territorial waters, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
The move came a day after the Turkish energy ministry announced that Turkey will send an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia later this year to search for oil and gas as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between two countries.
Earlier this year, Turkey and Somalia signed a defence and economic cooperation agreement during Somali defence minister's visit to Ankara.
Turkey has become a close ally of the Somali government in recent years. Ankara has built schools, hospitals and infrastructure and provided scholarships for Somalis to study in Turkey.
#Somalia #Turkey
@africaintel
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🇹🇬Togo is negotiating with the Sahel countries to create a corridor from the port of Lomé, which will improve regional integration, said Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dusset.
According to him, Togo wants to see the port of Lomé as “the main sea gate of the Sahel countries.”
“This project includes not only improving existing routes, but also developing a digital goods tracking system to speed up customs formalities,” he said.
#Togo
@africaintel
According to him, Togo wants to see the port of Lomé as “the main sea gate of the Sahel countries.”
“This project includes not only improving existing routes, but also developing a digital goods tracking system to speed up customs formalities,” he said.
#Togo
@africaintel
🇳🇬 Cholera outbreak: Medical experts, government move to curb spread
The Nigerian government is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak that has swept through the West African nation. As authorities work to contain the spread of this diarrheal disease, medical experts are urging residents to maintain proper hygiene when handling food and liquids.
Dr. Adewale Adeleye emphasized that thorough hand washing and safe food and water practices are crucial in preventing the spread of cholera. He advised citizens to heed all health advisories and take proactive measures, as the disease is highly transmissible.
"The cause of cholera is usually the contamination of food or water by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Ensuring safe water, environmental hygiene, and proper hand washing are key preventive measures," explained Dr. Adeleye. He also stressed the importance of safe food handling and preparation.
While vaccines are available for those at high risk, Dr. Adeleye noted that mass immunization is not currently advisable for cholera. "These vaccines are typically meant for specific at-risk groups, and their immunity wanes after two to three years, requiring booster doses," he said.
As of July 15, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 3,600 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 2.8 percent. Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, is primarily waterborne and linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. It is commonly transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, particularly affecting those in rural areas with poor hygiene practices and limited access to safe drinking water.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
The Nigerian government is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak that has swept through the West African nation. As authorities work to contain the spread of this diarrheal disease, medical experts are urging residents to maintain proper hygiene when handling food and liquids.
Dr. Adewale Adeleye emphasized that thorough hand washing and safe food and water practices are crucial in preventing the spread of cholera. He advised citizens to heed all health advisories and take proactive measures, as the disease is highly transmissible.
"The cause of cholera is usually the contamination of food or water by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Ensuring safe water, environmental hygiene, and proper hand washing are key preventive measures," explained Dr. Adeleye. He also stressed the importance of safe food handling and preparation.
While vaccines are available for those at high risk, Dr. Adeleye noted that mass immunization is not currently advisable for cholera. "These vaccines are typically meant for specific at-risk groups, and their immunity wanes after two to three years, requiring booster doses," he said.
As of July 15, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 3,600 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 2.8 percent. Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, is primarily waterborne and linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. It is commonly transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, particularly affecting those in rural areas with poor hygiene practices and limited access to safe drinking water.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
🇹🇳 The current President of Tunisia, Kais Said,announced that he plans to be re-elected as head of state in the upcoming elections on October 6.
He added that he intends to “continue the national liberation struggle.”
#Tunisia
@africaintel
He added that he intends to “continue the national liberation struggle.”
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇲🇱 Mali's 'king of kora' Toumani Diabate dies at 58
Mali's celebrated "king of kora," Toumani Diabate, passed away on Friday at the age of 58 following a brief illness, according to an announcement from his family on social media.
Diabate, a renowned master of the kora—a traditional West African stringed instrument—died at a private clinic in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Born in 1965 into a family of griots, Diabate was deeply rooted in Mali's rich cultural heritage, serving as a guardian of the nation's oral histories and traditions.
Throughout his career, Diabate was celebrated for his extraordinary skill and innovative approach to the kora. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional Malian music with contemporary influences earned him acclaim both in Africa and internationally.
The news of his passing has led to a wave of tributes from across the West African music scene. Fellow musicians and admirers have praised Diabate for his profound impact on the music world. His contributions were recognized for bridging the gap between ancestral traditions and modern music, making a lasting imprint on Mali's cultural landscape.
#Mali
@africaintel
Mali's celebrated "king of kora," Toumani Diabate, passed away on Friday at the age of 58 following a brief illness, according to an announcement from his family on social media.
Diabate, a renowned master of the kora—a traditional West African stringed instrument—died at a private clinic in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Born in 1965 into a family of griots, Diabate was deeply rooted in Mali's rich cultural heritage, serving as a guardian of the nation's oral histories and traditions.
Throughout his career, Diabate was celebrated for his extraordinary skill and innovative approach to the kora. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional Malian music with contemporary influences earned him acclaim both in Africa and internationally.
The news of his passing has led to a wave of tributes from across the West African music scene. Fellow musicians and admirers have praised Diabate for his profound impact on the music world. His contributions were recognized for bridging the gap between ancestral traditions and modern music, making a lasting imprint on Mali's cultural landscape.
#Mali
@africaintel
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Farmers Struggle Against Illegal Mining and Climate Change
Smallholder farmers in rural Gwanda, a region in Zimbabwe that borders South Africa, have been affected by a double shock – a combination of heat, droughts and floods caused by climate change, and water contamination and damaged land caused by illegal, small-scale mining.
Droughts in Gwanda have significantly affected rural farmers and increased over the past 40 years. This has left many families impoverished after harvests failed. Illegal, small-scale mining for gold in Zimbabwe has resulted in deforestation, land degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity in the area, making the problem worse.
Not all small-scale mining in Zimbabwe is illegal. Some artisanal miners have a valid mining claim, a licence to engage in mining activities on an allocated piece of land, and pay taxes to the local authorities and government. Illegal small-scale mining, on the other hand, is mining without permits in any area where the miners suspect that there is gold. There are an estimated 400,000 illegal, small-scale miners in Zimbabwe.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
Smallholder farmers in rural Gwanda, a region in Zimbabwe that borders South Africa, have been affected by a double shock – a combination of heat, droughts and floods caused by climate change, and water contamination and damaged land caused by illegal, small-scale mining.
Droughts in Gwanda have significantly affected rural farmers and increased over the past 40 years. This has left many families impoverished after harvests failed. Illegal, small-scale mining for gold in Zimbabwe has resulted in deforestation, land degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity in the area, making the problem worse.
Not all small-scale mining in Zimbabwe is illegal. Some artisanal miners have a valid mining claim, a licence to engage in mining activities on an allocated piece of land, and pay taxes to the local authorities and government. Illegal small-scale mining, on the other hand, is mining without permits in any area where the miners suspect that there is gold. There are an estimated 400,000 illegal, small-scale miners in Zimbabwe.
#Zimbabwe
@africaintel
🇿🇲 Zambia asks mining companies to increase energy saving efforts
Officials have asked mining companies in Africa’s second-biggest copper producer to double their power-saving efforts to 40% of normal demand. Zesco Ltd., the state power utility, requested operators to increase curtailments or source their own emergency power from this month.
Copper is crucial to Zambia and the industry generates about 70% of export earnings, so the government has sought to shield mines from the power crisis. Residential electricity users endure daily power cuts lasting at least 12 hours. Production has so far been stable thanks to co-operation between the mining industry and the government, said Sokwani Chilembo, chief executive officer at the Zambia Chamber of Mines.
Africa’s second-biggest copper producer is experiencing its worst drought in decades as it saps hydroelectric generation.
#Zambia
@africaintel
Officials have asked mining companies in Africa’s second-biggest copper producer to double their power-saving efforts to 40% of normal demand. Zesco Ltd., the state power utility, requested operators to increase curtailments or source their own emergency power from this month.
Copper is crucial to Zambia and the industry generates about 70% of export earnings, so the government has sought to shield mines from the power crisis. Residential electricity users endure daily power cuts lasting at least 12 hours. Production has so far been stable thanks to co-operation between the mining industry and the government, said Sokwani Chilembo, chief executive officer at the Zambia Chamber of Mines.
Africa’s second-biggest copper producer is experiencing its worst drought in decades as it saps hydroelectric generation.
#Zambia
@africaintel
🇸🇩 Flooding in Darfur, Sudan
The Sudanese region of Darfur has been cut off from UN food supplies due to heavy rains, says Eddie Rowe, director of the World Food Program in the African country (WFP).
“Now there are huge rivers here. At the moment, our convoy, which is supposed to transport more than 2,000 tons, is stuck,” Rowe said.
He said thousands of tons of humanitarian aid were stuck at the Tina crossing on the border with Chad, prompting the organization to resume negotiations with the army-backed government to open an alternative crossing at Adre.
#Sudan
@africaintel
The Sudanese region of Darfur has been cut off from UN food supplies due to heavy rains, says Eddie Rowe, director of the World Food Program in the African country (WFP).
“Now there are huge rivers here. At the moment, our convoy, which is supposed to transport more than 2,000 tons, is stuck,” Rowe said.
He said thousands of tons of humanitarian aid were stuck at the Tina crossing on the border with Chad, prompting the organization to resume negotiations with the army-backed government to open an alternative crossing at Adre.
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇱🇷 Anti-homosexuality law in Liberia
The Liberian House of Representatives has begun considering amendments to the anti-homosexuality law, which should make non-traditional relationships a criminal offense.
The motion was made by MP Johnson Williams. He commented that he wanted to make Liberia's position on this issue clear.
#Liberia
@africaintel
The Liberian House of Representatives has begun considering amendments to the anti-homosexuality law, which should make non-traditional relationships a criminal offense.
The motion was made by MP Johnson Williams. He commented that he wanted to make Liberia's position on this issue clear.
#Liberia
@africaintel
🇪🇷 The African Tour de France cyclist racking up historic wins
To his fans, he’s the “African king” - an international star and the first black African to win a Tour de France stage.
Biniam Girmay did that not only once but three times this year at road cycling's premier event. Barring an accident, the 24-year-old looks set to win the green jersey on Sunday - a prize awarded to the best sprinter over the gruelling three-week competition.
But Girmay's journey to the top has been riddled with obstacles - he has battled culture shocks, Europe's visa procedures and the loneliness of being thousands of miles away from his wife and young daughter.
Now, he is embracing his role as a hero in his home country - Eritrea - and an inspiration for cyclists across Africa as a whole.
Many believe Girmay's success will spark change in an overwhelmingly white sport - in this year's Tour de France he is the only black rider in the whole peloton of 176 riders.
Girmay - or Bini to his loved ones and fans - was born and raised in Eritrea, a small East African country with a population of around 3.7 million.
Cycling is one of Eritrea's most popular sports, a pastime picked up during decades of Italian colonial rule.
#Eritrea
@africaintel
To his fans, he’s the “African king” - an international star and the first black African to win a Tour de France stage.
Biniam Girmay did that not only once but three times this year at road cycling's premier event. Barring an accident, the 24-year-old looks set to win the green jersey on Sunday - a prize awarded to the best sprinter over the gruelling three-week competition.
But Girmay's journey to the top has been riddled with obstacles - he has battled culture shocks, Europe's visa procedures and the loneliness of being thousands of miles away from his wife and young daughter.
Now, he is embracing his role as a hero in his home country - Eritrea - and an inspiration for cyclists across Africa as a whole.
Many believe Girmay's success will spark change in an overwhelmingly white sport - in this year's Tour de France he is the only black rider in the whole peloton of 176 riders.
Girmay - or Bini to his loved ones and fans - was born and raised in Eritrea, a small East African country with a population of around 3.7 million.
Cycling is one of Eritrea's most popular sports, a pastime picked up during decades of Italian colonial rule.
#Eritrea
@africaintel
🇳🇬 Nigeria's Dangote refinery in talks with Libya to secure oil
Nigeria's Dangote refinery is in talks with Libya to secure crude for the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant and will also seek Angolan oil, a senior executive said, as it seeks to overcome problems with domestic supplies.
The $20 billion refinery, built by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote on the outskirts of Lagos is Africa's largest, and is designed to end Nigeria's dependence on imported fuels because of insufficient refining capacity.
Since Dangote began operations in January, it has been unable to get adequate crude supplies in Nigeria, which, although Africa's biggest oil producer, is struggling with theft, pipeline vandalism and low investment.
Dangote has resorted to importing crude from as far as Brazil and the United States.
"We are talking to Libya about importing crude," Dangote refinery senior executive Devakumar Edwin told Reuters late on Saturday. "We will talk to Angola as well and some other countries in Africa."
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Nigeria's Dangote refinery is in talks with Libya to secure crude for the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant and will also seek Angolan oil, a senior executive said, as it seeks to overcome problems with domestic supplies.
The $20 billion refinery, built by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote on the outskirts of Lagos is Africa's largest, and is designed to end Nigeria's dependence on imported fuels because of insufficient refining capacity.
Since Dangote began operations in January, it has been unable to get adequate crude supplies in Nigeria, which, although Africa's biggest oil producer, is struggling with theft, pipeline vandalism and low investment.
Dangote has resorted to importing crude from as far as Brazil and the United States.
"We are talking to Libya about importing crude," Dangote refinery senior executive Devakumar Edwin told Reuters late on Saturday. "We will talk to Angola as well and some other countries in Africa."
#Nigeria
@africaintel
🇿🇦 South African police discovered a laboratory with components for the production of methamphetamine worth $109 million. Four people were arrested in the case, including two Mexican citizens.
There is currently no information on whether the drugs were produced for distribution within the country or for distribution outside the Republic of South Africa.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
There is currently no information on whether the drugs were produced for distribution within the country or for distribution outside the Republic of South Africa.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
🇺🇬 Uganda protest organisers playing with fire, president says
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has warned protesters that they will be "playing with fire" if they press ahead with plans to stage an anti-corruption march to parliament on Tuesday.
Young Ugandans have been organising the march on social media to demand an end to corruption in government.
They have been partly inspired by their counterparts in neighbouring Kenya, who organised mass demonstrations that forced President William Ruto to drop plans to increase taxes. The protests have since morphed into calls for his resignation.
In a televised address, Mr Museveni warned the Ugandan organisers that their planned protest would not be tolerated.
"We are busy producing wealth… and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us," he said.
Mr Museveni is accused by his critics of ruling Uganda with an iron hand since taking power in 1986, but his supporters praise him for maintaining stability in the East African state.
The president also accused some of the protest organisers of "always working with foreigners" to cause chaos in Uganda. He did not elaborate.
Police had earlier announced that they had refused to give permission for the march to take place.
#Uganda
@africaintel
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has warned protesters that they will be "playing with fire" if they press ahead with plans to stage an anti-corruption march to parliament on Tuesday.
Young Ugandans have been organising the march on social media to demand an end to corruption in government.
They have been partly inspired by their counterparts in neighbouring Kenya, who organised mass demonstrations that forced President William Ruto to drop plans to increase taxes. The protests have since morphed into calls for his resignation.
In a televised address, Mr Museveni warned the Ugandan organisers that their planned protest would not be tolerated.
"We are busy producing wealth… and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us," he said.
Mr Museveni is accused by his critics of ruling Uganda with an iron hand since taking power in 1986, but his supporters praise him for maintaining stability in the East African state.
The president also accused some of the protest organisers of "always working with foreigners" to cause chaos in Uganda. He did not elaborate.
Police had earlier announced that they had refused to give permission for the march to take place.
#Uganda
@africaintel
🇨🇩 In DRC’s Ituri, women coffee farmers wrestle with an uncertain future
Local cooperatives are stepping in to support vulnerable farmers, mostly women, struggling in conflict-ridden eastern DRC.
DRC has some of the most fertile land in the world and has often been dubbed a “paradise for coffee” for its high-quality produce.
The eastern part of the country was once lucrative for coffee production and a significant cash crop for residents.
But the conflict, which has spurred massive waves of displacements, has negatively affected the region’s agriculture, contributing to DRC losing almost 75 percent of its coffee production in 40 years.
The conflict has also made it difficult to gauge the exact amount of coffee production happening in eastern DRC; and challenges in the region continue to embitter farmers towards growing coffee.
For women, who make up 80 percent of the labour force in coffee farms as the fighting draws men to the front lines, working on farms amid conflict means multiplied dangers and challenges, with little support.
#DRCongo
@africaintel
Local cooperatives are stepping in to support vulnerable farmers, mostly women, struggling in conflict-ridden eastern DRC.
DRC has some of the most fertile land in the world and has often been dubbed a “paradise for coffee” for its high-quality produce.
The eastern part of the country was once lucrative for coffee production and a significant cash crop for residents.
But the conflict, which has spurred massive waves of displacements, has negatively affected the region’s agriculture, contributing to DRC losing almost 75 percent of its coffee production in 40 years.
The conflict has also made it difficult to gauge the exact amount of coffee production happening in eastern DRC; and challenges in the region continue to embitter farmers towards growing coffee.
For women, who make up 80 percent of the labour force in coffee farms as the fighting draws men to the front lines, working on farms amid conflict means multiplied dangers and challenges, with little support.
#DRCongo
@africaintel
🇳🇬 The Informal Economy is both a Lifeline and a Bottleneck for Nigeria’s Economic Development
Businesses in Nigeria’s informal market, encompassing around 40 million small enterprises, contribute over half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a recent 2024 Informal Economy Report, powered by nine-year-old Nigerian payment startup Moniepoint. The report highlights that informal business owners are predominantly young, with most between 25-34 years old, and 89% of these businesses pay some form of taxes.
The primary motivation for starting an informal business is unemployment. The retail and general trade sectors dominate, and half of the business owners run more than one venture. The informal economy in Nigeria is vast, with enterprises ranging from market traders and street vendors to roadside mechanics and home-based artisans. These businesses operate outside formal regulatory and tax systems, yet they are vital to the economy, providing jobs and fostering innovation.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Businesses in Nigeria’s informal market, encompassing around 40 million small enterprises, contribute over half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a recent 2024 Informal Economy Report, powered by nine-year-old Nigerian payment startup Moniepoint. The report highlights that informal business owners are predominantly young, with most between 25-34 years old, and 89% of these businesses pay some form of taxes.
The primary motivation for starting an informal business is unemployment. The retail and general trade sectors dominate, and half of the business owners run more than one venture. The informal economy in Nigeria is vast, with enterprises ranging from market traders and street vendors to roadside mechanics and home-based artisans. These businesses operate outside formal regulatory and tax systems, yet they are vital to the economy, providing jobs and fostering innovation.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
🇩🇿 Algerian opposition denounces 'unfair conditions' in upcoming election
Political challengers in Algeria are sounding the alarm over a presidential election scheduled for 7 September, which will see incumbent Abdelmadjid Tebboune seek a second term in office. It comes five years after he was elected in a vote widely rejected by the opposition.
Prominent opposition figure Louisa Hanoune, the leader of the Workers' Party, this week withdrew her candidacy, citing "unfair conditions". Her party will boycott the vote entirely.
Hanoune, who entered the race two months ago, denounced what she alleged were attempts to exclude her party from the race and prevent voters from choosing freely between parties.
In a press release, she stressed that democracy depends on respecting fundamental freedoms that allow people to voice their will. Hanoune, 70, stood in three presidential elections between 2004 and 2014.
During 2019 protests that culminated in President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's resignation, she was imprisoned on charges of conspiracy against the state and military. After spending approximately 10 months in detention, she was acquitted and released in May 2020.
#Algeria
@africaintel
Political challengers in Algeria are sounding the alarm over a presidential election scheduled for 7 September, which will see incumbent Abdelmadjid Tebboune seek a second term in office. It comes five years after he was elected in a vote widely rejected by the opposition.
Prominent opposition figure Louisa Hanoune, the leader of the Workers' Party, this week withdrew her candidacy, citing "unfair conditions". Her party will boycott the vote entirely.
Hanoune, who entered the race two months ago, denounced what she alleged were attempts to exclude her party from the race and prevent voters from choosing freely between parties.
In a press release, she stressed that democracy depends on respecting fundamental freedoms that allow people to voice their will. Hanoune, 70, stood in three presidential elections between 2004 and 2014.
During 2019 protests that culminated in President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's resignation, she was imprisoned on charges of conspiracy against the state and military. After spending approximately 10 months in detention, she was acquitted and released in May 2020.
#Algeria
@africaintel
🇳🇬 Nigeria doubles minimum wage for Government workers after strikes
Public sector workers in Nigeria on the minimum wage will see their salaries double after the government reached an agreement on Thursday with labour unions that have been threatening further strikes as the cost of living spirals.
The new minimum monthly wage is set at 70,000 naira ($44), six times lower than what the unions were demanding. They accepted the offer with “mixed feelings” considering the country’s economic woes, Nigerian Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero said Thursday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, the nation's capital.
The new pay award will not take immediate effect as federal lawmakers must still have to pass a new law to approve it.
Since assuming office in Nigeria in May last year, Tinubu enacted policies that include doing away with fuel subsidies and unifying the country’s multiple exchange rates, leading to the devaluation of the naira against the dollar. Gasoline prices have more than doubled and inflation has continued to rise further as a result, reaching 34.1% last month, the highest in nearly three decades.
Unions were asking for the current minimum wage of 30,000 naira to be increased to nearly 500,000, which the government rejected, resulting in a fresh strike that grounded Africa’s most populous country to a halt.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Public sector workers in Nigeria on the minimum wage will see their salaries double after the government reached an agreement on Thursday with labour unions that have been threatening further strikes as the cost of living spirals.
The new minimum monthly wage is set at 70,000 naira ($44), six times lower than what the unions were demanding. They accepted the offer with “mixed feelings” considering the country’s economic woes, Nigerian Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero said Thursday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, the nation's capital.
The new pay award will not take immediate effect as federal lawmakers must still have to pass a new law to approve it.
Since assuming office in Nigeria in May last year, Tinubu enacted policies that include doing away with fuel subsidies and unifying the country’s multiple exchange rates, leading to the devaluation of the naira against the dollar. Gasoline prices have more than doubled and inflation has continued to rise further as a result, reaching 34.1% last month, the highest in nearly three decades.
Unions were asking for the current minimum wage of 30,000 naira to be increased to nearly 500,000, which the government rejected, resulting in a fresh strike that grounded Africa’s most populous country to a halt.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
🇱🇾🇸🇩 Libya: UN Representative visits Kufra to see the situation of Sudanese refugees
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Georgette Gagnon, led a mission to Kufra on 18 July with the heads of five UN agencies to see the situation of Sudanese refugees and host communities, and guide the UN’s scaled up humanitarian response and action.
Since war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, over 1.8 million refugees, according to UNHCR, have been forced to flee to neighboring countries including to Libya, particularly to Kufra in southeastern Libya which hosts thousands of refugees from Sudan.
“Local authorities and host communities in Kufra and other cities in Libya have been actively assisting Sudanese refugees since the conflict,” said Gagnon. “More support, access and coordination are urgently needed to meet the increasing humanitarian and protection needs.”
#Libya #Sudan
@africaintel
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Georgette Gagnon, led a mission to Kufra on 18 July with the heads of five UN agencies to see the situation of Sudanese refugees and host communities, and guide the UN’s scaled up humanitarian response and action.
Since war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, over 1.8 million refugees, according to UNHCR, have been forced to flee to neighboring countries including to Libya, particularly to Kufra in southeastern Libya which hosts thousands of refugees from Sudan.
“Local authorities and host communities in Kufra and other cities in Libya have been actively assisting Sudanese refugees since the conflict,” said Gagnon. “More support, access and coordination are urgently needed to meet the increasing humanitarian and protection needs.”
#Libya #Sudan
@africaintel