🇪🇬🇫🇷🇵🇸 Egypt, France foreign ministers discussed Gaza
Egypt's top diplomat received his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne on Sunday in the New Administrative Capital.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned of a wider conflict in the region if a ceasefire was not reached in Gaza.
"The war in Gaza, the threats we are seeing towards the navigation in the Red Sea, the military operations that took place in Syria and Iraq as well as the military situation on the Israeli-Lebanese borders, all warns from the escalation of the situation and slipping towards a wider conflict," Shoukry said.
In his first official visit to the region, Sejourne said he rejects the forced displacement of Palestinians towards Egypt.
"You are worried about the forced displacement of people into your territory, we completely understand your concerns and the position of France is constant, we condemn and we refuse all actions that are a threat in this context."
#Egypt #France #Palestine
@africaintel
Egypt's top diplomat received his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne on Sunday in the New Administrative Capital.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned of a wider conflict in the region if a ceasefire was not reached in Gaza.
"The war in Gaza, the threats we are seeing towards the navigation in the Red Sea, the military operations that took place in Syria and Iraq as well as the military situation on the Israeli-Lebanese borders, all warns from the escalation of the situation and slipping towards a wider conflict," Shoukry said.
In his first official visit to the region, Sejourne said he rejects the forced displacement of Palestinians towards Egypt.
"You are worried about the forced displacement of people into your territory, we completely understand your concerns and the position of France is constant, we condemn and we refuse all actions that are a threat in this context."
#Egypt #France #Palestine
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal cuts internet access as lawmakers debate a bill to possibly extend the president's tenure
Senegal's government on Monday restricted access to the mobile internet as opposition leaders and supporters launched protests against President Macky Sall's decision to postpone the election.
Federal lawmakers were set to debate a bill that recommends an election delay of up to six months. It would put the next likely election date in August, four months after Sall's tenure is due to end.
The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy said the internet was cut "due to the dissemination of several hateful and subversive messages relayed on social networks in the context of threats and disturbances to public order."
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal's government on Monday restricted access to the mobile internet as opposition leaders and supporters launched protests against President Macky Sall's decision to postpone the election.
Federal lawmakers were set to debate a bill that recommends an election delay of up to six months. It would put the next likely election date in August, four months after Sall's tenure is due to end.
The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy said the internet was cut "due to the dissemination of several hateful and subversive messages relayed on social networks in the context of threats and disturbances to public order."
#Senegal
@africaintel
🛢🇳🇬 Shell agrees to develop Nigeria gas field for Dangote fertiliser
Shell Plc has made a final investment decision to build a gas supply facility in Nigeria to feed a fertiliser plant owned by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, the company said in a statement.
The new facility will supply 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from the Iseni field to the Dangote Fertiliser and Petrochemical plant for 10 years.
The $2.5 billion plant, Africa's largest urea complex with a 3-million-tonne output per year, accounts for 65% of Nigeria's fertiliser needs and can supply all the major markets in the sub-region.
"The agreement is a critical step in pursuing the development of the gas-rich Iseni field, which is part of the Okpokunou Cluster in Oil Mining Lease 35" in the oil-rich Bayelsa state, Shell's Nigeria chief said.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Shell Plc has made a final investment decision to build a gas supply facility in Nigeria to feed a fertiliser plant owned by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, the company said in a statement.
The new facility will supply 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from the Iseni field to the Dangote Fertiliser and Petrochemical plant for 10 years.
The $2.5 billion plant, Africa's largest urea complex with a 3-million-tonne output per year, accounts for 65% of Nigeria's fertiliser needs and can supply all the major markets in the sub-region.
"The agreement is a critical step in pursuing the development of the gas-rich Iseni field, which is part of the Okpokunou Cluster in Oil Mining Lease 35" in the oil-rich Bayelsa state, Shell's Nigeria chief said.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
🇳🇪 Bird flu outbreak declared in Niger capital
The capital city of Niger, Niamey, has been declared an infected zone after a fresh outbreak of the H5N1 strain of bird flu was detected in local birds.
The virus can cause life-threatening sickness in several species of birds including poultry and wild birds.
Humans in frequent contact with birds can also become infected. Symptoms can include fever, aching muscles, headache, and a cough or shortness of breath.
#Niger
@afrucaubtek
The capital city of Niger, Niamey, has been declared an infected zone after a fresh outbreak of the H5N1 strain of bird flu was detected in local birds.
The virus can cause life-threatening sickness in several species of birds including poultry and wild birds.
Humans in frequent contact with birds can also become infected. Symptoms can include fever, aching muscles, headache, and a cough or shortness of breath.
#Niger
@afrucaubtek
🇧🇫 Malaria vaccine is now available in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has now introduced the World Health Organization’s first recommended malaria vaccine - RTS,S - into its regular vaccination routine.
This means that infants who visit health facilities for their routine vaccination in Burkina Faso can now receive the malaria vaccine as an added way of staying protected from the disease.
The first phase of this vaccine rollout is targeting almost 250,000 infants aged five months to one year in 27 health districts that are worst-affected by malaria.
Every year 600,000 people die of malaria in Africa, according to the World Health Organization. Children under five make up at least 80% of those deaths.
#BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
Burkina Faso has now introduced the World Health Organization’s first recommended malaria vaccine - RTS,S - into its regular vaccination routine.
This means that infants who visit health facilities for their routine vaccination in Burkina Faso can now receive the malaria vaccine as an added way of staying protected from the disease.
The first phase of this vaccine rollout is targeting almost 250,000 infants aged five months to one year in 27 health districts that are worst-affected by malaria.
Every year 600,000 people die of malaria in Africa, according to the World Health Organization. Children under five make up at least 80% of those deaths.
#BurkinaFaso
@africaintel
🇲🇼 Malawi central bank raises policy rate by 200 basis points
Malawi's central bank raised its benchmark interest rate, opens new tab by 200 basis points to 26.0%, it said on Monday, citing a high inflation environment.
"The MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) observed that inflationary pressures have intensified, such that inflation is projected to persist before it starts to decline," the Reserve Bank of Malawi said in a statement.
"The decision is, therefore, intended to counter inflationary pressures and restore price stability."
Inflation in the southern African country reached 34.5% in December.
#Malawi
@africaintel
Malawi's central bank raised its benchmark interest rate, opens new tab by 200 basis points to 26.0%, it said on Monday, citing a high inflation environment.
"The MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) observed that inflationary pressures have intensified, such that inflation is projected to persist before it starts to decline," the Reserve Bank of Malawi said in a statement.
"The decision is, therefore, intended to counter inflationary pressures and restore price stability."
Inflation in the southern African country reached 34.5% in December.
#Malawi
@africaintel
🇸🇩 Sudanese RSF brings down telecoms networks across Sudan
Communications were down for most Sudanese on Monday in what two telecoms sector Reuter's sources and the army-aligned state news agency said was a deliberate move by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces who are battling the military.
Netblocks, an internet observer, shared data on X on Sunday that showed connectivity for two major providers, South African-owned MTN Sudan and state-owned Sudani, falling to zero and close to zero beginning on Friday.
According to state news agency SUNA and the two sources, the RSF shut the two providers' connections down as it demanded the restoration of network outages in the western region of Darfur, which it largely controls.
The Reuter's RSF source blamed the Darfur outages on the army, saying it had ordered months-long outages there and other areas that had not drawn similar outside concern.
#Sudan
@africaintel
Communications were down for most Sudanese on Monday in what two telecoms sector Reuter's sources and the army-aligned state news agency said was a deliberate move by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces who are battling the military.
Netblocks, an internet observer, shared data on X on Sunday that showed connectivity for two major providers, South African-owned MTN Sudan and state-owned Sudani, falling to zero and close to zero beginning on Friday.
According to state news agency SUNA and the two sources, the RSF shut the two providers' connections down as it demanded the restoration of network outages in the western region of Darfur, which it largely controls.
The Reuter's RSF source blamed the Darfur outages on the army, saying it had ordered months-long outages there and other areas that had not drawn similar outside concern.
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇿🇲💰 Zambia says no timeline on debt restructuring as IMF seeks compromise
Zambia's finance minister said on Monday he could not give a timeline for a debt restructuring deal with private creditors, while the IMF's Africa director urged all sides to compromise.
Zambia was the first African country to default on its sovereign debt during the COVID pandemic in late 2020, and its protracted restructuring efforts have been beset by delays.
"It is just a process. I cannot give you a timeline. I am hopeful," Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane told on the sidelines of a mining conference, asked when Zambia might reach a new deal to restructure the bonds.
"We've done everything on our side to get to debt restructuring. This is why we are saying that they (creditors) ought to recognise the pain and difficulties that arise as long as this debt is not restructured," he added.
#Zambia #IMF
@africaintel
Zambia's finance minister said on Monday he could not give a timeline for a debt restructuring deal with private creditors, while the IMF's Africa director urged all sides to compromise.
Zambia was the first African country to default on its sovereign debt during the COVID pandemic in late 2020, and its protracted restructuring efforts have been beset by delays.
"It is just a process. I cannot give you a timeline. I am hopeful," Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane told on the sidelines of a mining conference, asked when Zambia might reach a new deal to restructure the bonds.
"We've done everything on our side to get to debt restructuring. This is why we are saying that they (creditors) ought to recognise the pain and difficulties that arise as long as this debt is not restructured," he added.
#Zambia #IMF
@africaintel
🌍🇬🇳🇮🇹 African migrants arrested after the death of a Guinean in Italy
Roman authorities have arrested 14 migrants from nine countries for their alleged involvement in unrest at a repatriation center following the death of a migrant from Guinea, police said.
After the body was discovered Sunday morning, migrants at the center began setting mattresses on fire and throwing objects at law enforcement personnel. The migrants used telephone booths to knock down two partitions.
One group attacked parked police vehicles, setting one of them on fire, while another group entered a room where law enforcement kept personal items, which they destroyed. The suspects also destroyed eight video cameras, according to police.
The authorities used tear gas to calm the unrest, which continued into the evening. Three officers were injured.
#Africa #Guinea #Italy
@africaintel
Roman authorities have arrested 14 migrants from nine countries for their alleged involvement in unrest at a repatriation center following the death of a migrant from Guinea, police said.
After the body was discovered Sunday morning, migrants at the center began setting mattresses on fire and throwing objects at law enforcement personnel. The migrants used telephone booths to knock down two partitions.
One group attacked parked police vehicles, setting one of them on fire, while another group entered a room where law enforcement kept personal items, which they destroyed. The suspects also destroyed eight video cameras, according to police.
The authorities used tear gas to calm the unrest, which continued into the evening. Three officers were injured.
#Africa #Guinea #Italy
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegalese lawmakers vote to postpone presidential election to December 15
Senegal's parliament on Monday voted to hold a postponed presidential election on December 15 in the face of public outcry that led some opposition lawmakers to blockade proceedings until security forces intervened.
Riot police fired tear gas to disperse protests outside parliament as lawmakers discussed the bill that initially proposed rescheduling the February 25 vote to August 25 and keeping Sall in power until his successor is installed.
By the evening, just before the final vote, the bill was amended to propose the even later election date of December 15, but it was passed by 105 MPs in the 165-seat Assembly.
As lawmakers had been due to start the debate and vote on the bill, when around a dozen opposition members rushed the central dais and refused to leave.
More than two hours later, security forces moved them off the central area, allowing the vote to proceed.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal's parliament on Monday voted to hold a postponed presidential election on December 15 in the face of public outcry that led some opposition lawmakers to blockade proceedings until security forces intervened.
Riot police fired tear gas to disperse protests outside parliament as lawmakers discussed the bill that initially proposed rescheduling the February 25 vote to August 25 and keeping Sall in power until his successor is installed.
By the evening, just before the final vote, the bill was amended to propose the even later election date of December 15, but it was passed by 105 MPs in the 165-seat Assembly.
As lawmakers had been due to start the debate and vote on the bill, when around a dozen opposition members rushed the central dais and refused to leave.
More than two hours later, security forces moved them off the central area, allowing the vote to proceed.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇿🇲🇬🇧 Anglo American explores for copper, cobalt in Zambia
Anglo American, opens new tab is in the early stages of exploring for copper and cobalt in Zambia's North-Western province, its Chief Executive Officer Duncan Wanblad said.
"Zambia's mining sector appears to be on track for renewed activity - and that is good for Zambia and African mining," Wanblad told
"I am pleased that we are progressing with early-stage exploration in Zambia's North-Western Province to identify potential copper and cobalt opportunities."
However, Wanblad also said much more needed to be done to make a compelling argument for Africa given intense global competition.
Anglo American aims to cut capital expenditure by $1.8 billion by 2026, as it grapples with a fall in demand for most of the metals it mines and a writedown for its British fertiliser project.
#Zambia #UK
@africaintel
Anglo American, opens new tab is in the early stages of exploring for copper and cobalt in Zambia's North-Western province, its Chief Executive Officer Duncan Wanblad said.
"Zambia's mining sector appears to be on track for renewed activity - and that is good for Zambia and African mining," Wanblad told
"I am pleased that we are progressing with early-stage exploration in Zambia's North-Western Province to identify potential copper and cobalt opportunities."
However, Wanblad also said much more needed to be done to make a compelling argument for Africa given intense global competition.
Anglo American aims to cut capital expenditure by $1.8 billion by 2026, as it grapples with a fall in demand for most of the metals it mines and a writedown for its British fertiliser project.
#Zambia #UK
@africaintel
🇪🇸🇮🇨 Spain says over 1,000 migrants reached its Canary Islands in 3 days as more attempt deadly crossing
More than 1,000 migrants from sub-Saharan countries arrived in Spain's Canary Islands in 18 boats over the past three days, Spain's marine rescue service said on Monday.
The archipelago off northwest Africa has seen a surge in migrant arrivals in recent weeks as more people from West Africa attempt to get their, which is a dangerous trip.
Officials say 7,270 migrants arrived in January, about as many as in the first six months of 2023.
Most of the boats depart from Mauritania. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit the West African country on Thursday to encourage authorities to try to curtail the departures.
#Spain #CanaryIslands
@africaintel
More than 1,000 migrants from sub-Saharan countries arrived in Spain's Canary Islands in 18 boats over the past three days, Spain's marine rescue service said on Monday.
The archipelago off northwest Africa has seen a surge in migrant arrivals in recent weeks as more people from West Africa attempt to get their, which is a dangerous trip.
Officials say 7,270 migrants arrived in January, about as many as in the first six months of 2023.
Most of the boats depart from Mauritania. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit the West African country on Thursday to encourage authorities to try to curtail the departures.
#Spain #CanaryIslands
@africaintel