Risk Of Genocide in Sudan ‘Very High’: UN
The risk of genocide in Sudan’s devastating civil war remains “very high”, amid ongoing ethnically motivated attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a top UN official warned Monday. Since April 2023, Sudan has been torn apart by a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced 13 million, including four million who fled abroad, triggering what the United Nations has called the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. “Both parties have committed serious human rights violations,” said Virginia Gamba, a UN under secretary-general and acting special advisor to UN chief Antonio Guterres on the prevention of genocide. “Of specific concern to my mandate is the continued and targeted attacks against certain ethnic groups, particularly in the Darfur and Kordofan regions,” she told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. She highlighted in particular that the RSF and allied armed Arab militias “continue to conduct ethnically motivated attacks against the Zaghawa, Masalit and Fur groups”. AFP
Sudan Names New Defence, Interior Ministers in First Cabinet Move
Sudan’s prime minister appointed new defence and interior ministers on Tuesday, state media reported, the first step in forming a new non-partisan cabinet announced last week. Prime Minister Kamal Idris named Lieutenant General Hassan Daoud Kabroun as defence minister and Lieutenant General Babiker Samra Mustafa as interior minister, the official news agency SUNA said. The move is the first in the formation of a planned 22-minister government of independent technocrats, which Idris said on June 19 would be appointed gradually. The appointment of security chiefs, however, is a critical step in a country where such posts have traditionally been the exclusive prerogative of the military leadership, not the civilian prime minister. Kabroun, a graduate of Sudan’s military college, previously served as the director of financial and accounting affairs for the army’s general command. He is from the South Kordofan state and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in May 2022. The new interior minister, Babikir Samra, who is from the Red Sea state, has held several senior police positions since starting his career in 1980, including director of criminal investigations and head of administrative and planning affairs, according to SUNA. Sudan Tribune
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Deals, Eye Nuclear Energy Cooperation
Russia signed agreements to bolster trade and economic ties with Mali on Monday and President Vladimir Putin told the visiting leader of the West African country’s military junta that there were specific areas where cooperation could be ramped up. Putin received Colonel Assimi Goita in the Kremlin, where the two spoke for two hours, Russian state media said…One of the deals Putin and Goita signed concerned cooperation in nuclear energy, the Kremlin said. Mali and Russia have in the past discussed what they have called a strategic project to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant. Construction began earlier this month in Mali on a new Russian-backed gold refinery, which Goita, who seized power following coups in 2020 and 2021, has said would give the Western African country greater control over its natural resources…Russian mercenary groups have also supported Goita’s government with deployments of fighters after the Malian army kicked out French and U.N. troops that had been involved in fighting the Islamist insurgents for a decade. Reuters
Kenyans Defy Barricades, Stage Protests
Kenyans have once again staged nationwide protests, marking the first anniversary of last year’s Gen Z protests. Despite blockades, warnings and heavy police presence, young people have taken to the streets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and other urbans centres across the country. Demonstrations have also been held in Kisumu, Kisii, Kajiado, Makueni, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, Embu, Machakos and Nyandarua counties. The police have blockaded the roads into the centre of Nairobi, erecting razor-sharp barbed wire to prevent access to the central business district. However, protesters have found a way in and flooded the streets for a ‘memorial march’, organised to honour those killed during the protests against the tax increases in the Finance Bill last year. Although protests against the proposed tax increases eventually died down after President William Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill, public anger over police brutality has not abated. Fresh demonstrations have erupted this month following the death of a blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ in police custody…According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 60 protesters were killed and another 80 were abducted by individuals believed to be security agents during last year’s demonstrations. On Wednesday, families of victims, human rights groups and youth organisations honoured those killed or reported missing during last year’s unrest by returning to the streets. They were joined by former Chief Justice David Maraga and Okiya Omtatah – a prominent activist turned senator. Despite government warnings and a heavy police presence, groups of young protesters gathered in various parts of the city, chanting slogans and holding up placards bearing the names of victims. The East African
At Least 120 Children Have Been Abducted by Insurgents in Mozambique, Rights Group Says
At least 120 children have been kidnapped by jihadist insurgents in northern Mozambique in recent days, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday, warning of a rise in abductions in the country’s troubled Cabo Delgado province. The children are reportedly being used by [al-Shabab] to transport looted goods, perform forced labor, and in some cases serve as child soldiers or be forced into marriage. Mozambique has been battling the Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado since 2017. Government forces have struggled to contain the violence, relying on support from troops sent by Rwanda, South Africa, and other regional partners. In 2020, the insurgents carried out a wave attacks in which they beheaded dozens of people, including children. Witnesses have said that children abducted from towns and villages have been used as fighters in subsequent attacks. The violence has displaced more than 600,000 people and spilled into neighboring provinces, according to the United Nations. Human Rights Watch said there had been a resurgence of attacks and child kidnappings in the last two months and called on Mozambique’s government to do more to find the children and prevent further abductions. AP
Chad Opposition Leader Says on Hunger Strike
Chad opposition leader and former prime minister Succès Masra, in custody for more than a month, said Tuesday in a letter to supporters that he was going on hunger strike…”I have been here for 40 days, still searching, no doubt like you, for the reason for my presence in this place,” wrote Masra, who stood unsuccessfully in last year’s presidential election. Arrested on May 16, he faces prosecution for “inciting hatred, revolt, forming and complicity with armed gangs, complicity in murder, arson, and desecration of graves.” On June 19, his lawyers submitted a request for his provisional release, which judicial authorities rejected. Francis Kadjilembaye, coordinator of Masra’s legal team, told AFP the group of lawyers regard Masra as in “arbitrary detention.” One of his French lawyers, Paris-based Vincent Brengarth, told AFP that “It is urgent that this detention ends along with this unjustified procedure.” On May 14, 42 people, reportedly mostly women and children, were killed in Mandakao, in the Logone Occidental region (southwestern Chad), according to Chadian justice, with Masra accused of provoking the massacre. The judiciary has highlighted a 2023 audio message to incriminate Masra…Masra’s lawyers claim that the statement, made “in a specific context, was the subject of an international arrest warrant” sent out against their client but they say that was “lifted on November 2, 2023, following a discontinuation of proceedings.” AFP
Nigerian Army Confirms Ambush on Military Base, Says Armed Men Killed Soldiers
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that bandits ambushed its military base in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday. The army stated this in a Facebook post on Wednesday, saying scores of bandits were “eliminated” by land and air component forces. It noted that a similar attack was carried out in neighbouring Kaduna State…PREMIUM TIMES reported that the bandits attacked the military base around Kwanar Dutse, killing 20 soldiers and injuring others. Although the army did not state its casualty figures, it said four officers were injured and hospitalised…The attack came a few hours after bandits killed about 15 residents of Tofa village in Magami district of the Gusau Local Government Area in Zamfara. That same day, a similar gunfight between notorious bandit Bello Turji’s gang and security forces claimed at least 100 lives near Cida village in Shinkafi LGA of Sokoto State…Armed groups in Niger State do not usually claim responsibility for attacks they carry out, but our reporter understands that the area where the incident happened is partly controlled by the bandit group of Dogo Gide and the remnants of late Ali Kawaje’s gang. Premium Times
ECOWAS Court Unveils Strategies for Stronger Judgment Enforcement
The ECOWAS Court has outlined key strategies aimed at strengthening the enforcement of its judgements across member states. Gaye Sowe, Acting Deputy Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court, disclosed this during a news conference at the close of the two-day inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities of ECOWAS member states, held in Lagos…Mr Sowe, who also serves as the Registrar in charge of Appeals, Arbitration, and Enforcement at the ECOWAS Court, stated that the meeting had provided a platform for discussions and practical proposals to address long-standing enforcement challenges. He said that the meeting agreed on bridging the existing communication gap between the court and national authorities to foster judgement compliance. He noted that this became necessary following observations that frequent changes in public office holders had led to communication breakdowns between the court and national authorities. He explained that direct engagement with national officials was critical to resolving enforcement bottlenecks, particularly as not all member states had designated the required Competent Authorities to receive and implement the Court’s judgments. He said that the court also reached a consensus on developing clear guidelines for the award of reparations and ensuring in-person engagement with Competent National Authorities. News Agency of Nigeria
Somalia: Jubaland President in Puntland for Talks with His Counterpart
Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe arrived in Garowe, Sunday to hold talks with his Puntland counterpart, Said Abdullahi Deni, in what could further shape Somalia’s fragile politics in the middle of uncertainty over constitutional changes. Both Madobe and Deni have been critical of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s style of leadership, accusing him of unilaterally changing the constitution in his favour. The two leaders are opposed to universal suffrage elections…The relations between the two men had been frosty since 2022 after President Madobe sided with the eventual winner Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the presidential election, which led to Deni coming 3rd in the race. Both men have since fallen out with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They could form a strong alliance to compete with Hassan Mohamud’s newly formed alliance, the Justice and Solidarity Party, which includes all regional leaders except the two leaders…Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is fighting to hold direct polls, an idea opposed by the two leaders and the opposition, who see it as a strategy to extend his term in office since direct vote is not applicable currently in Somalia due to insecurity and the Al-Shabaab threat. Garowe Online
Aftermath of Tripoli Clashes Puts Libya’s Fragile Stability to the Test
Nearly 15 years after Gaddafi’s fall, Libya remains split between the internationally recognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli, and the rival Government of National Stability in Benghazi. Although a truce was reached on 14 May, the outbreak of fighting last month in the capital “temporarily disrupted UN development and humanitarian operations,” said top UN envoy Hanna Tetteh. Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the Presidential Council established a Truce Committee. Composed of key security actors, the body has been mandated to monitor the upholding of the ceasefire, facilitate a permanent end to the fighting and ensure the protection of civilians. As UNSMIL works to ease tensions and prevent further clashes, the Presidential Council has also set up a temporary Security and Military Arrangement Committee, tasked with sustaining peace and reorganising security forces in the capital. “The truce, however, remains fragile, and the overall security situation unpredictable,” said Ms. Tetteh…“Many Libyans are deeply disillusioned with the prolonged transitional period and have lost confidence in the current institutions and leadership,” said Ms. Tetteh. As civilians increasingly doubt the current leadership’s willingness to put national interests above their own, there is strong demand for a political process that allows public participation, enables elections, and delivers a democratic government with a clear mandate for real change. UN News
Greece to Deploy Frigates off Libya to Curb Increased Migrant Flows, PM Says
Greece will deploy two frigates and one more vessel off Libya’s territorial waters to deter migrants from arriving at its southern islands of Crete and Gavdos, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday. Mitsotakis did not elaborate on the role of the vessels or explain what they would do, but said the move would be in coordination with Libyan authorities and the rest of the European forces operating in the area. Sea arrivals from northeastern Libya of migrants trying to cross to Europe mainly from the Middle East and North Africa, including war-torn Sudan, have surged in recent months. More than 800 migrants have tried to reach Greece’s southern islands since Thursday…The three ships, including a support vessel would leave Greece in next coming days, two government officials with knowledge of the issue told Reuters. Reuters
Bots Pushed Anti-China Narrative Ahead of Ghana Mining Ban
Before Ghana banned foreigners from its gold trade earlier this year, an online bot campaign pushed anti-Chinese sentiment, blaming Chinese nationals for exploiting the country and stealing its resources…In April, the government took steps to rein in the “galamsey” — as illegal mining is known — by banning foreigners from trading in Ghana’s local gold markets and granting exclusive authority to do so to a new state body, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The move was seen as sending a major signal to foreign mining operators — especially Chinese ones. But ahead of the ban, fake accounts impersonating real Ghanaians on X had been pushing a coordinated effort to link China to galamsey explicitly for at least nine months, accounts seen by AFP and reviewed by disinformation experts show. Who was behind the push remains unclear. While Chinese nationals have been blamed for the mining crisis, the role of Ghanaians went mostly unacknowledged in the posts, even though many of the country’s political elite have been accused of direct involvement or complicity…Disinformation experts contacted by AFP identified 38 accounts involved in the push — “though there are likely far more”, said Darren Linvill, a professor at Clemson University. Almost all of the bots flagged by Linvill and his colleague Patrick Warren appeared to have stopped posting about galamsey by March, just ahead of the April ban. Many have since been deleted. One typical phrasing had been repeated by various bots since July 2024, a search on X showed — but stopped being used completely just hours after the rule was passed…Rabiu Alhassan, director of FactSpace West Africa, an Accra-based fact-checking and disinformation research group, cautioned that many international and domestic players have mining interests in Ghana. He also pointed out that Ghana lies just south of the volatile Sahel region, where Russia, the West and other foreign powers have jockeyed for influence. AFP
Joyful Ethiopians and Eritreans Embrace at Rare Border Reopening
There have been celebrations at the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea as communities from the frontier villages came together for the first time in five years. Separated by the closed border since the outbreak of the 2020 conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, and subsequent political tensions, Sunday’s coming together was a symbolic moment of peace and reconciliation. The reunion of families and friends took place in the Ethiopian town of Zalambessa in the presence of village elders and religious leaders. The move to re-open a section of the border was organised by local activists and community figures without the official backing of the authorities on either side. But those behind it indicated that they had the blessing from officials in Tigray and Eritrea…For five years, relatives and friends whose communities straddled the international boundary had not been able to see each other across the militarised border…The border has officially remained closed despite the end of the war amid tensions between the two governments…Since Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia more than three decades ago, relations have been tense – the border has been closed for most of that time. It was formally reopened in 2018, shortly after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power and signed a historic peace agreement with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. The deal earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize. While the move initially brought hopes of normalised relations, the eruption of the conflict in Tigray in November 2020 derailed progress. BBC
Zambia in Last-minute Court Bid to Stop Ex-president’s Burial in South Africa
The Zambian government has filed an urgent case in a South African court seeking to stop the burial of former President Edgar Lungu, state media reports. This is the latest twist in a row between the government and Lungu’s family over his burial, after the family opted for a private ceremony in South Africa, rather than a full state funeral at home. The Zambian attorney general has requested the court to halt the burial, scheduled for Wednesday, until the dispute is resolved, state broadcaster ZNBC reports…The dispute follows a long-standing feud between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, with Lungu’s family saying he had indicated that Hichilema should not attend his funeral. Following Lungu’s death in South Africa aged 68, the family wanted to be in charge of the funeral arrangements, including the repatriation of his body, but the Zambian authorities sought to take control. The government and his family later agreed he would have a state funeral before relations broke down over the precise arrangements, prompting the family to opt for a burial in South Africa…In the court papers, the Zambian attorney general, Mulilo D Kabesha, reportedly contends that a state funeral is a formal public event with military honours, intended to honour a person of national significance. He is suing the family, including former first lady Esther Lungu and four children, family lawyer Makebi Zulu and the funeral home where the body is being kept. BBC