Islamic State group poses rising threat in Africa despite progress, UN experts say
The Islamic State extremist group poses a rising threat amid political instability in West Africa and the Sahel and remains intent on carrying out attacks abroad, the U.N. counter-terrorism chief said Thursday.
Vladimir Voronkov reiterated U.N. findings that IS continues to pose a significant threat to international peace and security, especially in conflict zones, despite significant progress by U.N. member nations in countering the threat. The group has also increased operations in its former strongholds in Iraq and Syria as well as Southeast Asia, Voronkov said.
Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/16/islamic-state-group-poses-rising-threat-in-africa-despite-progress-un-experts-say/
Biden to welcome Kenyan president to White House for state visit in May
President Joe Biden plans to welcome Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House in May, hosting a state visit after reneging on his promise to visit Africa last year.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced Friday that the visit set for May 23 will mark the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations and "celebrate a partnership that is delivering for the people" of both countries while affirming "our strategic partnership" with Ruto's country.
Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/16/biden-to-welcome-kenyan-president-to-white-house-for-state-visit-in-may
Sahel Alliance: ministers confirm ECOWAS withdrawal at meeting
The defence and foreign affairs ministers from Mali and Niger arrived in Burkina Faso's capital on Thursday for a meeting between the three countries.
It comes just weeks after their withdrawal from regional bloc ECOWAS. The three members of the Alliance of Sahel States are now laying the steps to create a tri-state confederation.
Spokesman for the Alliance, Abdoulaye Maïga, said the three members had confirmed their joint commitment to withdraw from ECOWAS without delay and continue cooperation under the Alliance, which was formed last September.
Read ahead at:
https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/16/sahel-alliance-ministers-confirm-ecowas-withdrawal-at-meeting
Rebels attack a gold mine in eastern Congo, killing at least 12 people
At least a dozen people have been killed and 16 others kidnapped by rebels at a mining site in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a civil society organization said Thursday.
Rebels from the CODECO armed group attacked a gold mine on Wednesday near the Djugu district of Ituri province, said Vital Tungulo, director of Mabendi, a local rights group. “We are outraged by this enemy attack,” he said.
Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/16/rebels-attack-a-gold-mine-in-eastern-congo-killing-at-least-12-people/
US to build 5 new military bases for Somali army, which faces a rebellion by an extremist group
The U.S. will build up to five military bases for the Somali army in a project that seeks to bolster the Somalian national army's capabilities amid ongoing threats from an extremist group.
Somalia's defense minister and the U.S. charge d'affaires signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday in Mogadishu, the Somali capital
The agreement comes at a time when the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, is scaling back its presence in Somalia.
Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/16/us-to-build-5-new-military-bases-for-somali-army-which-faces-a-rebellion-by-an-extremist-g/
Al-Shabab asserts responsibility for Somalia's UAE assault.
Five dead, including four Emirati troops, in Somalia assault.
Saturday's assault aimed at troops in General Gordon military base.
The UAE Defense Ministry reported three troop deaths and two wounded.
Read more at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/11/al-shabab-kills-three-emirati-troops-one-bahraini-officer-in-somalia
Rights Group: Ethiopian Forces Kill Dozens in Amhara Region.
In late January, Ethiopia's federal security forces allegedly killed 45 civilians in Amhara state: EHRC.
EHRC confirmed 45 civilians killed by government forces for alleged support.
Merawi, Amhara, sees killings after clashes between the military and Fano.
Read more at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/13/ethiopian-forces-killed-at-least-45-citizens-in-amhara-rights-body-says
Addis Summit Raises Queries on AU's Stance Amid Ethiopia Tensions.
African leaders convene in Addis Ababa for the AU summit.
Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasizes regional integration, peace, and security issues.
Ironically, the summit's host has sparked or participated in conflicts.
Read more at: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/2/14/addis-summit-raises-questions-about-ethiopias-many-conflicts
Israel opposes South Africa's Rafah appeal to the World Court.
Israel strongly condemns South Africa's plea for World Court intervention.
Pretoria accused of backing Hamas, denying Israel's defense rights.
Israel requests ICJ to dismiss South Africa's appeal on Gaza.
Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/16/israel-urges-world-court-to-reject-south-africas-rafah-request/
Senegal's Constitutional Court Deems February 25 Election Delay Unlawful.
Senegal's Constitutional Council nullifies President Macky Sall's election postponement decree.
The Constitutional Council deems the National Assembly's December 15 vote unconstitutional.
Election delay sparks political unrest; uncertainty surrounds rescheduled timeline.
Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/16/senegal-election-delay-unconstitutional/
News bits compiled by:
Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year) (Region Head)
Drafted by:
Swapnil Tiwari (B.A. I.R. 1st Year)
Daney Antonio Martin (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)
Manjyot Kaur (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)
Published by:
