Young people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been challenged by Pope Francis to create a new future free from the racial animosity, corruption, and mistrust that have fueled so many terrible conflicts in Africa. The pope said this while addressing more than 65,000 youths at Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, the country's capital.

Pope in Africa: Pope Francis speaks to over 65,000 young people in DR Congo

On Wednesday, Pope Francis heard horrifying testimonies from conflict victims in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including those who had experienced rape, amputation, forced cannibalism, and sexual enslavement. He denounced the atrocities as war crimes.

Pope in Africa: Pope Francis hears horrifying accounts of violence in DR Congo

Kenya's Nairobi river is becoming increasingly polluted with domestic sewage and industrial effluence as clean water runs short to one of Africa's fastest growing cities which is struggling to balance the needs of creating jobs and protecting the environment.

WION Climate Tracker: Kenya's polluted Nairobi river, sewage and industrial waste contaminates river

Pope Francis has met with survivors of atrocities in Democratic Republic of Congo. It was appointment encounter at the Vatican's embassy in the capital. Pope Francis heard firsct-hand testimonies of the brutalities that some of them have endured including rape, amputation.

Pope Francis in Africa: Pope Francis meets survivors of violence in DR Congo

Pope Francis denounced the "poison of greed" driving conflicts in Africa as he began a visit to Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, saying the rich world had to realise that people were more precious than the minerals in the earth beneath them. The pope criticised rich countries for ignoring the tragedies unfolding in Africa. Prof. Ibbo Mandaza, Political Analyst From Zimbabwe Talks To Wion's Eric Njoka and tells him that even though the statement by the Pontiff is strong and commendable, the buck stops with Africans to change course and find their own workable solutions, that do not require approval from the west.

Pope: Reject Africa's Economic Colonialism

As African leaders gathered at the Dakar Summit to discuss food security, Senegalese farmers are asking for health and support as Africa faces its worst food crisis ever. The Russia Ukraine war has added to it.

UN: Africa faces its worst hunger crisis; leaders discuss food security

<p>Egypt’s dual identity as an Afro-Arab nation makes Cairo an indispensable ally of India in West Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea, according to Mohammed Soliman, a strategist who conceptualised the "Indo-Abrahamic" framework.</p>

<p>"As a rising global power, Delhi should build strong bilateral relations with regional powers beyond South Asia— chief among them Cairo," Soliman, the intellectual architect of I2U2 and director of the Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington told WION.</p>

<p>Soliman underscored that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's&nbsp;visit to India is likely to produce a roadmap for bilateral relations and set the tone for cooperation in areas from “pharma to military industries and from food security to information technology.”</p>

<p>Egypt is a significant gateway to markets in Africa and Europe. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral trade reached a record high of $7.26 billion in 2021–22.</p>

<p>On&nbsp;the trade prospects, Soliman said, “Egypt is very open to Indian investment, given the historical relations between the two countries and Egypt’s appreciation of India’s global role.”</p>

<p>This is the first time that an Egyptian president has been invited as chief guest for the Republic Day event. Under former Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, relations between India and Egypt improved, particularly following India's support for Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis.</p>

<p>Soliman pointed out that "the India-Egypt alignment is consequential for regional integration in West Asia."&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Earlier, President Sisi expressed sympathy and solidarity with India during the second wave of Covid-19&nbsp;on April 30, 2021.&nbsp;On May 9, 2021, Egypt sent three aircraft carrying medical supplies to India. Egypt, which is struggling to get wheat since its main suppliers Russia and Ukraine are&nbsp;at war, wants to purchase the grain from India.</p>

<p>India had banned the sale of wheat to other nations but permitted the export of 61,000 tonnes to Egypt in May last year. But given the shortages, the nation needs more grains.</p>

<p>MEA in a statement earlier said that the visit will "further strengthen and deepen the time-tested partnership between India and Egypt."&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Egypt’s dual identity as an Afro-Arab nation makes Cairo an indispensable ally of India in West Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea, according to Mohammed Soliman, a strategist who conceptualised the "Indo-Abrahamic" framework.

Egypt’s dual identity as an Afro-Arab nation makes Cairo an indispensable ally of India in West Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea, according to Mohammed Soliman, a strategist who conceptualised the "Indo-Abrahamic" framework. "As a rising global power, Delhi should build strong bilateral relations with regional powers beyond South Asia— chief among them Cairo," Soliman, the intellectual architect of I2U2 and director of the Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington told WION. Soliman underscored that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to India is likely to produce a roadmap for bilateral relations and set the tone for cooperation in areas from “pharma to military industries and from food security to information technology.” Egypt is a significant gateway to markets in Africa and Europe. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral trade reached a record high of $7.26 billion in 2021–22. On the trade prospects, Soliman said, “Egypt is very open to Indian investment, given the historical relations between the two countries and Egypt’s appreciation of India’s global role.” This is the first time that an Egyptian president has been invited as chief guest for the Republic Day event. Under former Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, relations between India and Egypt improved, particularly following India's support for Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis. Soliman pointed out that "the India-Egypt alignment is consequential for regional integration in West Asia." Earlier, President Sisi expressed sympathy and solidarity with India during the second wave of Covid-19 on April 30, 2021. On May 9, 2021, Egypt sent three aircraft carrying medical supplies to India. Egypt, which is struggling to get wheat since its main suppliers Russia and Ukraine are at war, wants to purchase the grain from India. India had banned the sale of wheat to other nations but permitted the export of 61,000 tonnes to Egypt in May last year. But given the shortages, the nation needs more grains. MEA in a statement earlier said that the visit will "further strengthen and deepen the time-tested partnership between India and Egypt." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

President El-Sisi visits as R-Day chief guest, Egypt remains Delhi’s indispensable Afro-Arab ally

<p>Social media is inundated with posts claiming a new kind of rock discovered in Africa can actually produce electricity on its own and power bulbs and LEDs. Many news portals and prominent African personalities, including South African businessman Daniel Marven, shared videos on Twitter showing the rock powering an electric bulb via wires. Viral videos on social media appear to indicate the discovery of these rocks has been made in DR Congo.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Electrically charged stones discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<br />
<a href="https://t.co/Y92GlkjjFB">pic.twitter.com/Y92GlkjjFB</a></p>
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyLoud/status/1617165562609532932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">THE CONGOLESE ROCK 🪨 THAT PRODUCES ELECTRICITY 🔌.<br />
A kilo is said to have lite up a bulb 💡 for more than 72hours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfricanResources?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfricanResources</a> must be Protected at all Costs. Even the Leaders should be scrutinized upon any action on our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/resources?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#resources</a><br />
<br />
How long Shall <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Africa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Africa</a> 😭😭?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EndSARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/M5uItnXOZN">pic.twitter.com/M5uItnXOZN</a></p>
— Alloydsfoods (@alloydsfoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/alloydsfoods/status/1617167213781307394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The videos left users speculating whether the game-changing discovery could solve Africa’s electricity problem, while others argued that the continent should not share the valuable mineral with Western countries. But now a group of experts has dashed the hopes of those wondering whether such rocks could become the answer to Africa’s energy questions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The truth behind the viral video</strong></h2>

<p>Experts quoted by BBC claim that the rocks are just good conductors of electricity and are connected to batteries not visible in the tightly-framed videos. &nbsp;For instance, a video showing two sparking rocks shows a gloved hand in the bottom, which is itself revealing.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Lithium batteries reveal dark side of our electric fortune&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>According to Prof Stuart Haszeldine of the School of GeoSciences at Edinburgh University, “the current is flowing from the out-of-shot battery, through the rock being held with the glove (so the current doesn't flow through the gloved hand) and to earth via the second rock."</p>

<h2><strong>Can African rock really power a LED bulb?</strong></h2>

<p>Another video showing a rock illuminating LED bulb also has three hands in it, which means at least two people are in action behind the scene to pull off what seems an illusion. Prof Stuart commented, “It looks to me that the current flows when two hands touch, and the wires are mostly illusion. So it may be just as interesting to get a close-up magician to look, and see if a trick of misdirection can be spotted."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/analysis-of-meteorite-reveals-two-alien-never-before-seen-on-earth-minerals-538604">Analysis of meteorite reveals two alien `never before seen on Earth` minerals</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Which metal is shown in the viral video?</strong></h2>

<p>The original video showing Africa’s magical rocks was first uploaded on Facebook in November last year, with a caption that read, “Lithium?” Some Twitter posts claimed that the rocks were discovered in Zimbabwe, a major producer of Lithium in Africa.&nbsp;</p>

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Social media is inundated with posts claiming a new kind of rock discovered in Africa can actually produce electricity on its own and power bulbs and LEDs. Many news portals and prominent African personalities, including South African businessman Daniel Marven, shared videos on Twitter showing the rock powering an electric bulb via wires.

Social media is inundated with posts claiming a new kind of rock discovered in Africa can actually produce electricity on its own and power bulbs and LEDs. Many news portals and prominent African personalities, including South African businessman Daniel Marven, shared videos on Twitter showing the rock powering an electric bulb via wires. Viral videos on social media appear to indicate the discovery of these rocks has been made in DR Congo. Electrically charged stones discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. pic.twitter.com/Y92GlkjjFB — Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 22, 2023 × THE CONGOLESE ROCK 🪨 THAT PRODUCES ELECTRICITY 🔌. A kilo is said to have lite up a bulb 💡 for more than 72hours. #AfricanResources must be Protected at all Costs. Even the Leaders should be scrutinized upon any action on our #resources How long Shall #Africa 😭😭?#EndSARS pic.twitter.com/M5uItnXOZN — Alloydsfoods (@alloydsfoods) January 22, 2023 × The videos left users speculating whether the game-changing discovery could solve Africa’s electricity problem, while others argued that the continent should not share the valuable mineral with Western countries. But now a group of experts has dashed the hopes of those wondering whether such rocks could become the answer to Africa’s energy questions. The truth behind the viral video Experts quoted by BBC claim that the rocks are just good conductors of electricity and are connected to batteries not visible in the tightly-framed videos. For instance, a video showing two sparking rocks shows a gloved hand in the bottom, which is itself revealing. Watch: Lithium batteries reveal dark side of our electric fortune × According to Prof Stuart Haszeldine of the School of GeoSciences at Edinburgh University, “the current is flowing from the out-of-shot battery, through the rock being held with the glove (so the current doesn't flow through the gloved hand) and to earth via the second rock." Can African rock really power a LED bulb? Another video showing a rock illuminating LED bulb also has three hands in it, which means at least two people are in action behind the scene to pull off what seems an illusion. Prof Stuart commented, “It looks to me that the current flows when two hands touch, and the wires are mostly illusion. So it may be just as interesting to get a close-up magician to look, and see if a trick of misdirection can be spotted." Also Read | Analysis of meteorite reveals two alien `never before seen on Earth` minerals Which metal is shown in the viral video? The original video showing Africa’s magical rocks was first uploaded on Facebook in November last year, with a caption that read, “Lithium?” Some Twitter posts claimed that the rocks were discovered in Zimbabwe, a major producer of Lithium in Africa. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Can Africa’s ‘electric rock’ power light bulbs on its own? Experts tell the truth behind viral videos

In Madagascar, World Food Programme has established a sustainable water source. They have also set up information and communication technology in remote areas with the aim of providing essential services to the members of the community, they are hoping to do this in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

World Of Africa: How Climate Change is impacting Madagascar?

'Free to express yourselves, but do not take it for granted'...those are sentiments from Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan after she lifted a ban on political gathering.

World Of Africa: Reprieve for Tanzania's Opposition parties

You have overstayed your welcome, we can do it on our own...those were the words of Burkina Faso's Junta government to the French troops stationed at the borders. The west African country severed ties with France and ordered their troops to leave within a month.

World Of Africa: Burkina Faso asks French troops to leave

A war of words has been started between two largest economies of the world - US and China. They are engaged in a tussle over debt issue, it started after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called China a 'barrier' to debt reforms in Africa.

China tells US to fix debt problems; Janet Yellen dismisses idea to mint $1 tn to avert debt default

You have overstayed your welcome, we can do it on our own...those were the words of Burkina Faso's Junta government to the French troops stationed at the borders. The west African country severed ties with France and ordered their troops to leave within a month. Anti-French sentiment has grown in Burkina Faso, a former French colony since Ibrahim Traore seized power in September. Traore has been more overtly open to working with other countries, notably Russia.

Burkina Faso asks French troops to leave; about 400 French soldiers currently based there

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has arrived in South Africa. He met his South African counterpart and reportedly held discussions on bilateral relations.

Russian Foreign Minister visits S. Africa: Russia's Wagner group increasing presence across Africa

The countdown to one of Africa's most vibrant political event, has began. Nigerians will head to the ballot on the 25th of February to choose their next head-of-state. Political campaigns used to be organised largely by the politicians but in this election cycle a lot has changed.

World Of Africa: Nigeria's countdown to poll begins

Cholera has gripped Malawi for almost a year, with cases registered in all 29 districts and rising. By the 4th of this month, 704 people had already died and 21,000 cases had been registered, according to official data. So, what went wrong and why is the virus still lurking in the country?

World Of Africa: Malawi battles Cholera scourge

<p>The Vice President of the West African nation of Gambia, Badara Alieu Joof passed away after a short illness in India, said the country’s President Adama Barrow, on Wednesday (January 18). The 65-year-old took office last year as the vice president and had served as Gambia’s education minister from 2017 to 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement was made by the West African nation’s president on Twitter who said that Joof passed away “after a short illness” but did not provide any further details about his health condition.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fellow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gambians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gambians</a>, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing away of my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VicePresident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VicePresident</a>, His Excellency, Badara Alieu Joof. The sad event took place in India after a short illness. May Allah grant him Jannahtul Firdawsi.</p>
— President Barrow (@BarrowPresident) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarrowPresident/status/1615622485772304386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This comes after the VP left Gambia three weeks ago to seek medical treatment and was reportedly not seen in public for months before his trip. The late VP had also worked in Gambian civil service as well as in the World Bank as an Education Specialist for West and Central Africa, reported Al Jazeera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to local media reports, rumours about his deteriorating health had begun circulating in December last year. He was appointed as the VP by Barrow who became the president after a historic win in the 2016 election against Yahya Jammeh. Joof was sworn in a year after the incumbent president won his re-election bid in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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The Vice President of the West African nation of Gambia, Badara Alieu Joof passed away after a short illness in India, said the country’s President Adama Barrow, on Wednesday (January 18).

The Vice President of the West African nation of Gambia, Badara Alieu Joof passed away after a short illness in India, said the country’s President Adama Barrow, on Wednesday (January 18). The 65-year-old took office last year as the vice president and had served as Gambia’s education minister from 2017 to 2022. The announcement was made by the West African nation’s president on Twitter who said that Joof passed away “after a short illness” but did not provide any further details about his health condition. Fellow #Gambians, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing away of my #VicePresident, His Excellency, Badara Alieu Joof. The sad event took place in India after a short illness. May Allah grant him Jannahtul Firdawsi. — President Barrow (@BarrowPresident) January 18, 2023 × This comes after the VP left Gambia three weeks ago to seek medical treatment and was reportedly not seen in public for months before his trip. The late VP had also worked in Gambian civil service as well as in the World Bank as an Education Specialist for West and Central Africa, reported Al Jazeera. According to local media reports, rumours about his deteriorating health had begun circulating in December last year. He was appointed as the VP by Barrow who became the president after a historic win in the 2016 election against Yahya Jammeh. Joof was sworn in a year after the incumbent president won his re-election bid in 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gambian vice-president Badara Alieu Joof passes away in India after ‘short illness’

An estimated eight million trees are cut down every year in the world to make simple pencils. Now, a Kenya-based company is turning used newspapers into pencils, cutting deforestation in the process.

World of Africa: Kenyan company cutting deforestation by using newspaper to make pencils

In Africa's most populous country in Nigeria, a group of unidentified assailants set ablaze the residents of a Nigerian Catholic Priest in the Northwest region, burning one priest to death and shooting and injuring another who tried to escape.

Africa: Catholic priest burnt alive, five worshippers kidnapped in Nigeria

Late last year, a clip filmed during a public event in South Sudan showing a stain spreading on the President Salvakia's pants went viral. The journalists who were covering the event were detained and accused of embarrassing the head of state and the country.

World of Africa: Concerns Grow Over Freedom of Press

Days after the Colombian President announced truce with the country's largest armed rebels - National Liberation Army or the ELN - has refused to accept any such agreement. The leftist group in Colombia said that it is not a part of the ceasefire with the government.

ELN contradicts President's truce claim, denies it with Colombian government

At least five countries conducted general or parliamentary elections, some ushering in new faces and changing the course for a fresh political future, while others do not seem to let go of their old guard. Apart from gunning for the top offices, the continent did suffer setbacks as economies took a nosedive because of various factors.

World of Africa: Turbulent politics, volatile economies | Year Ender 2022

From cinema to architecture, music sports, let's shine the light on some of the most significant pieces of news in the world of art and culture of the past year, and the folks who elevated the continent to global identity.

World of Africa: 2022 African trailblazers | Year Ender 2022

A trend of coups that began in 2020 in the region once infamously known as "the coup belt", continued this year. Armed conflict loomed large across the continent, especially in Somalia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Burkina Faso and Mali. While the Sahel and DRC may still see worsening of conflict, in the closing months of 2022 it finally appears that the conflict in northern Ethiopia may be coming to an end. This could set a precedent of paving the way for a successful and sustainable peace. Here's a look back at some of the wars that made headlines in Africa.

World of Africa | 2022: Year of conflicts, coups & truce | Year Ender 2022

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