At least 48 people were killed in the collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali Saturday, authorities and local sources told AFP.
Mali is one of Africa's leading gold producers, and mining sites are regularly the scene of deadly landslides and accidents.
Authorities have struggled to control unregulated mining of the precious metal in the country, which is among the world's poorest.
"The toll at 1800 today is 48 dead following the collapse," said a police source.
"Some of the victims fell into the water. Among them was a woman with her baby on her back."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-illegal-miners-trapped-in-abandoned-south-african-mine-many-dead-8619941">Hundreds of illegal miners trapped in abandoned South African mine, many dead</a>
A local official confirmed the cave-in, while the Kenieba gold miners' association also put the death toll at 48.
The search for victims was ongoing, the head of an environmental organisation told AFP.
Saturday's accident took place at an abandoned site formerly operated by a Chinese company, sources told AFP.&nbsp;
In January, a landslide at a gold mine in southern Mali killed at least 10 people and left many others missing, most of them women.&nbsp;
Just over a year ago, a tunnel collapsed at a gold mining site in the same region as Saturday's landslide, killing more than 70 people.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Mali is one of Africa's leading gold producers, and mining sites are regularly the scene of deadly landslides and accidents. Authorities have struggled to control unregulated mining of the precious metal in the country, which is among the world's poorest.

At least 48 people were killed in the collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali Saturday, authorities and local sources told AFP. Mali is one of Africa's leading gold producers, and mining sites are regularly the scene of deadly landslides and accidents. Authorities have struggled to control unregulated mining of the precious metal in the country, which is among the world's poorest. "The toll at 1800 today is 48 dead following the collapse," said a police source. "Some of the victims fell into the water. Among them was a woman with her baby on her back." Also read | Hundreds of illegal miners trapped in abandoned South African mine, many dead A local official confirmed the cave-in, while the Kenieba gold miners' association also put the death toll at 48. The search for victims was ongoing, the head of an environmental organisation told AFP. Saturday's accident took place at an abandoned site formerly operated by a Chinese company, sources told AFP. In January, a landslide at a gold mine in southern Mali killed at least 10 people and left many others missing, most of them women. Just over a year ago, a tunnel collapsed at a gold mining site in the same region as Saturday's landslide, killing more than 70 people. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

At least 48 killed as illegally operated gold mine collapses in western Mali

Two 'secret' mountains have been discovered on the boundary between Africa and the Pacific Ocean, and they're 100 times taller than Everest.

Hidden mountains beneath Earth's surface

Earth's deepest, darkest mountains revealed

Mountains 100 times taller than Everest

Africa is keenly watching newly elected US President Donald Trump's actions for the continent. In his previous presidential term, Africa was not high on Trump's agenda, but some experts say it could be different this time. According to reports, Trump is expected to nominate Peter Pham as his Assistant Secretary of State for Africa. Watch in for more details!

Trump 2.0: Who will feature in Trump's Africa team?

As Donald Trump embarks on his second term, Africa anticipates key appointments that could shape US relations with the continent and influence future diplomatic and economic strategies.

Trump 2.0: Who will feature in Donald Trump's Africa team?

A fuel tanker exploded after flipping over in central Nigeria on Saturday, killing at least 86 people who had scrambled to take the fuel. Watch this report for more details!

Nigeria Fuel Tanker Explosion: Gasoline Explosion Death Toll Rises To 86

Benin seeks to combat negative stereotypes of voodoo, a 500-year-old religion that celebrates a rich pantheon of deities and spirits. Watch in for more details!

Benin festival seeks to dispel voodoo stereotypes

During his General Audience, Pope Francis was entertained by an Africa-themed circle, showcasing vibrant cultural expressions and fostering greater appreciation for African traditions. The event highlighted the importance of global unity and cultural exchange.

Pope Francis' general audience enjoys Africa-themed celebration

Six soldiers were killed in an attack on a Nigerian military base, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. The attack adds to concerns about the stability of military operations in northern Nigeria.

Nigeria Soldiers Attacked: Six Soldiers Dead In Attack on Nigerian Military Base

Morocco is working to secure a place for the 'caftan' on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, building on previous recognitions like the art of Gnawa, couscous, and Tbourida.

Morocco’s Traditional Caftan Garment Aims For UNESCO Status | World Of Africa

President Alassane Ouattara says the Ivorian government had decided to expel French troops because the Ivorian army is “now effective”. Why is there a sudden urge to cut military ties with France, especially from its former colonies?

Ivory Coast Becomes 6th African Country To Expel French Troops | World Of Africa

Nigerian military forces have been compelled to withdraw from parts of Borno state as tensions rise and militant activity intensifies, marking a significant shift in the region's security situation.

Nigerian Forces forced to retreat from Borno amid escalating conflict

Russia, China, and Iran are increasingly focusing on Africa, seeking to expand their influence across the continent through trade, investments, and political partnerships. This strategic shift highlights the growing competition for power and resources in Africa amid global geopolitical tensions.

Russia, China and Iran Set Their Sights On Africa

Nigeria celebrates 20 years of honoring African heritage, with communities across the country showcasing their rich traditions and cultural practices. This milestone highlights the importance of preserving and promoting African identity through vibrant cultural festivals and events.

Nigeria Marks 20 Years of Celebrating African Heritage, Communities Highlight Tradition

22 Elections were held in African countries, spanning Presidential, legislative, and local levels. These elections showcased a mixture of continuity, change, and the complexities of governance in the region. Watch in for more details!

Elections Were A Test For Democracy, Institutional Capacity

This year, Africa showed a modest improvement in its performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics compared to Tokyo 2020. There were remarkable achievements that showcased incredible grit and resilience.

Africa's Great Improvement at the Paris Olympics

On World Of Africa with Eric Njoka:

We recap the year #2024 and the events that defined, transformed the continent. 



Africa 2024: The Year Of Change | World Of Africa | WION Rewind 2024

On World Of Africa with Eric Njoka: We recap the year #2024 and the events that defined, transformed the continent.

Creation of the alliance of Sahel states has enabled these military regimes to at least partially insulate themselves from outside pressure for a return to civilian rule. The three regimes say they want to eradicate terrorism, assert their sovereignty and defend their territory against foreign threats. Watch in for more details!

ECOWAS Feud With Sahel Alliance Persists At The 66th Summit

Creation of the alliance of Sahel states has enabled these military regimes to at least partially insulate themselves from outside pressure for a return to civilian rule. The three regimes say they want to eradicate terrorism, assert their sovereignty and defend their territory against foreign threats. Watch in for more details!



Three-quarters of Earth’s land has become permanently drier in the last three decades, according to a recent research by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which was published on Monday, December 9.

According to the report, drylands now make up 40 per cent of the world’s land, excluding Antarctica. Those areas have turned from humid regions to arid ones, where agricultural activities are no longer possible.

Drylands are regions where most of the rainfall water is lost to evaporation, while only a small 10 per cent is left for the vegetation. According to the study, two-thirds of the land on earth will retain less water by midcentury.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asteroid-that-hit-us-had-a-surprising-effect-on-earth-study-finds-781661">Asteroid that hit US had a surprising effect on Earth, study finds</a>

The scientists discovered that the growing aridity between the years 1990 and 2015 in Africa has resulted in a 12 per cent loss in its GDP. In particular, some crops like maize are significantly affected, with yields projected to be halved in Kenya by 2050.

It is predicted that in the next half decade, Africa will see a decline of 16 per cent of its GDP while Asia will witness about 7 per cent.

“Unlike droughts—temporary periods of low rainfall—aridity represents a permanent, unrelenting transformation,” said Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UN convention to combat desertification (UNCCD).

“Droughts end. When an area’s climate becomes drier, however, the ability to return to previous conditions is lost. The drier climates now affecting vast lands across the globe will not return to how they were, and this change is redefining life on Earth.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-abnormally-large-skull-of-lost-human-species-in-asia-781439">Scientists discover abnormally large skull of 'lost' human species in Asia</a>

A global conference under the UNCCD in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh that will conclude on Friday, December 13, is halfway through. Despite being one of the world’s most arid countries and a driving force for desertification across the world, Saudi Arabia has shown reluctance till now, including at the UN framework convention on climate change conference of the parties (Cop) in Azerbaijan the previous month.

According to the report by UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI), the UN body for assessing the science of land degradation and drought, human-caused climate change is the primary driver of this shift as the world fails to tackle the greenhouse gas emissions, intensive agriculture, and other human activities. This leads to warming of the planet and affects the rainfall, plant life, and evaporation, leading to increased aridity.

As of 2020, about 30 per cent of the world’s population, which is 2.3 billion people, lived in dryland areas, according to UN SPI. By 2100, the number is expected to double if the carbon emissions are not controlled.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three-quarters of Earth’s land has become permanently drier in the last three decades, according to a recent research by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which was published on Monday, December 9.

Three-quarters of Earth’s land has become permanently drier in the last three decades, according to a recent research by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which was published on Monday, December 9. According to the report, drylands now make up 40 per cent of the world’s land, excluding Antarctica. Those areas have turned from humid regions to arid ones, where agricultural activities are no longer possible. Drylands are regions where most of the rainfall water is lost to evaporation, while only a small 10 per cent is left for the vegetation. According to the study, two-thirds of the land on earth will retain less water by midcentury. Also read | Asteroid that hit US had a surprising effect on Earth, study finds The scientists discovered that the growing aridity between the years 1990 and 2015 in Africa has resulted in a 12 per cent loss in its GDP. In particular, some crops like maize are significantly affected, with yields projected to be halved in Kenya by 2050. It is predicted that in the next half decade, Africa will see a decline of 16 per cent of its GDP while Asia will witness about 7 per cent. “Unlike droughts—temporary periods of low rainfall—aridity represents a permanent, unrelenting transformation,” said Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UN convention to combat desertification (UNCCD). “Droughts end. When an area’s climate becomes drier, however, the ability to return to previous conditions is lost. The drier climates now affecting vast lands across the globe will not return to how they were, and this change is redefining life on Earth.” Also read | Scientists discover abnormally large skull of 'lost' human species in Asia A global conference under the UNCCD in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh that will conclude on Friday, December 13, is halfway through. Despite being one of the world’s most arid countries and a driving force for desertification across the world, Saudi Arabia has shown reluctance till now, including at the UN framework convention on climate change conference of the parties (Cop) in Azerbaijan the previous month. According to the report by UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI), the UN body for assessing the science of land degradation and drought, human-caused climate change is the primary driver of this shift as the world fails to tackle the greenhouse gas emissions, intensive agriculture, and other human activities. This leads to warming of the planet and affects the rainfall, plant life, and evaporation, leading to increased aridity. As of 2020, about 30 per cent of the world’s population, which is 2.3 billion people, lived in dryland areas, according to UN SPI. By 2100, the number is expected to double if the carbon emissions are not controlled. (With inputs from agencies)

Three-quarters of the Earth’s land has become permanently drier, says UN report

A mysterious illness has surfaced in the Central African country of Congo. The flu-like ailment has killed dozens of people over a span of two weeks and is now spreading in Southwestern Congo. The deaths were reported in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province. Watch in for more details!

Mystery Disease Sparks Fear In Congo; Over 140 Dead In Central-African Nation

Joe Biden arrived in Angola Monday on the first and only trip to sub-Saharan Africa of his presidency which intended to underline US ambitions in Africa amid significant investment from China.

The US leader, who hands over to Donald Trump on January 20, is due on Tuesday to meet Angolan President Joao Lourenco in the capital Luanda and to deliver remarks at the National Slavery Museum.

On Wednesday, he is scheduled to travel to Lobito, a port city about 500 kilometres (310 miles) south of Luanda, to highlight US investments in the region.&nbsp;

The port is at the heart of the Lobito Corridor, a massive infrastructure project which has received loans from the United States, the European Union and others.&nbsp;

In anticipation of Biden's visit, the Angolan government declared December 3 and 4 public holidays and deployed heavy security across Luanda, a city of some 9.5 million people.&nbsp;

"It's a historic visit, not just because he's the first time a US President has visited Angola, but because it's really emblematic of President Biden's priority to strengthen global alliances and partnerships, and really of our strategic approach when it comes to US-Africa policy," John Kirby, the White House national security communications advisor, told reporters Monday. &nbsp;

With Biden carrying little political weight so close to the end of his term, the trip risks being overshadowed by his pardon on Sunday of his son Hunter on criminal cases related to tax evasion and the purchase of a firearm.

The pardon shocked Washington as Biden entered the White House in 2021 vowing to restore the "integrity" of a justice system that Democrats said had been corrupted by Trump, and because he had specifically vowed not to reprieve his son.

The president, 82, instead issued a "full and unconditional" pardon on Sunday, absolving 54-year-old Hunter Biden of any wrongdoing over the last decade, charged or otherwise, just ahead of his looming sentencing over gun and tax convictions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-trump-to-attend-notre-dames-grand-reopening-in-paris-780983">US President-elect Trump to attend Notre Dame’s grand reopening in Paris</a>

<h2>Flagship Lobito project&nbsp;</h2>

By visiting Angola, Biden is fulfilling a promise made in late 2022 to visit the oil-rich Portuguese-speaking nation of 37 million people.

It is Africa's second-largest crude oil exporter with the oil industry making up about 90 percent of its exports. But many of its people are poor and jobless, with the youth unemployment rate at 58 percent in 2023, according to World Bank figures.

Biden's trip is focused on the Lobito corridor, a multinational project to rehabilitate a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) railway connecting the mineral-rich inland countries of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia with Angola's Atlantic seaport of Lobito.

Biden called it "the biggest US rail investment in Africa ever" when he met Lourenco at the White House in December 2023.

The project is a piece in the geopolitical battle between the United States and its allies and China, which owns mines in the DRC and Zambia among an array of investments in the region.

It is "a real game changer for US engagement in Africa", Kirby said.&nbsp;

"It's our fervent hope that as the new team comes in and takes a look at this, that they see the value too, that they see how it will help drive a more secure, more prosperous, more economically stable continent."

Since Lourenco's election as president in 2017, US-Angola relations have warmed significantly in a turnaround from the Cold War years when the US funnelled covert aid to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country's second-largest party.

But rights groups and opposition activists are accusing Angola's authorities of growing repression, including by clamping down on protests.

Human rights NGO Amnesty International said in a report released last month that Angolan police had killed at least 17 protesters between November 2020 and June 2023 as part of a long-running crackdown on dissent.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Joe Biden arrived in Angola Monday on the first and only trip to sub-Saharan Africa of his presidency which intended to underline US ambitions in Africa amid significant investment from China.

Joe Biden arrived in Angola Monday on the first and only trip to sub-Saharan Africa of his presidency which intended to underline US ambitions in Africa amid significant investment from China. The US leader, who hands over to Donald Trump on January 20, is due on Tuesday to meet Angolan President Joao Lourenco in the capital Luanda and to deliver remarks at the National Slavery Museum. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to travel to Lobito, a port city about 500 kilometres (310 miles) south of Luanda, to highlight US investments in the region. The port is at the heart of the Lobito Corridor, a massive infrastructure project which has received loans from the United States, the European Union and others. In anticipation of Biden's visit, the Angolan government declared December 3 and 4 public holidays and deployed heavy security across Luanda, a city of some 9.5 million people. "It's a historic visit, not just because he's the first time a US President has visited Angola, but because it's really emblematic of President Biden's priority to strengthen global alliances and partnerships, and really of our strategic approach when it comes to US-Africa policy," John Kirby, the White House national security communications advisor, told reporters Monday. With Biden carrying little political weight so close to the end of his term, the trip risks being overshadowed by his pardon on Sunday of his son Hunter on criminal cases related to tax evasion and the purchase of a firearm. The pardon shocked Washington as Biden entered the White House in 2021 vowing to restore the "integrity" of a justice system that Democrats said had been corrupted by Trump, and because he had specifically vowed not to reprieve his son. The president, 82, instead issued a "full and unconditional" pardon on Sunday, absolving 54-year-old Hunter Biden of any wrongdoing over the last decade, charged or otherwise, just ahead of his looming sentencing over gun and tax convictions. Also read: US President-elect Trump to attend Notre Dame’s grand reopening in Paris Flagship Lobito project By visiting Angola, Biden is fulfilling a promise made in late 2022 to visit the oil-rich Portuguese-speaking nation of 37 million people. It is Africa's second-largest crude oil exporter with the oil industry making up about 90 percent of its exports. But many of its people are poor and jobless, with the youth unemployment rate at 58 percent in 2023, according to World Bank figures. Biden's trip is focused on the Lobito corridor, a multinational project to rehabilitate a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) railway connecting the mineral-rich inland countries of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia with Angola's Atlantic seaport of Lobito. Biden called it "the biggest US rail investment in Africa ever" when he met Lourenco at the White House in December 2023. The project is a piece in the geopolitical battle between the United States and its allies and China, which owns mines in the DRC and Zambia among an array of investments in the region. It is "a real game changer for US engagement in Africa", Kirby said. "It's our fervent hope that as the new team comes in and takes a look at this, that they see the value too, that they see how it will help drive a more secure, more prosperous, more economically stable continent." Since Lourenco's election as president in 2017, US-Angola relations have warmed significantly in a turnaround from the Cold War years when the US funnelled covert aid to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country's second-largest party. But rights groups and opposition activists are accusing Angola's authorities of growing repression, including by clamping down on protests. Human rights NGO Amnesty International said in a report released last month that Angolan police had killed at least 17 protesters between November 2020 and June 2023 as part of a long-running crackdown on dissent. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Biden in Angola for first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as president

Food scarcity and habitat decline has seen a drastic fall in numbers of the African Penguin, putting it on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's critically endangered list. Watch this report for more details!

Africa: Critical Food Scarcity Devastates Penguin Colonies

South Africa's new high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has said his mandate in India will be to "build on that very strong foundation" and to "expand exponentially this relationship on all fronts of cooperation".

Africa my Janmabhoomi, India now my Karmabhoomi, says new South African envoy Anil Sooklal 

#Modiinafrica: Indian PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Nigeria marks a historic moment in the relationship between the two nations. He will leave on Nov 16th on his way to brazil for the g20 summit, PM Modi will spend a day in Nigeria which is a part of Global south. The visit underscores India’s growing focus on deepening its strategic partnership with Africa's most populous nation.

Bridging Continents: Indian PM Modi Relations Boosting Trip to Africa

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At least 48 killed as illegally operated gold mine collapses in western Mali

Hidden mountains beneath Earth's surface

Earth's deepest, darkest mountains revealed

Mountains 100 times taller than Everest

Trump 2.0: Who will feature in Trump's Africa team?

Trump 2.0: Who will feature in Donald Trump's Africa team?

Nigeria Fuel Tanker Explosion: Gasoline Explosion Death Toll Rises To 86

Benin festival seeks to dispel voodoo stereotypes

Pope Francis' general audience enjoys Africa-themed celebration

Nigeria Soldiers Attacked: Six Soldiers Dead In Attack on Nigerian Military Base

Morocco’s Traditional Caftan Garment Aims For UNESCO Status | World Of Africa

Ivory Coast Becomes 6th African Country To Expel French Troops | World Of Africa

Nigerian Forces forced to retreat from Borno amid escalating conflict

Russia, China and Iran Set Their Sights On Africa

Nigeria Marks 20 Years of Celebrating African Heritage, Communities Highlight Tradition

Elections Were A Test For Democracy, Institutional Capacity

Africa's Great Improvement at the Paris Olympics

Africa's Great Improvement at the Paris Olympics

Elections Were A Test For Democracy, Institutional Capacity

Africa 2024: The Year Of Change | World Of Africa | WION Rewind 2024

Africa 2024: The Year Of Change | World Of Africa | WION Rewind 2024

ECOWAS Feud With Sahel Alliance Persists At The 66th Summit

ECOWAS Feud With Sahel Alliance Persists At The 66th Summit

ECOWAS Feud With Sahel Alliance Persists At The 66th Summit

ECOWAS Feud With Sahel Alliance Persists At The 66th Summit

Three-quarters of the Earth’s land has become permanently drier, says UN report