Uganda's incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has been accused of human rights violations. His challenger - singer turned political Bobi Wine has filed a report against him. WION'S Palkitells you how the high stakes Presidential election in Uganda is shaping up.

Gravitas: High stakes political battle in Uganda

Niger votes in an election on Sunday that is expected to lead to the first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents in a country reeling from Islamist violence.

Former interior minister Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling party`s candidate, is the overwhelming favourite to succeed President Mahamadou Issoufou, who is stepping down after two five-year terms leading the largely desert country of 23 million.

Bazoum, 60, has promised continuity with Issoufou`s policies, while also vowing to clean up pervasive corruption.

"If I am lucky enough to win this election, you will have chosen someone who is ready from day one," he said in a campaign video.

Niger faces twin security crises. It has suffered repeated attacks near its western borders with Mali and Burkina Faso from militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Near its southeastern border with Nigeria it faces attacks from Boko Haram. Hundreds of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the last year alone.

The economic situation is also critical. More than 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed growth to a crawl, compounding the effects of climate change and low prices for top export uranium.

Bazoum faces 29 other candidates, who will hope to force a second round by denying him an outright majority of the vote.

Hama Amadou, who finished runner-up in the last election, was barred from running because of a criminal conviction, leaving the opposition without an obvious figurehead.

But last week, Amadou`s party called on its supporters to turn out for Mahamane Ousmame, who was president from 1993-1996.

"After my candidate was disqualified, I didn`t have the motivation to come out and vote," said Ali Hamma, an Amadou supporter. "But with the new instructions, I am going to vote."

A peaceful transfer of power would be a milestone for Niger, which has experienced four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.

It would also stand in stark contrast to Ivory Coast and Guinea, whose presidents this year used constitutional changes to extend their tenures to three terms, raising fears of a democratic backslide in West Africa.

Niger votes in an election on Sunday that is expected to lead to the first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents in a country reeling from Islamist violence.

Niger votes in an election on Sunday that is expected to lead to the first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents in a country reeling from Islamist violence. Former interior minister Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling party`s candidate, is the overwhelming favourite to succeed President Mahamadou Issoufou, who is stepping down after two five-year terms leading the largely desert country of 23 million. Bazoum, 60, has promised continuity with Issoufou`s policies, while also vowing to clean up pervasive corruption. "If I am lucky enough to win this election, you will have chosen someone who is ready from day one," he said in a campaign video. Niger faces twin security crises. It has suffered repeated attacks near its western borders with Mali and Burkina Faso from militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Near its southeastern border with Nigeria it faces attacks from Boko Haram. Hundreds of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the last year alone. The economic situation is also critical. More than 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed growth to a crawl, compounding the effects of climate change and low prices for top export uranium. Bazoum faces 29 other candidates, who will hope to force a second round by denying him an outright majority of the vote. Hama Amadou, who finished runner-up in the last election, was barred from running because of a criminal conviction, leaving the opposition without an obvious figurehead. But last week, Amadou`s party called on its supporters to turn out for Mahamane Ousmame, who was president from 1993-1996. "After my candidate was disqualified, I didn`t have the motivation to come out and vote," said Ali Hamma, an Amadou supporter. "But with the new instructions, I am going to vote." A peaceful transfer of power would be a milestone for Niger, which has experienced four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. It would also stand in stark contrast to Ivory Coast and Guinea, whose presidents this year used constitutional changes to extend their tenures to three terms, raising fears of a democratic backslide in West Africa.

Niger heads to polls in search of first democratic transition

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks. Niger gained independence from France 60 years ago but the politics has been marred by numerous coups.

Around 7.4 million people are registered to vote for the ballot for presidency, which coincides with legislative elections. Niger is ranked as the world's poorest country as per United Nations Human Development Index.

"I expect the Nigerien president to put security, health, progress and democracy first," Aboubakar Saleh, a 37-year-old launderer, told AFP in Niamey without revealing who he voted for.

Issaka Soumana, a 52-year-old lorry driver, said he wanted change.

"Niger is not moving forward. Our country must rise," he said, brandishing his thumb stained with ink to show he had cast his ballot.

Niger's incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou was elected in 2011 after a coup in 2010. He has agreed to step down after two successive terms.

The frontrunner in the 30-strong field is his designated successor, Mohamed Bazoum, 60, a former interior and foreign minister.
<img alt="Niger's presidential candidate Mohamed Bazoum leaves the polling station after casting his ballot in Niamey on December 27, 2020 during Niger's presidential and legislative elections" data-caption="Niger's presidential candidate Mohamed Bazoum leaves the polling station after casting his ballot in Niamey on December 27, 2020 during Niger's presidential and legislative elections" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb6a7b2f-9a83-4c5c-aa2d-11a5b2823771" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XT92K.jpg" />
"It is a great pride that this date of December 27 has been respected," Bazoum said after voting.

Bazoum's main rival, former prime minister Hama Amadou, was barred from contesting the vote on the grounds that in 2017 he was handed a 12-month jail term for baby trafficking -- a charge he says was bogus.

The polling stations will close at 1800 GMT on Sunday, December 27. Partial results will be announced on Monday while full results will be available on Wednesday and Thursday.
<img alt="Niger election" data-caption="A Nigerien soldier stands guard as Niger's outgoing president Mahamadou Issoufou arrives at a polling station in Niamey on December 27, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="419172b9-037a-411f-bb4f-1e7918068d5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XT926.jpg" />
Niger has borne burnt of Jihadist violence on its southwestern border with Mali, and its southeastern frontier with Nigeria.

A jihadist insurgency that has spilt across borders in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger claimed some 4,000 lives last year from jihadist violence and ethnic bloodshed stirred by Islamists, according to the UN.

In Niger itself, hundreds have died in the past five years, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

(With AFP inputs)

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks.

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks. Niger gained independence from France 60 years ago but the politics has been marred by numerous coups. Around 7.4 million people are registered to vote for the ballot for presidency, which coincides with legislative elections. Niger is ranked as the world's poorest country as per United Nations Human Development Index. "I expect the Nigerien president to put security, health, progress and democracy first," Aboubakar Saleh, a 37-year-old launderer, told AFP in Niamey without revealing who he voted for. Issaka Soumana, a 52-year-old lorry driver, said he wanted change. "Niger is not moving forward. Our country must rise," he said, brandishing his thumb stained with ink to show he had cast his ballot. Niger's incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou was elected in 2011 after a coup in 2010. He has agreed to step down after two successive terms. The frontrunner in the 30-strong field is his designated successor, Mohamed Bazoum, 60, a former interior and foreign minister. "It is a great pride that this date of December 27 has been respected," Bazoum said after voting. Bazoum's main rival, former prime minister Hama Amadou, was barred from contesting the vote on the grounds that in 2017 he was handed a 12-month jail term for baby trafficking -- a charge he says was bogus. The polling stations will close at 1800 GMT on Sunday, December 27. Partial results will be announced on Monday while full results will be available on Wednesday and Thursday. Niger has borne burnt of Jihadist violence on its southwestern border with Mali, and its southeastern frontier with Nigeria. A jihadist insurgency that has spilt across borders in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger claimed some 4,000 lives last year from jihadist violence and ethnic bloodshed stirred by Islamists, according to the UN. In Niger itself, hundreds have died in the past five years, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes. (With AFP inputs)

Niger citizens vote in a historic election

Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Mauritania, Ghana and Ivory Coast have seen a sharp rise in cases and are reporting near record levels of infection.

Africa crosses 2.5 million COVID-19 cases as it witnesses second wave of infections

More than 300 schoolboys kidnapped in northern Nigeria have been rescued, the Katsina state governor has said.

Over 300 kidnapped Nigerian school boys handed to government

For more than 5 days, 300+ school boys have been missing in Nigeria. The Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the abductions. Is this a crisis that can be put on the back-burner?

Gravitas: Nigeria Jihadist Crisis

India's oil imports from Africa & U.S., they rose sharply last month. While, from middle-east and Latin America were down. India became third-largest oil importer and consumer last month.

World Business Watch: India's oil imports from Africa & U.S. rose sharply last month

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region. Many others are wounded. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Witnesses and other officials confirmed the attack, which came as municipal and regional elections went ahead across the country.

On November 28, Boko Haram terrorists <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-kills-at-least-43-farm-workers-in-nigeria-346154">struck in Nigeria</a>. Around 30 of the men were beheaded in the attack in the village of Zabarmari.

"Some victims were killed or wounded by bullets, others were burnt inside their houses, consumed by the flames of an enormous fire set by the attackers," said an&nbsp;official.

Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, he added.

Roughly 70 attackers arrived at Toumour at around 1745 GMT on foot, having swum across Lake Chad, said the official. The attack itself lasted three hours.

"They first attacked the residence of the traditional chief, who only just managed to escape," he said.

"It was an attack of unprecedented savagery," said a local elected official who asked not to be named. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed."

(With agency inputs)

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region.

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region. Many others are wounded. Witnesses and other officials confirmed the attack, which came as municipal and regional elections went ahead across the country. On November 28, Boko Haram terrorists struck in Nigeria. Around 30 of the men were beheaded in the attack in the village of Zabarmari. "Some victims were killed or wounded by bullets, others were burnt inside their houses, consumed by the flames of an enormous fire set by the attackers," said an official. Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, he added. Roughly 70 attackers arrived at Toumour at around 1745 GMT on foot, having swum across Lake Chad, said the official. The attack itself lasted three hours. "They first attacked the residence of the traditional chief, who only just managed to escape," he said. "It was an attack of unprecedented savagery," said a local elected official who asked not to be named. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed." (With agency inputs)

Boko Haram Jihadists kill 27 in attack in Niger

Madagascar is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster. 3 years of drought & a prolonged famine has forced some people to eat 'white clay' to quell their hunger.

Gravitas: The Sand-eaters of Madagascar

Conflicts between cattle ranchers and big cats threaten the survival of the embattled carnivores in Namibia, Southern Africa. But new research on how cheetahs use the landscape has allowed some ranchers to reduce the number of calves killed annually by 86%, largely by avoiding popular cheetah hangouts.

Researchers help protect calves from Cheetahs in Africa

Both candidates have promised to revive the region’s second-largest economy and its vital cocoa-exporting sector, which has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voting begins in Ghana’s presidential and legislative elections

Botswana, home to nearly half of Africa’s wild elephants, is preparing to repatriate thousands of the giant mammals to neighboring Angola to reduce overpopulation and conflict with farmers

Botswana to repatriate elephants to Angola to reduce overpopulation

This will allow the first food, medicines and other aid into the region of 6 million people that has seen rising hunger during the fighting between the federal and Tigray regional governments.

UN, Ethiopia sign deal for aid access to embattled Tigray

Ethiopia has granted United Nations access to conflict-hit Tigray region. This will allow the first food, medicines and other aid into the region of 6 million people that has seen rising hunger during the fighting between the federal and Tigray regional governments.

WION Dispatch: UN to access the govt controlled conflict-hit Tigray region

Mass murders in Nigeria, an unending conflict in Ethiopia, a soaring Malaria death toll in the Sub-Saharan region & political unrest in South Africa.

Gravitas: Why this is a difficult time for Africa

The continent of Africa is witnessing upheavals across many regions. In Nigeria, the Boko Haram has slaughtered 110 farmers. The brutal killings have thrust into limelight the many conflicts and power tussles that continue to plague Africa to this day.

In Ethiopia, the government has discovered mass graves in the Tigray region. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to face vote of confidence in the country's parliament. And in sub-saharan Africa, the death toll due to malaria has outpaced that of COVID-19. Most of the African continent is going through a tough phase.

Nigeria

In the village of Zabarmari in north-east Nigeria, there's a sense of anguish &amp; helplessness among the residents after 110 farmers in the village were brutally slaughtered. Reportedly, the farmers were tied up, tortured, and then beheaded.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility but the barbaric killings are being called the handiwork of the Boko Haram - a jihadist terror outfit that has flourished in Nigeria for nearly two decades. As the bodies of the slain villagers were laid to rest, the farmers called upon the federal government to recruit more soldiers. The farmers say that they face a desperate choice: whether to stay home and die of starvation - or - get killed by insurgents. Dozens of farmers are still missing, and reports say that the death toll could rise further.

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Since emerging in 2002, the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has developed into the world's most brutal conflicts. At least 36,000 people have been killed and more than 2 million displaced.

Self-educated preacher Mohammed Yusuf founded the group in the north-eastern Borno state. He called upon Muslims to reject the state and regard western science and modern literature as sinful. The conflict he started remains concentrated in the north-east.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-says-military-operation-in-tigray-region-is-over-hunt-for-regional-leaders-begins-346253" hreflang="en">Ethiopia says military operation in Tigray region is over, hunt for regional leaders begins</a>

Most of Nigeria's Muslims live in the north, while Christians live mostly in the south. The Nigerian government&nbsp;based in Abuja is often accused of doing little to stop the insurgency. But this time the country's President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to bring the perpetrators to book as Nigeria battles Islamist insurgency.

Ethiopia

Nearly 5,000 kilometres away in Ethiopia, the situation is no better. The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia is showing no signs of ending. At least 70 graves have been discovered in the Humera town of the Tigray region. This discovery was made just a day after the Ethiopian government claimed that the region was back under its control.

Sub-Saharan Africa

As the armed conflicts continue during the pandemic, the death toll due to malaria has outpaced COVID-19 in sub-saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)— there were an excess of 20,000 to 1 lakh malaria deaths in sub-saharan Africa last year. Most of the victims included babies in the poorest parts of Africa.

South Africa

Meanwhile, political turmoil is plaguing the more developed regions of Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be facing his first motion of confidence this Thursday. South Africa's opposition party, the African Transformation Movement has listed 15 reasons why Ramaphosa should be removed from office.

With mass murders, military conflicts, deadly diseases, and political unrest - Africa is facing a very tough time.

The continent of Africa is witnessing upheavals across many regions. In Nigeria, the Boko Haram has slaughtered 110 farmers. The brutal killings have thrust into limelight the many conflicts and power tussles that continue to plague Africa to this day.

The continent of Africa is witnessing upheavals across many regions. In Nigeria, the Boko Haram has slaughtered 110 farmers. The brutal killings have thrust into limelight the many conflicts and power tussles that continue to plague Africa to this day. In Ethiopia, the government has discovered mass graves in the Tigray region. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to face vote of confidence in the country's parliament. And in sub-saharan Africa, the death toll due to malaria has outpaced that of COVID-19. Most of the African continent is going through a tough phase. Nigeria In the village of Zabarmari in north-east Nigeria, there's a sense of anguish & helplessness among the residents after 110 farmers in the village were brutally slaughtered. Reportedly, the farmers were tied up, tortured, and then beheaded. So far, no group has claimed responsibility but the barbaric killings are being called the handiwork of the Boko Haram - a jihadist terror outfit that has flourished in Nigeria for nearly two decades. As the bodies of the slain villagers were laid to rest, the farmers called upon the federal government to recruit more soldiers. The farmers say that they face a desperate choice: whether to stay home and die of starvation - or - get killed by insurgents. Dozens of farmers are still missing, and reports say that the death toll could rise further. × Since emerging in 2002, the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has developed into the world's most brutal conflicts. At least 36,000 people have been killed and more than 2 million displaced. Self-educated preacher Mohammed Yusuf founded the group in the north-eastern Borno state. He called upon Muslims to reject the state and regard western science and modern literature as sinful. The conflict he started remains concentrated in the north-east. Also read: Ethiopia says military operation in Tigray region is over, hunt for regional leaders begins Most of Nigeria's Muslims live in the north, while Christians live mostly in the south. The Nigerian government based in Abuja is often accused of doing little to stop the insurgency. But this time the country's President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to bring the perpetrators to book as Nigeria battles Islamist insurgency. Ethiopia Nearly 5,000 kilometres away in Ethiopia, the situation is no better. The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia is showing no signs of ending. At least 70 graves have been discovered in the Humera town of the Tigray region. This discovery was made just a day after the Ethiopian government claimed that the region was back under its control. Sub-Saharan Africa As the armed conflicts continue during the pandemic, the death toll due to malaria has outpaced COVID-19 in sub-saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)— there were an excess of 20,000 to 1 lakh malaria deaths in sub-saharan Africa last year. Most of the victims included babies in the poorest parts of Africa. South Africa Meanwhile, political turmoil is plaguing the more developed regions of Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be facing his first motion of confidence this Thursday. South Africa's opposition party, the African Transformation Movement has listed 15 reasons why Ramaphosa should be removed from office. With mass murders, military conflicts, deadly diseases, and political unrest - Africa is facing a very tough time.

From mass murders to armed conflict, African countries are having a tough time on multiple fronts

The United Nations on Monday said that Sudan needs $150 million to cope with the migration crisis.

UN: Sudan needs $150 million to cope with migration crisis

At least 110 people have been killed in an attack on a village in north-east Nigeria blamed on the Boko Haram jihadist group

At least 110 dead in Nigeria after suspected Boko Haram attack

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year". The attack took in Koshobe, a village near the main city of Maiduguri. The attackers targetted rice field farmers. The tragedy took place on Saturday (November 28)

"At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack," UN's Edward Kallon said in a statement after initial tolls indicated 43 and then at least 70 dead from Saturday's massacre by suspected Boko Haram fighters.

"The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year," Kallon said, adding: "I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice."

Borno Governor Babaganan Umara Zulum attended the burial Sunday in the nearby village of Zabarmari of 43 bodies recovered on Saturday, saying the toll could rise after search operations resumed.

According to a pro-government anti-jihadist media, the attackers tied up agricultural workers and slit their throats.

The victims were among labourers from Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, it said.&nbsp;

Six were wounded in the attack and eight remained missing as of Saturday.&nbsp;

Kallon, citing "reports that several women may have been kidnapped", called for their immediate release and return to safety.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack, saying: "The entire country has been wounded by these senseless killings."

The attack took place as voters went to the polls in long-delayed local elections in Borno State. 
The polls had been repeatedly postponed because of an increase in attacks by Boko Haram and a rival dissident faction, ISWAP.

The two groups have been blamed for increasing attacks on loggers, farmers and fishermen whom they accuse of spying for the army and pro-government militias.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year".

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year". The attack took in Koshobe, a village near the main city of Maiduguri. The attackers targetted rice field farmers. The tragedy took place on Saturday (November 28) "At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack," UN's Edward Kallon said in a statement after initial tolls indicated 43 and then at least 70 dead from Saturday's massacre by suspected Boko Haram fighters. "The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year," Kallon said, adding: "I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice." Borno Governor Babaganan Umara Zulum attended the burial Sunday in the nearby village of Zabarmari of 43 bodies recovered on Saturday, saying the toll could rise after search operations resumed. According to a pro-government anti-jihadist media, the attackers tied up agricultural workers and slit their throats. The victims were among labourers from Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, it said. Six were wounded in the attack and eight remained missing as of Saturday. Kallon, citing "reports that several women may have been kidnapped", called for their immediate release and return to safety. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack, saying: "The entire country has been wounded by these senseless killings." The attack took place as voters went to the polls in long-delayed local elections in Borno State. The polls had been repeatedly postponed because of an increase in attacks by Boko Haram and a rival dissident faction, ISWAP. The two groups have been blamed for increasing attacks on loggers, farmers and fishermen whom they accuse of spying for the army and pro-government militias. (With AFP inputs)

Nigeria attack blamed on jihadists claims 110 lives

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey. The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is the first such centre which was established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019.

Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted a picture of himself at the convention centre saying, OIC meet was "taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today!"

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The 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of <a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>, taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis, it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today! <a href="https://t.co/RM9C2MNq1x">pic.twitter.com/RM9C2MNq1x</a>
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1332324120965623809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The centre was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during the former's visit to the country in January of this year.&nbsp;

A Ministry of External Affairs release that time said, "The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa."

The plenary hall of the centre has a capacity of 2000 people and with total cost being at USD 56 million. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited with Government of India's NBCC being the project management consultant for the project.&nbsp;

The total duration of construction was 13 months, and India is building more such centres across the continent. India offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in more than 20 countries in Africa. The centres in 9 countries are being built in the immediate phase.

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey.

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey. The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is the first such centre which was established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019. Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted a picture of himself at the convention centre saying, OIC meet was "taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today!" The 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of @OIC_OCI, taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis, it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today! pic.twitter.com/RM9C2MNq1x — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 27, 2020 × The centre was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during the former's visit to the country in January of this year. A Ministry of External Affairs release that time said, "The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa." The plenary hall of the centre has a capacity of 2000 people and with total cost being at USD 56 million. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited with Government of India's NBCC being the project management consultant for the project. The total duration of construction was 13 months, and India is building more such centres across the continent. India offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in more than 20 countries in Africa. The centres in 9 countries are being built in the immediate phase.

OIC meet takes place at India-built convention centre in Niger

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) 72 hours to lay down their arms or face an assault on Mekelle

Ethiopia orders final offensive in Tigray region after ultimatum expires

Burkina Faso will vote in a general election Sunday in the shadow of a growing extremist insurgency, with President Roch Marc Christian Kabore expected to win re-election.

Burkina Faso goes to the polls amid growing extremist insurgency

A survey published on Monday revealed that the governance performance of Africa worsened for the first time in ten years.&nbsp;

The survey takes into account human rights, rule of law, and security among many. The Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), considered the most comprehensive survey in Africa rates 54 African countries. The criteria are as follows: human rights, security, economic stability, just laws, free elections, corruption, infrastructure, health and education, and poverty.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-says-tigray-town-seized-war-embroils-eritrea-343515" hreflang="en">Ethiopia says Tigray town seized, war embroils Eritrea</a>

A decline of -0.2 points was recorded in the 2019 average, the compared to 2018. This marked the first sign of deterioration since 2010.

The 2019 African average score for overall governance declined by -0.2 points from 2018, registering the first year-on-year score deterioration since 2010, the report published by the foundation of Sudanese telecoms tycoon Mo Ibrahim said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/researchers-plan-new-colony-as-african-penguins-face-extinction-risk-341926" hreflang="en">Researchers plan new colony as African penguins face extinction risk</a>

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, founded by Sudan’s telecom tycoon Mo Ibrahim aims to promote effective governance and development in Africa by compiling the data.

The report added that the progress achieved on the continent in the last decade was driven by improvements in economic opportunities and human development, as reported by Reuters.

"This is threatened, however, by an increasingly precarious security situation and concerning erosion in rights as well as civic and democratic space," the report said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopias-internal-conflict-goes-beyond-its-borders-rockets-hit-eritrea-capital-343193" hreflang="en">Ethiopia's internal conflict goes beyond its borders, rockets hit Eritrea capital</a>

According to the survey, declines were experienced across security, rule of law, participation, rights, and inclusion. According to the index, the region’s top performers include Mauritius, Cape Verde and Seychelles. At the bottom were South Sudan, Eritrea, and Equatorial Guinea.

A survey published on Monday revealed that the governance performance of Africa worsened for the first time in ten years. The survey takes into account human rights, rule of law, and security among many.

A survey published on Monday revealed that the governance performance of Africa worsened for the first time in ten years. The survey takes into account human rights, rule of law, and security among many. The Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), considered the most comprehensive survey in Africa rates 54 African countries. The criteria are as follows: human rights, security, economic stability, just laws, free elections, corruption, infrastructure, health and education, and poverty. Also read: Ethiopia says Tigray town seized, war embroils Eritrea A decline of -0.2 points was recorded in the 2019 average, the compared to 2018. This marked the first sign of deterioration since 2010. The 2019 African average score for overall governance declined by -0.2 points from 2018, registering the first year-on-year score deterioration since 2010, the report published by the foundation of Sudanese telecoms tycoon Mo Ibrahim said. Also read: Researchers plan new colony as African penguins face extinction risk The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, founded by Sudan’s telecom tycoon Mo Ibrahim aims to promote effective governance and development in Africa by compiling the data. The report added that the progress achieved on the continent in the last decade was driven by improvements in economic opportunities and human development, as reported by Reuters. "This is threatened, however, by an increasingly precarious security situation and concerning erosion in rights as well as civic and democratic space," the report said. Also read: Ethiopia's internal conflict goes beyond its borders, rockets hit Eritrea capital According to the survey, declines were experienced across security, rule of law, participation, rights, and inclusion. According to the index, the region’s top performers include Mauritius, Cape Verde and Seychelles. At the bottom were South Sudan, Eritrea, and Equatorial Guinea.

Governance and human rights decline in Africa for first time in 10 years: Survey

The leader of the Tigray region has now claimed responsibility for the rocket strikes on Eritrea's capital, Hundred people were killed in this strike, rights commissions are investigating the killings

Ethiopia: The leader of Tigray region has claimed responsibility of airstrike on Eritrea

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