Senegal an African nation that is usually known for its stability in an otherwise turbulent region it's now facing a 10th presidential election. The vote originally scheduled for February was delayed by President Saul sparking protests and raising concerns about Democratic backsliding in the country.

Investors watch Senegal elections

<p>The decision to possibly overturn a ban in Gambia on female genital mutilation (FGM) has been postponed after lawmakers called for further consultations, on Monday (Mar 18). This comes as the Gambian members of parliament debated whether to repeal the ban on the procedure, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has no health benefits.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why overturn the ban?</strong></h2>

<p>FGM was outlawed by the small West African nation eight years ago and it is currently punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and hefty fines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill to overturn this ban was introduced earlier this month by lawmaker Almameh Gibba arguing that it violates the citizens’ right to practice their culture and religion.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Gibba said that overturning the ban would “uphold religious loyalty and safeguard cultural norms and values”. If passed, Gambia would become the first country to reverse a ban on FGM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the debate, the lawmakers voted by 42 to four to send it to a parliamentary committee for review. The committee can make amendments to the bill and is expected to send it to the national assembly to be voted on. This is a routine process which takes at least three months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hundreds of people&nbsp;protested outside parliament on Monday with&nbsp;most of them supporting a repeal of the ban, reported AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anti-FGM groups in Gambia, an overwhelmingly Muslim country, have argued that the move will undo years of work. Additionally, opponents of the ban have said that the practice does not have any basis in the Quran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the WHO, FGM can lead to excessive bleeding, shock, psychological problems and in some cases can be fatal.</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns about overturning the ban</strong></h2>

<p>Jaha Dukureh, the founder of Safe Hands for Girls, an anti-FGM group said, “It was the most heartbreaking thing to watch men invalidate our experiences and reduce our pain to western influence.” However, she remains confident that the bill will be voted down.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-reiterates-usas-ironclad-commitment-to-defend-philippines-against-attack-by-china-701803">Blinken reiterates USA’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend Philippines against attack by China</a></strong></p>

<p>Equality Now, an advocacy group, highlighted the importance of the ban noting that more than half of the 92 countries where FGM is practised have laws against it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If the law is reversed in Gambia, there is a risk that the advocacy efforts in subsequent countries...will fail or go back,” said Caroline Lagat, a programme officer at Equality Now, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide has risen to 230 million from 200 million eight years ago, reported UNICEF, earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FGM includes partial or full removal of external genitalia. The procedure is often reportedly carried out by traditional community practitioners with tools such as razor blades and sometimes by healthcare workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The decision to possibly overturn a ban in Gambia on female genital mutilation (FGM) has been postponed after lawmakers called for further consultations, on Monday (Mar 18).

The decision to possibly overturn a ban in Gambia on female genital mutilation (FGM) has been postponed after lawmakers called for further consultations, on Monday (Mar 18). This comes as the Gambian members of parliament debated whether to repeal the ban on the procedure, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has no health benefits. Why overturn the ban? FGM was outlawed by the small West African nation eight years ago and it is currently punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and hefty fines. The bill to overturn this ban was introduced earlier this month by lawmaker Almameh Gibba arguing that it violates the citizens’ right to practice their culture and religion. Also Read | Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 now reports crack in windshield while landing in Portland Gibba said that overturning the ban would “uphold religious loyalty and safeguard cultural norms and values”. If passed, Gambia would become the first country to reverse a ban on FGM. Following the debate, the lawmakers voted by 42 to four to send it to a parliamentary committee for review. The committee can make amendments to the bill and is expected to send it to the national assembly to be voted on. This is a routine process which takes at least three months. Hundreds of people protested outside parliament on Monday with most of them supporting a repeal of the ban, reported AFP. Anti-FGM groups in Gambia, an overwhelmingly Muslim country, have argued that the move will undo years of work. Additionally, opponents of the ban have said that the practice does not have any basis in the Quran. According to the WHO, FGM can lead to excessive bleeding, shock, psychological problems and in some cases can be fatal. Concerns about overturning the ban Jaha Dukureh, the founder of Safe Hands for Girls, an anti-FGM group said, “It was the most heartbreaking thing to watch men invalidate our experiences and reduce our pain to western influence.” However, she remains confident that the bill will be voted down. Also Read | Blinken reiterates USA’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend Philippines against attack by China Equality Now, an advocacy group, highlighted the importance of the ban noting that more than half of the 92 countries where FGM is practised have laws against it. “If the law is reversed in Gambia, there is a risk that the advocacy efforts in subsequent countries...will fail or go back,” said Caroline Lagat, a programme officer at Equality Now, as quoted by Reuters. The number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide has risen to 230 million from 200 million eight years ago, reported UNICEF, earlier this month. FGM includes partial or full removal of external genitalia. The procedure is often reportedly carried out by traditional community practitioners with tools such as razor blades and sometimes by healthcare workers. (With inputs from agencies)

Gambia postpones move to reverse ban on female genital mutilation

<p>Niger’s ruling junta&nbsp;on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Condescending attitude’</strong></h2>

<p>The decision comes days after a delegation of American officials led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee visited Niger along with General Michael Langley, head of the US Africa Command.</p>

<p>Junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane speaking on television in the West African nation said that the recent visit by the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol as they were not informed about the composition of the team, date of their arrival, and agenda.</p>

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<p>“Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerian people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism,” said Abdramane, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the junta spokesperson, the officials discussed the current military transition in the country, military cooperation between Niger and the US, and Niger’s choice of partners in the fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.</p>

<p>The ruling junta in Niger seized power last year and has since kicked out the French and other European forces from the country and turned to Russia for support. The country’s neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have taken similar steps in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US troops in Niger</strong></h2>

<p>As of 2023, there were around 1,100 American troops in Niger which operated out of two bases, including a drone base worth $100 million known as Air Base 201, built near Agadez in central Niger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since 2018, the base has been used to target Islamic State militants and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al Qaeda-linked group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-us-announces-charter-flights-to-evacuate-americans-guatemala-honorary-consul-office-ransacked-701019">Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked</a></strong></p>

<p>As of December, the US reportedly had some 650 personnel working in Niger, including troops stationed at the major drone base.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his statement, Abdramane noted that the status and presence of American troops in Niger was illegal and violated their constitutional and democratic rules since, according to him, it was unilaterally imposed on the African nation in 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he stopped short of asking the US troops to leave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Niger is not aware of the number of US civilians and troops or even the amount of equipment deployed on its soil, said Abdramane, but said that the American military was under no obligation to respond to any request for help against the militants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In light of all the above, the government of Niger, revokes with immediate effect the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian employees of the American department of defence on the territory of the Republic of Niger,” said the junta spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Niger’s ruling junta on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil.

Niger’s ruling junta on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil. ‘Condescending attitude’ The decision comes days after a delegation of American officials led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee visited Niger along with General Michael Langley, head of the US Africa Command. Junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane speaking on television in the West African nation said that the recent visit by the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol as they were not informed about the composition of the team, date of their arrival, and agenda. Also Read | Gaza war: Israel walks for ceasefire talks after Hamas steps back on key demands “Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerian people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism,” said Abdramane, as quoted by Reuters. He added, “Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people.” According to the junta spokesperson, the officials discussed the current military transition in the country, military cooperation between Niger and the US, and Niger’s choice of partners in the fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The ruling junta in Niger seized power last year and has since kicked out the French and other European forces from the country and turned to Russia for support. The country’s neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have taken similar steps in recent years. US troops in Niger As of 2023, there were around 1,100 American troops in Niger which operated out of two bases, including a drone base worth $100 million known as Air Base 201, built near Agadez in central Niger. Since 2018, the base has been used to target Islamic State militants and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al Qaeda-linked group. Also Read | Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked As of December, the US reportedly had some 650 personnel working in Niger, including troops stationed at the major drone base. In his statement, Abdramane noted that the status and presence of American troops in Niger was illegal and violated their constitutional and democratic rules since, according to him, it was unilaterally imposed on the African nation in 2012. However, he stopped short of asking the US troops to leave. Niger is not aware of the number of US civilians and troops or even the amount of equipment deployed on its soil, said Abdramane, but said that the American military was under no obligation to respond to any request for help against the militants. “In light of all the above, the government of Niger, revokes with immediate effect the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian employees of the American department of defence on the territory of the Republic of Niger,” said the junta spokesperson. (With inputs from agencies)

Niger junta revokes military accord with US ‘with immediate effect’ over ‘condescending attitude’

A dozen countries across Africa suffered a major internet outage on Thursday as multiple undersea telecommunication cables reported failures. Watch in for more details!

Major internet outage hits dozens of countries in Africa

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<p>An Ivory Coast footballer has alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and a mob attack at a football ground in the Malappuram district of the southern Indian state of Kerala.</p>

<p>The footballer, identified as Dairrassouba Hassane Junior, alleged in the police complaint that the incident took place on March 10 in Areekode, a village in the district where he had arrived to play in a Sevens Football tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sevens Football is a renowned sporting event in the state where matches are held in packed local stadiums, usually between November and May. Junior was representing Jawahar Mavoor club and the tournament was organised by a local association called Town Team Chemrakkattur.</p>

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<p>Junior said the attack started when he went to the corner flag to take the kick while his team was leading in the match.</p>

<p>“Our team got a corner kick when my team was leading by a goal. I went near the corner flag for taking the kick, and the natives and the audience called me a monkey. One among the audience threw a stone at me and it hit my head," said Junior in the complaint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I turned back, two more stones were hurled at me and they started screaming at me. Those people who threw stones at me were saying f**k African monkey, black cat.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/fifa-chief-calls-for-automatic-forfeit-of-games-for-teams-whose-fans-get-involved-in-racism-during-games-682122" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games</strong></a></p>

<p>A video of the incident has gone viral on social media and shows Junor being assaulted by the mob. According to reports, if it wasn't for the intervention of a few players who took Junior to safety, the consequences could have been severe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They hit me brutally. I escaped after supporters of my team intervened and stopped them,’’ said Junior in the complaint.</p>

<p>Notably, such incidents of violence are extremely common in the amateur football landscape of Kerala. Last year, a football tournament in the state's Kozhikode district turned ugly after a massive brawl erupted between players of the two teams over a foul.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Ivory Coast footballer has alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and a mob attack at a football ground in the Malappuram district of the southern Indian state of Kerala.

An Ivory Coast footballer has alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and a mob attack at a football ground in the Malappuram district of the southern Indian state of Kerala. The footballer, identified as Dairrassouba Hassane Junior, alleged in the police complaint that the incident took place on March 10 in Areekode, a village in the district where he had arrived to play in a Sevens Football tournament. Sevens Football is a renowned sporting event in the state where matches are held in packed local stadiums, usually between November and May. Junior was representing Jawahar Mavoor club and the tournament was organised by a local association called Town Team Chemrakkattur. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Football News India (@football_news_india) × Junior said the attack started when he went to the corner flag to take the kick while his team was leading in the match. “Our team got a corner kick when my team was leading by a goal. I went near the corner flag for taking the kick, and the natives and the audience called me a monkey. One among the audience threw a stone at me and it hit my head," said Junior in the complaint. "When I turned back, two more stones were hurled at me and they started screaming at me. Those people who threw stones at me were saying f**k African monkey, black cat.” Also read | FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games A video of the incident has gone viral on social media and shows Junor being assaulted by the mob. According to reports, if it wasn't for the intervention of a few players who took Junior to safety, the consequences could have been severe. "They hit me brutally. I escaped after supporters of my team intervened and stopped them,’’ said Junior in the complaint. Notably, such incidents of violence are extremely common in the amateur football landscape of Kerala. Last year, a football tournament in the state's Kozhikode district turned ugly after a massive brawl erupted between players of the two teams over a foul. (With inputs from agencies)

African footballer allegedly racially abused and beaten by mob in India - Video

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Russia delivers 200,000 tonnes of free grain to African nations

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Russia has successfully fulfilled its commitment to provide humanitarian aid in the form of 200,000 metric tonnes of free grain to six African countries, as previously announced by President Vladimir Putin in July. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">This is based on a Reuters report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The delivery, confirmed by Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev, included 50,000 tonnes each to Somalia and the Central African Republic, and 25,000 tonnes each to Mali, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, and Eritrea.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The initiative, a response to Putin's pledge made during the Russia-Africa summit, aimed to strengthen ties and cooperation between Moscow and African nations. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The swift execution of the grain delivery underscores Russia's commitment to supporting these countries in times of need. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Reuters cited Patrushev, in a meeting with Putin, who said, "After the Russia-Africa summit, we have been maintaining relations with African countries and building cooperation. As a result, we were able to deliver this volume of wheat to these countries quite quickly."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The gesture also follows Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain initiative, a deal that permitted Ukraine to ship grain from its Black Sea ports amid the ongoing conflict. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Putin argued that the initiative was ineffective in addressing the urgent needs of the recipient countries. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The recent shipment to Africa represents a proactive step by Moscow to establish alternative channels for aiding nations in distress.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Looking ahead, Patrushev informed Putin that Russia anticipates exporting up to 70 million metric tonnes of grain during the 2023-2024 agricultural year, which commenced on July 1, 2023, and concludes on June 30, 2024. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">In the previous season, Russia exported 66 million tonnes valued at nearly $16.5 billion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB">(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>


Russia has successfully fulfilled its commitment to provide humanitarian aid in the form of 200,000 metric tonnes of free grain to six African countries, as previously announced by President Vladimir Putin in July.

Russia has successfully fulfilled its commitment to provide humanitarian aid in the form of 200,000 metric tonnes of free grain to six African countries, as previously announced by President Vladimir Putin in July. This is based on a Reuters report. The delivery, confirmed by Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev, included 50,000 tonnes each to Somalia and the Central African Republic, and 25,000 tonnes each to Mali, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, and Eritrea. The initiative, a response to Putin's pledge made during the Russia-Africa summit, aimed to strengthen ties and cooperation between Moscow and African nations. The swift execution of the grain delivery underscores Russia's commitment to supporting these countries in times of need. Reuters cited Patrushev, in a meeting with Putin, who said, "After the Russia-Africa summit, we have been maintaining relations with African countries and building cooperation. As a result, we were able to deliver this volume of wheat to these countries quite quickly." The gesture also follows Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain initiative, a deal that permitted Ukraine to ship grain from its Black Sea ports amid the ongoing conflict. Putin argued that the initiative was ineffective in addressing the urgent needs of the recipient countries. The recent shipment to Africa represents a proactive step by Moscow to establish alternative channels for aiding nations in distress. Looking ahead, Patrushev informed Putin that Russia anticipates exporting up to 70 million metric tonnes of grain during the 2023-2024 agricultural year, which commenced on July 1, 2023, and concludes on June 30, 2024. In the previous season, Russia exported 66 million tonnes valued at nearly $16.5 billion. (With inputs from Reuters)

Russia delivers on grain promise: 200,000 tonnes shipped to six African nations

African heads-of-state and government assembled in Addis Ababa for the 37th ordinary session of the African union plenary...the DRC, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, responding to coups – divisions between member states have been racking the African Union, and the rifts appeared to widen during the organisation’s summit last week...and to add to the myriad of concerns, was the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, where the leaders openly shamed Israel over its cruelty on Palestinians living in the Gaza strip.

African leaders slam Israel for ignoring calls to end war

Heavy rain and floods are unleashing chaos in at least two countries of Africa. The province of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa is reeling from a catastrophic flood event that unfolded on Saturday evening. In the Democratic Republic Congo's capital Kinshasa. The rising waters of the swollen Congo river are displacing hundreds of people from their homes.

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire, is Africa's second largest country. The central African nation, rich in valuable mineral resources, has been plagued by myriad armed groups in its east, fighting for control. Pre-eminent among these is M23, a largely Tutsi rebel group linked with the neighboring Rwanda, though Kigali denies the charge.

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A California museum returned seven royal artefacts to Ghana’s traditional Ashanti king to commemorate his silver jubilee in the first planned handovers of Ashanti treasures looted during colonial times... The Ashanti monarch Otumfuo Osei Tutu the Second, who holds an important ceremonial role in Ghana, said their return would help unite his people.

Ghana's looted royal artefacts returned

Pineapples: beloved by chefs - and cocktail makers - the world over for bringing a reliable tropical sweetness. Now an innovative firm in Kenya is gaining fans by turning waste from the fruit's harvest into footwear. It comes as the fashion industry looks to embrace more eco-friendly materials.

Footwear from pineapple waste in Kenya

Djibouti has intensified coast guard patrols along its strategic waterways as the Red Sea crisis unfolds. The horn of Africa nation has achieved economic growth during the past decade and the ongoing crisis could negatively impact the coastal nation.

Red Sea Crisis: Tale of the vulnerable Djibouti

The US is alarmed, China has been trying to station its forces along the Atlantic coast of African countries while Washington has been trying to counter its efforts with concessions. Watch to know more!

China seeks to increase its footprint in Western Africa

<p>Six people, including the group chief executive of Nigeria's Access Bank, which is also one of the largest lenders of the African country, lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Southern California&nbsp;on Friday (Feb 9), said the authorities.</p>

<p>The US Federal Aviation Administration released a statement saying that six people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed at around 10 pm near Nipton, California.</p>

<p>Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organization, in a post on social media platform X, confirmed that the incident had claimed the life of Access Bank Group CEO Herbert Wigwe, along with that of Nigerian Exchange Group's former Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo.</p>

<p>"Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash," Okonjo-Iweala said on X.</p>

<p>The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that the site of the helicopter crash was determined to be east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road.</p>

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<p>It further added that no survivors were found as of Saturday.</p>

<p>The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA announced that they would conduct joint investigations after determining that the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC 130.</p>

<p>Multiple sources state that the chopper crashed close to a border city between Nevada and California on its way to Las Vegas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Six people, including the group chief executive of Nigeria's Access Bank, which is also one of the largest lenders of the African country, lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Friday (Feb 9), said the authorities.

Six people, including the group chief executive of Nigeria's Access Bank, which is also one of the largest lenders of the African country, lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Friday (Feb 9), said the authorities. The US Federal Aviation Administration released a statement saying that six people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed at around 10 pm near Nipton, California. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organization, in a post on social media platform X, confirmed that the incident had claimed the life of Access Bank Group CEO Herbert Wigwe, along with that of Nigerian Exchange Group's former Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo. "Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash," Okonjo-Iweala said on X. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that the site of the helicopter crash was determined to be east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road. Also read: Taiwan detects eight more Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan Strait It further added that no survivors were found as of Saturday. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA announced that they would conduct joint investigations after determining that the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC 130. Multiple sources state that the chopper crashed close to a border city between Nevada and California on its way to Las Vegas. (With inputs from agencies)

Helicopter with six on board crashes in California, Nigeria's Access Bank group CEO among the dead

China eyes Africa's Western coast. China seeks to increase its footprint in Western Africa. US blocking China's efforts to establish military bases in Africa. The US is alarmed, Beijing has been trying to station its forces along the Atlantic coast of African countries while Washington has been trying to counter its efforts with concessions. Watch to know more!

China seeking bases in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea?

The Grammy Awards 2024 had a new trophy to hand out - Best African Music Performance category. The prize reflects the growing popularity of Afrobeats, and other music from the continent, which is gaining a global audience with help from social media platforms such as short-form video app TikTok.

African music becomes a global chart topper

Namibia is in mourning after the nation lost one of its most charismatic leaders, Hage Geingob. Namibians held a candlelit vigil in the capital, Windhoek, to pay homage to their late president. The much-respected leader, who was receiving treatment for cancer, passed away at the age of 82. Geingob played a central role in what has become one of Africa's most stable democracies after returning from a long exile in Botswana and the United States as an anti-apartheid activist. The Southern African nation quickly swore in his deputy, Nangolo Mbumba, as acting president to complete what was his second and final term in office.

Namibia mourns the death of President Hage Geingob

World Bank president Ajay Banga warns that part of the development lender's work is impeded by excessive restrictions. Banga said that undermines the progress and effectiveness, especially when he is trying to raise capital and expand the bank's mandate.

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<p>Hage Geingob, Namibia's longest-serving prime minister and third president, was an anti-apartheid activist turned statesman, who cut a reassuring figure.&nbsp;He passed away early Sunday (Feb 4) in a hospital in the capital Windhoek, where he was receiving treatment for cancer. He was 82.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Born in a village in northern Namibia in 1941, Hage Gottfried Geingob was the southern African country's first president outside of the Ovambo ethnic group, which makes up more than half the country's population.</p>

<p>He took up activism against South Africa's apartheid regime, which at the time ruled over Namibia, from his early schooling years before being driven into exile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He spent almost three decades in Botswana and the United States, leaving the former for the latter in 1964.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tall, deep-voiced leader studied at Fordham University in New York, and much later in life received a PhD in the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>While in the US, he remained a vocal advocate for Namibia's independence, representing the local liberation movement, SWAPO, now the ruling party, at the United Nations and across the Americas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the early 1970s, he started a career working for the UN on governance issues.</p>

<p>Seen as a centrist, he returned to Namibia in 1989, a year before the country's independence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I embraced the soil of Namibia after 27 years in exile. Looking back, the journey of building a new Namibia has been worthwhile," he said in a Twitter post in 2020 posting a photo of his younger self kissing the tarmac after landing back home.</p>

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<h2>Fish rot</h2>

<p>When SWAPO won the first vote in 1990, Geingob was appointed prime minister – a position he held for 12 years before returning to it again in 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2014, as the party comfortably won yet another vote, riding on the legacy of its role in the liberation struggle, Geingob became president.</p>

<p>In between top jobs, the composed yet stern talking leader who sported wide-rimmed glasses and a tuft of grey hair on his chin, held various ministerial and internal party positions.</p>

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<p>But his first term as president was tainted by a recession, high unemployment and graft allegations.</p>

<p>In 2019, documents published by WikiLeaks suggested that government officials took bribes from an Icelandic firm in exchange for continued access to Namibia's fishing grounds.</p>

<p>The "fish rot" scandal threatened Geingob's prospects of a second term, with the head of state also coming under fire for pumping money into a bloated administration and granting contracts to foreign rather than local companies.</p>

<p>His share of the vote dropped considerably in 2019 from the 2014 height of 87 per cent, but he was still able to comfortably sail to victory with 56 per cent of preferences.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Football lover</h2>

<p>He suffered a couple of health scares in his later years, having undergone brain surgery in 2013 and a heart valve surgery in South Africa in June 2023.</p>

<p>An avid football fan, he played the sport as a young man, which earned him the nickname "Danger Point".</p>

<p>He was married three times, in 1967, 1993 and again in 2015 and had as many children. His last consort, Monica Geingos is a lawyer and businesswoman.</p>


Hage Geingob, Namibia's longest-serving prime minister and third president, was an anti-apartheid activist turned statesman, who cut a reassuring figure. He passed away early Sunday (Feb 4) in a hospital in the capital Windhoek, where he was receiving treatment for cancer.

Hage Geingob, Namibia's longest-serving prime minister and third president, was an anti-apartheid activist turned statesman, who cut a reassuring figure. He passed away early Sunday (Feb 4) in a hospital in the capital Windhoek, where he was receiving treatment for cancer. He was 82. Born in a village in northern Namibia in 1941, Hage Gottfried Geingob was the southern African country's first president outside of the Ovambo ethnic group, which makes up more than half the country's population. He took up activism against South Africa's apartheid regime, which at the time ruled over Namibia, from his early schooling years before being driven into exile. He spent almost three decades in Botswana and the United States, leaving the former for the latter in 1964. The tall, deep-voiced leader studied at Fordham University in New York, and much later in life received a PhD in the United Kingdom. While in the US, he remained a vocal advocate for Namibia's independence, representing the local liberation movement, SWAPO, now the ruling party, at the United Nations and across the Americas. In the early 1970s, he started a career working for the UN on governance issues. Seen as a centrist, he returned to Namibia in 1989, a year before the country's independence. "I embraced the soil of Namibia after 27 years in exile. Looking back, the journey of building a new Namibia has been worthwhile," he said in a Twitter post in 2020 posting a photo of his younger self kissing the tarmac after landing back home. Also read | Project Cheetah: India may import more big cats from Northern Africa, says official Fish rot When SWAPO won the first vote in 1990, Geingob was appointed prime minister – a position he held for 12 years before returning to it again in 2012. In 2014, as the party comfortably won yet another vote, riding on the legacy of its role in the liberation struggle, Geingob became president. In between top jobs, the composed yet stern talking leader who sported wide-rimmed glasses and a tuft of grey hair on his chin, held various ministerial and internal party positions. Watch | ISIS terror group's presence in Africa, new tactics in Asia × But his first term as president was tainted by a recession, high unemployment and graft allegations. In 2019, documents published by WikiLeaks suggested that government officials took bribes from an Icelandic firm in exchange for continued access to Namibia's fishing grounds. The "fish rot" scandal threatened Geingob's prospects of a second term, with the head of state also coming under fire for pumping money into a bloated administration and granting contracts to foreign rather than local companies. His share of the vote dropped considerably in 2019 from the 2014 height of 87 per cent, but he was still able to comfortably sail to victory with 56 per cent of preferences. Football lover He suffered a couple of health scares in his later years, having undergone brain surgery in 2013 and a heart valve surgery in South Africa in June 2023. An avid football fan, he played the sport as a young man, which earned him the nickname "Danger Point". He was married three times, in 1967, 1993 and again in 2015 and had as many children. His last consort, Monica Geingos is a lawyer and businesswoman.

Namibia President Hage Geinob dies aged 82 after losing battle with cancer

<p>At least three&nbsp;people were killed and more than 270&nbsp;were&nbsp;injured in a massive fire started by a gas explosion&nbsp;in Kenya's capital Nairobi.</p>

<p>Kenyan Red Cross said 271 people have been evacuated to different health facilities in Nairobi.</p>

<p>An additional 27 people were treated on site, it said in a post on X.</p>

<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨🇰🇪 GAS STATION EXPLOSION IN NAIROBI, KENYA, INJURES 165 PEOPLE, 2 DEAD<a href="https://t.co/0jZRXj02DW">pic.twitter.com/0jZRXj02DW</a></p>
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1753240292344410157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Social media videos showed people fleeing the inferno.<br />
<br />
The fire started in Nairobi's Embakasi neighbourhood just before midnight at a gas refilling company. The building is badly damaged.</p>

<p>Reuters said that firefighters were at the scene and were battling flames.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: As a Massive Explosion at Gas Plant Leaves Numerous Dead and Injured⁰⁰ 📌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nairobi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nairobi</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kenya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kenya</a><br />
<br />
A significant explosion has occurred at a gas plant in Nairobi, Kenya, resulting in huge fireballs and fires raging close to blocks of flats in the Embakasi region. A… <a href="https://t.co/LxCfyyhgdt">pic.twitter.com/LxCfyyhgdt</a></p>
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/rawsalerts/status/1753245945108525323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The impact knocked me down and the flames engulfed me. I am lucky that I was strong enough to get away," said&nbsp;Said Boniface Sifuna as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>AFP reported that the explosion affected and damaged many houses and vehicles.</p>

<p>"We were in the house and heard a huge explosion," James Ngoge who lives near the location where fire broke out as quoted by AFP.</p>

<p>"The whole building was shaken by a huge tremor, it felt like it was going to collapse. At first, we didn't even know what was happening, it was like an earthquake."</p>

<p>Many locals in the area had to spend the night outside because of damage caused by the explosion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least three people were killed and more than 270 were injured in a massive fire started by a gas explosion in Kenya's capital Nairobi. Kenyan Red Cross said 271 people have been evacuated to different health facilities in Nairobi.

At least three people were killed and more than 270 were injured in a massive fire started by a gas explosion in Kenya's capital Nairobi. Kenyan Red Cross said 271 people have been evacuated to different health facilities in Nairobi. An additional 27 people were treated on site, it said in a post on X. 🚨🇰🇪 GAS STATION EXPLOSION IN NAIROBI, KENYA, INJURES 165 PEOPLE, 2 DEADpic.twitter.com/0jZRXj02DW — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 2, 2024 × Social media videos showed people fleeing the inferno. The fire started in Nairobi's Embakasi neighbourhood just before midnight at a gas refilling company. The building is badly damaged. Reuters said that firefighters were at the scene and were battling flames. 🚨#WATCH: As a Massive Explosion at Gas Plant Leaves Numerous Dead and Injured⁰⁰ 📌#Nairobi | #Kenya A significant explosion has occurred at a gas plant in Nairobi, Kenya, resulting in huge fireballs and fires raging close to blocks of flats in the Embakasi region. A… pic.twitter.com/LxCfyyhgdt — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 2, 2024 × "The impact knocked me down and the flames engulfed me. I am lucky that I was strong enough to get away," said Said Boniface Sifuna as quoted by Reuters. AFP reported that the explosion affected and damaged many houses and vehicles. "We were in the house and heard a huge explosion," James Ngoge who lives near the location where fire broke out as quoted by AFP. "The whole building was shaken by a huge tremor, it felt like it was going to collapse. At first, we didn't even know what was happening, it was like an earthquake." Many locals in the area had to spend the night outside because of damage caused by the explosion. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: People flee as gas explosion fire in Kenya kills two, injures over 200

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.</strong></em></p>

<p>In a shocking development, three teenage girls lost their lives whilst they were undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone.</p>

<p>According to the reports, police have launched an inquiry into the incident.</p>

<p>Adamsay Sesay aged 12, Salamatu Jalloh aged 13 and Kadiatu Bangura aged 17, lost their lives at the time of the initiation ceremonies in the country’s North West province in January, said the local media reports.</p>

<p>The executive secretary of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), an organisation that aims to end FGM in Sierra Leone, Aminata Koroma, as per the Guardian, said that the parents of the deceased and the ones who put them through this process were arrested and are currently in police custody.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-teens-set-for-sentencing-in-frenzied-ferocious-knife-killing-of-transgender-girl-686403">UK teens set for sentencing in 'frenzied, ferocious' knife killing of transgender girl</a></p>

<h2><strong>What is FGM?</strong></h2>

<p>Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes all the procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other parts of&nbsp;the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the World Health Organisation, the practice has absolutely no health benefits and rather causes severe bleeding, problems while urinating, cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This practice, which is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, is internationally considered a violation of the human rights of girls and women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the year 2012, the United Nations passed a resolution imposing a ban on it. However, it is still practised in nearly 30 countries.</p>

<p>Though UNICEF is yet to share the latest figures on the global prevalence of FGM next month, as per&nbsp;current estimates, at least 200 million women and girls have undergone this practice.</p>

<p>FGM still remains legal in Sierra Leone despite calls from human rights advocates and activists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This procedure, which is considered a traditional initiation ritual marking a girl's entry into womanhood, is carried out by senior members of the all-women Bondo secret societies, known as 'soweis'.</p>

<p>The executive secretary of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), Koroma, said that the organisation was pressing for a law that would criminalise FGM.</p>

<p>“The results have been very encouraging,” said Koroma.</p>

<p>“There are many positive aspects of the Bondo societies,” she was quoted as saying by the Guardian.</p>

<p>“They teach girls about the medicinal properties of plants and pass down the history of our culture. Our slogan is, ‘Say yes to Bondo, no to cutting'",&nbsp;Koroma added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a shocking development, three teenage girls lost their lives whilst they were undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a shocking development, three teenage girls lost their lives whilst they were undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone. According to the reports, police have launched an inquiry into the incident. Adamsay Sesay aged 12, Salamatu Jalloh aged 13 and Kadiatu Bangura aged 17, lost their lives at the time of the initiation ceremonies in the country’s North West province in January, said the local media reports. The executive secretary of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), an organisation that aims to end FGM in Sierra Leone, Aminata Koroma, as per the Guardian, said that the parents of the deceased and the ones who put them through this process were arrested and are currently in police custody. Also read: UK teens set for sentencing in 'frenzied, ferocious' knife killing of transgender girl What is FGM? Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes all the procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other parts of the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. According to the World Health Organisation, the practice has absolutely no health benefits and rather causes severe bleeding, problems while urinating, cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths. This practice, which is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, is internationally considered a violation of the human rights of girls and women. In the year 2012, the United Nations passed a resolution imposing a ban on it. However, it is still practised in nearly 30 countries. Though UNICEF is yet to share the latest figures on the global prevalence of FGM next month, as per current estimates, at least 200 million women and girls have undergone this practice. FGM still remains legal in Sierra Leone despite calls from human rights advocates and activists. This procedure, which is considered a traditional initiation ritual marking a girl's entry into womanhood, is carried out by senior members of the all-women Bondo secret societies, known as 'soweis'. The executive secretary of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), Koroma, said that the organisation was pressing for a law that would criminalise FGM. “The results have been very encouraging,” said Koroma. “There are many positive aspects of the Bondo societies,” she was quoted as saying by the Guardian. “They teach girls about the medicinal properties of plants and pass down the history of our culture. Our slogan is, ‘Say yes to Bondo, no to cutting'", Koroma added. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Female Genital Mutilation, regressive practice that killed young girls in Sierra Leone?

The Islamic State held about a third of Syria and 40% of Iraq. By 2017 ISIS had lost 95% of its territory including its two biggest properties. The terror group is attempting a comeback and a top US general's warning has set alarm bells.

ISIS terror group's presence in Africa, new tactics in Asia

Bee keepers in Kenya are turning away from honey and harvesting venom instead. There is a lucrative market for the substance which is popular in alternative medicine. Watch to know more!

Honey swapped for more lucrative Bee venom

<p>A Ugandan minister has courted controversy for calling those who have died of hunger in the African country&nbsp;"idiots".&nbsp;Henry Okello Oryem, the state minister for foreign affairs made the tone-deaf comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Oryem argued that people should utilise Uganda's favourable climate and fertile land by growing food for themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's only an idiot, a real idiot, that can die of hunger in Uganda,"&nbsp;Oryem told the NTV Uganda television channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you work hard, there is land in Uganda. The climate is right in spite [of] climate change. If you make a double effort to make sure that you go out in the morning, you till your land, you plant the seeds, you maintain your plantation, surely, how do you fail then to get food?"</p>

<p>The comments sparked outrage immediately, with&nbsp;Moses Aleper, a legislator for Chekwii County attacking Oryem for his insensitivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm from one of the most productive parts of Karamoja where there is adequate rain and we produce food. But in situations where the weather fails us, the weather vagaries set in, we definitely fail to get food. And normally people definitely get famine and eventually hunger strikes," he told BBC.</p>

<p>Notably, Oryem's comments came days after Ugandan President&nbsp;Yoweri Museveni addressed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) delegates and said the&nbsp;disturbing images depicting death from starvation in the country did not accurately portray the overall situation across the African continent.</p>

<p>“When you are out there, you may get stereotypes that we have no food, but we are dying from food here.&nbsp;Those images you see are not representative of all of Africa," said&nbsp;Museveni.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/african-leaders-criticize-israel-during-summit-in-uganda-683075"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;African leaders criticize Israel during summit in Uganda</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Uganda's hunger statistics&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report published by the Uganda Human Rights Commission, over 2,200 people died in the northeast region of&nbsp;the country in 2022 due to starvation and related illnesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the 2022 Global Hunger Index, food insecurity in Uganda is classified as “serious". Malnutrition is widespread in the country as 29 per cent of children under the age of five are stunted while 53 per cent are anaemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uganda-president-museveni-commends-indian-diaspora-for-establishing-900-factories-682038"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Uganda President Museveni commends Indian diaspora for establishing 900 factories</strong></a></p>

<p>A report by the&nbsp;United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) states that&nbsp;adolescent girls and women in Uganda struggle to access nutritious diets, and poor nutrition is passed down through generations</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


A Ugandan minister has courted controversy for calling those who have died of hunger in the African country "idiots". Henry Okello Oryem, the state minister for foreign affairs made the tone-deaf comment.

A Ugandan minister has courted controversy for calling those who have died of hunger in the African country "idiots". Henry Okello Oryem, the state minister for foreign affairs made the tone-deaf comment. Oryem argued that people should utilise Uganda's favourable climate and fertile land by growing food for themselves. "It's only an idiot, a real idiot, that can die of hunger in Uganda," Oryem told the NTV Uganda television channel. "If you work hard, there is land in Uganda. The climate is right in spite [of] climate change. If you make a double effort to make sure that you go out in the morning, you till your land, you plant the seeds, you maintain your plantation, surely, how do you fail then to get food?" The comments sparked outrage immediately, with Moses Aleper, a legislator for Chekwii County attacking Oryem for his insensitivity. "I'm from one of the most productive parts of Karamoja where there is adequate rain and we produce food. But in situations where the weather fails us, the weather vagaries set in, we definitely fail to get food. And normally people definitely get famine and eventually hunger strikes," he told BBC. Notably, Oryem's comments came days after Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni addressed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) delegates and said the disturbing images depicting death from starvation in the country did not accurately portray the overall situation across the African continent. “When you are out there, you may get stereotypes that we have no food, but we are dying from food here. Those images you see are not representative of all of Africa," said Museveni. Watch | African leaders criticize Israel during summit in Uganda × Uganda's hunger statistics According to a report published by the Uganda Human Rights Commission, over 2,200 people died in the northeast region of the country in 2022 due to starvation and related illnesses. As per the 2022 Global Hunger Index, food insecurity in Uganda is classified as “serious". Malnutrition is widespread in the country as 29 per cent of children under the age of five are stunted while 53 per cent are anaemic. Also read | Uganda President Museveni commends Indian diaspora for establishing 900 factories A report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) states that adolescent girls and women in Uganda struggle to access nutritious diets, and poor nutrition is passed down through generations (With inputs from agencies)

Ugandan minister says people who die of hunger are 'idiots', faces backlash

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