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.

DR Congo's worst flooding in 60 years | 16 provinces suffering, 221 lives lost

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.

Thousands flee due to violence in Eastern DR Congo

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

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.

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-detects-eight-more-chinese-balloons-crossing-taiwan-strait-689074">Taiwan detects eight more Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan Strait</a>

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)

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.

Ajay Banga will start a visit to EU, Asia, and Africa

Russian mercenaries are strengthening their presence in Africa. The deployment of the Kremlin's private Army signals a strategic shift replacing the notorious Wagner group and expanding Moscow's influence in the continent.

Russia's Africa Corps: The Wagner group's successor

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

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.

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.

<blockquote>
🚨🇰🇪 GAS STATION EXPLOSION IN NAIROBI, KENYA, INJURES 165 PEOPLE, 2 DEAD<a href="https://t.co/0jZRXj02DW">pic.twitter.com/0jZRXj02DW</a>
— 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. 
 
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.

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🚨<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> 
 
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>
— 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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"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.

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)

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

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:&nbsp;<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>

<h2>What is FGM?</h2>

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;

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;

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;

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&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

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'",&nbsp;Koroma added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

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;

Oryem argued that people should utilise Uganda's favourable climate and fertile land by growing food for themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's only an idiot, a real idiot, that can die of hunger in Uganda,"&nbsp;Oryem told the NTV Uganda television channel.&nbsp;

"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&nbsp;Moses Aleper, a legislator for Chekwii County attacking Oryem for his insensitivity.&nbsp;

"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&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.

“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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/african-leaders-criticize-israel-during-summit-in-uganda-683075">Watch |&nbsp;African leaders criticize Israel during summit in Uganda</a>

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<h2>Uganda's hunger statistics&nbsp;</h2>

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;

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;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uganda-president-museveni-commends-indian-diaspora-for-establishing-900-factories-682038">Also read |&nbsp;Uganda President Museveni commends Indian diaspora for establishing 900 factories</a>

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

(With inputs from agencies)

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

At least 19 people were killed and nearly 2,000 inmates escaped in Sierra Leone when the country's main military barracks and prisons were attacked on the 19th of November. The Sierra Leone government designated the Sunday's assault as a failed coup attempt which aimed to "subvert and overthrow" the government. Several countries in the West and Central Africa are under military rule after a series of recent coups, including Sierra Leone's neighbour Guinea as well as Mali, Niger and Chad. In Sierra Leone itself, the political situation has been tense since June this year after President Julius Maada Bio's re-election in a disputed vote. Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.

Nearly 2,000 inmates escape during attempted coup

On this episode of #WorldOfAfrica with Erik Njoka + African leaders vouch for Gazans at a summit in Uganda, accuse Israel of being immoral + Ibadan residents count losses as a Blast shakes & destroys the town in Nigeria's Oyo State + Entrepreneur in Benin uses waste to power homes, farms + 16yr old Chinese girl summits Africa's tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro + Comorans displeased with the re-election of Pres. Azali Assoumani

African leaders vouch for Gazans at a summit in Uganda | World of Africa

A company in Benin is transforming everyday biowaste into a powerful energy source, all thanks to an entrepreneur who believes nothing should go to waste, be it at home or on farms.

Entrepreneur harnesses biowaste to power homes, farms

The Union of the Comoros is an archipelagic country consisting of three islands in Southeastern Africa. Among the poorest of the countries, 45% of its 870,000 population languishes below the poverty line. The impoverished country has witnessed more than 20 coups and attempted coups post gaining independence in 1975. On the 14th of January, the first round of presidential elections were held to select the national leader from six candidates for the next five years.

Opposition in Comoros cries foul, demands annulment

Libya's state-owned energy firm said Sunday production had resumed at Al-Sharara oilfield, which provides a quarter of the country's daily oil output, two weeks after protests led to a shutdown.

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced the "lifting of force majeure" and the resumption of "full production" at Al-Sharara, which normally produces up to 315,000 barrels per day.

The NOC on January 7 declared "force majeure" at the southwestern oilfield "due to the closure of the site by protesters". 
 
It did not elaborate at the time on the protesters' demands.

Repeated interruptions in crude production in the war-torn North African country have been caused by social and political protests amid clashes between rival factions.

Watch | 2023: Rise of military rulers in Africa, military rulers fighting for control in Sudan

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A local group in Oubari region, "Fezzan Gathering", announced earlier on Sunday they had reached an agreement with the NOC to end their protest action at Al-Sharara.

"In an agreement with the president of the NOC, in which he vowed to concede to our demands... we announce the suspension of our sit-in at the Al-Sharara field," a representative of the group said in a Facebook video.

Both the NOC and "Fezzan Gathering" did not share the details of the accord.

According to the protest group, they have received "guarantees" from military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who backs one of Libya's two rival administrations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ten-killed-in-sudan-landmine-explosion-medical-source-682170">Ten killed in Sudan landmine explosion: medical source</a>

Declaring "force majeure" allows parties to free themselves from contractual obligations when factors such as fighting or natural disasters make meeting them impossible.

Libya sits on Africa's largest oil reserves but production has been frequently disrupted during over a decade of chaos since a NATO-backed uprising led to the ouster and killing of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

Libya remains split between a UN-recognised government in the west and an eastern-based administration backed by Haftar. 
Oil revenues are vital to the economy, and the NOC is one of the few institutions in the troubled country to have stayed in one piece.

The Al-Sharara field, in the desert 900 kilometres (560 miles) south of Tripoli, is operated by a joint venture between the NOC and four European companies.

Libya's state-owned energy firm said Sunday production had resumed at Al-Sharara oilfield, which provides a quarter of the country's daily oil output, two weeks after protests led to a shutdown.

Libya's state-owned energy firm said Sunday production had resumed at Al-Sharara oilfield, which provides a quarter of the country's daily oil output, two weeks after protests led to a shutdown. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced the "lifting of force majeure" and the resumption of "full production" at Al-Sharara, which normally produces up to 315,000 barrels per day. The NOC on January 7 declared "force majeure" at the southwestern oilfield "due to the closure of the site by protesters". It did not elaborate at the time on the protesters' demands. Repeated interruptions in crude production in the war-torn North African country have been caused by social and political protests amid clashes between rival factions. Watch | 2023: Rise of military rulers in Africa, military rulers fighting for control in Sudan × A local group in Oubari region, "Fezzan Gathering", announced earlier on Sunday they had reached an agreement with the NOC to end their protest action at Al-Sharara. "In an agreement with the president of the NOC, in which he vowed to concede to our demands... we announce the suspension of our sit-in at the Al-Sharara field," a representative of the group said in a Facebook video. Both the NOC and "Fezzan Gathering" did not share the details of the accord. According to the protest group, they have received "guarantees" from military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who backs one of Libya's two rival administrations. Also Read | Ten killed in Sudan landmine explosion: medical source Declaring "force majeure" allows parties to free themselves from contractual obligations when factors such as fighting or natural disasters make meeting them impossible. Libya sits on Africa's largest oil reserves but production has been frequently disrupted during over a decade of chaos since a NATO-backed uprising led to the ouster and killing of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Libya remains split between a UN-recognised government in the west and an eastern-based administration backed by Haftar. Oil revenues are vital to the economy, and the NOC is one of the few institutions in the troubled country to have stayed in one piece. The Al-Sharara field, in the desert 900 kilometres (560 miles) south of Tripoli, is operated by a joint venture between the NOC and four European companies.

Libya resumes crude production at major oilfield after two-week halt

Pope Francis, on Sunday (Jan 14) defended the historic decision to approve blessings for same-sex couples, saying that those in the Catholic Church who have resisted it have jumped to “ugly conclusions”. The statement comes nearly a month after Francis first made the announcement which has since sparked a debate in the Church.&nbsp;

<h2>‘The danger is…’</h2>

During an interview with Italy’s Channel 9, the Pope made his first public comments since the December 18 declaration which has sparked a widespread debate in the Church, with bishops in some countries, particularly in Africa, raising&nbsp;objections and refusing to let their priests implement it.

WATCH |&nbsp;Pope Fracis'&nbsp;conditional blessings for same-sex couples

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“Sometimes decisions are not accepted, but in most cases when decisions are not accepted, it is because they are not understood,” Francis said in response to a specific question about the declaration.&nbsp;

He added, “The danger is that if I don’t like something and I put it (the opposition) in my heart, I become a resistance and jump to ugly conclusions.”&nbsp;

“This is what happened with these latest decisions on blessings for all,” said Pope Francis referring to the declaration known by its Latin title Fiducia Supplicans.&nbsp;

On December 18, the Vatican declared that Roman Catholic priests can offer blessings to same-sex couples, provided these blessings are not incorporated into regular Church rituals or liturgies.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-grants-landmark-approval-for-priests-to-bless-same-sex-couples-671018">Landmark Vatican ruling approved by Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples</a>

At the time and since then, the Vatican has repeatedly stressed that these blessings should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage. However, the clarification which was given by the Vatican’s doctrinal department just this month&nbsp;did not sway bishops in Africa.&nbsp;

Notably, some countries in Africa have imposed or have sought to introduce laws that punish same-sex activity by imprisonment or even the death penalty.&nbsp;

<h2>‘The Lord blesses everyone’</h2>

When the decision was announced in December, the Vatican said that priests are encouraged to make decisions on a case-by-case basis, allowing the Church’s support for people seeking God’s help through a simple blessing.

“The Lord blesses everyone,” the Pope said during the interview. He added, “But then people have to enter into a dialogue with the blessing of the Lord and see the path that the Lord proposes.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-backtracks-says-catholic-church-can-bless-same-sex-unions-on-case-by-case-basis-641955">Pope Francis says Catholic Church can bless same-sex unions on 'case-by-case basis', amid tussle</a>

“We (the Church) have to take them by the hand and lead them along that path and not condemn them from the start,” said Francis. The Church maintains that same-sex attraction is not sinful, but homosexual acts are.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has aimed to foster a more welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community within the Church without altering the moral doctrine on same-sex activity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis, on Sunday (Jan 14) defended the historic decision to approve blessings for same-sex couples, saying that those in the Catholic Church who have resisted it have jumped to “ugly conclusions”.

Pope Francis, on Sunday (Jan 14) defended the historic decision to approve blessings for same-sex couples, saying that those in the Catholic Church who have resisted it have jumped to “ugly conclusions”. The statement comes nearly a month after Francis first made the announcement which has since sparked a debate in the Church. ‘The danger is…’ During an interview with Italy’s Channel 9, the Pope made his first public comments since the December 18 declaration which has sparked a widespread debate in the Church, with bishops in some countries, particularly in Africa, raising objections and refusing to let their priests implement it. WATCH | Pope Fracis' conditional blessings for same-sex couples “Sometimes decisions are not accepted, but in most cases when decisions are not accepted, it is because they are not understood,” Francis said in response to a specific question about the declaration. He added, “The danger is that if I don’t like something and I put it (the opposition) in my heart, I become a resistance and jump to ugly conclusions.” “This is what happened with these latest decisions on blessings for all,” said Pope Francis referring to the declaration known by its Latin title Fiducia Supplicans. On December 18, the Vatican declared that Roman Catholic priests can offer blessings to same-sex couples, provided these blessings are not incorporated into regular Church rituals or liturgies. ALSO READ | Landmark Vatican ruling approved by Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples At the time and since then, the Vatican has repeatedly stressed that these blessings should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage. However, the clarification which was given by the Vatican’s doctrinal department just this month did not sway bishops in Africa. Notably, some countries in Africa have imposed or have sought to introduce laws that punish same-sex activity by imprisonment or even the death penalty. ‘The Lord blesses everyone’ When the decision was announced in December, the Vatican said that priests are encouraged to make decisions on a case-by-case basis, allowing the Church’s support for people seeking God’s help through a simple blessing. “The Lord blesses everyone,” the Pope said during the interview. He added, “But then people have to enter into a dialogue with the blessing of the Lord and see the path that the Lord proposes.” ALSO READ | Pope Francis says Catholic Church can bless same-sex unions on 'case-by-case basis', amid tussle “We (the Church) have to take them by the hand and lead them along that path and not condemn them from the start,” said Francis. The Church maintains that same-sex attraction is not sinful, but homosexual acts are. Since the beginning of his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has aimed to foster a more welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community within the Church without altering the moral doctrine on same-sex activity. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope defends conditional same-sex blessings decision, says those against have misunderstood it

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