Mamadou Safayu Barry cycled 4,000 kms across West Africa, enduring arrests and blazing heat, for a spot at his dream university. He set off from guinea for Egypt's prestigious Al-Azhar, hoping he would be accepted. The 25-year-old cycled for four months through countries wracked by Islamist militants and coups.

Guinea: Chasing dreams thousands of miles away | World Of Africa

Eswatini's government has hailed the election of 59 MPs to the lower house of parliament as free and fair. The elections are unlikely to offer any political change to the kingdom, with the MPs serving in a purely advisory role to the monarch. All legislation in the country is approved by King Mswati III who has the absolute right of veto.

Parliamentary elections in Africa's last monarch

At least 8 people including 4 children have been killed by electrocution in Cape Town as heavy rains battered South Africa's Cape Town, changing homes with makeshift wiring into sites of multiple deaths.

Deadly rain batters south African capital, killing 8 people

In an ongoing effort to save Kenya's dwindling Giraffe population, wildlife veterinarian and rangers at Masai Mara National Reserve have fitted 25 giraffes with GPS tracker.

Kenya: To boost Giraffe conservation, animals fitted with GPS tracker | WION Climate Tracker

The death toll from the&nbsp;truck bombing in central Somalia rose to 21, on Sunday (September 24) after&nbsp;emergency workers dug through rubble to recover more bodies. This comes a day after&nbsp;a suicide bomber drove a truck packed with explosives towards a security checkpoint.

The attack took place in the town of Beledweyne where the officials have also reported damage to nearby buildings.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear who carried out the bombing and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, as of Sunday. However, the Islamist group al Shabaab is known to frequently carry out bombings in the Horn of Africa country.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The attack took place in the town of Beledweyne, which is in central Somalia’s Hiran region and has recently witnessed battles between the military and al Shabaab. 
 
"The death toll from yesterday's explosion has increased today from 13 to 21 people after more dead bodies were recovered under the debris of the destroyed buildings, some...burnt beyond recognition,"&nbsp;Ahmed Yare Adan, a local police officer, told AFP.&nbsp; 
 
"People... are still looking for the missing members of their families, they don't know if they are dead or alive," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-kill-six-in-raid-on-somalia-village-they-recently-lost-549979">Al-Shabaab kill six in raid on Somalia village they recently lost</a> 
 
Meanwhile, the&nbsp;number of wounded in Beledweyne stood at 52, said Abdifatah Mohamed Yusuf, director general of the Hirshabelle ministry of humanitarian and disaster management, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

He also told the AP,&nbsp;that 17 of those critically wounded were airlifted to the capital, Mogadishu, for treatment.

Sayid Ali, deputy commander of the Beledweyne police station, told AFP that the bomber had targeted a busy neighbourhood that housed businesses and residential buildings. "The search and clearing operation is going on at the site of the explosion," Ali told AFP.&nbsp;

Police officer Ahmed Aden, on Saturday,&nbsp;told Reuters that among those killed were five police officers who had fired on the truck in a failed attempt to stop it from ramming the checkpoint, adding that the nearby buildings and shops were reduced to rubble.&nbsp;

<h2>About the al-Shabab group</h2>

The attack came after Somalia’s beleaguered government admitted to suffering “several significant setbacks” in its fight against the al Shabaab militants. The militant group has been fighting Somalia’s central government for more than a decade in a bid to establish its rule based on strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-attack-officials-house-in-somalia-10-dead-564645">Al Shabaab militants attack officials' house in Somalia, 10 dead</a>

The fragile internationally-backed government in Mogadishu has been able to keep al Shabaab away from the capital city Mogadishu after they were driven out in 2011 but the militant group continues to control swathes of the countryside.&nbsp;

This comes as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office in May 2022, and vowed an “all-out war” against the group. During a recent visit to the frontline, as per AFP, Mohamud said that his government would “eliminate” the jihadists by the end of the year.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The death toll from the truck bombing in central Somalia rose to 21, on Sunday (September 24) after emergency workers dug through rubble to recover more bodies. This comes a day after a suicide bomber drove a truck packed with explosives towards a security checkpoint.

The death toll from the truck bombing in central Somalia rose to 21, on Sunday (September 24) after emergency workers dug through rubble to recover more bodies. This comes a day after a suicide bomber drove a truck packed with explosives towards a security checkpoint. The attack took place in the town of Beledweyne where the officials have also reported damage to nearby buildings. It was not immediately clear who carried out the bombing and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, as of Sunday. However, the Islamist group al Shabaab is known to frequently carry out bombings in the Horn of Africa country. What happened? The attack took place in the town of Beledweyne, which is in central Somalia’s Hiran region and has recently witnessed battles between the military and al Shabaab. "The death toll from yesterday's explosion has increased today from 13 to 21 people after more dead bodies were recovered under the debris of the destroyed buildings, some...burnt beyond recognition," Ahmed Yare Adan, a local police officer, told AFP. "People... are still looking for the missing members of their families, they don't know if they are dead or alive," he added. ALSO READ | Al-Shabaab kill six in raid on Somalia village they recently lost Meanwhile, the number of wounded in Beledweyne stood at 52, said Abdifatah Mohamed Yusuf, director general of the Hirshabelle ministry of humanitarian and disaster management, according to the Associated Press. He also told the AP, that 17 of those critically wounded were airlifted to the capital, Mogadishu, for treatment. Sayid Ali, deputy commander of the Beledweyne police station, told AFP that the bomber had targeted a busy neighbourhood that housed businesses and residential buildings. "The search and clearing operation is going on at the site of the explosion," Ali told AFP. Police officer Ahmed Aden, on Saturday, told Reuters that among those killed were five police officers who had fired on the truck in a failed attempt to stop it from ramming the checkpoint, adding that the nearby buildings and shops were reduced to rubble. About the al-Shabab group The attack came after Somalia’s beleaguered government admitted to suffering “several significant setbacks” in its fight against the al Shabaab militants. The militant group has been fighting Somalia’s central government for more than a decade in a bid to establish its rule based on strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law. ALSO READ | Al Shabaab militants attack officials' house in Somalia, 10 dead The fragile internationally-backed government in Mogadishu has been able to keep al Shabaab away from the capital city Mogadishu after they were driven out in 2011 but the militant group continues to control swathes of the countryside. This comes as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office in May 2022, and vowed an “all-out war” against the group. During a recent visit to the frontline, as per AFP, Mohamud said that his government would “eliminate” the jihadists by the end of the year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Somalia bombing: Death toll rises to 21 after truck with explosives hit security checkpoint

What the international media and the global press have been saying about India this week here's a quick recap for you on the India Story with Vikram Chandra.

India points the way to digital access across Africa

In what comes as a major fillip for conservation efforts, the rhino numbers grew across Africa in 2022 for the first time in a decade. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 23,300 rhinos roamed the&nbsp;continent at the end of last year, up 5.2 per cent on 2021.&nbsp;

White rhino numbers stood at 16,803 - an uptick of 5.6 per cent, which was the first time an increase had been reported in their numbers since 2012. Meanwhile, a total of&nbsp;6,487 black rhinos were reported in Africa, up 4.2 per cent&nbsp;from 2021.&nbsp;

IUCN has attributed a combination of&nbsp;protection and biological management initiatives to the increase in numbers.&nbsp;

"With this good news, we can take a sigh of relief for the first time in a decade,"&nbsp;Michael Knight, a wildlife ecologist who chairs the IUCN's African Rhino Specialist Group was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"It is imperative to further consolidate and build upon this positive development and not drop our guard," added Knight.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ngo-african-parks-to-release-white-rhinos-in-south-africa-632959">Watch |&nbsp;NGO African parks to release white rhinos in South Africa</a>

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Although the increase in numbers of the majestic animal is a sound statistic, the battle is far from over, experts argue. As many as 448 rhinos were killed in South Africa alone last year, compared to 451 in 2021. Namibia recorded 93 poached rhinos, compared to&nbsp;47 the previous year while official data from Kenya showed one rhino was poached.&nbsp;

The majestic animal and its numbers have been threatened&nbsp;by decades of poaching driven by demand from Asia, where horns are used in traditional medicine for their supposed therapeutic effects.

Rhinos, among other large animals, are extremely important for the biodiversity and ecology of Africa, They create habitats for other species,&nbsp;providing opportunities for future global restoration and rewilding options. their increased numbers provide a source of livelihood for thousands of Africans who rely on tourism for employment opportunities.&nbsp;

<h2>India records zero rhino poaching&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier this year, good news came from India as well where it was reported that no rhinos were poached in the northeastern state of Assam in 2022. Chief Minister&nbsp;Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the news and&nbsp;said the 'gentle giant' was much safer in the state.&nbsp;

"Zero Poaching! 2022 was really special for our rhino conservation efforts. Not a single rhino being poached in 2022 &amp; just 2 in 2021, the gentle giant is now much safer in Assam. Kudos to @assamforest dept &amp; @assampolice for their sincere efforts to protect the iconic animal," Sarma posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/stunning-zero-rhinos-poached-in-the-indian-state-of-assam-in-nearly-45-years-549207">Also read |&nbsp;STUNNING! Zero rhinos poached in the Indian state of Assam in nearly 45 years</a>

According to data, over 191 rhinos were poached in Assam between 2000 and 2021. The most number of rhinos were poached in 2013 and 2014 when the figure stood at 27. However, in 2020 and 2021, the number came down and only two rhinos were killed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In what comes as a major fillip for conservation efforts, the rhino numbers grew across Africa in 2022 for the first time in a decade. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 23,300 rhinos roamed the continent at the end of last year, up 5.

In what comes as a major fillip for conservation efforts, the rhino numbers grew across Africa in 2022 for the first time in a decade. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 23,300 rhinos roamed the continent at the end of last year, up 5.2 per cent on 2021. White rhino numbers stood at 16,803 - an uptick of 5.6 per cent, which was the first time an increase had been reported in their numbers since 2012. Meanwhile, a total of 6,487 black rhinos were reported in Africa, up 4.2 per cent from 2021. IUCN has attributed a combination of protection and biological management initiatives to the increase in numbers. "With this good news, we can take a sigh of relief for the first time in a decade," Michael Knight, a wildlife ecologist who chairs the IUCN's African Rhino Specialist Group was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "It is imperative to further consolidate and build upon this positive development and not drop our guard," added Knight. Watch | NGO African parks to release white rhinos in South Africa × Although the increase in numbers of the majestic animal is a sound statistic, the battle is far from over, experts argue. As many as 448 rhinos were killed in South Africa alone last year, compared to 451 in 2021. Namibia recorded 93 poached rhinos, compared to 47 the previous year while official data from Kenya showed one rhino was poached. The majestic animal and its numbers have been threatened by decades of poaching driven by demand from Asia, where horns are used in traditional medicine for their supposed therapeutic effects. Rhinos, among other large animals, are extremely important for the biodiversity and ecology of Africa, They create habitats for other species, providing opportunities for future global restoration and rewilding options. their increased numbers provide a source of livelihood for thousands of Africans who rely on tourism for employment opportunities. India records zero rhino poaching Earlier this year, good news came from India as well where it was reported that no rhinos were poached in the northeastern state of Assam in 2022. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the news and said the 'gentle giant' was much safer in the state. "Zero Poaching! 2022 was really special for our rhino conservation efforts. Not a single rhino being poached in 2022 & just 2 in 2021, the gentle giant is now much safer in Assam. Kudos to @assamforest dept & @assampolice for their sincere efforts to protect the iconic animal," Sarma posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Also read | STUNNING! Zero rhinos poached in the Indian state of Assam in nearly 45 years According to data, over 191 rhinos were poached in Assam between 2000 and 2021. The most number of rhinos were poached in 2013 and 2014 when the figure stood at 27. However, in 2020 and 2021, the number came down and only two rhinos were killed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

African rhino numbers increase for first time in over a decade

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest known wooden structure made by the hands of a human ancestor, and it is nearly 500,000 years old. The researchers were working near Zambia’s Kalambo Falls when they stumbled upon the simple wooden structure which they said suggests people who made it were cognitively sophisticated.&nbsp;

<h2>About the discovery</h2>

The study about the discovery was published on Wednesday (September 20) in the journal Nature which details the wooden objects that the researchers unearthed.&nbsp;

The wooden structure found is made up of two interlocking logs of a large-fruited willow tree with a notch deliberately crafted into the upper piece to allow them to fit together at right angles around 476,000 years ago, said the researchers.&nbsp;

The oldest wooden structure, before the announcement out of Zambia, was just 9,000 years old. Meanwhile, the oldest known wooden artefact which was discovered in Israel, is said to be a 780,000-year-old fragment of plank.

The latest discovery was made at Kalambo Falls, on Lake Tanganyika in northern Zambia near the border with Tanzania, a site which has been investigated by scientists since the 1950s.&nbsp;

As per the recent study, researchers, in addition to the world’s oldest wooden structure also found stone tools below the river, three of which were covered in clay deposits above the river level.&nbsp;

It is also worth noting that these wooden artefacts survived hundreds of thousands of years due to the permanently elevated water table since the structure was discovered in 2019 above a 235-metre-high (770-foot) waterfall on the banks of the Zambian river.&nbsp;

<h2>What does the discovery suggest?</h2>

While scientists are not sure what the wooden structure was used for, they believe it to be a part of a wooden platform used as a walkway, to keep food or firewood dry. It could also be used as a base to build a shelter since researchers also found a digging stick and other wooden tools at the same site.&nbsp;

“The framework could have supported a walkway or platform raised above the seasonally wet surroundings. A platform could have multiple purposes including storage of firewood, tools, food and as a foundation on which to place a hut,” Larry Barham, an archaeologist from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom told AFP.&nbsp;

Scientists have also noted in the study that the interlocking logs have “no known parallels” in the African or Eurasian Palaeolithic.” The recent discovery also pushes back the dates of the earliest examples of woodworking predating the emergence of our own species, Homo sapiens.&nbsp;

The earliest evidence of Homo sapiens is from around 300,000 years ago. The discovery has “changed how I thought about these people,” Barham told AFP, adding that they “transformed their surroundings to make life easier, even if it was only by making a platform to sit on by the river to do their daily chores.”&nbsp;

He added, “They used their intelligence, imagination and skills to create something they'd never seen before, something that had never previously existed.” This also suggests an abstract level of thinking and “probably language,” said Barham. 
 
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Archaeologists have discovered the oldest known wooden structure made by the hands of a human ancestor, and it is nearly 500,000 years old. The researchers were working near Zambia’s Kalambo Falls when they stumbled upon the simple wooden structure which they said suggests people who made it were cognitively sophisticated.

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest known wooden structure made by the hands of a human ancestor, and it is nearly 500,000 years old. The researchers were working near Zambia’s Kalambo Falls when they stumbled upon the simple wooden structure which they said suggests people who made it were cognitively sophisticated. About the discovery The study about the discovery was published on Wednesday (September 20) in the journal Nature which details the wooden objects that the researchers unearthed. The wooden structure found is made up of two interlocking logs of a large-fruited willow tree with a notch deliberately crafted into the upper piece to allow them to fit together at right angles around 476,000 years ago, said the researchers. The oldest wooden structure, before the announcement out of Zambia, was just 9,000 years old. Meanwhile, the oldest known wooden artefact which was discovered in Israel, is said to be a 780,000-year-old fragment of plank. The latest discovery was made at Kalambo Falls, on Lake Tanganyika in northern Zambia near the border with Tanzania, a site which has been investigated by scientists since the 1950s. As per the recent study, researchers, in addition to the world’s oldest wooden structure also found stone tools below the river, three of which were covered in clay deposits above the river level. It is also worth noting that these wooden artefacts survived hundreds of thousands of years due to the permanently elevated water table since the structure was discovered in 2019 above a 235-metre-high (770-foot) waterfall on the banks of the Zambian river. What does the discovery suggest? While scientists are not sure what the wooden structure was used for, they believe it to be a part of a wooden platform used as a walkway, to keep food or firewood dry. It could also be used as a base to build a shelter since researchers also found a digging stick and other wooden tools at the same site. “The framework could have supported a walkway or platform raised above the seasonally wet surroundings. A platform could have multiple purposes including storage of firewood, tools, food and as a foundation on which to place a hut,” Larry Barham, an archaeologist from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom told AFP. Scientists have also noted in the study that the interlocking logs have “no known parallels” in the African or Eurasian Palaeolithic.” The recent discovery also pushes back the dates of the earliest examples of woodworking predating the emergence of our own species, Homo sapiens. The earliest evidence of Homo sapiens is from around 300,000 years ago. The discovery has “changed how I thought about these people,” Barham told AFP, adding that they “transformed their surroundings to make life easier, even if it was only by making a platform to sit on by the river to do their daily chores.” He added, “They used their intelligence, imagination and skills to create something they'd never seen before, something that had never previously existed.” This also suggests an abstract level of thinking and “probably language,” said Barham. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Archaeologists in Zambia discover world’s oldest wooden structure

On the occasion of World's Rhino's Day let me bring you some good news. The year 2022 is marked as a triumphant comeback for africa's rhino's, with their numbers on the rise for the first time in almost a decade...this is can be seen as a major boost to conservation efforts the rhino numbers have grown across africa in 2022. As per the international union for conservation of nature over 23 thousand roam the continent, and this number is seen 5.2 per cent increase from 2021 data.

African rhinos number rise for the first time in a decade

Fresh off the heels of a successful G20 Summit, India is working with the African side to hold the mega India-Africa Summit. &nbsp;Expected to be held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, in December this year, the summit aims to further firm up ties between the two sides and build on the gains made at the G20 Summit, with the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the mega economic grouping.

At the G20 Summit's opening session in New Delhi on September 9th, Comoros President Azali Assoumani was invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to occupy a seat at the high table. Under India's G20 presidency, the largest number of African countries to date were in attendance, including invited countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Comoros (as the AU chair), and member countries like South Africa. The December summit will be the 4th such India-Africa Summit.&nbsp;The third one took place in Delhi in 2015 with earlier summits taking place in 2011 and 2008.

New Delhi has been increasing its engagement with the continent. India's support to Africa is exemplified by the extension of concessional loans exceeding USD 12.37 billion. This financial assistance has enabled the successful completion of 197 projects, with an additional number of 65 projects currently underway. Eighty-one projects are in the pre-execution stage. These projects encompass diverse sectors, including drinking water schemes, irrigation, rural solar electrification, power plants, transmission lines, cement production, sugar mills, textile factories, technology parks, and railway infrastructure.

In the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, India's commitment to global health became evident as it supplied 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines to 42 African countries from January 2021 to March 2023. This monumental effort not only saved lives but also strengthened India's position as a dependable ally in times of crisis.

Furthermore, India's dedication to education in Africa is evident through the granting of 42,000 scholarships since the 2015 India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)-III. In fact, the first foreign campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Uganda and of IIT Mumbai were established in Tanzania this year.

On the economic front, bilateral trade between India and Africa surged to US$ 98 billion in 2022-23, marking significant growth from the previous year's US$ 89.6 billion. In recent times, high-level visits between India and Africa have been instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties. Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's visits to South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda reflect India's commitment to engage in meaningful dialogues and expand cooperation with African nations.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi's Kampala principles, outlined in 2018, serve as a guiding framework for India's engagement with the continent. New Delhi has consistently emphasised its role as an important development partner, working in alignment with the needs and priorities of African countries. It also backs Africa for a reformed United Nations Security Council.

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Fresh off the heels of a successful G20 Summit, India is working with the African side to hold the mega India-Africa Summit. Expected to be held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, in December this year, the summit aims to further firm up ties between the two sides and build on the gains made at the G20 Summit, with the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the mega economic grouping.

Fresh off the heels of a successful G20 Summit, India is working with the African side to hold the mega India-Africa Summit. Expected to be held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, in December this year, the summit aims to further firm up ties between the two sides and build on the gains made at the G20 Summit, with the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the mega economic grouping. At the G20 Summit's opening session in New Delhi on September 9th, Comoros President Azali Assoumani was invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to occupy a seat at the high table. Under India's G20 presidency, the largest number of African countries to date were in attendance, including invited countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Comoros (as the AU chair), and member countries like South Africa. The December summit will be the 4th such India-Africa Summit. The third one took place in Delhi in 2015 with earlier summits taking place in 2011 and 2008. New Delhi has been increasing its engagement with the continent. India's support to Africa is exemplified by the extension of concessional loans exceeding USD 12.37 billion. This financial assistance has enabled the successful completion of 197 projects, with an additional number of 65 projects currently underway. Eighty-one projects are in the pre-execution stage. These projects encompass diverse sectors, including drinking water schemes, irrigation, rural solar electrification, power plants, transmission lines, cement production, sugar mills, textile factories, technology parks, and railway infrastructure. In the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, India's commitment to global health became evident as it supplied 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines to 42 African countries from January 2021 to March 2023. This monumental effort not only saved lives but also strengthened India's position as a dependable ally in times of crisis. Furthermore, India's dedication to education in Africa is evident through the granting of 42,000 scholarships since the 2015 India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)-III. In fact, the first foreign campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Uganda and of IIT Mumbai were established in Tanzania this year. On the economic front, bilateral trade between India and Africa surged to US$ 98 billion in 2022-23, marking significant growth from the previous year's US$ 89.6 billion. In recent times, high-level visits between India and Africa have been instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties. Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's visits to South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda reflect India's commitment to engage in meaningful dialogues and expand cooperation with African nations. Prime Minister Modi's Kampala principles, outlined in 2018, serve as a guiding framework for India's engagement with the continent. New Delhi has consistently emphasised its role as an important development partner, working in alignment with the needs and priorities of African countries. It also backs Africa for a reformed United Nations Security Council. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Building on G20 Summit success, plans underway for India-Africa summit

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso military leaders establish security alliance. The alliance of Sahel states (AES) aims to "establish an architecture of collective defence and mutual assistance" for the benefit of populations.

Africa: Military leaders of three countries sign defence pact to counter Ecowas | Live Discussion

Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said. “I reassure citizens that whoever made mistakes or negligence, prosecutors will certainly take firm measures, file a criminal case against him, and send him to trial,” Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said at a news conference.&nbsp; 
 
He disclosed that approximately $8 million had been allocated for dam maintenance. The allocation and spending of maintenance funds will also be investigated.

This comes as the United Nations, on September 14, highlighted that many deaths in Libya's Derna resulting from the floods could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had been functioning properly.

In the aftermath of heavy rains brought by Mediterranean storm Daniel, eastern Libya experienced widespread flooding. This led to the collapse of two dams near the port city of Derna earlier in the week, resulting in severe damage to a quarter of the area, which was subsequently declared a disaster zone.

Media reports quoting&nbsp;Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said that decades-old studies revealed cracks in the two dams. The dams were primarily built to safeguard the city from floods.

These studies indicated cracks and subsidence that could have eventually led to dam collapse, said Al-Sour.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-aid-groups-warn-of-disease-risk-as-country-struggles-to-recover-from-flood-636487">Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood</a>

A team comprising 26 prosecutors will be dispatched to Derna to document victims and ascertain the causes of death, he said. As investigations are ongoing, an accurate count of the fatalities remains unavailable.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/up-to-south-to-change-rules-of-game-g77china-urges-for-new-global-order-at-cuba-summit-636568">'Up to South to change rules of game': G77+China urges for new global order at Cuba Summit</a>

<h2>Staggering number of deaths</h2>

The Libyan Red Crescent reported that, as of Friday (September 15), at least 11,300 people have lost their lives, and an additional 10,100 were still missing in the wake of the devastating floods.

Derna's mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi has&nbsp;expressed concerns that the death toll in Derna alone could exceed 20,000, given the extent of the damage.

WATCH | Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue

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<h2>Extreme rainfall&nbsp;</h2>

Libya's National Center of Meteorology reported that more than 16 inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period in the northeastern city of Bayda. Climate experts have reportedly linked this disaster to the impacts of a warming planet, exacerbated by years of political instability and deteriorating infrastructure in the country.

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Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said.

Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said. “I reassure citizens that whoever made mistakes or negligence, prosecutors will certainly take firm measures, file a criminal case against him, and send him to trial,” Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said at a news conference. He disclosed that approximately $8 million had been allocated for dam maintenance. The allocation and spending of maintenance funds will also be investigated. This comes as the United Nations, on September 14, highlighted that many deaths in Libya's Derna resulting from the floods could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had been functioning properly. In the aftermath of heavy rains brought by Mediterranean storm Daniel, eastern Libya experienced widespread flooding. This led to the collapse of two dams near the port city of Derna earlier in the week, resulting in severe damage to a quarter of the area, which was subsequently declared a disaster zone. Media reports quoting Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said that decades-old studies revealed cracks in the two dams. The dams were primarily built to safeguard the city from floods. These studies indicated cracks and subsidence that could have eventually led to dam collapse, said Al-Sour. Also Read | Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood A team comprising 26 prosecutors will be dispatched to Derna to document victims and ascertain the causes of death, he said. As investigations are ongoing, an accurate count of the fatalities remains unavailable. Also Read | 'Up to South to change rules of game': G77+China urges for new global order at Cuba Summit Staggering number of deaths The Libyan Red Crescent reported that, as of Friday (September 15), at least 11,300 people have lost their lives, and an additional 10,100 were still missing in the wake of the devastating floods. Derna's mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi has expressed concerns that the death toll in Derna alone could exceed 20,000, given the extent of the damage. WATCH | Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue × Extreme rainfall Libya's National Center of Meteorology reported that more than 16 inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period in the northeastern city of Bayda. Climate experts have reportedly linked this disaster to the impacts of a warming planet, exacerbated by years of political instability and deteriorating infrastructure in the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Libya dam collapse: Probe launched into allocation of maintenance funds

The junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a charter to establish a defence alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States.&nbsp;

The alliance of the three West African nations signed by their military leaders on September 16, says that the three states will assist one another in the event of an attack on any one of them.

<h2>Alliance of Sahel States: How is it a NATO-style alliance?</h2>

The alliance document's Article 6, much like NATO's Article 5, says that any attack on one or more signatory states will be considered an attack on all signatories. The four-page alliance document, seen by WION, states that the "need to continue the heroic struggles waged by the African people and countries for political independence, human dignity and economic emancipation", as defining tenet of the alliance.&nbsp;

"Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracted parties will be considered an aggression against the other parties," it says.&nbsp;

It also binds the three countries to work to prevent or settle armed rebellions. 
 
<img alt="Mali junta leader Goita hosted the signing event in capital Bamako" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="532c4968-9ba3-431b-9cab-9fc1c6b22b99" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-17T123509.000.png" />

Mali junta leader Goita hosted the signing event in capital Bamako |&nbsp;Presidence du Niger/X

The Article 4 of the document underscore combating terrorism in all its forms and organised crime as "common area of the alliance"

"I have today signed with the Heads of State of Burkina Faso and Niger the Liptako-Gourma charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States, with the aim of establishing a collective defence and mutual assistance framework," Mali military leader Assimi Goita said on X, formerly known as Twitter. &nbsp;

<h2>Why Alliance of Sahel States is significant?</h2>

The alliance announcement succeeds the military pact signed between the three countries in August to allow Mali and Burkina Faso to send troops into Niger's territory in the event of military aggression against its new rulers.

The development is significant amid growing cooperation between 15-nation ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) bloc and the warnings of military intervention that it asserted after military's takeover of power in Niger in July.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-nuclear-reserves-how-this-coup-can-throw-europe-into-deep-energy-crisis-621073">Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis</a>

The agreement also calls for the three nations to take joint action against terrorist groups operating in their countries and to secure their borders.&nbsp;

For more than a decade, Africa's Sahel region — which includes countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria — has been infested with jihadist insurgencies contributing in their overall instability.&nbsp;

These jihadist insurgencies are largely perpetrated by terrorist networks linked to the Islamic State and the Al Qaeda.

"This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries," Mali's Defence Minister Abdoulaye Diop told journalists.&nbsp;

"Our priority is the fight against terrorism in the three countries."

<h2>What does it mean for French interests in the region?</h2>

The alliance between three West African states, all ruled by military juntas and former French colonies, has been formalised amid souring ties between the three states and France.&nbsp;

All three signatory nations of the newly-formed Alliance of Sahel States were also the members of France-supported G5 Sahel alliance joint force with Chad and Mauritania being the&nbsp;other two allies. The G5 Sahel alliance, apart from its stated goals related to poverty alleviation, was also aimed to tackle terror groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.&nbsp;

The G5 Sahel Alliance, now largely dormant, was launched in 2017 by France, Germany and the European Union.&nbsp;

Niger’s military leaders have unilaterally cancelled military agreements under the G5 Sahel Alliance that allowed French forces to fight jihadists in the region, giving the former colonial power only a month to pull out its 1,500 troops. France, however, ignored the ultimatum and demands for its ambassador to leave. 
<img alt="Niger's leader General Abdourahmane Tiani during alliance's signing event in Tamako | X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60f4373e-4261-4997-8673-a0de5d4f216a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-17T123828.601.png" />

Niger's leader General Abdourahmane Tiani during alliance's signing event in Tamako | X/Presidence du Niger

Mali left the G5 Sahel Alliance after a military coup. Even before the military coup in Niger, the democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum said in May last year that the force was "dead" following Mali's departure.

France was forced to withdraw its troops from Mali and Burkina Faso. It remains in a tense standoff with the junta that seized power in Niger after the new military rulers asked it to withdraw its troops and its ambassador.

Mali has also asked the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA to leave the country.

<h2>Who takes what from the newly forged alliance?</h2>

For Niger, the alliance provides a cover of security from the warnings of military intervention from ECOWAS.

But in security terms, Mali is set to gain the most from the alliance in the immediate future. &nbsp;

Mali, in addition to fighting terrorists linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group, has also seen a resumption of hostilities by predominantly Tuareg armed groups over the past few weeks.

The escalation of these armed tensions risks stretching Mali's army to its limits.&nbsp;

While Mali's junta claims that it has managed to successfully turn around a dire security situation, independent reports have claimed the quite opposite.

Burkina Faso, under Ibrahim Tarore (34), is expected to lead the newly-formed alliance, due to semblance of stability that the world's youngest leader has managed to assert in the country, according to Radio Omega.

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The junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a charter to establish a defence alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance of the three West African nations signed by their military leaders on September 16, says that the three states will assist one another in the event of an attack on any one of them.

The junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a charter to establish a defence alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance of the three West African nations signed by their military leaders on September 16, says that the three states will assist one another in the event of an attack on any one of them. Alliance of Sahel States: How is it a NATO-style alliance? The alliance document's Article 6, much like NATO's Article 5, says that any attack on one or more signatory states will be considered an attack on all signatories. The four-page alliance document, seen by WION, states that the "need to continue the heroic struggles waged by the African people and countries for political independence, human dignity and economic emancipation", as defining tenet of the alliance. "Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracted parties will be considered an aggression against the other parties," it says. It also binds the three countries to work to prevent or settle armed rebellions. Mali junta leader Goita hosted the signing event in capital Bamako | Presidence du Niger/X The Article 4 of the document underscore combating terrorism in all its forms and organised crime as "common area of the alliance" "I have today signed with the Heads of State of Burkina Faso and Niger the Liptako-Gourma charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States, with the aim of establishing a collective defence and mutual assistance framework," Mali military leader Assimi Goita said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Why Alliance of Sahel States is significant? The alliance announcement succeeds the military pact signed between the three countries in August to allow Mali and Burkina Faso to send troops into Niger's territory in the event of military aggression against its new rulers. The development is significant amid growing cooperation between 15-nation ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) bloc and the warnings of military intervention that it asserted after military's takeover of power in Niger in July. Also read | Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis The agreement also calls for the three nations to take joint action against terrorist groups operating in their countries and to secure their borders. For more than a decade, Africa's Sahel region — which includes countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria — has been infested with jihadist insurgencies contributing in their overall instability. These jihadist insurgencies are largely perpetrated by terrorist networks linked to the Islamic State and the Al Qaeda. "This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries," Mali's Defence Minister Abdoulaye Diop told journalists. "Our priority is the fight against terrorism in the three countries." What does it mean for French interests in the region? The alliance between three West African states, all ruled by military juntas and former French colonies, has been formalised amid souring ties between the three states and France. All three signatory nations of the newly-formed Alliance of Sahel States were also the members of France-supported G5 Sahel alliance joint force with Chad and Mauritania being the other two allies. The G5 Sahel alliance, apart from its stated goals related to poverty alleviation, was also aimed to tackle terror groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The G5 Sahel Alliance, now largely dormant, was launched in 2017 by France, Germany and the European Union. Niger’s military leaders have unilaterally cancelled military agreements under the G5 Sahel Alliance that allowed French forces to fight jihadists in the region, giving the former colonial power only a month to pull out its 1,500 troops. France, however, ignored the ultimatum and demands for its ambassador to leave. Niger's leader General Abdourahmane Tiani during alliance's signing event in Tamako | X/Presidence du Niger Mali left the G5 Sahel Alliance after a military coup. Even before the military coup in Niger, the democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum said in May last year that the force was "dead" following Mali's departure. France was forced to withdraw its troops from Mali and Burkina Faso. It remains in a tense standoff with the junta that seized power in Niger after the new military rulers asked it to withdraw its troops and its ambassador. Mali has also asked the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA to leave the country. Who takes what from the newly forged alliance? For Niger, the alliance provides a cover of security from the warnings of military intervention from ECOWAS. But in security terms, Mali is set to gain the most from the alliance in the immediate future. Mali, in addition to fighting terrorists linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group, has also seen a resumption of hostilities by predominantly Tuareg armed groups over the past few weeks. The escalation of these armed tensions risks stretching Mali's army to its limits. While Mali's junta claims that it has managed to successfully turn around a dire security situation, independent reports have claimed the quite opposite. Burkina Faso, under Ibrahim Tarore (34), is expected to lead the newly-formed alliance, due to semblance of stability that the world's youngest leader has managed to assert in the country, according to Radio Omega. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Military-ruled former French colonies forge NATO-style Alliance of Sahel States

The Italian island of Lampedusa is grappling with the new wave of migrant crisis. The island has been a witness to a record number of migrant landings, a vast majority of them arriving via sea from North Africa, Italy.

Italy: Lampedusa hit with record migrant arrival; baby drowns during migrant rescue operation

The United States and Saudi Arabia are negotiating&nbsp;to obtain metals in Africa that are required to support the two nations as they make the transition to alternative energy sources, a source-based report in&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal noted.

As per the report, a state-backed Saudi enterprise would purchase stakes in $15 billion worth of mining assets in African nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Namibia, granting U.S. businesses the opportunity to purchase some of the production.

For supply of cobalt, lithium, and other metals used in electric car batteries, laptops, and cellphones, the U.S. is racing with China.

Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Ma'aden) and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired 10 per cent of Brazilian Vale’s base metal unit in a similar deal in July, while American investment group Engine No. 1 acquired 3 per cent.

The newspaper reported that the PIF contacted Congo in June about investing&nbsp;$3 billion, through its joint venture with Ma’aden, into the country's cobalt, copper, and tantalum industries.

Manara -- the joint venture between the PIF and&nbsp;Ma'aden --&nbsp;is also concentrating on nickel, lithium, and iron ore.

The White House is looking for financial support from other sovereign wealth funds in the area, but according to the Journal, negotiations with Saudi Arabia have advanced the most.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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The United States and Saudi Arabia are negotiating to obtain metals in Africa that are required to support the two nations as they make the transition to alternative energy sources, a source-based report in The Wall Street Journal noted.

The United States and Saudi Arabia are negotiating to obtain metals in Africa that are required to support the two nations as they make the transition to alternative energy sources, a source-based report in The Wall Street Journal noted. As per the report, a state-backed Saudi enterprise would purchase stakes in $15 billion worth of mining assets in African nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Namibia, granting U.S. businesses the opportunity to purchase some of the production. For supply of cobalt, lithium, and other metals used in electric car batteries, laptops, and cellphones, the U.S. is racing with China. Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Ma'aden) and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired 10 per cent of Brazilian Vale’s base metal unit in a similar deal in July, while American investment group Engine No. 1 acquired 3 per cent. The newspaper reported that the PIF contacted Congo in June about investing $3 billion, through its joint venture with Ma’aden, into the country's cobalt, copper, and tantalum industries. Manara -- the joint venture between the PIF and Ma'aden -- is also concentrating on nickel, lithium, and iron ore. The White House is looking for financial support from other sovereign wealth funds in the area, but according to the Journal, negotiations with Saudi Arabia have advanced the most. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US, Saudi Arabia are in dialogue to secure metals in Africa: Report

At the United Nations general assembly, the African ministers called for expanding the security council to include permanent representation for their continent and stressed the vital role of socio-economic development in ensuring peace.

After G20, Africa now eyes UNSC

In a bid to secure vital metals for their respective energy transitions, the United States and Saudi Arabia are engaged in talks that could reshape the global electric vehicle supply chain.

US and Saudi Arabia in talks for metals partnership in Africa

Gabon's interim Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima announced his new government team Saturday, including military figures and ex-ministers under ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba, but none of the main opposition figures.&nbsp;

Ndong Sima named a 26-member cabinet two days after being appointed as head of the transitional government by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the August coup d'etat against Bongo.&nbsp;

Oligui has not set a timetable for a return to civilian rule.&nbsp;

Ndong Sima, a 68-year-old Paris-educated economist, served as prime minister under Bongo from 2012 to 2014 before becoming a critic and competing against him in the 2016 and 2023 presidential campaigns.&nbsp;

His appointment, announced on state TV, was made in a decree on Thursday by the new strongman, Oligui, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday.&nbsp;

Ndong Sima had left the main platform of the former political opposition, Alternance 2023, which brought together several opposition leaders behind a common presidential candidate, Albert Ondo Ossa.&nbsp;

Neither Ondo Ossa nor any other leading figures in the coalition, such as Alexandre Barro Chambrier of the Rally for the Fatherland and Modernity (RPM) or Paulette Missambo of the National Union, were named in the new government.&nbsp;

Former National Union member Paul-Marie Gondjout, who left the party in 2022 after internal disputes, was appointed justice minister.&nbsp;

Under the transitional charter, no member of this temporary government will be able to stand in the next presidential election, but there is nothing to prevent Oligui from taking part in that race.&nbsp;

Members of civil society were also named in the government line-up, including economic analyst Mays Mouissi, who becomes the new economy minister.&nbsp;

Three of the ministers who served under Bongo retain places in government.&nbsp;

Camelia Ntoutoume-Leclercq is retained as education minister. Hermann Immongault, the foreign minister under the previous government, becomes an interior minister, and Raphael Ngazouze, previously in charge of vocational training, takes over the civil service portfolio.&nbsp;

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Gabon's interim Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima announced his new government team Saturday, including military figures and ex-ministers under ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba, but none of the main opposition figures.

Gabon's interim Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima announced his new government team Saturday, including military figures and ex-ministers under ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba, but none of the main opposition figures. Ndong Sima named a 26-member cabinet two days after being appointed as head of the transitional government by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the August coup d'etat against Bongo. Oligui has not set a timetable for a return to civilian rule. Ndong Sima, a 68-year-old Paris-educated economist, served as prime minister under Bongo from 2012 to 2014 before becoming a critic and competing against him in the 2016 and 2023 presidential campaigns. His appointment, announced on state TV, was made in a decree on Thursday by the new strongman, Oligui, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday. Ndong Sima had left the main platform of the former political opposition, Alternance 2023, which brought together several opposition leaders behind a common presidential candidate, Albert Ondo Ossa. Neither Ondo Ossa nor any other leading figures in the coalition, such as Alexandre Barro Chambrier of the Rally for the Fatherland and Modernity (RPM) or Paulette Missambo of the National Union, were named in the new government. Former National Union member Paul-Marie Gondjout, who left the party in 2022 after internal disputes, was appointed justice minister. Under the transitional charter, no member of this temporary government will be able to stand in the next presidential election, but there is nothing to prevent Oligui from taking part in that race. Members of civil society were also named in the government line-up, including economic analyst Mays Mouissi, who becomes the new economy minister. Three of the ministers who served under Bongo retain places in government. Camelia Ntoutoume-Leclercq is retained as education minister. Hermann Immongault, the foreign minister under the previous government, becomes an interior minister, and Raphael Ngazouze, previously in charge of vocational training, takes over the civil service portfolio. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Gabon's interim PM names new government, with notable absentees

With top leaders arriving in India, the G20 summit has officially kicked off in New Delhi. According to the G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, India's primary focus at the summit is to push for developmental issues and put forward the voice of the Global South.

Will the African Union become a G20 member?

Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7). This comes days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-coup-leader-sworn-in-as-interim-president-632236">Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema</a>, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim president.&nbsp;

<h2>Sima’s appointment as interim PM</h2>

Sima, 68, was an outspoken critic of Bongo, who was ousted by military officers following a coup on August 30, minutes after the announcement that he had secured a third term after an election whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible.&nbsp;

The newly appointed Gabonese PM is an economist and also served as Bongo’s prime minister from 2012 to 2014. However, in 2016, Sima resigned and ran against Bongo for president and again as part of an opposition coalition in the recently concluded elections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-soldiers-announce-cancellation-of-elections-dissolution-of-institutions-on-tv-630424">Gabonese military seizes power after President Ali Bongo wins third term in elections</a>

Sima’s appointment was announced on state TV on Thursday in a decree by Oligui, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday. Bongo had been in power since 2009 and succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled the Central African nation of 2.3 million people for 42 years.&nbsp;

Bongo’s ouster was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-after-niger-this-is-why-coup-in-gabon-is-receiving-public-support-630612">widely celebrated</a> in the capital Libreville, and the military government moved quickly to consolidate power with the coup leader sworn in as the interim president who has vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period.&nbsp;

The former president, who had been under house arrest since the coup, is now free, said the Gabon junta, on Wednesday (Sep 6) and could travel abroad for medical checks if he wished.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-general-to-be-sworn-in-as-president-african-union-suspends-membership-631019">Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership</a>

<h2>What’s happening in Gabon?</h2>

Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Central Africa, met Oligui on Wednesday and told him that the UN would assist the country as it made a fresh start.

“Once we know the roadmap, the timetable, once a government will have been appointed, our different agencies will make the necessary contacts and continue to support Gabon,” said Abarry after the meeting in Libreville, in remarks broadcast on Gabon 24 TV.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-elections-government-cuts-internet-imposes-curfew-amid-voting-delays-629584">Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays</a>

The Central African regional bloc ECCAS has also proposed a 12-month transition period to Gabonese authorities, a senior government official taking part in discussions within the 11-nation bloc told Reuters. “We are awaiting their response,” the source told the news agency.&nbsp;

This comes after the ECCAS suspended Gabon on Monday but sent the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, as its representative to meet the country’s coup leader and president.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7).

Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7). This comes days after Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim president. Sima’s appointment as interim PM Sima, 68, was an outspoken critic of Bongo, who was ousted by military officers following a coup on August 30, minutes after the announcement that he had secured a third term after an election whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible. The newly appointed Gabonese PM is an economist and also served as Bongo’s prime minister from 2012 to 2014. However, in 2016, Sima resigned and ran against Bongo for president and again as part of an opposition coalition in the recently concluded elections. ALSO READ | Gabonese military seizes power after President Ali Bongo wins third term in elections Sima’s appointment was announced on state TV on Thursday in a decree by Oligui, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday. Bongo had been in power since 2009 and succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled the Central African nation of 2.3 million people for 42 years. Bongo’s ouster was widely celebrated in the capital Libreville, and the military government moved quickly to consolidate power with the coup leader sworn in as the interim president who has vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period. The former president, who had been under house arrest since the coup, is now free, said the Gabon junta, on Wednesday (Sep 6) and could travel abroad for medical checks if he wished. ALSO READ | Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership What’s happening in Gabon? Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Central Africa, met Oligui on Wednesday and told him that the UN would assist the country as it made a fresh start. “Once we know the roadmap, the timetable, once a government will have been appointed, our different agencies will make the necessary contacts and continue to support Gabon,” said Abarry after the meeting in Libreville, in remarks broadcast on Gabon 24 TV. ALSO READ | Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays The Central African regional bloc ECCAS has also proposed a 12-month transition period to Gabonese authorities, a senior government official taking part in discussions within the 11-nation bloc told Reuters. “We are awaiting their response,” the source told the news agency. This comes after the ECCAS suspended Gabon on Monday but sent the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, as its representative to meet the country’s coup leader and president. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabon’s military govt appoints former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as interim PM

African nations have spoken in unison on climate change. The continent's first climate summit concluded on Wednesday, where the countries adopted the 'Nairobi declaration', which urges the world to revamp its climate financing methods and adopt a global carbon taxation regime.

African nations propose new taxes to finance climate action

Russia announced on Wednesday that Turkey has made a preliminary agreement to handle the one million metric tonnes of grain that Russia intends to ship at a reduced cost to Africa with assistance from Qatar.

Moscow put forth the plan after pulling out of a one-year agreement in July that had allowed Ukraine to ship grain from its Black Sea ports securely in an effort to contain a rise in food prices that had been worsened by Russia’s invasion.

Russia has made offers of free or heavily discounted grain, though much less than Ukraine had been shipping, to African nations, some of which have been experiencing food shortages.

According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters that he anticipated working with all parties in the near future to iron out all the technical details of the delivery plan.

The Russian grain would be exported by Turkey, although it was unclear exactly what its involvement would entail.

Moscow claims it left the previous agreement because the West did not eliminate sanctions-related barriers to its own exports of grains and fertilisers. However, Moscow also complained that not enough of the food made available under the Black Sea Agreement was reaching the world's poorest nations.

Since breaking out of the agreement, Russia has assaulted Ukrainian grain storage facilities, seaports, and rivers on several occasions, leading the West and Ukraine to accuse Moscow of using food as a weapon of war. Russia refers to its action in Ukraine as a “special military operation.”

(With inputs from Reuters)

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Russia announced on Wednesday that Turkey has made a preliminary agreement to handle the one million metric tonnes of grain that Russia intends to ship at a reduced cost to Africa with assistance from Qatar.

Russia announced on Wednesday that Turkey has made a preliminary agreement to handle the one million metric tonnes of grain that Russia intends to ship at a reduced cost to Africa with assistance from Qatar. Moscow put forth the plan after pulling out of a one-year agreement in July that had allowed Ukraine to ship grain from its Black Sea ports securely in an effort to contain a rise in food prices that had been worsened by Russia’s invasion. Russia has made offers of free or heavily discounted grain, though much less than Ukraine had been shipping, to African nations, some of which have been experiencing food shortages. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters that he anticipated working with all parties in the near future to iron out all the technical details of the delivery plan. The Russian grain would be exported by Turkey, although it was unclear exactly what its involvement would entail. Moscow claims it left the previous agreement because the West did not eliminate sanctions-related barriers to its own exports of grains and fertilisers. However, Moscow also complained that not enough of the food made available under the Black Sea Agreement was reaching the world's poorest nations. Since breaking out of the agreement, Russia has assaulted Ukrainian grain storage facilities, seaports, and rivers on several occasions, leading the West and Ukraine to accuse Moscow of using food as a weapon of war. Russia refers to its action in Ukraine as a “special military operation.” (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia: Turkey to handle 1 million tonnes of grain for Africa

Nigeria on Wednesday said it received investment pledges worth $14 billion from Indian investors and is seeking to sign an economic cooperation agreement with the South Asian country.

The Nigerian government said that India’s Jindal Steel and Power has agreed to invest $3 billion in Nigeria’s steel industry and Indorama Corp. will invest an extra $8 billion to expand its petrochemical facilities there.

Jitender Sachdeva, the founder chairman of Skipperseil Ltd., and Bharti Enterprises have offered $1.6 billion over four years to construct power plants and $700 million in Nigeria, respectively, according to the government.

Separately, Nigeria authorised a $1 billion collaboration agreement with the Indian government to support the Nigerian Defence Industries Corporation in achieving 40 per cent local manufacturing and production self-sufficiency in defence equipment manufacture within three years, according to Ngelale.

President&nbsp;Bola Tinubu met with Indian business representatives as part of the Nigeria-India presidential roundtable and conference to mobilise international funding for infrastructure development. He will attend the G20 summit in New Delhi later this week as a guest country.

India, which presently holds the rotating presidency of the group, invited Tinubu to attend.

“We are ready to give you the best returns for investment possible, there’s nowhere else like our country,” Tinubu said in the statement.

Instead of relying on borrowing, the government of Africa’s top oil producer aims to promote investments in order to finance the creation of jobs and the construction of urgently needed infrastructure, such as railways, roads, and power plants.

With his largest reforms in decades, Tinubu has done away with a well-liked but expensive petrol subsidy and lifted restrictions on foreign exchange trading. With record debt, sluggish growth, unemployment, and double-digit inflation, he has vowed to revitalise the economy.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is considering to join the G20 as the second member of the continent after South Africa and is seeking advice on the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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Nigeria on Wednesday said it received investment pledges worth $14 billion from Indian investors and is seeking to sign an economic cooperation agreement with the South Asian country.

Nigeria on Wednesday said it received investment pledges worth $14 billion from Indian investors and is seeking to sign an economic cooperation agreement with the South Asian country. The Nigerian government said that India’s Jindal Steel and Power has agreed to invest $3 billion in Nigeria’s steel industry and Indorama Corp. will invest an extra $8 billion to expand its petrochemical facilities there. Jitender Sachdeva, the founder chairman of Skipperseil Ltd., and Bharti Enterprises have offered $1.6 billion over four years to construct power plants and $700 million in Nigeria, respectively, according to the government. Separately, Nigeria authorised a $1 billion collaboration agreement with the Indian government to support the Nigerian Defence Industries Corporation in achieving 40 per cent local manufacturing and production self-sufficiency in defence equipment manufacture within three years, according to Ngelale. President Bola Tinubu met with Indian business representatives as part of the Nigeria-India presidential roundtable and conference to mobilise international funding for infrastructure development. He will attend the G20 summit in New Delhi later this week as a guest country. India, which presently holds the rotating presidency of the group, invited Tinubu to attend. “We are ready to give you the best returns for investment possible, there’s nowhere else like our country,” Tinubu said in the statement. Instead of relying on borrowing, the government of Africa’s top oil producer aims to promote investments in order to finance the creation of jobs and the construction of urgently needed infrastructure, such as railways, roads, and power plants. With his largest reforms in decades, Tinubu has done away with a well-liked but expensive petrol subsidy and lifted restrictions on foreign exchange trading. With record debt, sluggish growth, unemployment, and double-digit inflation, he has vowed to revitalise the economy. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is considering to join the G20 as the second member of the continent after South Africa and is seeking advice on the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian firms to invest $14 billion in Nigeria: Report  

On the face of it, Western Africa has been struck with a coup epidemic. As just five weeks after the military junta captured power in Niger, the military in Gabon deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba immediately after he again won the elections. But make no mistake about this. What is being witnessed in these African nations is not just a coup epidemic.

Why France is the big loser in Africa after coups in Gabon & Niger?

African parks, a conservationist group, is making a big move to protect southern White Rhinos. They're buying the world's largest private captive rhino breeding operation in South Africa and planning to release 2,000 rhinos into the wild. This major step towards saving these incredible creatures from the threat of poaching.

NGO African parks to release white rhinos in South Africa

The African continent is eyeing a greater role in the global climate change narrative, and it has taken a crucial step towards it. Kenya hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, with the agenda of developing a common African position ahead of the UN climate conference next month. As a region that bears the worst impact of climate change, will the African continent be successful in making its voice heard ?

Kenya hosts maiden Climate Summit in Africa | World Of Africa

Military coups in the African region are spreading like wildfire, becoming a cause of serious concern for governments across countries. Political leaders are now springing into action, making significant changes to their defence structure, and preparing for the worst. Take a look at this story for more details.

Governments of African countries get proactive to avoid a military coup

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday (September 5) hailed African countries for what he called their resistance to "colonialism". His&nbsp;words came during a visit by Burkina Faso's foreign minister.

African countries like Burkina Faso and Mali are currently being ruled by military juntas that have severed military ties with France, a former colonial power in the continent. The countries have bolstered ties with Russia.

Niger, where a military junta seized power in July, has been the scene of mass protests calling for troops of former colonial ruler France to leave.

Raisi on Monday, "praised the resistance of African countries in the face of colonialism and terrorism" during a meeting with Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba, without specifically mentioning France.

He hailed the stance taken by the countries as a "sign of vigilance and awakening", said a statement published on the Iranian presidency's website.

Burkina Faso underwent two military coups in 2022 and the ruling junta subsequently demanded that French troops withdraw from the country.

As he met Rouamba, Raisi expressed that Iran was willing to "share its experiences and achievements with friendly African countries".

Rouamba, in turn, expressed interest in strengthening relations with Iran, according to the statement from the Iranian presidency.

Iran has been boosting ties with countries across the African continent in order to reduce its isolation and to offset the effects of crippling sanctions reimposed on it since the 2018 withdrawal of the US from the nuclear deal with Iran, a painstakingly negotiated accord.

The deal was struck by the US and other world powers, including Russia, with Iran that put limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for relief from sanctions. The deal was struck during former US president Barack Obama's tenure. His successor Donald Trump took the US out of the deal, reimposing the sanctions. The talks to restore the nuclear deal haven't made considerable progress.

In July, Raisi set out on a rare Africa tour that took him to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday (September 5) hailed African countries for what he called their resistance to "colonialism". His words came during a visit by Burkina Faso's foreign minister.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday (September 5) hailed African countries for what he called their resistance to "colonialism". His words came during a visit by Burkina Faso's foreign minister. African countries like Burkina Faso and Mali are currently being ruled by military juntas that have severed military ties with France, a former colonial power in the continent. The countries have bolstered ties with Russia. Niger, where a military junta seized power in July, has been the scene of mass protests calling for troops of former colonial ruler France to leave. Raisi on Monday, "praised the resistance of African countries in the face of colonialism and terrorism" during a meeting with Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba, without specifically mentioning France. He hailed the stance taken by the countries as a "sign of vigilance and awakening", said a statement published on the Iranian presidency's website. Burkina Faso underwent two military coups in 2022 and the ruling junta subsequently demanded that French troops withdraw from the country. As he met Rouamba, Raisi expressed that Iran was willing to "share its experiences and achievements with friendly African countries". Rouamba, in turn, expressed interest in strengthening relations with Iran, according to the statement from the Iranian presidency. Iran has been boosting ties with countries across the African continent in order to reduce its isolation and to offset the effects of crippling sanctions reimposed on it since the 2018 withdrawal of the US from the nuclear deal with Iran, a painstakingly negotiated accord. The deal was struck by the US and other world powers, including Russia, with Iran that put limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for relief from sanctions. The deal was struck during former US president Barack Obama's tenure. His successor Donald Trump took the US out of the deal, reimposing the sanctions. The talks to restore the nuclear deal haven't made considerable progress. In July, Raisi set out on a rare Africa tour that took him to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran hails African countries for their resistance to 'colonialism'

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday (September 5) pledged USD 4.5 billion to invest in clean energy in Africa at a landmark climate summit aimed at project the continent's potential as a green powerhouse. The African Climate Summit is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenyan President William Ruto has sought to use the summit to shift the narrative on the region and is presenting transition to clean energy as a routine opportunity for Africa if it attracts enough financing to realise the potential.

The most significant pledge so far in the conference came on Tuesday with UAE announcing USD 4.5 billion. The country is slated to host COP28 Summit in Dubai in November-December.

Sultan Al Jaber, head of UAE's national oil company ADNOC and state-owned renewable energy company Masdar, said that the investment would "jumpstart a pipeline of bankable clean energy projects in this very important continent".&nbsp;

Jaber is also president of the COP28 climate summit. He said that a consortium including Masdar will help develop 15 gigawatts of clean power by 2030.

In 2022, Africa's renewable generation capacity was 56 GW in 2022 as per data with the International Renewable Energy Agency.

The three-day summit in Nairobi began on Monday. It has attracted heads of state, government and industry. Leaders from Mozambique and Tanzania have come as well. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and US climate envoy John Kerry are in attendance as well.

The summit is being viewed as an event that is setting the tone for international diplomatic flurry before COP28 meeting.

A front-page healdine in Kenyan media said that the summit marked "Africa's moment".

However, the continent is facing huge challenges especially the mounting debt costs and dearth of finance. Though Africa has abundant natural resources, it attracts just three per cent of worldwide energy investments.

UN chief Antonio Guterres urged the world to help "make Africa a renewable energy superpower".&nbsp;

"Renewable energy could be the African miracle but we must make it happen," Guterres told government and industry leaders.&nbsp;

Guterres focused his words at G20 nations as well. The leaders from these countries are meeting in India for G20 Summit. Guterres told them to &nbsp;"assume your responsibilities" in the battle to reduce planet-warming emissions.  &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
A clean energy transition across the world's developing nations will be crucial in order to keep alive the Paris Agreement goal of capping global warming "well below" two degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times, and 1.5C if possible. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday (September 5) pledged USD 4.5 billion to invest in clean energy in Africa at a landmark climate summit aimed at project the continent's potential as a green powerhouse.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday (September 5) pledged USD 4.5 billion to invest in clean energy in Africa at a landmark climate summit aimed at project the continent's potential as a green powerhouse. The African Climate Summit is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya. Kenyan President William Ruto has sought to use the summit to shift the narrative on the region and is presenting transition to clean energy as a routine opportunity for Africa if it attracts enough financing to realise the potential. The most significant pledge so far in the conference came on Tuesday with UAE announcing USD 4.5 billion. The country is slated to host COP28 Summit in Dubai in November-December. Sultan Al Jaber, head of UAE's national oil company ADNOC and state-owned renewable energy company Masdar, said that the investment would "jumpstart a pipeline of bankable clean energy projects in this very important continent". Jaber is also president of the COP28 climate summit. He said that a consortium including Masdar will help develop 15 gigawatts of clean power by 2030. In 2022, Africa's renewable generation capacity was 56 GW in 2022 as per data with the International Renewable Energy Agency. The three-day summit in Nairobi began on Monday. It has attracted heads of state, government and industry. Leaders from Mozambique and Tanzania have come as well. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and US climate envoy John Kerry are in attendance as well. The summit is being viewed as an event that is setting the tone for international diplomatic flurry before COP28 meeting. A front-page healdine in Kenyan media said that the summit marked "Africa's moment". However, the continent is facing huge challenges especially the mounting debt costs and dearth of finance. Though Africa has abundant natural resources, it attracts just three per cent of worldwide energy investments. UN chief Antonio Guterres urged the world to help "make Africa a renewable energy superpower". "Renewable energy could be the African miracle but we must make it happen," Guterres told government and industry leaders. Guterres focused his words at G20 nations as well. The leaders from these countries are meeting in India for G20 Summit. Guterres told them to "assume your responsibilities" in the battle to reduce planet-warming emissions.   A clean energy transition across the world's developing nations will be crucial in order to keep alive the Paris Agreement goal of capping global warming "well below" two degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times, and 1.5C if possible.  (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Africa Climate Summit: UAE pledges $4 billion for clean energy in the continent

Africa's first-ever climate summit kicked off in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. The 3-day event in Nairobi is billed to bring leaders from the 54-nation continent to define a shared vision of Africa's green development.

Africa's first climate summit begins in Kenya

The head of the International Energy Agency urged the United States and China to set aside their differences and align on climate change, warning in an interview Monday that "geopolitical fractures" risked holding back the clean energy transition.

Speaking at the African Climate Summit in Nairobi, Fatih Birol told AFP that these international rifts, partly stoked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, are "becoming more and more pronounced".

"When I look at the future of energy and climate, I see that the best and most optimistic agenda is that clean energy is set to dominate the game," he said.

But he said geopolitical tensions were casting a "big shadow" because "international collaboration between the major players will be much more challenging".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsofts-wordpad-launched-in-1995-set-to-be-removed-from-windows-632225">Microsoft's WordPad, launched in 1995, set to be removed from Windows</a>

That is a problem, with the world currently moving too slowly to meet the Paris Agreement goals to limit warming. 
He singled out the US and China, the world's two biggest emitters, urging them to come together at the crunch COP28 climate talks in Dubai in November-December and "leave aside their tensions" -- both geopolitical and economic -- to seek joint or at least common positions on key issues.

The November climate summit in oil-rich United Arab Emirates will likely be dominated by clashing visions on energy.

Birol told AFP that global tensions were "definitely" holding back progress in the clean energy transition and warned of a "big pushback" from some countries and companies, without naming them.

But he said despite this change is happening, with more than 80 percent of the power plants built in the world last year focusing on renewable energy.

<h2>'Injustice'&nbsp;</h2>

Birol said Africa was primed to play a "pivotal" role in the energy transition, with huge renewable potential and some 40 percent of the critical minerals needed for batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/convicted-proud-boys-member-claims-trump-will-pardon-him-in-2024-632198">Convicted Proud Boys member claims Trump will pardon him in 2024</a>

He said that countries in the region might need to continue to exploit their gas resources for certain activities, which he argued would not significantly increase the continent's tiny carbon footprint -- roughly 3 percent of global emissions.

The energy chief urged the international community, particularly Western countries, to accept this and avoid "naively dogmatic" prescriptions for the continent that could exacerbate rifts.

Instead, he said the international community should focus on helping Africa realise its "huge potential".

He said it was an "injustice" that around half of the population on the continent did not have access to electricity, despite the fact that Africa hosts 60 percent of the world's best solar energy resources, with solar now the cheapest way to generate power.

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Meanwhile, he said millions of people across Africa use open fires or basic stoves to cook, exacerbating respiratory illnesses, particularly among women.

Birol said both issues could be fixed with about $25 billion -- the approximate cost of one new LNG terminal.

Singling out the oil and gas companies who have said access to energy is a key priority, he added that it would cost $4 billion -- or roughly less than 0.1 percent of the revenues the major fossil fuel firms racked up last year -- to help millions access clean cooking technologies.

"This is in my view a litmus test for them, how serious, how sincere they are," he said.

<h2>Money matters</h2>

Currently, only about three percent of energy investments worldwide are made in Africa.

African countries are also hamstrung by rising debt costs.

Pressure is mounting for a retooling of the international financial architecture to better align with climate goals and green development, particularly as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank prepare for their autumn meetings in October.

Birol said the two institutions had "failed the test", calling for promising recent statements to turn into real action on boosting concessional finance and unblocking lending.

Globally, a particular worry is relatively new existing coal power plants, mainly in Asia, with decades left on their expected lifecycles.

They could counteract all other progress if they are not retired early, he said.

But despite this, Birol said energy transition was well under way and "moving much faster than many people realise".

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The head of the International Energy Agency urged the United States and China to set aside their differences and align on climate change, warning in an interview Monday that "geopolitical fractures" risked holding back the clean energy transition.

The head of the International Energy Agency urged the United States and China to set aside their differences and align on climate change, warning in an interview Monday that "geopolitical fractures" risked holding back the clean energy transition. Speaking at the African Climate Summit in Nairobi, Fatih Birol told AFP that these international rifts, partly stoked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, are "becoming more and more pronounced". "When I look at the future of energy and climate, I see that the best and most optimistic agenda is that clean energy is set to dominate the game," he said. But he said geopolitical tensions were casting a "big shadow" because "international collaboration between the major players will be much more challenging". Also Read | Microsoft's WordPad, launched in 1995, set to be removed from Windows That is a problem, with the world currently moving too slowly to meet the Paris Agreement goals to limit warming. He singled out the US and China, the world's two biggest emitters, urging them to come together at the crunch COP28 climate talks in Dubai in November-December and "leave aside their tensions" -- both geopolitical and economic -- to seek joint or at least common positions on key issues. The November climate summit in oil-rich United Arab Emirates will likely be dominated by clashing visions on energy. Birol told AFP that global tensions were "definitely" holding back progress in the clean energy transition and warned of a "big pushback" from some countries and companies, without naming them. But he said despite this change is happening, with more than 80 percent of the power plants built in the world last year focusing on renewable energy. 'Injustice' Birol said Africa was primed to play a "pivotal" role in the energy transition, with huge renewable potential and some 40 percent of the critical minerals needed for batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Also Read | Convicted Proud Boys member claims Trump will pardon him in 2024 He said that countries in the region might need to continue to exploit their gas resources for certain activities, which he argued would not significantly increase the continent's tiny carbon footprint -- roughly 3 percent of global emissions. The energy chief urged the international community, particularly Western countries, to accept this and avoid "naively dogmatic" prescriptions for the continent that could exacerbate rifts. Instead, he said the international community should focus on helping Africa realise its "huge potential". He said it was an "injustice" that around half of the population on the continent did not have access to electricity, despite the fact that Africa hosts 60 percent of the world's best solar energy resources, with solar now the cheapest way to generate power. Watch | Labour reshuffle: Sir Keir Starmer to shake up shadow cabinet × Meanwhile, he said millions of people across Africa use open fires or basic stoves to cook, exacerbating respiratory illnesses, particularly among women. Birol said both issues could be fixed with about $25 billion -- the approximate cost of one new LNG terminal. Singling out the oil and gas companies who have said access to energy is a key priority, he added that it would cost $4 billion -- or roughly less than 0.1 percent of the revenues the major fossil fuel firms racked up last year -- to help millions access clean cooking technologies. "This is in my view a litmus test for them, how serious, how sincere they are," he said. Money matters Currently, only about three percent of energy investments worldwide are made in Africa. African countries are also hamstrung by rising debt costs. Pressure is mounting for a retooling of the international financial architecture to better align with climate goals and green development, particularly as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank prepare for their autumn meetings in October. Birol said the two institutions had "failed the test", calling for promising recent statements to turn into real action on boosting concessional finance and unblocking lending. Globally, a particular worry is relatively new existing coal power plants, mainly in Asia, with decades left on their expected lifecycles. They could counteract all other progress if they are not retired early, he said. But despite this, Birol said energy transition was well under way and "moving much faster than many people realise". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Global tensions risk clean energy progress: IEA chief

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