Sudan looks to end conflict with warring factions
Sudan’s warring parties met on Saturday in the Saudi city of Jeddah, according to international mediators, as they attempt to find a resolution to the conflict that has killed hundreds of people and forced around 100,000 to flee abroad. This meeting marks the first round of talks between the opposing factions since a fragile ceasefire was agreed upon in March of this year. The talks are being facilitated by the United Nations and are aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan regions.
Mali Delays Vote Day
Mali’s electoral commission has announced that the country’s long-awaited legislative elections will now take place on June 19th. This vote marks the last in a series of three elections that are intended to conclude an unstable transition period following the military coup in 2020. Originally planned for December 2021, the vote was postponed several times due to security concerns in the central and northern parts of the country, where jihadist groups operate.
Polio Vaccines destroyed in Sudan
More than one million polio vaccines have been destroyed in Sudan, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The vaccines, intended for use in South Kordofan, were destroyed due to a lack of cold-chain capacity. This comes at a time when Sudan is already facing a severe shortage of essential medicines and fuel, in addition to the ongoing conflict between government forces and rebels.
Deadly Floods in the Congo
At least 176 people have been found dead in two villages in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following severe flooding last week. And with dozens still missing, the death toll is expected to rise. The government and various humanitarian organizations have been working to provide basic needs to those affected by the floods, including food and clean water. However, with many areas still inaccessible due to the floodwaters, the challenge of providing aid remains a major concern.
Nigerian Senator convicted in London
A wealthy Nigerian politician, his wife and a doctor have been jailed by a London court after being found guilty of trafficking a street trader from Lagos to Britain to illegally harvest his kidney for their seriously ill daughter. The politician, identified as Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, his wife, and a surgeon named Naeem Nasir were each sentenced to nine years and four months in prison. The victim later died from complications related to the illegal transplant.
MTN Sudan’s Network Down
MTN Sudan, the Sudanese branch of Africa’s largest mobile operator, recently announced that its network has been down due to a lack of fuel and power cuts resulting from fighting in the country. This has left many of the company’s two million subscribers without access to mobile services, including voice, text, and data. The situation has also hindered the distribution of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.
Kenya sets up Inquiry into Cult Deaths
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the deaths of more than 100 people who were believed to have been part of a cult that starved themselves to death. Meanwhile, a court ordered that the group’s alleged cult leader, Peter Tabichi, remain in prison. The deaths have sparked a nationwide debate about the role of religion in society and the dangers of extremist groups.
Conclusion
The above news items show that Africa is facing significant challenges. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has killed hundreds of people and caused mass displacement, remains a major concern. Meanwhile, political instability continues to impact countries such as Mali and Nigeria, highlighting the need for effective governance and security measures. Additionally, natural disasters such as floods in the DRC exacerbate already dire situations for those struggling to survive. The people of Africa remain resilient and hopeful, however, as evidenced by the efforts of aid organizations and the establishment of inquiries into serious matters like cult deaths.
African Boulevard News – (2023-05-06)
