Author: Kudret

The Dangote Oil Refinery, Africa’s largest with a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, will begin selling fuel directly to end users in August. The move marks a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, as the refinery sets its sights on direct distribution to filling stations, manufacturers, telecommunications firms, and other large-scale consumers—entities that have historically relied on independent fuel marketers. Since commencing production of gasoline for the domestic market last year, the refinery has allowed local distributors to lift its products. However, this new direction signals the company’s intention to take charge of the entire supply chain,…

Security forces in Makurdi, the capital of Nigeria’s Benue State, used tear gas on Sunday to disperse a protest against a string of deadly attacks that have rocked local communities and left over 100 people dead in just a few days. The protest, organized under the hashtag #StopBenueKillings, drew large numbers of mostly young demonstrators dressed in black and holding green leaves — a traditional symbol of mourning and peace. It took place at the busy Wurukum roundabout and was sparked by coordinated assaults in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area on Friday night. These attacks came…

The third group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers is set to land at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria on Monday, continuing the phased return of forces previously deployed to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their return comes as part of a broader regional effort to end foreign military involvement in the area and open the way for peaceful dialogue. These troops were deployed as part of a multinational peacekeeping mission under the mandates of both the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). However, amid ongoing political and security realignments in the region,…

The African Union will today convene a high-level virtual forum aimed at driving policy action toward fairer education systems across the continent. Timed to coincide with the Day of the African Child, the event will place equity at the forefront of Africa’s education reform agenda as part of the African Union’s Decade of Education (2024–2034). The two-hour session, taking place online from 15:00 to 17:00 GMT, will bring together education ministers, data specialists, development partners, and youth representatives from across the continent. The webinar is being organized by the AU Commission’s Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), in…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Calgary on Sunday, where he was greeted by a delegation ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit. The high-profile gathering of world leaders is set to take place in the picturesque mountain resort of Kananaskis, located deep within the Canadian Rockies. The summit, which brings together the heads of the world’s leading economies, opens amid a tense international climate. Key global issues, including rising hostilities between Israel and Iran, and the continuing fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade confrontations with both allies and adversaries, are expected to dominate discussions. The conflict…

Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced on Sunday a significant oil and gas discovery by the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) in the Abu Sennan field, located in the Western Desert—an area long known for its hydrocarbon potential. The new well, designated GPR-1X, has shown strong preliminary results. According to the ministry, early testing reveals that the site could produce up to 1,400 barrels of crude oil per day, along with approximately one million cubic feet of natural gas daily from the Bahariya formation. These results reinforce the growing importance of the Western Desert as a vital contributor…

Egypt continues to lead the continent as Africa’s most powerful military in 2025, according to the latest Global Firepower Index, despite a minor drop in its global standing. The country, previously ranked 15th in the world, now holds the 19th position, reflecting slight changes in global defense metrics. The Global Firepower Index, an annual military strength ranking that evaluates over 145 countries, uses more than 60 parameters to assess capabilities. These include active and reserve personnel, defense budgets, air and naval power, logistical readiness, and geographic advantages. The rankings offer a snapshot of each nation’s ability to project force and…

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held urgent consultations on Sunday with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Bahrain, amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. The talks, conducted via separate phone calls, were part of Egypt’s broader diplomatic push to address the rapidly escalating situation, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During his discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Abdelatty focused on the consequences of the recent military confrontations. The ministers expressed deep concern that continued hostilities could push the already…

At least 19 people have lost their lives following widespread flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, after relentless rains swept through several districts, causing landslides and extensive property damage. Authorities confirmed the fatalities and the destruction on Saturday. The downpour, which began late Friday and continued into Saturday morning, hit hardest in the western neighborhood of Ngaliema. Local mayor Fulgence Bolokome reported that at least 17 residents died as floodwaters surged through the area, triggering landslides that swept away homes and infrastructure. Major roads in the area were rendered impassable, cutting off movement and emergency…

Ten separatist fighters were killed in two days of fighting with Malian security forces in the northern Kidal region, according to a statement released by the military on Friday. The separatist group claimed it inflicted heavy losses on Malian troops and members of a Russian-aligned military force. The violence erupted on Thursday when the army launched an operation in the area. The following day, a logistics convoy was ambushed, but military officials said the assault was repelled. The separatists reported killing several Malian soldiers and fighters affiliated with the Kremlin-backed Africa Corps during the ambush. This armed group has long…

Rescue operations continued in South Africa’s Eastern Cape on Saturday following severe floods earlier in the week, with the number of confirmed deaths reaching at least 86. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the province on Friday, described the disaster as a “catastrophic” event driven by climate change. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the updated death toll, stating that the situation in the province had grown increasingly dire. The region endured days of relentless rain and strong winds, causing floodwaters to surge over four meters (13 feet) in some areas, according to Ramaphosa. Widespread Destruction The floods submerged thousands of homes,…

At least 52 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more remain missing after two passenger boats capsized on Lake Tumba in the western Democratic Republic of the Congo, officials reported on Friday. The vessels went down overnight between Wednesday and Thursday near the town of Bikoro, located roughly 128 kilometers (79 miles) from the provincial capital, Mbandaka, in Equateur province. The tragedy has prompted calls for accountability and urgent reforms to improve water transport safety in the region. Dieu Merci Akula Mboyo, a representative of the Provincial Coordination of the Panel of Experts of Civil Society in Equateur, said…

Senegal has reiterated its unwavering support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a viable and lasting solution to the long-standing Western Sahara conflict. The endorsement came during a statement by Ambassador Diamane Diome, Senegal’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the ongoing session of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C24), which is being held in New York from June 9 to 20. Addressing the committee, Ambassador Diome emphasized Senegal’s consistent backing of Morocco’s autonomy proposal, describing it as a realistic and forward-looking framework for resolving the dispute. He highlighted the plan’s recognition by the United Nations Security Council,…

In a significant diplomatic move, the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bintou Keita, met on Friday with leaders of the M23 rebel group in Goma, marking her first visit to the city since it was seized by the insurgents earlier this year. The high-stakes meeting centered on MONUSCO’s ongoing mandate in the volatile region, with a strong emphasis on the protection of civilians, according to a post shared by the U.N. mission on X. Keita’s discussions included Corneille Nangaa, who heads the Congo River Alliance—a political and military coalition that includes M23…

From June 19 to 21, the Atlantic port city of Essaouira will transform into a vibrant hub of rhythm and culture as it hosts the 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival. Known for its deep-rooted musical traditions and cosmopolitan atmosphere, the city will welcome an eclectic lineup of global artists for three days of performances, dialogue, and cultural exploration. This year’s festival brings together 350 artists, including 40 revered Maalems (Gnaoua master musicians), across 54 performances staged throughout the city. From sprawling open-air squares and centuries-old heritage sites to intimate, enclosed venues, the concerts are designed to…

South Africa’s rand slumped in early trading on Friday, as renewed conflict in the Middle East triggered a wave of risk aversion across global markets, pushing investors toward traditional safe havens. The local currency weakened to 18.04 against the U.S. dollar by 0657 GMT, falling 1.6% from Thursday’s close. This marked a sharp reversal from its recent gains, which had been supported by easing domestic political tensions, speculation around a revised inflation target, and a rally in precious metal prices. But hopes of continued momentum were overshadowed by overnight Israeli military strikes on Iran — a development that rattled global…