A French frigate engaged in Operation Corymbe in West Africa has made a record seizure of cocaine. Intercepting an unflagged fishing boat, the crew seized 2.4 tonnes of drugs and proceeded to destroy them. This operation is the result of an international investigation and highlights the growth of drug trafficking in the region. West Africa has become a hub for cocaine trafficking between South America and Europe. This seizure reinforces the need for international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and the protection of the Gulf of Guinea region.
The media skills building workshop on vaccination and the situation of unvaccinated children in Maniema, DR Congo, brought together media professionals to raise awareness on the importance of vaccination and discuss the alarming situation of unvaccinated children in the province. The objective was to strengthen collaboration between the Expanded Program on Immunization and the media to guarantee equitable access to vaccines and combat vaccine hesitancy. This workshop marks an important step in the promotion of vaccination in Maniema and highlights the key role of the media in raising awareness and educating the population on the benefits of vaccination.
A tragic fire broke out in a fuel warehouse in Sèmè-Kraké, causing the death of 33 people. The origin of the fire is still unknown, but the consequences were devastating, ravaging the scene and consuming vehicles and surrounding shops. The warehouse was used for fuel smuggling and was in the middle of a daily market. Beninese authorities intervened quickly, but this incident highlights the dangers of smuggling and underlines the importance of strengthening prevention measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.
The governor of South Kivu, Théo Ngwabidje Kasi, launched the agricultural campaign A season 2023-2024 in the province. This initiative aims to revive agriculture, ensure food security and stimulate the local economy. Improved seeds and agricultural inputs were distributed to local producers. The campaign is supported by the provincial government and international partners, and is part of President Tshisekedi’s vision for the country’s agricultural development. This is an important step to exploit the agricultural potential of South Kivu and reduce dependence on food imports.
In Gabon, the hunt for former corrupt leaders continues with the incarceration of several influential figures, including the former Minister of Oil Vincent de Paul Massassa, the former Minister of Public Works Léon Armel Bounda Balondzi and the economic operator Abdoul Houssein Moussavou. These arrests demonstrate the desire of the Gabonese authorities to fight corruption and abuse of power, but it is important that legal proceedings are conducted with fairness and transparency. The Gabonese aspire to real change and the reconstruction of a country on healthy and equitable foundations.
The 1994 genocide in Rwanda remains one of the most tragic events in contemporary history. In the midst of this horror, Pierre Kayondo, a former prefect and deputy, is accused of having played an active role in organizing the killings in the Gitarama region. Following a complaint, an investigation was opened and he was found in Le Havre, France. He was allegedly involved in the training of militia groups, the supply of weapons and the management of Radio des Mille Collines, a propaganda organ during the genocide. His arrest marks an important step in the search for justice, but many other suspected genocidaires have yet to be tried. It is crucial to continue efforts to bring justice to victims and provide reparation to survivors. It is important not to forget this tragic event and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
A suicide bomb attack has struck Beledweyne, Somalia, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 40. The attack was not officially claimed, but comes in a context where the Somali government is fighting against the Shebab. Despite support from the African Union and U.S. airstrikes, the government has recently reported significant setbacks in the fight against Shebab and requested a delay in the withdrawal of African Union troops. The Somali president expressed his condolences to the victims and affirmed that the government would continue to fight against the Shebab. This attack highlights the continuing instability in Somalia and the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism in the country and around the world.
At the recent United Nations General Assembly, President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo called for a just ecological transition. He stressed the need for a fair price per tonne of carbon and a rebalancing of investments to highlight the benefits of tropical forests. The country has committed to protecting 15% of its territory for the conservation of biodiversity and has created an investment fund for the new climate economy in order to mobilize the resources necessary to fight climate change. President Tshisekedi’s position strengthens Africa’s voice in environmental protection.
Political representatives have been called upon to play a key role in the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During a meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), the President of the CENI stressed the importance of the involvement of political representatives in the electoral education of their voters. The CENI also took stock of the ongoing preparations for the December 2023 elections. Despite a delay in the publication of the list of candidates, the President of the CENI assured that the electoral calendar would be respected. Political proxies received information on the different operational stages of the electoral process, such as the electoral lists and the electronic voting system. By encouraging their voters to participate in elections and promoting electoral citizenship, political proxies can help ensure transparent and legitimate elections.
In his speech to the UN, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC addressed key topics such as the withdrawal of MONUSCO, insecurity in the east of the country and the upcoming elections. He expressed disappointment with MONUSCO for its inability to resolve armed conflicts and called for sanctions for perpetrators of serious crimes in the DRC. President Tshisekedi also confirmed that elections would take place in December, with measures to ensure their credibility. This reflects his determination to take charge of the stability of the country and to ensure a better future for the DRC.