Tag: AFRICA

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Africa News China World

SUDAN: China in a fix as coup disrupts mega projects

Chinese companies operating in Sudan are facing a sudden and unexpected suspension of work and production…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese companies operating in Sudan are facing a sudden and unexpected suspension of work and production, and they’ve summoned their workers to their base offices in response to the escalating situation in the country Monday, Global Times reported.

Tension and risks of uncertainty linger, especially after the cut-offs of internet service and mobile networks, as well as a reported backlog of containers at Port Sudan. Analysts said that the potential disruption to Chinese businesses could be big.

PowerChina, a leading player in global electricity generation, has 31 workers in the country and all are safe, but in order to deal with the fluid situation, the company established an emergency response team to reassure the workers.

The company has two projects related to hydropower and water supply in Sudan. One has been completed, while the other is still under construction — but work is now halted.

A manager at a Chinese company told Phoenix TV Monday that he had problems contacting the local Chinese community and embassy due to the internet and mobile service suspension. Amid the political instability, he has stockpiled enough items to live off for about two weeks.

The Sudanese military detained key officials of the transitional government, significantly increasing the risk of political unrest in the country.

ALSO READ: 30 Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan receive UN medal

Internet service and mobile phone networks have also been interrupted, and bridges were closed by the military, Sudan’s Ministry of Information and Communications said ON Monday.

The information department of the Sudan transitional government said Monday that soldiers detained Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, and several ministers and non-military members of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council.

After the detention, the Chinese Embassy issued a safety alert requesting that all Chinese-funded institutions in the country should immediately activate contingency plans, gather their personnel and temporarily suspend production, the report said.

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Africa News World World News

Sudan PM Abdallah Hamok detained

Sudan PM

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamok has been put under house arrest after an unidentified military force besieged his house early on Monday…reports Asian Lite News


Citing Arab News daily, Sputnik reported that four of Sudan’s cabinet ministers and one civilian representative of the Sovereign Council were also arrested in the early hours of Monday.


Meanwhile, The Sydney Morning Herald said that so far no independent confirmation was immediately available.


Pro-military protesters briefly blocked major roads and bridges in the capital Khartoum on Sunday, amid growing tensions between the generals and the pro-democracy movement that fuelled the uprising that led to the toppling of former president Omar al-Bashir.

Police have deployed tear gas against demonstrators demanding a transfer of power from the military to the civilian government, as per Sputnik correspondent.


On Thursday, several thousand demonstrators held protests in the cities of Khartoum, Omdurman, Nyala, Ed Dueim and others, shouting the slogan “Hand over power, Burhan” addressing the head of the council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.


The term of the eleven-member transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan expires next month, according to Sputnik. After that, the military council is to transfer power to the civilian government.

ALSO READ: Sudan police fire tear gas to disperse protesters


Sudan saw a military coup in April 2019, which was prompted by popular protests amid a deep economic crisis and a steep decline in living standards. As a result, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who ruled for 30 years, was ousted and later imprisoned.


Later that year, the head of the transitional military council of Sudan, al-Burhan, took office as head of the country’s Sovereignty Council, which promised to hand over power to the civilian authorities after a transitional period, reported Sputnik. (ANI)

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-Top News Africa News

Sudan police fire tear gas to disperse protesters

Sudan

The Sudanese police forces resorted to firing tear gas to disperse protesters who closed a bridge linking the capital Khartoum and Bahry Town…rpeorts Asian Lite News

Ayman Khalid, Khartoum State governor, said in a statement that a group belonging to the dissolved National Congress Party closed El Mek Nimir Bridge and the Nile Avenue to disrupt traffic in central Khartoum, reports Xinhua news agency.

“We directed the police, in the presence of the Public Prosecution, to open the roads and take the decisive and necessary legal measures to deal with this violation by the supporters of the dissolved party, and ensure the flow of traffic in the capital,” he added.

Sudan police fire tear gas to disperse protesters

Since October 16, a group defecting from the Forces of Freedom and Change Alliance (FFC) has staged an open sit-in in front of the presidential palace, demanding the dissolution of the government.

The FFC, which represents the civilian component in the ruling coalition, rejects the dissolution of the government and accuses the defectors of attempting to jeopardise the democratic transition and support the military to turn against the revolution.

Since the announcement of foiling a coup attempt on September 21, the differences between the military and civilian partners in Sudan’s transitional government have continued to escalate.

ALSO READ: Africa’s Covid cases reach 8.4 million

Sudan is ruled by a 39-month transitional period under a transitional government of military and civilian elements, established after the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019.

The transitional period is set to be followed by elections to form a new government.

Sudan’s Sovereign Council is currently chaired by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the constitutional document stipulates that the presidency of the council will be transferred to civilians by November.

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Africa News News World

Ethiopian govt confirms targeted air strikes in Tigray

The Ethiopian federal government has confirmed targeted air strikes in the country’s conflict-hit Tigray region…reports Asian Lite News

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which used to rule the region, had accused the government forces over allegedly targeting civilian areas, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Contrary to the misrepresentation, the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) air strikes have specifically targeted TPLF arms manufacturing and armament repair sites,” the government’s fact check portal confirmed on Wednesday.

Ethiopian govt confirms targeted air strikes in Tigray

“The ENDF’s surgical operations are aimed at destroying illegal caches of heavy weaponry and armaments at selected sites,” it added.

The air strikes came amid the expanding conflict in the region.

On Monday, the government had disclosed that at least 30 civilians were killed due to an attack by rebel forces as the conflict expands to neighbouring regions.

ALSO READ: Africa’s Covid cases reach 8.4 million

The government said forces loyal to the TPLF had recently launched fresh attacks on Amhara and Afar regions, neighbouring Tigray, “plundering property and starving children, mothers, and the elderly to death”.

Since the early hours of November 4, 2020, the Ethiopian government has been undertaking military operations against the TPLF.

The Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives, the lower house of Parliament, had previously designated the TPLF as a terrorist organisation.

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Africa News Arab News World

Ethiopian govt refutes alleged airstrike in Mekelle

The Ethiopian federal government has refuted the alleged airstrike targeting civilian areas in the Tigray region’s capital Mekelle and its surroundings…reports Asian Lite News

The accusation was made by Getachew Reda, executive committee member and spokesperson for the outlawed the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), in a Twitter post that the alleged airstrike on Monday attacked “civilian targets in and outside Mekelle”, reports Xinhua news agency

Ethiopian govt refutes alleged airstrike in Mekelle

The Ethiopian federal government, however, refuted the accusation.

Legesse Tulu, Ethiopian government spokesperson said the federal government would not attack its own city.

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government on Monday disclosed that at least 30 civilians were killed due to an attack by rebel forces.

According to a statement by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, forces loyal to the TPLF had recently launched fresh attacks on Amhara and Afar regions, neighbouring the Tigray region, “plundering property and starving children, mothers, and the elderly to death”.

“They have indiscriminately targeted and shelled civilian villages namely Chifra and Wuchale lately and killed more than 30 civilians at Wuchale alone,” the statement read.

The government also expressed its concern over lack of response from the international community in condemning the perpetuated atrocities of the TPLF.

The House of People’s Representatives, the lower house of Parliament, had previously designated the TPLF as a terrorist organization.

ALSO READ: Beijing opposes new US sanctions on Ethiopia

Since the early hours of November 4, 2020, the Ethiopian government has been undertaking military operations against the TPLF.

The Ethiopian government had previously assigned an interim administration in Tigray after the ouster of the TPLF, which used to rule the region.

However, the government in late June announced a unilateral ceasefire in the country’s conflict-affected northernmost Tigray regional state.

Forces loyal to the TPLF soon took control of much of the area in the region, including Mekelle.

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Arab News News World

Tunisian FM and German minister discuss strategic partnership

Tunisian FM and German minister discuss strategic partnership

Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi met visiting German Minister of State to discuss strategic partnership between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News

Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi met visiting German Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Niels Annen to discuss strategic partnership between the two countries, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Tunisian FM and German minister discuss strategic partnership

The Tunisian-German strategic partnership “is witnessing continuous development that reflects the importance the two countries attach to bilateral relations,” said a ministry statement on Tuesday.

On the evolution of the political situation in Tunisia, Jerandi stressed the dynamism launched by the formation of the new government, and determination of the Tunisian leadership to achieve the goals of the exceptional measures adopted by President Kais Saied on July 25 that “came to correct the democratic process in Tunisia in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Tunisian people for development and prosperity,” Xinhua news agency reported.

ALSO READ: New Tunisian PM announces line-up of Govt

For his part, Annen praised the current high level bilateral relations in various fields, highlighting his country’s continuous desire to further strengthen and push them toward wider horizons.

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

Hamdan toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire at Expo 2020

Hamdan toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire at Expo 2020

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire at Expo 2020 Dubai…reprts Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire at Expo 2020 Dubai as part of a series of visits to country pavilions at the mega global event.

Hamdan toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire at Expo 2020

H.H. was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai.

H. H. SHEIKH HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM, CROWN PRINCE OF DUBAI, CHAIRMAN OF DUBAI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: “Expo 2020 Dubai provides a global platform for countries to not only showcase their futuristic innovations and solutions aimed at shaping a brighter future but also build bridges of cooperation with each other,” the Crown Prince said.

ALSO READ: Hamdan issues resolution on appointments in Dubai’s Protocol Department

H.H. praised the participation of the African nations in Expo 2020 Dubai, which he said, reflects the rapid progress they have made in various sectors and spheres of life. Expo provides African nations an opportunity to highlight to an international audience their efforts to harness technology and innovation to maximise benefits from their natural resources.

Hamdan toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire at Expo 2020

The Rwandan Pavilion, located in the Opportunity District, and held under the theme ‘Remarkable Rwanda’, takes visitors on a journey through time to discover stories of culture and heritage, and gain insights into the remarkable pace at which the nation has grown.

Visitors can see pre-colonial Rwanda in a journey through a space inspired by the ‘King’s Palace’, go on a virtual Gorilla trekking experience in which they can learn about the country’s conservation efforts and taste homegrown coffee at Café Rwanda.

The Côte d’Ivoire Pavilion, located in the Mobility District, invites visitors to experience the theme ‘The Path to a New Africa’ and learn about the country’s efforts to drive an economic and cultural renaissance.

The Pavilion narrates the story of a boy named Silue, whose life changes due to government projects. Visitors can see, touch and learn the story behind the country’s traditional and modern costumes, fabrics and patterns, and immerse themselves in a world of chocolate that gives insights about the country’s aspirations to put Ivorian cocoa on the world map.

  • Hamdan toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire at Expo 2020
  • Hamdan toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire at Expo 2020
  • Hamdan toured the pavilions of Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire at Expo 2020
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Africa News COVID-19 World

Africa’s Covid cases reach 8.4 million

Africa

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 8,409,330 cases…reports Asian Lite News

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 8,409,330 cases as of Thursday afternoon, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said…

Africa reports 8.38 million Covid cases

The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union (AU), said the death toll from the pandemic across the continent stands at 214,876. Some 7,790,169 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease so far, Xinhua news agency reported.

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia are among the countries with the most cases in the continent, according to the agency.

ALSO READ: Africa reports 8.38 million Covid cases

In terms of the caseloads, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected region in the continent, according to the Africa CDC.

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Africa News Travel UAE News

Air Arabia Holidays to offer unique travel packages

Air Arabia

Air Arabia Holidays to offer unique packages for its travelers at AED 1,149…reports Asian Lite News

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier operator (LCC), is offering unique travel packages for its customers with special-fixed-fares to regions across its network. The package includes a return flight and three nights hotel stay with breakfast.

Customers can now enjoy the UAE’s next extended holiday to different destinations: Baku, Istanbul, Tbilisi, Bishkek, Yerevan, Kyvi, Almaty, Moscow, Tashkent, Salalah, Trabzon, and Nairobi at a starting price of AED 1,149.

To take advantage of this offer, customers need to book their ticket by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies before October 15 and the travel date is valid until December 31, 2021.

ALSO READ: Air Arabia resumes flights to Vienna

Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

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Africa News UAE News

President of Congo visits Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of Republic of the Congo, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with his accompanying delegation as part of his official visit to the UAE…reports Asian Lite News

He commenced his tour by visiting the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and recalled the Founding Father’s qualities and wise approach that enriched the culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among various nations of the world.

Grand Mosque

Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), accompanied the Congolese President on a tour of the mosque’s halls and external corridors. They were briefed by one of the Center’s cultural tour specialists about the mosque’s noble message that highlights notions of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to other cultures, inspired by the nation’s late founder’s rich legacy, and about the mosque’s leading role in highlighting the Islamic culture’s true essence and promoting cross-cultural communication worldwide.

ALSO READ: UAE pledges to work closer with African nations

They were also briefed about the history, components, and esthetic features of Islamic art and architecture manifested in every corner of this grand edifice that crate a mesmerizing fusion of various architectural styles from different eras reflecting commonalities amongst cultures and uniting the world through art.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with two of the centre’s distinctive publications. The first titled “Spaces of Light” showcasing the winning photographs in the “Spaces of Light” photography award, annually organised by the Centre in celebration of the scenic aesthetics and visual culture of the mosque, and another copy of a book titled “Houses of God” about places of worship in the Islamic history Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, is sponsored and followed up by HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. It was established to become a leading cultural center and hub that enriches the UAE’s intellectual movement stemming from deeply rooted cultural and national values. While it also reflects concepts deeply rooted by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the nation’s sentiment. They also constitute an extension of the Islamic religion’s preaching and the core values that form the UAE’s national identity.