Category: AFRICA

A deadly attack by Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants on Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, in August reportedly killed up to 600 people, mostly women and children. The attack, carried out by JNIM members, targeted villagers digging protective trenches. Survivors described a day-long assault with widespread bloodshed. This incident is part of an ongoing jihadist insurgency in the region that has claimed over 20,000 lives since 2015 and displaced millions in the impoverished West African nation.READ FULL

Over 40 people are presumed dead after an overloaded boat sank on the Gummi River in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria. The vessel was carrying 53 farmers to their fields when it capsized on Saturday. Only 12 passengers were rescued. Local official Na’Allah Musa cited overcrowding as the cause. President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences for this tragedy and recent floods in the area. Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season. This incident follows two similar fatal accidents last month in neighboring states.READ FULL

Two passenger trains collided in Zagazig, Egypt, killing at least three people, including two children, and injuring 40 others. The crash highlights ongoing issues with Egypt’s aging railway system, despite government promises of improvement. President el-Sissi previously estimated $8.13 billion would be needed to overhaul the network. This incident follows another recent train-truck collision in Alexandria that killed two people. READ FULL

Southern Africa is facing its worst drought in a century, with Malawi particularly hard-hit. Villagers are resorting to eating potentially toxic wild plants as crops fail. The drought affects 44% of Malawi’s crop area and up to 40% of its population. About 5.7 million people will need food assistance until March. President Chakwera has declared a state of disaster in 23 of 28 districts and appealed for $200 million in aid. The crisis is impacting multiple countries in the region.READ FULL

At least 129 people died in an attempted jailbreak at DR Congo’s overcrowded Makala prison in Kinshasa. Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo reported 24 inmates were shot dead, while others perished in a stampede. A fire also broke out, damaging prison facilities. The prison, designed for 1,500 inmates, holds over 12,000. This incident follows previous jailbreaks, including a 2017 attack by a religious sect. The government is investigating the latest event, which officials say is now under control.READ FULL

The U.N. World Food Program is investigating top officials in Sudan over allegations of fraud and concealing information about aid delivery obstacles. The probe focuses on whether staff hid the army’s role in blocking aid amid a severe food crisis. Two senior officials are under scrutiny, including the deputy country director. The investigation comes as Sudan faces one of the world’s worst food shortages, with over half its population experiencing crisis levels of hunger. READ FULL

Multiple suicide attacks in Gwoza, northeastern Nigeria, killed at least 18 people and seriously injured 19 others on Saturday. The attacks targeted a wedding ceremony, a hospital, and a funeral. One bomber was a woman with a baby strapped to her back. The Borno State Emergency Management Agency reported victims included children, men, women, and pregnant women. Boko Haram militants, who previously controlled the area, are suspected to be behind the attacks. Bd pratidin

Human Rights Watch reports at least 30 people were killed in Kenya during anti-government protests this week. The demonstrations were sparked by proposed tax increases, which were later withdrawn. Security forces allegedly shot directly into crowds, including fleeing protesters. The NGO calls for investigations into police violence and urges Kenya’s international partners to monitor the situation. The protests were initially peaceful but turned violent when lawmakers passed unpopular tax hikes following IMF pressure. AFP