Tag: Africa

Funding shortfall hinders UN probe into rights abuses in eastern Congo

Funding shortfall hinders UN probe into rights abuses in eastern Congo

United Nations efforts to investigate serious human rights violations in eastern Democratic…

By Taha Sakr 3 Min Read

A Chinese mining company operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo said on Monday that M23 rebels had seized control of one of its gold mines in North Kivu province and were forcing staff to work without pay under coercive conditions. The company, Twangiza Mining, issued a statement saying its employees had been taken hostage by the rebel group and were being made to work in inhumane conditions without security, medical support, or financial compensation. “M23 fighters have occupied the mine and are exploiting it under the guise of new Rwandan investors,” the company said, adding that the armed group claimed to be acting on behalf of these alleged stakeholders. The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group accused of receiving backing from Rwanda, has captured several towns and strategic sites in North Kivu since resuming a major offensive in late 2021, prompting condemnation from the Congolese government and international partners. Rwanda denies involvement In response, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo denied any link between Rwanda and the Chinese firm or its operations. “Rwanda has no connection to Twangiza Mining and is not involved in any such incident,” Makolo said in a statement on Monday, dismissing claims of Rwandan nationals participating in the mine seizure as “baseless.” The incident comes just days after Rwanda and Congo signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington, raising hopes of easing a long-running conflict that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands across eastern Congo. Despite the deal, tensions remain high in the mineral-rich region, where armed groups have long exploited weak state presence to control lucrative mining operations, especially for gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium. Strategic region eyed by investors The Biden administration has been working to attract Western investment into eastern Congo, hoping to secure critical mineral supplies amid global competition for battery metals used in electric vehicles and clean energy technologies. Analysts say continued rebel activity, such as the Twangiza mine seizure, threatens to derail peace efforts and complicate plans for large-scale foreign investment. M23 has not commented on the reported mine takeover, and Congolese military authorities have yet to issue a statement.

M23 rebels seize gold mine in eastern Congo, Chinese firm says

A Chinese mining company operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo said…

By Taha Sakr 3 Min Read

Guinea's bauxite exports hit record 48 million tonnes in Q1 2025 despite regulatory curbs

Guinea’s bauxite exports hit record 48 million tonnes in Q1 2025 despite regulatory curbs

Guinea exported a record 48.6 million tonnes of bauxite in the first…

By Taha Sakr 3 Min Read

Russia trains Ugandan health workers to fight infectious disease outbreaks

Russia trains Ugandan health workers to fight infectious disease outbreaks

Russia’s consumer protection and health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has launched a training program…

By Taha Sakr 2 Min Read

Tigrayan opposition alleges wave of arbitrary arrests in Ethiopia’s capital

Tigrayan opposition alleges wave of arbitrary arrests in Ethiopia’s capital

A Tigrayan opposition party on Monday accused Ethiopian security forces of arbitrarily…

By Taha Sakr 3 Min Read

Sudan urges international community to designate RSF as terrorist group

Sudan urges international community to designate RSF as terrorist group

Sudan has called on the international community to classify the Rapid Support…

By Taha Sakr 2 Min Read

At least 239 children die from malnutrition in western Sudan, medical group says

At least 239 children die from malnutrition in western Sudan, medical group says

At least 239 children have died from severe malnutrition in Sudan’s North…

By Taha Sakr 2 Min Read

Cameroon’s Employment Minister Resigns to Run for President, Calling for National Renewal

Cameroon’s Employment Minister Resigns to Run for President, Calling for National Renewal

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Cameroon’s Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, has formally…

By Taha Sakr 3 Min Read

Second Senior Biya Ally Joins Cameroon Presidential Race, Signaling Northern Rift

Second Senior Biya Ally Joins Cameroon Presidential Race, Signaling Northern Rift

Cameroon’s Tourism Minister Bello Bouba Maigari has officially entered the presidential race,…

By Taha Sakr 2 Min Read

Ramaphosa Fires Deputy Minister Over Unauthorized U.S. Trip, Triggering Coalition Rift

Ramaphosa Fires Deputy Minister Over Unauthorized U.S. Trip, Triggering Coalition Rift

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Deputy Minister of Trade Andrew…

By Taha Sakr 2 Min Read

African Union Hails Peace Accord Between Rwanda and DR Congo

African Union Hails Peace Accord Between Rwanda and DR Congo

The African Union (AU) has welcomed the signing of a landmark peace…

By Taha Sakr 2 Min Read

Mali says Islamic State militant linked to 9/11 killed in northeastern operation

Mali says Islamic State militant linked to 9/11 killed in northeastern operation

Mali’s armed forces said on Saturday they had killed a senior figure…

By Taha Sakr 3 Min Read