Latest stories from Africa..
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China unveils first humanoid robot training base in Shanghai
China’s Pudong District opens a humanoid robot training base, training 100 robots now with a goal of 1,000 by 2027, enhancing applications in manufacturing and services.
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Nigerian regulator approves up to 50% hike in mobile phone tariffs
Mobile phone tariffs in Nigeria have remained unchanged for over 10 years.
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Italian police arrest Libyan warlord wanted by ICC
Italian police have arrested a Libyan warlord on a warrant from the International Criminal Court
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Bena Care launches dialysis services in Kenya’s Murang’a County
A new dialysis centre is bringing hope to patients in rural Kenyan communities. The centre in Murang’a county will ease the burden for patients with chronic kidney disease who previously had to travel long distances to receive appropriate treatment.
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The camera that saved trapped miners in South Africa
A specialised camera has been a literal life line to many miners trapped in South Africa
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Critical minerals and climate action: South Africa’s G20 priorities
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined objectives and priorities for the country’s G20 presidency with a promise of elevating the impact of climate change on developing countries.
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Social media delights in snowball fights and sledding across Texas and the Gulf Coast
Videos posted on social media captured nuns having a snowball fight and Houston firefighters having a friendly battle as a rare storm swept across Texas and the Gulf Coast. The snow closed motorways, grounded flights and closed schools for more than a million pupils unaccustomed to winter weather.
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The ramifications of Trump’s tariff decisions for world trade organisation
The leader of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, conveyed a sense of “cautious optimism “tatting that her approach to the U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade and tariff strategies is to remain composed and observe the actual policies that will be put into action.
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Alliance of Sahel States to form 5,000-troop military unit
Three junta-ruled countries in Africa’s Sahel region will join forces to create a 5,000-strong unit to fight the jihadist violence that has for years plagued the nations.
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Amina J. Mohammed calls for action against terrorism in Africa
Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed emphasized that Africa has unfortunately become the focal point of global terrorism.
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Putin, Xi discuss ties in meeting after Trump’s inauguration
In the call with Xi, Putin emphasized that Russia-China relations are based on shared interests, equality and mutual benefits, noting they “don’t depend on internal political factors and the current international environment”
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At least 76 people killed in hotel fire at ski resort in Turkey
A fire raged through a 12-story hotel at a popular ski resort in northwestern Turkey early Tuesday during a school holiday, killing at least 76 people, officials said
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In Gaza, Palestinians return to their destroyed homes after 15 months of conflict
Palestinians return to Gaza to find their homes in ruins after 15 months of intense conflict and massive bombardments.
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M23 rebels seize new town, advance closer to Goma
The Rwanda-backed rebels took the city of Minova after dislodging government forces on Tuesday. Located on the shores of Lake Kivu, Minova is a nerve center for logistics and supplies to Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu
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Kenyan police patrol streets of Haitian capital
Gang violence has left more than 700,000 Haitians homeless in recent years, with many crowding into makeshift and unsanitary shelters after gunmen razed their homes
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Ursula von der Leyen reaffirms EU’s commitment to Paris climate agreement
Speaking at the Davos Summit, Ursula von der Leyen emphasided the EU’s dedication to the Paris climate agreement and urged international cooperation, despite Trump’s decision to withdraw.
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Gabon approves new electoral law seen as win for junta leader
The bill which was passed after days of deliberations allows members of the security forces and magistrates to contest elections as candidates. Army leader Brice Oligui Nguema has promised to return power to civilians but speculation that he desires to run as a presidential candidate is rife
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Donald Trump’s military salute to the American national anthem
In 2021, Lady Gaga sang the national anthem for President Joe Biden. In 2013, Beyoncé sang the national anthem and later said she lip-synced to a track recorded for President Barack Obama.
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DR Congo rebel group disarms, UN mission says
A spokesperson for the UN chief said that the Zaire armed group, active in Ituri province, had demobilized and that work to reintegrate its combatants who include women and children into civilian life had started
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A$AP Rocky trial set to begin on charges he fired a gun at a former friend
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday in a trial against A$AP Rocky, who is charged with firing a gun at a former friend and could get a decades-long prison sentence if convicted.
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Trump signs executive order directing US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement
President Donald Trump says he will again withdraw the United States, a top carbon polluting nation, from the landmark Paris climate agreement, dealing a blow to worldwide efforts to combat global warming and once again distancing the U.S. from its closest allies.
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Watch: deadly ski resort fire in Turkey captured in first images
A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a ski resort in Turkey’s Bolu province, claimed 10 lives and left 32 others hospitalised early Tuesday.
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In Goma, a drinking water shortage is exacerbating tensions
Goma (DRC), a city home to 2 milliion people, is experiencing a severe drinking water shortage. The situation is also exacerbating tensions in the overpopulated and volatile city.
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Central African Republic and Russia strengthen political ties
The United Hearts Movement (MCU), the ruling party of Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has entered into a cooperation agreement with United Russia, the political party of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Death toll in Nigeria gas tanker explosion rises to 98
The death toll from a gasoline tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria has risen to 98, the country’s emergency response agency said Monday.
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Putin congratulates Trump on taking office, welcomes dialogue
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Donald Trump on taking office and welcomed his intention to open a dialogue with Moscow.
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Oxfam puts spotlight on wealth inequality as WEF gets underway
As the world economic forum kicks off in Davos, Oxfam is putting the spotlight on wealth inequality. According to the anti-poverty group, billionaires’ wealth increased three times faster last year than in 2023.
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DRC: Amnesty International condemns use of explosive weapons
Amnesty International has accused M23 rebels in eastern DRC and the Congolese army of using explosive weapons in densely populated areas. According to Amnesty, explosive weapons with wide area effects have been used more than 150 times in several months.
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Trump sworn in as America’s 47th president
Donald Trump has been sworn in as America’s 47th president. He got to work quickly after the ceremony, after announcing his plans to sign a slew of executive orders on his first day in office.
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Tanzania confirms case of Marburg virus disease
Tanzania’s president Samia Suluhu Hassan has confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease in a remote part of the country. It comes after the health minister rejected that there were any cases in the country.
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UK Foreign Secretary “looking forward” to working with Trump
With Trump taking office as US President for the second time, the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that he “welcomed the election” and looked “forward to working with Donald Trump”.
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Tanzania’s ruling party nominates President Hassan as candidate for president
Tanzania’s ruling party has nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan as candidate for president, months ahead of general elections. The 64 year old took office in 2021 following the sudden death of John Magufuli.
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Bitcoin soars past $109,000 ahead of possible early action on crypto by Trump
Once a sceptic who said a few years ago that Bitcoin “ seems like a scam,” Trump has embraced digital currencies with a convert’s zeal.
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Seven killed in clash between soldiers and Illegal miners at AngloGold Ashanti site
According to the military, a group of around 60 miners allegedly armed with “pump-action guns and homemade weapons” forced their way into the AngloGold Ashanti site and exchanged fire with soldiers, leading to the deadly response.
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South African Police launch manhunt for escaped Illegal mining kingpin
Authorities revealed that “Tiger” escaped custody during the police operation, reportedly aided by corrupt officials. An investigation is underway to track down those who helped facilitate his escape.
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Watch West Bank joy as 90 freed Palestinian prisoners return
Thousands in Beitunia celebrated the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The next exchange is scheduled for Saturday as fragile truce holds.
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Trump pledges series of Day 1 executive orders on eve of inauguration
Supporters gathered in downtown Washington for a “Make America Great” victory celebration, and cheered as Trump said he’d take quick action on everything from cracking down on the U.S.-Mexico border to promoting oil drilling, reining in the federal workforce and eradicating diversity programs
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Watch Israeli hostages’ tearful reunion with families after ceasefire
Three Israelis, including Romi Gonen, were freed and reunited with their families amid celebrations, as a ceasefire begins, hoping to end the 15-month conflict.
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TikTok restores service in the US
The popular video-sharing platform TikTok has restored its service on Sunday after going dark for around 12 hours in the face of an impending ban in the US.