Douala, Cameroon – In a devastating incident that has shocked the nation, a four-storey building collapsed in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, early on Sunday morning, leaving at least 12 people dead and five others injured. The catastrophic collapse occurred when the building fell onto another residential block in the Ange Raphael neighborhood, leaving rescue teams scrambling to search the rubble for survivors.

The exact number of people inside the ill-fated building at the time of the collapse remains uncertain, making the rescue operation a challenging and emotional task for the teams involved. Distraught neighbors recount hearing screams from beneath the debris and immediately rushed to help dig out those trapped. Among the emergency responders are teams from Cameroon’s fire brigade, the Red Cross, and various other rescue services, all working tirelessly to save lives.

Cameroon’s regional governor, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, offered reassurances to the public, asserting that the situation is under control and that every effort is being made to ensure no one is left buried beneath the wreckage.

As the rescue operation continues, three children and ten adults are currently receiving emergency care at the nearby Laquintinie Hospital, as reported by AFP. Tragically, a three-year-old girl who was brought to the hospital did not survive her injuries.

The cause of the building’s collapse remains unknown, but residents in the area have shared their concerns about its dilapidated condition, suggesting that it may have played a role in the disaster. It is worth noting that the collapsed building was not among those earmarked for demolition by city authorities, who have been actively demolishing homes considered at risk of flooding or landslides.

Building collapses are, unfortunately, not uncommon in Cameroon, and this incident is reminiscent of a tragedy that struck Douala in 2016. Back then, a dilapidated building that flouted construction regulations also collapsed, claiming the lives of five people.

As the search and rescue operation continues at the site of the recent collapse, authorities will undoubtedly investigate the cause of the disaster and assess whether any preventive measures could have been taken. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of enforcing building safety regulations to protect lives and prevent such tragic events in the future.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will embark on a three-day tour of Africa, starting Tuesday, in a bid to reduce Iran’s isolation and forge new alliances with African nations. This trip, which includes visits to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, marks the first time an Iranian president has visited Africa in over a decade.

Accompanying President Raisi is a delegation that includes Iran’s foreign minister, as well as senior businesspeople, reflecting the country’s intent to enhance economic and trade ties with the African nations. During the tour, President Raisi is scheduled to meet with the presidents of Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, according to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, described the Africa tour as a “new turning point” and emphasized the potential for bolstering economic and trade relations between Iran and the three African countries. Kanani also highlighted the basis for the rapprochement, citing “common political views” shared by Tehran and the African nations.

Iran has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts in recent months to counter the impact of severe sanctions imposed on the country since the United States’ withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018. By strengthening its international ties, Iran aims to reduce its isolation and mitigate the effects of the sanctions.

Prior to the Africa tour, President Raisi hosted Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf on Saturday, signaling Iran’s desire to enhance relations with Algeria. Additionally, Iran achieved membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization last week, joining Russia, China, and India in the influential regional alliance.

President Raisi’s visit to Africa underscores Iran’s commitment to expanding its global reach and developing mutually beneficial partnerships across the continent. As the tour progresses, the Iranian delegation will seek to build bridges and foster closer cooperation with Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, with a focus on economic and trade collaboration. The outcome of these meetings has the potential to reshape Iran’s position on the international stage and contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of sanctions.

In a much-anticipated move, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, the only leader the young nation has known since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential elections. The announcement was made during a gathering of his Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party, where he expressed appreciation for the support he has received.

Since its independence, South Sudan has been plagued by a series of crises, with a fragile government of national unity serving as the country’s only thread holding it together. The unity government was established following a peace agreement brokered between President Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, who had been historical adversaries. However, the government has struggled to fulfill key provisions of the agreement, including the drafting of a constitution, casting doubt on the stability of the nation.

Originally scheduled for February 2023, the elections were postponed due to the government’s failure to meet critical clauses of the peace agreement. President Kiir assured party members that his administration is committed to implementing the remaining chapters of the agreement and that the elections will take place in December 2024.

While no other candidate has declared their candidacy thus far, observers anticipate that Vice President Riek Machar, who has been a long-standing rival of President Kiir, will likely run for president. Their enmity has been a defining feature of South Sudanese politics, and their partnership in the unity government has been tenuous at best.

Earlier this year, the two leaders extended their transitional government for an additional two years, beyond the originally scheduled date, citing challenges in implementing the peace agreement. President Kiir, however, expressed confidence that these difficulties would be resolved before the upcoming elections.

South Sudan, despite its significant oil reserves, remains one of the world’s poorest countries. With nearly half of its existence marred by war, the nation has faced numerous adversities, including floods, famine, renewed violence, and political instability. The promises of the 2018 peace agreement have been slow to materialize, exacerbating the struggles faced by its people.

The United Nations has consistently accused South Sudanese leaders of perpetuating violence, violating human rights, and mismanaging public finances. Nicholas Haysom, the UN’s special envoy to South Sudan, has emphasized the urgency of the situation, declaring 2023 as a “do-or-die” year for the nation. Haysom has called for inclusive and credible elections in 2024, highlighting the need for a peaceful transition of power and the fulfillment of the peace agreement’s objectives.

As South Sudan looks toward the 2024 elections, the nation stands at a critical juncture. The candidacy of President Salva Kiir, along with the expected candidacy of Vice President Riek Machar, sets the stage for a contentious electoral race. The international community will closely watch these developments, hoping for a peaceful and transparent election process that can bring stability to this troubled nation.

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Dakar, Senegal – In a highly anticipated decision, President Macky Sall of Senegal revealed on Monday that he will not seek a third term in the upcoming presidential elections, setting the stage for a wide-open race to lead the West African nation. This development comes at a crucial time for Senegal, which is on the verge of becoming an oil and gas producer.

Following Sall’s announcement, neither his party, the Alliance for the Republic, nor the ruling coalition, Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY), has officially put forward any candidates. However, insiders have identified several potential contenders, including Prime Minister Amadou Ba, former Prime Minister Mahammad Dionne, and Agriculture Minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye.

The BBY coalition is eager to avoid a lengthy search and primary process, given the imminent deadline of submitting presidential candidates for the February poll, which is just under five months away. “We are already discussing among ourselves,” stated Aymerou Gningue, a former parliament speaker for BBY, on Tuesday. He emphasized the importance of unity and the coalition’s values of solidarity and generosity in reaching a strong consensus for Senegal’s future.

Sall’s decision not to pursue a third term has received widespread commendation, with the United Nations describing it as a “strong demonstration of statesmanship.” African leaders have also praised his move. Critics of Sall had argued that seeking a third term would have been illegal.

BBY, in a statement, lauded President Sall and assured the Senegalese people that the ruling coalition possesses all the necessary resources to maintain their trust. However, BBY is likely to face a divided field, as several opposition politicians have already expressed their intentions to run for the presidency.

One of the prominent figures whose candidacy remains uncertain is firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who finished third in the 2019 election. Sonko recently faced a two-year jail term for alleged immoral behavior towards a woman under the age of 21, a charge he vehemently denies. The sentencing triggered widespread protests and violence across the country.

Other potential contenders include former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck, who secured the second position in the 2019 presidential poll, and Aminata Toure, another former Prime Minister who left the BBY coalition earlier this year after a public fallout with President Sall.

The field of candidates could expand further as parliament is set to pass bills this week that would allow two opposition figures previously struck from the 2019 voter roll to participate in the upcoming elections.

As Senegal stands at the brink of its potential emergence as an oil and gas producer, the race for the country’s leadership takes on added significance. The coming months will witness intense political maneuvering as various factions and personalities vie for the opportunity to shape Senegal’s future trajectory.

In the war-torn nation of Sudan, clashes between the country’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified, marking the 12th week of continuous conflict. With no signs of a peaceful resolution on the horizon, the capital city of Khartoum and western regions bear witness to escalating violence and a mounting humanitarian crisis.

Reports indicate that air and artillery strikes, accompanied by small arms fire, resounded throughout Khartoum and the city of Omdurman. The intensity of the conflict raises concerns about its potential to draw in other regional interests and exacerbate an already dire situation.

Amid the chaos, the RSF claimed responsibility for bringing down an army warplane and a drone in Bahri. The army, however, has yet to respond to these statements, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty and further escalating tensions.

Residents caught in the crossfire describe their terror and desperation. Nahid Salah, a 25-year-old resident of northern Omdurman, conveyed her fear during a phone conversation with Reuters. “We’re terrified, every day the strikes are getting worse,” Salah expressed, highlighting the growing unease and anxiety among civilians.

As the RSF maintains dominance on the ground in the capital, allegations of looting and house occupations have been leveled against them. Conversely, the army has been primarily focused on executing air and artillery strikes. These tactics have only intensified the suffering of the civilian population and contributed to the worsening humanitarian crisis.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has plunged the nation into a state of turmoil and instability. The international community watches with growing concern as the situation deteriorates, urging the involved parties to seek a peaceful resolution for the sake of the Sudanese people and regional stability.

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In a breakthrough development, the warring parties in Sudan have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire. The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Tony Blinken, who revealed that the agreement had been reached after intense negotiations between the parties.

The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing for weeks, with both sides engaging in violent clashes that have left many dead and wounded. The situation has been particularly dire for civilians caught in the crossfire, with reports of widespread displacement and human rights abuses.

The 72-hour ceasefire is a significant step towards resolving the conflict and providing relief to the affected communities. Secretary Blinken hailed the agreement, stating that it was a “critical first step” towards achieving a lasting peace in Sudan.

He also announced that the US would be working closely with regional and international partners to create a committee that would oversee the negotiation, conclusion, and implementation of a permanent cessation of hostilities and humanitarian arrangements in Sudan.

The committee will also include Sudanese civilian stakeholders, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the local population are taken into account during the negotiations.

The announcement of the ceasefire has been welcomed by the international community, with many expressing hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in Sudan. The United Nations has also pledged to provide support to the parties during the ceasefire period, including facilitating humanitarian aid to those in need.

While the ceasefire is a significant development, there is still much work to be done to resolve the conflict in Sudan. However, with the commitment and support of regional and international partners, there is hope that a lasting peace can be achieved in the near future.

US Ambassador to Liberia, Michael A. McCarthy, has expressed deep concerns over the state of Liberia’s healthcare and infrastructure systems. In a press statement, he highlighted the fact that several hospitals across the country have not received any of the funds they were promised in the 2022 budget. Hospitals are essential, life-saving institutions that require proper funding to operate. McCarthy said he was troubled by the lack of concern shown by government officials towards the issue, which he believes to be a deliberate institutional blockade involving individuals from the legislature, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The ambassador highlighted the fact that if the government is failing to deliver statutory appropriations of only $100,000 to existing hospitals, why would it be trusted to deliver annual pledges of $3 million to $4 million for the future National Reference Laboratory (NRL)? The United States Government is investing over $40 million in constructing Liberia’s state-of-the-art NRL, which, when completed, will require $3 million to $4 million annually from the Liberian government to operate.

McCarthy’s statement also expressed concerns about the state of county service centers across the country. In 2022, none of these centers had received any of their budget allocations, usually around $13,333. McCarthy revealed that most of the county service centers, beautifully electrified over the past two years with UNDP-supplied solar power systems costing around $35,000 – $40,000 each, are reduced to the job of middlemen. The plight of these service centers makes a mockery of decentralization efforts.

It was striking that the further McCarthy went from Monrovia, the more elaborate and explicit were the reasons given for the lack of funding from the central government. “Oh, it is challenging for the government these days,” “Oh, Putin’s war has made everything more difficult,” “Prices have dried up the budgets,” “You donor partners must fill the gaps.” McCarthy wondered if these people were aware that, much to their credit, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has surpassed projections and increased revenues for the past four years, climbing from $435,682 million in 2019 to $605,005 million in 2022.

According to the ambassador, the legislature has spent more every year for the past three years on salaries and operations, allocating over $65 million in 2022. This was done while hospitals went without, and service centers withered on the vine. McCarthy wondered why legislators and ministers, those living on the top of the heap, were given annual duty-free imports that deny the LRA much-needed additional revenue. He questioned whether there was any reason other than the perverted version of the Golden Rule – “those that have the gold, make the rules”?

U.S. taxpayers spend around $60 million a year on healthcare in Liberia and another $23 million on education. The same legislature that spent $65 million on itself in 2022 appropriated around $7.1 million for grants and subsidies to county health facilities and $2.76 million for operations at basic and secondary education, although, as previously mentioned, that doesn’t mean the funds reached their intended destinations. McCarthy believes that if the legislature could appropriate an additional $10 million a year to primary education (for a country that is tied in last place for average days of school attendance) and an additional $10 million a year for county hospitals, even the greatest cynics concede that it would make a big difference. Just $500,000 each per year of actual maintenance would make a significant difference.

The ambassador’s statement highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in Liberia’s government institutions. It is essential that government officials be held accountable for their actions and that funds are allocated to the essential services and institutions that Liberians depend on.

A violent escalation of tensions, gunfire, and airstrikes erupted in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, as the army and paramilitary forces clashed over control of the nation’s airport and the presidential palace. The paramilitaries claimed they were in control of both locations, while the army denied the claims, saying they were false. The fighting began on Saturday morning, with both sides blaming the other for initiating the violence.

The root of the conflict appears to be a disagreement between military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, over the inclusion of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the regular army. The Western governments had warned of the dangers of all-out fighting between the rival security forces since the army issued its warning to the paramilitaries on Thursday.

The clashes in Khartoum have been accompanied by similar violence in the North Darfur state capital of El Fasher, where civilians have been hunkered down inside their homes. Witness Eissa Adam reported explosions and gunfire being heard across the city. The clashes have sparked fears of a wider conflict in the country.

The violence comes after months of escalating tensions between the generals and years of political unrest after an October 2021 military coup. The international community has expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in Sudan and has called for an end to the violence.

The situation in Sudan remains fluid and unpredictable, with the potential for further violence and instability in the coming days. The government has urged all parties to refrain from violence and to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully. However, the situation on the ground suggests that the tensions may not be easily resolved.

Johannesburg, South Africa – Oscar Pistorius, the South African Paralympic champion who was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, has been denied parole. The South African Department of Correctional Services announced on Friday that Pistorius will be eligible for parole in August 2024.

Pistorius, who rose to fame as a double-amputee athlete, was sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison in 2017 after being convicted of murdering Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He shot Steenkamp through a bathroom door in his home in Pretoria, claiming that he mistook her for an intruder.

The trial, which was broadcast live on television and drew international attention, sparked a national debate on gun control, domestic violence, and the treatment of women. The court ultimately found Pistorius guilty of murder, overturning a previous conviction of culpable homicide.

Pistorius, who is now 35 years old, has served more than half of his sentence in prison, but has been denied parole on multiple occasions. The latest decision by the parole board was based on the fact that Pistorius has not shown enough remorse for his crime, according to the Department of Correctional Services.

In a statement, the department said, “The Parole Board has considered all submissions, including the offender’s profile report, the impact of the crime on the victim’s family, and the interests of society. The decision to deny parole was based on the fact that Mr. Pistorius has not shown remorse for his actions.”

The decision was welcomed by the Steenkamp family, who said in a statement that they “remain committed to ensuring that justice is served.” They added, “We are pleased that the Parole Board has taken into account the impact that this crime has had on our lives and the lives of so many others.”

The decision was also praised by women’s rights groups in South Africa, who have long campaigned for justice for victims of gender-based violence. Nonhlanhla Mokwena, the spokesperson for the National Shelter Movement of South Africa, said in a statement, “We are pleased that the parole board has taken a firm stance against gender-based violence by denying parole to Oscar Pistorius. This sends a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated in our society.”

The decision is likely to be a blow to Pistorius, who has been hoping to be released early from prison. In a recent interview with a South African newspaper, he said that he had been “broken” by his time in prison and that he was “ready to start a new chapter” in his life.

Pistorius, who was known as the “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs, became a symbol of triumph over adversity when he competed in the 2012 London Olympics. He was the first double-amputee to compete in the games and reached the semifinals of the 400-meter race.

However, his life took a tragic turn when he killed Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, in 2013. The trial, which lasted for several months, was closely followed by the media and the public, with many people divided over whether Pistorius was guilty of murder or whether he had made a tragic mistake.

In the end, the court found him guilty of murder, saying that he had acted with “criminal intent” when he fired four shots through the bathroom door. The court also criticized Pistorius for being evasive in his testimony and for failing to take responsibility for his actions.

The Steenkamp family has said that they will continue to fight for justice.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris is embarking on a nine-day trip to Africa, with a focus on strengthening economic ties between the continent and the United States. Harris’ visit is seen as an opportunity for the US to counter China’s growing influence in Africa, especially as China continues to undertake a lot of infrastructure projects in the region.

Harris’ first stop on her trip is Ghana, where she is scheduled to meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo. In a statement, the White House said that Harris and Akufo-Addo will discuss a range of issues, including economic growth and investment, climate change, and regional security. The two leaders are also expected to discuss ways to deepen the historic ties between Ghana and the United States.

After Ghana, Harris will travel to Tanzania and Zambia, where she will hold similar meetings with leaders of those countries. The Vice President’s visit to Africa is expected to focus on promoting economic partnerships and addressing regional security issues, including terrorism and conflict resolution.

The United States has been increasingly concerned about China’s growing influence in Africa, as Beijing continues to invest heavily in infrastructure projects on the continent. The Chinese government has been accused of using its economic clout to exert political influence in Africa, and the US is keen to counter this trend.

In a speech in Washington, DC before her trip, Harris said that the US was committed to working with African nations to promote economic growth and security, and to counter the influence of countries like China. “We know that when we partner with African nations, we are stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous,” she said. “We believe that the United States has a responsibility to support Africa’s development, and to ensure that African nations are not beholden to foreign powers that do not share their values.”

Harris’ visit to Africa is seen as an important opportunity for the US to reassert its commitment to the continent, and to strengthen partnerships with African nations. The Vice President’s trip is also significant in that it is the first official visit to Africa by a senior member of the Biden administration, and comes at a time when the US is looking to re-engage with the world following the Trump era.

In addition to economic partnerships and security issues, Harris is also expected to address other pressing issues facing the continent, including the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine distribution, climate change, and human rights. The Vice President’s trip to Africa is being closely watched by both US and African leaders, and is expected to set the tone for future engagement between the two regions.