Word of the Day: “A naked man will often laugh at someone with torn clothes.” – Sudanese Proverb

Today in history in 1955, Sudan unilaterally declares its independence, by unanimous vote of parliament and Britain and Egypt, recognised the independent country in two weeks, on 1 January 1956.

News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 19, 2023).

Nigeria:

1. Seats of 25 Rivers Lawmakers Remain Vacant – PDP Insists, Ignores Tinubu’s Resolution: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists that the seats of 25 former lawmakers who defected to the APC remain vacant, despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive for their reinstatement. Read more
2. Supreme Court Reserves Judgments In PDP, Rhodes-Vivour Cases Against Sanwo-Olu: The Supreme Court reserves judgments in appeals filed by Labour Party and PDP candidates against Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Read more
3. Tinubu’s govt fixes new date to end insecurity in Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu’s government promises to end insecurity in Nigeria by the end of 2024. Read more
4. Rivers crisis: Fubara did not sign Tinubu’s peace deal – Eze, APC chieftain claims: APC chieftain Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze claims Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara did not sign the peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu. Read more
5. 2024 budget will be passed December 30, says speaker Abbas: Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announces that the 2024 budget will be passed on December 30, 2023. Read more
6. Makinde presents staff of office to new Soun of Ogbomoso [Photos]: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presents the Instrument of Office and Staff of Office to the new Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye. Read more
7. Atiku’s Camp Reacts To Tinubu’s Intervention In Rivers Crisis: The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reacts to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis in Rivers State. Read more
8. Rivers crisis: Tinubu was ready to take hard action if resolution failed – Presidency: The Presidency states that President Bola Tinubu was prepared to take decisive action had the resolution of the Rivers State political crisis failed. Read more
9. FCTA to demolish 200 houses for Presidential Fleet: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) plans to demolish 200 houses in Nuwalege community to make way for the Presidential Fleet. Read more
10. Rivers crisis: ”Tinubu’s resolution will undermine your constitutional powers” – Activist tells Fubara: An activist warns Governor Sim Fubara that President Tinubu’s resolution of the Rivers crisis may undermine his constitutional powers. Read more

Kenya:

1. ‘Uganda has Taken Kenya to Court’ – Raila Reveals Method Uganda is Using to Settle Fuel Tiff: Azimio leader Raila Odinga reveals Uganda’s approach to resolving a key dispute over fuel purchase deals through Kenya. Read more
2. UDA Wants William Ruto To Replace Ukambani Cabinet Secretaries: “Inaccessible and Not Accommodative”: Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai urges President William Ruto to replace Tourism and Wildlife CS Alfred Mutua and EAC counterpart Peninah Malonza, accusing them of being inaccessible. Read more
3. Kiambu Granny In Despair As Bank Sells Her Property Worth Ksh 35 Million For This Amount: A grandmother in Kiambu faces a significant loss after her property, used as collateral for a loan, is auctioned by a bank. Read more
4. Ex-Governor Ferdinand Waititu Turns Against Ruto in Latest Bitter Fallout: Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu announces his departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing deceitful leadership. Read more
5. Ex-Uhuru’s CS Peter Munya Breaks Silence after Brutal Murder of Meru-Based Blogger Sniper: Former Agriculture CS Peter Munya responds to the murder of Meru-based blogger Daniel Bernards, known as Sniper. Read more
6. “Kazi ilikuwa raundi moja, kunyamba na kukimbia uchi kwa nyumba akisema bazuu” Marya Prude on why she called it a quit on Willis Raburu: Marya Prude speaks out about her decision to leave Willis Raburu, emphasizing that she has no regrets. Read more
7. “Prepare for Disruption” Bad News to Kenyans as David Ndii Predicts Closure of the Following Joints: David Ndii warns Kenyans to prepare for disruptions, predicting the closure of high-end entertainment joints. Read more
8. President William Ruto in Deep Trouble After Sending Death Threats to a Senator Who Filed a Case: President William Ruto faces trouble after a senator, Omtatah, files a case against him, alleging death threats. Read more
9. “Life Has been Good” Bomet Man Whose Wedding Was Called Off Speaks After Receiving Another Offer: Amos Rono, whose wedding was called off, speaks about the positive turn of events in his life following the incident. Read more
10. Kenyans React as DP Gachagua Announces New Chief of Staff for His Office: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announces Ms. Wanjiku Wakogi as the new Chief of Staff, drawing reactions from Kenyans. Read more

Ethiopia:

1. Unleash the Extraordinary with TECNO POP 8: All You Want Just Doubled!: TECNO introduces the POP 8 smartphone, combining style and performance with innovative features. Read more
2. Ethiopian Parliament approves appointment of chairperson of the National Electoral Board: Melatework Hailu is approved as Chairperson of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) by the Ethiopian Parliament. Read more
3. Ethiopians evacuated from flood prone Kebeles of Dassanech Woreda crying for help: Displaced residents in Dassanech Woreda due to floods caused by the overflow of Omo River are in need of emergency aid. Read more
4. Regime Change or more atrocities and Genocide? The Foreign Policy Challenge of the USA: An article discussing the foreign policy challenges faced by the USA in Ethiopia, focusing on the choice between supporting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed or backing a regime change. Read more
5. News: Ethiopia says security forces ‘completely foil planned Al-Shabaab terrorist attack’ in Jigjiga, various cities in Somali state: Ethiopian security forces foil a planned terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab in Jigjiga and other cities in the Somali state. Read more
6. Ethiopia’s Dam on the Nile negotiation underway in Addis Ababa: Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan have started the fourth round of negotiation over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with the fourth filling completed in early September 2023. Read more
7. In-depth: Tigray’s tug of war: The quest for recovery amidst power struggles: Ethiopia’s Tigray region faces a power struggle following a peace agreement, with the TPLF contending with resistance from the interim administration. Read more
8. News: Melatework Hailu voted in as the new chairperson of National Election Board: Melatework Hailu is officially voted as the Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). Read more
9. Water security: Catarina de Albuquerque, CEO of Sanitation and Water for All, works to increase political will for water, sanitation, and hygiene, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 6. Read more

Ghana:

1. New Force Spokesperson Shalimar Abbiusi to be deported; Lawyer Xavier Sosu reacts in frustration: The Ghana Immigration Service has revoked the Residence Permit of the Spokesperson for the New Force, Shalimar Abbiusi, to stay in Ghana. She is due for repatriation. Read more
2. Jean Mensa Instructed To Disqualify Alan Kyerematen – Kevin Taylor Reveals NPP Secrets: Kevin Taylor accuses the NPP and the EC of plotting against Alan Kyerematen for the benefit of Bawumia. Read more
3. Stop Claiming What Doesn’t Belong to You – Temi Otedola Drags Ghanaians As She Denies Her Mother, Nana, Is A Ghanaian: Temi Otedola denies claims that her mother, Nana, is Ghanaian, urging people to stop spreading the myth. Read more
4. COCOBOD secures $800 million syndicated loan from international banks: COCOBOD signs an $800 million loan agreement with international banks to support the 2023/24 cocoa crop season. Read more
5. Urgent Call for Mental Health Assessment of EC Chairperson – Bright Botchway: Concerns are raised about the mental health of the EC Chairperson, with calls for an assessment. Read more
6. Shatta Wale’s “BECE results” trends online; Ghanaians react: A fake BECE result bearing the name and picture of Ghanaian dancehall king Shatta Wale trends online, sparking reactions. Read more
7. Achimota School rasta student, Tyrone Marhguy blows WASSCE with A1 in chains – PHOTO: Tyrone Marhguy, the Rastafarian student who was initially denied admission to Achimota School, excels in his WASSCE exams. Read more
8. I Used To Think I Was A Le$b!an Until I Met This Guy Who Fuk€d The Sht Out Of Me – Lady Reveals How She Stopped Le$b!anism: A woman shares her story of how a relationship with a man changed her perception of her sexual orientation. Read more
9. Catholic Bishop clarifies Pope Francis’ directive to bless same-sex marriages: Bishop Joseph Osei-Bonsu clarifies Pope Francis’ directive on blessing same-sex unions, emphasizing that it is not an endorsement of same-sex marriage by the Catholic Church. Read more
10. UW: Fake Can Malts Spotted [Photos]: Reports of fake malt beverages packaged in cans have emerged in parts of Ghana, prompting stakeholders to call for caution among consumers. Read more

South Africa:

1. Former Mamelodi Sundowns Player’s house gets burnt: Former Mamelodi Sundowns soccer player Rodney Ramagalela faces a predicament as his agent, Mike Makaab, reportedly severs ties with him amid personal turmoil, following the burning of his house. Read more
2. WATCH: A Video Of top ANC Leader Accusing Zuma Of Killing Chris Hani Emerges: A video surfaces of a top ANC leader accusing former President Jacob Zuma of being behind the killing of Chris Hani. Read more
3. “Ning’jwayela kabi” – DJ Sbu laughs off ‘insensitive’ meme concerning Zahara: DJ Sbu, Zahara’s former boss, laughs off a meme many deemed insensitive following allegations of exploiting the late songstress during her prime. Read more
4. Man Was Attacked While Discussing With A Sex Worker In Verulam: A man in his thirties was seriously injured after being attacked while approaching a sex worker in Verulam CBD, KZN. Read more
5. “I haven’t had so much fun in ages,” Boity at her ex-boyfriend Cassper Nyovest’s party: Boity Thulo attends her ex-boyfriend Cassper Nyovest’s party, expressing how much fun she had. Read more
6. Check out how these two ladies got kidnapped that left people talking: Two young women, Lesego Motaung and Lerato Masiu, were kidnapped in Bloemfontein by a man pretending to be an investigation officer. A ransom of R10K is demanded for their release. Read more
7. Look who Was Spotted With Zuma And His Daughter At Press Conference That Left SA Speechless: Former President Jacob Zuma and his daughter Duduzile Zuma attended an event, drawing significant attention and support from his followers. Read more
8. DONE DEAL| Kaizer Chiefs Confirms Cavin Johnson Will Remain In Naturena Till End Of The Season: Kaizer Chiefs confirm that Cavin Johnson will remain as coach until the end of the season. Read more
9. Married Couple Cuts The Wedding Cake – Finds Secret Message Inside and Call Cops: A married couple discovers a secret message inside their wedding cake, prompting them to call the police. Read more
10. ‘Skeem Saam’ actress Nozi Langa Malao and hubby welcome their first child: Nozi Langa Malao, known for her role in “Skeem Saam,” and her husband Boipelo welcome their first child. Read more

Uganda:

1. More details inside former Kampala ‘Kifeesi’ leader Sobi’s death: Paddy Sserunjogi, widely known as Sobi and a self-confessed former leader of the notorious ‘Kifeesi’ robbery group in Kampala, met his demise during a violent land dispute in Kibaale LC1, Maddu sub-county, Gomba District. Read more
2. Sobi was a fool to think he was among them- Bobi Wine: The National Unity Platform Principal, Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, alias Bobi Wine, describes the murdered notorious city robber Paddy Sserunjogi aka Sobi as a fool who thought he was one of the ruling regime agents. Read more
3. BWIINO! Wuuno omugagga eyavuddeko Sobbi okuttibwa mu kutaasa obukadde 20: Police reveal details about the murder of Paddy Sserunjogi, known as Sobbi, who was killed in a land dispute in Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu Sub-County, Gomba district. Read more
4. Two Arrested for Motor Vehicle Theft and Burglary in Lira City: The territorial police in Lira City West Division investigate two key suspects associated with the “Acan Pite Ilwete group” for motor vehicle theft and burglary. Read more
5. NMG-U unveils new Managing Director: Nation Media Group-Uganda (NMG-U) appoints Ms. Susan Nsibirwa as the new Managing Director for Monitor Publications (MPL), effective January 2, 2024. Read more
6. Former Armed Robber, Sobi Killed in Bloody Gomba Land Conflict: Paddy Sserunjogi, alias Sobi, a former armed robber turned security informer, was killed in a land dispute in Gomba district, central Uganda. Read more
7. Only MIRACLE Can Save MP Muhammad Ssegirinya’s Life: The health of Muhammad Ssegirinya, Member of Parliament for Kawempe South, is in critical condition, raising concerns across the nation. Read more
8. Balaam organises event at Kololo grounds on same date as UB40, latter cancels: The UB40 concert scheduled for December 21st was canceled after the venue was booked for another event by promoter Balam Barugahara. Read more
9. Bobi Wine can’t fool us anymore – Alien Skin: Alien Skin, once a supporter of Bobi Wine, criticizes him and shifts allegiance to the NRM, accusing Wine of being diversionary. Read more
10. OBULAMU! Okutta omugagga Henry Katanga, wuuno munnamateeka atabukidde mu kkooti: Lawyers for the suspects in the murder of businessman Henry Katanga express frustration in court over the government’s tactics in changing prosecutors, hindering fair trial. Read more

Tanzania:

1. MAPINDUZI CUP: Simba, Young African groups unveiled By BENJAMIN BEN: Simba and Young Africans are placed in groups B and C of the 2024 Mapinduzi Cup, featuring twelve teams competing for the title. Read more
2. CAFCL: Simba stun Wydad in Dar: Simba secures a 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca in the Champions League group stage, with Willy Onana scoring two goals in the first half. Read more
3. Power of community radios behind safe motherhood: The story of Joyce Lage, a mother and farmer, highlights the impact of community radio in promoting safe motherhood and disseminating crucial information. Read more
4. Msimamo Kundi la Simba SC CAF Champions League 2023/2024 Group B: Simba SC’s current standing in the CAF Champions League 2023/2024 Group B is detailed, following their match against WAC Casablanca. Read more
5. Israel deploys world’s toughest all-female ‘Cheetah Battalion’ on secret op in heart of Gaza to hunt for Hamas’s leaders: Israel has deployed its elite all-female Cheetah Battalion for a special operation in Gaza against Hamas leaders. Read more
6. Yemi Alade’s recent stage performance gets tongues wagging – VIDEO: Nigerian singer Yemi Alade’s recent stage performance has sparked controversy and discussion on social media. Read more
7. President Samia makes minor adjustments: President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has made several appointments and transfers to fill gaps in some positions. Read more
8. Man City 3 Urawa Reds 0: Kovacic and Bernardo Silva net as Pep Guardiola’s men cruise into Club World Cup final: Manchester City advances to the Club World Cup final after defeating Urawa Reds, with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva. Read more

Senegal:

1. Dernière minute : 3 milliards de Fcfa en faux billets saisis, une célébrité arrêtée: A significant seizure of counterfeit currency amounting to three billion CFA francs was made by the Gendarmerie of Keur Massar, leading to the arrest of six individuals, including a public figure. Read more
2. Podor : L’élève de 4ème, le professeur et la chaine de vélo: A 4th-grade student at Cem Thierno Mountaga Tall in Podor brutally attacked his teacher with a bicycle chain, resulting in injuries and a day without classes in the city. Read more
3. Parrainages: Les incroyables images de Sokhna Aida Diallo entourée de pièces d’identité: Sokhna Aida Diallo, widow of Serigne Bethio Thioune, is at the center of controversy after being seen surrounded by identity documents during a gathering at the Grand Théâtre de Dakar. Read more
4. Refus de l’administration d’exécuter les décisions de justice: un avocat de Sonko saisit le SG des Nations-Unies: An attorney for Ousmane Sonko has reached out to the UN Secretary-General over the administration’s refusal to execute court decisions, including the reinstatement of Sonko on the electoral lists. Read more
5. En Guinée, Doumbouya déconne: Guinea is experiencing authoritarian drifts under Mamady Doumbouya, with increasing restrictions on press freedom, including social media and radio shutdowns, and assaults on journalists. Read more

Haiti:

1. Patrick Poivre d’Arvor mis en examen pour viol sur l’autrice Florence Porcel: Patrick Poivre d’Arvor, a prominent French journalist, has been indicted for the rape of author Florence Porcel in 2009. Read more
2. Le gouverneur du Texas a signé un projet de loi donnant à la police le droit d’arrêter les migrants: Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs a controversial bill criminalizing illegal entry into the state, a move seen as a challenge to President Biden’s immigration policy. Read more
3. Ingérence étrangère : le journaliste Rachid M’Barki mis en examen: Former BFM-TV journalist Rachid M’Barki has been indicted for abuse of trust and passive private corruption. Read more
4. Jean-Marc Rouillan, cofondateur d’Action directe, condamné pour apologie du terrorisme: Jean-Marc Rouillan, co-founder of the extreme-left armed group Action directe, has been sentenced to prison for “apology of terrorism.” Read more
5. Le gouvernement annonce 150 millions d’euros supplémentaires pour soutenir la transition des exploitations: The French Ministry of Agriculture announces an additional 150 million euros to finance agro-environmental and climate measures in 2023, aiding the transition of farms. Read more

Cameroon:

1. 2023 Ballon D’Or Cameroon: Emmanuel Mahop wins prestigious title: Emmanuel Mahop Dikongue wins the 2023 Cameroonian men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 MTN Elite One football championship. Read more
2. You’ve Entered Where It’s Going To Be Difficult To Escape – Mixed Reactions As Anita Joseph’s Husband, MC Fish Joins Free Manson (Photos): MC Fish, husband of Nollywood actress Anita Joseph, joins the Free Manson organization, sparking mixed reactions. Read more
3. Doctor explains why you shouldn’t make your bed first thing in the morning: A doctor advises against making your bed immediately in the morning, suggesting it could be worse for your health. Read more
4. 38 terrorist commanders, foot soldiers killed, 155 arrested: Troops have eliminated 38 terrorists and arrested 155 escapees in ongoing operations against terrorism and insecurity across the country. Read more
5. Journalist to pay fine after beating girlfriend: Journalist Chantal Roger Tuilé must pay a fine of FCFA 250,000 for fighting with his girlfriend in a bar, or face prison terms. Read more

Liberia:

1. Liberia: Pres. Weah Swears Liberian Diplomat at Washington Embassy That Voted against Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Resolution: President George Weah distances himself from Liberia’s vote against a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Read more
2. America sanction does not frighten me: Former Liberian warlord, Senator Prince Yormie Johnson of Nimba County, says U.S. sanctions have not harmed him and he is not frightened by them. Read more
3. AFAR’s Ultimate Guide to Traveling With Your Phone: A guide on how to prepare your cell phone for travel, both domestically and internationally. Read more
4. Eden Hazard urged toward Gareth Bale link up as Chelsea icon enjoys retirement: Former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard is encouraged to link up with Gareth Bale in a new sport as he enjoys his retirement. Read more
5. “Belated and Untimely Executive Order”: The Economy Freedom Fighters of Liberia (EFFL) criticizes President George Weah’s moratorium on the exportation of unprocessed natural rubber. Read more

Global news headlines:

1. Snoop Dogg Talks New Cannabis Beverage Line: ‘Not Everyone Wants To Smoke Or Vape To Get High… Drinking Is Familiar’: Snoop Dogg discusses the launch of his new hemp-infused beverage line, Do It Fluid, in partnership with Hill Beverage Co. Read more
2. Holly Marie Combs recalls ‘Charmed’ co-star’s apology 24 years after Alyssa Milano feud: Holly Marie Combs reveals an apology she received from “Charmed” co-star Brian Krause nearly a quarter of a century after their falling out. Read more
3. Biden is willing to make a deal on immigration. But he’s in for a painful wait: President Joe Biden is making a strategic pivot on immigration, trading a rightward shift for more funding to help Ukraine, but faces challenges and delays. Read more
4. Super Bowl champ Derrick Ward arrested in Los Angeles on felony charge: Former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion Derrick Ward was arrested in Los Angeles on a felony charge. Read more
5. Turkey links Sweden’s NATO bid to US approving F-16 jet sales and Canada lifting arms embargo: Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership is contingent on the U.S. Congress approving Turkey’s request to purchase F-16 jets and Canada lifting its arms embargo. Read more
6. Taylor Swift didn’t drop F-bomb during Chiefs game but may have come close, expert lip reader says: Taylor Swift was spotted cheering for Travis Kelce at his latest football game, and an expert lip reader suggests she may have come close to dropping an F-bomb. Read more
7. Google to pay $700M, allow alternative billing in antitrust settlement with states: Google agrees to a $700 million antitrust settlement, changing its billing options and paying into a fund to benefit consumers who may have overpaid for apps on Google Play. Read more
8. Fresh Express bagged spinach recalled in 7 states over listeria concerns: Fresh Express recalls bagged spinach in seven states due to potential health risks from Listeria monocytogenes. Read more
9. ‘Big Bang Theory’ star Kate Micucci is cancer-free after surgery: ‘Very lucky’: “The Big Bang Theory” actress Kate Micucci shares a health update, announcing she is cancer-free following lung cancer surgery. Read more
10. Daily Briefing: Deadly storm pounds the Northeast: A deadly storm hits the Northeast, causing fatalities and power outages. Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples, and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will be laid to rest. Read more
11. Vatican: Same-sex couples may receive informal blessings: CNN’s John Vause interviews Father Edward Beck about Pope Francis authorizing blessings for same-sex couples. Read more
12. 5 wolves released in Colorado as part of reintroduction plan: Officials release wolf 2302-OR, one of five gray wolves, onto public land in Grand County, Colorado. Read more
13. Eyes on 2024: Pro-Trump group targets Haley in New Hampshire: MAGA Inc, the super PAC supporting Donald Trump, launches a new attack against Nikki Haley in New Hampshire. Read more
14. NY Gov Kathy Hochul signs bill creating reparations commission despite concerns of ‘racial divisions’: New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs a bill establishing a commission to explore reparations for descendants of slaves. Read more
15. Apple makes surprise decision to pause some Watch sales before Christmas over patent dispute: Apple pauses U.S. sales of two Apple Watch versions due to an intellectual property dispute over their Blood Oxygen feature. Read more
16. Escaped Texas inmate serving a life sentence for child sexual abuse is recaptured: Robert Yancy Jr., serving life without parole, was recaptured after escaping from prison in southeast Texas. Read more
17. Pentagon announces new Red Sea international mission to counter escalating Houthi attacks on ships: The Pentagon launches Operation Prosperity Guardian to secure Red Sea shipping lanes with nine other nations. Read more
18. Court in Germany convicts a man inspired by the Islamic State group of committing 2 knife attacks: A Syrian man is convicted of murder, attempted murder, and bodily harm over two knife attacks in Germany. Read more
19. Senators raise alarm about nation’s largest prison health care provider: Democratic senators express concern over Wellpath, the largest prison health care provider in the U.S., for chronic understaffing and cost-cutting measures. Read more

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