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☆ Three Dead in Senegal Protests Over Delayed Presidential Election
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Diadie Ba and Ngouda DioneDAKAR (Reuters) - The death toll amid protests in Senegal over the postponement of the presidential election until December has climbed to three, as concerns grow that one of the remaining democracies in coup-hit West Africa is under threat. The ministry has so far confirmed only one death, a student in the northern city of Saint-Louis on Friday. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm a reported second death: a 23-year-old merchant on the outskirts of Dakar, according to CFS. "We urge all parties to act in a peaceful and measured manner, and we continue to call on President Sall to restore the electoral calendar, restore confidence, and bring calm to the situation," it said. The postponement bill backed by parliament included the extension of his tenure until his successor is installed after the election now reset for Dec. 15.

Persons: Ba, Dione DAKAR, Macky Sall, Sall, Ndiame Diop, Louis, Guy Marius Sagna, Alessandra Prentice, Hugh Lawson Organizations: West African, ECOWAS, Cartogra Free, Reuters, Friday, U.S . Bureau, African Affairs Locations: Senegal, Africa, Dakar, Zinguinchor, Cartogra Free Senegal, Saint

☆ U.N. Peacekeeping Mission Says Staff, Vehicles Attacked in Congolese Capital
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

KINSHASA (Reuters) - The head of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo said its staff and vehicles were attacked in the capital Kinshasa on Saturday as a worsening eastern security crisis fuels a backlash against the mission. Crowds on motorbikes gathered in the riverside Gombe district, where the U.N. mission known as MONUSCO and many embassies are located. A number of the mission's vehicles were torched, said MONUSCO head Bintou Keita in an online post. Photos You Should See View All 21 ImagesKinshasa police and the government did not respond to a request for comment. The fighting "could compromise food security and economic activities in Goma and the region.

Persons: Bintou Keita, OCHA, MONUSCO, Ange Kasongo, Justin Makangara, Ange Aboa, Alessandra Prentice, Barbara Lewis Organizations: Democratic, Kinshasa Locations: KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, Gombe, Ivorian, Goma, North Kivu, Congo, Congolese, Abidjan

☆ Senegalese Democratic Party Requests Postponement of Presidential Election
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

By Diadie Ba and Bate FelixDAKAR (Reuters) - The Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) on Friday said it had officially requested a postponement of the Feb. 25 presidential election, citing incidents it alleged had compromised the transparency and integrity of the vote. PDS is the former ruling party of Abdoulaye Wade. Their candidate, Wade's son Karim, was disqualified from the race to succeed President Macky Sall over his supposed dual nationality. In a statement, PDS listed concerns with the constitutional court's decision-making, the elimination of candidates and other issues that it said had derailed the race. The push for a postponement "is part of our desire to preserve the integrity and transparency of the process," it said.

Persons: Ba, Bate Felix DAKAR, Abdoulaye Wade, Wade's, Karim, Macky Sall, Alessandra Prentice, Diane Craft Organizations: Senegalese Democratic Party, PDS

☆ Cameroon Launches Malaria Vaccination Programme in Global Milestone
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) - The global fight against malaria took a stride forward on Monday as Cameroon launched the world's first routine vaccine programme against the mosquito-borne disease that is projected to save tens of thousands of children's lives per year across Africa. After successful trials, including in Ghana and Kenya, Cameroon is the first country to administer doses through a routine immunisation programme that 19 other countries aim to roll out this year, according to global vaccine alliance Gavi. Around 6.6 million children in these countries are targeted for malaria vaccination through 2024-25. Rolling out the second vaccine "is expected to result in sufficient vaccine supply to meet the high demand and reach millions more children," the WHO's director of immunization, Kate O'Brien, said at the briefing. This R21 vaccine, developed by University of Oxford, could be launched in May or June, said Gavi's Chief Programme Officer Aurelia Nguyen.

Persons: Mohammed Abdulaziz of, Kate O'Brien, Aurelia Nguyen, Alessandra Prentice, Jennifer Rigby, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Reuters, World Health Organization, WHO, British, GSK, for Disease Control, Prevention, University of Oxford Locations: Cameroon, Africa, Ghana, Kenya

☆ Congo opposition party says activist killed in violence at election rally
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsKINSHASA, Nov 28 (Reuters) - A Congolese youth activist was killed on Tuesday by stones pelted during an opposition campaign rally in the east-central city of Kindu, the party of presidential candidate Moise Katumbi said. "This violence ... caused the tragic death of Mr Dido Kakisingi," the party said in a statement. Kakisingi, a lawyer and father of six, was the head of a political youth league in Maniema province that supports Katumbi, the party said. They didn't even send the police to secure us," said Seth Kikuni, one of the opposition candidates backing Katumbi. The CENI election commission has promised a fair and well-run election, but all of the opposition candidates have expressed concerns about potential electoral fraud.

Persons: Moise Katumbi, Arlette, Mr Dido Kakisingi, Seth Kikuni, Stephane Kamundala, Felix Tshisekedi, Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, Denis Mukwege, Ange Kasongo, Sonia Rolley, Alessandra Prentice, Susan Fenton Organizations: Democratic, REUTERS, Rights, Congolese, United, Reuters, Peace, Thomson Locations: Kitutu, Mwenga, South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of, Congo, Rights KINSHASA, Kindu, Maniema, Africa's, United States

☆ Migrants say 'Spain or death' as Senegalese navy tackles sea crossings
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-04 | by ( Ngouda Dione | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/5] Senegalese Navy members are seen on board the patrol boat 'Walo', as they search for illegal migrants, in the Senegalese high seas, November 2, 2023. We will reach Spain, or we will die," one man shouted into the night as he climbed on board. The numbers had dropped as most migrants chose land routes through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea. The Walo has intercepted around 4,000 migrants and 30 boats since launching operations in August, another officer on the boat said. In August, a boat carrying over 100 migrants from Senegal was found adrift near Cape Verde.

Persons: Walo, We're, Diallo, Mbaye Ndaw, Alessandra Prentice, Edward McAllister, Aurora Ellis Organizations: Senegalese Navy, REUTERS, Senegalese, Migrants, Spain, WE, Spain's Civil Guard, Thomson Locations: Canary Islands, West Africa, Europe, Spanish, Senegal, Gambia, Senegalese, Cape Verde

☆ Armed men spring Guinea's ex-junta leader Camara out of prison - minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-04 | by ( Saliou Samb | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 4 (Reuters) - The former head of Guinea's 2008 military junta, Moussa Dadis Camara, was sprung from prison by heavily armed men in Conakry in the early hours of Saturday along with three other high-ranking officers, Justice Minister Charles Wright said. "It was around 0500 (0500 GMT) that heavily armed men burst into the Central House of Conakry. They managed to leave with four defendants in the trial of the events of Sept. 28 including Captain Moussa Dadis Camara," the minister said on the radio. Residents near Kaloum said shots were first heard around 4 a.m. local time after which security was tightened on the streets and the entrance to Kaloum was blocked. writing by Alessandra Prentice; editing by Jason Neely, Alexandra Hudson and Giles ElgoodOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Moussa Dadis Camara, Charles Wright, Camara, Mmah Camara, Mamady Doumbouya, Alessandra Prentice, Jason Neely, Alexandra Hudson, Giles Elgood Organizations: Local, Reuters, Central, Thomson Locations: Conakry, Guinean, Kaloum, Tombo, Guinea, West, Central Africa, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Gabon

☆ Exclusive: Canadian winner of gas rights on Congo's 'killer' Lake Kivu failed criteria
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Sonia Rolley | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

[1/5] Aerial view shows Lake Kivu and the skyline of the city of Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo October, 21, 2023. First to be auctioned were three methane blocks in Lake Kivu, sometimes dubbed a "killer lake" because of a risk of deadly eruption. The documents do not show why Alfajiri was included in the auction, who requested that the report be edited, or why. Lake Kivu is one of three lakes in Africa scientists say are at risk of limnic eruption. The report's second version - also dated Dec. 8 and seen by Reuters - raised Alfajiri's score to 55.75, putting it ahead of Winds.

Persons: Arlette, Felix Tshisekedi, Alfajiri, Didier Budimbu, Christian Hamuli, Hamuli, Joseph Nzau, Budimbu, Alfajiri's Hamuli, vulcanologist Dario Tedesco, Alfajiri's, Frank Ihekwoaba, Alessandra Prentice, Bate Felix, Joe Bavier, Frank Jack Daniel Our Organizations: Democratic, REUTERS, Reuters, Alfajiri Energy Corporation, Investigative Journalism, Exploration, Ray Group, Ray, Thomson Locations: Lake Kivu, Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, Calgary, Rwanda, Kivu, Africa, Congolese, U.S

☆ Home countries of major rainforests agree to work together to save them
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Ange Adihe Kasongo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The countries recognised the importance of cooperation and agreed to develop ways to protect the forests in a seven-point plan. Deforestation increased 4% worldwide in 2022, according to an October report showing countries went further off track from pledges made at the 2021 U.N. climate talks to halt and reverse loss and degradation by 2030. Over the three days of the summit in Brazzaville, experts and policymakers from countries with tropical forests discussed shared priorities ahead of the U.N. COP28 climate talks next month. They examined different funding mechanisms to help developing countries preserve their important ecosystems. Additional reporting by Alessandra Prentice; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian and Edward McAllisterOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ueslei Marcelino, We've, we've, Arlette Soudan, Alessandra Prentice, Anait Miridzhanian, Edward McAllister Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, Wildlife Fund, Thomson Locations: Belem , Para, Brazil, BRAZZAVILLE, Congo Republic, Congo, Southeast Asia, Republic of Congo, Brazzaville

☆ Eyeing Election, Congo President Eases Some Terms of Eastern Military Rule
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Ange KasongoKINSHASA (Reuters) - With little over two months until a general election, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on Thursday said some conditions of military rule in conflict-hit eastern provinces would be eased, partly to encourage participation in the vote. Last year, U.N. experts and Amnesty International said security had deteriorated since the state of siege was imposed. The insecurity has caused the displacement of about 6 million people, the United Nations' top representative in Congo said in September. On Thursday, the U.S. embassy said it was concerned about an increase in violence in North Kivu. "The crisis in eastern DRC requires a political and not a military solution," it said in a statement.

Persons: Ange Kasongo, Felix Tshisekedi, Alessandra Prentice, Grant McCool Organizations: Amnesty International, Amnesty, United Nations Locations: Ange Kasongo KINSHASA, North Kivu, Ituri, Congo, U.S, DRC

☆ French Troops Begin Withdrawal From Niger
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

NIAMEY (Reuters) - French military convoys have begun withdrawing from bases in southwest Niger, marking the start of a departure demanded by Niger's junta that has dealt a further blow to France's influence in West Africa's conflict-hit Sahel region. Pickup trucks and armoured personnel carriers laden with French troops drove through the dusty outskirts of the capital Niamey on Tuesday, a Reuters reporter said, after the junta late on Monday said the withdrawal would kick off the following day. A few dozen French servicemen flew out of Niger on a military plane on Monday, an airport worker and two other sources familiar with the flight said. A joint France-Niger withdrawal plan, seen by Reuters, said Niger's military would provide security back-up to the French convoys withdrawing by land. (Reporting by Abdel-Kader Mazou and Boureima Balima; Additional reporting and writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Alessandra Prentice and Jonathan Oatis)

Persons: Monday, Abdel, Kader Mazou, Hereward Holland, Alessandra Prentice, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Niger's, Reuters Locations: NIAMEY, Niger, West, Niamey, Chad, France, Mali, Burkina Faso, Africa

☆ Senegalese navy stops two migrant boats carrying 272 people
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DAKAR, Sept 30 (Reuters) - The Senegalese Navy said it had intercepted two wooden boats carrying 272 would-be migrants 100 km (60 miles) off the coast of the capital Dakar on Friday. Seven children and 16 women were among the passengers who were taken back to a navy base in Dakar, it said in an online post on Saturday. It shared a photo of a brightly painted fishing vessel on the open ocean, overloaded with people with no shelter from the elements. Thousands of migrants brave the hundreds of miles of ocean separating Africa from Europe each year in a desperate search for a better life. In August, only 37 survived after a migrant boat carrying 101 people from Senegal had been adrift in the ocean without fuel for weeks.

Persons: Alessandra Prentice, Giles Elgood Organizations: Senegalese Navy, International Organization for Migration, Thomson Locations: DAKAR, Dakar, Africa, Europe, Senegal

☆ Burkina Faso junta says it thwarted coup attempt
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A man holds his national flag as people gather to show their support to the Junta leader Ibrahim Traore and demand the departure of the French ambassador at the Place de la Nation in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso January 20, 2023. REUTERS/Vincent Bado/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsDAKAR, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Burkina Faso's military junta said on Wednesday that a coup attempt had been thwarted the previous day by security and intelligence services, without providing specifics on what had happened. In a statement, it said it had on Wednesday opened an investigation based on "credible allegations about a plot against state security implicating officers." The junta on Monday suspended French news magazine Jeune Afrique for publishing "untruthful" articles that reported tension and discontent within Burkina Faso's armed forces. Over 50 Burkinabe soldiers and volunteer fighters were killed in clashes with militants in early September - the heaviest losses in months.

Persons: Ibrahim Traore, Vincent Bado, Alessandra Prentice, Chris Reese, Grant McCool Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Burkina Faso's, Jeune Afrique, Islamic, Reuters, Thomson Locations: French, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Burkina, Republic, al Qaeda, Islamic State, West Africa's

☆ Multi-day protests over economic crisis grip Ghana's capital
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Francis Kokoroko | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/9] Ghanaians gather for the third day of anti-government protests amid police arrests and obstruction in Accra, Ghana, September 23, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko Acquire Licensing RightsACCRA, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the Ghanaian capital Accra on Saturday for a third day of anti-government protests linked to economic hardship that have led to dozens of arrests. The gold-, oil- and cocoa-producing nation has been battling its worst economic crisis in a generation brought on by spiralling public debt. Last year, protests over soaring prices and other economic challenges led to clashes with police. Economic growth is forecast to slow to 1.5% this year from 3.1% in 2022.

Persons: Francis Kokoroko, Romeo, Christian Akorlie, Maxwell, Alessandra Prentice, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Ghanaian, Police, International Monetary Fund, Thomson Locations: Accra, Ghana, Rights ACCRA

☆ Fire in shop kills 35 people in southeastern Benin
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

COTONOU, Sept 23 (Reuters) - At least 35 people were killed in southeastern Benin on Saturday after a fire broke out at a shop where witnesses said gasoline was being unloaded, a justice ministry representative said. The fire broke out at 0930 local time in Seme-Podji municipality, near the border with Nigeria. "According to the witnesses interviewed, the fire was probably started during the unloading of bags of gasoline." Reuters was not immediately able to verify the video. Reporting by Pulcherie Adjoha Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Abdoubaki Adam, Bongle, Pulcherie, Alessandra Prentice, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Reuters, Thomson Locations: COTONOU, Benin, Seme, Podji, Nigeria

☆ Congo Army Seeks Insight Into Islamist Militants From Women Held Captive
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

Since then they have pledged allegiance to Islamic State and maintained their insurgency, attacking civilian and military targets in both Congo and Uganda. Congo army spokesperson Antony Mwalushay told Reuters that after sometimes lengthy spells in the camps, the women can have valuable insight on the group's operations that helps counter-insurgency efforts. So far this year the army has questioned around 425 women, who had been freed or escaped from rebels since January, including Mariam, Mwalushay said. Speaking to Reuters in the yard of the centre, Mariam described how she was coerced into moving to the rebel camp. Another 22-year old woman who ended up in an ADF camp when her husband signed up, said she was surprised by the strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.

Persons: Yassin Kombi, Muiysa, Mariam, Antony Mwalushay, Mwalushay, Sonia Rolley, Alessandra Prentice, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: Congolese, Allied Democratic Forces, Islamic, Reuters, ADF Locations: Muiysa BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ugandan, Islamic State, Uganda, Congo, Beni

☆ Niger Junta Ends Military Accord With Benin Amid Regional Standoff
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

NIAMEY (Reuters) - The junta in Niger on Tuesday said it would end a military pact with neighbouring Benin, accusing it of authorising the deployment of troops on its territory for a possible military intervention against Niger by the West African regional bloc. The junta in a statement read on national television said Benin had "authorised the deployment of soldiers, mercenaries, and war materials" in the context of the possible ECOWAS intervention. As a result the new Nigerien authorities "decide to renounce the military cooperation agreement (with Benin)," it said. ECOWAS has not shared any details about possible deployments and Niger last week said talks with the bloc continued. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who holds ECOWAS' revolving chairmanship, has suggested that a nine-month transition back to civilian rule could satisfy regional powers.

Persons: Bola Tinubu, Boureima Balima, Alessandra Prentice, Grant McCool Organizations: West African, ECOWAS, Nigerien Locations: NIAMEY, Niger, Benin, Nigerian

☆ Gabon Junta Eyes 24-Month Transition to Elections - AFP Cites Interim PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) - A 24-month transition to elections in Gabon would be "reasonable" after last month's coup, junta-appointed Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima was quoted as saying by French news agency AFP on Sunday. Army officers seized power on Aug. 30, annulling an election minutes after an announcement that President Ali Bongo had won, which they said was not credible. Bongo, in power since 2009, had succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled for 42 years. The junta has promised to oversee free and fair elections, but has not given a timetable for organising them. In the first comments on a possible length of this transition, Ndong Sima told AFP: "It is good to start with a reasonable goal by saying: 'We hope to see the process completed within 24 months so that we can return to elections.'"

Persons: Raymond Ndong Sima, annulling, Ali Bongo, Bongo, Omar Bongo, Ndong Sima, Nilutpal, Alessandra Prentice, Peter Graff Organizations: Reuters, AFP, Sunday . Army Locations: Gabon, Bengaluru

[1/5] Oze Makvala, 19, a homeless teenager who has slept rough on the streets for years, sings at the studio of Mokili Na Poche cultural centre, a Congolese arts refuge that helps street children, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo September 5, 2023. "It really makes me happy when I sing," said 19-year-old Osé Mavakala, who has slept on the streets for years like more than 20,000 other homeless children in Kinshasa, according to U.N. agency UNICEF. Other teens looked on with pride as Mavakala rapped intently into the microphone at a session in late August. Founder Cedrick Tshimbalanga hopes these skills and the routine will help the children find their feet and their voices. Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Aurora Ellis and Emelia Sithole-MatariseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Makvala, Justin Makangara, Mavakala, Lil Wayne, Fally, Cedrick Tshimbalanga, Tshimbalanga, Alessandra Prentice, Aurora Ellis, Emelia Organizations: Democratic, REUTERS, Rights, UNICEF, Thomson Locations: Congolese, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rights KINSHASA

☆ Central African Republic President Meets Gabon Junta Leader for Talks
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Wilfried ObangomeLIBREVILLE (Reuters) - Central African Republic President Faustin Touadera held closed-door talks with Gabon's junta-appointed leader in Libreville on Tuesday in the wake of the main regional bloc's condemnation of the Aug. 30 coup. Central African bloc ECCAS has suspended Gabon's membership, but has so far stopped short of imposing sanctions in response to the non-violent military ouster of President Ali Bongo - West and Central Africa's eighth coup in three years. In a possible sign some internal political forces are rallying around the new authorities, the leader of Gabon's main opposition alliance, Albert Ondo Ossa, said he had spoken with Nguema on Tuesday. Military officers seized power shortly after Bongo was announced as its winner - a result they annulled and said was not credible. Apart from one video appeal for international support, little has been heard from Bongo since he was placed under house arrest during the coup.

Persons: Wilfried Obangome, Faustin Touadera, Ali Bongo, Brice Oligui Nguema, Bongo, Touadera, Nguema, Gabon's, Albert Ondo Ossa, Alessandra Prentice, Leslie Adler Organizations: Wilfried Obangome LIBREVILLE, Reuters, African, Gabon's, Central, Military Locations: Libreville, Gabonese, Gabon, Ondo

☆ Gabon coup leader sworn in as interim president in scene of jubilation
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Gerauds Wilfried Obangome | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Gabon coup leader General Brice Oligui Nguema is sworn in as interim president during his swearing-in ceremony, in Libreville, Gabon, September 4, 2023. State TV showed images of a cheering crowd and armoured personnel carriers firing into the sea to mark the moment. PLEDGE TO RETURN POWER TO CIVILIANSNguema reiterated that his administration would organise free and fair elections, though he gave no timetable. "After this transition ... we intend to return power to civilians by organising new elections that will be free, transparent, credible and peaceful," he said. The coup had drawn cheering crowds onto the streets of the capital Libreville but condemnation from abroad.

Persons: General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gerauds Wilfried Obangome, Bongo, Ali Bongo, Nguema, Nellie Peyton, Karin Strohecker, Alessandra Prentice, Estelle Shirbon, Peter Graff, Christina Fincher Organizations: REUTERS, Central Africa LIBREVILLE, Gabon's, Central, State, Central African, United Nations, African Union, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Gabon, Libreville, West, Central, of Gabon

☆ Burkina Faso says leader discussed possible military cooperation with Russian delegation
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Burkina Faso's interim President Ibrahim Traore during a meeting following the Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 29, 2023. Sputnik/Alexei Danichev/Pool via REUTERS /File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOUAGADOUGOU, Aug 31 (Reuters) - A Russian delegation held talks with Burkina Faso's interim president Ibrahim Traore on Thursday at a meeting that included discussions on possible military cooperation, the Burkinabe presidency said in a statement. It said the visit, led by Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, was a follow-up to talks between Traore and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July. It did not say if Russian military trainers would be sent to Burkina Faso. Reporting by Thiam Ndiaga Writing by Alessandra Prentice Editing by Leslie Adler and Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Burkina Faso's, Ibrahim Traore, Alexei Danichev, Yunus, Bek Yevkurov, Traore, Russian Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Thiam, Alessandra Prentice, Leslie Adler, Grant McCool Organizations: Sputnik, Rights, Russian, Russian Deputy, Wagner Group, Thomson Locations: Russia, Africa, Saint Petersburg, Rights OUAGADOUGOU, St . Petersburg, African, Moscow, Mali, Russian, Burkina Faso

☆ Gabon President Ali Bongo wins third term after disputed election
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Gabon's President Ali Bongo Ondimba addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLIBREVILLE, Aug 30 (Reuters) - President Ali Bongo has won a third term in the presidential election with 64.27% of the vote, the Gabonese Election Centre (CGE) said on Wednesday, after a delay-plagued general election that the opposition has denounced as fraudulent. Announcing the result in the early hours, CGE head Michel Stephane Bonda said Bongo's main challenger, Albert Ondo Ossa, had come in second place with 30.77%. Bongo's team have rejected Ondo Ossa's allegations of electoral irregularities. Reporting by Gerauds Wilfried Obangome; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Gerry DoyleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ali Bongo Ondimba, Brendan McDermid, Ali Bongo, Michel Stephane Bonda, Bongo's, Albert Ondo Ossa, Bongo, Gerauds Wilfried Obangome, Alessandra Prentice, Clarence Fernandez, Gerry Doyle Organizations: United Nations General Assembly, REUTERS, Rights, Gabonese Election, Thomson Locations: U.N, New York City, U.S, Rights LIBREVILLE, Ondo, Central African

☆ Gabon army officers say they have seized power after election in oil-rich country
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Gerauds Wilfried Obangome | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

The officers said on television channel Gabon 24 that they represented all Gabonese security and defence forces. They said the election results were cancelled, all borders were closed until further notice and state institutions were dissolved. Military officers have also seized power in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad. "If this is confirmed, it is another military coup which increases instability in the whole region," said the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Bongo, 64, succeeded his father Omar as president in 2009 and was re-elected in a disputed election in 2016.

Persons: Ali Bongo Ondimba's, Ali Bongo, Bongo, Elisabeth Borne, insurgencies, Josep Borrell, Albert Ondo Ossa, Omar, Eramet, Alessandra Prentice, Sofia Christensen, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Nellie Peyton, Simon Cameron, Moore, Edmund Blair Organizations: Reuters, REUTERS Acquire, Central African, OPEC, French, Military, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Gabonese, Centre, Wednesday, Thomson Locations: Gabonese, Gabon, Handout, LIBREVILLE, Libreville, France, West, Central Africa, Niger, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad . Niger

☆ Ali Bongo: who is Gabon leader ousted in military coup?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/2] A still image from video shows Gabon President Ali Bongo being interviewed in Libreville, Gabon, September 24, 2016. Following a stroke, his fitness to rule was questioned, sparking a failed coup in 2019 as he convalesced in Morocco. Before sitting down for a televised interview with Reuters after his 2016 election win, Bongo removed a large silver watch and several gold rings. When Bongo won a 2016 election, accusations of vote meddling stoked public anger amid a period of low crude prices and belt-tightening. In 2019, a military coup was foiled, with the coup plotters citing a lack of information following Bongo's stroke in 2018.

Persons: Ali Bongo, Bongo, Michael Jackson, Omar, Junior, Alain Bernard Bongo, Ali, Keen, Britain's Prince Charles, Alessandra Prentice, Edward McAllister, Edmund Blair Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Omar's, WikiLeaks, International Monetary Fund, Thomson Locations: Gabon, Libreville, autocrats, Morocco, French, Congo Republic, France, U.S

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