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Deadly Floods Ravage Northeastern Nigeria, Killing 49 and Displacing Thousands

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A man wades through flood water with his wheel barrow, after rainfall with some objects seen floating in the flood water in Lagos, Nigeria April 17, 2021. REUTERS/Seun Sanni

Devastating floods have swept through northeastern Nigeria, leaving at least 49 people dead and displacing tens of thousands, the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) reported on Monday. The disaster underscores the growing climate challenges facing Africa’s most populous nation as it enters the peak of its rainy season.

NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel confirmed that three states – Jigawa, Adamawa, and Taraba – have borne the brunt of the deluge, with a staggering 41,344 individuals forced from their homes. The floods have submerged vast swathes of land, including crucial agricultural areas, exacerbating concerns over food security in a country already grappling with soaring inflation rates.

“We are just entering into the peak of the season, particularly in the northern part of the country, and the situation is very dire,” Ezekiel told Reuters, hinting at the potential for further devastation in the coming weeks.

The floods have wreaked havoc on approximately 693 hectares of farmland, dealing a significant blow to Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This destruction comes at a critical time when the country is battling double-digit inflation, largely driven by escalating food prices. The agricultural crisis is further compounded by ongoing security challenges in the northeast, where militant attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their lands.

The current disaster evokes painful memories of last year’s catastrophic floods, which were deemed the worst in over a decade. Those floods claimed more than 600 lives, displaced around 1.4 million people, and obliterated 440,000 hectares of farmland. The recurrence of such severe flooding raises urgent questions about Nigeria’s disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies.

Adding to the concern, NEMA warned that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks. Ezekiel noted, “We also have information about the high tide in the upper countries of the River Niger before Nigeria. All of these are flowing towards Nigeria. We are beginning to see a manifestation of our predictions.”

The Nigerian government’s flood outlook for this year had already sounded alarm bells, indicating that 31 out of the country’s 36 states were at risk of experiencing “high flood” conditions. This prediction appears to be materializing, with the northeastern states bearing the initial brunt of the disaster.

Over 100 Dead in Devastating Jihadi Attack on Central Burkina Faso Village

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A devastating attack by al-Qaida-linked jihadists has left at least 100 people dead in central Burkina Faso, marking one of the bloodiest assaults in the conflict-ridden West African nation this year. The massacre, which targeted both civilians and security forces, underscores the escalating violence gripping the country despite recent changes in leadership.

The attack unfolded on Saturday in the Barsalogho commune, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the capital city of Ouagadougou. According to Wassim Nasr, a senior research fellow at the Soufan Center and Sahel specialist, villagers were assisting security forces in digging defensive trenches when militants from the al-Qaida-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched their assault.

Video evidence reviewed by regional experts, including Nasr, revealed a grim scene with bodies piled beside newly dug trenches, suggesting a death toll of at least 100. While the Associated Press could not independently verify this count, the footage clearly depicted a massacre of significant scale.

Al-Qaida swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday, boasting in a statement that they had gained “total control over a militia position” in Barsalogho. The town of Kaya, where the attack occurred, holds strategic importance as a base for security forces combating jihadist attempts to close in on the capital.

Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, addressed the nation via state television on Sunday, confirming that both soldiers and civilians were among the casualties. Without providing specific numbers, Sana assured the public that the government had responded with ground and air support. “We are not going to accept such barbarity on the territory,” he declared, pledging medical and humanitarian assistance to those affected.

This latest atrocity highlights the precarious security situation in Burkina Faso, where approximately half of the country’s territory lies beyond government control. The nation has been increasingly besieged by jihadi attacks linked to both al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 2 million people in what experts describe as one of the world’s most neglected crises.

The persistent violence contributed to two military coups in 2022, with the current junta led by Capt. Ibrahim Traore struggling to fulfill its promise of enhanced security. Despite seeking new partnerships with Russia and other junta-led countries in the Sahel region, the government has made little headway in stemming the tide of attacks.

In a controversial move, Traore’s administration has been encouraging civilian participation in security efforts. The Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), a civilian task force, works closely with the military. The trenches being dug in Barsalogho are part of this civilian-military cooperation strategy, aimed at creating defensive positions in areas threatened by jihadist control.

However, experts like Nasr point out that the jihadists’ increasing success can be attributed to multiple factors, including ineffective air cover, poor intelligence gathering by security forces, and weak control of border areas with equally unstable neighbors Mali and Niger. Moreover, human rights abuses committed by Burkina Faso’s security forces and the VDP have reportedly driven more civilians to join jihadist ranks.

As Burkina Faso grapples with this latest tragedy, the international community watches closely. The escalating violence not only threatens the stability of the country but also risks further destabilizing the entire Sahel region. With each attack, the pressure mounts on Burkina Faso’s military government to find effective solutions to a crisis that continues to claim innocent lives and erode the nation’s sovereignty.

Ghanaian Migrant Dies in Detention at Brazil’s Guarulhos Airport Amid Immigration Crackdown

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A 39-year-old Ghanaian migrant died on August 13 while in detention at Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil, spotlighting the country’s handling of undocumented travelers amid tightening immigration policies.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was part of a group of “inadmissible travelers” held in a restricted area of South America’s busiest airport. These individuals, lacking proper documentation or visas for entry into Brazil, have been confined to an area with severely limited access to basic necessities, according to reports.

Brazilian authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death, stating only that the man received medical care at the airport before his passing. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and Brazil’s Public Defender’s Office, who argue that the detention conditions constitute serious human rights violations.

Reports indicate that detainees in the airport’s restricted area face deteriorating health conditions due to inadequate access to food, water, and sanitary facilities. The Public Defender’s Office has raised alarms about the physical and mental toll on those held in what they describe as substandard conditions.

This tragic event unfolds against the backdrop of Brazil’s impending enforcement of stricter entry regulations. Starting Monday, the government will implement new rules aimed at curbing the use of Brazil as a transit point for migrants attempting to reach destinations such as the United States and Canada.

Under the new policy, foreign travelers without a valid Brazilian visa will be required to either proceed directly to their final destination or return to their country of origin. The fate of those currently detained at Guarulhos International Airport under these new regulations remains unclear.

The death of the Ghanaian migrant has intensified scrutiny of Brazil’s immigration practices and detention conditions. Human rights organizations are calling for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and a comprehensive review of the treatment of detained migrants.

As Brazil positions itself to tighten its borders, the incident at Guarulhos Airport underscores the complex challenges faced by both migrants and authorities in navigating the often perilous landscape of international

Former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson Dies at 76, Leaving Lasting Legacy in Football

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Sven-Goran Eriksson, the trailblazing Swedish football manager who became the first non-British coach to lead England’s national team, died peacefully at his home in Bjorkefors, Sweden, on Monday. He was 76 years old.

Eriksson’s children, Lina and Johan, announced their father’s passing in a poignant statement, revealing that he had succumbed to the cancer he had been battling. “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Bjorkefors outside Sunne this morning,” they said, adding that he had fought bravely against his illness.

The announcement comes just weeks after Eriksson publicly disclosed his terminal diagnosis in January, stating he had “at best” a year to live. Despite the grim prognosis, the beloved coach spent his final months reconnecting with the football world that had been his life’s passion.

Eriksson’s managerial career spanned over four decades and multiple continents. He led 12 clubs, including high-profile stints with Manchester City, Leicester City, AS Roma, and Lazio. His trophy cabinet boasted 18 major honors, including the Serie A title with Lazio and the UEFA Cup with IFK Gothenburg.

However, it was his tenure as England manager from 2001 to 2006 that cemented his place in football history. Eriksson guided the Three Lions to three consecutive major tournament quarter-finals – the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and Euro 2004. His time at the helm was marked by both on-field successes, including a memorable 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich, and off-field controversies that captivated the British tabloids.

Following his England departure, Eriksson embarked on a nomadic career that included managing Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines national teams, as well as several club sides in China. His final managerial position was a brief 10-game spell with the Philippines in 2018-2019.

In the wake of his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson received an outpouring of support from the football community. He made emotional visits to former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria, and even fulfilled a lifelong dream by leading a Liverpool Legends team at Anfield in March.

Tributes poured in from across the football world upon news of Eriksson’s passing. Michael Owen, who played under him for England, described the Swede as “one of the very best” and “a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the world of football.” The Prince of Wales, president of the Football Association, remembered Eriksson for his “charisma and passion for the game.”

Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, highlighted Eriksson’s significant contributions to English football, stating, “He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance.”

Eriksson’s legacy extends beyond his tactical acumen and trophy haul. He was widely regarded as a gentleman of the sport, known for his calm demeanor and positive outlook. In his final public message, featured in a recently released documentary, Eriksson reflected on his life with characteristic grace: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when it is finished – when we die. But life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.”

As the football world mourns the loss of one of its most influential figures, Sven-Goran Eriksson’s impact on the beautiful game – from Sweden to England and beyond – will be remembered for generations to come.

Pro-Iran Militants Launch Deadly Attack on Nigerian Police in Abuja

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An attack by an outlawed pro-Iran Nigerian Shiite group left at least two law enforcement officers dead and three others unconscious in the capital city of Abuja on Sunday, according to police reports.

Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Abuja police force, confirmed the assault in a statement, describing it as “an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN)” on police personnel. The militants targeted a police checkpoint, resulting in the deaths of two officers and leaving three others hospitalized. Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the incident.

The attackers, armed with machetes, knives, and improvised explosive devices, caught law enforcement off guard. The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, banned by the government in 2019, has long maintained close ties with Tehran and draws inspiration from Iran’s Islamic Revolution of the late 1970s.

Abuja’s Police Commissioner, Benneth C. Igweh, strongly condemned the attack and pledged to bring those responsible to justice. “The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored,” the police statement assured, noting that several arrests had already been made.

This latest violent episode underscores the ongoing tensions between Nigerian authorities and the IMN, a Shiite organization in a country where the Muslim population is predominantly Sunni. The group’s leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, a Shiite cleric who has repeatedly called for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution in Nigeria, was released from prison in July 2021 after more than five years of incarceration.

The attack comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Nigeria, as the country grapples with various insurgent groups and separatist movements. The involvement of a pro-Iran faction adds another layer of complexity to the nation’s security challenges, potentially straining diplomatic relations and complicating efforts to maintain stability in the region.

Deadly Drone Strikes Rock Northern Mali Town, Killing at Least 15 Civilians

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At least 15 people, including children, were killed Sunday in drone strikes on the northern Malian town of Tinzaouaten, according to Tuareg rebel sources. The attacks come amid escalating tensions in the region following a major military setback for Malian forces and their Russian allies last month.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the rebel coalition known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP), reported that the strikes targeted civilian areas, including a home and a pharmacy. Speaking via telephone, Ramadane warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue efforts continue.

The Malian military has not responded to requests for comment on the incident.

Tinzaouaten, situated near the Algerian border, has been a focal point of recent clashes between government forces and insurgent groups. In late July, Tuareg and Islamist fighters inflicted significant casualties on Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries in the vicinity, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from Malian forces.

The recent attack marks a potential escalation in the conflict, with rebels claiming that Sunday’s drone strikes deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure. The incident has raised concerns about the protection of non-combatants in the ongoing struggle for control of northern Mali.

The July confrontation near Tinzaouaten may represent the heaviest losses for the Wagner Group since its involvement in Mali began two years ago. Tuareg rebels reported killing at least 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers, while an al-Qaida affiliate claimed to have eliminated 50 Wagner operatives and 10 Malian troops. Neither Mali nor Wagner have officially confirmed their casualties, though Wagner acknowledged suffering substantial losses.

The complex security situation in northern Mali involves various actors, including Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The region has been embroiled in conflict since 2012 when Islamist groups co-opted a Tuareg rebellion, leading to widespread instability.

Frustrations over the government’s inability to restore security have contributed to a series of coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger since 2020. The resulting military juntas have severed ties with Western and regional allies, instead turning to Russia for support.

The CSP, a coalition of Tuareg separatist groups, had previously signed a peace agreement with the Malian government in 2015. However, the group withdrew from talks in 2022, further complicating efforts to achieve lasting stability in the region.

As international observers watch closely, the latest drone strikes in Tinzaouaten underscore the ongoing challenges in resolving Mali’s protracted conflict and the devastating impact on civilian populations caught in the crossfire.

Source: VOA

Denmark to Close Embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso Amid Shifting African Diplomacy

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The Danish foreign ministry announced on Monday its decision to close embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso, marking a significant shift in Denmark’s diplomatic approach to the African continent. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to realign Denmark’s engagement with Africa in response to recent political developments and security challenges in the Sahel region.

The decision to shutter these diplomatic outposts follows a series of military coups in both countries over the past few years. Mali, under military rule since 2020, has increasingly distanced itself from Western powers, including European Union countries, in favor of cooperation with Russia’s Wagner mercenary group. This shift has occurred amidst ongoing conflicts with ethnic Tuareg rebels in the country’s north.

Similarly, Burkina Faso has experienced political instability, with coups driven by frustrations over the government’s inability to address security concerns. The Danish foreign ministry cited these developments as creating “very limited room for maneuver” in the Sahel region, necessitating a recalibration of Denmark’s diplomatic presence.

In a strategic pivot, Denmark simultaneously announced plans to open new embassies in Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia. The ministry also intends to bolster its diplomatic workforce in existing embassies in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. This reallocation of resources reflects Denmark’s recognition of the shifting geopolitical landscape in Africa.

“One of the most important foreign policy questions of this century will be whether African countries will orient themselves more towards the East or the West,” the Danish foreign ministry stated, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining and strengthening ties with key African nations.

The closure of embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso comes at a time of deteriorating relations between these countries, along with Niger, and Western powers. The three nations have increasingly turned to Russia for support, a move that has raised concerns among Western governments about the expanding influence of non-Western actors in the region.

Denmark’s diplomatic realignment is part of a broader trend among Western nations reassessing their engagement with African countries in light of these geopolitical shifts. The move reflects a growing recognition of the need to adapt diplomatic strategies to address the complex and evolving political landscape across the African continent.

As Denmark implements these changes, questions remain about the long-term implications for regional stability and international relations in Africa. The success of this new approach may influence how other Western nations shape their diplomatic presence and engagement strategies in the region.

Mali’s ministry of foreign affairs has not yet responded to requests for comment on Denmark’s decision. The impact of these embassy closures on bilateral relations and ongoing development projects in Mali and Burkina Faso remains to be seen.

Reuters

Ghana Leading Presidential Contenders Promise Economic Relief as Campaign Intensifies

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As Ghana’s December 7 presidential election approaches, the two leading candidates have unveiled ambitious manifestos, each promising to address the nation’s severe economic challenges and provide relief to citizens grappling with financial hardship.

Former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are emerging as the frontrunners in what analysts predict will be a closely contested race. Their campaigns come at a critical juncture for Ghana, as the West African nation faces its worst economic downturn in a generation.

Mahama, 65, who served as president from 2013 to 2017, presented his vision in Winneba, pledging to eliminate first-year university fees and reduce taxes within his first three months in office. “I will lead a ruthless war against corruption,” Mahama declared, promising to recover misappropriated assets.

During his previous term, Mahama focused heavily on infrastructure development but faced criticism over power shortages, economic instability, and allegations of state corruption. While never directly implicated, his administration denied any wrongdoing.

Bawumia, an economist and former central banker, countered with his own set of promises. Speaking in Accra, he outlined plans to simplify the tax system, reduce the number of ministers by almost half, and cut public spending by 3% of GDP. Bawumia also proposed a digital training program aimed at one million young people to boost employment.

The election comes as Ghana grapples with the aftermath of defaulting on most of its $30 billion external debt in 2022. This financial crisis, stemming from years of excessive borrowing, was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the global impact of the Ukraine war, and rising international interest rates.

In response to the economic turmoil, the current government, led by outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund. Ghana is now in the process of restructuring its debt as a condition for a $3 billion support package.

The upcoming election is particularly significant as no party in Ghana’s democratic history has ever won more than two consecutive terms in government. Both Mahama and Bawumia hail from northern Ghana, traditionally an NDC stronghold where the NPP has made recent inroads.

As the campaign intensifies, both candidates face the challenge of convincing voters of their ability to navigate Ghana out of its current economic predicament. The election’s outcome will likely hinge on which candidate can present the most credible plan for economic recovery and corruption mitigation.

International observers and financial markets are closely watching the election, recognizing its potential impact on Ghana’s economic trajectory and its role in West African regional stability. The successful implementation of the winning candidate’s economic policies could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s future and its standing in the global economy.

Reuters

Tunisian President Announces Major Cabinet Reshuffle Ahead of October Election

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Tunisian President Kais Saied announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, affecting 19 ministerial positions, including the crucial portfolios of defense, foreign affairs, and the economy. The move comes less than a month before the presidential election scheduled for October 6.

In a statement released by the presidency, Khaled Shili was named as the new defense minister, while Mohamed Ali Nafti will take over as foreign affairs minister. The reshuffle follows Saied’s dismissal of Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani earlier this month, replacing him with Kamel Maddouri, who previously served as the social affairs minister.

Notably, the ministers of finance, justice, and interior have retained their positions amid the shake-up.

This significant reorganization of the government occurs against a backdrop of economic turmoil and widespread public discontent. Tunisia has been grappling with recurring water and electricity outages across much of the country, as well as shortages of essential goods and medicines. The cabinet reshuffle is seen as an attempt to inject new energy into the government and potentially attract voter support ahead of the upcoming election.

Saied, who consolidated power in 2021 after dissolving the elected parliament, is seeking re-election and currently faces two challengers. However, the electoral landscape has been marred by controversy, with opposition parties and human rights organizations accusing authorities of employing “arbitrary restrictions” and intimidation tactics to exclude potential contenders from the race, allegedly to ensure Saied’s re-election.

The president’s actions since 2021 have raised concerns about the state of democracy in Tunisia, which was once hailed as the success story of the Arab Spring. Critics argue that Saied’s moves, including the dissolution of parliament and the cabinet reshuffle, represent a regression in the country’s democratic progress.

As Cows Take Over Nigeria’s Capital, Herders Face Challenges Amid Urbanization and Climate Change

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In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, a familiar scene unfolds as a herd of cattle crosses a busy intersection, causing traffic to grind to a halt. For Ismail Abubakar, the teenage herder guiding them, it’s just another day navigating the urban landscape.

Abubakar’s presence in the city center is not by choice but necessity. His family, originally from Katsina State in northern Nigeria, moved to Abuja’s outskirts years ago as climate change turned their traditional grazing lands into barren desert. Now, urban development in Abuja’s once-rural areas has pushed them further into the city proper.

“Our settlement at Idu was destroyed and the bush we used for grazing our cattle cut down to pave the way for new houses,” Abubakar explains in Pidgin English. His family now resides on a hill on the city’s periphery, forced to roam main streets for pasture.

This scenario exemplifies the growing conflict between traditional pastoral practices and modern urban development in Nigeria. Fulani herders like Abubakar, who traditionally dominate West Africa’s cattle industry, are finding their nomadic lifestyle increasingly untenable.

Baba Ngelzarma, president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, describes the situation as “disheartening.” He criticizes the government’s failure to harness the potential of the livestock industry by not providing necessary infrastructure and incentives.

Nigeria boasts over 20 million cows, with the fourth-largest cattle population in Africa and a dairy market valued at $1.5 billion. However, the industry’s inefficiency is evident, with nearly 90% of local demand met through imports, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration.

The impact of this inefficiency extends beyond the economy. In Abuja, cattle on roads cause traffic disruptions and damage to urban landscaping. In other parts of Nigeria, conflicts between herders and farmers over land access have turned violent, often exacerbating religious and ethnic divisions.

Despite the existence of four designated grazing reserves in rural areas surrounding Abuja, these lack necessary infrastructure and have been encroached upon by farmers and illegal settlers. This leaves herders like Mohammed Abbas, 67, constantly on the move as development claims their temporary settlements.

“I have to sell all my cows and that means nothing will be left to put on the land,” Abbas says in Hausa, explaining his inability to afford land for permanent settlement and ranching in Abuja.

The government has promised solutions, including fenced-off reserves for cattle herders. President Bola Tinubu announced a new livestock development ministry in July, but no minister has been appointed yet.

Real estate developer Folawiyo Daniel and housing advocate Festus Adebayo argue that the issue stems from a failure in urban planning. They call for the revival of grazing reserves within the city and urge Abuja’s minister, Nyesom Wike, to take decisive action.

Herders express openness to restricted forms of herding or operating like standard businesses that purchase their own feedstock. However, they emphasize the need for government support and incentives, similar to those provided to other industries.

As Abuja continues to expand, the clash between traditional herding practices and urban development intensifies. The situation underscores the complex challenges Nigeria faces in balancing modernization with traditional livelihoods, all against the backdrop of climate change and rapid urbanization.

Source: apnews.com

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