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Namibia Relocates 7 Elephants to Angola’s Cuatir Nature Reserve

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Namibia Relocates 7 Elephants to Angola’s Cuatir Nature Reserve

Seven elephants from Namibia have been successfully relocated to the Cuatir Nature Reserve in southeastern Angola. The move, completed between August 5-7, 2024, aims to provide the elephants with a new habitat and help repopulate an area that lost its elephant population during Angola’s 27-year civil war.

The elephants were transported from the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge in Namibia, where a persistent seven-year drought has reduced forage and grazing land for a herd of 50 elephants. The relocation involved a 700-kilometer (435-mile) journey that took 38 hours by road.

Stephen Van Wyk, owner of the Cuatir Nature Reserve, explained the historical context: “Elephants were taken out completely due to their value for meat to feed people and also the value of their tusks to pay for the war expenses.” The reserve, which spans 40,000 hectares, is now working to reintroduce elephants to the area.

Annette and Alex Oelefse, owners of the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, plan to relocate an additional 14 to 16 elephants in the coming weeks. Annette Oelefse reported that the relocated group, which includes a mother and her young, is adapting well to their new environment. “She is the stability of a herd and also her young and so that forms a beautiful herd. She has gone with her family, her teenage calves and her little calf, so the structure is a very stable family,” Oelefse stated.

Wildlife veterinarian Ulf Tubbesing, who assisted in the relocation, described the new habitat as “paradise” compared to the drought-stricken conditions in Namibia. The elephants will be kept in an electrically fenced area within the Cuatir reserve.

Experts note that while elephant relocation is an expensive undertaking, it remains the best option to repopulate areas where these animals once roamed freely and to alleviate pressure in overpopulated areas. This relocation effort represents a significant step in wildlife conservation, addressing both the challenges of drought-affected regions and the restoration of elephant populations in previously inhabited areas.

A VOA story

Nigeria Inflation Falls for First Time in Over a Year, Offering Some Relief Amid Economic Challenges

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Nigeria Inflation Falls for First Time in Over a Year, Offering Some Relief Amid Economic Challenges

ABUJA, NIGERIA – Nigeria’s headline inflation rate dropped in July for the first time in over a year, offering some relief to the country’s population amid ongoing economic challenges. The inflation rate fell to 33.40% in July on an annual basis, down from 34.19% in June, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Thursday.

Analysts have suggested that June’s inflation reading could mark the peak of the inflationary cycle in Nigeria as the effects of the naira’s devaluation begin to stabilize. The slowdown in inflation is expected to provide some respite to Nigerians, many of whom have been grappling with high prices and economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“This is a positive signal that the worst of the inflationary surge may be behind us,” said an economic analyst from Lagos. “However, challenges remain, and the road to recovery will be long.”

The drop in inflation is seen as a reflection of Nigeria’s attempts to manage the economic turmoil triggered by recent policy changes. President Tinubu’s administration has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at boosting economic growth and shoring up public finances. These reforms include removal of decades-old fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the naira, and hikes in electricity tariffs. However, these efforts have also exacerbated inflationary pressures, placing a strain on household incomes across Africa’s most populous nation.

“Many Nigerians are feeling the pinch from these reforms. While the economy may benefit in the long run, the immediate impact on people’s daily lives has been difficult,” said a local market trader in Abuja. “Food prices are still high, and power bills have skyrocketed.”

The last time Nigeria saw annual inflation fall was in December 2022, making July’s decline a significant development for policymakers. Despite this, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest inflation rates in Africa.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised interest rates four times in 2023 in an effort to rein in inflation, but the decision to ease in July has been welcomed by many as a sign that the worst may be over. However, some analysts remain cautious, warning that the impact of global factors and domestic challenges could still pose risks to Nigeria’s economic outlook.

“We’ve seen progress, but inflation is still at unsustainably high levels,” said a financial analyst in Lagos. “Further structural reforms will be necessary to maintain momentum and drive growth.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s next rate-setting meeting is scheduled for late September, where policymakers are expected to evaluate the success of recent reforms and decide on the next steps for managing inflation and promoting growth.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also reported that food and non-alcoholic beverages continued to be the biggest contributors to inflation in July. Food inflation eased slightly to 39.53% from 40.87% in June, but it remains a significant burden for most Nigerian households.

“Food prices have come down a bit, but they are still too high for many families to afford,” said a mother of three in Lagos. “We’re hoping that prices will fall even further in the coming months.”

Reuters

Death Toll from Uganda Garbage Landslide Rises to 26, with 39 Still Missing

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Death Toll from Uganda Garbage Landslide Rises to 26, with 39 Still Missing

KAMPALA, UGANDA – The death toll from last week’s catastrophic garbage landslide at a vast landfill site on the outskirts of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has increased to 26 as of Wednesday, according to local authorities. The search continues for 39 people still missing, as rescuers work tirelessly to recover those feared buried beneath the tons of garbage.

The disaster occurred late Friday night when a “mountain of garbage” collapsed at the landfill in the Kiteezi area, burying dozens of people as they slept. The collapse followed several days of torrential rainfall, which has plagued the region in recent weeks, triggering widespread flooding and damage across East Africa.

“We have now confirmed 26 dead, and unfortunately, the number could rise as we continue our recovery efforts,” said a police spokesperson at a press briefing. “We are still working to locate and retrieve the bodies of those who remain missing.”

As of Sunday, the death toll stood at 21. By midweek, rescuers had recovered more bodies from the site and were working with survivors to estimate the number of people still unaccounted for. Those missing include 35 residents from the local community who lived near the landfill and four workers who were at the dump site collecting garbage at the time of the collapse.

“The site is extremely dangerous, and we are using all available resources to excavate the area carefully. We are hoping to recover more of the missing, but the situation remains dire,” the police spokesperson added.

The collapse has drawn attention to the ongoing environmental and safety concerns surrounding Kampala’s landfill, which has long been criticized for poor management and hazardous conditions. Residents living near the landfill have frequently voiced complaints about the site, citing severe health risks and the buildup of hazardous waste.

“For years, this landfill has posed a significant threat to the surrounding community. The garbage has been piling up, and with the rains, it was a disaster waiting to happen,” said a local environmental activist.

The landfill has served as Kampala’s primary waste disposal site for decades and has become a focal point of the city’s ongoing waste management crisis. In addition to the recent flooding, authorities have been grappling with the environmental consequences of the sprawling landfill, which is overwhelmed by the waste produced by the city’s growing population.

The landslide in Kampala is reminiscent of previous disasters across Africa, where poorly managed garbage dumps and waste disposal sites have resulted in deadly incidents. In 2017, a garbage landslide in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, claimed the lives of at least 115 people after a similar collapse occurred at the Koshe landfill.

In Kampala, the tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for improved waste management infrastructure and better environmental safeguards. Local authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the landslide and take measures to prevent future disasters.

“This incident is a wake-up call. We must address the issue of waste management in Kampala and ensure that something like this never happens again,” said a government official during a visit to the site.

Rescue operations are ongoing, but authorities have warned that hopes of finding more survivors are dwindling as the search enters its seventh day. As the community mourns the loss of life, families of the missing continue to wait for news, praying that their loved ones will be recovered from the debris.

A Reuters story

WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency for the Second Time in Two Years Amid Worsening Outbreak in Central Africa

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WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency for the Second Time in Two Years Amid Worsening Outbreak in Central Africa

GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an escalating outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The disease has already spread to several neighboring countries, prompting urgent international action.

An emergency committee convened on Wednesday to advise WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether the outbreak met the criteria for a “public health emergency of international concern,” or PHEIC. This designation is WHO’s highest level of alert, aimed at accelerating research efforts, funding, and global cooperation to contain the disease.

“It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” Tedros said in a press conference after the committee’s deliberations. He stressed the importance of global collaboration to prevent the spread of Mpox, noting that while the disease is usually mild, it can be fatal in rare cases.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, typically spreads through close contact. The current outbreak, which began in the DRC with the emergence of a new variant known as Clade Ib, appears to be more transmissible than previous strains, raising concerns among global health officials.

“This variant seems to spread more easily through routine close contact, including social interactions,” Tedros added.

The outbreak has already crossed borders into neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, triggering the WHO’s decision to elevate the crisis to an international emergency.

“The detection and rapid spread of this new variant in eastern DRC, as well as its introduction to countries that have not previously reported Mpox, is deeply worrying,” Tedros emphasized.

Since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported more than 13,700 cases of Mpox, with at least 450 deaths linked to the virus. The most affected regions are those already grappling with limited healthcare infrastructure due to ongoing conflict, further complicating containment efforts.

“The potential for this outbreak to spread widely across Africa and beyond is very concerning,” said Tedros.

In response to the growing crisis, the WHO has allocated $1.5 million in emergency contingency funds and plans to release more resources in the coming days. The organization’s response plan aims to mobilize donor support and assist affected countries in their efforts to curb the outbreak. WHO has also announced plans to distribute vaccines and antiviral treatments to the affected regions.

Earlier in the day, Africa’s top public health body, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), declared a “public health emergency of continental security.” The organization warned that the outbreak was spreading rapidly, with more than 500 cases reported in neighboring countries in recent weeks.

As the WHO and African health authorities work to contain the outbreak, the global community is being urged to step up support for emergency response efforts. Tedros underscored the need for countries worldwide to prepare for possible Mpox cases and increase their vigilance for the disease.

“This is a critical moment. The world must act swiftly and decisively to bring this outbreak under control before it spreads further and causes more loss of life,” he said.

Reuters

UPDATED: UN Envoy Says South Sudan Is Not Ready for Its First Post-Independence Elections in December

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UPDATED: UN Envoy Says South Sudan Is Not Ready for Its First Post-Independence Elections in December

UNITED NATIONS – South Sudan is facing significant hurdles in its path to holding its first-ever post-independence elections in December 2024, according to the United Nations’ top envoy for the country. Nicholas Haysom, speaking to the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday, emphasized that the ongoing political consultations have made it difficult to treat the National Elections Commission’s recently announced date of December 22 as a fixed timeline.

Haysom described the December 22 election date as “a definitive trigger in isolation from other critical factors,” underscoring that political consensus has yet to be reached among South Sudan’s leadership. Political players are engaged in discussions about whether the vote can or should be held this year, with numerous obstacles still looming.

“South Sudan is simply not ready to hold its first post-independence elections in December,” Haysom warned. The vote, meant to be the culmination of a peace agreement signed in 2018, is intended to help South Sudan transition from years of civil war, driven largely by ethnic divisions, to a more stable political environment. However, the challenges remain daunting.

South Sudan, which became the world’s youngest nation after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, has since been mired in conflict. The war, fought between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those supporting Vice President Riek Machar, has claimed the lives of around 400,000 people. The conflict has devastated the country, and peace remains fragile despite the peace agreement signed five years ago.

“The election is meant to help pull South Sudan out of a civil war, but the ongoing fighting and political fragmentation make it increasingly unlikely that elections can be held as planned,” Haysom told the Security Council.

Despite the grim outlook, there have been some positive developments. The National Elections Commission has begun the groundwork necessary for elections, including assessing “the ground-level infrastructure and facilities required for a conducive environment for conducting elections.” So far, 29 political parties have successfully registered to participate in the upcoming elections.

The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan remains committed to supporting the creation of an environment conducive to holding elections whenever they are deemed feasible. “The U.N. peacekeeping mission continues to support the creation of an enabling environment for elections in South Sudan whenever they are held,” Haysom added, stressing that the mission remains focused on protecting civilians and ensuring their safety in the run-up to the vote.

However, Haysom also raised concerns about the deteriorating political environment in the country. Widespread reports of civil society repression, including crackdowns on political activists, journalists, and members of the Human Rights Commission, have cast a shadow over the country’s preparations for elections. There are also concerns that a recently passed security law gives South Sudan’s National Security Service the authority to arrest individuals without a warrant, raising alarm among human rights groups and the international community.

While the country’s National Elections Commission continues to plan for December, the road ahead remains uncertain. For now, the fate of South Sudan’s first post-independence elections hangs in the balance as political instability and logistical challenges continue to threaten the country’s fragile peace.

APnews report

France Honors African Soldiers Who Helped Liberate the French Riviera from Nazi Occupation 80 Years Ago

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France Honors African Soldiers Who Helped Liberate the French Riviera from Nazi Occupation 80 Years Ago

SAINT-RAPHAEL, France – On Thursday, France commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of the French Riviera during World War II, an operation that played a pivotal role in pushing back Nazi forces. The series of events paid special tribute to the many African soldiers from French colonies who took part in the campaign, often referred to as “the forgotten D-Day.”

The ceremonies were presided over by French President Emmanuel Macron and attended by several international leaders, including Cameroonian President Paul Biya. Originally scheduled to include a seaborne segment along the Mediterranean coast, part of the commemoration was canceled due to storm warnings.

The centerpiece of the commemoration took place at the Boulouris National Cemetery in Saint-Raphael, where 464 French soldiers, who died during the fighting in August 1944, are buried. Numerous other African leaders also took part in the tribute, emphasizing the collective effort made by soldiers from France’s then-colonies to secure the liberation of the country.

Six surviving World War II veterans—five from France and one from another nation—were honored with the prestigious Legion of Honor, France’s highest award, in recognition of their bravery and contribution during the war. The event was followed by an aeronautic demonstration and a grand fireworks display.

“Starting August 15, 1944, hundreds of thousands of Allied troops descended on the Mediterranean coast for Operation Dragoon,” Macron said during his address. This operation, which involved a massive deployment of both American and French forces, aimed to push back Nazi occupiers in the southern region of France.

The operation, which unfolded just two months after the better-known D-Day invasion of Normandy, was initially intended to coincide with that earlier invasion. However, Operation Dragoon was delayed due to logistical challenges and a shortage of resources. Eventually, it proved to be an instrumental turning point in liberating southern France.

Operation Dragoon is noted for the significant participation of African soldiers, who accounted for nearly half of the French contingent. These soldiers hailed from French colonies that have since gained independence, including countries across North and West Africa. “These brave men from across Africa were integral to France’s liberation,” Macron said, acknowledging the often-overlooked contributions of African forces in the conflict.

The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, but French Defense Ministry records estimate that approximately 1,300 Allied soldiers, including a substantial number of Africans, lost their lives in the operation’s first two days alone.

Operation Dragoon’s success enabled the Allied forces to liberate much of southern France within four weeks. Troops from the Mediterranean landings eventually joined forces with those advancing from Normandy on September 12, 1944, in Burgundy, marking a major step toward the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany in France.

The event concluded with reflections on the sacrifices made by soldiers from Africa, many of whom never returned home but whose contributions have left a lasting legacy. “It is our duty to remember them,” Macron said, as the French president and dignitaries laid wreaths at the cemetery, honoring the African soldiers who fought for a free France.

apnews.com story

Former Argentine President Alberto Fernandez Charged with Domestic Violence

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Former Argentine President Alberto Fernandez Charged with Domestic Violence

Former Argentine President Alberto Fernandez was formally charged on Wednesday with committing violence against former first lady Fabiola Yanez. Prosecutor Ramiro Gonzalez submitted documents to the court seeking charges for “minor and serious injuries” as well as “coercive threats.”

The prosecutor stated there was evidence Yanez had “suffered a relationship marked by harassment, psychological harassment and physical aggression in a context of gender and domestic violence.”

The domestic abuse allegations first emerged from text messages uncovered during a separate embezzlement investigation against Fernandez. Initially, Yanez chose not to press charges but later filed a criminal complaint.

Yanez’s lawyer reported that she contacted the investigating judge, stating, “I want to file a criminal complaint. I want to denounce him (Fernandez) for the blows I received from him and the threats I have been suffering.”

Recently, Argentine media published photos of Yanez showing bruises on her face and arm, adding visual evidence to the allegations.

Fernandez, who served as Argentina’s president from 2019 to 2023, has vehemently denied Yanez’s accusations. He has pledged to prove to the courts “what really happened.”

This case has sent shockwaves through Argentine politics, raising questions about accountability for high-profile figures and the issue of domestic violence in the country. As the legal process unfolds, it is likely to remain a focal point of national attention and debate.

Woman Arrested at Applebee’s for Violating ‘All You Can Eat’ Meal Rules

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Woman Arrested at Applebee’s for Violating ‘All You Can Eat’ Meal Rules

A Chicago woman, Shawneesha Cobbs, 28, was arrested at an Applebee’s in Portage, Indiana, following a dispute over the restaurant’s ‘all you can eat’ meal policy. The incident occurred on Friday, August 2, around 8:30 pm.

Applebee’s offers a special where customers can have unlimited amounts of one of three mains – boneless wings, shrimp, or riblets – and fries for $15.99. Cobbs allegedly purchased two of these specials but shared them with more than two friends at the table.

When the restaurant manager explained that each person would need to pay $15.99, an argument ensued over the bill. Police were called to the scene after dispatch reported hearing “multiple females screaming and threatening people,” according to Region News Source.

Despite the group’s claim that the policy wasn’t clear, officers found the rules clearly stated in bold print on the menu. Cobbs became disorderly, ignoring police orders to calm down, which led to her arrest. She was taken to Porter County Jail and charged with disorderly conduct.

Local news reports state that a member of the party later returned to pay the bill in full.

This incident occurs as Applebee’s and other fast-casual restaurants introduce value deals to compete with fast-food chains and attract inflation-weary customers. Similar strategies have been employed by Chili’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Starbucks, Popeyes, and Taco Bell.

For instance, McDonald’s recently introduced a $5 meal deal, while Burger King offers a similar $5 Your Way Meal. Wendy’s has a $3 breakfast offer, and Jimmy John’s provides a $10 Total Package Meal.

These value offerings reflect the ongoing competition in the fast-food and fast-casual dining sectors as restaurants seek to attract budget-conscious consumers in a challenging economic climate.

Imane Khelif Files Cyberbullying Lawsuit Against Elon Musk and JK Rowling, Alleging Gender Discrimination

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Imane Khelif Files Cyberbullying Lawsuit Against Elon Musk and JK Rowling, Alleging Gender Discrimination

Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif has reportedly filed a criminal complaint with French authorities alleging “acts of aggravated cyber harassment” against her by public figures including JK Rowling and Elon Musk.

Khelif, 25, won gold in the women’s 66kg boxing contest at the Olympics on Saturday. Following her victory, Rowling criticized Khelif on social media, accusing her of being a man “enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head” after Khelif’s opponent, Angela Carini, left the bout in tears. Musk shared a post claiming “men don’t belong in women’s sports” in reference to Khelif.

In an interview with El Birad, Khelif addressed the controversy: “Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world, and even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me. I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot.”

Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, told Variety that Rowling and Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others. He added that former U.S. President Donald Trump, who also commented on the matter, may be investigated as part of the prosecution.

Khelif was born female and does not identify as transgender or intersex. However, she was disqualified from last year’s World Championships in India after failing an unspecified gender test. The International Boxing Association stated that tests showed Khelif had ‘XY chromosomes,’ but has not revealed which tests were used or published the results.

In France, cyberbullying offenses can result in prison sentences of two to five years and fines ranging from £26,000 to £39,000. If prosecuted as online hate speech, fines could reach £64,000 to £214,000.

Kim Kardashian ‘Increasingly Worried’ About Kids Spending Time with Kanye West and Bianca Censori Amidst Concerning Rumors

Emmanuel
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Kim Kardashian ‘Increasingly Worried’ About Kids Spending Time with Kanye West and Bianca Censori Amidst Concerning Rumors

LOS ANGELES, California – Kim Kardashian is reportedly becoming more concerned about the time her four children spend with their father, Kanye West, and his new wife, Bianca Censori, amid growing claims of troubling behavior and inappropriate exposure.

According to sources close to the Kardashian family, the reality star, 43, is increasingly worried about her kids—North, 11, Saint, 8, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5—being “exposed to” problematic situations while in their father’s care.

A source close to Kim has revealed that the reality TV star has been growing alarmed by stories circulating online about Kanye (now legally known as Ye) and Bianca’s behavior, which she fears might no longer provide a safe and healthy environment for her children.

“Kim is constantly getting more and more alarmed about the stories she sees coming out about Kanye and Bianca,” the insider shared. “Every week, it’s something different, and she fears it’s no longer a healthy environment for the younger kids to be in.”

According to the source, Kim Kardashian is frustrated by the lack of direct communication between herself and her ex-husband. Most of the communication happens through intermediaries like nannies, Kim’s mother Kris Jenner, or lawyers. In particular, North, their oldest child, frequently sends pictures and videos to her mother when she is with her father, which has only increased Kim’s concerns.

“It’s like Kim wants to see with her own eyes what’s going on—she’s saying she wants a sit-down meeting urgently with both of them to discuss co-parenting and put some new ground rules in place,” the source added. Kim reportedly wants to ensure that the children are raised in a balanced environment despite the couple’s split and their new family dynamics.

Recently, Kanye West has faced several accusations, including claims made by former Yeezy staffer Milo Yiannopoulos, who alleged that Ye has developed an addiction to laughing gas.

According to Yiannopoulos, in a sworn affidavit shared on X (formerly Twitter), West allegedly spends over $50,000 on tanks of laughing gas delivered to a celebrity dentist.

The Sun reports that Ye’s dentist has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations, further deepening the concerns surrounding his current lifestyle.

Bianca Censori, 29, Kanye’s new wife, has also attracted attention. Friends of the Australian architectural designer have claimed that she is being “controlled” by her husband, who reportedly has a strong influence over her fashion choices and public appearances.

Censori has been spotted multiple times in daring, often controversial outfits, including a recent trip to Beverly Hills, where she was seen shopping in what some described as “practically naked” attire. The incident sparked further backlash after she was photographed at an afterparty wearing a sheer dress that exposed her body.

These concerns have escalated to the point where Kim feels it’s essential to intervene for the sake of her children. Recently, West has been accused of “parading Bianca around like a sex pet,” as he reportedly issued her “rules to live by.”

For Kim, these reports raise serious red flags about the environment her children are in when they are with their father. While she has remained relatively private about her personal concerns, her recent desire for a meeting suggests that she is ready to address the issue head-on.

Sources close to Kim have indicated that she is particularly focused on ensuring that the children’s well-being and emotional health are prioritized, and she remains hopeful that co-parenting with Kanye can still be productive despite the challenges posed by his new relationship with Censori.

Credit: the-sun.com

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