Hundreds of South Africans show solidarity for Palestinians

A cross-section of South Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg on Wednesday in support of the people of Palestine, as the deadly conflict between Israel and the militant group, Hamas, continues. Some people said they were joining in the protest to show solidarity with Palestinians who have faced decades of oppression. “I did more…

Egypt warned Israel days before Hamas struck, US committee chairman says

Israel was warned by Egypt of potential violence three days before Hamas’ deadly cross-border raid, a US congressional panel chairman has said. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee head Michael McCaul told reporters of the alleged warning. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu described the reports as “absolutely false”. Israeli intelligence services are under scrutiny for their…

Niger: First French troops withdraw as US cuts aid

The first French soldiers left Niger on Tuesday in an overland convoy under local escort, possibly to Chad, just as the United States announced the withdrawal of its aid to the country, which has been ruled by a military regime since late July. The withdrawal of the French troops was quickly demanded by Niger’s generals…

A Ugandan business turns banana fiber into sustainable handicrafts

MUKONO, Uganda (AP) — A decapitated banana plant is almost useless, an inconvenience to the farmer who must then uproot it and lay its dismembered parts as mulch. But can such stems somehow be returned to life? Yes, according to a Ugandan company that’s buying banana stems in a business that turns fiber into attractive…

Cameroon: Toll rises to at least 27 dead and 50 injured in floods

Death toll from floods in Cameroon’s capital, reaches 27 with more than 50 injured, Monday, as rescuers intensify the search for those missing following the deluge the previous day. The rains unleashed floodwaters in the district of Yaoundé 2 of the country’s capital on Sunday, sweeping away buildings and reducing many to rubble. One of…

DRC: in the Goma camps, prostitution, rape and hunger

Patricia* is 15 years old and has a tough look. Like thousands of girls and women in recent months, she was raped while searching for food for her family around the displaced camps in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sitting in a Médecins sans Frontières tent, pregnant, she hides her…