Abayomi Azikiwe, PANW Editor, Featured on 1+1 with Youri Smouter, Discussing the History and Current Affairs of Mozambique

Hello everyone. Welcome to another edition of 1+1, your place for inconvenient truth telling and myth busting. 

To watch this interview in its entirety just click on the following URL: 1+1 E383 Youri speaks to Abayomi Azikiwe of Pan-African Newswire & Black Agenda Report on Mozambique

This is another one of our all-things Africa editions. We continue to explore the history and current affairs of each African country.  This week we explore Southern Africa. We review the history and current affairs of Mozambique.  And who better to teach us about this country or any African country than our historical and tour guide Abayomi Azikiwe of Pan-African News Wire. Abayomi Azikiwe is a long-time historian, journalist, and Pan-Africanist Left-wing activist.

Despite Temporary “Ceasefire” Aggression Continues Against Iran, Lebanon and Palestine

A two-week cessation of hostilities has not ended the military threats and actions which are targeting civilians and infrastructure as journalists are killed in Gaza and neighborhoods leveled in Lebanon

By Abayomi Azikiwe, Editor, Pan-African News Wire

Wednesday April 15, 2026

Geostrategic Analysis

Talks held between the Lebanese government and the State of Israel in Washington, D.C. on April 14 did not reach any agreement to end the assault by Tel Aviv against the people of Beirut and other areas in the south and other areas of the country of 6 million people.

After a ceasefire was announced one week earlier when United States President Donald Trump accepted the ten-point plan for discussions put forward by the Islamic Republic of Iran which led to talks in Pakistan the following weekend, the administration in Washington later denied that Lebanon was included in the temporary ceasefire which was contrary to what Tehran and Pakistan had noted. 

The Israeli occupation forces then unleashed the heaviest bombardment against Lebanon in the recent phase of the war. It was reported that more than 300 people were killed on April 8. Residential areas were hit hard under the guise that these neighborhoods were strongholds of the Hezbollah resistance movement.

Hezbollah has been the only armed forces which are defending the country against the Israeli military. Several attempts to break through the Hezbollah defenses in the South have been met with fierce resistance. 

Over the last six weeks, Hezbollah has resumed its firing of missiles into the northern occupied territories of Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have imposed strict censorship over the actual damage being done to the apartheid state by Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps of Iran (IRGC). Hezbollah and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had reached a ceasefire agreement through mediation by France in November 2024. 

Nonetheless, there had been hundreds of violations of the agreement on the part of the Israeli occupation forces. The Lebanese government has been unwilling to confront the Israelis and therefore participated in the talks at the State Department on April 14. 

Yet, Hezbollah has rejected the political direction of the Lebanese government.  Although Hezbollah is part of that government, it does not have control over the foreign policy of the state under the sectarian structures which characterizes Lebanon. 

In a report published by Al Mayadeen on April 15, it emphasized:

“The southern city of Bint Jbeil continues to demonstrate ‘rare resilience’ in the face of intense Israeli fire, as Resistance fighters remain steadfast on the battlefield, Lebanese Member of Parliament Hassan Fadlallah affirmed on Wednesday. Speaking during a press conference at the Lebanese Parliament, Fadlallah emphasized that the Resistance ‘does not recognize withdrawal’, noting that fighters continue to launch attacks against Israeli occupation forces from and around the city, while the Israeli military struggles to establish a foothold in frontline villages. He added that the Israeli occupation is seeking to manufacture a ‘false image of victory’ in Bint Jbeil to counter deeply rooted perception of its fragility, invoking the notion of the entity as a ‘spider’s web’. According to Fadlallah, Resistance drones and missile operations continue to inflict significant losses on Israeli forces.” (https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hezbollah-mp--resistance-rejects-us-backed-political-course)

This fierce resistance has mirrored the developments in Iran. Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic of Iran have maintained close relations for decades.

Since February 28, the level of resistance and retaliation against Washington and Tel Aviv has been astonishing to the international community. The Trump administration has announced on numerous occasions from the beginning of the attacks on Tehran which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials, that the war had been won already by the U.S. and Israel.

Yet, thousands of troops have been deployed to the Persian Gulf. The White House has upheld the illegal bombing of Lebanon and the blatant violation of the ceasefire of November 2024.

Iran Threatens to Retaliate for U.S. Attempted Blockade of Its Ports

A high-level delegation from Pakistan visited the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 15 bringing a message from the Trump administration related to their terms for another round of talks in Islamabad. The potential for additional talks would involve technical issues involving the situation near the Strait of Hormuz which Iran is controlling.

The Trump administration announced on April 13 that it was imposing its own blockade over the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Iran to accept its ever changing views on the war and its purpose. Although Trump has claimed that Washington is controlling entry and exit from the Strait, tracking data indicate that some vessels are able to pass through the waterway. 

An article published by Press TV on April 15 said of the current situation in the region that:

“Iran's top military commander, Major General Ali Abdollahi, has issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that any attempt to block maritime trade in the Persian Gulf or Sea of Oman would be met with decisive action. In remarks made on Wednesday, General Abdollahi, the commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, emphasized that if the US continues its illegal maritime blockade and creates insecurity for Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers, it would be a violation of the ceasefire agreement. He added that Iran's military forces would not allow any exports or imports to take place in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, or the Red Sea.” (https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2026/04/15/766923/Iran-s-top-general-warns-US-over-illegal-naval-blockage-in-Persian-Gulf-)

These comments reveal the potential for even more economic distress on a world scale. Since the beginning of the Israel-US attacks on Iran, fuel prices have skyrocketed. The price of fuel and the increasing scarcity of availability of petroleum and natural gas portend much for the well-being of the peoples of the industrialized capitalist states as well as the Global South.

Iran through its True Promise 4 military campaign launched thousands of drones and missiles at the apartheid state occupying Palestine. In addition, the Persian Gulf Arab Monarchies who allow their territories to serve as bases for Pentagon military forces were hit with thousands more drones and missiles causing tremendous physical and economic damages. 

As a direct result of the US-Israeli initiated war on Iran and Lebanon, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is suggesting that a world recession could take place within a few months. These remarks are not taking into consideration the already devastating impact of the Trump tariffs policy which has caused confusion and the closure of small and medium sized enterprises. 

In countries such as Kenya, Egypt, Malawi, Somalia, the Philippines, and many other geopolitical regions throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America, the problems associated with the war are causing shortages of fuel, natural gas, fertilizer and many other essential goods. Even within the industrialized capitalist states of Europe and North America, the actual prices for goods and services particularly related to food, housing and energy are rising at an alarming rate. 

The above-mentioned Iranian General was quoted as saying: 

"Should the aggressive and terrorist United States continue its illegal action of naval blockade in the region and creates insecurity for Iranian commercial ships and oil tankers, this action by the US will be the precursor to violating the ceasefire, and the powerful Iranian armed forces will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea. Iran will take strong measures to defend its national sovereignty and interests.” 

Therefore, the White House has set the stage for an even worse economic crisis internationally. This unfolding quagmire will be met with more militant resistance against the fascism of the Trump administration and the expanding war machine of the Pentagon.

Palestinians Still Being Dislocated and Killed

Since the beginning of the Israeli-US war against Iran, the events inside Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem have been overshadowed in the western corporate media. Nonetheless, the publications coming out of the region which support the resistance have reported extensively on events in Gaza.

In the West Bank more illegal settlements are being approved by the Zionist state. This further encroachment against the Palestinian people is being carried out through violence perpetrated by settler gangs and the security forces.

Several targeted assassinations of journalists have taken place in Gaza and Lebanon. The overall number of journalists killed in Gaza is estimated to be more than 200 since October 2023.

The Committee to Protect Journalists pointed out on April 8:

“Israel carried out deadly strikes in both Gaza and Lebanon on Wednesday, killing journalists Mohammed Samir Washah, Ghada Dayekh, and Suzan Khalil in a sharp escalation of attacks on the press. Washah, a correspondent for Qatari-based Al Jazeera Mubasher, was killed when his car was targeted by an Israeli drone attack in Gaza City. In Lebanon, separate Israeli strikes killed Dayekh, a presenter with Sawt Al-Farah, and Khalil, a reporter and presenter on Al-Manar TV and Al-Nour Radio. These killings come amid intensified Israeli bombardment across Lebanon, hours after a ceasefire between Iran, Israel, and the United States, including more than 100 strikes launched within minutes despite ceasefire announcements.” (https://cpj.org/2026/04/israel-kills-3-journalists-in-gaza-and-lebanon-in-one-day-cpj-calls-for-international-action/)

These developments in Palestine, Lebanon, Iran and the entire Persian Gulf are interconnected. Until the U.S. withdraws its military presence and support for the settler-colonial state there can be no peace in West Asia. 

US Commits Maritime Piracy, Attacks Iranian Commercial Ship in Violation of Ceasefire

Sunday, 19 April 2026 10:49 PM

This still image from a video shows the US Navy carrying out a flagrant act of aggression on an Iranian merchant vessel in the waters of the Sea of Oman on Sunday.

The United States has carried out a flagrant act of aggression on an Iranian merchant vessel in the waters of the Sea of Oman, deploying its terrorist marines onto the ship’s deck and disabling its navigation systems.

The spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters on Sunday night condemned the criminal operation by the US Navy.

“The aggressor United States violated the ceasefire and committed maritime piracy by firing at an Iranian merchant ship in the waters of the Sea of Oman and landing a number of its terrorist marines on the deck of the vessel, disabling its navigation system,” Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari said.

“We warn that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to this armed piracy and retaliation by the US army,” he added.

US troops launched the unprovoked attack on the Iranian container ship Toska, which was peacefully sailing from China to Iran through the Gulf of Oman.

In immediate response, Iranian forces struck back, targeting several American military vessels in the area with drone attacks.

US President Donald Trump boasted that American forces had seized the Iranian ship, calling the US military the “largest military force in the world,” which has now been exposed once again as the chief pirate in international waters.

Iran had already stated that it would retaliate decisively against any hostile action by the United States.

At the same time as Washington announced its illegal naval blockade against Iran, the Islamic Republic has fully closed the Strait of Hormuz. Any ship or tanker attempting to pass through the strategic waterway without Iranian permission will be dealt with firmly by Iranian forces.

The latest criminal act by the US regime once again proves that Washington remains the primary source of terrorism and instability across West Asia.

Iran is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and national interests and said it will not hesitate to deliver a crushing response to any act of aggression or maritime piracy.

Iranian armed forces have intercepted two oil tankers attempting to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing them to alter their routes and retreat from the region

On Friday, Iran had declared the Strait was open to commercial shipping, weeks after it was shut down to vessels associated with the US and its allies following the launch of an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic on February 28.

On April 7 and following 40 days of intense fighting that engulfed the entire region, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire after accepting Iran's ten-point proposal as a basis for negotiations to permanently end the war.

He nonetheless authorized the continuation of a naval blockade he had ordered against the Islamic Republic, in addition to making numerous controversial statements regarding the waterway—all of which have been categorically refuted by Iranian authorities.

During the marathon talks in Islamabad earlier this month, the issue of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz dominated discussions, according to sources, with Iran making it emphatically clear that the waterway will be opened fully once all its conditions to end the war are accepted.

‘Myth of US Stealth Fighters Over’: Iranian Hunter of US F-35 Jet Declares

Sunday, 19 April 2026 11:10 AM

The senior Iranian officer, who downed an intruding American F-35 fighter jet, says the myth of warplanes that are designed to evade radar detection is over.

Speaking on Sunday, the officer described as “truly indescribable” the excitement of his colleagues when they hit the F-35.

“We completely destroyed a Lockheed Martin technology,” he added. “The myth of stealth fighters is over.”

He also noted that his colleagues are present on the battlefield round-the-clock, hunting down enemy targets.

Iran’s modern air defense systems can easily strike hostile flying objects, cruise missiles, and small aircraft in most cases.

The illegal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February  28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders.

Iran downed 170 US and Israeli drones during war: commander

Brigadier General Amir Alireza Elhami says the Iranian air defense forces successfully intercepted 170 enemy drones during the US-Israeli aggression against the country.

The Iranian armed forces unleashed 100 waves of successful retaliatory strikes against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

They managed to intercept and shoot down several hostile fighter jets, missiles and drones, reflecting Iran's readiness to defend its airspace.

Some 170 enemy drones were destroyed by the country’s integrated air defense network.

On April 8, forty days into the war, a Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire went into effect, but Washington-Tehran negotiations failed to reach a deal.

Iran Replenishing Missile Launchers Faster Than Before War: IRGC Commander 

Sunday, 19 April 2026 4:52 PM

File photo shows an underground missile storage facility in Iran.

A top Iranian military commander says the country’s capacity to replenish missile and drone launchers during the two-week ceasefire has outpaced pre-war levels.

The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (RGC) Aerospace Force, General Seyed Majid Mousavi, shared a video on social media platform UpScrolled, showing the replacement of the missile and drone launchers, on Sunday.

Accompanying the footage was a message from Mousavi, stating that Iran’s “speed in updating and reloading missile and drone launchers have surpassed even its pre-war pace.”

Mousavi said, “We are aware that the enemy is incapable of creating such conditions for themselves during the ceasefire.”

Since the ceasefire began on April 11, he said, the United States has had to “to bring in ammunition from the other side of the world in a trickle.”

“They have lost this phase of the war as well. They have lost the Strait, they have lost Lebanon, and they have lost the entire region,” said the commander.

Mousavi’s remarks come as many reports contradict claims that weeks of joint US-Israeli military aggression against Iran has significantly weakened the country’s strategic capabilities.

Citing US intelligence assessments, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported last week that Tehran’s ability to sustain its missile capability relies on a vast network of reinforced underground storage areas, which have largely shielded mobile launchers from weeks of bombing.

The report said Iran still possesses “thousands of medium- and short-range ballistic missiles that could be pulled out of hiding or retrieved from underground sites.”

General Mousavi also mentioned the Strait of Hormuz, which the IRGC declared closed again on Saturday due to US violations of a ceasefire. The IRGC reiterated that a continued naval blockade on Iranian ports amounts to piracy.

In a separate post on the social media platform, Mousavi hailed the military strategy devised by the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, which has he said paved the way for Iran’s triumph over the two-nuclear armed enemies.

The commander said it has been the late Ayatollah Khamenei’s “asymmetric warfare strategy, indigenous missile technology, and reliance on young scientists and warriors that have allowed us to stand tall against the world’s most powerful devils.”

The Iranian army said early this week that if the security of Iran’s “ports in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Armed Forces, which have already shown enormous resilience in the face of 40 days of aggression, vowed to remain vigilant and ready, with fingers on the trigger, to crush any threat with an iron will.

Days after the US and Israel launched their military aggression against Iran on February 28, Tehran restricted the Strait of Hormuz to adversaries and their allies as a strategic maneuver.

The biggest-ever disruption at the Persian Gulf waterway, which is a major transit point for about 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has fueled inflation and slowed the global economy, with an impact expected to last for months.

Iran Accuses US of Attacking Commercial Vessel, Vows Response

By Al Mayadeen English

Iran accused the United States on Sunday of violating the ceasefire framework and engaging in what it described as “armed piracy” against an Iranian commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

The Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters of Iran’s armed forces has accused the United States of violating a ceasefire agreement and carrying out maritime piracy after an incident involving an Iranian commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

In a statement, the headquarters said US forces opened fire on the Iranian ship while it was navigating in international waters, escalating maritime tensions amid already heightened regional volatility.

The Iranian military command further stated that US forces disabled the vessel’s navigation systems before conducting a boarding operation on the ship’s deck.

It slammed the incident as a deliberate escalation and a breach of maritime norms, warning that such actions threaten regional shipping routes and international security.

Tehran warns of imminent response

The statement stressed that the Iranian Armed Forces will respond “soon" to the piracy carried out by US forces, signaling potential escalation in maritime confrontations.

The accusations come amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime tracking firms and regional reports have documented continued Iranian tanker movements despite US pressure and threats of its "naval blockade."

Earlier this week, reports indicated that multiple Iranian-linked tankers successfully transited the strategic waterway between Hormuz and Larak islands without major obstruction, despite sanctions and heightened US naval activity.

One tanker, identified as Alicia, reportedly under US sanctions, also crossed the strait without incident, underscoring the contested nature of maritime control in the region.

Trump confirms US attack on Iranian vessel in violation of ceasefire agreement

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US Navy “opened fire on a cargo ship flying the Iranian flag and seized it” after it attempted to break a US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman, in what he claimed was a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that “Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them.

He added that the US destroyer USS SPRUANCE "intercepted the TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman, and gave them fair warning to stop. The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room. Right now, U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel."

No talks under pressure, our rights in Hormuz non-negotiable: Iran MP

Iran will not accept or engage in any negotiations with the United States under pressure, Iranian Member of Parliament Rouhollah Izadkhah said on Sunday, in line with the directives of the Leader of the Revolution and the Republic, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

In remarks to Al Mayadeen, Izadkhah stated that “if negotiations take place, we will enter them from a position of strength and with full confidence in our armed forces.”

He also stressed that the Islamic Republic will confront US President Donald Trump and “all his affiliates” in the region, noting that the purpose of negotiations is for the Americans to understand Tehran’s conditions.

“We will not appease anyone, and we insist on our rights in the Strait of Hormuz. We will establish a special framework to regulate it in accordance with international law,” he said.

Izadkhah also mocked Trump’s blockade of Iran as a “failed spectacle,” asserting that he does not dare to launch an attack against the Islamic Republic.

Iran Praises Pakistani Efforts, Slams US 'Lack of Good Faith'

By Al Mayadeen English

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discusses ceasefire efforts with Pakistan, praising mediation efforts while warning of US violations and stressing Iran’s readiness to defend its national security.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar to discuss the latest regional and international developments, with a focus on ceasefire efforts and ending ongoing conflicts.

During the call, Araghchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “good offices” and mediation efforts in negotiations related to the ceasefire and attempts to end the war, stressing the importance of continued diplomatic engagement.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran has consistently adopted a responsible approach by engaging in diplomatic tracks aimed at ending the war and reducing regional tensions.

He also referred to what he described as “painful experiences” over the past year, citing repeated US violations of agreements in June 2025 and March 2026.

Warnings over escalation and lack of trust

The Iranian foreign minister warned that threats targeting Iranian ports, coastlines, and vessels, along with escalatory rhetoric, unrealistic demands, and continued US contradictions, reflect what he described as a lack of seriousness and good faith in the diplomatic process.

Araghchi emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all available capabilities to protect its interests and national security.

Both Araghchi and his Pakistani counterpart underscored the importance of continued consultations between the two countries, stressing the shared objective of maintaining peace and security in the region.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Sunday that he held discussions with his counterparts from Egypt, Badr Abdelatty; Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan; and Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, focusing on the steps their countries will take to maintain regional security.

Fidan stressed that a meeting of regional states is “very necessary” due to the presence of “existential threats," underlining the importance of continued dialogue between regional powers and emphasizing shared concerns over stability.

Pakistan says US-Iran deal '80% complete'

As a result of Islamabad's diplomatic efforts, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that the US–Iran agreement is close to being completed, but both sides must show flexibility to finalize it.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Dar said Pakistan “will leave no stone unturned” in its efforts to achieve peace, emphasizing that “what Pakistan wants to see is not the extension of the ceasefire, it’s permanent end of the war."

Dar added that “we have already crossed more than 80 percent of the work done,” but stressed that “both sides need to show flexibility.”

According to Dar, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir have been involved in mediating discussions between the two sides, including talks held in Islamabad last week, which did not produce a final agreement, though negotiations have continued.

Sharif also attended the Antalya forum, concluding a series of regional visits that included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where he and Dar held meetings with senior leadership on Pakistan-brokered talks.

Hezbollah Rejects Activity in Syria, Says Repeated Claims Must End

By Al Mayadeen English

19 Apr 2026 20:20

Hezbollah has denied Syrian claims accusing it of operating in Syria, stressing its name is being dragged into repeated allegations as part of a broader scheme to distort its reputation.

Hezbollah has issued a firm denial in response to recent claims by the Syrian Ministry of Interior alleging the arrest of a cell said to be linked to the Lebanese Resistance inside Syrian territory.

In a statement issued by its media relations, Hezbollah categorically rejected the “false and fabricated allegations,” stressing that it has no presence in Syria and carries out no form of activity there under any circumstances.

The group reiterated that it has consistently clarified its position on the matter, emphasizing that all reports linking it to operations inside Syrian territory are entirely baseless and lack any credibility.

Hezbollah also voiced great surprise and objection to repeated attempts to implicate its name in various security incidents, stressing that such accusations form part of a wider effort to assign responsibility for unrelated events to the group.

According to the statement, this narrative is aimed at “distorting the image of the resistance,” reaffirming that its primary and sole role remains, as it stated, confronting the Israeli enemy in defense of Lebanon and its people.

Broader trend amid regional tensions

It is worth noting that self-appointed interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa has advanced normalization with "Israel" since taking power in December 2024, and has actively acted against Resistance groups in Syria.

Several statements have been issued by Syria's transitional leadership accusing Hezbollah of operating inside its territories, which have been consistently rejected. This is also a trend that stretches beyond Syria, with recent fabricated allegations coming out of Bahrain and Kuwait. 

Hezbollah has warned against such narratives, urging the countries to remain vigilant in the face of what appears to be a foreign plot to ignite tensions between Arab nations and the Axis of Resistance. 

In March, amid the US-backed Israeli aggression on Lebanon, Reuters reported that the US was pushing Syria to send forces into eastern Lebanon to attack Hezbollah, but Damascus is hesitant to undertake such an operation over concerns about being drawn into the war and inflaming sectarian tensions.

According to Reuters, the idea was first discussed by US and Syrian officials last year, and was raised again by US officials around the time Washington and "Israel" began their war against Iran. Sources told Reuters that Syria’s government considered a cross-border operation cautiously but remained reluctant.

US Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, then denied the reports. 

Eight Children Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting in Louisiana

By Al Mayadeen English

Eight children were killed in a domestic violence shooting in Louisiana, as police fatally shot the suspect after a chase.

Eight children were killed in a domestic violence shooting in the US state of Louisiana early Sunday, in what local authorities described as one of the most tragic incidents in the area’s history.

According to police in Shreveport, a gunman opened fire at a residence, killing children aged between 1 and 14 years old. Seven victims were found inside the home, while an eighth child was reportedly shot while attempting to escape.

Authorities said the suspect had ties to the household and that the incident began when he shot a woman before heading to the residence where the children were located.

Suspect killed after police chase

Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle, and led police on a pursuit that extended into neighboring Bossier Parish. Officers ultimately opened fire on the vehicle, killing the suspect.

Louisiana State Police have launched an investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Officials reported that at least 10 people were shot in total, though details regarding additional victims remain unclear.

Officials describe 'unprecedented tragedy'

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the incident as “a heartbreaking tragedy” and possibly the worst the city has experienced.

State Senator Sam Jenkins stressed the need for stronger and more consistent intervention in cases involving domestic violence, noting that early action could help prevent such devastating outcomes.

The shooting adds to growing concerns over gun violence in the United States. Data indicates that dozens of mass shootings have already occurred this year, with a significant number of victims being children.

Local authorities said efforts are underway to expand resources for domestic violence prevention, including the establishment of a comprehensive support center in the region.

Over 40,000 shot in US in 2025 as gun violence toll remains high

Preliminary data from the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) indicate that at least 40,000 people were shot in the United States in 2025, including more than 14,600 deaths and over 26,100 injuries.

The nonprofit organization, which tracks gun-related incidents nationwide, also reported 407 mass shootings last year, defined as events in which four or more people are killed or injured, excluding any harm to the shooter.

The GVA’s figures revealed that 224 children aged 11 or younger were killed by gunfire in 2025, while 461 others in the same age group were injured. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 accounted for 1,030 deaths and 2,733 injuries.

These statistics cover homicides, defensive gun use, and accidental shootings, but do not include suicides. Citing the CDC, the GVA noted that more than 24,000 people died by firearm suicide in 2025.

Burkina Faso Seeks 40% Stake in Gold Project, as Output Set to Surge

By Al Mayadeen English

19 Apr 2026 09:17

Burkina Faso demands a 40% stake in the Kiaka gold mine, prompting West African Resources to halt trading.

Burkina Faso’s government has moved to significantly expand its ownership of a major gold project, requesting a 40% stake in the Kiaka mine operated by Australia’s West African Resources Limited, as the company projects strong production growth in 2026, Business Insider Africa reported.

The development prompted the miner to suspend trading of its shares on the Australian Securities Exchange on Friday, with the halt expected to remain in place until at least April 21 or until further market clarification is issued.

State expands control over mining sector

The move reflects a broader policy shift by Burkina Faso’s leadership under Captain Ibrahim Traore to increase state participation in strategic natural resources. According to the company, the request follows a government decree adopted by the Council of Ministers, aligned with mining legislation introduced in 2024 aimed at strengthening national control over the sector.

The proposed 40% stake builds on earlier indications that authorities could seek up to 50% ownership in the Kiaka project. The state previously raised its share from 10% to 15% at no cost, with West African Resources estimating that a 5% increase was worth $33.4 million at the time.

Kiaka, located in the Centre-Est region and spanning approximately 54 square kilometers, began production in June 2025. The project is currently 85% owned by the Australian firm, with the remaining 15% held by the state.

Trading halt, production outlook

West African Resources stated that the trading suspension was necessary to “ensure orderly trading and an informed market” as it evaluates the implications of the government’s demand. Investor sentiment remains sensitive to both regulatory changes and broader macroeconomic factors, including global gold price movements. Prices have been supported by inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions, though higher interest rates and a stronger US dollar continue to weigh on markets.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding ownership, the company is entering a phase of accelerated output. West African Resources is targeting annual production of between 430,000 and 490,000 ounces of gold in 2026, driven by the first full year of operations at Kiaka alongside its Sanbrado mine.

Kiaka alone is expected to contribute between 240,000 and 280,000 ounces, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s industrial gold sector. The company also aims to maintain all-in sustaining costs below $1,900 per ounce, suggesting resilient margins despite potential volatility in global prices.

Chief Executive and Chairman Richard Hyde described 2026 as a “landmark year” for the company, adding that shareholder returns, including dividends and a potential share buyback, are under consideration.

AU Condemns Israel's Decision to Appoint Diplomatic Envoy to Somaliland

Source: Xinhua| 2026-04-19 23:43:15|Editor: huaxia

ADDIS ABABA, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Sunday "strongly condemned" reports of Israel's decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to the "so-called Somaliland."

In a statement issued on Sunday, the 55-member continental organization expressed "deep concern" regarding recent developments on Israel's reported decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia.

The AU reaffirmed its "unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia" in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law.

"The African Union does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state," the statement read. "The AU remains committed to supporting Somalia's peace, governance, and national cohesion."

Recalling an AU Peace and Security Council communique that was issued in January, it underscored that "any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is null and void." It warned that such actions risk undermining regional stability.

On Dec. 26, 2025, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, prompting immediate condemnation from Somalia and the international community.

In a ministerial-level meeting held on Jan. 6, the AU Peace and Security Council rejected the unilateral recognition of Somaliland by Israel and called for its immediate revocation.

Over 46 Million Ethiopians Register for Upcoming General Election

Source: Xinhua| 2026-04-19 23:57:15|Editor: huaxia

ADDIS ABABA, April 19 (Xinhua) -- More than 46 million voters have registered, out of a population of about 130 million, to take part in Ethiopia's upcoming general election, scheduled for June 1, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has disclosed.

In a statement issued Saturday, NEBE said that of the 46.7 million registered voters for the country's seventh general election, about 25.2 million are men and 21.5 million are women, adding that more than 165,000 registered voters are persons with disabilities.

The electoral body said voter registration has been conducted at 46,750 polling stations nationwide, with the distribution of election materials largely completed to help ensure a smooth process.

Originally due to close in early April, the voter registration period has been extended to April 22 as preparations for the polls continue.

Earlier this year, NEBE also introduced the East African country's first digital platform for voter and candidate registration, part of broader efforts to modernize the electoral system through the use of technology.

Feature: Tanzanian Schoolgirls Pursue Dreams Through Mandarin Learning

Source: Xinhua| 2026-04-19 18:12:45|Editor: huaxia

A student writes on the whiteboard in a Chinese language class at Zanaki Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, April 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

DAR ES SALAAM, April 19 (Xinhua) -- In a classroom at Zanaki Secondary School, a government-owned girls' school in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam, 13-year-old Rosemary Thadei Mushi stands among her peers, carefully guiding them through the tonal subtleties of Mandarin Chinese.

Across the campus, students are increasingly embracing Chinese not merely as an academic subject, but as a pathway to future opportunities. As the world prepares to mark Chinese Language Day, the enthusiasm among students reflects a broader trend across Africa, where interest in learning Mandarin continues to grow.

For Rosemary, a Form One student, studying Chinese has already begun to reshape her perspective. Beyond mastering characters and pronunciation, she has developed a more nuanced understanding of Chinese culture and people. Aspiring to become a doctor, she believes proficiency in the language could help her secure a scholarship to study abroad and broaden her horizons.

She also challenges common perceptions. What some describe as a "strict" sound, she says, often reflects tonal complexity rather than temperament. Her own experience has revealed something different -- a culture she describes as warm and considerate.

Fifteen-year-old Koletha Fikiri Mtakuja shares a similar vision. A Form Three student with ambitions in engineering, she views Mandarin as a gateway to accessing China's technological advancements.

"China is very advanced in science and technology," Koletha said. "Knowing Chinese will help me learn directly from their engineers."

Both students dream of visiting China, hoping to walk along the Great Wall in Beijing and experience firsthand the traditions and rapid development they currently encounter through digital platforms, music, and films.

Their ambitions align with a broader global movement. Observed annually on April 20, Chinese Language Day was established by the United Nations to promote multilingualism and the equal use of its six official languages. In recent years, the day has also come to symbolize the growing educational and economic ties between China and Africa.

Behind the students' progress stands their teacher, Ema Silagomi, one of Tanzania's pioneering Chinese language educators.

Motivated by a passion for languages, she trained in China between 2018 and 2019 under a joint program by the Tanzanian and Chinese governments, studying at Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics and Henan University, where she gained both language skills and teaching methodologies.

Upon returning to Tanzania as one of the first local Chinese language teachers, Silagomi faced the challenge of building the program from scratch. Despite limited teaching materials and the absence of immersive language environments, she remained committed to expanding access to Chinese language education.

"I saw the opportunities in China regarding education, business, and cultural exchange, and I wanted Tanzanian youth to benefit," Silagomi explained. "It is a language full of opportunities." 

Interview: China's Zero-tariff Policy Set to Boost African Exports, Support Industrial Growth, Says South African Researcher

Source: Xinhua| 2026-04-19 21:55:15|Editor: huaxia

JOHANNESBURG, April 19 (Xinhua) -- China's zero-tariff treatment for products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing is expected to significantly expand market access for African exports and inject fresh momentum into Africa-China trade cooperation, a Johannesburg-based legal researcher has said.

"The removal of tariffs is expected to unlock growth across key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, among others," Nkanyiso Ngqulunga told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Noting that China's expanding economic footprint is increasingly shaping global trade dynamics, he said African countries are seeking to better position themselves to benefit from access to China's growing market.

Agricultural exports, the researcher said, are likely to benefit first, such as citrus fruits, rooibos tea, and table grapes, which have seen rising demand among Chinese consumers.

"The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of these products in the Chinese market," he added.

Beyond agriculture, the new trade framework is also expected to support high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, in line with South Africa's broader strategy to diversify its export base beyond raw materials, he said.

"The arrangement could serve as a catalyst for technological advancement and industrialization in South Africa," Ngqulunga said, noting that stronger participation in global supply chains could enhance economic resilience and drive innovation.

Set to take effect on May 1, the zero-tariff policy forms part of China's broader efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with Africa and promote mutual development in an evolving global trade landscape, he said, adding that it aims to expand bilateral trade, facilitate two-way investment, and provide preferential access for African exports.

Noting that the initiative underscores China's commitment to multilateral trade and South-South cooperation, he said it offers African economies improved access to one of the world's largest consumer markets and supports long-term development goals.

"The zero-tariff framework offers a real opportunity for South Africa and other African economies to expand exports and diversify their trade portfolios," said Ngqulunga.

Egypt Launches 27-bln-USD Urban Development Project in New Cairo

Source: Xinhua| 2026-04-19 05:30:00|Editor: huaxia

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly speaks at a press conference in the New Administrative Capital, Egypt, April 18, 2026. Egypt on Saturday launched the "The Spine" urban development project in New Cairo, with investments exceeding 1.4 trillion Egyptian pounds (about 27 billion U.S. dollars), according to a cabinet statement. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly called the project "global by all standards," saying that it would deliver "a real leap in urban development and economic growth in Egypt." TO GO WITH "Egypt launches 27-bln-USD urban development project in New Cairo" (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

CAIRO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Saturday launched the "The Spine" urban development project in New Cairo, with investments exceeding 1.4 trillion Egyptian pounds (about 27 billion U.S. dollars), according to a cabinet statement.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly called the project "global by all standards," saying that it would deliver "a real leap in urban development and economic growth in Egypt."

Madbouly noted that the project, consisting of 165 residential, administrative, and hotel towers, will create about 155,000 job opportunities and yield tax returns exceeding 800 billion Egyptian pounds.

He said the project also carries broader economic, social, and tourism benefits, including stimulating local industries and adding more than 3,500 hotel rooms.

17 Migrants' Bodies Recovered in W. Libya

Source: Xinhua| 2026-04-19 03:10:00|Editor: huaxia

TRIPOLI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Libya's Emergency Medicine and Support Center said Saturday that it retrieved 17 bodies of irregular migrants from the shores of the western city of Zwara and nearby areas.

In a statement, the center said 14 of those recovered have been buried in accordance with approved procedures.

Libya has been a major transit point for irregular migrants due to its geographic proximity to Europe and its long Mediterranean coastline.

Zwara, a coastal city in far western Libya about 120 km from Tripoli and near Tunisia, has in recent years become a key departure point for irregular migration toward Europe, especially Italy. 

Pope Leo XIV Challenges Angola’s Leaders While Delivering a Message of Encouragement for Its People

By NICOLE WINFIELD and GERALD IMRAY

7:35 PM EDT, April 18, 2026

LUANDA, Angola (AP) — Pope Leo XIV challenged Angola’s leaders to break the “cycle of interests” that have plundered and exploited Africa for centuries as he arrived in the southern African country on Saturday with a message of encouragement for its long-suffering people.

Leo’s arrival in Angola, the oil-and-mineral rich former Portuguese colony, marked the third leg of his four-nation African voyage. En route from Cameroon, he spoke again of the ongoing back-and-forth with U.S. President Donald Trump over the Iran war.

Leo, history’s first U.S.-born pope, said that it was “not in my interest at all” to debate Trump, but that he would continue preaching the Gospel message of peace, justice and brotherhood in Africa.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance later wrote on social media that “I am grateful to Pope Leo for saying this.” Vance, a Catholic convert, suggested earlier in the week that Leo “be careful” when speaking about theology.

In Angola, Leo met with President Joao Lourenco and delivered his first speech to Angolan government authorities, in which he referred repeatedly to Angola’s tortured history of colonial plunder and civil war.

“I desire to meet you in the spirit born of peace and to affirm that your people possess treasures that cannot be bought or stolen,” he said. “There dwells within you a joy that not even the most adverse circumstances have been able to extinguish.”

A long-suffering people

Angola, which has a population of around 38 million, gained independence from Portugal in 1975. But it still bears the scars of a devastating civil war that began straight after independence and raged on and off for 27 years before finally ending in 2002. More than a half-million people are believed to have been killed.

For years, the civil war was a Cold War proxy conflict, with the United States and apartheid South Africa backing one side and the Soviet Union and Cuba backing the other.

Angola is now the fourth-largest oil producer in Africa and among the world’s top 20 producers, according to the International Energy Agency. The country is also the world’s No. 3 diamond producer and has significant deposits of gold and highly sought after critical minerals.

But despite its varied natural resources, the World Bank estimated in 2023 that more than 30% of the population lived on less than $2.15 a day.

“You know well that all too often people have looked — and continue to look — to your lands in order to give, or, more commonly, in order to take,” Leo told the Angolan authorities.

The pontiff said: “It is necessary to break this cycle of interests, which reduces reality, and even life itself, to mere commodities.”

While in Cameroon, Leo had railed against the “chains of corruption” that were hindering development, as well as the “handful of tyrants” who were ravaging Earth with war and exploitation. He raised similar points in Angola.

“How much suffering, how many deaths, how many social and environmental disasters are brought about by this logic of extractivism! At every level, we see how it sustains a model of development that discriminates and excludes, while still presuming to impose itself as the only viable option.”

Jose Eduardo dos Santos, the late former president who led Angola for 38 years from 1979 to 2017, was accused of diverting billions of dollars of public money to his family, largely from the country’s oil revenue, as millions struggled in poverty.

After Lourenco took over as president, his administration estimated that at least $24 billion was stolen or misappropriated by dos Santos. Lourenco’s administration has vowed to crack down on corruption and has worked to recover funds allegedly stolen during the dos Santos era.

But critics note that Angola still has deep problems with corruption and have questioned if Lourenco’s actions were more aimed at political rivals so as to consolidate his power.

In his speech Saturday, Lourenco said that the Angolan government was committed to improving the lives of its people, but it was a “complex and difficult challenge.” He also called for an end to the Iran war and asked the pope to continue using his “moral authority” to push for peace and understanding among people.

A legacy of slavery

Angola, on the southwest coast of Africa, was considered to be the epicenter of the trans-Atlantic slave trade as a Portuguese colony. More than 5 million of the roughly 12.5 million enslaved Africans were sent across the ocean on ships departing from Angola, more than any other country, though not all of them were Angolans.

The highlight of Leo’s visit to Angola is expected to be his visit on Sunday to Muxima, south of Luanda. It’s a popular Catholic shrine in a country where around 58% of the population is Catholic.

The Church of Our Lady of Muxima was built by Portuguese colonizers at the end of the 16th century as part of a fortress complex and became a hub in the slave trade. It remains a reminder of the inextricable link hundreds of years ago between Roman Catholicism and the exploitation of the African continent.

Leo has Black and white ancestors who included both enslaved people and slave owners, according to genealogical research. He’s going to Muxima to pray the rosary, in recognition of the site becoming a popular pilgrimage destination after believers reported an appearance by the Virgin Mary around 1833.

___

Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.

The US Backs a South Africa Project to Extract Rare Earths Despite a Diplomatic Clash

By MICHELLE GUMEDE

12:05 AM EDT, April 19, 2026

PHALABORWA, South Africa (AP) — Two enormous sandlike dunes at an old chemical processing plant in South Africa are at the center of an exploratory U.S.-backed project to extract highly sought-after rare earth elements from industrial mining waste.

The Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project has U.S. support through a $50 million equity investment by the government’s International Development Finance Corporation and is part of accelerated U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on economic rival China for the minerals crucial for making electronic devices, robotics, defense systems, electric vehicles and other high-tech products.

Countries have identified dozens of minerals, including copper, cobalt, lithium and nickel, as critical because they are essential for new technologies. The 17 rare earth elements are a subset of them.

President Donald Trump has made expanding U.S. access to critical minerals, including rare earth elements, a central policy to counter China. The Trump administration said this year it will deploy nearly $12 billion to create its own strategic reserve.

Project continues despite a diplomatic rift

The DFC was created during the first Trump administration and committed its investment in the Phalaborwa project in 2023 under former U.S. President Joe Biden.

The current Trump administration has moved forward with the project despite a major diplomatic rift with South Africa, which began when Trump returned to office and issued an executive order last February to halt all financial assistance to the country.

But the administration has shown that certain economic concerns come first. The DFC has promoted its involvement in the Phalaborwa project as part of a push to unlock Africa’s mineral potential “while advancing U.S. strategic interests.”

The Phalaborwa project is being developed by Rainbow Rare Earths. The DFC’s investment is through partner TechMet, a company that says it is focused on securing critical mineral supplies for the West. South Africa’s government does not have a direct stake in the project.

Rainbow Rare Earths CEO George Bennett told The Associated Press they hope to supply predominantly the U.S., saying its interest in the project was largely related to defense systems.

The company says it aims to supply the rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium and others from its South African project. They are used in high-performance magnets in wind turbines, electric vehicles, defense and emerging applications, including robotics.

The Phalaborwa project aims to start extracting rare earths from the two huge dunes in 2028. The dunes are 35 million tons of phosphogypsum, a byproduct of mining waste and the processing of phosphate rock for acid and fertilizer production.

The project is expected to operate for 16 years, Rainbow Rare Earths said. The $50 million injection from the DFC will be used only once Rainbow Rare Earths starts construction of its processing factory in Phalaborwa, anticipated in early 2027.

Rare earths are relatively common but usually occur at low concentrations and are difficult to separate, making their mining costly.

Neha Mukherjee, research manager at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, said that while the Phalaborwa project was unique, with its experimental above-ground mineral extraction process, its potential remains unknown.

“It looks like a fairly low-cost asset in terms of operational cost,” she said. “Even the capital requirement is not very high ... which is a good sign.”

Mukherjee added that the project is important because “we do not have enough projects to meet the entire demand outside of China.”

US is ‘trying to catch up’

Rainbow Rare Earths says mineral extraction from the dunes will use up to 90% renewable energy and be significantly less expensive than typical rare earth mining.

Bennett said Phalaborwa would be a low-cost producer comparable to Chinese producers.

“(Former owners) crushed it, they milled it, they put energy into it, put heat into it, all that to make the phosphogypsum, which is what’s needed to make rare earths,” said Rainbow Rare Earths project director Alberto Bruttomesso, referring to the processes the waste previously underwent. “Heating is the most expensive part of the process. It’s what costs the most money.”

The Trump administration also has invested in critical mineral mining in the U.S. and has pursued deals to secure access to these minerals abroad, including in Ukraine. Greenland’s rare earths are part of the reason Trump has wanted to acquire the Arctic island.

The Phalaborwa project is one of several mineral projects in Africa with DFC investment.

Patience Mususa, a mining specialist at the Nordic Africa Institute in Sweden, said the U.S. was “trying to catch up in terms of investment in mining” on the African continent, where China is the dominant player in mining.

In February, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a formal agreement to provide $1.8 million for a feasibility study at the Monte Muambe rare earths project in Mozambique.

Sudan Rights Group Denounces Campaign Against Member Over Chemical Weapon Report

18 April 2026

Rehab Mubarak

April 18, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Emergency Lawyers group on Saturday denounced an “incitement campaign” targeting executive office member Rehab Mubarak following her report on the alleged use of chlorine gas as a chemical weapon in Sudan’s conflict.

Sudanese judicial authorities announced on Friday they had begun legal proceedings against Mubarak. Officials accused her of spreading “misleading” information that harms national security.

The rights group said in a statement that the campaign is part of a “worrying escalation” in the targeting of human rights defenders. It noted that attacks have become organized digital efforts involving defamation to silence those documenting violations.

Media platforms and social networks have been used to level vague accusations and call for Mubarak’s prosecution, the group added. It argued these moves seek to undermine the credibility of human rights work and create a hostile environment that threatens the safety and independence of activists.

The statement emphasized that Mubarak’s work falls under legitimate rights guaranteed by international covenants regarding freedom of expression and the right to monitor and publish information on abuses.

Investigation and accountability are fundamental to addressing gross violations associated with the war, including allegations of using internationally prohibited weapons, the group stated. It warned that targeting those involved in documentation obstructs justice and fuels impunity.

The group called for effective legal and institutional protection to ensure a safe environment for human rights defenders to work without threat. It demanded an immediate end to all forms of incitement and rejected prosecutions of a retaliatory nature.

The statement urged the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders to intervene urgently. It requested the rapporteur address relevant authorities to stop the violations and ensure protection for Mubarak and her colleagues.

The international community, particularly the UN Human Rights Council, should treat these violations as a direct threat to justice efforts and take practical steps to prevent impunity, the group said.

The Digital Refoundation of African Journalism

Business News Wire

18th April 2026, 22:08 GMT+11

Introduction

The narrative of Africa is undergoing a radical shift, not just in its content, but in its delivery. For decades, the global perception of the continent was filtered through external lenses. However, in 2026, a new era of "Digital Sovereignty" has emerged. Local news agencies are no longer just participants; they are the architects of the African story.

The Rise of Regional Specialization

In the current media ecosystem, generalized reporting is being replaced by high-intent, regional expertise. We see this specifically in the West African sub-region, where localized digital platforms are providing ground-truth data that international conglomerates often overlook.

For instance, the West Africa News Agency (WANA) has pioneered an autonomous model that focuses on the intricacies of the ECOWAS region. By utilizing advanced web infrastructure and localized reporting, such agencies are bridging the gap between rural events and global awareness. This "hyper-local" focus is essential for investors and policymakers who require precise data rather than broad strokes.

Nigeria as the Engine of African Media

Nigeria remains the cornerstone of this transformation. As the most populous nation and a burgeoning tech hub, the Nigerian media space is a bellwether for the rest of the continent. Platforms like Nigeria Time News are essential for tracking the rapid policy changes in Abuja and the economic shifts in Lagos. These outlets are increasingly integrating AI-driven insights to manage the sheer volume of data produced by a nation in the midst of massive tax and energy reforms.

Pan-African Connectivity: The Final Frontier

While regional focus is vital, the ultimate goal is a unified continental voice. This is where the Pan Africa News Agency plays a critical role. By aggregating and verifying stories from across all 54 nations, it provides a counter-narrative to the "single story" of crisis. It serves as a digital bridge, ensuring that a success story in Kenya is accessible and actionable for an entrepreneur in Senegal.

Conclusion

The modernization of African journalism is not merely a technical upgrade; it is a move toward economic and social transparency. As we look toward the 2027 electoral cycles and the continued expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the role of these independent, digitally-native agencies will be the deciding factor in how the world engages with the continent.

Source: Busines NewsWire

Iranian Leaders Hail Army Day, Call for Enhanced Military Capabilities

By Al Mayadeen English

Iranian officials mark Army Day, praising the armed forces’ role in defending sovereignty and calling for expanded military capabilities.

Senior Iranian officials on Saturday marked Iran’s Army Day with statements underscoring the armed forces’ role in safeguarding national sovereignty, while emphasizing the need to further expand military capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.

Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Revolution, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, congratulated the Iranian people and the Armed Forces, describing the Army as “truly the child of the nation” that emerges from its society. In a written message, he stressed the necessity of “doubling efforts to advance the diverse capabilities of the Iranian army.”

“The valiant Navy of Iran's Army is ready to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies,” Sayyed Khamenei said, as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz rise, especially after US President Donald Trump said that the American naval blockade of Iranian ports is still in place.

Leadership highlights Army’s role in national defense

Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Iranian army consistently reflects “the true strength and dedication of our people,” stressing that it has demonstrated the nation’s refusal to yield to threats.

“The Iranian people will never submit to pressure and will continue, until their last breath, to defend the independence, security, and dignity of the homeland,” he added.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also praised the country’s armed forces, stating that all four branches have spared no effort in defending Iran. He emphasized that national security and strength stem from the “firm will” of the Armed Forces, which have carried out their duties in protecting borders and safeguarding national interests.

Araghchi further highlighted that Iran’s current international standing and the achievements of its diplomatic apparatus are rooted in the sacrifices of the military, stressing continued coordination between the diplomatic corps and the armed forces.

Statements come amid ceasefire following aggression

The remarks coincide with Iran’s Army Day, observed annually, and come in the context of a temporary ceasefire following recent US-Israeli aggression against the country.

During the confrontation, the Iranian army played a central role in countering attacks and responding to hostile actions in coordination with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), launching dozens of operations targeting US and Israeli assets across the region.

IGAD Envoy to Sudan: ‘Quintet to Convene Meeting for Those Absent from Berlin Conference

17/04/2026 17:15 

AMMSTERDAM / BERLIN

Participants in the Berlin Conference (Photo: Supplied)

Speaking to Radio Dabanga from Berlin in an interview for the programme Plain Speaking, to be broadcast tomorrow, special envoy Lawrence Korbandy confirmed that the meetings would include all Sudanese who were absent from the Berlin gathering. He added that the quintet would support the formation of a Sudanese committee to determine the programme, agenda, and participants for the dialogue.

He said the quintet supports a comprehensive Sudanese-led dialogue, with Sudanese ownership, whereby Sudanese themselves would define both the agenda and attendance.

He stressed that neither the quintet nor IGAD would impose an agenda, and that the aim is a fully Sudanese-owned process in which participants and topics are decided by Sudanese themselves, without exclusion — unless agreed upon by them.

A total of 25 political and civic groups aligned with the armed forces — most notably the Justice and Equality Movement — have rejected what they described as selective invitations to the Berlin conference. Other civilian groups also criticised what they saw as a lack of inclusivity.

Berlin call ‘a step forward’

Regarding the statement issued by Sudanese civilian forces, Korbandy said the joint appeal agreed at the Berlin conference represented a positive and advanced step towards a peaceful solution in Sudan, moving beyond previous “red lines” that had prevented different Sudanese factions from meeting.

He noted that, for the first time, Sudanese political forces, civil society, women, and youth opposed to the war — both from Sudan and abroad — had gathered under one roof in Berlin.

The appeal, issued by a meeting of 40 representatives of political and civilian groups, covered seven key areas, including an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, Sudan’s unity, a Sudanese-led political dialogue, and justice.

IGAD special envoy Korbandy acknowledged criticism over the absence of some civilian groups, but maintained that the substance of the appeal was inclusive and reflected the aspirations of all Sudanese.

On the absence of the warring parties, he said they had not attended because the conference was intended to exert pressure on them to stop the war and to create conditions for a civilian dialogue, rather than to hold direct talks with them.

Prime Minister Kamil Idris criticised the failure to invite the government to the Berlin conference at a press conference on Wednesday, saying it was therefore not concerned with its outcomes. He described the omission as a mistake and said the government would have participated had it been invited.

Comprehensive Sudanese dialogue

Korbandy said the quintet’s role is focused on advancing peace efforts, facilitating political dialogue among Sudanese civilian actors, and unifying them towards a shared vision and peace.

He added that the group was established to coordinate international and regional efforts on Sudan and to avoid fragmented agendas.

By contrast, the ‘quartet’ group — comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and the United States — is tasked with issues related to ending the war, ceasefires, and humanitarian truces.

Objectives of the Berlin conference

IGAD special envoy Korbandy described the Berlin conference as the third in a series of meetings — following Paris and London — aimed at mobilising humanitarian assistance for the Sudanese people affected by the war. He added that another key objective was de-escalation, ending the conflict, and protecting civilians and infrastructure.

He said Germany hosted the conference due to its international relationships, its role within the European Union, and its significant development investments in Sudan, including in energy, railways, technology, and healthcare.

The Berlin conference resulted in funding pledges totalling €1.5 billion, more than half of which came from the European Union and its member states.

‘War is a worthless commodity’

Korbandy said the war was “a worthless commodity” that could neither be sold nor accepted, calling on Sudanese people to reject and confront it.

He stressed that a solution would not come from external actors, but must stem from the will and consensus of Sudanese themselves. He cited past peace experiences as evidence that solutions are not achieved through military victory, but through dialogue and negotiation.

He urged Sudanese — both civilians and military — to prioritise the interests of their country and to avoid being drawn into classifications and divisions that serve external parties seeking to dominate Sudan.

Surge in Online Abuse Targets Sudanese Women Journalists

16/04/2026 21:23 

AMSTERDAM / KAMPALA / CAIRO

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has reported a sharp rise in digital harassment and violence against women journalists, with more than 250 subjected to various forms of online threats and defamation on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. The union says it has also documented more than 25 cases of direct threats and hate speech over the past year of the war that began on 15 April.

Iman Fadl Ed Sayed, a member of the executive office and secretary for freedoms, told Radio Dabanga that about 80 per cent of women journalists had lost their jobs since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, reflecting a severe deterioration in their professional conditions compared with before the conflict.

She warned that digital violence had become one of the most dangerous phenomena at the current stage, noting that it is escalating alongside the spread of hate speech. It often takes the form of organised campaigns targeting women journalists via social media, and in some cases involves the use of personal images and information for defamation.

‘Feminisation of the crisis’

Fadl El Sayed described the situation as a “feminisation of the crisis” within the journalistic community, saying women journalists had become the most vulnerable group during the war.

She said risks had shifted from field-based dangers in the early stages of the conflict to growing digital and social threats, placing significant pressure on women journalists and threatening their ability to continue working.

She added that this form of violence leaves deep psychological effects and directly impacts journalists’ ability to remain in the profession, with some withdrawing from work or from public life altogether.

Fadl El Sayed said reports issued by the freedoms secretariat do not generally include a detailed gender-based classification of violations. She noted that 393 violations were documented in the first year of the war, rising to 596 in the second year, while 590 violations were recorded in the January 2026 report as the conflict approaches its third year.

Media workers missing or detained

As reported by Radio Dabanga in March, the Rapid Support Forces in Nyala, South Darfur, detained a number of women, including female journalists, and transferred them to the Korea prison.

A separate report by Radio Dabanga in February, shows that long rooted in divide-and-rule tactics, hate speech continues to fuel the ethnic dimensions of Sudan’s conflict, where online rhetoric translates into real-world atrocities. An extension of Digihub Africa’s Hold Before You Send It campaign to counter online hate speech and harassment, the Misinformation, Propaganda, and the Battle for Truth in Sudan online panel event on February 16 brought together activists, researchers and journalists. Representing Radio Dabanga, Access Now, Build Up and The African Middle East Leadership Project (AMEL) they shared their expertise on the spread of disinformation and the erosion of independent media in Sudan.

Analysis: Sudan’s Online Propaganda Battlefield

16/04/2026 22:35 

PARIS

(File photo: Wikimedia Commons)

In the Sudan conflict, the propaganda battle between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on mainstream and social media makes it hard to distinguish real, false, and manipulated information. Furthermore, the lack of field press coverage allows fake and misleading news to spread more easily, a new paper by Selma El Obeid entitled Sudan wartime online propaganda published today by the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI) confirms.

Although the SAF and RSF work hard to shape the war narrative by building large supporter networks and using various methods such as disinformation and censorship, it is clear they no longer fully control the flow of information.

Social media analysis shows that Sudanese politicians, military figures, influencers, and followers weave a tangled web of exchanges filled with rivalries, lies, and propaganda.

A paper by Selma El Obeid entitled Sudan wartime online propaganda published today by the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI), explores the online propaganda battlefield in Sudan, where disinformation wars are equally intense. It analyses SAF and RSF propaganda, their main actors, tools, methods, rhetoric, and political and humanitarian impacts. Among various media outlets, Facebook and X are the most popular platforms for Sudanese users, with two main types of content creators emerging: live streamers and YouTubers. Key players in these propaganda battles include supporters of the SAF and of the RSF, and, to a lesser extent, anti-war groups linked to the former civilian coalition, the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC).

These supporter groups range from genuine supporters to those motivated by profit or hidden agendas. Propaganda campaigns have deeply influenced society and the political landscape, weakening Sudan’s national unity, hindering peace efforts, and prolonging the war.

South Sudan Tensions Escalate as Opposition Retakes Key Stronghold

The United Nations Security Council was briefed Friday on the worsening humanitarian conditions in South Sudan less than a week after opposition forces retook the strategic town of Akobo from government troops.

“The security situation remains deeply concerning,” said the Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan Anita Kiki Gbeho. She added that, “UNMISS human rights reports a 40% increase in deaths and injuries in 2025 as compared to 2024.”

The South Sudanese government has been fighting opposition forces since a 2018 peace deal broke down about a year ago. Akobo is one of the last strongholds of the opposition, led by Riek Machar, South Sudan’s detained vice president.

Due to a reduction in humanitarian budgets, the critical UNMISS base in Akobo is due to close. “As the Security Council deliberates on the renewal of the UNMISS mandate, it is important to recognize the dilemma we collectively face,” said Gbeho.

Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, spoke, via a video call, of the mass displacement and dire health care needs people in South Sudan are facing.

A quarter of a million people have fled their homes since December and 1.35 million people across Zhongli State have lost access to healthcare Fletcher also emphasized the “emergency levels” of food insecurity for some populations across South Sudan’s 10 states. “I therefore fear that my next briefing to you on South Sudan will speak of famine.

More than seven and a half million people will need food assistance this year,” said Fletcher.