Africa: AU Special Envoy Announces the Beginning of AUSSOM Mandate in Somalia

Ghana is mourning the loss of two government ministers and six others who died in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region, prompting President John Mahama to announce a full investigation and a three-day mourning period. The helicopter, carrying officials including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, crashed under adverse weather conditions, with no survivors found. Want More Context? 🔎

Cameroon's constitutional council has barred opposition leader Maurice Kamto from the 12 October presidential election, allowing 92-year-old President Paul Biya to seek an eighth term. Among the 12 approved candidates are Biya, who has been in power for 43 years, and former allies Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, challenging his long-standing rule. Want More Context? 🔎

Mido oversees a project called The Maker, training around 100 boys with a focus on mental strength, adaptability, and language skills to prepare them for success in European football, with plans to include girls. His goal is to help four or five players enter Europe initially, aspiring to have 60-70 graduates from the program in a decade, fostering their dreams and development. Want More Context? 🔎

Six people, including four crew members of a medical charity's light aircraft, were killed when the Cessna crashed in Nairobi while en route to Somalia, with two additional fatalities on the ground. The plane lost radio and radar contact shortly after takeoff; investigators and emergency responders are on the scene as the charity cooperates with aviation authorities. Want More Context? 🔎

The Zambian government has rejected claims of severe pollution in the Copperbelt region after the US embassy issued a health alert due to concerns over contamination from a tailings dam spill at the Sino-Metals mine. Officials assert that water quality has returned to safe levels, while environmental advocates call for urgent action to address the lingering impacts of the spill. Want More Context? 🔎

Tanzanians mourn the passing of veteran politician Job Ndugai, former Speaker of Parliament, who died at 62 in Dodoma after a hospital treatment. Ndugai, a 25-year MP known for his loyalty to the ruling CCM party, resigned in 2022 following controversial remarks on national debt, and was preparing to defend his seat in the upcoming elections. Want More Context? 🔎