Africa: Food and Agriculture Announcements at COP29 were Positive Steps

A high-level international conference in London, hosted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, aims to find "a pathway to peace" in Sudan, where a civil war has caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The UK pledges an additional $120 million in assistance as 30 million people face starvation, with reports of widespread violence and displacement. The African Union emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire and inclusive dialogue, while the main warring parties are excluded...

The UN reports over 400 deaths in recent attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's Darfur region, with verified killings between Thursday and Saturday at 148, excluding subsequent violence. The RSF has targeted refugee camps around el-Fasher in a bid to capture the last major town held by the Sudanese army, escalating a conflict that has led to a humanitarian crisis and millions displaced since April 2023. As the civil war marks its...

Heba BitarBBC Eye Investigations, el-GeneinaIn el-Fasher, Darfur, 21-year-old Hafiza recounts her mother's death from a shelling during Sudan's civil war, which began two years ago, leaving her to care for her siblings. Conditions have deteriorated as the city remains under siege, with rampant violence and humanitarian crises, illustrated by Mostafa and Manahel, who document their struggles to provide basic necessities and food to displaced individuals. The ongoing conflict has led to severe shortages, blurring class...

The investigator examining the death of ANC stalwart Chief Albert John Luthuli, 56 years after the event, highlighted the challenges encountered in retrieving evidence from the original inquest. With the reopening of the 1967 inquest, the investigator emphasized the complexities involved in tracing and tracking crucial information that had previously been documented. This effort underscores the ongoing significance of Luthuli's legacy and the importance of uncovering the truth surrounding his passing. Full Article

Summary Bradley van Eysland, the head of security at Louiesenhof Farm in Stellenbosch, faced a setback when a lucrative deal following the end of his contract with Stefan Smit fell through. In response, he devised a plan to have Smit killed, allegedly aiming to collect millions from Smit's wife as payment for the crime. This shocking turn of events highlights van Eysland's desperation and willingness to resort to extreme measures for financial gain. Full Article

SummaryIn Kenya, four men have pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle hundreds of giant African harvester ants, valued at up to £170 ($220) each, marking the country's first major case of "bio-piracy." The suspects, including two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan, concealed the ants in modified test tubes to evade security, with the intended markets believed to be in Europe and Asia. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has emphasized the case's significance in combating...