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Rwanda unveils climate finance strategy at COP29 to combat climate challenges
At COP29, Rwanda introduced its ambitious Climate and Nature Finance Strategy, a multi-sectoral approach to address climate change's severe impacts.
Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund, highlighted Rwanda's vulnerability, citing $300 million in climate-related losses in 2022 and over $415 million in damage from flash floods in a single day in May 2023.
Mugabo emphasized the urgent need for sustainable development, warning that inaction could lead to GDP losses of 5-7% annually.
The strategy aims to position Rwanda as a sustainable finance hub, leveraging the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC) to attract green finance investments. Key components include collaboration between the Environment and Finance Ministries, the Green Fund, and private sector partners.
Innovative financing mechanisms, like blended finance through the IREME Invest facility, have already raised $260 million to support green projects. Mugabo called for global collaboration, underscoring Rwanda's commitment to a climate-resilient, carbon-neutral future by 2050.
Ugandan gov't ordered to compensate journalists assaulted by the military with Shs150m
The Ugandan High Court has ordered the government to pay Shs150 million in compensation to journalists Timothy Murungi and Henry Sekanjako, who were assaulted by Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers in 2021.
The journalists were covering a protest linked to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi's petition to the UN Human Rights Office when they were attacked. Murungi and Sekanjako, working for New Vision, suffered physical and psychological injuries, with each awarded Shs75 million for the harm endured.
The court ruled that the assault violated the journalists' constitutional rights, including freedom of the press, dignity, and protection from torture. Supported by the Uganda Journalists Association, the case highlighted the broader issue of press suppression.
While the Attorney General defended the military's actions, the court held the government responsible, condemning the assault as 'inhumane, cruel, and degrading.' However, the court declined to mandate a public apology from the military.
Russia writes off $20 Billion in African debt
Russia has written off $20 billion in debts owed by African countries, redirecting these funds towards development projects.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, also the special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, highlighted that this debt relief enables the implementation of socio-economic projects within African nations.
The announcement followed the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, held on November 9-10 in the Sirius Federal Territory on Russia's Black Sea coast.
The event drew around 1,500 delegates, including more than 40 African ministers. Through debt forgiveness and a refinancing program, Russia aims to strengthen its support for African countries' socio-economic growth.
Donald Trump has appointed leaders in key administrative posts
Donald Trump has announced key positions in his incoming administration as he prepares to return to the White House. These appointments highlight Trump's focus on loyal allies and experienced figures, poised to steer U.S. policy in defence, diplomacy, and national security.
On Wednesday, November 13, Trump officially made a pick for one of his most important Cabinet positions, choosing Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general. Here are the major names selected for key roles in the Trump administration
White House Chief of Staff â€" Susie Wiles: As Trump's former campaign manager, Wiles becomes the first woman to hold this role, centralizing control over the administration's operations and strategy.
Secretary of State â€" Sen. Marco Rubio: Rubio's appointment places him in charge of U.S. foreign policy, influencing international alliances and diplomatic efforts worldwide.
Attorney General â€" Rep. Matt Gaetz: Overseeing the Department of Justice, Gaetz will handle federal law enforcement and legal policy, making him a powerful figure in U.S. justice administration.
Secretary of Defense â€" Pete Hegseth: A veteran and media personality, Hegseth will command the Pentagon, overseeing military policy and national defence.
National Security Adviser â€" Rep. Mike Waltz: This role grants Waltz direct influence over security strategy and crisis management, shaping responses to both domestic and global threats.
Director of National Intelligence â€" Tulsi Gabbard: Gabbard will oversee the U.S. intelligence community, coordinating efforts across agencies to protect national security.
Secretary of Homeland Security â€" Gov. Kristi Noem: Noem will oversee domestic security, focusing on issues such as border control, immigration, and counter-terrorism efforts.
CIA Director â€" John Ratcliffe: Returning to a familiar role, Ratcliffe will lead intelligence gathering operations crucial to national defense and international intelligence.
US Ambassador to the United Nations â€" Rep. Elise Stefanik: As the U.N. ambassador, Stefanik will represent U.S. interests on the global stage, impacting international diplomacy and humanitarian policies.
US Ambassador to Israel â€" Gov. Mike Huckabee: Huckabee's role involves key decisions in U.S.-Israel relations, influencing policy in the Middle East and supporting U.S. allies in the region.
Elephant mother heartbreakingly sacrifices one baby to save the other from Lions
In Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, a distressing scene highlights the strength and resilience of motherhood, an elephant matriarch was forced into a tragic choice when her newborn twins were threatened by a pride of lions.
Isolated in open terrain, without the support of a herd, she faced an unthinkable decision: attempt to save both calves, risking all their lives, or focus on protecting one to ensure its survival.
The mother elephant charged repeatedly at the lions, using every ounce of her strength to fend off the attackers. Despite her fierce efforts, one twin was ultimately snatched by the pride, a loss captured on video that conveys the brutal realities of life in the wild.
Wildlife experts noted the resilience of the matriarch, who, though unable to save both calves, exhibited remarkable courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Dangote Refinery Eyes Fuel Supply Deals with Eight African Nations
Dangote Refinery is in discussions with eight African countries including South Africa, Angola, Niger Republic, Chad, Burkina Faso and Central African Republic and Namibia for fuel supply deals.
This development comes after Ghana indicated interest in purchasing fuel from the refinery, with projections to save $400 million monthly on costly imports from Europe.
The discussions were described as being at an advanced stage and, if successful, the Lagos-based refinery will have expanded its reach across the African continent.
In September 2024, Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote stated that the refinery will meet the demand for petrol, diesel, and other products across Sub-Saharan Africa, pledging high-quality fuel that aligns with global standards.
However, pricing disputes with Nigerian petroleum marketers, who argue that the refinery's petrol prices are high, have created challenges. As the refinery reaches full capacity and negotiates competitive pricing, local marketers may find incentives to shift toward domestic procurement.
Suicide bombing shakes Brazil's Three Powers Plaza, leaving attacker dead
A suicide bombing struck Brazil's Three Powers Plaza in Brasília, causing evacuations and halting government proceedings. The attack, which took place on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, evening, resulted in the death of the attacker, Francisco Wanderley Luiz, 59, who was identified as the sole casualty.
Two explosions occurred around 7:30 pm local time; one outside the Supreme Federal Court near the prominent 'Lady Justice' statue and another from a parked car close to the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of parliament.
The suspect, originally from Santa Catarina, had previously issued threats against politicians and Supreme Court justices on social media. In 2020, Luiz had run unsuccessfully for city council in Rio do Sul, receiving only 98 votes.
Authorities responded quickly, with Brasília's Federal District Governor Ibaneis Rocha labeling it a suicide attack. The blast has led to heightened security, with ongoing investigations into Luiz's motives and any potential connections.
Sam K Nkurunziza
