News briefs
Regular digests of news on the countries SALO follows, compiled by SALO researchers.
DRC - 8 April 2016
UN confirms allegations of rape against peacekeepers in DRC The United Nations has confirmed fresh allegations of rape against its peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organisation has been in the spotlight for months …
Africa - 1 April 2016
Darfur Forever War Defeats South Africa There are not enough UN peacekeepers to protect refugee camps, monitor ceasefire violations in South Sudan and monitor the Sudan-South Sudan border. When the South Sudan civil war began in December …
Zimbabwe - 1 April 2016
Cloud hangs over foreign firms in Zimbabwe Foreign companies in Zimbabwe have been left scrambling in the dark about their future after the deadline for complying with the indigenisation policy closed last night. The uncertainty intensified …
Swaziland - 1 April 2016
Govt, Unions Agree to Map Work Plan on Salary Review Public sector unions and government have reached an agreement to map out a work plan of activities to lead to the implementation of the salary review report but the unions are not sure if …
Madagascar - 1 April 2016
Madagascar’s ex-president Ravalomanana to run for election in 2018 Former president of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana, has confirmed his intention to run for president in 2018. Analysts said the announcement of his candidature was a bit …
Western Sahara - 1 April 2016
Security Council Must Stand Up to Moroccan Bullying to End Western Sahara Conflict UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s first ever trip to Western Sahara has sparked a furious reaction from the Moroccan government, which has taken the …
South Sudan - 1 April 2016
Fleeing hunger, S. Sudanese refugees continue to arrive into Sudan’s Darfur Tens of thousands of South Sudanese from the greater Bhar el Ghazal region have continued to flee to the neighbouring Sudan due to combined threats of conflict and …
Sudan - 1 April 2016
Silencing women rights defenders Sudanese security forces have used sexual violence, intimidation, and other forms of abuse to silence female human rights defenders across the country, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The …
Central African Republic - 1 April 2016
Central African Republic votes in second round Voters in the Central African Republic went to the polls on Thursday for the second round of the country’s parliamentary election, a day after the new president was sworn in. At his …
Somalia - 1 April 2016
Suicide bombing in Somalia kills at least nine people, wounds 10 others A suicide bombing in central Somalia killed at least nine people and wounded 10 others, a police official said Thursday. The bomber blew himself up among a group of …
DRC - 1 April 2016
UN decides against drawdown of DR Congo peacekeepers The United Nations on Wednesday decided against cutting back its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo as fears grow of political turmoil in the vast African country …
Africa - 18 March 2016
Angolan leader ‘to step down’ in 2018 Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos said on Friday he plans to step down in 2018 after being at the helm since 1979, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Angola, a member of OPEC …
Zimbabwe - 18 March 2016
Mugabe changes course as Harare woos IMF Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe agreed to major reforms, including compensation for evicted white farmers and a big reduction in public sector wages, as the government tries to woo back …
Swaziland - 18 March 2016
New Germany, Singapore ambassadors for Swaziland Swaziland’s King Mswati III today received letters of credence from Germany and Singapore Ambassadors to Swaziland at the Lozitha Royal Palace, APA reports on Thursday.When meeting Walter …
Western Sahara - 18 March 2016
Western Sahara referendum key to peace A referendum on the future of the disputed territory of Western Sahara holds the key to peace and stability in North Africa, the pro-independence Polisario Front said on Wednesday. The former Spanish …
Madagascar - 18 March 2016
Trade fair to promote businesses with Asia opens in Madagascar A four-day trade fair to promote businesses with Asia opened on Thursday in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo with a theme “Asia is beautiful”. Thousands of businessmen from …
South Sudan - 18 March 2016
South Sudan: UN Should Create Rights Monitor The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) should appoint a special rapporteur to monitor and document human rights violations and promote justice in South Sudan. South Sudan’s human rights …
Sudan - 18 March 2016
Sudan threatens to shut South Sudan border Sudan on Thursday threatened to shut its border with South Sudan just weeks after reopening crossings, accusing Juba of backing insurgents battling Khartoum. South Sudan split from Sudan in 2011 …
Central African Republic - 18 March 2016
Central African Republic’s Biggest Challenge On March 30, president-elect Faustin-Archange Touadera will take office in the Central African Republic. His task, to quell the brutal sectarian violence that has torn his country apart, got even …
Somalia - 18 March 2016
Puntland Forces Continue Crushing Militants in Northern Somalia Coastal Province Puntland security forces launched crushing attacks on the hideouts of al-Shabaab militants in the Northern coastal province of Nugal on Thursday, killing …