VIF News Digest: International Developments (Africa), 20–26 May, 2019

EU opens new mission in Nairobi, second largest globally: allAfrica, 21 May 2019

The European Union Mission in Nairobi has unveiled a new embassy making Kenya the seat of its second largest foreign mission in the world.
EU High Representative Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, who met Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma after unveiling the embassy, said the move was an acknowledgement of Kenya's vital role as a regional hub. Click here to read... [2]

UN: Armed group kills more than 30 in Central African Republic: VOA, 22 May 2019

More than 30 people were killed and many more wounded when an armed group attacked villages in northwestern Central African Republic on Tuesday, the UN's peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) said.

The massacres took place in several villages near the town of Paoua, not far from the Chad border, Major General Pascal Champion, head of MINUSCA's police component, said at a press conference in Bangui on Wednesday. "Criminals arrived and opened fire" on the residents, he said. Thirty-one people were killed in Koundjili and Lemouna. At least three other were killed in Bohong. Click here to read... [3]

Chagos Islands dispute: UN backs end to UK control – BBC, 22 May 2019

The UN has passed a resolution demanding the UK return control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. In the non-binding vote in the General Assembly in New York, 116 states were in favour and only six against, a major diplomatic blow to the UK. Fifty-six states, including France and Germany, abstained.

Mauritius says it was forced to give up the Indian Ocean group - now a British overseas territory - in 1965 in exchange for independence.

In a statement to the BBC, the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said Britain did not recognise Mauritius' claim to sovereignty, but would stand by an earlier commitment to hand over control of the islands to Mauritius when they were no longer needed for defence purposes. Click here to read... [4]

Ugandan capital Kampala bans street children donations: BBC, 23 May 2019

Uganda's capital Kampala has passed a law to ban giving money or food to children living on the streets. Kampala's Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, said the law aimed to curb the commercial and sexual exploitation of children.

According to government estimates, as many as 15,000 children live on the streets in Kampala, aged from seven up to the age of 17. Offenders face up to six months in prison or a fine of $11 (£9). Click here to read... [5]

WHO certifies Algeria, Argentina free of Malaria: VOA, 23 May 2019

The World Health Organization has certified Algeria and Argentina as malaria-free, following three consecutive years where no new cases of the deadly disease have been reported.

The malaria parasite, which kills more than 400,000 people each year, was discovered in Algeria in 1880. Most of the victims are children under the age of five in Africa.

The World Health Organization reports Algeria is the second country in Africa to be recognized as malaria-free after Mauritius, which was certified in 1973. Argentina is the second country in South America, after Paraguay, to be declared malaria-free. Click here to read... [6]

Somalia protests after its officials deported by Kenya: Reuters, 23 May 2019

Somalia has criticised neighbouring Kenya for deporting two Somali lawmakers and a minister after authorities in Nairobi blocked them from entering the country. Senators Ilyas Ali and Zamzam Dahir and minister Osman Liban arrived at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday and were forced to spend hours there before being returned to Somalia on Tuesday.

In a letter seen by Reuters on Wednesday, Somalia’s ministry of foreign affairs protested their detention and deportation. “Somalia is concerned that several members of the Somali government ... were detained by immigration officials, their passports confiscated, forcing them to return to Mogadishu,” the letter said. Click here to read... [7]

Cyril Ramaphosa officially takes office, but who becomes his next deputy?
24 May 2019

South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa has officially been sworn in as the country’s commander-in-chief on Saturday at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, according to reports.

The head of state serving for another term emphasized on the creation of more jobs for South Africa.He also highlighted the need to work with team spirit to promote nation building. “A new era is dawning in our country. Better days are ahead for South Africa,” Cyril Ramaphosa proclaimed, “it is time for us to build the future to which we aspire. Click here to read... [8]