insert_link Environment Allegations widen against Indonesian palm oil giant Astra Agro Lestari By Hans Nicholas Jong ,via Mongabay Subsidiaries of Indonesia’s second-biggest palm oil company, PT Astra Agro Lestari (AAL), are running illegal plantations, grabbing community land, and intimidating critics, according to a new report by NGOs. The report is a follow-up to a 2022 report by Friends of the Earth, and identifies at least 1,100 hectares (2,718 acres) of the subsidiaries’ concessions that lie inside forest areas that should be […] todayJuly 9, 2024 34
insert_link Africa Moody’s Downgrades Kenya’s Sovereign Rating Amid Fiscal Challenges Moody's downgraded Kenya's sovereign rating to "Caa1" from "B3" on Monday, citing reduced ability to manage its debt burden through fiscal consolidation. Reuters says, This downgrade affects the country's local- and foreign-currency long-term issuer ratings and foreign-currency senior unsecured debt ratings. In June, Kenyan President William Ruto withdrew planned tax hikes following mass protests that resulted in at least 24 deaths. todayJuly 9, 2024 6
insert_link South Africa ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed suspending two members from its Newcastle region In South Africa, ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed suspending two members from its Newcastle region, Mzwakhe Mbatha and Sizwe Mokoena, pending ongoing investigations and disciplinary procedures. According to the party's interim constitution, all members are bound by a code of conduct, with breaches referred to the ethics and disciplinary committee for investigation and hearings. ActionSA’s Zwakele Mncwango says they aim to promptly resolve the matter and hold accountable […] todayJuly 9, 2024 7
insert_link World Rescue work continue at destroyed children’s hospital in Kyiv Rescue work continues at a children's hospital in Kyiv that was struck by a Russian missile. Authorities believe there may still be people trapped under the rubble. Nationwide, the death toll has gone up to 37 people killed and 170 people wounded after Monday's missile attack on Ukraine. Megumi Lim reports from Kyiv. todayJuly 9, 2024 13
insert_link World India PM Modi tells Putin ‘war cannot solve problems’ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in Moscow that peace was "of utmost importance" and that "war cannot solve problems". "As a friend, I have also said that for the brighter future of our next generation, peace is of utmost importance," Modi said in a speech in Hindi, sitting alongside Putin. "When innocent children are murdered, one sees them die, the […] todayJuly 9, 2024 19
insert_link APO International President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrives in Asmara President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia arrives in Asmara in the mid-day for a working visit. Upon arrival at the Asmara International Airport, Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his delegation was accorded warm welcome by President Isaias Afwerki accompanied with guard of honor. The Presidential delegation includes Mr. Omar Idris, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Eritrea. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of […] todayJuly 9, 2024 6
insert_link APO International Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Seychelles, calls on Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, received the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E Mr Guillermo Antonio Lopez Mac Lellan, at Maison Queau de Quinssy on Monday 8th July 2024. The two diplomats expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration in maritime security domain, especially through the EU-NAVFOR Operation ATALANTA. Other matters broached on by the two sides were Fisheries and […] todayJuly 9, 2024 6
insert_link APO International African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 to Host Country Spotlights on Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (ROC), Mozambique and More The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – Africa’s premier event for the energy sector, taking place this November in Cape Town – will host a series of country-specific spotlights, showcasing investment opportunities across Africa’s leading energy markets. Spotlight sessions will highlight projects seeking investment, licensing rounds, planned drilling campaigns and other opportunities for private sector participation. Invest in Nigeria Energies will present lucrative opportunities in […] todayJuly 9, 2024 9
insert_link APO International Uganda Hosts Nigerian Delegation for Strategic Policy Discussions The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a visiting delegation from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Nigeria. The interaction took place at the Ministry on July 8 2024. Rear Admiral A.A. Adesope mni. (rtd), Ag. Head of the delegation and staff director, discussed the importance of the NIPSS in promoting reflection, research, and dialogue on issues pertinent to Nigeria, Africa, and the broader world. He stated that the […] todayJuly 9, 2024 4
