Russian forces withdraw from Kidal, Mali, after separatist and Islamist attacks
via The Namibian4 min read
Russian forces, operating as Russia鈥檚 Africa Corps, have confirmed their withdrawal from the northern Malian city of Kidal, alongside Malian troops, following coordinated attacks by separatist and Islamist militants across the country. The separatist Azawad Liberation Front FLA claimed control of Kidal, stating it is "now free" after an agreement for the secure withdrawal of Russian forces. Mali has been grappling with insurgencies from northern separatists and groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The weekend saw explosions and gunfire in multiple areas, including the capital Bamako, and cities like Sevare, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal. Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide truck bombing near the capital. The Alliance of Sahel States AES, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, described the attacks as a "monstrous plot." While the Africa Corps confirmed their Kidal withdrawal, they indicated continued operations elsewhere in Mali. The Africa Corps, largely composed of former Wagner group fighters, is overseen by Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and its operations are run by Maj-Gen Andrey Averyanov. Russia's involvement in African countries has often been linked to access to natural resources and has faced accusations of atrocities against civilians.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Telecom Namibia and Angola鈥檚 Gabinete de Gest茫o do Programa Espacial Nacional GGPEN have signed an agreement in Luanda to test the Angosat-2 satellite. This partnership follows a proof-of-concept phase and involves Telecom Namibia conducting a pilot commercial trial. The trial will evaluate the satellite's technical performance, service capabilities, and commercial viability in real operating conditions. The goal is to work towards a commercial launch of satellite services after the pilot phase concludes. Fimanekeni Petrus, Telecom Namibia board chairperson, stated that this initiative aims to expand connectivity and provide reliable digital services to remote communities. Telecom Namibia believes the satellite service could benefit various sectors, including lodges, tourism, mining, schools, farms, businesses, and rural populations. Angolan infrastructure will support the satellite platform, integrating it with fibre and submarine cable systems. The pilot phase will help Telecom Namibia assess the sustainability of these services before deciding on long-term implementation. The signing ceremony was attended by Angola鈥檚 minister of telecommunications, information technologies and social communication, M谩rio Augusto da Silva Oliveira, and Namibian minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, along with officials from both organizations.
Namibia's Cabinet has approved two health agreements to address medical supply shortages. Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Wenzel Kavaka announced on Thursday that Cabinet endorsed an agreement with Egypt for pharmaceutical products and medical devices. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the supply and management of these items. Additionally, Cabinet approved an agreement with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Africa CDC for procurement services, supporting the acquisition of health products. These approvals come as Namibia faces shortages of essential medicines, with national stock levels reported at about 60% last month. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had expressed concern over these shortages. The Ministry of Health and Social Services recently announced the arrival and distribution of 37 previously scarce medicines, including treatments for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and epilepsy, received between May 18 and June 4.
Residents affected by floods in Katima Mulilo are facing eviction from temporary relocation camps at the Ngweze Community Hall, despite some claiming their homes were completely destroyed. The Katima Mulilo Town Council had relocated families in March after heavy rains caused flooding and damage. Now that the rainy season has ended, the council is moving residents back, with a deadline of Friday. Alice Sishango, a relocated resident, stated her house was fully damaged and she cannot afford to rebuild, expressing frustration at the council's refusal to grant more time. Another resident, Ngweze Zambwe, also reported having no home to return to and that her request for a temporary tent was denied. She mentioned that officials, including the minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, had previously promised building materials, blankets, and mattresses upon their return, but these have not materialized. Katima Mulilo Town Council chief of fire, disaster and risk management Cornelius Matomola confirmed the evictions, stating that homesteads are now habitable and that the directive to move residents back was received from the regional council in May. He clarified that the council did not promise building materials, but would provide tents for three months to those rebuilding completely damaged homes, as the community hall needs to be rehabilitated for its intended use.