Malawi Wire

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned an attempted power grab in the West African nation of Niger, following reports that the democratically elected president is being held by some of his own guards inside his official residence.

According to news reports, the officers seized President Mohamed Bazoum and blockaded his residence in the capital Niamey on Wednesday, leading the African Union Commission Chair, to describe their actions as “tantamount to an attempted coup d’etat” – although there have been no reports so far of gunfire.

The would-be plotters have reportedly not gained support from other elements of the military or security forces, but talks to secure the president’s release have been unsuccessful so far.

Moussa Faki condemned the military “acting in total betrayal of their republican duty”, urging the “felon soldiers” to return to their barracks.

The main regional bloc ECOWAS also condemned the “attempted coup” calling on the officers holding the president to release him immediately.

In a short statement released by his Spokesperson, Guterres said he was following the evolving situation in Niger closely.

“He condemns in the strongest terms any effort to seize power by force and to undermine democratic governance, peace and stability in Niger.

“The Secretary-General calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint and to ensure the protection of constitutional order.”.

The UN said it would always stand by the government and the people of Niger.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The Sixth Session of the Ethiopia-South Africa Joint Ministerial Commission Senior Experts meeting kicked off today in Addis Ababa.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Fisseha Shawl stated, Ethiopia and South Africa enjoy longstanding diplomatic relations that date back to the days of the Anti-Apartheid movement in the Southern African nation.

Ethiopia is keen on further strengthening the ties, the Director General underscored.

He said, the experts’ deliberations would allow to reflect on the existing areas cooperation and to further explore new areas of possible cooperation.

Acting Deputy Director-General for African Affairs at the Department of International relations and Cooperation South Africa, Tselane Mokuena, on her part noted, the longstanding relations between the two countries dating back to anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggles.

Mokuena said, Ethiopia served as a home to South African independence struggle heroes including the late Nelson Mandela.

She also commended the achievements of the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

The Acting Deputy Director General concluded her remarks by calling upon the participants to strive towards the elevation of the relations to the highest level, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, conferred with the President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, on ways of advancing the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of “The Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit” that was concluded on Wednesday in Tanzania upon the official announcement of the “Dar es Salaam Human Capital Declaration 2023” .

Demeke and President Chakwera discussed enhancing cooperation in bilateral, continental and multilateral venues.

They have also reiterated the commitment of their respective Governments to elevate multifaceted, historical bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Demeke briefed President Chakwera on the progress of the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and called on the latter to support the peace consolidation process in the country.

The President commended Ethiopia for ground-breaking peace deal as well as opening its borders to Malawians fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

Afterwards, Demeke spoke to Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) on the state of relations between the two countries, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He disclosed, the Governments of Ethiopia and Malawi have agreed to hold Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC).

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly violently raping a six-year-old girl at Uukwanampembe village in the Omusati Region’s Tsandi Constituency.

According to the Namibian Police Force’s Omusati Commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson on Thursday, the incident allegedly occurred on Wednesday night.

Basson said this comes hours after a 51-year-old man was arrested at Eendombe village, also in the Omusati Region, for the alleged rape of his 16-year-old biological daughter.

Police investigations in both matters continue.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The police in the Omusati Region have arrested a 51-year-old man for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter at Eendombe village.

According to the Namibian Police Force’s Omusati Regional Commander, Commissioner Ismael Basson, the incident occurred on Tuesday.

The suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear in court this week.

Basson said the matter was reported to the police by the girls’s teacher.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency