- Libyan Floods death toll rises to 6,000 after storm Daniel bursts dams. (Climate Change)
Local authorities estimate that more than 6,000 people have died and fear another 10,000 missing in Libya after a storm in the Mediterranean caused dams to burst — washing entire coastal neighborhoods out to sea
Yahoo News: “Libyan Floods death toll rises to 6,000 after storm Daniel bursts dams”, Accessed: 13th, September, 2023.
- Morocco: Earthquake survivors struggle among ruins amid patchy aid response. (Climate Change)
An estimated 3,000 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck central Morocco, according to the country’s Interior Ministry The quake – measuring magnitude 6.8 – sent people rushing into the streets in Marrakesh and other cities Many of the deaths were said to be in hard-to-reach mountain areas – and at least 153 people were injured.
The Irish Times Newspaper: “ Morocco: Earthquake survivors struggle among ruins amid patchy aid response”, Accessed: 13th September, 2023.
- Niger junta ends military accord with Benin amid regional standoff (West Africa)
The junta in Niger decided it would end a military pact with neighbouring Benin, accusing it of authorising the deployment of troops on its territory for a possible military intervention against Niger by the West African regional bloc. The junta in a statement read on national television said Benin had authorised the deployment of soldiers, mercenaries, and war materials in the context of the possible ECOWAS intervention. As a result the new Nigerien authorities decide to renounce the military cooperation agreement (with Benin). There was no immediate response from Benin.
Reuters: “Niger junta ends military accord with Benin amid regional standoff”, Accessed: 13th September, 2023.
- EU chief calls for more engagement with Africa (European Union)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has voiced a concern that the European Union must engage more with African countries, accusing Russia of stirring chaos in the Sahel and saying military coups destabilise the region making it prone to risk of terrorism. It was further discussed that there is a need to show the same unity of purpose towards Africa as we have shown for Ukraine. Also, a need to focus on cooperation with legitimate governments and regional organisations.
Reuters: “EU chief calls for more engagement with Africa”, Accessed: 13th September, 2023.
- Madagascar opposition condemns ‘institutional coup’ before vote (African Union)
Opposition parties in Madagascar have denounced what they say is an “institutional coup” after the prime minister, an ally of President Andry Rajoelina, was put in charge of the nation in the run-up to a presidential election. Voters in Madagascar, one of the poorest countries on the globe despite vast natural resources, head to the polls to elect a president on November 9. Rajoelina, 49, resigned on Saturday, in line with the constitution, in order to run for re-election.
Africa News: “Madagascar opposition condemns ‘institutional coup’ before vote”, Accessed: 14th September, 2023.
- Flood Alert: 13 states, 50 communities, likely to witness heavy rainfall, flooding
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says 13 states and 50 communities, mainly up North, are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding between Sept. 13 and 17.
The Guardian Newspaper: “Flood Alert: 13 states, 50 communities, likely to witness heavy rainfall, flooding”, Accessed: 14th September 2023.
A total system collapse has resulted in widespread power blackouts across Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy. The outage on Thursday affected all of Nigeria’s 36 states and its capital, Abuja.The grid has collapsed multiple times, and it was not clear when power would be restored. The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, which supplies electricity to southeastern Nigeria, issued a statement announcing a “total system” collapse.
Al Jazeera: “ Nationwide blackout across Nigeria after power grid collapse”, Accessed 14 September 2023
