Africa
Tunisia president pledges safety for Jewish citizens after synagogue attack
Tunisia president pledges safety for Jewish citizens after synagogue attack
Tunisian president Kais Saied pledged on Wednesday to guarantee the safety of Jewish citizens and their temples, after meeting the country’s chief rabbi in the wake of a deadly attack at a synagogue.
Last Tuesday a National Guardsman killed two Jewish visitors and two policemen at the synagogue on Djerba island – Africa’s oldest – before being shot dead. He had earlier killed a colleague at a naval installation.
Saied last week blamed the attack on “criminals” seeking to harm the tourism sector.
On Wednesday he met with Tunisia’s chief rabbi, chief Christian archbishop and Muslim mufti, saying that receiving clerics sent a “historical message” of coexistence and tolerance.
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“We will provide you security in your temples. Live in peace and security, and we will provide you with all security conditions,” Saied said in a broadcast of part of the meeting.
The Jewish victims of the attack, which occurred during an annual festival, were two cousins, one French-Tunisian and the other Israeli-Tunisian.
“The president gave us guarantees that what happened recently would not happen again”, Chief Rabbi Haïm Bittan said.
Saied did not describe the shooting as terrorism, a term he has sometimes used to label interventions by his political opponents since he extended his powers in 2021.
Mainly Muslim Tunisia is home to one of North Africa’s largest Jewish communities with about 1,800 members.
The pilgrimage to the Djerba festival regularly draws hundreds of Jews from Europe and Israel and has operated under tight security since al Qaeda militants attacked the synagogue in 2002 with a truck bomb, killing 21 Western tourists.
Tunisia president pledges safety for Jewish citizens after synagogue attack
Africa
Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead
Ten people have died after two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.
One of the choppers clipped the rotor of the other before the two crashed into the ground, footage published on local media show.
The incident took place at 09:30 local time (02:30 BST) in the Malaysian town of Lumut, which is home to a navy base.
There are no known survivors.
“All victims were confirmed dead on site and the remains were sent to the [Lumut] Military Hospital for identification,” said the Royal Malaysian Navy.
It added that it will form a committee to investigate the cause of the incident.
One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, is believed to have crashed onto a running track.
The other, a Fennec M502-6 carrying the other three victims, crashed into a swimming pool nearby.
The state’s fire and rescue department said it was alerted to the incident at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT).
In March, a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Malaysia’s Angsa Island during a training flight.
The pilot, co-pilot and two passengers on board were found and rescued by fishermen.
Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead
BBC
Africa
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
The League of African Ambassadors, a coalition of African diplomats, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his historic election as the President-elect of the Republic of Senegal.
In a statement released today and signed by the President of the group, Amb. Nwannebuike Eze Ominyi, the League heralded Faye’s triumph as a significant milestone for democracy not only in West Africa but across the entire continent.
Faye’s victory underscores the resilience of democratic values and processes in Senegal.
Ominyi emphasized the transformative nature of Faye’s ascent to power, characterizing it as a generational shift in Senegal’s political landscape. He urged Faye to swiftly address the pressing social and economic challenges confronting the nation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Senegal’s citizens.
Faye’s remarkable victory comes a mere 10 days after his release from prison, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Despite facing formidable obstacles, Faye’s courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to the democratic cause propelled him to triumph.
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The League lauded Faye’s tireless efforts to deepen democracy in Senegal and his ability to unite diverse segments of society. His extensive political experience and commitment to national development have garnered widespread support, particularly among the country’s youth.
“Faye’s years of political activism and democratic advocacy have earned him the trust and admiration of the Senegalese people,” Ominyi remarked. “His leadership will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for other African leaders, guiding them towards inclusive governance and sustainable development.”
As Senegal charts a course towards economic recovery and political stability, Faye’s leadership promises to set a precedent for excellence and progress. The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners stands ready to support President-elect Bassirou Faye in his efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive Senegal.
About the League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners:
The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and development across the African continent. Comprising distinguished diplomats and leaders, the League advocates for inclusive governance and socioeconomic progress in Africa.
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
Africa
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
Mali’s army has killed at least 13 civilians, including seven children aged between two and 17, in drone strikes in the north of the country, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
One man told the London-based rights group he had lost his wife and six of his children in the night-time air raid on the area of Amasrakad on March 17.
The army had described the two strikes as “having contributed to neutralising many terrorists”, Amnesty said, but that claim was refuted by the accounts of seven survivors and witnesses.
A first strike hit a pick-up truck, then a second struck a makeshift shelter where residents had sought refuge, killing nine people instantly, Amnesty said.
Three more people died of their wounds and a woman discovered later that her unborn foetus had died.
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“It is unconscionable that whole families could be killed by drone strikes, without any accountability or justice,” said Amnesty’s Samira Daoud.
“Authorities in Mali must ensure an effective and independent investigation into the killings of these civilians.”
Mali has since 2012 been ravaged by different jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as by self-declared self-defence forces and bandits.
The country has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, with the security situation compounded by a profound humanitarian and political crisis.
Amnesty says the army has intensified military operations against Al-Qaeda, IS and former rebel groups since mid-2023, regularly conducting drone strikes.
It said an increase in military operations in the regions of Kidal and Gao over the last few months had pushed many people to flee to Amasrakad.
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
AFP
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