Africa
Deadly clashes in Sudan’s Darfur region leave scores dead, many wounded
Deadly clashes in Sudan’s Darfur region leave scores dead, many wounded
Khartoum, Sudan – More than two weeks of fierce fighting between Sudan’s military and the notorious paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over control of the major city of el-Fasher in western Darfur have resulted in at least 123 fatalities and over 930 injuries, an international aid group reported on Sunday.
Doctors Without Borders described the violence in el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, as indicative of the brutal intensity of the conflict and called on the warring factions to take greater measures to protect civilians.
The clashes, which escalated earlier this month, have forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. El-Fasher has emerged as a focal point of the confrontation between the military and the RSF, supported by Arab militias commonly referred to as janjaweed, and stands as the last stronghold under military control in the vast Darfur region.
Sudan’s conflict erupted in April last year following escalating tensions between military leaders and the RSF, leading to widespread violence and displacement across the country. The unrest has claimed over 14,000 lives, with thousands more wounded, amidst reports of rampant sexual violence and other atrocities.
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The dire situation has pushed Sudan’s population to the brink of famine, with the UN food agency warning of the imminent risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and other regions if humanitarian aid is not permitted to reach those in need.
The RSF has bolstered its forces in recent months, intensifying efforts to seize control of el-Fasher. Alongside its militia allies, the RSF has encircled the city and launched significant offensives on its southern and eastern fronts.
Renewed clashes erupted on Thursday in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced persons in the Salam neighbourhood, as well as in the city’s southwestern areas, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration.
The violence escalated further on Saturday when a shell struck the residence of an aid worker from Doctors Without Borders near the main market, resulting in the aid worker’s death.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, condemned the “tragic” killing and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
With hundreds of thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire, Nkweta-Salami emphasized the urgent need for peace and urged all parties involved to prioritise the protection of civilians and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas.
Deadly clashes in Sudan’s Darfur region leave scores dead, many wounded
Africa
Boyfriend of murdered Kenyan journalist arrested
Boyfriend of murdered Kenyan journalist arrested
Africa
Baltasar Engonga: I dated him for four years, lady says, sues for betrayal
Baltasar Engonga: I dated him for four years, lady says, sues for betrayal
Cristel Nchama, one of the women appearing in viral explicit videos allegedly involving Baltasar Engonga, the former director-general of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has filed a formal complaint with the National Gendarmerie in Malabo.
Engonga has been the focus of intense public scrutiny after investigators, probing allegations of fraud, searched his home and office and reportedly uncovered approximately 400 explicit videos featuring him with multiple women.
The tapes allegedly show Baltasar Engonga with his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the country’s president, the wife of the director-general of police, and around 20 wives of ministers, among others.
The recordings, which have since gone viral, are said to have taken place in Engonga’s office, hotels, and bathrooms, purportedly with the consent of those involved.
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In her complaint, Nchama disclosed that she had been in a four-year relationship with Engonga and expressed profound distress over the public leak of the videos, which she says has harmed her reputation.
Nchama claimed that Engonga “misled” her into trusting him and that she had initially resisted being filmed, under the impression that any recordings would be deleted.
She also claimed to have been “betrayed” by Bello for publishing the videos.
“I am humiliated,” she stated. “It is my reputation, my honour. I want to know where these images came from and why he kept the images.”
In addition to filing her complaint, Nchama has demanded reparations from Engonga for the damage caused to her reputation and personal dignity.
Following the scandal, the government dismissed Engonga from his position at ANIF on Thursday.
Officials also announced the suspension of various public officials allegedly involved in sexual activities within government offices.
Baltasar Engonga: I dated him for four years, lady says, sues for betrayal
Africa
Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea appoints new anti-graft agency boss
Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea appoints new anti-graft agency boss
Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has appointed Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo as the new Director General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), succeeding Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who was removed amid sex scandal.
Recall that Engonga was dismissed following accusations of “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions,” along with inappropriate family and social behavior unfit for public office, as stated in Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4.
The investigation uncovered over 400 video recordings in Engonga’s office, reportedly involving the wives and relatives of high-ranking officials, including ministers and police officers.
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The shocking discovery triggered widespread public outrage and prompted swift action by the government.
In response, the Equatorial Guinean government has mandated the installation of surveillance cameras across all state offices, aiming to monitor officials’ conduct and deter future misconduct.
Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo, who steps into the role at ANIF is a graduate of the National University of Equatorial Guinea, Avomo and has held key positions, including Magistrate Judge in Malabo, Director General of Contract Studies and State Markets at the Ministry of Finance, and Secretary General for both the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Planning, and the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Energy.
Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea appoints new anti-graft agency boss
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