Regional News
Floods affect 1 million people in Nigeria’s northeast, state governor says | Reuters
Floods that swept through Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state have affected up to 1 million people, the state governor said on Wednesday, as authorities scrambled to rescue residents and put them in temporary shelters. The floods began when a dam overflowed following heavy rains, decimating a state-owned zoo and washing crocodiles and snakes into flooded communities. Local officials said it was the worst flooding in the state in two decades.
Floods in West Africa displace nearly 1 million people | Africanews
Recent heavy rains and floods across Mali, Nigeria and Niger have forced nearly 950,000 people from their homes. NGO Save the children alerted Friday (Sep. 06) about the risk of disease, hunger from crop destruction, and disruption to education that the situation incurs to the hundreds of thousands of children now displaced. While this is normally the rainiest time of the year in West Africa, this year’s rains have been more severe than usual. Widespread flood have affected 29 of the Nigeria’s 36 states. The torrential rainfall has led to the overflowing of dams and rising water levels of the two largest rivers, the Niger and the Benue.
Africa faces unprecedented heat waves amid global record temperatures | Africanews
The summer of 2024 has marked the hottest on record globally, and Africa has been particularly impacted by extreme heat waves that have devastated communities and threatened livelihoods. According to the European climate service, Copernicus, this summer’s temperatures broke all previous records, a trend attributed to human-caused climate change. While the El Niño phenomenon contributed to some temperature increases in previous years, the main driver of these extreme conditions is now long-term climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels.
Grisly road accident claims the lives of at least 50 people in Nigeria | Africanews
At least 50 people died after a fuel tanker collided head-on with another truck in Nigeria on Sunday causing an explosion. Accodingto the director-general of the Niger State Abdullahi Baba-Arab, the ful tanker was transporting cattle in the Agaie area in north-central Niger state where at least 50 of them were burnt alive. Authorities called upon the affected residents to be calm and at the sametime asked road users to abide by the road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road deaths increased by 17 percent in sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2021, they decreased by 5 percent globally over the same period.
At least 48 killed in Nigerian fuel truck explosion | Reuters
At least 48 people were killed on Sunday in a fuel tanker truck explosion following a collision with another vehicle in north-central Nigeria, the state’s disaster management agency said. The State Emergency Management Agency in north-central Niger state said the fuel truck collided with a truck carrying travellers and cattle. Several other vehicles were also caught up in the accident, it said.
The agency’s spokesperson Hussaini Ibrahim put the death toll at 48 and officials were still trying to clear the scene of the incident.
Heavy rainfall, network outrage amidst flooding in Maiduguri – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
As residents of Maiduguri, Borno State capital continue to struggle amidst flood disaster, there has been a heavy rainfall in the city. However, the rainfall lasted for few minutes in the afternoon according to residents from different parts of the metropolis and Jere local government area of the state. Some residents interviewed by this reporter also indicated that the rain has no negative effect to the already dire situation. Similarly, there has been a network outrage in the city for about four hours.
Flooding in west and central Africa worsens after dam collapse in Nigeria | Africanews
On Tuesday, September 10, the collapse of the Alau Dam in northern Nigeria intensified the ongoing flooding across West and Central Africa. The dam, located 20 kilometers from Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital, failed after weeks of heavy rain, submerging parts of the city and destroying thousands of homes in an area with nearly one million residents. The collapse has caused 30 deaths and displaced around 400,000 people, adding to the severe impact of the floods in Nigeria. As of September 6, the UN had already reported over 200 deaths and 225,000 displacements. Borno State remains one of the most affected regions.
Flood-Related Prison Break in Maiduguri: Many Inmates Still Missing – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Facts are beginning to emerge following an alleged flood-induced prison break on Tuesday that saw more than 400 inmates escape after flood waters breached the walls of a correctional facility in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria. Amid the confusion caused by the devastating floods, unverified reports suggested that prison officials fired shots in an attempt to prevent a mass escape, as a major perimeter wall of the New Prison Maiduguri collapsed under the rising waters.
Nigeria must investigate attacks on journalists — IPI – Daily Trust
The IPI global network has condemned attacks on journalists covering the recent anti-government protests in Nigeria, calling on authorities to investigate these incidents and take measures to ensure journalists’ safety. Between August 1 and 10, thousands of Nigerians flocked to the streets in various cities across the country to protest economic hardship, the rising cost of living, fuel prices, and bad governance.
Still, urgent action needed to address Alau Dam flood crisis – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources, which oversees the Alau Dam, must urgently intervene to prevent further damage and contain the Maiduguri and Jere flood. Historically, the water supply to the Alau Dam and Jere Bowl primarily depends on the seasonal inflow of the Ngadda River, a tributary of the larger Yedzeram River. The Yedzeram River originates from the Hudu Hills, east of Mubi, and flows northwest towards Lake Chad.
Borno flood: Climate change, excessive rainfall responsible for Alau Dam overflow – FG – Daily Trust
The Federal Government has assured the public that the Alau Dam in Borno State did not collapse during the recent flooding. Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, attributed the overflow to climate change and excessive rainfall
Maiduguri flood: Defence chief assures affected communities of support – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, has assured his support to communities affected by flood in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State. The devastating flood began late yesterday and affected vast parts of Maiduguri, including the Shehu’s palace, located at the heart of the city. The flood, which was triggered by the overflow of the Alo Dam, has led to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and the displacement of thousands of residents.
Nigerian judge grants bail to 10 protesters charged with treason | Reuters
A Nigerian judge on Wednesday granted bail to 10 people charged with treason and conspiring to incite the military to mutiny following last month’s protests against a cost of living crisis. Nigerians protested for 10 days last month against high inflation that has made it difficult for ordinary people to meet their basic needs.
The protests, which saw thousands take to the streets, were met with a deadly crackdown by security forces. Amnesty International said at least 13 people were killed although security forces denied using lethal force.
Floods decimate Nigerian zoo, wash crocodiles into community | Reuters
Floods in north Nigeria have killed more than 80% of animals in a large zoo with an array of wildlife from lions and crocodiles to buffaloes and ostriches, the facility said on Tuesday. “Some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, like crocodiles and snakes,” Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo added in a statement on the floods in northern Borno state, urging residents to take precautions.
Floods began when a dam overflowed following heavy rains, uprooting thousands of people.
Leader of Nigeria’s labour federation arrested, union says | Reuters
Nigeria’s state security service arrested the president of its largest labour federation on Monday on charges that are yet to be disclosed, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said. The arrest of Joe Ajero comes days after he criticised the government for raising the price of gasoline by 39%, threatening to call a strike if the decision was not reversed. High fuel prices were among the reasons for cost of living protests in early August.
Africa CDC confident it can raise $600 million for mpox response | Reuters
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is able to raise $600 million to fight a surging mpox outbreak on the continent, the agency’s head said on Thursday. The World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency in mid-August, after a new strain began spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring countries. “If you want to know if I’m positive that we can raise the $600 million, I will safely say yes,” Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, told reporters.
Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria leaves 30 people dead | Africanews
Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria has left 30 people dead and affected more than a million others, authorities said on Wednesday. The collapse of a major dam in the state of Borno on Tuesday caused some of the state’s worst flooding since the same dam collapsed 30 years ago, and prompted many residents to flee their homes. The state government said the dam was at capacity due to unusually high rains. The current flooding comes nearly two years after Nigeria’s worst flooding in a decade killed more than 600 people across the country.
Cameroon: Former Prime Minister Yang chairs UN Assembly | Africanews
The former Cameroonian prime minister took over the presidency of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Tuesday, calling on the world’s divided nations to come together and act to address global challenges, from climate change to poverty, conflict and armed violence. Philemon Yang told the 193-member world body that there were doubts about the ability of nations to join forces to tackle these and other pressing issues. But he added: “We must demonstrate that international cooperation remains the most effective tool at our disposal to address the deep and borderless problems we face . ” Mr Yang, a former diplomat who served as prime minister of his West African country from 2009 to 2019, said the cornerstone of his one-year presidency “will be built on the principles of unity in diversity” . He added that peace and security would continue to be “of paramount importance” during his presidency.
Burkina Faso PM says civilians killed in jihadist attack lacked protection | Reuters
The attack was one of the worst in Burkina Faso’s history, and a setback for the junta that seized power in September 2022 vowing to tackle an insurgency that spread from neighbouring Mali in 2015. Addressing a flag-raising ceremony in the capital Ouagadougou, Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela described the attack as a tragedy that occurred because people were deceived. “The head of state gave necessary instructions for protecting the population when there are collective mobilisations such as this one,” said Tambela, who was installed by junta leader Ibrahim Traore.
“Capital City Comic Con”, a vision for Nigerian cartoons | Africanews
Abuja, the capital of Nigeria hosted its first edition of the ‘Capital City Comic Con’. The initiative aims to put the comic book industry on orbit in the country. For many, it’s a gathering to celebrate comics, film and pop culture, a place where fans meet their favourite creators. Artists say the first edition of the capital’s comic con in Abuja provided an opportunity for creative minds to network and enhance their creative prowess. Creative Art Studio host and boss Emmanuel John said it was an opportunity for illustrators to showcase and sell their work.
Peace and Security
US supports two permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa | Reuters
The United States supports creating two permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African states and one seat to be rotated among small island developing states, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced on Thursday. The move comes as the U.S. seeks to repair ties with Africa, where many are unhappy about Washington’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza, and deepen relations with Pacific Island nations important to countering Chinese influence in the region.
China-Africa Cooperation Summit: Key Takeaways and Future Prospects | Africanews
At the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China reaffirmed its commitment to Africa by pledging 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion) in credit lines and investments over the next three years. This substantial package, while significant, marks a notable reduction from previous commitments, reflecting a shift in China’s approach to Africa amidst its own domestic economic challenges and the growing debt risks in African nations.
Exclusive: The identities of Wagner mercenaries lost in a Mali ambush revealed | Reuters
Among the dozens of Wagner mercenaries presumed dead after a lethal battle with Tuareg rebels during a desert sandstorm in Mali in July were Russian war veterans who survived tours in Ukraine, Libya and Syria, according to interviews with relatives and a review of social media data.
The loss of such experienced fighters exposes dangers faced by Russian mercenary forces working for military juntas, which are struggling to contain separatists and powerful offshoots of Islamic State and Al Qaeda across the arid Sahel region in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Borno residents salute Nigerian Army for flood support – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Residents of Borno State have expressed their gratitude to the Nigerian Army for their support during the recent devastating flood that ravaged communities in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas.
The flood, which displaced thousands of people and destroyed properties, trapped many residents, but the Nigerian Army quickly responded to the disaster, evacuating those affected to safer locations.
Humanitarian
Two days after severe flooding hit Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeast Nigeria, rescue operations are battling against the odds, as many residents remain missing or trapped in the flood. Families who managed to escape still cannot account for missing relatives, fearing the worst.
Eyewitnesses report that unidentified bodies have been found floating in the floodwaters, raising concerns for the safety of missing individuals, including children. Hardest-hit areas in the Maiduguri metropolis include Customs, SS Quarters, and the 505 Housing Estate, where rescue teams, already stretched thin, struggle with a lack of resources like motorboats to navigate the dangerous waters.
Borno Flood: Fintiri, Betara donates N150million to victims – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
In a show of solidarity, Governor Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri donated N50 million, while Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, representing Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Kusar, and Shani Federal Constituency, donated N100 million to the flood victims in Maiduguri. The leaders announced these donations on Thursday during their visit to Maiduguri to express solidarity and support for the Borno State Government and to assist the victims of the recent devastating floods that have ravaged the region.
Borno Government Reopens IDP Camps As Maiduguri Faces Severe Flooding – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
On Sept. 13 1994, Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria was devastated by a catastrophic flood that claimed numerous lives and destroyed homes and infrastructure. Today, exactly 30 years later, the city is grappling with a similar disaster as heavy flooding once again affects much of central Maiduguri. As was the case in 1994, this latest flood was anticipated. While coastal areas experienced some flooding late last week, the situation escalated dramatically in the early hours of Tuesday when the dikes of the Alau Dam, a primary source of drinking water for the city, collapsed. The resulting deluge engulfed the city within hours.
In Fori community, hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs have taken shelter in a public school, following a devastating flood that rendered them homeless. Over 500 in number, the displaced persons are from communities situated along river banks.They are Fori, Aji-Alaji, Galtimari, among others.The victims include children, wet mothers, sick persons and aged-men and women. The flood disaster broke out on Tuesday, affecting several communities in the city.
Norwegian Refugee Council Expresses Concern Over Maiduguri Flooding – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
An international aid group, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), has expressed concerns over the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, saying it will exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis gripping the northeastern state if immediate assistance is not provided to “prevent further suffering and loss.” HumAngle reports that Monday flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall and the overflow of the Alau Dam — Maiduguri’s main water source – submerged most parts of the metropolis.
Yobe to return 2,390 displaced persons to ancestral homes – Daily Trust
The Yobe State Government has announced plans to return 2,390 displaced residents of the Mafa ward to their ancestral homes. Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (Rtd), the Special Advisor on Security to the Yobe State Governor, disclosed this during a press briefing in Damaturu on Thursday. The residents were forced to flee following Boko Haram attacks in August and September that claimed the lives of 34 villagers. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said the attacks displaced 475 households from four different communities within the Mafa ward in Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
ALGON seeks urgent aid to Borno flood victims – Daily Trust
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, has condoled with the residents and government of Borno State over the devastating flood that recently hit Maiduguri, the state capital. Speaking on behalf of the chairmen of the 774 local government areas across Nigeria, ALGON president, Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, in a statement sympathised with the families who lost loved ones and properties as a result of the disaster, while calling for urgent aid to alleviate the current state of the disaster.
Mobilization and economic development
Nigerian communities seek $310 million from Shell, want asset sale stopped | Reuters
Nigerian communities are claiming 505 billion naira ($310 million) in damages from Shell, which they accuse of breaching an existing court order by striking a deal to sell its onshore assets in the Niger Delta, court papers showed on Friday. Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab is set to exit Nigeria’s onshore oil and gas sector after agreeing in January to sell its business to a consortium of five mostly local companies for $2.4 billion. But more than 1,200 representatives of Ilaje communities in the Niger Delta asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the deal, arguing that Shell was violating a December 2023 ruling that suspended any assets sale until a compensation lawsuit was concluded.
AFRICA-FX-Kenyan and Zambian currencies seen stable, Nigeria’s could weaken | Reuters
The Kenyan, Ugandan, Ghanaian and Zambian currencies are expected to be broadly stable in the next week to Thursday, while Nigeria’s could fall, traders said. Kenya’s shilling is expected to be little changed in the coming week, extending a recent period of stability that has lasted about a month.
LSEG data quoted the shilling at 128.50/129.50 per dollar, compared with 128.25/129.25 at last Thursday’s close.
Africa CDC urges Western countries to boost funding for mpox response | Health News | Al Jazeera
The head of the African Union’s health agency has called on Western countries to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and not abandon Africa amid an ongoing mpox outbreak. Dr Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), said on Thursday that 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases had been recorded in the past week, just a week after his agency and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a continental response plan.
Do not ignore Mali’s multifaceted humanitarian catastrophe | Humanitarian Crises | Al Jazeera
Each year, we witness a further drop in rainfall – which translates to a drop in produce – resulting in us not having enough food to consume, let alone sell,” Debele Coulibaly, deputy chief of the small village of Safekora in central Mali, told me earlier this year. Sitting under a tree to shield himself from the scorching sun, he explained how farming has always been the only source of income in the village with 1,400 inhabitants, and climate change has left him and countless others struggling to provide for their families.
