(2023-12-19). Single-Use Food Packaging from 17 Countries Contains PFAS "Forever Chemicals" pressenza.com 19 December 2023, Gothenburg City, Sweden/Quezon City Philippines. A study released today by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) and 18 IPEN member groups found toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, including globally banned substances, in single-use, paper, cardboard, and plant-based molded fiber food containers and tableware purchased from 17 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. | PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer, infertility, and endocrine disruption. Prior studies have shown that PFAS in food packaging can…
(2023-12-19). EAC withdraws from election observation in DR Congo. independent.co.ug 
Arusha, Tanzania | THE INDEPENDENT | The East African Community (EAC) will not participate as an observer in the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due on Wednesday, December 20. The secretariat said in a brief statement that the DRC authorities had declined the EAC application to have an observer mission in the …
(2023-12-19). Chinese drought-tolerant rice variety helps feed Africa, address climate woes. ecns.cn A drought-tolerant rice variety developed by China is boosting food production in African countries while slashing methane emissions, which have been linked to global warming.
(2023-12-19). Cricket-De Zorzi ton guides South Africa to eight-wicket win over India. devdiscourse.com (adds quotes) Dec 19 (Reuters) -…
(2023-12-19). Black Americans' support for Palestinians growing as Israel war rages: Report. presstv.ir Israel's intensified violence in Gaza since the war began on October 7 has fostered solidarity between Black Americans and Palestinians, according to a report.
(2023-12-18). US Airstrike Reported in Somalia for First Time in Months. news.antiwar.com The US launched an airstrike in southern Somalia on Sunday as part of an operation in collaboration with the Mogadishu-based government, Voice of America reported. The US-backed government claimed the operation killed a senior al-Shabaab commander. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the accuracy of the government's report to VOA, a US-state-funded media outlet, although AFRICOM …
(2023-12-18). Health sets record straight on placement of medical interns, community service graduates. sanews.gov.za Health sets record straight on placement of medical interns, community service graduates | The Department of Health says it has noted an inaccurate article, with a misleading headline, by News24 about the placement of medical interns and community service doctors. | According to the article, National Treasury budget cuts could affect community service placements for nearly 200 health workers. | "Recent cuts to South Africa's provincial budgets are making less money available to pay for health science graduates, who need to do their community service. These positions are often crucial to the healthcare needs of p…
(2023-12-18). Spy Chief's Efforts to Hold Talks With Rwandan Dictator Paul Kagame as His Forces Terrorize the Democratic Republic of Congo is a Joke, says Central African Expert. covertactionmagazine.com In late November, Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), traveled to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for meetings with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. The stated purpose of the meetings was to try to de-escalate tensions in eastern DRC, which has seen stepped up attacks by …
(2023-12-18). Africa's new online foreign exchange system will enable cross-border payments in local currencies. independent.co.ug 
What you need to know INTERVIEW | CHRISTOPHER ADAM | The high cost of making cross border payments on the African continent has driven governments on the continent to seek options of settling trade and other transactions in local currencies. This has given birth to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System which is scheduled to …
(2023-12-18). Somali troops now in charge of State House as ATMIS exits. independent.co.ug 
Somali security forces take over key installations from ATMIS troops MOGADISHU | Xinhua | Somali security forces have officially taken over security responsibilities for the presidential palace, State House, and Parliament from the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) troops. ATMIS said the handover took place Sunday afternoon in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, marking the …
(2023-12-18). Democracy, peace, and equality: today's anti-racist imperatives. cpusa.org 
The following report was presented by Eric Brooks on behalf of the African American Equality Commission to the December 3, 2023 CPUSA National Committee meeting. | Thank you comrades for the opportunity to present this report. | The African American Equality Commission (AAEC) welcomes the current upsurge in people's struggle in the U.S. The massive union struggles and huge marches demanding a ceasefire in Palestine reflect large segments of the U.S. population, including youth, rising up to defend human dignity and demand peace and a just economy. | Fascism thrives on racism, sexism, and xenophobia. It fosters…
(2023-12-18). Makhathini Lower Pongola water association to ensure fair water management. sanews.gov.za Makhathini Lower Pongola water association to ensure fair water management | Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says the Makhathini Lower Pongola Water Users Association will ensure fair water management for those living in the uMkhanyakude and Zululand Districts, KwaZulu-Natal. | Mchunu made the remarks following the launch of Makhathini Lower Pongola Water Users Association, which will manage water resources, including the Jozini Dam, Pongola River and Makhathini Canal to benefit all water users in the two districts. | Accompanied by Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza,…
(2023-12-18). Young men urged to consider nursing as a career. sanews.gov.za Young men urged to consider nursing as a career | KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane, has urged young men to consider pursuing a career in the nursing profession. | Simelane made the call during the graduation ceremony of 197 nurses, including 56 male nurses, from the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing. | "In our engagements with men during our community outreach programmes, such as Isibaya Samadoda and Ikhosomba Lamajita, we have established that some men are too 'shy' to speak openly to female health practitioners about certain ailments that they might have – especially those that may pertain to their s…
(2023-12-19). Headlines for December 19, 2023. democracynow.org Israeli Strikes on Jabaliya and Rafah Kill Dozens, Pushing Gaza Death Toll Toward 20,000, Palestinian Journalists Adel Zorob, Abdullah Alwan and Haneen Al-Qashtan Killed by Israeli Strikes, In Tel Aviv, Pentagon Chief Calls U.S.-Israel Ties "Unshakable," Pledges More Arms for Israel, U.N. Security Council Delays Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Resolution After U.S. Delegation Objects, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs SB4, Making It a Crime to Enter the U.S. Outside Ports of Entry, Egypt's el-Sisi Claims Victory in Presidential Election After Barring and Intimidating Opponents, Pope Francis Allows Priests to…
(2023-12-19). Egypt's Sisi wins presidential election with 89.6% of vote. independent.co.ug 
CAIRO | Xinhua | Egypt's National Election Authority (NEA) declared on Monday that incumbent President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi won the 2024 presidential election with 89.6 percent of valid votes. At a press conference in the capital Cairo, the NEA said the turnout reached 66.8 percent of the total 67 million eligible voters. Voting in Egypt took …
(2023-12-19). Egypt's President Sisi Clinches 3rd Term, Defying Odds, Shaping Country's Future. themedialine.org 
(2023-12-18). 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' Day 72: Israeli Forces Kill Palestinians in Church, UNRWA Warns of Mass Flight to Egypt. transcend.org From 7 Oct to 17 Dec 2023: | – 18,800+ killed and more than 51,000 wounded in the Gaza Strip | – 297 Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem | – Israel revises its estimated 7 Oct death toll down from 1,400 to 1,147…
(2023-12-18). Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi elected for a third term. peoplesdispatch.org Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was elected for the third term in office in results declared by the Egypt's National Election Authority on Monday, December 18. The elections were held for three days between December 10 and 12. | With a reported voter turnout of 66.8%, al-Sisi received 89.6% votes beating his nearest rival Hazem Omar of Republican People's Party with a wide margin. Omar received just 4.5% of all votes. |
(2023-12-18). Egypt: President Sisi reelected for third term after vote marred by bribes and intimidation. middleeasteye.net 
(2023-12-19). Burkina Faso – Food Security Outlook: Food aid must be increased to save lives and end the risk of Famine (IPC Phase 5) in northern Burkina Faso, October 2023 – May 2024. reliefweb.int
(2023-12-19). Chad – Key message update: In the Sahel, food consumption deficit is exacerbated by declining harvests and atypical food price increases, November 2023. reliefweb.int
(2023-12-19). Chad Food Security Outlook – October 2023 – May 2024. reliefweb.int 
(2023-12-18). Libya: How a sinking migrant boat's pleas for help fell on deaf ears. middleeasteye.net 
Libya: How a sinking migrant boat's pleas for help fell on deaf ears | A hotline for boats in distress said it alerted authorities about a sinking boat off the coast of Libya multiple times, but rescue came too late | Mon, 12/18/2023 – 14: 18 | Migrants from Eritrea, Libya and Sudan are crowded into the hold of a wooden boat in the Mediterranean Sea, before being assisted by Spanish…
(2023-12-18). We're Still Breathing: Amhara Genocide in Ethiopia. counterpunch.org Ignored by western governments and largely overlooked by media a genocide is taking place in Ethiopia. The Amhara people, a large ethnic group, are being ethnically cleansed from the region of Oromia, the largest region on the country. Tens of thousands of Amhara have been killed by Oromo fanatics, over three million have been displaced,
(2023-12-19). The United States Of War, The Plan For New Gaza Israeli Settlements & Palestinians Buried Alive. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/18/23). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth
(2023-12-18). Gran explosión en Guinea-Conakri deja al menos 8 fallecidos. telesurtv.net En un comunicado, el Gobierno anunció el cierre de escuelas públicas y privadas en la capital e instó a los trabajadores a quedarse en casa.
(2023-12-18). Blood Carbon: Kenyans are Being Erased so the UAE can Greenwash. counterpunch.org 
Sasimwani, Kenya. You've heard of blood diamonds — extracted by violence, slavery, and displacement then processed through accounting magic and slick marketing until the finished product appears clean. Like the carbon atoms that make up these diamonds, under extreme pressure and buried far out of sight, the ravaged lives of millions of people are transformed
(2023-12-19). Morocco, Malawi Set To Deepen Bilateral Ties, Partnership in 2024. themedialine.org 
(2023-12-19). Crackdown intensifies on 'formalism at fingertips'. ecns.cn A guideline on preventing "formalism at fingertips" was recently issued by the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission to implement the central leadership's call to combat formalism and bureaucracy.
(2023-12-19). No Donbass, a vida gradualmente volta ao normal. globalresearch.ca Pouco mais de um ano após a reintegraàßà£o com a Federaàßà£o Russa, a vida das pessoas comuns nas Novas Regiàµes está claramente melhorando. O comércio está regressando à normalidade, o abastecimento de água e energia está se estabilizando e o …
(2023-12-18). After decisive contract rejection, Southwest Airlines flight attendant union calls for revote, based on unsubstantiated claims of fraud. wsws.org The Transport Workers Union is trying to use minor voting anomalies to ram through a sellout contract on flight attendants at Southwest.
(2023-12-18). After two months of genocidal war and more than 19,000 dead, Israel attempts to normalize the unspeakable. peoplesdispatch.org Over 52,000 Palestinians have been injured in the Israeli bombardment and ground attacks, as Israeli forces target densely populated areas…
(2023-12-18). Against the Cult of the Child. dissidentvoice.org I recently witnessed the birth of one of my relative's daughter. The entire event was bathed in a spiritual halo. The relative's tormented screams — likened by a person to an animalistic agony — were supposedly neutralized by the prayer which she was loudly reciting. When the baby finally came out, everyone was thankful to …
(2023-12-18). 2023-12-18: News Headlines. south-america.positiveuniverse.com •
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(2023-12-19). Moves of UK and US Over Chagos Expose True Nature of 'Values-Based Alliance'. orinocotribune.com By Global Times — Dec 9, 2023 | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and visiting British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on Thursday local time in a joint press conference that they had discussed the "vital" US-UK Indian Ocean air base at Diego Garcia. Cameron did not give a specific response when asked if the UK was dropping plans to return the Chagos Islands, of which Diego Garcia is the largest member, to Mauritius, while Blinken said that Washington "recognizes UK sovereignty over British Indian Ocean Territory." | The word "recognize" here is full of darkness, injustice and irony. This immediately…
(2023-12-19). Niger – Food Security Outlook: October 2023 – May 2024. reliefweb.int 
(2023-12-19). Crisis Unfolds: Rebels Take Control of Sudan's Second-Largest City, Endangering Thousands of Refugees. themedialine.org 
(2023-12-19). Kawempe Hospital registers decline in maternal deaths. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kawempe National Maternal Hospital is witnessing a noteworthy decrease in avoidable maternal and neonatal deaths, thanks to corporate support received from various companies as part of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. During the reception of essential utility commodities from Stanbic and its partners, Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga, the hospital's executive director …
(2023-12-19). Court confirms murder, terror charges against Kiggundu suspect killers. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The International Crimes Division of the High Court has formally charged individuals linked to the killing of Major Mohammad Kiggundu and his bodyguard Sergeant Steven Mukasa. Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire, on Monday, confirmed multiple charges against the accused, who will now await trial before a designated panel. The accused, …
(2023-12-19). Court rules ex-LRA commander Kwoyelo to answer 78 of 93 charges, 14 dropped. independent.co.ug 
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT & URN | Prosecution has secured a ruling of a case to answer in 78 charges in the ex-LRA commander Thomas Kwoyelo case. The High Court International Crimes Division has ruled that Thomas Kwoyelo alias Latoni has a case to answer in 78 out of 93 charges. Loss of the 14 …
(2023-12-19). Gulu street children seek belonging. independent.co.ug 
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A former street child in Gulu, Patrick Ocen has pleaded with the government and authorities to handle with caution the Aguu (street children) question in Northern Uganda. He believes the issue is complex and that those young people who were victims or survivors of the war have many questions …
(2023-12-19). Police explains how gang leader Sobi met his death. independent.co.ug 
Gomba, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Paddy Sserunjogi, widely known as Sobi, met a tragic end on Monday afternoon in Kibaale village, Kigumba parish, Maddu Sub-county, Gomba district. Residents allegedly attacked and hacked him to death, accusing him of forcefully acquiring land. Confirming Sobi's demise late in the evening, Katonga Regional Police Spokesperson Superintendent of …
(2023-12-19). Australia-based Stuart Kasule challenges MOH on mental health awareness. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Health has been asked to support mental health and suicide public awareness campaigns aimed at addressing the burden in the country without stigmatizing victims. Uganda is ranked 17th on the list of countries where suicide is registered as a cause of death, with 18.67 per 100,000 …
(2023-12-19). The Remnant Generation helps 500 teenage mothers gain new skills courtesy of Airtel. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Milly Nakiranda (real name withheld), a senior two student, had to withdraw from studies when she conceived after being defiled by her teacher. This meant that her academic dream of gaining a professional skill was doomed since she had to halt her studies. Her story is like that of many …
(2023-12-19). UMSC secures court order restraining 'Mufti' Ssemambo. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has obtained a court order halting the enforcement of previous directives issued by Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa Ntambi in regard to managment of the religious body. Justice Dr. Winfred N. Nabisinde issued the restraining order on Monday, December 18. The order specifically targets the …
(2023-12-19). Eviction of encroachers at Lubigi wetland paralyzes traffic on Mityana Road. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Environment Management Authority- NEMA has started evicting encroachers on Lubigi swamp in Wakiso district. On Tuesday, a joint task force comprising officials from the Police Environment Protection Unit, National Environment Management Authority, and KCCA among other agencies started destroying all structures and plantations in the wetland. Bulldozers …
(2023-12-18). Police hunting for witchdoctor who is luring Kyotera anthrax patients from hospital. independent.co.ug 
Kyotera, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | With many anthrax patients abandoning treatment in hospital and disappearing, the Greater Masaka Regional Security Committee has issued orders for the arrest of a witch doctor who allegedly is luring them to her shrine. The accused, Sylvia Nansamba, Chairperson of traditional healers in Rakai district, has been accused of targeting …
(2023-12-18). CARS: Early Christmas gifts for former Speakers. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | All Parliament Speakers who served Uganda since 1979 have today received new official government vehicles, and will be assured of replacment every five years. "You will be required to bring your own driver, who we will recruit as Parliamentary staff. The car remains a property of Government of Uganda and Parliament …
(2023-12-18). CHEPTEGEI: Parents are key in sports success. independent.co.ug 
Kapchorwa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Long-distance champion Joshua Cheptegei, has urged parents in Sebei sub-region to support and nurture their children's talent in sports and education, emphasizing the role of parental empowerment in securing their offspring's future. The three-time world champion in the 10,000 meters highlighted the pivotal role parents play in aiding their …
(2023-12-18). Is Mubaje still Mufti of Uganda? independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A court order granting authority to Babirye Yudaya, Burhan Namanya, and Hussein Simbwa to organize a special session of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council ( UMSC) General Assembly, has resulted in the group saying they have electing a new Mufti, Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, supposedly to replace Shiekh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje. Hadji Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, …
(2023-12-18). Is Mubaje still Mufti of Uganda? independent.co.ug Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A court order granting authority to Babirye Yudaya, Burhan Namanya, and one Hussein to organize a special session of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council ( UMSC) General Assembly, has resulted in the group saying they have electing a new Mufti, Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, supposedly to replace Shiekh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje. Hadji Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, …
(2023-12-18). Uganda awaits judgement on Anti-Homosexuality Law case. independent.co.ug 
Court Concludes Hearing Anti Homosexuality Case, to Deliver Judgement on Notice Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A panel of five Constitutional Court Justices in Kampala has concluded the hearing of four consolidated petitions challenging the Anti Homosexuality Law and promised to deliver its verdict on notice. The panel comprised Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, Geoffrey …
(2023-12-18). Uganda Virus Research Institutue escapes US aid cut. independent.co.ug 
UVRI Wins Another Five Year PEPFAR Grant Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) has secured a five-year grant extension, further fortifying its efforts in HIV treatment, diagnosis, and research, aligning with global endeavors to combat the HIV epidemic. Prof Pontian Kaleebu, the executive director of UVRI, announced the renewed …