(2023-12-21). BP Suspends All Oil Shipments Through Red Sea In Response To Houthi Blockade. popularresistance.org On Monday, December 18, oil giant BP announced that it would pause all oil shipments through the Red Sea due to Houthi's blockade of all ships heading to Israel. BP is the first oil and gas company to do so. The Ansar Allah forces had announced its blockade on December 9. Yahya Sare'e, the spokesperson of Yemeni armed forces, announced that the blockade would continue until Israel ended its genocidal war on Gaza and lifted the blockade on the besieged Palestinian territory. | As a result of the blockade, cargo ships have been forced to travel around the African continent rather than through the Red Sea, increasin…
(2023-12-20). MEC Marais mourns death of celebrity cook Fatima Sydow. sanews.gov.za MEC Marais mourns death of celebrity cook Fatima Sydow | Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais, has expressed shock and sadness at the passing of celebrity cook, Fatima Sydow, at the age of 50. | According to a statement released by the family, Sydow passed away peacefully on Tuesday at Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town, after battling soft tissue sarcoma since 2020. | She was surrounded by her immediate family. | Marais said Sydow would be missed by everyone she touched with her warm personality, including the many fans of her hit TV show, Kaap, Kerrie en Koesisters. | "The sun will…
(2023-12-20). Cabinet Greenlights PetroSA Partnership with Gazprombank to Restart WC Refinery. infobrics.org Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has defended the move, saying it would lower the price of fuel and was based on South Africa's partnership with BRICS nations to increase trade and investment between them…
(2023-12-20). Trump: Illegal Immigrants Are Poisoning The Blood Of America, They're Coming From Prisons And Mental Institutions. moguldom.com Former President Donald Trump characterized immigrants, singling out those from Africa and Asia, as "poisoning the blood of our country" at recent campaign events. The comments have sparked criticism and comparisons to Adolf Hitler-like rhetoric. During a rally in Durham, New Hampshire, Trump said: "They're poisoning the blood of our country. They're coming into our …
(2023-12-20). Shipping firms cease deliveries to "Israel" or reroutes around Africa. mronline.org 
The Singaporean shipping company, ONE, declares that it would be ceasing all shipments to the Occupation's ports, according to reports by Israeli media.
(2023-12-20). Letter from Alkebulan: the Mother of Mankind. counterpunch.org It was dusk by the time my postponed flight to Paris from Heathrow strained into the sky like a goose late for migration. What should have been a direct flight to East Africa had been canceled the day before. There was I, traveling because of a conflict on another continent, with my own continent providing
(2023-12-20). Ugandan creatives shine at MultiChoice Talent Factory graduation in Nairobi. independent.co.ug 
Nairobi, Kenya | THE INDEPENDENT | Four talented Ugandan students have celebrated their graduation from the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) East Africa Academy in Nairobi. The ceremony at the Hermosa Gardens Hotel acknowledged the exceptional achievements of these budding filmmakers who dedicated 12 months to refining their craft. Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at …
(2023-12-20). Disaster teams respond to Dundee flood victims. sanews.gov.za Disaster teams respond to Dundee flood victims |
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| According to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre preliminary reports, a thunderstorm, which lasted about 45 minutes, swept through Sithembile Township, outside Dundee, tragically claiming one life — an adult male who was struck by lightning and later succumbed to h…
(2023-12-20). Thousands of jobs created in tourism, clothing sectors in W Cape. sanews.gov.za Thousands of jobs created in tourism, clothing sectors in W Cape | Targeted skills programmes run by the Western Cape's Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the private sector, resulted in 2 772 jobs for previously unemployed young people between April and November 2023. | The province said there has been "notable" post-pandemic growth in the tourism sector. | According to the latest data, between 2021 and 2022, 154 442 tourism jobs were created in the province, bringing the total to 214 909 jobs. | "In just three sectors in the Western Cape, we have seen the creation of n…
(2023-12-20). Umalusi mourns death of Prof Peliwe Lolwana. sanews.gov.za Umalusi mourns death of Prof Peliwe Lolwana | Umalusi and its stakeholders said they are in deep grief after the passing of Professor Peliwe Lolwana. | Lolwana was the last Chief Executive of the South African Certification Council (SAFCERT) and the first CEO of Umalusi, a position she held from 2000 until her retirement in 2008. | "She was at Umalusi on 24 November 2023 to give a memorable tribute speech at a memorial lecture and roundtable discussion organised in honour of the late Dr Fred Calitz, her SAFCERT predecessor. | "Little did we know that she had come to say goodbye to all of us. While she reached h…
(2023-12-20). City of Ekurhuleni officials arrested for alleged fuel theft. sanews.gov.za City of Ekurhuleni officials arrested for alleged fuel theft | Two City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) municipality officials have been arrested on allegations that they were stealing diesel belonging to the municipality. | According to the CoE, the two were arrested following a sting operation conducted at an agricultural holding by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, various law enforcement agencies and private security stakeholders. | "The first suspect was arrested when he came in to off-load diesel and the rest were nabbed at the Springs Depot. Also arrested were the owner of the private bus fleet company an…
(2023-12-20). Former Lotteries Commission grant manager's pension payout interdicted. sanews.gov.za Former Lotteries Commission grant manager's pension payout interdicted | The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a Special Tribunal order interdicting the R1.7 million pension payout due to former National Lotteries Commission's (NLC) Grant Manager, Marubini Ramatsekisa. | This in a long-running action taken by the SIU following an investigation into the affairs of the NLC. | The probe has resulted in, amongst others, the freezing of millions of rands in assets and the implication of board members of the commission in serious allegations of fraud and corruption at the commission. | SIU spokesperson Kaiz…
(2023-12-20). NERSA welcomes imprisonment of criminals damaging Transnet infrastructure. sanews.gov.za NERSA welcomes imprisonment of criminals damaging Transnet infrastructure | The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has welcomed the arrest and successful prosecution of criminals tampering with the Transnet pipeline to steal petrol and diesel. | In two separate matters, a thief was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for damaging essential infrastructure, while in another, two men were sentenced to 10 and 15 years, respectively, for theft of fuel. | Regulator Member Primarily Responsible for Petroleum Pipelines Regulation at NERSA, Muzi Mkhize, said: "We commend the law enforcement agencies for the…
(2023-12-20). SAA, SunExpress sign MoU. sanews.gov.za SAA, SunExpress sign MoU | South African Airways (SAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SunExpress for four aircrafts to support the national carrier's operations in the 2024/25 financial year. | According to SAA, the MoU is an add-on to the two airlines' current six-month damp lease agreement, which includes "the lease of two Boeing 737-800s, as well as maintenance and cockpit crew". | "In addition to plans to increase the number of damp lease aircraft, SAA and SunExpress are currently exploring options for a multi-year reciprocal capacity support and further cooperation with regards to mainte…
(2023-12-20). Government refurbishes Wolwekloof Nature Reserve project to attract tourists. sanews.gov.za Government refurbishes Wolwekloof Nature Reserve project to attract tourists | Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has handed over the multimillion rand refurbished Wolwekloof Nature Reserve Project in the Witzenberg Municipality to CapeNature in the Western Cape. | The multimillion rand infrastructure maintenance project was funded by the Department of Tourism with the intension to stimulate demand by investing in tourist attractions to build and diversify the country's tourism offerings. | "Tourism is a key sector in our economy, injecting billions into the economy each year and providing much needed jobs f…
(2023-12-20). Minister calls on road users to adhere to rules of the road. sanews.gov.za Minister calls on road users to adhere to rules of the road | Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on all road users to obey the rules of the road and for motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a trip and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. | "Please behave on the roads. In terms of our statistics, pedestrians are the most affected by road crashes, followed by victims of hit and run incidents, followed by cars that are overtaking on the road and head-on collisions," the Minister said on Wednesday. | Leading the Festive Season Road Safety Awareness Campaign on t…
(2023-12-21). The "election victory" of al-Sisi in Egypt. wsws.org If anything was needed in the midst of Israel's genocide against the Palestinians to reduce the human rights propaganda of the imperialist powers to absurdity, it is their partnership with the butcher of Cairo.
(2023-12-21). oPt: Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen announces extra ‚Ǩ25 million in emergency aid for Gaza during visit to Rafah border crossing. reliefweb.int Countries: Netherlands, occupied Palestinian territory | Source: Government of the Netherlands | The Netherlands is making an extra ‚Ǩ25 million available for humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, announced the new funding on Wednesday during his visit to the Rafah crossing, on Egypt's border with Gaza. Minister Van Leeuwen is visiting the crossing together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot. The contribution will be used to supply food, water, medical care and fuel for electricity and heating…
(2023-12-21). Hamas leader visits Egypt to discuss new Gaza truce. presstv.ir A top Hamas leader has traveled to Egypt to discuss a potential new Gaza truce involving an exchange of prisoners and the entry of more aid to Gaza.
(2023-12-20). Hostage Talks Resume, But Several Hurdles Remain Before Deal Reached. news.antiwar.com Israel and militant groups based in Gaza have resumed talks on reaching an agreement that would see Israeli hostages released. However, the parties' demands remain far apart. The Wall Street Journal reports the talks will be held in Egypt and include representatives from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). PIJ is another militia group based …
(2023-12-20). Egypt Joins China's ILRS Moon Base Initiative. infobrics.org Egypt and China signed a series of space agreements including cooperation on the China-led International Lunar Research Station…
(2023-12-20). Egypt's Sisi secures 3rd presidential term amid interwoven challenges. independent.co.ug 
CAIRO, EGYPT | Xinhua | Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Egypt's incumbent president, won the 2024 presidential election with 89.6 percent of the vote, securing a third term in office, according to results released Monday afternoon by Egypt's National Election Authority (NEA). Sisi has thus become the chosen leader of the most populous Arab country, which has played …
(2023-12-20). World Insights: Egypt's Sisi secures 3rd presidential term amid interwoven challenges. independent.co.ug CAIRO, EGYPT | Xinhua | Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Egypt's incumbent president, won the 2024 presidential election with 89.6 percent of the vote, securing a third term in office, according to results released Monday afternoon by Egypt's National Election Authority (NEA). Sisi has thus become the chosen leader of the most populous Arab country, which has played …
(2023-12-21). Venezuela Secures Release Of Government Envoy Alex Saab. popularresistance.org Venezuela successfully negotiated the release of Alex Saab, a government envoy who spent more than three years detained. | Saab landed in Caracas on Wednesday afternoon and was greeted by his family and Venezuelan government officials. His release comes as a result of a negotiation between the Nicolás Maduro government and the Joe Biden administration that will see the release of up to 36 people, 10 of them US citizens, currently detained in Venezuela. | The Maduro government envoy was arrested during a refueling stopover in Cape Verde in June 2020 on his way to Iran to negotiate food and fuel import deals amidst…
(2023-12-21). US releases detained Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab. peoplesdispatch.org Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab, who has been unjustly imprisoned in the United States since October 2021, was finally released from US custody on December 20. Saab was detained in Cape Verde a year after being Saab was sanctioned amid intensified US attacks against Venezuela, which was attempting to…
(2023-12-21). Democratic Republic of the Congo Regional Refugee Response Plan Dashboard – As of 30 September 2023. reliefweb.int 
(2023-12-20). BRICS Pivotal to Strengthen Multilateral Diplomatic Relations, Ensure Mutual Benefits. infobrics.org Ethiopia's accession to BRICS is pivotal for the development of multilateral diplomatic relations and ensuring mutual benefit, senior researcher the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Tesfaye Boyesa said…
(2023-12-21). Israel Kills 11 Palestinians Every Hour, Azov In Gaza & Israel Still Refusing Full Hostage Exchange. 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 (12/20/23). 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
(2023-12-20). Derrick Broze Interview — Impending "Planetary Emergency" & "Permacrisis" That Will End Sovereignty. thelastamericanvagabond.com Joining me today is Derrick Broze, here to discuss the recent COP28 meeting, and the numerous agendas that are building around what we are told is the current "polycrisis", with many claiming that this will inevitably become a "permacrisis" without the declaration of a "planetary emergency" — all for your safety of course. We also
(2023-12-21). Kenya At 60: Field Notes From The Neocolony. popularresistance.org Just four years after independence, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga published Not Yet Uhuru, a seminal political treatise of the new country. 60 years after independence, and 56 years after its publication, one might argue that nothing much has changed. As a nation, we find ourselves still grappling with the question of how Kenya became free with the greater portion of the arable land controlled by a handful of owners even as millions are squatters on their ancestral land.
(2023-12-20). Intern Spotlight: Seth Kinyua. worldbeyondwar.org 
Each month, we share the stories of World BEYOND War volunteers around the world. Want to volunteer with World BEYOND War? Email . | Location: : | Nairobi, Kenya | How did you get involved with anti-war activism and World BEYOND War (WBW)?: | From an early age, I was surrounded by refugees fleeing the violence in the DRC, Rwanda, and Sudan. This early exposure to the brutality of war birthed a desire to lend my voice in advocating for the end of all wars. Further, I had the privilege of serving Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Jorda…
(2023-12-20). Security Forces Crack Down on Unregistered Motorcycles, Foreign Number Plates in Karamoja. independent.co.ug 
Karamoja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Joint security forces in the Karamoja sub-region have escalated operations to clamp down on unregistered motorcycles as part of measures to enhance security ahead of the Christmas season. Given Karamoja's proximity to the Uganda-Kenya border, authorities perceive the region to be susceptible to security risks. The security authorities have initiated …
(2023-12-20). Security forces crack down on unregistered motorcycles, foreign number plates in Karamoja. independent.co.ug Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Joint security forces in the Karamoja sub-region have escalated operations to clamp down on unregistered motorcycles as part of measures to enhance security ahead of the Christmas season. Given Karamoja's proximity to the Uganda-Kenya border, authorities perceive the region to be susceptible to security risks. The security authorities have initiated …
(2023-12-20). 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' Day 74: Hamas Tells Israel It 'Arrived Too Late'. popularresistance.org The atrocities Israel committed in the Gaza Strip may need a UN special tribunal, said Martin Griffiths, the UN's under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs. | Griffiths told The Financial Times in an interview that he has dealt with conflicts and natural disasters in Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan, and yet the situation in Gaza, where 136 UN workers have been killed in Israeli bombardment, is by far the worst. | "None of the normal, sound foundations you see across the world for humanitarian operations in places like Syria and Afghanistan exist for us in Gaza.
(2023-12-20). Will Israel's Gaza Genocide Reshuffle the Regional & Global Order? thealtworld.com What does the genocide in Gaza mean for the surrounding Arab states? Do their oppositional responses even matter or is it all just symbolic? How will this impact the Abraham Accords and other normalization efforts? Why won't the Gulf states use their oil as leverage to pressure the United States? How does the genocide in Gaza impact countries like Jordan and Syria? How is it affecting America's standing in the world? What does it mean for Russia and China in an emerging multipolar world? | To discuss this and other regional developments, Rania Khalek was joined by Giorgio Cafiero, the CEO of Gulf State Analytics,…
(2023-12-20). Sayyed Houthi Confirms Continuing Gaza Support, Warns US against Aggression on Yemen. english.almanar.com.lb 
Head of Yemen's Ansarullah Movement, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badreddin Al-Houthi, affirmed on Wednesday that the Yemeni Armed Forces will continue acting in support of the Palestinian people and resistance in face of the Zionist aggression on Gaza. Sayyed Al-Houthi, on the other hand, warned the US administration of any escalation against Yemen, stressing that, in such …
(2023-12-20). 30 years of Mountain Gorilla tourism in Uganda. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The history of gorilla trekking in Uganda tracks back to the early 1990s when the country was experiencing its first years of stability after close to three decades that were marked by unrest and military coups. Until now, the world has a vague image of what the state of …
(2023-12-20). The U.S. Navy is Unprepared for a Prolonged war With Yemen. sonar21.com 
Aegis Missile Defense System | It looks like the United States, along with 9 allies — Great Britain, Italy, Bahrain, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain — are on the verge of entangling itself in a new Middle East quagmire as an international armada assembles in the international waters around Yemen. The mission? Stop Yemen from threatening cargo and oil tankers headed to Israel. | Tiny Yemen has surprised the West with its tenacity and ferocity in attacking ships trying to ferry containers and fuel to Israel. Yes, this is a violation of international law and the West is f…
(2023-12-20). Sudan: Soldiers accuse army of betrayal after retreat leaves Wad Madani to RSF. middleeasteye.net 
Sudan: Soldiers accuse army of betrayal after retreat leaves Wad Madani to RSF | Military says an investigation will be carried out into decision to withdraw from Sudan's second city and humanitarian hub | Wed, 12/20/2023 – 14: 11 | Civilians fleeing conflict in Sudan wait for asylum registration procedures in Renk, South Sudan on 18 December 2023 (AFP) | Sudanese soldiers have accused the a…
(2023-12-21). Sudan: 2023 In Review: Nearly 16,000 children a day plunged into hunger in top 10 worsening food crises. reliefweb.int
(2023-12-21). Almost 3 million children in Sudan's Al Jazirah state at risk as violence escalates. reliefweb.int Country: Sudan | Source: UN Children's Fund | NEW YORK/AMMAN/PORT SUDAN, 21 December 2023 — The escalation in fighting in Sudan's Al Jazirah state has reportedly forced at least 150,000 children from their homes in less than a week, UNICEF warned today. The eruption of fighting in Al Jazirah means that more than half of states in Sudan — 10 out of 18 — are experiencing active conflict. | An estimated 5.9 million people live in Al Jazirah State, with approximately half of the population being children. | Since the escalation of the conflict in Sudan on April 15, nearly 500,000 people fled viol…
(2023-12-20). Headlines for December 20, 2023. democracynow.org Openings for New Truce as Deadly Israeli Attacks Continue to Target Civilians in Jabaliya, Rafah, U.N. Security Council Again Delays Gaza Resolution Vote as U.S. Stalls over Language, Lloyd Austin Announces Coalition to Combat Houthi Red Sea Attacks, Police Arrest High-Profile Activists as Multifaith Groups from Across the U.S. Protest at Capitol, Colorado Supreme Court Bars Trump from Appearing on Presidential Primary Ballot, Senate Confirms Final Pentagon Nominees as Tuberville Blockade Ends, U.N. Says Russian Forces Have Committed War Crimes in Ukraine, Incl. 142 Civilian Executions, Sudan's Paramilitary…
(2023-12-20). Eugene Puryear on Sudan, 5 years since the December revolution. peoplesdispatch.org Five years after Sudan's December revolution, the country is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis. A raging civil war has left hundreds of thousands displaced, facing hunger and poverty.
(2023-12-20). Fuerzas paramilitares sudanesas avanzan hacia la capital. telesurtv.net Las RSF afirmaron haber tomado el control, entre otras cosas, de "la primera división de infantería del ejército en Wad Madani".
(2023-12-21). Cabinet approves CNOOC's license for LPG facility at Kingfisher. independent.co.ug 
Kikuube, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Cabinet has approved China National Offshore Oil Corporation- CNOOC Uganda Limited to proceed with the construction of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) facility in the Kingfisher development area. The state minister in charge of national guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga revealed this during the cabinet briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in …
(2023-12-21). Lawyers for Sipapa demand to review CCTV footage. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kampala City socialite Charles Olimi, known as Sipapa, and his wife Shamila Nakiyemba were formally charged in the High Court Wednesday with 13 counts of aggravated robbery and money laundering. Appearing before the Criminal Division High Court Judge Michael Elubu, the couple pleaded not guilty to all the charges. …
(2023-12-21). Mpuuga slams speaker for defending 'incompetent' PM Nabbanja. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament — LOP has slammed the Speaker's office for shielding Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. Mpuuga claims the PM has shown incompetence as leader of government business in the August House. He was responding to questions from journalists at Parliament on Wednesday …
(2023-12-21). Yumbe Procurement Officer arrested for soliciting UGX 23M bribe. independent.co.ug 
Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Senior Procurement Officer for Yumbe district, Taban Kana, and Siraj Anule, an official of Miribe Foundation Limited, have been arrested for soliciting a bribe from a contractor. They have been arrested by detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Kana is accused …
(2023-12-20). Museveni Hails Bishop Zziwa's Wealth Creation Gospel. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Joseph Anthony Zziwa, the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese for working with the government in fighting poverty through socio-economic development programs. "Thank you for your slogan and those projects. I have been telling you that yes be religious but hardworking, so I am very happy about …
(2023-12-20). Oil and Gas is a Matter of 'Life and Death'-Kasaija. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has underscored the importance of Uganda's oil and gas exploration, emphasizing an unwavering commitment to the project's seamless progression. During a visit to the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA) in Buhuka village, Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube district on Tuesday evening, Kasaija reasserted …
(2023-12-20). Police Calls for Vigilance Ahead of Festive Season. independent.co.ug 
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Police have urged households to take extra caution and be vigilant during festival season. Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson asked the public to put security measures around their businesses and homes to avoid falling prey to criminals. "As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and all other festival days, we …
