Author: Agencies

Iran will launch about $15 billion worth of oil and gas projects in 2023, according to the country’s oil minister Jawad Owji. All of the launched projects have had a direct impact on increasing the production capacity of the country, he added. In the last Iranian year (March 2022-23), $12 billion worth of oil, gas and petrochemical projects were launched. Currently, Iran’s daily crude oil production is 3 million barrels and natural gas output is 1 billion cubic meters, while the annual production capacity of petrochemical products is about 95 million tons, the Oil Ministry’s news service Shana reported. Meanwhile, Russia…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), which recommends against the use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. Results of the review also suggest that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in…

There are close to 4 million people living in refugee camps across Africa. Of the more than 300 camps, nearly 70% are situated within 30km-50km of an international border. They include some of the largest camps in the continent, such as Kakuma in northern Kenya, Nyarugusu in western Tanzania and Bidibidi in north-western Uganda. The closer the camp is to an international border, the easier it is for people on both sides of the border to interact. What this means is that healthy refugees in Kakuma, for example, can walk across the Kenyan border and get to Uganda or South Sudan within…

Rapid urbanisation in Africa is worsening air pollution levels. There are economic as well as health consequences. Air pollution threatens human health, health systems and economic activity. It is the second leading risk factor for death across Africa, contributing to an estimated 1.1 million deaths on the continent in 2019. The continent has an urban population of over 500 million. This is projected to be over 700 million by 2026. In the face of such enormous numbers and a seemingly insurmountable problem, it can feel difficult for ordinary people to protect themselves or make a difference. But, as we found in our research, many strategies…

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will commission the Dangote oil refinery in two weeks, setting up the plant for its first production since construction started in 2016, Reuters reported, citing a presidency spokesperson. The federal government confirmed the planned inauguration of the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery, before the president leaves office on May 22. A source close to the plant said the company was putting the finishing touches for the inauguration, adding operations will be built up in phases. Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, sees the refinery—being built by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote’s Dangote Group—as a solution to ending the country’s reliance on imports for…

Sudanese are pinning their hopes on talks in Jeddah between envoys of warring factions to end bloodshed that has killed hundreds and triggered a mass exodus, but there is no sign lasting relief will come anytime soon. There has been no word on the progress of the talks which began on Saturday between the army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Saudi Red Sea port city. The combatants have said they would only try to tackle humanitarian issues like safe passage, not an end to the war. Numerous ceasefire have been violated since conflict erupted on April 15. “If the Jeddah negotiations…

In early April 2023, Kenyan police discovered a mass grave linked to a Pentecostal church in the coastal town of Malindi. By the end of the month, at least 110 bodies had been dug up from shallow graves in the area’s Shakahola forest. A loss of this magnitude is traumatic and painful for the families and friends directly affected, and also for the public exposed to the details. The level of media attention, public backlash and judgement of the dead makes the experience of the loss even more difficult for those directly concerned. The Shakahola story is being controlled by parties outside the families affected because of…

Rwanda’s ruling party, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), recently concluded its 16th congress. This also marked 35 years of its existence. The centre piece, however, was the election as chairman, yet again, of the country’s president Paul Kagame. With 99.9% of the votes – 2,099 of the available 2,102 votes – Kagame was re-elected and put on course to potentially run for yet another electoral term in 2024. The constitution allows Kagame to seek re-election until 2035. That’s a long way off and he has not indicated when he would be willing to usher in a transition from himself. He has acknowledged…

“On this World Press Freedom Day, I would like to congratulate journalists who educate, inform, and engage their communities. We have seen many journalists lately putting themselves at risk, shining a light on sensitive but important service delivery, accountability and human rights issues in communities.” “We also urge duty bearers to view journalists as partners in the fight against crime and barriers to development. More importantly, we call on all state actors to consistently prioritise the protection and justice of Journalists as well as raise awareness about the crucial role that diverse and independent media plays in facilitating inclusive development,” said Crispin Kaheru a Commissioner at…