Cameroon Sets February 7 Date for Twice-Delayed Legislative and Local Elections
Cameroon's President Paul Biya, 93, the world's oldest head of state, announced in a decree read on public radio yesterday, Monday, November 9, that legislative and local elections will be held February 7 next year. The government has already postponed the polls twice, extending lawmakers' terms to December 20 and municipal councilors' terms to February 28, 2027. The announcement comes as authorities crack down on the opposition, about a year after an election that gave Biya another term. Last month, authorities suspended the party of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who went into exile in the Gambia after declaring himself the winner. Lawyers cited by Human Rights Watch said security forces detained up to 2,000 people during protests after the vote, and some remain in custody.
Up to 50,000 Ethiopians Flee Into Kenya as Moyale Clashes Escalate
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) says up to an estimated 50,000 Ethiopians have crossed into Kenya since October 22, up from 36,000 reported earlier, citing local authorities. Some are staying with relatives and host communities, and others are in schools and churches. UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP are seeking $8.9 million to support up to 50,000 people, and food, safe water, sanitation, and health care are the most urgent needs. Conflict monitoring organization ACLED traced the fighting to an October 18 confrontation over opening a Somali regional administration office in a disputed part of Ethiopian Moyale, rooted in a boundary dispute between Borana Oromo and Garre Somali communities.
Nearly 64,000 Nigerians Have Fled to Niger This Year, UN Says
Nearly 64,000 people have fled northern Nigeria for Niger this year to escape attacks by Islamist militants and armed gangs, UNHCR says. Most have settled in the border regions of Diffa and Tahoua, and more than 23,000 people, over two-thirds of them children, have reached Diffa alone. UNHCR says new arrivals struggle with limited food, water, and shelter, and only about 5% have been formally registered. UNHCR is seeking $11.4 million to expand its response in Niger, Nigeria, and Benin.
Dangote Cement Postpones London Listing
Dangote Cement postponed its planned secondary listing in London today, Tuesday, November 10, citing deteriorating market conditions. A person familiar with the situation said the cause was volatility after the U.S. midterm elections and that the company may revisit the plan when markets are more stable. The company said its shares remain listed in Nigeria and that the decision does not affect its operations or business plans. It has floated a London listing several times over 15 years, and its market value is about $18.4 billion.
