Tunisian Journalist Zied el-Heni Sentenced to Four Years for Terrorism
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is demanding the immediate release of Tunisian journalist Zied el-Heni and the overturning of his four-year prison sentence, handed down on Tuesday on terrorism charges tied to his reporting and his refusal to reveal confidential sources. He was convicted in the "audio leaks" case involving politician Mondher Lounissi, after being questioned as a witness about leaked recordings he sought to verify for his radio program, then having his status changed to defendant. The Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists says he was denied an in-person appearance and that the verdict came without his lawyers presenting their arguments. He is already serving a one-year sentence over an April social media post, and he is one of five journalists imprisoned in Tunisia. CPJ's email to Tunisian authorities requesting comment received no reply.
UN Political Mission in Somalia Ends Saturday With No Agreed Replacement
The United Nations political mission in Somalia closes on Saturday, October 31, ending more than three decades of successive UN missions and leaving no agreed mechanism to help rival leaders settle disputes. Somalia's government asked for the closure in 2024 and calls it a milestone, while opposition figures and analysts warn it comes as the president's right to stay in office is contested. Parliament extended terms from four to five years, and the government says that lets President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud remain until 2027, while the opposition says the mandates have expired. Mohamud has invited leaders to talks November 14 to 18, but the main opposition groups have not confirmed they will attend.
Rwandan Man Convicted in U.S. of Lying About Role in 1994 Genocide
A U.S. federal jury in Boston found Eric Nshimiye, 54, guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice over his testimony at the 2019 trial of former classmate Jean Leonard Teganya. Prosecutors said Nshimiye hid his role in the genocide to enter the U.S., and evidence showed he took part in attacks on Tutsis while a student in Butare, including striking them with a club. He faces up to five years for each of four perjury counts and up to 10 years for obstruction, with sentencing on January 26, 2027. His lawyer says they will pursue "all avenues of relief."
Three Bodies Found After Oil Rig Sinks Off Gabon, Two Still Missing
Gabonese authorities say three bodies were found yesterday, Wednesday, October 28, inside the submerged Prospector 5 oil rig, which sank on Saturday evening off Mayumba after a serious structural failure. Underwater robots made the discovery, but the images did not allow officials to identify the victims. Of 115 people on board, 110 were found safe, and the missing include three Gabonese nationals and one Croatian national. An Indian national was earlier confirmed dead, though it is not known whether he is among the bodies found. The petroleum minister has ordered a technical investigation.
Cameroon Suspends Opposition Leader Tchiroma's Party for Three Months
Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, announced on Tuesday that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary's National Salvation Front of Cameroon is banned from operating nationwide for three months. Authorities cite calls for insurrection, serious threats to public order, and one party leader living abroad. Several opposition parties called the move political, and one, MANIDEM, called it "unjust." It comes months before legislative and municipal elections in early 2027.
Russia Reportedly Backs Ghana's Bid for BRICS Partner Status
Ghana's foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says Russia has promised to seek consensus support from BRICS founding members for Ghana's bid to join as a partner country. He made the announcement after meeting his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, yesterday, Wednesday, October 28, at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. Ghana hopes to attract investment and expand trade, and says its application does not replace ties with Western partners. BRICS is made up of founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
South Africa Picks Durban as Lead Candidate for Africa's First Olympics
South Africa has chosen Durban as its main candidate city to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the country's Olympic committee said on Thursday, though it will likely be a multi-city bid. The bid would center on the 56,000-seat Moses Mabhida Stadium, and officials could not yet estimate costs. South Africa is one of seven countries bidding for 2036, and the IOC's deadline to declare interest is October 31. Durban was stripped of hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games because it could not meet financial guarantees.
