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♦️ Breaking & exclusive stories, analysis, opinions 👉 About Africa in other languages: Amharic: @sputnik_ethiopia French: @sputnik_afrique 💬 Contact us https://t.me/Africa_Sputnik_bot
No Prisoners: Russia’s Stance on Foreign Combatants
“We always give fighters from Ukrainian units the opportunity to surrender and stay alive. However, we have a different attitude toward foreigners. Why? Because people living far away in their own countries, without even having the slightest idea about who is fighting for what here, end up siding with fascists and Satanists and go on to kill Russians,” the commander of the Russian special forces "Akhmat" Apti Alaudinov told Sputnik.
#viral | 📹 Drones Take Over Cleaning in India —Can I Get Some for My House?
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Ethiopia’s Konso Villages at Risk of Losing Their Heritage
The 12 villages on the Konso plateau are already recognized by UNESCO for their unique cultural value, including:
🟠Traditional thatched-roof houses
🟠Communal gathering spaces
🟠Ancestral rosary trees
🟠Stone monuments
What is the threat?
Due to low awareness of heritage preservation and a shortage of grass for traditional roofing, many villagers are replacing thatched-roof houses with modern tin-roofed houses. Around 50% of buildings now have tin roofs.
What’s being done?
🟠Awareness campaigns to educate locals about the value of preservation.
🟠A new project in Maze National Park aims to grow and supply grass for thatched roofs.
🟠Local officials say that many residents still prefer thatch — they just need access to the necessary materials.
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China Successfully Tests Heavy Unmanned Transport Aircraft CH-YH1000, Media Reports
The cargo drone is capable of carrying 1,200 kg of cargo, and its flight range is 1,500 kilometers, according to the local media.
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All Nuances Important in Negotiations With Ukraine: Kremlin
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented to Sputnik on reports of possible changes in the composition of Ukraine's negotiating group.
At the Istanbul talks on May 16, the Ukrainian delegation was led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, with several high-ranking officials in attendance.
The Russian side was represented by Vladimir Medinsky, Putin's advisor. Medinsky stated that Moscow and Kiev had agreed to present their visions for a potential ceasefire. He also declared Russia's willingness to continue negotiations with Ukraine.
During the discussions, the Ukrainian side requested a meeting between the heads of state, a request that Russia acknowledged.
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Israel is Ready to End War in Gaza Strip on Its Conditions, Netanyahu Claims
Here are "clear conditions that will guarantee Israel's security," as outlined by its PM:
⦁ All hostages must be returned home.
⦁ Hamas must lay down its arms, leave power, and its leadership must be expelled from Gaza.
⦁ The enclave must remain fully demilitarized.
⦁ Trump's very "correct and revolutionary" plan must be implemented.
Israel on Wednesday allowed 100 trucks with UN and international aid — including flour, baby food, and medical supplies — to enter the Gaza Strip.
Video released by COGAT, Israeli military agency in charge of aid deliveries to Gaza
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Russia's Duma Ratifies Agreement on Construction of Pointe-Noire–Loutété–Maloukou Pipeline in Congo in Three Years
The construction deadlines were announced by Deputy Minister of Energy Dmitry Islamov in the lower house of the Russian parliament.
"Then a concession agreement for a period of no less than 25 years. And in general, the operating period is expected to be 30, even 40 years," he added.
Trump Unveils Start of $175 Billion Golden Dome Missile Shield Program
"We have officially selected an architecture for the state-of-the-art system that will deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea, and space," the US president noted.
❗️ KEY STATEMENTS FROM PUTIN IN KURSK
◻️ The enemy is still trying to advance toward our borders.
◻️ Defenders of Kurchatov during the Ukrainian incursion: Not a single person flinched—everyone stood firm.
◻️ There is a need to deploy more demining units in Kursk region—people must return home safely and swiftly.
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US Eyes Mineral Investment in DRC and Rwanda — If Peace Holds
The United States may invest in mining tungsten, tantalum, and tin in eastern DRC, with processing in Rwanda, a Western news agency reported.
Talks in Washington between DRC and Rwandan officials focused on US backing for a legal mineral supply chain that could boost regional industrialization and reduce tensions.
🚫 However, Congolese officials insist that no cooperation is possible without the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese soil.
🔙 On April 26, the foreign ministers of both countries signed a declaration on peace, pledging to finalize a draft agreement by May 2. The US, which is mediating the talks, has now received the final text.
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Ethiopia Launches ID4Africa2025, Showcases Digital ID Success
Ethiopia kicked off ID4Africa2025 on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighting the country’s digital ID progress through Fayda ("Value")—part of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy.
💻 Over 15 million people are already enrolled in Fayda, which aims to reach 90 million and is integrated across key sectors like finance, health, and education. The system has enabled 9.6 trillion birr ($70.8 billion) in digital transactions.
“Fayda is not merely a card. It is a unique identification number that proves who you are, while protecting your privacy and sharing only what is necessary!” the Prime Minister stated.
Russia is "Ready for Talks With Ukraine" as at This Point, Ball is in Kiev's Court, Russian MFA Stresses
More insights from the briefing by Russian FM spox Maria Zakharova:
▪️ “We're open for contacts – but Ukraine must decide”;
▪️ “The initiative for POW exchanges with Ukraine – agreed upon in Istanbul – came from our side";
▪️ "We don't expect rationality from them [Ukrainians]... but hope their survival instinct kicks in to save what's left of their statehood";
▪️ Response to Zelensky/EU sanctions threats:
"Russia never responded to ultimatums."
▪️ Delegations in Istanbul communicated in Russian.
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Stay Tuned for More Insights from Day Two of the 13th International Legal Forum in St. Petersburg!
Russia's St. Petersburg continues to host the 13th International Legal Forum, with thousands of participants from several dozen nations attending the event.
Our Sputnik Africa correspondent is on the ground bringing you the latest updates and important discussions.
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South Africa's Ramaphosa Arrives in US, Will Meet With Trump on Wednesday
"The purpose of the visit is to reset and revitalize bilateral relations between South Africa and the US," the South African presidency said.
Why is ICC Losing Africa's Trust?
⚖️ Africans feel that the International Criminal Court doesn't favor the continent, Deputy Chief Justice of Zambia Michael Musonda explained in an interview with Sputnik Africa.
"African culprits tend to be more targeted, or perceived wrongdoers, [than those] from other regions," he noted on the sidelines of the 13th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum.
"The ICC could earn itself greater credibility and greater legitimacy, if it was to project a universal approach to the dispensation of justice," Musonda added.
Presidents of Senegal & Mauritania Visit Grand Tortue Ahmeyim Gas Platform
This is the first visit after the start of production in January 2025 and after the first LNG export in April, which marked both nations' entry into Africa's LNG-exporting ranks.
🏭 Phase 1 of the project is anticipated to yield approximately 2.4 million tonnes of LNG annually, catering to international markets and, upon completion of necessary infrastructure, fulfilling domestic energy demands.
On Tuesday, the Mauritanian president met BP CEO Murray Auchincloss in Nouakchott to discuss advancing phase two. The following day, Senegal's president hosted the delegation in Dakar, celebrating the inaugural LNG shipment and project milestones.
👉 The Senegalese government considers this visit a major milestone in energy cooperation, fostering economic growth and regional energy security.
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BRICS Membership Could Be 'Turning Point' for Ghana: MP
Joining BRICS is one of the main goals for the Republic of Ghana, Chairman of the Energy Committee of the Parliament of Ghana Emmanuel Bedzrah told Sputnik.
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❗️The second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will happen — and that's already positive, says Lavrov
More statements from the Russian FM:
🟠Ukraine has confirmed there will be a second round of talks, but no dates or meeting locations have been set yet;
🟠The potential choice of the Vatican as a negotiation venue for Russia and Ukraine is "not elegant;"
🟠Ukraine had expected US support to be eternal, but Trump's stance shows it's "not his war;"
🟠Russia is working on a memorandum regarding the settlement in Ukraine;
🟠The simplest way to resolve the conflict in Ukraine is to demand that Kiev repeal laws that directly violate the UN Charter;
🟠It's pointless to talk to Russia from a position of strength;
🟠The question of Zelensky's legitimacy will be crucial when signing peace documents;
🟠Russia has always stressed that it is ready for peaceful negotiations with Ukraine aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict, and has never avoided contact;
🟠Zelensky's inadequacy as a leader is obvious;
🟠Russia will not allow people in Ukraine to live under laws imposed by Zelensky's junta.
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🎥🎥 Russian FM Lavrov takes part in the conference of the MFA with foreign ambassadors on Ukrainian issues
👆🏽Watch live in Telegram
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❗️During the repelling of a massive raid by Ukrainian military drones from the evening of May 20 to the morning of May 22, 485 drones were shot down outside the special military operation area, the Defense Ministry reported
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The world isn’t black and white
It’s shaped by competing forces, hidden interdependencies, and the quiet recalibration of power.
Ⓜ️ Multipolar Market doesn’t simplify complexity, but decodes it.
1️⃣ Daily insights for those who seek to understand, not just react.
2️⃣ Analysis that bridges policy, markets, and geopolitics.
3️⃣ Context behind the headlines others overlook.
4️⃣ A lens to navigate uncertainty with clarity, not conjecture.
Global economic shifts demand more than surface-level reporting. They require a map. MM provides the coordinates.
#viral | Indianapolis Consoled With a Celestial Spectacle
A tornado rocked the American city, but nature saved the best for last: mammoth clouds ignited in the sky, like the grandiose finale of a cloud opera.
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#viral | Tesla's Humanoid Robot Optimus Learns How to Do Housework
The video published by Musk shows Optimus throwing out trash, sweeping, vacuuming. And even cooking (but that's not certain).
🕺 Check out the dancing here!
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Graduation Day for Niger's National Guard, Class of 2025!
A total of 1,294 new recruits were presented to the national flag following intensive theoretical and practical training:
🧑🏾⚕️ 10 officer doctors
🪖 60 non-commissioned officers
👩🏽 1,224 student guards (including 51 women)
The Minister of Interior, Brigadier General Mohamed Toumba, congratulated them on their achievement.
🛡 He emphasized their crucial role in strengthening the Defense and Security Forces to ensure the safety of Niger and its people.
📍 Hamdallaye (Tillabéry region)
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'Instrument of Neocolonial Oppression': Russia's SC Deputy Chair Blasts a 'Total Fiasco' of ICC
"The Hague squalor" ignores the mass atrocities of NATO members altogether, noted Dmitry Medvedev.
"And at the systemic level, this ICC is an instrument of a neocolonial oppression. And no European or... No European or any other person or organization from North America was charged by it," he added, addressing the St. Petersburg Legal Forum.
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Mariupol's Transformation: From Conflict to Symbol of Restoration
Three years ago, on May 20, 2022, the Russian Defense Ministry declared Mariupol fully liberated.
The city, once a site of heavy fighting, now symbolizes the restoration of liberated regions.
📹 We have gathered historical footage from Sputnik correspondents from during and after the battles, capturing Mariupol's transformation.
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'Good Talk With Nice Gentleman Named Vladimir Putin,' Trump Describes Monday's Phone Call
The progress in the talks on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict is being made, according to the US president.
🔺There is a "certain" red line that will cause the US to back away from the talks, Trump told reporters, and noted that he will not reveal it as it could make the negotiation "even more difficult than it is."
What else did Trump say on his conversation with Putin?
⦁ The US is not currently "backing away" from peace efforts, but it could do so if no progress is made;
⦁ The whole conflict was a "European situation";
⦁ Trump confirmed that he asked Putin to have a meeting on the Ukrainian conflict;
⦁ He is reluctant to impose more sanctions on Russia, fearing harm to talks, while there is now a "chance of getting something done."
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Congolese Women Entrepreneurs Shine: BRICS Opens the Doors to Success!
"More and more women are entering entrepreneurship in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Therefore, it was important for us to participate in the conferences organized by BRICS," Ruth Ngwanza, Director General of the Russian-Congolese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCC), told Sputnik Africa.
Tanzanian Senior Presidential Advisor on Health Nominated as WHO Africa Director for 2025–2030 Term
Mohamed Yakub Janabi is set to take office after formal appointment by the WHO Executive Board in late May, following the sudden passing of previous director-elect Faustine Ndugulile last November.
🇹🇿 Who is Janabi?
▫️ cardiology postdoctoral fellow;
▫️ executive director of Tanzania's largest hospital MNH;
▫️ advocates for tech and global collaboration to boost healthcare through innovation in low-resource settings.
⚕️ His priorities:
▫️ Universal health coverage;
▫️ Maternal & child health;
▫️ Fighting diseases (communicable & non-communicable)’
▫️ Stronger primary care;
▫️ Climate-resilient health systems.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan and PM Kassim Majaliwa welcomed Janabi's nomination and expressed confidence in his effectiveness as WHO regional director.
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