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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
❗️Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian military carried out five attacks on Russian energy infrastructure facilities, the Defense Ministry reported
The attacks were carried out on facilities in the Zaporozhye and Kursk regions, as well as in the Krasnodar Territory.
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Trade Escalation With China Will Lead to 'Something Positive,' Trump Says
"We're in a very good position," Trump told reporters, adding that his administration is "talking to a lot of countries" on tariff negotiations.
❗️Venezuela President Maduro to Visit Russia on May 9, the Victory Day, FM Lavrov Says
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US 'Reciprocal' Tariffs May Trigger Humanitarian Crisis, Chinese Commerce Minister Says
"'Reciprocal' tariffs by the United States will cause enormous harm to developing countries, especially the least developed countries," Wang Wentao said in a conversation with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Gabon Casts Its First Presidential Vote Since the 2023 Coup on Saturday
Some 920,000 Gabonese citizens are expected to cast their votes, according to the Interior Ministry.
Key information about Saturday's election:
▫️Polling stations will be open from 06:00 to 17:00 GMT;
▫️Eight candidates are running in the race, including interim president Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, who came to power in August 2023 after ousting ex-President Ali Bongo;
▫️Other candidates are ex-PM Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Stephane Iloko, Joseph Lapensee Essigone, Thierry Yvon Michel N'Goma, Alain Simplice Boungoueres, Axel Stophen Ibinga Ibinga, and the only female candidate, Zenaba Chaning Gninga;
▫️A total of 48 observation missions were accredited;
The winner will serve a seven-year presidential term (maximum two terms) under the 2024 constitution, which also introduces a 70-year age limit and requires candidates to have a Gabonese spouse or parent.
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Ukraine Stopped Russian Natural Gas Transit to Draw Hungary, Slovakia Into Conflict, PM Orban Says
Ukraine did this "in collusion with Brussels bureaucrats," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban noted.
"The pressure has not disappeared, Brussels is still trying to finish off the Hungarians," he emphasized.
#viral | 🐮 No Force Can Get Through Mother's Protection
An incident from Kenya's Maasai Mara National Park has gone viral, showcasing the incredible power of motherhood, devotion, and unity against the harsh realities of wild predators.
A buffalo calf found itself surrounded by a pride of lions, and it seemed like nature would soon take its course. But wait!
In a brave move, the mother buffalo charges in, placing herself between her calf and the lions. Just when it seems like she might falter, backup arrives to the rescue!
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Africa's Digital Giants in 2025
As mobile and internet access soar across the continent, some African nations are leading the charge into the digital age.
Here’s a brief look at who’s topping the charts, according to Statista:
🌐 Nigeria: 107 million internet users
→ #1 in Africa, #10 globally
🌐 Egypt: 96 million users
→ #2 in Africa, #12 globally
🌐 South Africa: 50.8 million users
→ #3 in Africa, #22 globally
Meanwhile, China still holds the global crown with 1.1 billion users online.
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#viral | 🤖 'Most Anatomically Accurate' (and Creepy?) Android in the World
The company Clone Robotics has released new footage of the Protoclone android — a synthetic human with more than 200 degrees of freedom and over 1000 artificial muscles.
🤔 Fans of the series WestWorld, does this remind you of anything?
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Russia-US Talks on Restoring Work of Diplomatic Missions Conclude with Positive Atmosphere, Ambassador to US Darchiev Says
More statements from the Russian diplomat on the talks in Istanbul:
▪️The delegations' heads pointed out that there were serious irritants from the previous US administration that need to be eliminated;
▪️The sides agreed on further measures to facilitate the movement of diplomats in the host country;
▪️Russia emphasized the priority of returning its diplomatic property confiscated by the US, Moscow's readiness to work on the roadmap;
▪️The diplomats exchanged notes fixing the agreement on guarantees of unimpeded banking services for diplomatic missions;
▪️The dates of the next round of Russian-US consultations are currently being specified.
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❗️ Trump Raises Tariffs on Chinese Goods to 145%, CNBC Reports
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Ukrainian Army Forces 18-Year-Olds Into Military Contracts, Sends Them to Combat Positions, Prisoner Told Sputnik
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#viral | This is How Dazzling Dance of Polar Lights Looks from Space
Russian cosmonauts captured the recent aurora in the southern latitudes of the Earth.
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Sudan Accuses UAE of Complicity in Genocide at UN’s Top Court, Urges Action to End Atrocities
"The genocide against the Masalit [ethnic group] is being carried out by the RSF, believed to be Arab from [West] Darfur [state], with the support and complicity of the UAE," Justice Minister Muawia Osman told the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
🤍 BRICS Youth Summit 2025: A Launchpad for Bold, Borderless Innovation
💭Young people are the most sober-minded people to preserve peace and stability in the world,💭Raymond Matlala told Sputnik Africa.
As the Executive Chairperson of the South African BRICS Youth Association, Matlala envisions the summit that’s taking place on April 10-11 as more than a gathering—it’s a catalyst for global impact led by young minds.
Here’s what’s in store, according to Matlala:
🟢Showcase & Connect: Young innovators will display their ideas and meet potential investors and partners across BRICS nations;
🟢Post-Summit Action: An alumni network is being created to ensure long-term collaboration beyond the summit;
🟢Learning from Leaders: Russia’s expertise in space tech and cybersecurity is a model for cross-border learning and exchange programs;
🟢Sovereign Innovation: Matlala urged youth to think big—“Can we develop a [global] payment system that is not reliant on MasterCard?”
🟢Peace Through Youth: Amid global tensions, the summit sees youth as a bridge for diplomacy, driven by tolerance and mutual respect.
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🌍 Africa, special selection: add this folder with the best channels of the news from the continent. ⤵️
👉👉 /channel/addlist/lwYcxR-tjCBiODBi 👈👈
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#viral | Russian Icebreaker Tug "Nadyim" Shows Off Its Prowess, in Arctic Harbor
Amazing video from the port of Sabetta on the Yamal Peninsula, in the north of Russia, demonstrates the icebreaker tug Nadyim's strong performance.
Nadyim, which takes its name from a river in Western Siberia, is not your typical tug. It can guide vessels through snowy ports, escort LNG tankers, tow non-self-propelled ships, put out fires, clean up oil spills, and even move cargo on deck.
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Russia May Improve Trade Relations With Africa, Which Eyes Market Diversification Amid US Tariffs, Expert Says
The US has never been Africa's sole export market. Beyond Russia, alternatives include trade with Europe, Asia, and South-South partnerships, Professor Olawale Ogunkola of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, told Sputnik.
According to him, US tariffs suggest a "crude assertion" of power, which is "an ill wind that blows nobody any good," even the Americans themselves.
"The trade deficit that the 'reciprocal' rates are trying to turn into a surplus is not an emergency that requires bypassing the WTO processes for seeking redress," the professor emphasized.
Russia's Space Industry Has to Be One of Main Drivers of National Economic Growth, Putin Says
On the occasion of Cosmonautics Day, the president said that Russia should work on advanced manned spacecraft and rocket carriers, as well as to introduce a modern component base, new materials and technologies.
"Today, the space-rocket complex solves tasks aimed at strengthening scientific and technical capabilities, improving the production base and ground infrastructure, developing advanced equipment for the study and exploration of space, as well as implementing defense programs, including those related to special military operation," he emphasized.
Africa’s Space Dream: Small Steps, Big Orbits
🪐 Africa’s space success lies in balancing grassroots innovation with continental collaboration, Dr. Dimane Mpoeleng, Project Lead of BotSat, believes.
"It's important to start small. Let smaller countries do something on a smaller scale, and then... have regional cooperation on building better satellites that are multinational," he told Sputnik Africa.
"We don't want a situation whereby Africa takes just a bold move of cooperation... that could cloud the chance of smaller ones going for it themselves," Dr. Mpoeleng explained.
Kiev 'Maliciously' Violated Moratorium on Strikes Against Energy Facilities Over 60 Times, Russian Foreign Ministry Says
Kiev has made attempts to strike Russian energy facilities several times each day since the 30-day moratorium on attacks against them was reached on March 18, Alexey Polishchuk, Director of a department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, told Sputnik.
"This can be happening for two reasons. Either Kiev did not give the order to cease shelling, or the order is not being followed. Both of these reasons are extremely worrying," the official explained.
From Gagarin to Gaborone: Africa’s Space Future Has No Excuse
On Cosmonautics Day, Dr. Dimane Mpoeleng, Project Lead of BotSat, reminded Africa that the stars are well within reach:
"Despite our political and socioeconomic status in Africa, we have the technology to actually do what he did then. This is an inspiration," he told Sputnik Africa.
Major DRC Tin Mine in North Kivu Province Set to Reopen Amid M23 Pullback From Walikale City
Alphamin Resources' Bisie tin mine, which accounted for roughly 6% of global production last year, is set to gradually restart operations.
"The company intends to redeploy employees as part of a plan to restart tin production in phases while it continues to monitor the security situation," the statement read.
From Colonial Legacy to National Identity: Why Hausa Could Be Niger's Best Choice for National Language, Political Analyst Explains
"It is better to promote a national language spoken by the majority of Nigeriens than to continue to talk about sovereignty by promoting a colonial language," Nigerien socio-economic and political analyst Issoufou Boubacar Kado Magagi told Sputnik Africa.
"The choice of Hausa as a national language was not due to subjectivity, but due to the influence and spread of the language around the world," the expert explained.
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Could Africa Ditch the US as a Trade Partner?
With the US slapping tariffs of up to 50% on African imports, experts warn Washington may be pricing itself out of future trade with the continent.
Thabo Qhesi, CEO of Lesotho’s Private Sector Foundation, told Sputnik that Africa has the potential to shift away from US markets—but not overnight.
🗣 “It could be a medium- and long-term initiative due to the existing supply-side constraints,” he noted.
For now, costly new trade routes and infrastructure gaps limit a sudden pivot, but alternatives like Japan, the EU, and Canada already offer duty-free access, making them attractive replacements if US tariffs persist.
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UNECA Urges Africa to Move Beyond Aid to Bold & Inclusive Solutions Amid Alarming 64.3% Debt-to-GDP Ratio
Africa faces significant challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and AU Agenda 2063, including a high debt burden and slow economic growth, UNECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete said.
"With just five years to 2030, the data is sobering. Out of 144 measurable SDG targets, only 10 are on track, while 106 are progressing too slowly, with 28 regressing," he noted at the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development held in Kampala, Uganda.
🛢🌱 Dig the Oil, Dodge the Bill: US Hypocrisy in Central Africa
The US wants African oil—but not African rules.
While American oil giants reap billions from Central Africa, a new US bill aims to block IMF support for countries trying to keep environmental restoration funds within their own borders—funds specifically designated for cleaning up after oil drilling.
Here’s the contradiction:
🔹Central African states want oil companies to deposit $5–10 billion in local banks to boost reserves and fund future environmental cleanup;
🔹The US move, led by Republican Reps. Huizenga and Meuser, aims to shield oil companies from stricter African regulations;
🔹Yet, the same US regularly pressures Global South countries to act on climate, while undermining their ability to do so financially.
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❗️ The US delegation is leaving the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul after negotiations with the Russian side, a Sputnik correspondent reports
The consultations lasted almost six hours.
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#SputnikInfographic | 29 Days to Victory Day
Sputnik keeps tracking the history of the pivotal events of the World War II Eastern Front, known as the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 against Hitler's forces.
Soviet forces took control of the Koenigsberg military installations on this day eight decades ago. Trencin, a strategic bastion in present-day western Slovakia, was evacuated by the Wehrmacht to the southwest.
The Red Army moved farther to the west, into Vienna's western neighborhoods. The Nazis demolished every bridge across the Danube Canal as they fled. Nearly fifty towns were freed along the front.
#Victory80
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