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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 Single Member Has Unilateral Right to Exclude South Africa from G20,' FM Lamola Tells Rubio
"The deepest divides can be bridged. Not through dictation, but through dialogue, not through power alone, but through unwavering principle, not through unilateral action but global solidarity," Ronald Lamola said in response to a Substack post by the US secretary of state.
"True leadership doesn’t mean everyone leaves getting everything they want; it means everyone leaves feeling they have been truly heard," Lamola statd. "Our role as host was not to force agreement, but to create the conditions for it: a table of equals."
"Our policies of redress are not a political invention. They are the fulfilment of a promise made to all South Africans as we emerged from the darkness of apartheid," the minister said, presenting data showing South Africans are "on average, 1.5 times better off" than in 1994.
❗️Russia and India agreed to provide program of economic cooperation until 2030, Modi says
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❗️Zelensky has expressed his desire for peace, but ultimately, he began to prioritize the interests of nationalist groups over those of the Ukrainian people: Putin
The most important thing for the Kiev authorities is to realize that negotiations are the best way to solve problems, noted the president of Russia.
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#viral | Huge Dust Storm Hits Mine in Australia
"It reminded us of Uluru [a 348-metre-high rock in Australia's Northern Territory], the sheer size and width of this thing," a miner told media. "It was just rolling at us."
❗️Putin and Modi rode together in the same car to an informal meeting; the conversation between the Russian President and the Indian PM began right there in the vehicle
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🚨🇮🇳🇷🇺 Russian expert: Putin’s India visit proves that attempts to disrupt our relations failed
Oil & arms keep flowing, and BRICS cooperation gets more intense - all despite India being a crucial partner to the West.
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'Disturbing Trend' of Misconduct: Kenyan MPs Label Sound the Alarm Over British Military Presence
A parliamentary committee has reported a troubling pattern of sexual misconduct involving personnel from the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), including allegations of rape, assault, and the abandonment of children fathered by soldiers.
"BATUK is increasingly seen as an occupying presence rather than a development partner," the report stated.
'No Regard for Human Life in Africa': Europe Exports Pesticides Banned at Home to the Continent, Says Kenyan High Court Advocate
Speaking on the occasion of International No Pesticide Use Day, Gilbert C. Njoroge condemned Western companies for exporting pesticides to Africa that are banned in their own countries.
"Some of those chemicals are known carcinogens. [...] They’re extremely poisonous, they’ve been banned in their countries of origin, yet the same companies are permitted by the Western jurisdictions in which they reside to export these harmful pesticides and herbicides into Africa. So we’ve seen that there’s no regard for human life in Africa," Njoroge told Sputnik Africa.
“And right now farmers are taking a preventative approach in terms of healthcare, so that we protect ourselves, we protect our farmers, we protect our nation, we protect our people from the huge health burden that is present at the moment."
Ukraine Seeks to Attack Russia in West Africa: Vice President of the BRICS Alliance
Kiev has opened “a kind of second front” in the region where Russia is assisting in the fight against terrorism, Ahoua Don Mello told Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the BRICS Anti-Terrorism Conference in Moscow.
According to him, the technologies employed by armed groups in Africa are “becoming increasingly sophisticated,” and “there are people training them.”
“It has been established that among those training these rebels and terrorists are individuals of Ukrainian origin who come specifically to train them. Thus, there is a direct connection between what is happening in Ukraine and what is occurring in West Africa,” he explained.
Ghana Inflation Drops to 4-Year Low to 6.3%
Inflation dropped by 1.7-point from October's 8%, Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reported.
Current 6.3% inflation is nearly half the government's and central bank's year-end 11.5% forecast, fueled by sharp drops in food and non-food prices, government statistician at the GSS Alhassan Iddrisu told a local news outlet.
Bank of Ghana's monetary policy measures and exchange rate management have driven the inflation decline, he added.
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Putin's India Visit: What's on the Agenda?
Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a two-day working visit to New Delhi from Thursday to Friday. He will arrive and first meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi informally, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov announced.
Here are the key highlights:
🟠Official talks between Putin and Modi are scheduled for Friday, both in a narrow and expanded format;
🟠Putin will visit the Mahatma Gandhi memorial;
🟠Both leaders will participate in the plenary session of the Russia–India Business Forum;
🟠The Russian delegation will include seven ministers, including Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, and Health Minister Mikhail Murashko;
🟠Approximately 10 intergovernmental agreements and over 15 commercial deals are anticipated to be signed;
🟠Russia plans to announce its accession to the International Big Cat Alliance;
🟠Putin and Modi are anticipated to issue a joint statement and approve an economic cooperation program between Russia and India, extending through 2030;
🟠After their talks, both leaders will address the media.
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BRICS is Institution for the Future, Ghanaian Civic Leaders Argue
Ghana’s growing engagement with BRICS nations may mark a strategic shift in its global positioning, according to Zing Micah Yinpang Bavi, president of NDC-Russia Proforum.
👉 He told Sputnik Africa that Ghana already conducts extensive trade with BRICS members — including China, India, Brazil and the UAE — and argued that formal partnership could offer stronger investment opportunities, lower barriers to trade, and access to financing without the conditions attached to traditional institutions.
For Bavi, BRICS represents emerging economic power rather than alternative alignment, stating that member and partner countries together "have the largest population in the world, the largest economy, the largest resources and land size."
❗️ Putin calls the attacks on tankers in the Black Sea piracy
Russia will expand the range of strikes against Ukrainian ports and vessels calling at them in response to the attacks on tankers, the Russian president noted.
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🎥🎥 Putin takes part in the VTB bank investment forum Russia Calling!
👉 Watch live on Telegram
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#viral | Massive Hail Creates Illusion of Snow in South Africa
Areas around Pretoria North, Welbekend, Ga-Rankuwa and other suburbs were among the hardest hit, according to local media.
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Moscow & Delhi Taking Steps to Conclude Free Trade Deal Between Eurasian Economic Union & India: Modi
🇷🇺🇮🇳 Other key statements by the Indian prime minister following high-level talks in Delhi:
🟠Relations between Russia and India are based on mutual respect and trust;
🟠Putin established the Russia–India strategic partnership 25 years ago, and his capable leadership has played a special role in strengthening and developing bilateral relations ever since;
🟠India has always been ready to assist with peace efforts in Ukraine and will continue to do so in the future;
🟠India welcomes all efforts to peacefully resolve the situation in Ukraine;
🟠India advocates for long-term peace in the Ukrainian conflict;
🟠Cooperation between Russia and India in the minerals sector plays a key role in their bilateral relationship;
🟠Russia and India have agreed on steps to strengthen cultural and humanitarian cooperation;
🟠Russia and India support cooperation in clean energy;
🟠Shipbuilding is another example of beneficial cooperation between Russia and India;
🟠Energy security is an important foundation of the Russia-India partnership;
🟠Russia and India are strengthening their cooperation in the Arctic;
🟠India and Russia will promote discussion on the North-South Corridor;
🟠Cooperation between Russia and India in the fertilizer industry is important for food safety;
🟠The Russia-India Business Forum will strengthen business relations between the two countries;
🟠Russia and India agreed to provide a program of economic cooperation until 2030.
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Backlash: EU Will Lose $190 Billion if Russian Assets Confiscated
The figure, calculated by Sputnik using data from national statistical agencies, reflects the potential financial fallout for EU member states.
Since the imposition of sanctions, Moscow has prohibited residents of "non-friendly" countries from withdrawing funds invested in the Russian economy. Any such withdrawal now requires approval from a special government commission, effectively freezing these investments.
The countries facing the largest potential losses are:
🟠Cyprus ($100 billion),
🟠Germany ($20.1 billion),
🟠The Netherlands ($16.1 billion),
🟠France ($15.1 billion),
🟠Italy ($13 billion).
Approximately $209 billion of Russian assets are currently frozen at Euroclear in Belgium. The EU plans to utilize these funds to provide a "reparations loan" to Ukraine.
However, the Belgian prime minister warned the European Commission that using these Russian resources would jeopardize any prospects for a future peace agreement.
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Putin Believes Its Unnecessary to Rush Adoption of Single Currency for BRICS
"If you take your time, this will help you avoid mistakes," he added.
#viral | Long-Lasting 2025 Typhoon Season in South Vietnam Regions Continues, Killing at Least 151
On Thursday, heavy rains caused water levels to rise, and a powerful current swept away numerous boats in coastal areas.
Some communities received up to 200 mm of rain in 24 hours; streets are flooded, with water reaching 0.5-2 meters high in places and exceeding 3 meters in low-lying areas.
River levels are rising rapidly, and authorities are warning of increased risks of mudslides, landslides, and potential threats to reservoirs.
👉 Since mid-November, Vietnam has been among the hardest hit across South and Southeast Asia, facing record-breaking rainfall, according to the UN.
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South Africa, Mozambique Launch Joint Sasol Hydrocarbons Project
President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Daniel Chapo unveiled the project during the 4th South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission held in Inhassoro, Mozambique.
President Ramaphosa praised the government of Mozambique and the South African chemicals and energy company Sasol for successfully bringing the facility to fruition.
"We grow together, advance together, and build a stronger region. This is a decisive step towards economic independence," President Chapo noted.
African Development Bank to Provide $1.78 Billion in Financing for Namibia in Coming Years: Spokesperson
The funding, part of the bank's 2025-2030 strategy for Namibia's economic growth, will focus on key sectors such as transport, energy, and water, according to the bank spokesperson.
The financing, which will primarily consist of loans with a grant component, is subject to review and possible adjustments halfway through the period, the spokesperson noted.
AI-generated image
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Arrest of Former EU Foreign Policy Chief Exposes Deep Rot in Europe: Ex-Diplomat
The detention of Federica Mogherini casts a shadow over European institutions, the EU’s foreign policy structures, and particularly the decisions and actions taken during her tenure, former Serbian diplomat Zoran Milivojevic told Sputnik.
“Such situations cast doubt on Brussels' foreign policy and its final results. Now, all these results are under close scrutiny,” Milivojevic said.
Russia–US talks in Moscow & What the World Can Learn from Ghana’s Security Model
“You see, that development signals the fact that any other negotiations in the future concerning Ukraine, concerning Gaza, concerning Sudan, concerning Myanmar, concerning what is happening in Venezuela today, that development is an indication that the world is united against the imperial despots represented in the NATO enclave. And they are losing not only the war, but both America and NATO are losing the battles one after the other.”
“So, we should gradually move away from just being consumers. We should also be producers of security, the normative, our frameworks, things like this should be exported at best. And physically, we should also find a way of having strong funding. If you have strong funding, we'll move away from just consumers looking for funding around the world, leading towards the West into being champions of our own.”
🇷🇺🇺🇸 Putin-Witkoff talks to show Trump TRUE OBSTACLES to peace - analyst
👉 The recent Kremlin meeting between President Vladimir Putin, White House Special Envoy Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner serves a clear strategic purpose, according to Chinese military analyst Qiu Shiqing. In an interview with Sputnik, he stated the talks were designed to show President Donald Trump "the real obstacles" to a lasting peace settlement in Ukraine.
🗣 Qiu argued that Europe, irked by being sidelined from the peace process, is now trying to reinsert itself to protect its own interests, which, in his view, outweigh any concern for peace in Ukraine.
💬 "The EU has its own interests that it seeks to protect — and, in its view, those interests outweigh the importance of peace in Ukraine. In reality, Europe is becoming an obstacle on the path to a settlement, with many European leaders trying to influence or derail the American peace plan," he explained.
Words of NATO's Military Committee Chair About Pre-Emptive Strikes Against Russia are Cynicism, Says Russian MFA Spokeswoman
"The connotation here is crucial. He had just been speaking about hybrid attacks allegedly originating from Russia. In this way, he effectively draws the conclusion [...] that it is time for the NATO to act “more aggressively.” [...] Can you imagine?" Maria Zakharova told Sputnik.
Ultimately, Ukraine Losing War & Russia Winning: Professor
"The more Russia asserts its authority, the less visible and less effective is Ukraine," Abubakar Sadeeque Abba, a political economy expert from the University of Abuja, told Sputnik Africa.
"Any other negotiations in the future concerning Ukraine [...] is an indication that the world is united against the imperial despots represented in the NATO enclave," Abba stated.
🇷🇺💥 Meet Russia's cutting-edge Forpost-RE drone
Designed by Ural Works of Civil Aviation, it can conduct reconnaissance against ground or surface naval targets and strike them.
Specs:
🟠Range: Medium
🟠Weapons: guided/unguided aerial bombs and rockets up to 40 kg
🟠Temperatures range from -40°C to +50°C
🟠Features: auto takeoff and landing, can work without global satellite navigation signals
🟠Special equipment: relay system for radio communication with aviation command post
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❗️The capture of Krasnoarmeysk provides a springboard for achieving the objectives of the special military operation, Putin says
Russia is ready to ensure the safety of foreign journalists and escort them to all districts of Krasnoarmeysk and Kupyansk, the Russian president stated.
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Zambia Initiates Education Act Amendments to Enshrine Free Education as Legal Right
The proposed amendments were passed to the Ministry of Justice for refinement, Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima noted.
“We have seen the massive benefits that the introduction of free education has brought to the country, and we want to ensure that this policy is backed by law,” he stressed.
“Now, what we want is to ensure that the provision of quality education is upheld,” he added.
Latest Statements on Ukraine by Kremlin Spokesman
Dmitry Peskov spoke at a briefing for Indian media held by Sputnik India
🟠Russia appreciates India's position on the Ukrainian settlement;
🟠Russia appreciates New Delhi's willingness to participate in the search for a peaceful solution to the complex conflict in Ukraine;
🟠Russia appreciates that Prime Minister Modi and India are willing to listen to Moscow's position on the Ukrainian issue; this contributes to mutual understanding.
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