Latest News
-
Cameroon opposition protests increase ahead of presidential election
On Sunday, hundreds of opposition supporters blocked roads and set fire to tyres as protests intensified in the commercial capital of Cameroon a day ahead of the presidential election results. The police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the supporters of Issa tchiroma, an opposition candidate. They claim he defeated veteran leader Paul Biya during the vote on October 12, and accuse authorities of rigging the election. After partial results were reported by local media, protests erupted in several cities as Biya (92) was expected to win. The government rejected the opposition's claims of irregularities, and encouraged people to wait until the results were announced. "We want Tchiroma! We want Tchiroma!" The protesters in Douala’s New Bell neighborhood chanted "We want Tchiroma, we want Tchiroma!" They blocked roads and threw stones and other projectiles towards security forces. At least four protesters were detained by police, as reported by reporters. Other parts of the city, including Tchiroma’s hometown Garoua, also saw clashes. Tchiroma’s campaign manager had earlier on Sunday said that authorities had arrested about 30 politicians who supported his candidacy. This heightened tensions. Anicet Tchameni and Djeukam Ekane were among those he claimed were arrested. Djeukam is a prominent member of the Union for Change. Paul Atanga Nji said that arrests were made on Saturday in connection with an "insurrectional" movement, but he didn't say how many or who was arrested. Biya has been the leader of Cameroon, and is currently the oldest ruler in the world. He has held power since 1982. He could be in power for another seven-year period, keeping him there until he's nearly 100. Tchiroma has declared that he is the winner and will not accept anything else. (Reporting and writing by Bate Felix, Nellie Pettit; editing by Andrew Heavens).
-
EU considers more flexible climate target in hunt for deal, draft shows
A draft EU document revealed that European Union countries were negotiating proposals for giving industries a more flexible way to meet climate goals. The bloc is trying to gain support from governments to achieve a new target of 2040 to reduce emissions. The EU is negotiating a legally binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas emission by 90% by 2040. It is racing to adopt the goal before the world leaders meet for the U.N. COP30 Climate Summit on November 6. Months of negotiations have not yet yielded an agreement, because some governments have been resistant to green measures and have raised concerns about how to finance a low-carbon shift alongside other priorities such as defence and revitalising the industries. The draft EU compromise proposal seen by revealed that countries had drafted plans to allow the EU review the 2040 goal every two years. This could potentially allow Brussels to weaken this target in the future. The draft would also include in law an agreement that other industries won't be forced to reduce emissions faster if the forests absorb less CO2 than expected or if technologies to remove CO2 are developed slower than anticipated. The draft, dated 25 October, stated that "potential shortfalls in one area should not be made at the expense other areas." No Change to the Carbon Credit Quota The new compromise reflects the demands made by EU leaders at a recent summit, where they discussed "enabling conditions" required to achieve green goals without increasing energy bills for consumers and while supporting businesses that are struggling with cheap Chinese imports or U.S. Tariffs. The ambassadors of EU countries will begin negotiations next week before their climate ministers try to approve the goal on November 4. Although countries are still discussing this, the draft proposal does not change the 90% target for reducing emissions, or the 3% that can be achieved by purchasing foreign carbon credits instead of domestic efforts. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that credits could cover as much as 5%. The European Commission, in order to win over governments that are sceptical, has promised to make changes to greener measures. This includes price controls on a future carbon market for transportation fuels. Brussels may also weaken its ban on combustion engine cars in 2035 after Germany and Italy put pressure on it. A spokesperson from Denmark, which currently holds the rotating EU Presidency and drafted this document, declined comment. (Reporting and editing by Kate Abnett)
-
Nigeria's Dangote Refinery Plans to Expand to 1.4 Million Bpp
Aliko Dangote, the owner of Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery, said that it plans to double its current production capacity, which is 650,000 barrels per day, to 1.4million barrels per daily over the next three-year period. The 20 billion dollar refinery outside of Lagos began operations in January of 2024, and is aimed at ending imports of refined petroleum by Africa's largest crude oil producer. The new plant capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day would be enough to process all of Nigeria's crude oil production, which is currently around 1.5 million barrels per day. Dangote said to journalists that the funding for expansion would be derived from cash flow and proceeds from an upcoming listing on the local market, as well as "one or two strategic investor that we are carrying". He said, "This expansion... is about confidence in people and leadership in our country." Dangote said that the planned listing of refinery shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange would take place in the coming year. The demand for shares will determine the amount of shares listed. MacDonald Dzirutwe, Isaac Anyaogu and Andrew Heavens contributed to the reporting.
-
Wall St Week ahead-Megacap earnings and Fed meeting to headline busy US market week
The U.S. Stock Rally faces a potentially significant week in order to maintain its momentum going into the year-end. This includes a flood corporate results, headlined by Megacap Companies and a possible interest rate reduction by the Federal Reserve following its two-day meeting. Investors may be concerned about the escalation of U.S.-China tensions in the next few days. Meanwhile, the U.S. shutdown continues to cause uncertainty. The S&P 500 posted a record-breaking closing high on the Friday after a 36% rise since the low of the year, in April. The benchmark index has risen over 15% in the past year. Chris Fasciano is the chief market strategist of Commonwealth Financial Network. He said that given the fact that the market has been on a rally for several months, without any significant declines, the equities market could continue to be choppy. Fasciano stated that "what we need to hear is corporate America talk positively about the economy and continue beating earnings." "When people get nervous, they do so when consumer confidence or business confidence is on the decline." The third-quarter earnings season has started well, despite the disappointments of companies like Texas Instruments and streaming service Netflix. According to LSEG IBES, the S&P 500 profit is estimated to be 10.4% higher than a year earlier, based on results reported by 143 companies. 87% of companies surpassed analysts' revenue and earnings expectations so far. The next week will be the busiest for the season with more than 170 companies reporting. Microsoft, Apple Alphabet Amazon Meta Platforms are five of the seven "Magnificent Seven" companies. These firms have huge market capitalizations, dominate equity indexes, and posted massive profit growth in the last couple of years. The Magnificent Seven's advantage over the rest index has narrowed, but they are still expected post better results in this period. According to data released this week by Tajinder Dhillon senior research analyst at LSEG, earnings for the group will rise 16.6% compared to an 8.1% increase for the rest index. Several of the largest companies in the world are also major players in the artificial-intelligence industry. This has driven the stock market's performance. Anthony Saglimbene is the chief market strategist of Ameriprise Financial. He said that these large tech reports will have the biggest impact between now and the year's end. The hurdle rate for these companies is high as they prepare to report earnings next week. Next week, other companies will report their results including oil giants Exxon & Chevron, payment firms Visa & Mastercard and drugmaker Eli Lilly. Fed policymakers are widely expected to reduce the current benchmark rate, which is 4%-4.25%, by another quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday. This view was reinforced by Friday's inflation data that were lower than anticipated. The markets will be more responsive to the Fed's Jerome Powell as they have already factored in that rate change into their asset prices. They are also expecting further cuts to rates at their next meeting, which is expected to take place in December. The Fed's rate-cutting strategy would have the biggest impact if it showed any signs of a deviation, said Dominic Pappalardo. Chief multi-assets strategist at Morningstar Wealth. The Fed may be hindered in its decision-making due to the lack of information provided by the federal government since the shutdown began on 1 October, including the delays in the release of employment data at a moment when there are growing concerns about the state of the labor markets. Art Hogan is the chief market strategist for B Riley Wealth. He said that an increasingly prolonged shutdown, which has already lasted more than average in previous shutdowns, also poses a greater risk to economic growth. Hogan stated that the longer the situation continues, the harder it will be for the market to ignore. Investors had also largely shrugged off trade-related risks over the past few months. However, renewed U.S. China rifts has brought tensions back to the forefront between the two world's largest economies. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, threatened to impose significantly higher tariffs against China on November 1 after Beijing implemented export controls for rare earths. Investors are watching the developments surrounding the upcoming meeting between Trump, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to see if tensions can be eased between the two nations. "If tariffs increase to the levels President Trump has threatened on China, you'd see a volatile and likely a negative reaction in the markets, especially if investors anticipate that this is going to last," Saglimbene stated.
-
Cameroon arrests opposition figures before presidential elections
His campaign reported that authorities in Cameroon have detained 30 people linked to Issa tchiroma's presidential campaign. This has heightened tensions before Monday's results announcement. Anicet Ekane is the leader of the MANIDEM Party and Djeukam tchameni is a prominent member of the Union for Change. Both had supported Tchiroma’s candidacy. In the nation that produces cocoa and oil, there have been increasing clashes between security and Tchiroma supporters. Tchiroma called for more nationwide protests to take place on Sunday at 1400 GMT. Paul Atanga Nji confirmed at a Saturday press conference that arrests were made in connection with an "insurrectional" movement, but he refused to reveal the names or number of those detained. Nji stated that "Calls to protest by certain politicians who are obsessed with power create conditions for a crisis in security and contribute to the implementation scheme of insurrection." Tchiroma, in a Sunday post on the Facebook page of his campaign, rejected accusations of rebellion and claimed that government officials tried to negotiate with those arrested prior to their arrest. You arrested them because they refused to accept your proposal. When you tried to negotiate with them were they not terrorists? Tchiroma wrote. Tchiroma is a former minister who was once an ally to President Paul Biya. He has declared victory and said he won't accept any other outcome. In the last week, protests have erupted in several cities after local media reported partial results of the election that showed Biya on track to be declared winner. Biya could be in power for seven more years, if he is declared the winner by the Constitutional Council on Monday. (Reporting and editing by Aidan Lewis; Bate Felix)
-
Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia, says that Slovakia will not participate in EU scheme to meet Ukraine's military requirements
Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, said that Slovakia would not participate in any European Union program aimed at funding military assistance for Ukraine to fight Russia's invasion. Slovakia has allowed commercial sales but stopped all state aid to Ukraine in 2023 when Fico came to power. Fico disagrees with European Union countries on the war and says that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield. The EU leaders decided on Thursday that they would meet Ukraine's urgent financial needs for the next two-years, but did not endorse a plan to fund a loan of 140 billion euros to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets. The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that the money could immediately be used to improve Ukraine's air defense, its air fleet and its front-line positions. Fico said in a televised press conference that he would not allow Slovakia to participate in any financial scheme to help Ukraine manage its war and military expenditures. Risks of Sanctions Fico also criticized EU sanctions against Russia because of its war in Ukraine. He said that they hurt Europe even more. Both Slovakia and Hungary are buyers of Russian energy and now have to navigate U.S. Sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft & Lukoil, which will come into effect in the next month. Fico, when asked about these risks on Sunday by a journalist, said that Slovnaft is a part of Hungary's MOL oil and gas group and not a buyer of oil. Fico's first comment since the United States announced sanctions last week was, "At the moment we do not evaluate it in that way." Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, said on Friday that Hungary is working to find a way around U.S. Sanctions.
-
Reports: Kremlin wrong to speak about cancelling Putin-Trump Summit
State television Vesti, on its Telegram channel, reported that the Kremlin stated on Sunday that it was incorrect to speak about canceling a meeting between Russian president Vladimir Putin and U.S. president Donald Trump. However, it added that preparations were needed. They are clear about this: "Presidents can't just meet to waste time. They cannot meet just for the sake meeting. They have instructed the (U.S. secretary of state Marco) Rubio and the (Russian foreign minister Sergei) Lavrov to prepare for this meeting. "The process is complex," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said to state TV Kremlin reporter Pavel Zarubin. Peskov commented on the sanctions that the U.S. imposed on the Russian oil giants Lukoil & Rosneft. He called them "unfriendly steps", but stated that Russia aims to establish friendly relations with every country, including the U.S. "Despite the different nuances expressed by the President of the United States we must remain oriented towards our own interests." Peskov said that building good relations with other countries, including the United States, was in our interests. "Ofcourse, the actions taken this week were unfriendly. In fact, they have damaged our chances of reviving our relations. This does not mean we should abandon our aspirations. Peskov stated that we should always do what's best for us. He said that Russia will prosecute anyone who is found to have been involved in the possible seizure of Russian assets. Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Guy Faulconbridge
-
Sudan's RSF claims to have captured al-Fashir Army headquarters
Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces announced on Sunday that they had taken over the army's headquarters in al-Fashir. This was the last stronghold of the Sudanese Army in Darfur, in the western part of the country. The army has not yet made a public statement about its current situation. RSF has been fighting the army, former rebels, and local fighters for 18 months. The RSF has been targeting civilians with frequent artillery and drone strikes. Meanwhile, the siege is spreading starvation in the city of 250,000 residents. Al-Fashir is a major political victory for RSF. It could also hasten the physical separation of the country, by allowing the paramilitary to consolidate their control over the vast Darfur Region. This region has been identified as the basis for a parallel Government established this summer. As seen following the capture of the Zamzam camp South. RSF soldiers have been accused of committing robberies and sexual assaults on roadside by those who left al-Fashir. U.N. mandated mission Last month, the RSF was accused of multiple crimes against humanity during the siege at al-Fashir. Atrocities have also been committed by the army. (Reporting and editing by Kate Mayberry; Khalid Abdelaziz Nafisa, Menna, Alaa, Eltahir)
CULTURE CURRENT-Ricardo Cardim on greening Brazil's concrete jungle
In November, Brazil will host the COP30 climate summit, and the Amazon city of Belem, which is the most biodiverse city in the world, will be the center of attention. Visitors to Sao Paulo in Brazil's business capital may be shocked by the city's treeless landscapes, and its polluted river.
Cardim is a botanist and landscaper on a mission. He wants to use native plants of the Atlantic Forest, Brazil's most endangered ecosystem. The Atlantic Forest once covered the entire city but now only occupies a fraction of its original area along the coast. Cardim has created "pocket trees," a collection of more than 12 tiny biodiverse forests he planted in public and private spaces throughout Sao Paulo. These groves help urbanites reconnect with their natural heritage, and adapt to a warming future.
Cardim, who lives in Sao Paulo discusses with us why he believes that the conversation about climate in cities should shift from abstract carbon metrics to the tangible benefits of biodiversity protection.
This conversation has been edited for clarity.
Why is Sao Paulo grey?
Sao Paulo has a remarkable biodiversity. It's an ecotone, a point where different floras meet. You could see the Araucaria Forest (savanna) and humid Atlantic Forest (with semi-deciduous trees) meeting with the Araucaria Forest.
Sao Paulo has experienced an incredible growth in the last 150 years. In 1870, Sao Paulo had 30,000 inhabitants. It is now home to 22 million people.
What are the implications of this?
Sao Paulo can be a harsh city. We hear a lot about the global climate change. But we can't do much to affect it. China and the United States are better suited to talk about this than us. We can't control what happens in the region, but we do have some choice. Heat islands are caused by the excessive drying, impermeabilization, and lack of greenery in urban areas. Heat islands are also the factory of extreme weather.
Tell me about the pocket forest project that you and your company Cardim Landscape Architecture are working on. What was the beginning?
I was visiting my uncle's small farm. Nearby, there were some trees that had been cleared to plant potatoes. The forest was coming back. One tree pressing against another. How does it return? Within a single summer, the trees would reach three meters tall.
When I founded my business, I thought "I will do what I did as a teenager at the farm" in landscaping projects. Nobody else was doing it; it was completely crazy. It was my partner who called it a "pocket-forest." In three years I restored a building with a super-dense forest.
In 2016, some activists said "Let's create a pocket-sized forest in a public place." We received donations to purchase the seedlings. We finally got a plot after a lot stress from the city.
People started to arrive after we posted the following on social media. There were about 150 people when I counted.
Someone said something beautiful: "Ricardo I have planted trees before in the city, but never a Forest. It will last centuries if you plant a tree. No one can tear down the forest that was planted by people.
You mentioned the physical benefits that come from planting native trees in urban areas. You mentioned the physical benefits of planting native trees in cities. Can you explain the cultural importance of these trees, since most people talk only about protecting the last wild places on the planet, which are far from cities?
Even scientists have said to me in my lectures, "Ricardo this cause is minor." When we're talking about the preservation of biomes that are extremely important, I asked, "Buddy who decides if the biome is preserved or not?" Do you believe that the Amazonian landowners live on their farms or not? They don't. "They live in wealthy neighborhoods in Sao Paulo."
Urban dwellers are the majority of those who elect politicians who care about the environment outside cities. If, from childhood, people have seen (native), embaubas, and jucara trees, then you can create a connection between the people and their land.
We will not be able to convince the city dwellers of our incredible biodiversity, which is wonderful and worthy of preservation.
Your book, "Remnants of The Atlantic Forest", published in 2018, tells the tale of how deforestation has destroyed a rainforest which once stretched along Brazil’s coasts. What lessons can be learned from the Atlantic Forest to help protect the Amazon, the site of the 2018 climate summit hosted by Brazil?
The Atlantic Forest is the exact same place as the Amazon. Only the technology and scale differ. In the Atlantic Forest we use axes to cut down trees. In the Amazon we use bulldozers, chainsaws and other heavy machinery. The speed is ridiculous.
Already, the Amazon is beginning to fragment. This is the beginning of its end. It's exactly what happened to the Atlantic Forest. I see the perfect parallel.
Science has shown that forests do not survive in fragments. Large expanses of forest are necessary for forests to function. Small forests are transformed into zombie forests. They lose their fauna, suffer from internal climate and environmental changes, suffer biodiversity loss and die after more than a century.
We have the right, but must do it with love and scientific knowledge. We still treat nature like an unlimited credit card.
What do you want Brazilians to understand about the Atlantic Forest
It's easy to admire other people's gardens, but it's difficult to maintain our own.
They are irreplaceable. This is very important. For the forest to last for decades or even centuries, we need minimally viable fragments.
Environmental activists claim that the threats to biodiversity are often forgotten when leaders discuss climate change and ways to reduce carbon emissions. What is the outcome of this debate in the country with the most biodiversity?
We are dealing with an imported environmental agenda. The environmental agenda imported from wealthy, temperate countries ends up overshadowing important national issues.
We talk a great deal about renewable energy in Brazil, but water is our primary energy source. Water is under the jurisdiction of biodiversity. Our agriculture is the engine of our economy, and it is sustained by biodiversity.
It is important to remember that the trees are a connection between the watertable and the -- they receive water on both sides and send it directly to the watertable. This is why you see a mist over forests.
This imported agenda continues to bring up topics such as glaciers, ocean trash, plastics, and carbon -- things that the general public doesn't know.
Carbon is not the most important issue in cities. Nobody talks about the urban landscape, or how to restore cities. Nine out of ten Brazilians live in cities that are barren and chaotic.
We're now seeing money invested in companies that reforest and sell carbon credits. This includes the Atlantic Forest. Do you believe it will bring about a change?
As someone who cares deeply about our forests I would sleep better if the same amount of money and value that is placed on carbon was directed towards the management and preservation forest remnants.
We must remove invasive plants (and) replant species that our grandfathers cut down because the forest is imploding.
We need a scientific, technical mapping of the most endangered fragments. This carbon discussion makes me think that the people leading it are not experienced in forests. They haven't seen ticks, they don't live in cold countries. We just repeat it like parrots. (Editing by Yasmeen serhan and Aurora Ellis, Photo editing by Simon Newman).
(source: Reuters)