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Sassou, Congo Republic's Sassou, seeks a new term amid low turnout and internet outage
The Congo Republic held a presidential election on Sunday, which was expected to extend the reign of Denis Sassou Nguesso - one of Africa's most experienced leaders. A low turnout highlighted the lack of suspense about the result. Sassou is facing a "weak" field of opponents, as two of the most well-known opposition leaders are in prison or exile. Many opposition parties boycotted this election because they felt the process was untrustworthy. Analysts and civil society groups predict that the turnout will be lower than the 68% in 2021 when Sassou was elected to his five-year term with 88.4%. A witness reported that there were no or very short lines at the polling stations of Brazzaville's capital. Sassou, after casting his vote in Brazzaville told reporters that he hoped the?enthusiasm he saw on the campaign trail?would be apparent in the final turnout number. He said: "We are hopeful that the things I heard during the campaign will come to pass today." The voting was to finish at 6 pm local time (1700 GMT) and the counting would begin immediately afterwards. The provisional results will be available 48-72 hours after polls close. INTERNET OUTAGE REPORTED Sassou has been in power since 1979, with the exception of a five-year break in the 1990s. He ran against six candidates who were not well-known, and none of them was considered a serious contender. The electoral body was dominated by figures aligned to the ruling Congolese Labour Party. Remadji Hoinathy, of the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, said that "the opposition is fragmented" and does not have a "strong, emblematic figure". Sassou will still have a chance despite voter fatigue. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that the internet was down in many parts of the country on Election Day, making it hard to get an accurate picture of what was happening. In an email, Alp Toker of NetBlocks confirmed that a nationwide internet blackout was now in place in the Republic of Congo. This measure is likely to limit transparency in today's elections. Toker stated that this was "technically compatible" with a?internet shutdown imposed for the 2021 presidential election. Neither the Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso nor the Communications Minister Thierry Moungalla responded to inquiries about the outage. Voters See No Hope for Change Rights groups claim that the political space in Congo has shrunk in recent years. They cite arrests of activists, and suspensions by political parties. After a long decline, the economy - heavily dependent on crude oil - has stabilised over the past few years. According to the World Bank, 52% of Congo’s 6.1m people live in poverty. Some Congolese who voted said that the country needs a new direction. They did not specify whether they backed Sassou, or his opponent. Gigi Wandiabantou, a Brazzaville resident, said: "Our children have diplomas and they are not doing anything." "I'm counting on the people in charge to do something for us mothers." Some Congolese believe there is little hope for change. Frederic Nkou, a Brazzaville resident who is unemployed, said: "It's a?election with a known outcome." "I don’t expect things will improve." Makosso, the Prime Minister, dismissed allegations of pro-Sassou slant ahead of Sunday's vote. He argued that Congo's electoral oversight bodies will ensure a fair and transparent election. Sassou's campaign has been based on continuity. He has pledged to expand education and training and to speed up development projects. Clement Bonnerot, Ngouda Diaone and Robbie Corey Boulet in the Dakar and Congo Republic Newsroom. Editing by Andrei Khalip Joe Bavier Alexander Smith
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Netanyahu responds to Iran's rumours about his death by posting a video
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, posted a video on Sunday of him 'getting a coffee and' chatting with an aide after rumours of his death or injury were spread by the iranian state media. In the video taken in a café on the outskirts of Jerusalem and posted to Netanyahu's Telegram, his aide questions him about the rumours. As he grabs a coffee, Netanyahu makes a joke about the word "dead" -- which in Hebrew slang is used to refer to someone or something that you are "crazy for". "I love coffee. You know what? Netanyahu tells his aide, "I'm mad about my people." The video's location was verified by comparing the file images of the cafe with the interiors shown in the video. The cafe posted multiple photos and videos of Netanyahu's Sunday visit. This allowed us to verify the date. Netanyahu's office distributed videos and limited media access since the U.S. launched its attack on Iran in February. He has also visited two towns that were hit by Iranian missiles as well as a hospital, port, military base and a?port. Netanyahu, who rarely gives interviews or news conferences to Israeli media, held a 'first press conference via video link since the beginning of the war on Thursday. This format was similar to that he used in June, during Israel's 12-day conflict with Iran. Since the beginning of the war, Israel has imposed emergency safety restrictions that have banned public gatherings. Most people are now at home or in safe rooms and shelters. Schools across the majority of the country are closed.
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IEA: Emergency oil stockpiles coming soon to Iran's devastated markets
The International Energy Agency said that more than 400 million barrels?of oil from its emergency reserves would begin to 'flow soon. The agency announced on Sunday that stocks of goods from Asia, Oceania, and North America will be available as soon as possible, and those from Europe and South America will be ready by the end March. The statement stated that the governments have committed to making 271.7 million barrels available from government stock, 116.6 millions barrels from industry stocks and 23.6million barrels from other sources. IEA?said that the majority of pledged reserves – 195.8 millions barrels – are from member nations in?the Americas. 172.2 million of those barrels come from government stock. Asia Oceania members countries have committed to contributing 108.6 millions barrels. 66.8 of those barrels will come from government stock. Europe has pledged 107.5million barrels including 32.7million barrels from government stock. According to the IEA, 72% of planned releases will be crude oil, and 28% oil?products. The IEA was created in 1974, after the oil crises. The IEA has released six coordinated stockpiles since its creation. According to the IEA, the release was made to 'combat a spike in oil price caused by disruptions of around a fifth of the global oil and natural gas supply along the Strait of Hormuz after the war started on February 28. Iran warned on Wednesday that the world must be prepared for oil prices of $200 per barrel, as its forces continue to attack merchant ships in the strait. IEA member countries hold more than 1.2billion barrels in emergency stocks, and another 600m are held by industry under government obligations. Reporting by Layli foroudi, Editing by Joe Bavier & Andrew Heavens
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The economy of Peru grew by 3.54% in January
Data from the nation's INEI statistical agency revealed that Peru's economy grew 3.54% on an annual basis in January. This was driven by growth across most economic sectors, including construction, commerce and mining. The Central Bank's Chief?economist estimated that the figure would be around 3.5%. The National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), in a report released on January 15, said that the mining sector grew by 3.08% compared to the previous year after?two consecutive declines. The increase in January was due to a rise in production of copper, zinc, and gold. Peru is the third largest copper producer in the world. The statistics office reported that the construction industry also showed a notable increase in January. It grew by 15.63% year-on-year, largely due to domestic cement consumption. In January, the?fishing industry fell by 9.56% on an annual basis. This was its third consecutive month of decline. The Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Andean country estimates an economic growth of 3.2% by 2026, as opposed to the projected 3.44% for '2025. Peru has had eight presidents in the past year, causing political instability. On April 12th, elections will be held and a new president will take office at the end July. (Reporting and editing by Bill Berkrot, Will Dunham and Alexander Villegas)
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Sources say that Fujairah in the UAE resumes oil loading after an attack
Four sources confirmed that oil loading operations at the United Arab Emirates Fujairah, a major 'bunkering hub' and crude export terminal, had re-commenced despite a Saturday drone attack and fire. However, it is unclear whether the operations are back to normal. The U.S. - Iran war has already reduced Middle Eastern oil supply by more than?7m barrels a day, or 7% of the global supply. The disruptions?at Fujairah could force OPEC’s third largest crude producer to cut more?production, after already cutting production at its offshore oil fields. According to Kpler, Fujairah outside the Strait of Hormuz exported on average?more? than 1.7million barrels of crude oil and refined fuels?per day last year. This volume is equal to around 1.7% of world daily demand. The Middle East's biggest commercial storage facility for refined products is also located in Fujairah. Iran warned of new attacks against UAE ports on Saturday, after U.S. strike on Kharg Island facilities. Iranian news agencies reported that Iran had warned residents to evacuate areas near the?Jebel Al port in Dubai, Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. ADNOC (Abu Dhabi State Oil Company), which is based in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, has not responded to a request for comment. ADNOC closed its Ruwais refining plant on Tuesday. Bloomberg News reported earlier that?oil loading operations? had resumed in the emirate. Reporting by Sarah El Safty in Dubai and Youssef Sabah in Bengaluru, Seher Dareen and Shri Navaratnam in London, and Jamie Freed, Gareth Jones and Gareth Jones in London.
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Bahrain's Alba closes 19% aluminium production as Hormuz continues to disrupt the supply chain
Aluminium Bahrain (also known as Alba) announced on Sunday that it had halted 'three aluminium melting lines,' which accounted for '19% of its total capacity, in order to maintain business continuity amid the ongoing disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz. Force majeure was declared by the company on 'March 4, as it could not ship metal to customers due to the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. Alba, which describes itself as the "world's largest?smelter of aluminium on one site," announced in a press release that it had begun a "controlled safe shutdown" for reduction lines 1, 2, and 3. The company added: "This targeted action is designed to optimize the utilisation of Alba's current raw materials inventory, and to prioritise the operational stability across?"Reduction Lines 4, 5, and 6." Middle East smelters - which account for 9% of global supply - have also been unable to import vessels containing their main raw material, Alumina. (Reporting and editing by Joe Bavier; Tom Daly)
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Japan releases oil stocks after US orders to buy American
Japan will begin releasing oil on Monday to ease the shock of?the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. This is a stark reminder of the oil shortage that occurred half a century earlier, which prompted Tokyo's creation reserves. Tokyo announced that it would release 80 million barrels of crude oil to Japan, which is enough to last the nation for 45 days. The war in the Gulf has disrupted supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. The Japanese government has instructed refiners to use the crude oil released, which will reduce Japan's national reserves by 17 percent, to ensure domestic supplies. The amount of oil that will be released by the International Energy Agency for a global supply release of 400,000,000 barrels to combat the war's price volatility and supply shock is unknown. RESERVES STABILISE SUPPLY, BUT "MAINLY BUILD TIME" Yuriy?Humber, CEO of Tokyo-based consultancy Yuri Group, says that Japan's release demonstrates how seriously Tokyo views disruption. The reserves are mainly there to buy time, but can help stabilize supplies and prices on a short-term basis. He said that they couldn't "fully offset" a disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry states that any potential release of 12 million barrels held jointly by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait in Japan would be additional to the 80 million barrels announced. Japan began its national oil reserves system in 1978, several decades after the Arab oil embargo. The Group of Seven nation is reliant on Middle East oil for 90% of its consumption. It now stockspiles enough to last 254 days. METI reports that the government will begin releasing oil from its reserves to cover 15 days of consumption by the private sector on Monday. METI Minister Ryosei Acazawa stated that private companies are preparing to?tap Japan's stockpiles?, but they also want supplies from Central Asia, South America, and Gulf countries, which can bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Japan buys around 4% its oil from the U.S., after ceasing to purchase it from Russia in 2022 following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Lee Zeldin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Administrator, said: "When you consider the conflict in the Middle East.....you are reminded that all the crude oil..that went from Alaska to Japan..was never..targeted by a successful terrorist.attack." This conflict is a reminder to other nations that the United States has the resources they need. (Reporting and editing by William Mallard; Yuka Obayashi, Katya Golubkova)
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Palestinian Health Authorities say that Israeli forces killed four Palestinians in West Bank.
Palestinian health officials said that Israeli forces killed four Palestinians on Sunday. They included a mother, a father, and two children, while they were driving in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian health officials report that a mother and father aged 35 and 37 and two of their children ages?5 or 7 were shot in the head in the village Tammun. Two of their other children also sustained injuries. The Israeli military said that it would be examining the reports. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, a Palestinian also died in an overnight attack by settlers. Rights groups and medics claim that Israeli settlers are using the restrictions on movement imposed by the U.S./Israeli war against?Iran as an excuse to attack Palestinians. Military 'roadblocks' prevent ambulances from reaching the victims quickly. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, settlers have killed at least five 'Palestinians' in the West Bank ever since the Iran War began on February 28. Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Emily Rose, Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Editing By William Mallard
Venezuela's Socialist Party is under threat from distrust, desertions and declining bonuses
In the weeks following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops, local members of the ruling socialist Party went door to door in Maracaibo's oil-rich city, asking the residents if they supported the party which has ruled the country for almost 20 years. About half of the members responded that they did not.
"The response was very poor," said someone who led the effort. "There is division among us."
Although I was unable to independently verify the results of the canvassing, the reported decline in support was consistent with the information collected from three other areas of the country.
The news agency interviewed 13 party members and local leaders from four states who spoke of fractures within the United Socialist Party. They all expressed a sense of deep uncertainty, and many were concerned about their future economic prospects.
Five sources said that some contributions have stopped since Maduro was captured.
Six people spoke of distrust and suspicion amongst party members, especially towards interim president Delcy Rodriquez. Eight people said that they'd seen a decline in support and participation at their local branch of the party, and two estimated a 70% drop in attendance at local events such as marches and meetings. All the people interviewed requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation. Several said local leaders encouraged party members to spy on those who were losing faith in their cause. This is a common strategy used in Venezuela to eliminate popular discontent. The names of those interviewed have been withheld to protect them.
The news agency was unable to determine the current situation in all 24 states of the country, despite talking with people who observed a decline in participation in four geographically separated states. The majority of foreign media in Venezuela do not employ permanent staff and Venezuelans generally are reluctant to speak freely with reporters for fear of reprisals. The Venezuelan government and PSUV did not respond to requests for comments on the erosion of support for the PSUV party, or the fraying patronage system.
Rodriguez has made repeated calls for Venezuelan unity to face threats. She has also praised the country's resilience and promised economic development for everyone. Rodriguez has met with the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in order to discuss the cooperation against drug trafficking, despite her decrying Maduro’s detention as kidnapping. Rodriguez would have a difficult time if the party's support was eroded at the grassroots. She has been reported to be putting her allies into positions of power in order to protect herself from the threat of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who is also the head of the PSUV. Cabello has strong connections with the security services as well as the colectivos (the hardline motorcycle riding enforcement arm of the PSUV).
Cabello was not available for comment. The Communications Ministry in Venezuela is responsible for handling all media requests from government officials. It did not reply to questions about this story.
Cabello has publicly emphasized unity. Cabello used his weekly press conference, as leader of the party, on Jan. 12 to stress that Rodriguez had "all the backing of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela."
According to party members, Maduro’s departure has not done much to improve the PSUV’s popularity.
A local leader of a party in Aragua, a state in northern Venezuela, said that the party would not be able to grow and win elections "even if Che Guevara was running."
"You're dealing with a situation in which the apparatus of repression has fragmented and, on top of it, the grassroots are demobilizing." This is a major challenge to governability," said Ricardo Rios of Caracas based consultancy Poder & Estrategia.
Local support for the party could still revive. Venezuela has already received 500 million dollars from crude sales, and any significant improvement in the economy could help boost funding for the party. Membership perks that have historically been used to strengthen support may also be restored. A senior White House official responded to questions regarding the Socialist Party's problems by saying: "The country has stabilized, illegal migration and drug flows have stopped and the new oil agreement will bring economic prosperity to both the Venezuelan and American public."
MEANS OF CONTROL
The PSUV is the party that Venezuela's top officials have been a part of for a long time. The PSUV was formed in 2007 when the disparate political forces and social groups that brought socialist President Hugo Chavez into power in 1999 were merged. The movement that he founded was called 'Chavismo'.
In 2009, when Chavez invested oil money into social projects the party had over 7 million members. The party was founded to design policy from the ground up, but it became more of a tool for the president to exercise his power and suppress popular discontent, especially after Chavez's death and Maduro's takeover in 2013. The party has a super-majority in the National Assembly, which is led by Rodriguez's younger brother Jorge. They also control all but one out of Venezuela's 24 governorships.
The reasons for the decline in local support were varied. Some people said they were afraid to be associated with the party if the opposition won power for fear of some sort of retribution. Some said that uncertainty caused internal fighting within the party. Nearly everyone spoke of their disillusionment, and questioned whether the new Chavista leadership was loyal to the cause.
Five sources said that local branches have been affected by problems in delivering party handouts - both financial and food - which has added to the hardship of people. Five sources said that members from three states, Zulia Aragua Falcon were leaving the party due to the government's refusal to pay bonuses and distribute welfare. The information it collected about the stalling of handouts could not be independently verified. The government payments that can amount to more than $100 per month for some people, through various benefits, are an important source of income in Venezuela where poverty is rampant and the minimum wage is only $1. Analysts estimate that inflation will reach 400% by 2025.
Some people interviewed said that certain bonuses had yet to arrive, while others did not.
A source in Zulia said that 600 people in their district had not received a "family bonus", which is a direct welfare payout of up to $65, given to help cover living expenses. Three sources reported that CLAP food parcels have not been delivered. Some added that the problems with these deliveries date back to before Maduro's capture, but that they have continued ever since. One party member in the Mara municipality, near the Colombian border, said that there are still old-school Socialist Party supporters who "clap like seals," but they're "turning away because they haven’t received their bonuses."
The person claimed that about 70% of party members in Mara and local public employees ignored the calls to take part in two recent pro Maduro marches. This led bosses in Mara to threaten firings. It was not possible to determine the number of marchers or whether there were firings in response. Four people who were interviewed reported that the motorbike riding 'colectivos,' had attended fewer events. They also said they hadn't been mobilized in order to get people to publicly support the government. According to reports from Human Rights Watch, their members are responsible for the deaths of opposition figures and antigovernment protesters.
A person in Mara told the reporter that many members of colectivos are now motorbike taxi drivers. They have not shown up at marches, despite local authorities threatening to revoke mototaxi permits. "They hide and fake an illness, and some have gone to Colombia." (Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer & Claudia Parsons).
(source: Reuters)