In a shocking turn of events, South Africa’s ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa, was discovered deceased on Tuesday morning at the base of a luxury hotel in western Paris. The 58-year-old diplomat, widely known as Nathi Mthethwa, had been reported missing the previous evening after his wife received a distressing message from him. In the message, Mthethwa reportedly apologized and hinted at his intention to end his own life, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau. A security guard at the Hyatt hotel found Mthethwa’s body in the inner courtyard early Tuesday, prompting an immediate investigation. Authorities revealed that Mthethwa had reserved a room on the 22nd floor, where the window’s safety mechanism appeared to have been forcibly opened. Investigators found no evidence of a struggle, medication, or illegal substances at the scene. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed profound sorrow over the ambassador’s death, describing it as a tragic loss. In a statement, Ramaphosa extended his heartfelt condolences to Mthethwa’s wife and family. Mthethwa, who had been appointed ambassador to France in December 2023, was tasked with enhancing bilateral relations between South Africa and France. Prior to his diplomatic role, he served as South Africa’s minister of police and minister of sports, arts, and culture.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Former Congolese president sentenced to death for war crimes
In a landmark ruling, former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has been sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from allegations that Kabila supported the M23 rebel group, which has caused widespread devastation in the country’s eastern region. The verdict, delivered on Friday, includes accusations of murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection. Kabila, who has dismissed the case as “arbitrary,” claims the judiciary is being used as an “instrument of oppression.” His current location remains unknown. Kabila, 54, led the DRC for 18 years after succeeding his father, Laurent Kabila, who was assassinated in 2001. He handed power to current President Félix Tshisekedi in 2019 but later fell out with him, leading to his self-imposed exile in 2023. In May 2024, Kabila returned to the M23-held city of Goma, stating his intention to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the east. However, Tshisekedi accused him of orchestrating the M23 rebellion, and senators revoked his legal immunity, enabling his prosecution. The conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 seized control of key areas in the mineral-rich east, including Goma and Bukavu. The UN and several Western nations have accused Rwanda of backing M23, a claim Kigali denies. Despite a July ceasefire agreement, violence persists in the region.
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South Africa’s top diplomat in France found dead near Paris hotel
South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was discovered deceased near the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, according to French authorities. The 58-year-old diplomat had been reported missing by his wife on Monday evening following a concerning message from him. Mthethwa had reserved a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel, where a security window was found forced open. The Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the unclear circumstances surrounding his death, with a duty magistrate dispatched to the scene. Mthethwa, a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC), had been serving as ambassador since December 2023. He previously held significant roles in the South African government, including Minister of Police and Minister of Arts and Culture. A close ally of former President Jacob Zuma, Mthethwa was implicated in the state capture inquiry, which investigated allegations of high-level corruption during Zuma’s presidency. South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola praised Mthethwa as a ‘distinguished servant of the nation,’ emphasizing that his loss is deeply felt both nationally and within the international diplomatic community. Lamola confirmed that French authorities are actively investigating the incident.
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Thousands of jobs at risk in Africa as US trade deal expires
The expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a pivotal U.S. trade agreement that has provided African exporters with duty-free access to American markets since 2000, is set to take effect this Tuesday. This development has left businesses across the continent grappling with heightened competitive pressures and the looming imposition of new tariffs. AGOA has been instrumental in bolstering industries such as Kenya’s textile and apparel sector, enabling it to compete effectively with Asian counterparts like Bangladesh and Vietnam. However, with the agreement’s termination, Kenyan manufacturers, including United Aryan, a Nairobi-based apparel exporter, fear they will lose their competitive edge. ‘Without AGOA, we stand no chance against Asian competitors,’ lamented Pankaj Bedi, owner of United Aryan, which exports Levi’s and Wrangler jeans to the U.S. Kenyan President William Ruto has urged the U.S. to consider renewing and extending AGOA for at least five years, emphasizing its role as a vital link between Africa and the U.S. The end of AGOA coincides with the introduction of new U.S. tariffs, announced in April, which could further exacerbate challenges for African exporters. Kenya, for instance, already faces a 10% tariff on non-AGOA exports, and its manufacturers are hindered by high energy costs, imported raw materials, and limited domestic supply chains. African leaders, including Ruto, are pushing for last-minute renegotiations and bilateral agreements with the U.S., but uncertainty remains. The termination of AGOA threatens to disrupt industries that employ millions, particularly in countries like Kenya, where over 66,000 workers in the textile sector are at risk of job losses. The broader economic implications include reduced foreign investment, weakened supply chains, and rising poverty, according to researchers at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability. For workers like Julia Shigadi, a machinist at United Aryan, the end of AGOA is not just a professional setback but a personal crisis. ‘This job is my lifeline,’ she said. ‘If it’s gone, my life is over.’
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Khan ‘rolling dice’ as promoter with Nigeria fight night
Amir Khan, the British boxing legend who retired in 2022 after a storied career, is now embarking on a new chapter as a boxing promoter. Known for his Olympic silver medal at 17, unified world titles, and unforgettable bouts with fighters like Marcos Maidana and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Khan is shifting his focus from the ring to the boardroom. His latest venture, ‘Chaos in the Ring,’ marks the first time top-tier professional boxing will be held in Nigeria, coinciding with the country’s Independence Day celebrations in Lagos. The event, promoted by Khan’s AK Promotions in partnership with Balmoral Group Promotions, aims to bring the excitement of boxing to an untapped market in Africa. The main event features a cruiserweight clash between Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne, while British light-heavyweight Dan Azeez fulfills a personal dream by fighting on Nigerian soil. Khan, who has previously organized a successful event in Ghana, believes Lagos will be an even bigger success. ‘I’m still new to the game, but I want to learn quick and move quick,’ Khan told BBC Sport from his home in Dubai. ‘Why Africa? I think it’s an untouched market.’ Khan’s promotion strategy also emphasizes reconnecting fighters with their roots, as seen with Londoner Ohara Davies boxing in Ghana earlier this year. While Khan never had the chance to fight in Pakistan, his heritage has always been a source of pride and connection with fans in South Asia. Transitioning into promotion has been a learning curve for Khan, who likens the negotiation process to a game of chess. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, drawing on his own experiences as a fighter to build trust with athletes. ‘I’m not expecting to make anything in the next couple of years as a promoter,’ Khan said. ‘I’m happy to roll the dice because I want to learn the trade as I go.’ Khan’s long-term vision includes expanding the sport in Africa and the Middle East before re-entering the UK market. He also dreams of staging fights in Saudi Arabia as part of the lucrative Riyadh Season. However, he acknowledges the need for support from broadcasters, co-promoters, and former allies. ‘I made them millions, let’s see if they do the same for me now,’ he added. While Khan officially retired after his defeat to Kell Brook in 2022, he admits that a comeback could be tempting if a fight with Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather materializes. ‘The only fight I’d come back for is a Manny Pacquiao or a Floyd Mayweather fight,’ Khan said. ‘If it happens, it happens. I’d love to take it.’ Though a return to the ring seems unlikely, Khan is determined to create a legacy outside of it, proving that his impact on boxing extends far beyond his days as a champion.
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Thousands of workers in limbo as US-Africa trade deal set to expire
At Shona EPZ, a bustling garment factory in Nairobi, Kenya, the hum of sewing machines and the chatter of workers typically create a reassuring rhythm. However, today’s atmosphere is tinged with anxiety as the factory’s future hangs in the balance due to the impending expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). This landmark US trade policy, which has granted duty-free access to the US market for African goods for 25 years, is set to expire on Tuesday, leaving thousands of workers like Joan Wambui uncertain about their livelihoods. Joan, a 29-year-old mother, has been employed at Shona EPZ for six months, sewing sportswear exclusively for the American market. Her salary supports her four-year-old daughter, two college-going sisters, and her mother. Losing her job would not only disrupt her family’s stability but also strip her of the dignity and hope that come with a steady income. Shona EPZ, which employs 700 people, has already seen a significant drop in output due to buyer hesitancy amid the uncertainty. Factory director Isaac Maluki warns that without an Agoa extension, layoffs and even shutdowns may be inevitable. The stakes are high not just for Kenya but for over 30 African countries that rely on Agoa to export over 6,000 products to the US. Kenyan Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui is pushing for at least a short-term extension to allow for transition mechanisms, while President William Ruto seeks a bilateral trade deal with the US. Meanwhile, trade experts like Teniola Tayo urge African nations to diversify their markets and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to reduce overreliance on the US. For workers like Joan, the urgency of feeding their families overshadows the slow pace of diplomatic negotiations. Her plea to governments is simple: provide young people with opportunities to showcase their potential.
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Nigeria banned shea butter exports to help women profit. But it backfired
In the heart of Nigeria’s shea butter industry, women like Hajaratu Isah are grappling with the harsh realities of a sudden government policy shift. The Nigerian government’s six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts, announced in late August, has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving thousands of women struggling to make ends meet.
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Madagascar’s president dissolves government after ‘Gen Z’ protests
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution of his government on Monday, following days of intense youth-led protests over persistent water and power shortages. The demonstrations, which began on Thursday in the capital Antananarivo, quickly spread to eight cities across the country, with thousands of predominantly Gen Z protesters rallying under the slogan, ‘We want to live, not survive.’
In a televised national address, Rajoelina acknowledged the government’s shortcomings, stating, ‘We apologize if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them.’ He revealed that the prime minister and the entire cabinet had been dismissed, and applications for a new premier would be accepted within three days. Rajoelina also expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with young people to address their grievances.
The protests, initially peaceful, turned violent, prompting the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Antananarivo. Security forces were accused of using excessive force, resulting in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the ‘unnecessary and disproportionate force’ and called for the immediate release of arbitrarily detained protesters. However, Madagascar’s foreign ministry disputed the UN’s casualty figures, claiming they were based on ‘rumours or misinformation.’
The unrest marks the most significant challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since his re-election in 2023. Madagascar has a history of political upheaval, including the 2009 protests that ousted former President Marc Ravalomanana and brought Rajoelina to power. The current crisis underscores deep-seated frustrations over the government’s inability to address basic infrastructure issues, fueling widespread discontent among the nation’s youth.
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Minnesota man pleads guilty to attempting to join Islamic State group
A 23-year-old Minnesota man, Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State group. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank in St. Paul. Hassan, a naturalized U.S. citizen, had previously expressed admiration on social media for the perpetrator of a deadly truck attack on Bourken Street in New Orleans, which resulted in 14 fatalities. The attacker, who was subsequently killed by police, had displayed the Islamic State group’s flag on his vehicle. Prosecutors revealed that Hassan made two unsuccessful attempts in December to travel from Minnesota to Somalia to join the Islamic State group and fight on its behalf. The FBI, having been alerted to a social media user expressing support for both the Islamic State group and the Somali militant group al-Shabab, conducted surveillance on Hassan during these attempts. The first attempt was thwarted when the airline denied him boarding due to insufficient travel documents, and he missed the second flight while being questioned by federal officers. Hassan was not detained until his arrest in February. The FBI also observed Hassan driving with the Islamic State group’s flag the day before his arrest. Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson emphasized the zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, stating, ‘There is no margin for error when it comes to terrorism. Hassan flew the ISIS flag, venerated attacks on the homeland, and wanted to kill Americans. We are not taking chances. We will not let Minnesota become a safe haven for terrorists.’ Hassan remains in custody, and a sentencing date has yet to be set. Under a plea agreement, the government has agreed not to seek a sentence longer than 17 years, while the defense is free to recommend any sentence. The final decision rests with the judge. This case is part of a broader pattern, with several Minnesotans having been suspected of attempting to join the Islamic State group in recent years. In 2016, nine Minnesotans were sentenced for conspiring to join the group, and one individual who fought for the group in Iraq was sentenced last year to 10 years in prison.
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South Africa’s 2026 World Cup hopes hit by forfeit
South Africa’s aspirations to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been severely compromised following a ruling by FIFA’s disciplinary committee. The committee found that the South African national team violated competition regulations by fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March. Mokoena, a 28-year-old midfielder, was supposed to serve a suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in previous matches. As a consequence, FIFA has imposed a 3-0 forfeit on South Africa, fined the South African Football Association (Safa) 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,500), and issued a warning to Mokoena. This decision has dramatically reshaped the standings in Group C of the African World Cup qualifiers. South Africa, previously leading the group, has now dropped to second place, trailing Benin on goal difference. The outcome has also reignited the hopes of Nigeria and Rwanda, who are now just three points behind the top two teams. With the final rounds of qualifiers scheduled for October 10-14, Benin will face Rwanda and Nigeria, while South Africa will play Zimbabwe and host Rwanda. Safa has a 10-day window to appeal FIFA’s decision, but the road to the World Cup has undoubtedly become more challenging for Bafana Bafana.