Coronavirus digest: Russia, Africa surpass 2 million cases

The EU is set to launch a new mission in West Africa in the fall, a German newspaper has reported. The combined military-civilian operation will aim to prevent instability triggered by jihadi groups.

The Russian mercenary outfit Wagner Group is likely to strengthen its activities in Africa despite the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, analysts predict. The group’s operations may remain under new management or be subsumed into another Russian paramilitary group. But where on the continent does the group operate, and what does it gain by being in Africa?

Europe seems to have ever fewer options as it watches West Africa experience a series of military coups.

July 2023 saw the third edition of a fashion competition in Paris called Africa Fashion Up. It aims to give a platform to young, up-and-coming African talent. Five designers from across the continent presented their collections at the Musée du Quai Branly, as they celebrated local craftsmanship with a global appeal. The winner, Aristide Loua, is an Ivorian who lived in France before returning to his home country, where he spent two years reacclimatising before embracing fashion. FRANCE 24 went to meet him and the other designers.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday an inquiry into a U.S. allegation that a Russian ship had picked up weapons in South Africa late last year found no evidence the vessel had transported weapons to Russia.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is urging Russia to return to a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain, easing a global food crisis. However, Moscow is seeking concessions that only the West can offer.

Africa accounts for only about four percent of global emissions but bears the brunt of the consequences of climate change. Millions are starving as a result of the ongoing drought in the Horn of Africa.

As the first-ever Africa Climate Summit kicks off on Monday in Nairobi, Kenya, some representatives in attendance are wondering whether the political elite will match their words with meaningful action.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are pledged to boost African carbon credit production at the opening day of a landmark climate summit for the continent, despite protesters in Nairobi warning the approach is flawed. Also, Gabon's new leader promises elections to restore civilian rule as he is sworn in as president less than a week after toppling his predecessor.

Blacklisting the Wagner Group would put it on the terror list with al-Qaida, meaning that it would be a criminal offense to be a member of or support the mercenary outfit under UK laws.

Military coups are resurging in Africa. A phenomenon that once plagued the continent. There have been over 70 coups in Africa since countries on the continent gained independence from colonial rule. Here are the African countries currently being led by military juntas.

Threats, tricks and promises — Russia's Defense Ministry has many carrots and sticks when it comes to getting Central Asian migrants to join the military. One of those ways is giving them a path to Russian citizenship.