Burkina Faso Begin Trial Of 14 Men Linked To Thomas Sankara Assassination

A military court in Ouagadougou on Monday commenced the long-awaited trial of 14 men, including the former president, who was accused of the assassination of Burkina Faso's left-wing leader Thomas Sankara 34 years ago. The slaying of Sankara, an icon of pan-Africanism, has for years cast a dark shadow over the Sahel state. A hit squad in October 1987 riddled Sankara and 12 others with bullets during a putsch that brought his friend and comrade-in-arms Blaise Compaore to power. The 14 men going on trial are accused of complicity in the murder of Sankara who was known as "Africa's Che Guevara".

Dozens Killed In South Sudan Intercommunal Clashes

Warrap state officials have revealed that dozens of people have been killed in clashes between four communities in South Sudan. Thousand have fled the region and at least 36 others were injured, infighting between the Luacjang, Thiik and Lou Paher people in Warrap state. Warrap Governor Aleu Ayieny Aleu referred to the latest wave of fighting in Tonj East and Tonj North counties “devastating.” He told VOA’s South Sudan in Focus radio program that the clashes were linked to cattle raids and revenge attacks.

Sudan Military Thwarts Coup Attempt Blamed On Al-Bashir Loyalists

Sudanese authorities revealed they had foiled an attempted coup on Tuesday, blamed on plotters loyal to ousted president Omar al-Bashir of a failed bid to derail the revolution that removed him from power in 2019 and ushered in a transition to democracy. Sudan’s military said 21 officers and a number of soldiers had been detained in connection to the coup attempt, and a search is being sustained for others. The military also said all affected locations are currently under army control. Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who noted that Tuesday’s coup attempt was organised by elements in and outside military establishment, said previous attempts to create insecurity, especially in the country’s east, had been made in the past. Hamdok said: “For the first time, people involved in the attempt were arrested… They are being interviewed to discover their intentions and the truth behind this. There is a special committee investigating what has happened.” Hamdok said that Monday’s coup attempt was preceded by others attempting to create insecurity, especially in the east of Sudan.

Over 50 Dead, Missing After Vessel Capsizes In Congo

At least 50 people are believed dead or missing following the capsizing of a makeshift vessel on the Congo River, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) said. Nestor Magbado, spokesman for the governor of the Northwestern province of Mongala disclosed that Fifty-one bodies have been recovered from the boat and about 70 are believed to be missing, while 39 people survived.

Abiy Ahmed Sworn In As Ethiopia's Prime Minister For Second 5-Year Term

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been sworn in for a five-year after his election victory in June. Ahmed took the oath of office, administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi, on Monday after speaker and deputy speaker of the parliament's lower house took theirs. "I Abiy Ahmed Ali, today in the House of People's Representatives, accept the appointment as prime minister, as I pledge to undertake responsibly and with faith, to the constitution, the responsibility placed upon me by the people," he said while being sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi. "Today is a milestone yet only a beginning of a season of hope." "The road ahead might be daunting, but we shall not be weary," Ahmed's senior adviser Mamo Mihretu said on Twitter. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari witnessed the inauguration of Ahmed. After a landslide election victory for his Prosperity Party in June, Ahmed's new government still faces a host of challenges, including the deadly conflict in Tigray.

AU Suspends Guinea’s Membership Over Military Coup

The African Union (AU) has announced the suspension of Guinea, following the recent coup led by Mamady Doumbouya, ousting President Alpha Conde. This announcement was made via the official Twitter handle of the political affairs, peace and security department, AU, urging the chairperson of the union to “engage with stakeholders in the region”.