Russian President Vladimir Putin was present at the Church of St George the Victorious in Solnechnogorsk-2, where worshippers included serving soldiers and their families. Following the Julian calendar, Christmas in the Russian Orthodox Church falls on 7 January. After the service, Putin addressed those inside the church. He spoke of the Christ as a protector of humanity, then drew a parallel with Russian soldiers. He said the armed forces defend the Fatherland and its people, a role he framed as a sacred duty rooted in history. Turning to children in the congregation, he said they could be proud of their…
Author: Montage Africa
By AP Amnesty International says Uganda’s opposition is being subject to a “brutal campaign of repression” ahead of the country’s general election on 15 January. The Ugandan presidential candidate known as Bobi Wine wears a flak jacket and helmet while campaigning to protect himself from gunfire. But the safety gear offers no protection from the stinging clouds of tear gas that often follow him on the campaign trail. Wine is challenging President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986 by repeatedly rewriting the rules to stay in power. Term and age limits have been scrapped, rivals jailed or sidelined,…
Historian Devin Smart’s new book, “Preparing the Modern Meal,” traces how urbanization transformed Kenya’s food culture, with Mombasa as a vibrant case study. As workers migrated from rural farms to the bustling port city, the traditional vegetarian lifestyle was replaced by a cash-based food system defined by convenience and capitalism. This transition replaced seasonal, homegrown vegetarian diets with commercial staples such as maize meal and wheat, which are available year-round. The demands of an industrial workday, where laborers couldn’t return home for lunch, sparked a crucial innovation: the rise of street food. By the 1950s, vendors served affordable, filling dishes like…
Members of the Bright Star of Bethlehem group paraded through Morro da Formiga, a favela in the Muda sub-district of Grande Tijuca, in Rio de Janeiro’s north zone. Dressed in colourful costumes, they moved to the steady beat of drums as residents watched from doorways and balconies. The parade is part of the Folia de Reis tradition linked to Epiphany, which recalls the biblical visit of the three magi. From Christmas through to 20 January, revellers go from house to house, particularly in poorer neighbourhoods, bringing music and prayers while collecting donations to support communal meals. Catholic imagery featured alongside…
By Rédaction Africanews and AP At least 50 people have been killed and several others abducted after gunmen attacked a market in Nigeria’s Niger State, according to police. The attackers stormed Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village on Saturday afternoon, setting stalls on fire and looting food. Police say the gunmen, locally known as bandits, arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately. Witnesses describe scenes of panic, saying women and children were not spared, and bodies were still being recovered hours later. The attack is part of a wave of raids that began Friday in nearby communities, including Agwarra and…
By Africanews with Mohamed Elashi & AP Brahim Díaz kept Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations title hopes on track while five-time winner Cameroon beat South Africa 2-1 for a showdown with the host nation in the quarterfinals. Díaz sent Morocco through with a 1-0 win over Tanzania on Sunday before Cameroon held on to beat South Africa for the first time since 1992 thanks to goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane. They meet in the next round on Friday. It was Díaz’s fourth goal in four games and it set off celebrations of relief around Rabat’s near 70,000-capacity Prince…
As African mining faces increasing volatility from climate change and the imperative to supply critical minerals for the global energy transition, the focus is shifting to resilience, digital transformation and leadership, and safety to sustain performance in more complex operating conditions. Global operations consulting firm dss+ will underscore the rising importance of operational risk, safety culture, and cross-industry technology transfer in African mining, and will share practical, industry-tested lessons at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. The firm’s participation aligns with the Indaba’s theme, “Stronger together: Progress through partnerships,” by addressing the dual challenges of physical climate hazards such…
By Rédaction Africanews and AP Pope Leo has expressed deep concern over the recent US raid in Venezuela, urging that the well-being of the Venezuelan people must take precedence over all other considerations. Speaking during his traditional Sunday noon blessing at the Vatican, the pope called for an immediate end to violence and stressed the importance of respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty. He said the unfolding situation should lead to justice and peace, not further instability. “With a heart full of concern, I am following the developments of the situation in Venezuela,” the pope said. “The good of the beloved Venezuelan people…
The world’s largest technology fair, the Consumer Electronics Show, is back in Las Vegas, with artificial intelligence threaded through most exhibits. Officially opening on 6. January after early previews, the event highlights devices built for ordinary routines, not just bold ideas. More than 4,000 exhibitors are expected this year, including around 1,400 start-ups. Attendance is forecast to top 130,000 visitors. Many devices rely on sensors and software that adapt over time, promising more personal use. For industry watchers, CES reflects a broader shift. After years of hype, companies are trying to show how AI can fit into daily routines, not…
By AFP At least 26 people drowned and 14 others are missing after a boat carrying farmers and fishermen capsized in northeastern Nigeria, the emergency services said Sunday. The incident happened late Saturday, when a rudimentary passenger boat going from Jigawa State to Yobe State capsized, Mohammed Goje, executive director of the State Emergency Management Agency in Yobe state, told reporters. “So far, emergency volunteers and rescue teams have recovered 26 bodies,” he said. His agency said in a statement that 14 others were missing. Thirteen other passengers were rescued, he said, adding that search and rescue operations were still…