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♦️ Breaking & exclusive stories, analysis, opinions 👉 About Africa in other languages: Amharic: @sputnik_ethiopia French: @sputnik_afrique 💬 Contact us https://t.me/Africa_Sputnik_bot
BRICS Voice Should Be Heard at Global Arena, Ramaphosa Says
These changes "bring both new opportunities and heightened uncertainty," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said at the BRICS summit taking place in Rio de Janeiro.
According to him, the old institutions are failing to address existing conflicts and new threats, while BRICS plays a vital role in this changing landscape, and "the voice of BRICS in the global world must be louder."
"With our broad geographical footprint and growing influence, BRICS is uniquely positioned to advocate for reform in global governance structures," he said. "BRICS must strengthen its voice in calling for a global framework that is inclusive, representative and anchored in the principles of sovereignty, equality and peaceful coexistence."
📹 A Sputnik correspondent's footage from the press room, where Journalists from around the world watch broadcast of the BRICS summit's plenary session
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📹 Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Arrives at 17th BRICS Summit in Rio
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❗️The Russian army has liberated the settlements of Poddubnoye in the DPR and Sobolevka in the Kharkov region, the Defense Ministry reported
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First African Singer Gets Star on Hollywood's 'Walk of Fame'
Benin's Angelique Kidjo is one of 36 artists chosen by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to receive a star on the famous Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.
🌟 She makes history alongside Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, and Basil Rathbone.
"Through her inspiring journey, through this achievement, she serves as an example for all," said Beninese President Patrice Talon, who praised the artist's "remarkable talent and hard work."
Africans 'Must Be Primary Consumers' of Vaccines Manufactured in Africa, Burkinabe Doctor Says
Africa's control of its own health is a heartfelt plea of Zékiba Tarnagda, a Burkinabe veterinarian and doctor of microbiology, virology, and epidemiology, interviewed by Sputnik Africa.
💉 Tarnagda's plea comes as Africa demonstrates its potential for self-sufficiency in vaccine production. The 2024 inauguration of the Diamniadio Vaccinopôle in Senegal is a striking example. This new facility could produce between 5 and 30 million doses of vaccines, specifically targeting yellow fever.
"Other African countries must agree to consume Senegal's vaccine. However, I see that there are countries that prefer to buy vaccines from elsewhere, across the oceans. They don't want to consume what is manufactured in Africa," said the researcher.
#viral | ❄️ Cool Treats for Hot Beats: Rome Zoo Serves Up Frozen Feasts to Beat the Heat
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Trump Calls Vladimir Putin 'Professional'
The US president acknowledged that the Russian authorities are coping with American sanctions.
He added that during the last call he discussed possible new US sanctions with Putin.
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💔🇵🇸📹 ONCE-THRIVING GAZA PORT NOW RAT-FILLED CAMP, WHERE PEOPLE ARE DYING FROM HUNGER & THIRST
Refugees told Sputnik they’re barely surviving on charity kitchens.
"We call on the world – have mercy, look at us with compassion."
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Total Financial Assets of BRICS Countries Reached $60 Trillion: Russian Finance Minister
The countries of the group continue working on cross-border settlements and development of inter-depository interaction, Anton Siluanov said.
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🎥🎥 Lavrov holds a press conference with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
Watch live on Telegram
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Tanzania's Ngorongoro Developing Digital Platform for Tourists to Remotely Pay for Services Globally
The digital platform simplifies travel to Ngorongoro, a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by allowing pre-arrival payments, eliminating entry delays, Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru stated.
📱 The system, integrated with the government's payment gateway, offers seamless, transparent access to Ngorongoro with tailor-made services.
In addition to the digital platform, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) is upgrading internal roads to improve tourist mobility and enhance the overall visitor experience. Badru emphasized Ngorongoro's importance not only as a key tourism destination but also as a site of significant archaeological value.
👉 Furthermore, Badru unveiled plans to introduce new tourist attractions with a focus on cultural heritage, aligning with Ngorongoro's long history since its establishment in 1959. He announced these initiatives at a swearing-in ceremony in Arusha, where new NCAA officials were commissioned.
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Fruit Peels Could Be Key to Sustainable Energy Storage, South African Engineer Reveals
Fruit peel, a biomass rich in carbon (40-50%), is an advantageous and cost-effective source for activated carbon production, Vianney Kitenge, a South African chemical engineer, told Sputnik Africa.
🔋Using fruit peel is cheaper compared to the complex processes needed for petroleum-based activated carbon, he explained.
According to Kitenge, while structurally similar to activated carbon from petroleum, fruit peels may contain beneficial elements like nitrogen, boron, or sulfur, which can enhance the performance of supercapacitors.
⚡️He clarified that activated carbon, derived from fruit peel, is a key component in supercapacitors, energy storage devices that power flashes.
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❗️ Russia is making a breakthrough in drone development: Putin
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#viral | Tourist Paradise or Dangerous Safari? – Lion Escapes Turkish Safari Park & Injures Local Man
The lion "Zeus," who escaped the Land of Lions park in Turkey's resort city Antalya, seriously injured a local farmer, who was rushed to hospital, local media reported.
Authorities reportedly shot the lion shortly after the escape.
The park announced it would remain temporarily closed due to significant damage requiring urgent and extensive repairs.
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BRICS Leaders to Issue Joint Declaration at Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Report Says
Diplomats from the BRICS countries have agreed on a joint leaders' declaration, a British media outlet reported, citing sources familiar with the talks.
The agreement comes after foreign ministers failed to issue a joint statement in April, when Brazil — as chair — released its own communique condemning trade protectionism and warning of a fragmented global economy.
Preparing for the summit, negotiators reportedly faced challenges aligning views on several issues:
▪️The conflict in Gaza;
▪️Tensions between Israel and Iran;
▪️Africa's proposed representation in UNSC reform.
In light of differing views among African nations, the group supported permanent seats for Brazil and India, while leaving open which African country should represent the continent, according to the publication.
On trade, BRICS will maintain its stance against unilateral protectionist policies, including criticism of US tariff policies under Donald Trump, it added.
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❗️Ethiopia may invite Putin to the opening ceremony of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ethiopian lawmaker tells Sputnik
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Kiev Concealed Malfunction in South Ukraine NPP Reactor — Which Could Lead to 'Catastrophe,' Report Says
An officer of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) did not allow the IAEA to report a technical malfunction at the South Ukrainian NPP, a Turkish newspaper reported, citing a secret SBU memo.
The defect could have occurred in the reactor itself or in the critical safety systems, the newspaper added.
"The secret document shows how a reactor failure at the South Ukraine NPP, caused by a 'violation of operating conditions,' was concealed. This incident, which could have become almost a catastrophe, is not reflected in the IAEA report," the publication read.
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Knowledge and Technology Exchange Should Be BRICS' Key Focus, Russian Company Says
"The key is not just the exchange of raw materials or product supplies, including fertilizers, but also the exchange of technologies and knowledge. This will lead to deeper integration among the BRICS countries," said Mikhail Sterkin, the deputy head of sales and marketing at the Russian fertilizer producer FosAgro, in an interview with Sputnik.
"We deliver 50% of our products to BRICS markets. Last year, it was 4 million tons. This year, I believe we will increase supplies," he said.
Russian Army Destroys Mercenary Stronghold in Zaporozhye Region
Thanks to Geran-2 drones, the Meridian recreational base, used by Ukrainian forces, was pulverized.
A video released by the Russian Defense Ministry showcases precise and effective strikes.
👉 In response to Ukrainian attacks on civilians, Russia is retaliating by targeting enemy bases, equipment, and mercenaries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that there are no strikes on civilians or social infrastructure.
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Why GDP Isn’t Enough to Measure Africa’s True Flourishing
“GDP by itself may just reflect the profits of industries and not necessarily everyday flourishing of the people,” Dr. Victor Counted, Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Regent University, told Sputnik Africa.
Major World Events by the Evening of July 4
⚫️Another group of Russian military personnel has been returned from Ukrainian-controlled territory, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense;
⚫️Russian FM Lavrov met his Saudi counterpart to discuss security interests in Ukraine, potential Russian-American meetings in Riyadh, a long-term Iran-Israel ceasefire, Gaza de-escalation, direct flights starting October, and the 2025 intergovernmental commission meeting;
⚫️Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are forming the Alliance of Agricultural Seed Producers of the Sahel to cultivate and market high-quality, climate-suited seeds with free circulation across borders, aiming to strengthen food sovereignty in the region, announced Burkina Faso’s Minister of Agriculture;
⚫️Zimbabwe’s gold exports rose 24% year-on-year to $748 million, with total bullion exports reaching $1.52 billion in 2024, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe;
⚫️Niger plans to restore over 265,000 hectares of degraded land with funding exceeding $30.5 million to boost agricultural resilience;
⚫️In the CAR, a historic peace agreement has been signed with the 3R and UPC rebel groups, mediated by Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Déby. It includes an immediate ceasefire, disarmament, reintegration, and a mechanism for monitoring its implementation, alongside political integration of former combatants;
⚫️Rwanda marked 31 years of liberation since the genocide;
⚫️Russia has almost completely switched to settlements in rubles with Africa, with ruble use in exports reaching 98.3%, up from 60.5% a year ago;
⚫️Lavrov sent a telegram to Senator Rubio congratulating him on US Independence Day;
⚫️Total financial assets of BRICS countries have reached $60 trillion;
⚫️Trump announced new tariffs ranging from 10% to 70% on dozens of countries, effective August 1.
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#viral | 🤖 Chinese University Student With Military Training Creates Robotic Rocket Dog With Firepower
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Moscow Сongratulates Washington & American People on US Independence Day
"I look forward to our collaborative efforts further enhancing bilateral relations in a constructive direction, fostering stability and predictability rooted in mutual respect and consideration for each other’s national interests shaped by history, geography, and realities on the ground," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov wrote in a congratulatory message.
Major World Events by Morning of July 4
🟠 Trump declared after his meeting with Vladimir Putin that he was not satisfied with the situation surrounding Ukraine and believed that no progress had been made;
🟠 Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger created the Alliance of Agricultural Seed Producers of the Sahel;
🟠 More than 100 Palestinians were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, according to the WAFA news agency;
🟠 The damage caused to Iranian nuclear facilities is "extensive and serious," according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi;
🟠The majority of EU citizens would not support Ukraine's accession if a referendum were held, said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
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Indian PM's Ghana Visit: Countries Forge Agreements
During Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana, where he met with President John Mahama, the two leaders signed several Memoranda of Understanding.
The agreements encompassed:
🟠Cultural exchange: Promoting art, music, and literature;
🟠Standardization: Collaboration between Indian and Ghanaian standards bodies;
🟠Traditional medicine: Partnership in Ayurveda and traditional medicine research;
🟠Joint commission meeting: Establishing high-level dialogue for ongoing cooperation.
Modi offered India's support for the "Feed Ghana" initiative, which aims to boost agricultural productivity.
Additionally, he pledged assistance through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India's healthcare campaign, to collaborate on vaccine production.
Modi proposed a robust defense and security partnership "with the mantra of 'Security through Solidarity,'" encompassing training, maritime protection, defense procurement, and cybersecurity measures.
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❗️Trump confirmed that he will speak with Putin
The conversation is scheduled to start at 5 pm Moscow time.
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GERD is Complete, Ethiopia Calls It a ‘Shared Opportunity’ for Region
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will be officially inaugurated in September. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment despite some calls to halt the project before its launch.
Abiy described the GERD as “not a threat, but a shared opportunity,” emphasizing that it symbolizes regional cooperation and will benefit Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan, and the wider region.
“Egypt’s Aswan Dam has never lost a single liter of water due to the GERD,” he said, adding that Ethiopia’s growth will not come at the expense of its neighbors.
✉️ Abiy extended an open invitation to Egypt, Sudan, and all Nile Basin nations to join Ethiopia in celebrating what he called “Ethiopia’s Renaissance.”
ℹ️ Construction of the $5 billion dam began in 2011. Egypt and Sudan remain concerned about its impact on Nile water flow, which is critical for their water security. Years of negotiations involving the African Union, the US, and the World Bank have so far failed to produce a final agreement.
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