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Africa News Live Updates: Cambodia uses African giant rats for landmine detection; 6 farmers killed, dozens abducted in Nigeria
The soldiers were on patrol along the road between Kiunga and Sankuri on Tuesday when their vehicle struck the improvised explosive device. the AFP reported.
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First Post
8 hours ago
- First Post
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi calls William Ruto a 'real terrorist'
Mwangi said that he and his allies are 'terrorists' hunters' and they are 'hunting Ruto' read more Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi talks to his wife Njeri Mwangi from a steel caged dock after he was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition over his alleged role in deadly anti-government protests in June, at the Kahawa Law Courts in Kiambu County, Kenya July 21, 2025. Reuters After court appearance, outspoken Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has rejected the government's attempt to connect him to anti-government protests, calling it a weak and desperate attempt to silence dissent. According to a report by Africanews, Mwangi appeared in court on Monday, facing charges of unlawful possession of ammunition, a case that stems from his alleged involvement in youth-led demonstrations that have taken place across the country for months. The charge sheet accuses Mwangi of illegally possessing three tear gas canisters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Njanja Maina, Mwangi's lawyer, has firmly denied the allegations, dismissing them as fabricated. The Kenya Human Rights Commission has also denounced the case, calling it a 'trumped-up accusation.' Shortly after the hearing, Mwangi was released on bond. Outside the court, he delivered a defiant message to journalists, calling President William Ruto a 'real terrorist.' Mwangi stated, 'Because we are terrorising Ruto's heart and Ruto knows that he's going home, because Ruto is a real terrorist. So we guys are not terrorists, we're terrorists' hunters. We're hunting Ruto to leave power because he's killing us and we're tired of being killed by our government.' According to Africanews, the arrest followed a raid on Mwangi's home over the weekend. During the raid, his wife, Njeri Mwangi, said that security agents seized electronic devices and spoke of terrorism and arson. Many had feared Mwangi would be charged with terrorism. In court, Mwangi distanced himself from organising the recent protests, giving credit to young Kenyans — the 'Gen Z' movement — for leading the charge. 'These kids are saying we want real change and that's why they're protesting. They are so brave that when they leave their homes, they even write obituaries,' Mwangi said. 'So this route tying to personalize the struggle for a better Kenya, about personality, it is very weak.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The protests initially began in mid-2024 after President Ruto proposed a controversial set of tax increases. Since then, demonstrators have broadened their demands to include action against corruption and what they describe as the regime's broken promises to ordinary Kenyans. As activists prepare for fresh demonstrations on August 8 — dubbed 'nane-nane' — Mwangi has made it clear that the fight for a more accountable government is far from over, even as the state seeks to silence its critics through legal pressure.
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First Post
12 hours ago
- First Post
Video games, education incentives: How Russia is recruiting teenagers to design and test drones
A new investigation has found that Russian authorities are involving teenagers in designing and testing drones used in the war against Ukraine. Young participants are drawn in through seemingly harmless activities such as video games, state-organised competitions, and promises of educational or career perks. Top performers from these events are often picked by firms linked to Russia's defence industry read more A new investigation has revealed that Russian authorities have been involving teenagers in the development and testing of drones used in the war against Ukraine. The findings, reported by the exiled Russian news outlet The Insider, reveal that teenagers are brought in through what appear to be harmless activities like video games, government-organised contests, and offers of educational or career benefits. Those who show strong skills are later taken on by companies linked to Russia's defence industry. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | When Russia went to war against Ukraine and changed the world In this explainer, we find out how teenagers are being pulled into the drone programme and what they had to say about their involvement. Let's take a look: How Russia is using children to design and test its military drones The process begins with government-backed competitions that appear to be harmless and gradually lead to practical work with military technology. The report describes how video games like Berloga, launched in 2022, are used as a gateway. In the game, 'intelligent bears' fight off bees using drones. Success in such games can earn players extra academic credits and open doors to competitions like 'Big Challenges'. Top performers from these contests are often selected by companies connected to the defence sector. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for an increase in drone production. As both Ukraine and Russia continue to rely heavily on drones in the conflict, there is a constant push for better technology. Russia is now looking to its brightest teenagers to support this effort. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for an increase in drone production. AFP/File Photo So, how is this done? It starts with Berloga, where players use drones in fictional scenarios. The game has drawn hundreds of thousands of young Russians. Those who excel can earn rewards that help with school exams. These top players are then invited to join more advanced programmes, which are designed to identify talented students. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, Putin personally approved the launch of Berloga, and the project has continued to receive strong backing from officials. Its biggest attraction, and what drives its popularity, is the offer of 10 bonus points in the EGE, Russia's unified state exam for high school students. According to the report, students admit the tasks in Berloga are challenging, but the chance to earn extra marks is a strong motivator. Teenagers are also helping to produce larger, combat-ready drones. A recent documentary on the Russian army's television channel showed young people working inside a factory that builds kamikaze drones. The plant, reportedly the largest producer of such drones in the world, is already under EU sanctions and has been hit by long-range Ukrainian drone attacks, The Guardian reported. Notably, employing children in military facilities that may be targeted during war breaches several international conventions. The footage showed rows of completed Geran-2 kamikaze drones and blurred images of teenagers sitting at workstations or assembling parts. The Geran-2, capable of flying nearly 1,000 miles, is based on an Iranian design and is now produced domestically at a factory in Alabuga, Tatarstan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia's state broadcaster Zvezda said pupils aged 14 and 15 are studying drone production at a nearby college and later working at the plant. The footage also showed young workers with their faces blurred, either working on computers or putting together drones. 'We were forbidden to say that…' Although these competitions are presented as educational opportunities, students who spoke to The Insider admitted they were fully aware their work had military purposes but were told not to say so. A resident inspects a damaged car at the site of the Russian drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine. Reuters 'The kids are actively involved in modelling components of systems for various drones,' one teenager said. 'I know of several people, at least, who were modelling UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] components for major enterprises.' Another student said, 'We were forbidden to say that it was needed for the war, and we invented civilian applications. It's a children's programme. A project must always have a dual purpose, especially when you're a school student. It's an unwritten rule I've observed at every competition.' Some also revealed working within military sites. One student recalled that, at the age of 13, he trained soldiers in drone operations at a state-run facility in 2022.
The Print
16 hours ago
- The Print
Kenya rights activist charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, court papers show
Mwangi was 'found in possession of noxious substances to wit three teargas canisters without lawful authority,' according to a charge sheet seen by Reuters. Police arrested Mwangi, 42, on Saturday and said they had recovered evidence from his home, including unused teargas canisters, a '7.62mm blank round', two mobile phones, a laptop and notebooks. NAIROBI (Reuters) -Prominent Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was charged on Monday with unlawful possession of ammunition over his alleged role in deadly anti-government protests in June, according to court papers seen by Reuters. He was also accused of illegal possession of a single round of blank ammunition. The courtroom in the capital Nairobi was packed with hundreds of activists, some wearing Kenyan flags. Over the years Mwangi, who once ran for parliament on an anti-corruption platform, has earned a reputation for speaking out against human rights violations in Kenya and elsewhere. Last month hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets to protest against the death in police custody of political blogger Albert Ojwang. Police initially implied that Ojwang had died by suicide but later apologised after an autopsy found that his wounds pointed to assault as the cause of death. The demonstration over Ojwang's death reignited protests that had erupted last year over the cost of living and alleged police brutality and corruption. In May, Mwangi was arrested and deported from neighboring Tanzania, where he had traveled to observe a hearing in a treason case against detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu. He said afterwards that members of the Tanzanian security forces had sexually assaulted him and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire during their detention. (Reporting by Humphrey Malalo; Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Ammu Kannampilly and Sharon Singleton) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
