South Sudan hit by worst floods in decades – UN

Sudan
Camps for internally displaced persons, like this one pictured last month, have experienced rising waters

The United Nations says more than 700,000 people have been displaced by the worst floods to hit South Sudan in decades.

At least 40 people have died across the country as heavy rains and flash floods destroy livestock, farmlands and homes.

The floods have mainly affected four states.

Some of those who have fled have been displaced numerous times over due to conflict and three years of consecutive flooding.

Scientists have blamed climate change for the flooding in South Sudan and other countries in eastern Africa.

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In other news: Eswatini orders Facebook closure to curb protests

Eswatini has witnessed a wave of protests in demand for political reformsImage caption: Eswatini has witnessed a wave of protests in demand for political reforms

The Eswatini government has directed the country’s main telecoms operator, MTN, to shut down social media giant Facebook, reports say.

The move is part of a bid to curb pro-democracy protests that have been going on for months in a country ruled by an absolute monarch.

Privately-owned Swaziland News website reported on the government accusing social media platforms of “irresponsibly” spreading misinformation, which was “contributing to the violent attacks and events around the country”.

“As government, we have an obligation to restore peace and order to bring a stop to the violence currently taking place,” the website quoted a letter from Information Minister Princess Sikhanyiso to the communications regulator as saying.

MTN also sent a message to its users informing them of the decision to shut down Facebook.

“Yello Valued Customer, Please note that MTN received a directive from the regulator to suspend access to Facebook until further notice and the directive has been implemented. We regret the inconvenience caused,” the message said.

The latest development comes as protests continued on the streets of the capital, Mbabane, on Thursday.

Since late June, Eswatini has experienced a wave of protests by demonstrators calling for major constitutional reforms that will allow them to elect their own leaders.

Source: BBC

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