Angola Imported Over 200,000 Tons of Chicken in 2025

 Angola Imports Over 200,000 Tons of Chicken

Luanda, March 5 (ANGOP) – Angola imported more than 227,000 tons of frozen chicken last year, spending approximately USD 310 million to meet domestic demand, according to figures released by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

The government highlighted that while imports remain high, they have fallen by nearly 19% compared to 2022, when Angola spent USD 381 million on chicken imports.

Push for Self-Sufficiency

Industry and Commerce Minister Rui Miguéns de Oliveira said the country’s goal is to reduce reliance on imports and eventually become self-sufficient in poultry production. National output has grown steadily, rising from 28,000 tons in 2019 to more than 64,000 tons in 2025.

Animal feed production has also expanded, reaching 3.5 million tons last year, mainly corn and soy, compared to 2.8 million tons in 2019.

Support for Local Producers

The government is providing inputs, credit, and incentives to strengthen the poultry sector. Partnerships with the Sovereign Fund and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are also being developed to modernize the value chain.

Economic Impact

Officials stressed that reducing imports will save foreign currency, create jobs, and improve food security. Poultry remains one of the most consumed sources of protein in Angola, making domestic production a strategic priority.

Summary: Angola spent USD 310 million importing frozen chicken in 2025, but national production is rising. The government aims to achieve self-sufficiency and eventually export poultry, supported by international partnerships and investment in agro-industry.

Explosion Affects Sonangol Namibe Oil Tanker in Iraq

 

Explosion Affects Sonangol Namibe Oil Tanker in Iraq

Luanda, March 5, 2026 (ANGOP) – An explosion occurred Thursday on the deck of the Sonangol Namibe oil tanker while the vessel was anchored in Khor Al-Zubair, Iraq, awaiting loading operations.

According to a statement from Sonangol Trading & Shipping, the incident was described as “isolated” and did not result in injuries. All crew members are reported safe, and the ship remains stable and under control.

Safety Measures Activated

The company confirmed that emergency protocols were immediately put in place to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel. Technical assessments are now underway in coordination with local maritime authorities to determine the cause of the explosion and evaluate any potential damage.

Sonangol’s Assurance

Sonangol emphasized that the situation is contained and that monitoring mechanisms remain active. The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining operational safety standards across its fleet.

Broader Context

The Sonangol Namibe, registered under the Bahamian flag, is part of Angola’s strategy to strengthen its oil export capacity through an expanded fleet. Incidents involving tankers in the Gulf region often raise concerns about maritime security and energy supply stability, though Sonangol has assured that this event will not disrupt its broader operations.

Ukraine’s Peace Plan: Forcing Russia to Yield

 

Ukraine’s Peace Plan: Forcing Russia to Yield

Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has outlined a strategy aimed at compelling Moscow to accept a peace agreement as the war enters its fourth year.

Air, Land, and Economic Pressure

According to The Kyiv Independent, Fedorov’s plan focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, halting Russian advances on the ground, and intensifying economic pressure on Moscow. “Every day, every Ukrainian thinks about one thing: when will the war end? We want peace more than anyone else in the world,” Fedorov told reporters.

He added that President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the Ministry of Defense to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses “in a way that forces the enemy to make peace.”

Raising the Cost of War

Fedorov emphasized that the goal is to make the war increasingly costly for Russia, both economically and in terms of manpower. “The enemy pays for every square kilometer of Ukrainian territory. In Donetsk, losses reach 156 soldiers per square kilometer. Our target is more than 200 occupiers eliminated per square kilometer,” he said.

International Partnerships and Innovation

The minister highlighted the importance of expanding international partnerships, maintaining technological superiority, and systematically using battlefield data. He noted that Ukraine aims to achieve “record levels” of international assistance and stay “ten steps ahead” in innovation, particularly in drone warfare and digital battlefield coordination.

Human Cost and Western Concerns

Despite Ukraine’s determination, Russia shows no sign of yielding. Russian bombardments have left over a million Ukrainians without electricity or water this winter, with temperatures dropping below –20°C. Western nations, meanwhile, are eager to see an end to the conflict as defense budgets strain and energy costs rise.

Yet, according to CNN, reluctance in the West to fully fund Ukraine’s defense means no resolution is in sight.

Strains Inside Russia

Ordinary Russians are also feeling the pressure. “Electricity and water bills are suffocating us. Prices are crushing us. It’s very hard to survive,” one woman told the BBC. Reports from Al Jazeera suggest returning soldiers have contributed to rising domestic violence, while documentaries such as Zero Line: Inside Russia’s War describe commanders executing troops who refuse to take part in “suicidal missions” known as “meat waves.”

Limited Russian Gains, Ukrainian Resistance

Despite Kremlin propaganda, Russia’s territorial gains remain modest—about 1,865 square miles in 2025, or just 0.8% of Ukraine. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War told The Guardian that Moscow is trying to portray Ukraine as collapsing, but in reality, Ukrainian forces continue to achieve small-scale victories, aided by winter conditions and digital coordination tools like Starlink.

U.S. Asks Kyiv for Help Against Iranian Drones

U.S. Asks Kyiv for Help Against Iranian Drones

The United States has requested assistance from Ukraine to help defend Gulf allies against Iranian drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed.

Speaking on Thursday, Zelensky said Washington had asked Kyiv to provide expertise and resources to counter the growing drone threat in the Middle East. He confirmed that Ukrainian specialists would be deployed to support U.S. partners, while stressing that such cooperation would not undermine Ukraine’s own defense against Russia.

“It is clear that any assistance we provide will only be given if it does not weaken our defense in Ukraine,” Zelensky stated. “This cooperation must serve as an investment in our diplomatic capabilities: we help protect those who help Ukraine achieve a dignified end to the war.”

Trump Pressures Zelensky on Peace Talks

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his push for a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine. In an interview with Politico, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin was “ready to make a deal” and urged Zelensky to act.

“Zelensky has to move and reach an agreement,” Trump said, adding that it would be “unimaginable” for the Ukrainian leader to stand in the way of peace.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly positioned himself as a mediator in the conflict, while blaming Zelensky for delaying progress toward a resolution.

FC Porto, Sporting, and Benfica Fined After Matchday 24

 

FC Porto, Sporting, and Benfica Fined After Matchday 24

The Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released on Thursday afternoon the sanctions list for the 24th round of the Primeira Liga. Despite winning their matches, FC Porto, Sporting, and Benfica were all fined.

FC Porto Hit with Largest Fine

FC Porto received the heaviest penalty among the “big three,” amounting to €7,650. The fine was imposed due to the actions of stadium speaker Henrique Mano during the match against Arouca at Estádio do Dragão. At the 37th and 44th minutes of the second half, Mano used the stadium’s sound system to chant “Porto, Porto, Porto.” The FPF clarified that these chants were not linked to announcing attendance figures or player substitutions.

Sporting Penalized for Delay and Fan Behavior

Sporting was fined €2,882 following their 3–0 victory over Estoril. The sanctions included €2,040 for returning three minutes late from halftime and €842 for inappropriate behavior by fans. Supporters in the south stand repeatedly shouted chants criticizing match schedules, police violence, and the league, including: “The league is s*!”

Benfica Sanctioned for Pyrotechnics

Benfica was fined €1,910 after their away match against Gil Vicente, where fans set off five flares in the north stand. The disciplinary report identified the supporters by their clothing and chants.

Additionally, Benfica’s B team was fined €540 for a four-minute delay at the start of their match against Penafiel, which ended in a 1–1 draw.

"El Mencho," Jalisco Cartel Leader, Killed in Mexico Military Operation

"El Mencho," Jalisco Cartel Leader, Killed in Mexico Military Operation

Updated: February 23, 2026 | CBS/AP

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho” and one of the most wanted men in the Americas, was killed Sunday during a military operation in western Mexico. Oseguera Cervantes led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), considered one of the country’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations.

Authorities reported that six others were killed and several suspects arrested in the clashes that followed the operation. Armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other heavy weapons were seized from cartel members. Three Mexican soldiers were wounded.

A Long Pursuit

Oseguera Cervantes had been on the U.S. most-wanted list for years, accused of trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States. At the time of his death, the U.S. State Department was offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Born in Mexico, he first entered the U.S. illegally in the 1980s, living in California before being arrested on drug charges and deported. He returned illegally, was arrested again in 1992, and after serving three years in prison, was deported a second time. Back in Mexico, he rose through the ranks of organized crime, eventually founding CJNG in 2011 after breaking away from the Milenio Cartel.

CJNG’s Violent Legacy

Under Oseguera Cervantes, CJNG expanded rapidly, establishing dominance through extreme violence and military-grade weaponry. The cartel has been linked to high-profile attacks, including the 2020 attempted assassination of Mexico City’s police chief Omar García Harfuch and the 2015 downing of a Mexican military helicopter with an RPG.

CJNG has also been accused of kidnapping, torture, and forced recruitment, often luring victims through fake job advertisements. In recent years, mass graves and evidence of brutal training camps have been uncovered.

Family Ties and U.S. Cases

His son, Rubén Oseguera — known as “El Menchito” — was sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. in 2025 for drug and weapons charges. His wife, arrested in Mexico, was released in 2025 after serving time.

Oseguera Cervantes himself faced multiple U.S. indictments, including charges in 2022 for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, as well as weapons-related offenses.

Global Impact

Former DEA officials described El Mencho as one of the most powerful drug lords in history, rivaling Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. His death marks a significant moment in Mexico’s ongoing battle against organized crime, though CJNG’s vast network and resources suggest the cartel will remain a major force despite the loss of its leader.

Willy Ngoma, M23 Spokesperson, Killed in Drone Strike

 

Willy Ngoma, M23 Spokesperson, Killed in Drone Strike

Published: 25 Feb 2026 | By Nancy Odindo

Willy Ngoma, the military spokesperson for the M23 rebel group, was killed in a drone strike in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The attack occurred near Rubaya at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, according to rebel officials and diplomatic sources.

M23 confirmed Ngoma’s death in a statement, describing it as a “tragic loss” and accusing the Congolese government of violating recent peace commitments. The group urged both national and international actors to hold Kinshasa accountable for disregarding the Doha Framework Agreement, which had been brokered with support from Qatar, the US, and the African Union.

Renewed Fighting Despite Ceasefire

The strike comes amid escalating clashes in North Kivu since February 22, forcing hundreds of families to flee. Despite ceasefire deals signed in Doha, violence has intensified, highlighting the fragility of peace efforts in the region.

Strategic Importance of Rubaya

Rubaya, a mining town, remains a critical financial hub for M23. The Congolese government recently listed it among strategic mining sites offered to the US under a minerals cooperation framework. M23, reportedly backed by Rwanda, controls significant territory in North and South Kivu, including Goma and Bukavu, captured during offensives in 2025.

Regional Peace Efforts

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi had earlier pledged to uphold peace following a US-brokered deal in Washington. Kagame publicly praised President Donald Trump for his role in mediating the decades-long conflict.