Azerbaijan’s preliminary investigation into the deadly air crash in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day suggests that a Russian anti-aircraft missile, likely fired by a Pantsir-S air defence system, downed the airliner.
The plane’s communications were reportedly disrupted by electronic warfare systems before being hit.
The Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, en route to Grozny, Russia, killing 38 people and injuring 29.
The crash occurred after the plane, which had requested an emergency landing in Russia, was redirected to fly over the Caspian Sea towards Kazakhstan’s Aktau. It was not allowed to land in Russia.
Russian missile firing on the aircraft was not believed to be intentional, according to sources cited by multiple media outlets.
Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency initially claimed the crash was caused by a bird strike, though aviation experts suggested Russian air defences were more likely the cause based on damage to the tail of the aircraft.
The flight passed over a region in Russia’s North Caucasus, which had been targeted by Ukrainian drones in recent days, with Russia’s Ministry of Defence reporting multiple drone shootdowns.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned against speculation about the cause of the crash, saying “It would be wrong to make any hypotheses before the investigation’s conclusions.”
Kazakhstan has also launched its own investigation and refrained from commenting on the cause.
On Thursday, Azerbaijan observed a national day of mourning for the victims of the crash. Residents across the former Soviet republic participated in a moment of silence, while national flags were lowered and traffic came to a standstill throughout the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 and injuring 29. Investigation suggests a Russian missile hit the plane, likely not intentional. The plane's communication was disrupted before being hit. The flight was redirected to Kazakhstan after being denied emergency landing in Russia. Russian air defences were suspected based on damage. Ukraine drones and electronic warfare were also mentioned. Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are investigating. Russia warned against speculation. Azerbaijan observed a day of mourning. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight Downed By Russian Anti-Aircraft Missile, Investigation Reveals

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, the host country for COP29, made headlines at the UN climate conference by describing oil and gas as a “gift of God” and defending his country’s fossil fuel reserves.
In his speech, Aliyev criticized what he referred to as “Western fake news” regarding Azerbaijan’s emissions, asserting that nations with fossil fuel resources should not be blamed for their existence, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqd1rzw9r4o">BBC News</a>.
Azerbaijan, which plans to expand its gas production by up to a third over the next decade, has faced scrutiny in the lead-up to COP29.
Observers worried that Azerbaijani officials may use the conference to promote investment in the national oil and gas sector, particularly given the prominence of the country’s oil industry in its economy.
The conference’s chairman is Azerbaijan’s Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources, who has a background as a former oil executive with 26 years of experience at Socar, Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil and gas company.
On the second day of the conference, Aliyev responded to criticisms, claiming that Azerbaijan had faced “slander and blackmail” from Western media, charities, and politicians ahead of the event.
He argued that Azerbaijan’s share of global gas emissions is minimal, stating that it accounts for “only 0.1%.” Said Aliyev:
<blockquote>
Oil, gas, wind, sun, gold, silver, copper, all… are natural resources and countries should not be blamed for having them, and should not be blamed for bringing these resources to the market, because the market needs them.
</blockquote>
Oil and gas are widely recognized as major contributors to climate change, as they release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide when burned for energy.
Despite this, Aliyev’s comments—calling oil and gas a “gift of God”—are unlikely to derail the behind-the-scenes efforts aimed at securing funding for poorer countries’ climate initiatives.
Developing nations are pushing for the creation of a climate fund, potentially totalling $1 trillion, which would combine both public and private financial resources to support their climate resilience and mitigation efforts.
This has become one of the central issues of COP29, as nations from the Global South demand more substantial financial commitments from wealthier countries.
However, key leaders from some of the world’s largest polluters, including U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were absent from the conference in Baku.
This absence has raised questions about the level of commitment from major polluting countries to tackle climate change on the global stage.
At the conference, Burkina Faso’s environment minister, Roger Baro, stressed the urgent need for increased financial support to help countries in the Sahel and other regions combat the devastating impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks.
The Sahel region, in particular, has been reeling from extreme weather events, including a heatwave that saw temperatures soar to 45°C—an event that scientists have attributed to climate change.
Meanwhile, the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation has warned that 2024 is on track to become the warmest year on record.
COP29 is set to continue until November 22, but with complex and contentious issues on the agenda, reaching a final agreement on climate finance and other critical matters remains uncertain.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The president of Azerbaijan called oil and gas a "gift of God" at a UN climate conference. He defended his country's fossil fuel reserves and criticized what he called 'Western fake news'. Azerbaijan plans to increase gas production. Some worry that officials may use the conference to promote the oil industry. Aliyev said Azerbaijan should not be blamed for having natural resources. Despite oil and gas contributing to climate change, countries are working to secure funding for climate initiatives. Developing nations want a $1 trillion climate fund. Some major polluting countries were absent from the conference. Developing countries need financial support to combat the impacts of climate change. The conference may have difficulty reaching agreements on climate finance and other important topics.

Oil And Gas Are A "Gift Of God", Says UN Climate Summit Host

President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on the sidelines of the 2024 World Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, this Tuesday, November 12.
According to <a href="https://eng.belta.by/president/view/lukashenko-to-zimbabwe-president-we-still-need-a-lot-to-do-162975-2024/">BelTA</a>, during their meeting, Lukashenko said that there is still much work to be done to further develop relations between Belarus and Zimbabwe.
The two leaders discussed various issues related to bilateral cooperation and the prospects for joint initiatives on the African continent.
The meeting was characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere. As he greeted Mnangagwa, Lukashenko remarked:
<blockquote>
Mr. President, I’m pleased to see you active and cheerful despite the critical global challenges we face.
</blockquote>
In response, Mnangagwa said, “Thank you! You look great and even younger.” Lukashenko replied with a laugh, “Perhaps not as young anymore.”
“Well, Mr. President, you look like a young man compared to me,” Mnangagwa insisted. “I am 82 years old, so when I look at you, I see my younger brother.”
Lukashenko then said one cannot compare northern people with southern people. The Belarusian president said the latter are much more efficient, active and healthier. He added:
<blockquote>
We are going to live longer, and not just for one more year, and we still have a lot to do.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met in Azerbaijan and discussed ways to improve relations between their countries. They also talked about working together in Africa. The meeting was friendly and both leaders complimented each other, with Lukashenko joking that Mnangagwa looked younger. They agreed that they still have a lot of work to do together. Both leaders talked about how important it is to keep working together to make their countries better and to live longer.

Lukashenko To Mnangagwa: We Still Have A Lot To do

Dethroned Ntabazinduna chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni said that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s extravagant United Kingdom trip for the COP26 last week exposes the hollowness of the anti-sanctions campaign.
Mnangagwa reportedly took with him more than 100 people and hired a private jet from the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan, at a reported cost of US$1 million.
Ndiweni suggested that the plane that took Mnangagwa to Scotland could have been carrying smuggled precious stones. He said:
<blockquote>
Mnangagwa’s extravagance shows the falsehoods of the sanctions campaign. Over a hundred world leaders arrived in Glasgow for the climate change conference.
Among the leaders present was Mnangagwa, whose delegation was double that of South Africa, a nation that is one of the G20 nations.
… Zimbabwean government’s position has always been that the targeted sanctions crippled the economy and finances of the government completely.
Surprisingly, the world witnessed a huge delegation from Zimbabwe in Glasgow for the COP26 and huge spending allowances for each delegate in United States dollars throughout the conference.
</blockquote>
The former Ntabazinduna chief took part in protests against Mnangagwa in the UK during the COP26 summit.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/11/cop26-delegation-exposes-ed-rhetoric-ndiweni/">NewsDay</a></h4>

COP26 Extravagance Exposes Mnangagwa's Insincerity - Ndiweni

President Emmerson Mnangagwa flew to Scotland on Sunday for the COP26 Summit on a private jet hired from Azerbaijan, a former Soviet Republic.
ZimLive cited <a href="https://www.privatefly.com/">privatefly.com</a> as saying the luxuriously-fitted Airbus A319-115 (CJ) costs an average of US$415,000 to hire for a one-way trip from Harare to Glasgow, the Scottish capital.
The estimate suggests Mnangagwa is spending close to USS$1 million on travel alone.
Mnangagwa’s plane was prevented from landing for over 20 minutes on Sunday due to congestion at Glasgow’s main airport.
The Airbus flew 10 hours to Harare on 29 October from the Azerbaijan capital, Baku.
After take-off from Harare on Sunday morning, the medium-range jet stopped in Egypt for refuelling before continuing on its more than 12-hour flight to Scotland.
It flew two hours to the Latvian capital, Riga, after dropping off Mnangagwa, who is expected to remain in the UK until at least 3 November with a delegation reported to be more than 100 people.
The Airbus that took Mnangagwa to Scotland is registered to Azerbaijan Airlines, which is owned by the state.
Mnangagwa visited Azerbaijan in 2019 and met the country’s strongman, President Ilham Aliyev.
Mnangagwa could have flown with Air Zimbabwe to Scotland, but the national flag carrier – with one working long-range aircraft, a Boeing 767 – apparently fears having the plane impounded over debts.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2021/11/01/inside-mnanagwas-us1-million-flight-of-luxury-for-climate-summit-in-scotland/">ZimLive</a></h4>

Mnangagwa To Spend US$1 Million On Luxury Flight

President Emmerson Mnangagwa landed in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan from Azerbaijan on Saturday evening.
He was received by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Zhenis Kassymbek and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Galymzhan Koyshibayev. According to a briefing by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Kazakhstan might establish cooperation in the food processing, mining, fertiliser manufacturing, manpower training and petrol chemicals.
Earlier in the day, Mnangagwa met Azerbaijan president, Mr Ilham Aliyev at his residence in Baku.
More: <a href="http://www.zbc.co.zw/president-arrives-in-kazakhstan/">ZBC</a>

Mnangagwa Arrives In Kazakhstan from Azerbaijan

President Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived in Azerbaijan on the third leg of his visit to Eastern Europe after visiting Moscow in Russia and Minsk in Belarus.
Mnangagwa and his delegation which includes ministers Mthuli Ncube and Winston Chitando was received at Heydar Aliev Airport in the Azerbaijani capital Baku by the first Deputy Prime Minister Mr Yaqub Eyyubov. Other ministers Perrence Shiri who is Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs remained behind in Minsk to conclude deals pertaining to agriculture while Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya remained in Moscow.
Mnangagwa is expected to meet Azerbaijan president at Zagulba Presidential Palace in Baku tomorrow morning.
More: <a href="http://www.zbc.co.zw/pres-mnangagwa-arrives-in-azerbaijan/">ZBC</a>

Mnangagwa Arrives In Azerbaijan From Belarus

Zimbabwe was ranked number 134 out of 167 countries by the Economic Intelligence Unit, Democracy Index-2018.
The democracy index is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; the functioning of government; political participation; and political culture.
There are 60 indicators within these categories and each country is then itself classified as one of four types of regime: full democracy; flawed democracy; hybrid regime; and authoritarian regime.
Zimbabwe is considered an Authoritarian regime based on the index. Its score is between 3.0-3.99. The highest score on the index is 10.
Countries with an index of 10 include Canada, Sweden and Australia. They are classified Full democracies.
The lowest ranked country is North Korea. It is considered an Authoritarian regime just like Zimbabwe.
Interestingly, Belarus (137), Kazakhstan (144) Azerbaijan (149) are ranked below Zimbabwe. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to visit those ‘out spots of tyranny’ in the near future.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-72231 size-full" decoding="async" height="417" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 734px) 100vw, 734px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dem-index-1.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dem-index-1.jpg 734w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dem-index-1-300x170.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dem-index-1-600x341.jpg 600w" width="734"/>
<h2>Related:</h2>
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<li class="entry-title">
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/01/09/mnangagwa-to-visit-5-countries-next-week/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mnangagwa To Visit 5 Countries Starting Next Week</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>More: <a href="https://belsat.eu/en/news/democracy-index-2018-belarus-remains-authoritarian-regime/">Belsat.eu</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-10/democracy-index-economist-intelligence-unit-2018/10703184" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ABC News</a></h3>

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