(Bloomberg) -- Uganda is in talks with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo on plans to defeat Islamic rebels after four terrorist attacks in the past month.

Uganda’s security forces have gathered information about the Allied Democratic Forces after killing 12 of its operatives and arresting 106 since June, when they attempted to assassinate a minister, President Yoweri Museveni he said in a televised address in the capital, Kampala.

The East African nation, seeking to be one of Africa’s newest oil producers, wants to create stability in the wake of attacks from the group that included two twin bombings in Kampala on Tuesday that killed seven people. 

The rebel group is thriving on smuggling, plundering Congo’s timber and gold to finance its operations, the Uganda leader said. Uganda is also seeking to capture members of the group hiding in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa, he added.

Uganda has the capacity to defeat the Islamists within the country, as well as with the help of its neighbors, Museveni said.

The group fought Uganda in the western region bordering Congo in the late 1990s before pulling back and crossing into the neighboring country. Its leader said last year that the group is part of Islamic State’s self-proclaimed Central African Province. - Fred Ojambo, Bloomberg News

London New Year fireworks display will be replaced by a “broadcast spectacular” and Trafalgar Square event after the show was scrapped due to Covid uncertainty.

The event, set to be shown live exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, will celebrate the capital and highlight the defining moments of 2021.

The programme will include a special live choir, and look ahead to the best of 2022 – including London hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 amongst other highlights.

For the first time ever, Trafalgar Square will be the setting for a ticketed celebration event, including live music, stage performers, food stalls and a large screen showing the live broadcast.

Tickets to the event on New Year’s Eve, which is subject to licensing application approval, will be awarded to applicants through a lottery, or ballot, system.

The uncertainty caused by the pandemic, particularly around mass gatherings, has meant that London’s usual fireworks event was cancelled.

However, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan is encouraging people to make the most of the city’s bars, clubs, restaurants, and other attractions to ring in the New Year.

The capital’s bridges, buildings and trees will be illuminated along the South Bank – as part of the mayor’s Let’s Do London Winter Lights’ Season – and the city’s famous Christmas lights, ice rinks and festive markets will also be open.

Mr Khan said: “This year, as well as a brand-new celebration event in Trafalgar Square, we can look forward to a live broadcast spectacular which will showcase our magnificent city on BBC One.

“London is simply magical during these winter months and after all we have endured as a city we have every reason to celebrate as we look ahead to the new year.” ES

The President today revoked an Executive Order, thereby terminating the Burundi sanctions program and related visa restrictions.  As a result, the sanctions and visa restrictions imposed on the eleven individuals designated under this program have been lifted.  This decision reflects the changed circumstances in Burundi and President Ndayishimiye’s pursuit of reforms across multiple sectors over the past year.

The United States acknowledges the transition of power following Burundian elections in 2020 and reforms being pursued across multiple sectors.  We recognize the progress made by President Ndayishimiye on addressing trafficking in persons, economic reforms, and combatting corruption and encourage continued progress.  Today’s action underscores that U.S. sanctions are responsive to changes in circumstance and may be lifted following positive steps.

A robust civil society is critical to building a peaceful, inclusive future for the benefit of the Burundian people and is a key partner in pressing for continued reforms.  The United States remains firmly committed to supporting human rights defenders, independent media, and other civil society groups that promote transparency and accountability for those responsible for corruption, human rights violations, and abuses.  The United States, along with partners and allies, will continue to press the Government of Burundi to improve the human rights situation in the country and use other appropriate tools to do so.  This includes work with the new UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Burundi. - ANTONY J. BLINKEN, US SECRETARY OF STATE