LIVE
Home Blog Page 2175

Ivory Coast’s Gbagbo Returns Home After ICC Acquittal

Zoe Maven
-
0
Ivory Coast’s Gbagbo Returns Home After ICC Acquittal

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo has returned home, 10 years after he was taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity.

Gbagbo has been living in the Belgian capital Brussels since his release from detention three years ago when his successor and rival President Alassane Ouattara invited him back.

He was the first former head of state to go on trial at the ICC but was acquitted of all charges.

The 76-year-old was charged after his refusal to accept defeat in a 2010 election triggered a civil war that left 3,000 people dead. He always denied all the allegations.

In March, the ICC appeals court upheld a 2019 acquittal, saying the prosecution had failed to prove its case against Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé, an ally and former youth leader who was accused of leading a militia backing him.

Born in the south-central region of Gagnoa in 1945 to a Catholic family, Mr Gbagbo was educated in a Christian seminary and later became a history professor.

He started out on the political left, but in the 1980s took a strong nationalist, stance, which critics say bordered on xenophobia.

After 20 years in opposition, he was finally elected president in 2000, but civil war broke out just two years later.

Gbagbo’s supporters were accused of carrying out xenophobic attacks in areas they controlled – against those from the mainly Muslim north, immigrants from neighbouring African countries, and Westerners.

Hong Kong’s Apple Daily Newsroom Raided By 500 Officers

Zoe Maven
-
0
Hong Kong’s Apple Daily Newsroom Raided By 500 Officers

Five hundred Hong Kong police officers sifted through reporters’ computers and notebooks at pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily on Thursday.

Around dawn, reportedly, police arrested five executives of the newspaper, and officers were later seen sitting at computers in the newsroom after entering with a warrant to seize journalistic materials, including phones and laptops.

The raid is the latest blow to media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the tabloid’s owner and a staunch Beijing critic, whose assets have been frozen under the security law and who is serving prison sentences for taking part in illegal assemblies.

In comments raising further alarm over media freedoms in Hong Kong, Security Secretary John Lee described the newsroom as a “crime scene” and said the operation was aimed at those who use reporting as a “tool to endanger” national security.

He did not elaborate on the dozens of articles police said they were taking aim, at but said the five were arrested for a conspiracy to make “use of journalistic work” to incite foreign forces to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China.

Senior superintendent Li Kwai-wah said the tabloid’s reports dated back to 2019, without saying when the most recent were published. The legislation is not retrospective but prosecutors can use actions from before its implementation as evidence.

Police have also frozen $2.32 million of assets owned by three companies linked to Apple Daily and said that the raid was not aimed at the media industry as a whole.

Tropical Storm Claudette expected to form Friday

Zoe Maven
-
0
Tropical Storm Claudette expected to form Friday

Weather forecasters are predicting that the third named storm of this year’s nascent hurricane season will form later this week over the Gulf of Mexico, bringing the potential of flooding rains to the U.S. coastline.

Michael Brennan, branch chief of the Hurricane Specialist Unit at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, said they were are expecting a range of between about 13 to 20 named storms, systems that at least get to tropical storm strength

Hurricane season kicked off on June 1 and the National Hurricane Center has already tracked three storms, a rarity for this time of year and a possible indication of what is to come.

Forecasters have warned that they expect an “above-average” Atlantic hurricane season.

The National Hurricane Center said on its website that there is a 70 percent chance that the low pressure area and thunderstorms currently located in the Bay of Campeche in southern Mexico will strengthen into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours.

Emergency professionals were kept especially busy in 2020. With the nation largely focused on the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. experienced the worst hurricane season since 2005, with 14 hurricanes that killed more than 400 people and resulted in damages of over $51 billion.

Like many organizations around the country, Brennan said, thanks to the pandemic the NHC continues to work in a hybrid capacity.

But the agency has made sure to have personnel spread out so as to minimize the amount of travel needed in an emergency.

N’Ireland Appoints Brexit Hardliner Paul Givan As First Minister

Zoe Maven
-
0
N’Ireland Appoints Brexit Hardliner Paul Givan As First Minister

Brexit hardliner Paul Givan was installed as Northern Ireland’s new first minister on Thursday, as Britain’s split from the European Union continues to cause friction in the bitterly divided province.

Givan, aged 39, from the pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), replaced Arlene Foster after she was ousted by colleagues for appearing too soft in her opposition to a controversial post-Brexit “protocol” governing Northern Irish trade.

Michelle O’Neill, from the pro-Ireland Sinn Fein party, was reconfirmed as deputy first minister after the British government intervened to help ease issues renewing power-sharing and avert a snap election.

In his maiden speech Givan failed to mention the protocol, which has riled resentment among unionists for effectively keeping Northern Ireland inside the EU customs union and single market for goods since the start of the year.

The discontent fuelled a week of rioting in April which spread from unionist communities into pro-Ireland nationalist enclaves and saw at least 88 police injured.

Under the leadership of Edwin Poots, Givan is expected to ramp up rhetoric against the protocol, as Northern Ireland braces for the summer season when sectarian marches occur and tensions have historically boiled over.

But addressing other lawmakers in the region’s devolved Stormont assembly, Givan struck a conciliatory tone.

Northern Ireland was the site of “The Troubles” sectarian conflict which saw 3,500 killed by bombs and bullets as pro-UK unionists, pro-Ireland nationalists and British security forces waged battle over the territory.

DRC: Kinshasa court slashes Vital Kamerhe’s jail time to 13 years

Zoe Maven
-
0
DRC: Kinshasa court slashes Vital Kamerhe’s jail time to 13 years

The jail time for Vital Kamerhe, the former chief of staff to Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, who was convicted for corruption has been reduced from 20 to 13 years in an appeal.

When asked about the verdict by the Kinshasa-Gombe appeal court his lawyer, Jean-Marie Kabengela said the sentence was reduced to 13 years in prison.

The 62-year old former president of the National Assembly, had been sentenced to 20 years with “forced labor”.

Kamerhe was convicted for “embezzling public funds” to the tune of some $48.831 million” along with his main co-accused, a Lebanese entrepreneur, Jammal Samih, 79 at the time.

He is accused of embezzling funds allocated for the construction of 1,500 social housing units as part of the so-called “100 days” program announced by President Felix Tshisekedi after his inauguration in January 2019.

Originally from Bukavu in eastern DRC, Kamerhe was Felix Tshisekedi’s main ally in his victory in the December 2018 presidential election.

Then a candidate, Kamerhe withdrew to support the candidacy of President Tshisekedi. The two men reached a political agreement that Kamerhe would be a candidate in the next election in 2023.

Kamerhe maintains his innocence and his lawyers denounce “expeditious justice. His supporters call it a “political trial” to prevent him from running for president in 2023.

His appeal trial, which began in August, had seen numerous postponement of hearings.

Nigerien activist sentenced to two months in prison for criticism of the gendarmes

Zoe Maven
-
0
Nigerien activist sentenced to two months in prison for criticism of the gendarmes

Ahmed Ekrou alias “Korondi”, a civil society figure in Niger, was sentenced on Tuesday to six months in prison, two of which were firm, for criticizing gendarmes engaged in the anti-jihadist struggle.

The activist is accused of disseminating a message disturbing public order and “offending human dignity” for having criticized gendarmes involved in the fight against jihadists in the Diffa region (southeast).

The Citizens’ Watch Committee is a grouping of civil society organizations, associations and unions created in 2015. Objective: “To coordinate the struggle and the defense of human rights in the region of Diffa,” according to Mara Mamadou.

Ahmed Ekrou was arrested on June 7 “following the broadcasting on Whatsapp of a voice message in which he spoke a little about the attitude of the gendarmerie, which he considered somewhat passive in the fight against Boko Haram,.

His criticism came after a June 5 attack on the SONIDEP (Société nigérienne du pétrole) military position, located east of the city of Diffa.

Niger’s Diffa region has been plagued by deadly attacks since 2015, while it is home to 300,000 Nigerian refugees and internally displaced persons, fleeing jihadist abuses, according to the UN.

Authorities in Diffa generally attribute attacks in their region to Boko Haram jihadists or its breakaway Islamic State in West Africa (Iswap) group.

Zambia’s first President Kenneth Kaunda dies at 97

Zoe Maven
-
0
Zambia’s first President Kenneth Kaunda dies at 97

Zambia’s former president, Kenneth Kaunda, the father of the country’s independence who ruled for 27 years has died at the age of 97 on Thursday.

Kaunda had been reportedly admitted to the Maina Soko Medical Center, a military hospital in Lusaka, on Monday where authorities disclosed he was being treated for Pneumonia.

But a Facebook post by his son Kambarage Kaunda, announced the Zambian founding president’s passage, asking for prayers for his father whom he called Mzee.

His aide Rodrick Ngolo told Newsmen that the problem of pneumonia comes up regularly (in the ex-president) and every time you hear that he is in hospital, it is because of pneumonia.

Nicknamed the “African Gandhi” for his non-violent activism, Kaunda led the former British protectorate Northern Rhodesia to bloodless independence in October 1964.

A socialist, he ruled the country for 27 years, largely under a one-party regime, whose mismanagement led to a severe economic and social crisis. After violent riots, he accepted free elections in 1991 and was defeated.

While in power, it hosted many movements fighting for independence or black equality in other countries in the region, including the African National Congress (ANC) party of South Africa.

Also known as “KK,” he was the leader of the main nationalist party, the center-left UNIP. He also became an AIDS activist when he publicly announced that one of his sons had died of the disease.

Buhari Charges Military To Give No Breathing Space To Terrorists

Zoe Maven
-
0
Buhari Charges Military To Give No Breathing Space To Terrorists

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the military and other security agents not to give breathing space to terrorists and criminals in the country.

The President gave the charge on Thursday while addressing personnel of the Armed Forces and security agencies in Operation Hadin Kai at the Maimalari Cantonment during a visit to Borno State.

He said the Armed Forces under his watch have been provided a firm strategy and clear sense of direction to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

He said their collective efforts have resulted in the relative peace being enjoyed in the region today and that the war against insurgency must be concluded with the restoration of peace and reconstruction of all the affected areas.

While acknowledging their collective efforts at decimating the terrorists and reaffirming the sovereignty of the nation, Buhari extolled their steadfastness and untiring efforts in the face of the difficulties they experience in the Theatres of Operation.

He said the adversaries should not be allowed the opportunity or breathing space to challenge or undermine the national interests and core values.

He further assured the defence and security agencies of the Federal Government’s unalloyed commitment to winning the battle against terror and criminality.

Nigerian Medical Association Decries Shortage of Blood Donation

Olasunbo Okoromi
-
0
Nigerian Medical Association Decries Shortage of Blood Donation

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decried the low level of eligible adult blood donors in the country.

The National President of the association, Professor Innocent Ujah, made this known during a press conference to mark the 2021 World Blood Donor Day, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to him, Blood transfusion service is a critical factor in the health sector and plays a major role in the reduction of morbidity and mortality, especially among women and children.

“There are some mind-blowing statistics about blood transfusion services in Nigeria that makes it imperative for the NMA and all stakeholders to get involved in creating awareness about voluntary blood donation and support for blood transfusion service in Nigeria.“ Prof. Ujah said.

He however noted that there are high-level Commercial Blood Donations which is the total blood donation in Nigeria

“In Nigeria, there is low level of eligible adult blood donor population (less than 4 percent compared to South Africa 11 percent, Canada 13 percent and USA 25 percent). There is also low-level of Voluntary Blood Donation (25,000 per annum), which is less than 3 percent of total blood donation in Nigeria.

“High level Commercial Blood Donation (1,030,000 per annum) which is above 90 percent of total blood donation in Nigeria. There is also a high rate of transmission of Transfusion Transmissible Infection among blood recipients from commercial donors in Nigeria (about 10 percent of HIV infection).”

The NMA President therefore called for improved funding of Blood Transfusion Service Centres in Nigeria as well as the inadequate regulatory Laws for the activities of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in Nigeria.

According to him, the NBTS Centres are poorly funded and in dire need of upgrade in terms of manpower, infrastructure, equipment and training.

“Nigeria with a population of over 200 million is blessed with a high youth population, giving her huge potential for achieving an incredible target of eligible voluntary blood donors. There is a yawning gap between the WHO recommended annual blood requirement for Nigeria (2,000,000 units) and the current figure of 1,000,000’’ Prof Ujah said.

Summer Series 2021: Super Falcons Gallant In 2-0 Loss To USA

Emenike Agu
-
0
Summer Series 2021: Super Falcons Gallant In 2-0 Loss To USA

African champions Nigeria showed they are no pushovers despite losing
by two goals to four –time world champions and four –time Olympic
champions USA in the last game of the 2021 Summer Series at the
admirable Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, USA on Wednesday. Time
difference meant the game started 2am Thursday in Nigeria.

The Super Falcons lost their opening game of the Series to the
Jamaicans by a lone goal on 10th June and had to come from behind to
muscle a 3-3 draw against Portugal in the second match three days
later. Both games took place in Houston, also in the State of Texas.

The Falcons were up against a US Women National Team that had not lost
in dozens of matches and could not readily remember the last time they
conceded a goal.

Nigeria’s Head Coach, Randy Waldrum, made only one change from the
pulsating draw with Portugal on Sunday, with Esther Okoronkwo taking
the place of new discovery Ifeoma Onomonwu.

Christian Press scored the Americans’ first goal in time added-on in
first half with an assist from Carli Loyd. The goal came after several
brilliant saves by Super Falcons’ number one Tochukwu Oluehi, who was
kept very busy in the opening half.

In the second half, Waldrum introduced Akudo Ogbonna, Charity Adule
and Gift Monday at different times to rejuvenate the play of the
nine-time African champions, but this effort did not curtail the
high-octane stance of the American girls.

Heavy pressure eventually told as Lynn Williams got the second goal,
with an assist from Press.

“I am enamoured by the professionalism of the players and their
courage even when they are on the backfoot. They played very
competitively against the best team in the world and I am extremely
proud of them,” Coach Waldrum said at the end.

It was the first –ever international friendly between both countries.
The USA had only ever played one African country, South Africa’s
Banyana Banyana, at friendlies’ level.

Waldrum, who led the Super Falcons to three wins out of three in his
first tournament in charge with the team, in Turkey in February,
believes the Summer Series have been useful in the discovery of new
legs in the absence of a number of tested internationals, and exposure
to top quality opposition that the team could confront in major
championships.

“The Summer Series have come at a good time for us, as we were able to
see a number of new players. The girls also came up against strong
teams and did not fare badly. Lessons have been learnt and I am
delighted with our performance and general attitude on and off the
pitch.”

1...2,1742,1752,176...2,555Page 2,175 of 2,555
Kingschat

© 2025 LN247. All Rights Reserved