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Super Typhoon Ragasa Strikes Philippines, Forcing Mass Evacuations

Ohiomoje Margaret
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13
Super Typhoon Ragasa Strikes Philippines, Forcing Mass Evacuations

Thousands of residents in the Philippines have been relocated as Super Typhoon Ragasa, described by officials as potentially “catastrophic,” slammed into the country’s northern region.

According to the national weather bureau, Ragasa came ashore around 15:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Monday over Panuitan Island in Cagayan province, with wind gusts reaching up to 230km/h (143mph). The storm is projected to continue westward towards southern China in the coming days.

Meteorologists have issued warnings of a “high risk of life-threatening storm surge” with waves expected to exceed 3 meters (10 feet). Authorities also cautioned about landslides, flash floods, and severe damage to housing and infrastructure.

Classes and government offices were suspended in several provinces, including the capital, Manila.

The storm struck the isolated Batanes and Babuyan islands, home to roughly 20,000 people, many of whom live below the poverty line. These islands are located about 740km (460 miles) from Taiwan, where nearly 300 residents were evacuated from Hualien County as a precaution.

Although Ragasa is not expected to make direct landfall in Taiwan, the island’s eastern regions are forecast to experience torrential rainfall. Nature reserves, forest trails, and ferry services were closed in preparation.

Classified as the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, the super typhoon is also threatening southern China. Authorities in Guangdong province have urged residents to brace for a “catastrophic” and “large-scale disaster,” warning that strong winds and intense rainfall would begin as early as Tuesday.

The city of Shenzhen announced evacuation plans for around 400,000 people. In neighboring Hong Kong, officials said conditions would “deteriorate rapidly” on Tuesday. The city’s education bureau is reviewing school closures, while airlines are canceling flights. Cathay Pacific confirmed it would ground 500 flights from 18:00 local time tomorrow, and Hong Kong Airlines said all departures would be suspended.

Known locally as Nando, Ragasa arrives as the Philippines is still struggling with weeks of flooding triggered by a powerful monsoon season. Frustration over the government’s response spilled into the streets on Sunday, when tens of thousands protested nationwide, blaming corruption for the country’s weak flood control infrastructure.

Kwankwaso Sets Conditions To Rejoin APC

Olaosun Rebecca
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5
Kwankwaso Sets Conditions To Rejoin APC

‎Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed willingness to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but only with clear guarantees that his political base will be protected.
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‎At a meeting with NNPP stakeholders in Kano on Wednesday, Kwankwaso reflected on his role in the APC’s formation, noting that he and his associates made huge sacrifices to build the party but were sidelined during its eight years in power under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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‎He reminded his audience that he was central to the creation of the APC but felt betrayed as he and his allies were ignored once the party took power.
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‎According to him, no one understands the level of hardship and sacrifice that went into forming the APC better than those who pioneered it.
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‎“We were in the leadership then, because we had more experience understanding how the federal government operates unlike those from the ACN and CPC who had no idea what was taking place in government then.”
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‎“We stood firm for the course and faced the federal government then facing all sots of problems. There were even Assembly members that were arrested from here (Kano) and locked up in Abuja,” Kwankwaso lamented.
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‎“I personally faced all sorts of attacks using the EFCC, ICPC, Police, DSS and others, all because of APC. We are the founders of APC, we led everything, we stated from the Eagle Square and went round seven states then. But when the APC came to power, they gave us nothing not even a thank you because our faction of the PDP didn’t start with them.”
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‎He said despite all the battles, it is others who are now enjoying the rewards of their struggles.
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‎“All the struggles have passed and today some people are benefiting from all the struggle we did when men were men.”
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‎Kwankwaso added that while he is ready to return to the APC if invited, there must be clarity on what the NNPP stands to gain.
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‎“We will accept to join the APC if invited, but we must know what the NNPP will benefit from when we join. What will be the position of our Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf?
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‎“We also have Senators and Reps as well as others holding positions in the state government, when we join the APC why will be their fate? Provide us with the answers.
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‎“If you say I should go back to the APC, I’m willing to re-join, and I didn’t say I won’t join even now, but on what terms?” Kwankwaso asked.
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‎He recalled that both the APC and PDP failed to respect his integrity, accusing them of using him and his allies only to discard them afterward.
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‎“When I was with the APC and PDP, they didn’t respect my integrity; we only worked for ungrateful people who never appreciated what we did. We worked for them, they won elections, and dumped us aside we’re all witnesses to this.”
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‎Kwankwaso emphasized that while the NNPP is not desperate to merge with another party, it is open to collaboration if based on fairness and sincerity.
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‎“Now that we’re settled and not in a hurry to leave the NNPP, however, if there are those who want to work with us in total honesty and transparency, such that we won’t be treated the way we were in the past, we’re ready for it.” he stated.
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Trump’s New H-1B Visa: Impact On Nigerians Seeking U.S. Jobs

Ohiomoje Margaret
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4
Trump’s New H-1B Visa: Impact On Nigerians Seeking U.S. Jobs

President Donald Trump has signed an executive action introducing a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, a program widely used by U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.

The H-1B visa allows foreign workers to live and work in the U.S. for an initial period of three years, with a possibility of renewal for another three. Around 65,000 visas are granted annually, plus an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants with advanced U.S. degrees. Because demand consistently outweighs supply, visas are typically awarded through a lottery system.

The new directive means companies must now pay a hefty sum to sponsor foreign professionals, either upfront or annually. In addition, the administration unveiled a “gold card” option that fast-tracks immigration for wealthy applicants willing to pay $1 million personally, or $2 million through an employer.

Why Trump Imposed It

The Trump administration argues the measure is intended to protect American jobs by discouraging what it describes as “overuse” of the H-1B program. By raising costs for companies, the government hopes employers will prioritize U.S. citizens while still leaving a path open for highly skilled foreign talent.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained that the fee was developed after consultations with companies and is aimed at ensuring that only “extraordinary” professionals are sponsored. The administration believes the move will tilt the balance of immigration toward high earners and entrepreneurs.

However, critics say the policy could hurt industries that rely heavily on foreign talent, particularly in technology, where U.S. companies often struggle to find enough specialized workers locally. For years, business leaders have argued that H-1B visas actually help create jobs by allowing firms to scale and remain competitive globally.

Impact On Nigerian Professionals Seeking U.S. Jobs

For Nigerians aspiring to work in the U.S., this new policy presents a significant challenge. Many young professionals, especially in tech and healthcare, depend on H-1B sponsorship to secure jobs abroad. With companies now facing a $100,000 price tag per visa, employers may cut back on international hiring, narrowing opportunities for Nigerians hoping to build careers in the U.S.

This could also affect Nigerian students graduating from American universities. Typically, many seek H-1B visas to remain in the U.S. after completing their studies. The higher financial barrier may push employers to reconsider sponsoring them, making it harder for graduates to transition into the workforce.

On the flip side, the shift may encourage companies to explore remote work or outsourcing instead of relocation. That could create new openings for Nigerian professionals to work with U.S. firms from Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt without physically moving abroad. It may also increase the appeal of alternative destinations such as Canada, the U.K., or Europe, where visa sponsorship pathways are perceived as more accessible.

In short, while Trump’s $100K H-1B fee is framed as a way to protect American workers, it could reshape how Nigerian talent engages with the U.S. market, reducing physical migration but potentially fueling more cross-border remote opportunities.

Guinea Votes On New Constitution To Move From Military To Civilian Rule

Olaosun Rebecca
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2
Guinea Votes On New Constitution To Move From Military To Civilian Rule

Guinea held a much-anticipated referendum on Sunday on a new constitution that could enable coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to contest the presidency, despite his earlier pledge not to do so after seizing power in 2021.
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‎The military-led authorities, in charge of a country with the world’s largest bauxite reserves, already failed to meet a December 31, 2024 deadline they had set for a return to civilian rule. The presidential election is now expected in December.
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‎Opponents warn that the constitutional referendum is another attempt by a junta to legitimise military rule in West and Central Africa, where eight coups between 2020 and 2023 reshaped politics across the region.
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‎Although the referendum is framed as a step toward elections and civilian leadership, critics of Doumbouya have denounced it as a power grab.
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‎Doumbouya has not clarified whether he will run for president. A transition charter adopted after the coup barred junta members from participating in the next election.
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‎The referendum is expected to succeed, as the main opposition leaders, Cellou Dalein Diallo and ousted former President Alpha Conde, have urged their supporters to boycott the vote.
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‎Their political parties remain suspended, while Human Rights Watch has accused the government of abducting political rivals and arbitrarily shutting down media outlets.
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‎Authorities have denied involvement in disappearances but pledged to investigate the allegations.
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‎Polling stations were set to open at 7 a.m. (0700 GMT) on Sunday and close at 6 p.m. (1800 GMT), though the timing of results remains uncertain.
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‎The proposed constitution would extend the presidential term from five to seven years, renewable once, and establish a Senate, with one-third of its members directly appointed by the president.
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‎In the last days of campaigning, Conakry’s streets were lined with small white posters displaying the word “Yes” alongside a green checkmark.
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‎On Thursday, S&P Global Ratings assigned Guinea its first-ever sovereign rating of B+ with a stable outlook, making it the third highest-rated economy in West Africa, according to the agency.
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‎The agency noted that while some progress has been made toward civilian rule, “social needs are high and tensions with the opposition are elevated with accusation of arbitrary arrests and rising pressure on the media.”
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Fritz Seals Laver Cup Title for Team World

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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3
Fritz Seals Laver Cup Title for Team World

Taylor Fritz delivered the decisive blow at the Laver Cup on Sunday, defeating Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4) to complete a 15-9 victory for Team World over Team Europe and reclaim the men’s team competition crown in San Francisco.

It was Team World’s third triumph in the event’s eight editions, following consecutive successes in 2022 and 2023. Jubilant celebrations erupted at the Chase Center as captain Andre Agassi’s squad secured the title.

“We’re going to have a fun night.. champagne in the locker room is coming soon,” Fritz said. “The energy from the team makes winning feel even better and losing so much worse. You’re doing it for all these guys. I always feel I play my best tennis in a team environment. Seeing them fired up, and seeing a legend like Andre cheering, makes it impossible not to give everything.”

Team World had built a commanding 9-3 advantage after sweeping Saturday’s matches, though with three points on offer per win on the final day, Europe remained in contention with four rubbers left to play.

Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud gave Europe a strong start, defeating Alex Michelsen and Reilly Opelka 7-6(4), 6-1 in doubles. But Australia’s Alex de Minaur restored Team World’s momentum by beating Jakub Mensik 6-3, 6-4 to extend the lead to 12-6.

Alcaraz then kept European hopes alive with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over Francisco Cerundolo, closing the gap to 12-9. That left Zverev with the chance to tie the contest and force a deciding doubles set, but Fritz held firm to seal the championship.

The 2026 edition of the Laver Cup will be staged at London’s O2 Arena.

NiMet Forecasts Three Days Of Rain And Thunderstorms Nationwide

Olaosun Rebecca
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0
NiMet Forecasts Three Days Of Rain And Thunderstorms Nationwide

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the country from Monday through Wednesday.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said isolated thunderstorms with light rain are expected over parts of Adamawa and Taraba on Monday morning. Later in the day, thunderstorms are likely over Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Southern Borno, and Taraba.

For the central region, a mix of cloudiness and sunshine is expected, with thunderstorms and light rain forecast over Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Benue in the morning. More widespread thunderstorms with moderate rain are anticipated later in the day.

The southern region will also experience cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine. Morning thunderstorms and light rain are predicted in Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, with heavier rainfall and thunderstorms expected across most parts of the region later in the day. NiMet also warned of possible flash floods in Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States.

On Tuesday, similar conditions will persist across the country, with thunderstorms forecast in parts of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, and Kogi. The southern states, including Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, and Cross River, will also experience thunderstorms and moderate rainfall.

By Wednesday, cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine are expected in the north, alongside thunderstorms and light rain in Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba. The central states, including Plateau and Nasarawa, will see thunderstorms in the morning, with further rain expected later in the day. In the south, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River will have light rain in the morning, followed by widespread thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

NiMet urged states with a risk of flash flooding to activate emergency response measures. The public was also advised to exercise caution while driving in the rain, secure loose objects to avoid damage, and disconnect appliances from power sources during thunderstorms. Farmers were cautioned against applying fertilizers or pesticides just before rainfall.

The agency further advised airline operators to obtain up-to-date, airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for safe flight planning.

Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele, Other PSG Players May Miss Ceremony

Tosin Onisuuru
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3
Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele, Other PSG Players May Miss Ceremony

Paris Saint-Germain could be without some of their biggest stars at the Ballon d’Or ceremony after organisers confirmed that the highly anticipated Le Classique against Marseille has been rescheduled to Monday night due to severe weather warnings in southern France.

The change leaves PSG facing a major scheduling headache, as the match will now clash directly with football’s most glamorous night at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet, where several of the club’s top players are expected to be honoured.

Among them is Ousmane Dembélé, considered a leading contender for the men’s Ballon d’Or following his role in PSG’s Champions League triumph in May and European Super Cup victory in August.

The Parisian giants have a record nine other players nominated across categories, making them the most represented club on the shortlist. But with kick-off at the Vélodrome now coinciding with the awards, many could be forced to prioritise club duty over individual recognition.

Head coach Luis Enrique will already be without Dembélé and rising star Désiré Doué for the match through injury potentially freeing them to attend the ceremony if they choose.

The Bouches-du-Rhône region remains under an orange alert for torrential rain, flooding and thunderstorms, prompting authorities to postpone the Sunday fixture to ensure fan and player safety.

The clash between football’s biggest derby and its glitziest awards gala comes just a year after Real Madrid boycotted the 2024 ceremony in protest at Vinícius Júnior being overlooked in favour of Manchester City’s Rodri. This time, PSG’s absence would be down to storm-driven fixture reshuffling rather than politics.

Shettima lands In New York For UNGA 80

Olaosun Rebecca
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0
Shettima lands In New York For UNGA 80

‎Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which begins Monday and runs until September 28.
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‎Representing President Bola Tinubu, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level general debate, unveil the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and join various side events, bilateral meetings, and roundtable discussions.
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‎Tinubu had been scheduled to address the 80th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. A revised provisional list of speakers indicated that he was set to speak on the second day of the event. His address was slated for the afternoon session at about 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. Nigerian time), where he would have been the 17th world leader to speak that day.
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‎On arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Vice President was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; and Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje.
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‎Others present to receive him included the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in New York, Brig.-Gen. Edward Koleoso; and Defence Attaché in Washington, Group Capt. Sani Kalgo.
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‎Outlining Nigeria’s priorities for UNGA 80, Tuggar said the country would continue advocating for the adoption of a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation and for Africa’s inclusion on the UN Security Council.
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‎“This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership,” he said. “We also promote Nigeria’s push to become a permanent member of the Security Council, because Africa has a common position, the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, that calls for at least two permanent seats.”
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‎He further stated that Nigeria would reaffirm its commitment to peacekeeping contributions and address global conflicts, including the crises in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.
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‎Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State noted that Nigeria’s participation at the UNGA would reinforce its reputation as a leading African economy and investment destination.
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‎“We are looking at areas of strength such as solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education,” the governor said. “The Vice President’s presentation on Wednesday will further reposition Nigeria as Africa’s leading economy.”
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‎Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, added that Nigeria would also use the forum to showcase investment opportunities and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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‎“On Monday, we are hosting Nigeria Investment Day, highlighting solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology,” she said. “It is to show the reforms the Nigerian economy has undergone in the last two years and to engage our partners on where we are headed.”
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‎Shettima is also scheduled to attend the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting and hold talks with the Prime Minister of Sudan, alongside other high-level engagements.
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Gabriel Martinelli Rescues Arsenal With Late Goal Against Manchester City

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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2
Gabriel Martinelli Rescues Arsenal With Late Goal Against Manchester City

Gabriel Martinelli struck from the bench for the second time in five days, producing a superb stoppage-time lob to rescue a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Manchester City.

Erling Haaland had given City an early lead at the Emirates with a clinical ninth-minute finish, and Pep Guardiola’s side looked set to hand Mikel Arteta’s men a sobering defeat with a disciplined defensive display. But Martinelli, introduced late on, latched onto Eberechi Eze’s lofted pass in the third minute of added time and coolly beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, ensuring Arsenal avoided defeat.

The result leaves Arsenal five points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have won all five of their matches so far, while City sit eight points off the pace. Before kick-off, Arsenal could boast the league’s best defensive record, having yet to concede from open play. That statistic was erased within nine minutes.

Haaland, who has made a habit of tormenting Arsenal, did so again with his 13th goal of the season for club and country and his fifth in seven league appearances against the Gunners. Collecting the ball after Gabriel was shrugged aside, the Norwegian exchanged passes with Tijjani Reijnders before finishing calmly with his second touch.

City celebrated by posting “Finisher” on “X”a pointed response to Arteta’s recent comments about Arsenal’s impact substitutes but they would be made to eat their words.

The visitors controlled much of the first half, threatening again when Reijnders tested David Raya after Haaland had forced a turnover in midfield. Arsenal struggled to find rhythm, though Noni Madueke did draw a sharp save from Donnarumma just before the break.

Arteta reacted at half-time, bringing on Bukayo Saka back from a month out with a hamstring problem along with Eze. The changes injected energy, with Zubimendi and Eze both going close early in the second half. City remained dangerous on the counter, however, with Haaland denied by Raya after being played through by Jeremy Doku.

As the game wore on, Arsenal pressed for an equaliser. Rúben Dias made a crucial interception to prevent Viktor Gyökeres from converting Leandro Trossard’s low cross, before Martinelli entered the fray with nine minutes left.

With seven minutes of stoppage time signalled, the Emirates crowd sensed one last chance and Martinelli delivered. Chasing Eze’s perfectly weighted ball over the top, the Brazilian lifted his finish over Donnarumma to spark jubilant celebrations.

It may yet prove a vital moment in Arsenal’s pursuit of a first Premier League crown in 22 years.

South Sudan’s Ex-VP Riek Machar On Trial For Treason

Olaosun Rebecca
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1
South Sudan’s Ex-VP Riek Machar On Trial For Treason

‎South Sudan’s opposition leader and former vice president, Riek Machar, appeared in court on Monday to face charges of crimes against humanity and treason, according to state media.
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‎The fragile power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and his longtime rival, Riek Machar, has been breaking down for months, raising fears of a return to the civil war that claimed 400,000 lives in the 2010s.
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‎Earlier this month, Machar was indicted on counts of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, and was removed from his role as first vice-president in the unity government after spending several months under house arrest.
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‎Authorities accuse him of ordering an ethnic militia to attack a military base in March, an assault the government says left more than 250 soldiers dead.
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‎Machar’s camp rejects the allegations, insisting they are part of Kiir’s plan to sideline the opposition and tighten his grip on power.
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‎“His Excellency Dr Riek Machar should not be tried by this incompetent court, which lacks jurisdiction,” his lawyer told the court on Monday, during Machar’s first hearing alongside several other defendants.
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‎Failed Transition
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‎South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011 but quickly descended into a brutal conflict between Kiir and Machar from 2013 to 2018.
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‎Efforts by the international community to sustain the peace process and secure a democratic transition have largely fallen short.
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‎Elections scheduled for December 2024 were pushed back to 2026, and the rival forces have yet to be integrated into a single army.
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‎Last week, the United Nations released a report accusing the government of embezzling billions of dollars in oil revenue since independence while delivering almost nothing in essential sectors like health and education.
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‎Supporters of Machar argue that the charges prove the collapse of the power-sharing deal and have called for armed mobilisation to achieve “regime change.”
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‎Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society activist in Juba, told AFP earlier this month that while charges against Machar were anticipated, their severity was “shocking.”
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‎He argued that accusing him of crimes against humanity was “politically motivated,” and “legally… not justifiable” since such a charge is not recognised under South Sudanese law.
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‎The case is linked to a March assault on a military base in Upper Nile State, a Machar stronghold, carried out by fighters from his Nuer ethnic group known as the White Army.
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‎Machar’s allies deny he was behind the attack.
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‎With Machar “being forced to appear before a kangaroo court and imposing charges against him, (it) is a clear indication that the SPLM-IG has chosen instability over peace,” a spokesman told AFP last week.
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