Another 200 Kenyan police officers have arrived in Haiti under a United Nations-backed mission to try to quell rampant gang violence in the troubled Caribbean nation.
The new batch that arrived on Tuesday brings the total to 400 Kenyan boots on the ground in the violence-ravaged capital of Port-au-Prince, Haitian sources said.
The Kenyan contingent of what is shaping up to be a multinational mission has run into persistent legal challenges in Nairobi, where embattled President William Ruto is simultaneously trying to calm roiling antigovernment protests at home.
More Kenyans are expected to arrive in the coming weeks and months along with police and soldiers from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica for a total of 2,500 personnel.
The deployment was approved by a UN Security Council resolution in October, only to be delayed by a Kenyan court decision in January that ruled it unconstitutional.
The court said Ruto’s administration had no authority to send officers abroad without a prior bilateral agreement.
While the government secured that agreement with Haiti in March, a small opposition party, Thirdway Alliance Kenya, has filed a lawsuit in another attempt to block it.
The United States had been eagerly seeking a country to lead the mission and is supplying funding and logistical support.
President Joe Biden flatly ruled out putting US boots on the ground in Haiti.
Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the Haiti mission and doubts over its funding, while watchdogs have repeatedly accused Kenyan police of using excessive force and carrying out unlawful killings.
The jersey of Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha took the spotlight during Argentina’s victory over Colombia to secure their 16th Copa America title, Soccernet.ng reports.
Argentina clinched a 1-0 victory over Colombia in extra time, with the match experiencing a delay of more than an hour due to fans attempting to breach the Hard Rock Stadium.
One of the viral videos from the event captured a fan wearing Okocha’s iconic Super Eagles jersey, further cementing his legendary status beyond the Nigerian community.
Okocha, known for his number 10 jersey, proudly wore the green and white colors of the Nigerian national team from 1993 to 2006. His stellar performance in the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations earned him the Best Player award for the tournament.
The jersey, which Okocha famously wore during the 2006 African Cup of Nations, holds historical significance as it was donned when Nigeria secured third place with a 1-0 victory over Senegal.
Initially planning to retire after the 2002 World Cup, Okocha chose to extend his international career, serving as Nigeria’s captain between 2002 and 2006.
Renowned for his mesmerizing dribbling skills, Okocha played across Germany, Turkey, France, and England during his illustrious football career, earning admiration from football lovers worldwide.
Okocha’s continued recognition, highlighted by the fan donning his jersey at the Copa America final, underscores his lasting impact on the sport and his enduring legacy in the hearts of football enthusiasts.
Sad, so this is how the 2.5 million Palestinians will be wiped out and the world does nothing to stop the carnage
Botragelad: Thanks to the spineless terrorists who think it's acceptable to cower behind civilians and launch attacks from so-called 'refugee camps'. Come on, mate, no one's buying this terrorist emotional manipulation. It only works on those who fail to think critically.
By the way, when they die, they're hailed as martyrs, which means they're willing to sacrifice some of their own to garner sympathy from the media. So, why should Israel bother? Here's a tip: if you're going to destroy your enemy, make sure you finish the job.
You, righteousness and other like minds on this forum always get me annoyed with your insensitive and sadistic comments anytime israel-Gaza news makes it to front page, but I'm not surprised anymore
continue to gaslight people and defend the indefensible thinking you are smart, there's absolutely no justification for what Israel is doing.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva released a statement Sunday condemning an Israeli airstrike in a designated humanitarian “safe zone” in southern Gaza that killed at least 90 Palestinians, calling on world leaders to speak up against an "endless massacre."
Israel said it targeted Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif in the attack Saturday on a displaced people’s camp, which also wounded at least 300 civilians.
“The Israeli government continues to sabotage the peace process and the cease-fire in the Middle East,” said Lula on his X account.
“The most recent bombing carried out in the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds of innocent people, is unacceptable. Now with more than 90 fatalities and almost 300 wounded in tents that housed children, the elderly and women.”
The strike in the Al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis was intended to kill Deif, who Israel claimed was hiding among civilians.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference in Tel Aviv that it was “not absolutely certain” that the military chief and another senior commander were killed in the strike.
Lula said “it is appalling that they continue to collectively punish the Palestinian people. There have already been tens of thousands of deaths in consecutive attacks since last year, many of them in designated humanitarian zones that should be protected.”
“We, the political leaders of the democratic world, cannot remain silent in the face of this endless massacre.
“The cease-fire and peace in the region need to be priorities on the international agenda. All our efforts must be focused on securing the release of the Israeli hostages and ending the attacks on the Gaza Strip,” he added.
At least 38,584 Palestinians have been killed since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7 last year, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health, a direct result of military operations carried out by the Israeli army with the backing of the Western world.
But the actual death toll could surpass local authorities' estimates, with the British medical journal The Lancet recently publishing a study assessing that the real figure could be up to 186,000 when accounting for indirect deaths and missing people.
President Lula has been a vocal critic of the relentless attacks by the Israeli government against the Palestinian people, which he has called a “genocide” and compared it to the Holocaust during the Second World War.
His criticisms have created a diplomatic rift between the two countries, with Israel declaring Lula "persona non-grata" and Brazil recalling its ambassador to Israel.
Other Latin American leaders such as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Bolivian President Luis Arce have backed Lula's stance and have joined in the condemnation of the atrocities committed by Israel.
President Bola Tinubu's administration has acquired a luxury Airbus A330 aircraft for presidential use, despite criticism from various sources.
According to Empowered Newswire, the aircraft is currently in France and has been spotted at an advanced stage of preparation. The plane has been assigned a tail registration that features the seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was reportedly ready for delivery
The aircraft in question is an ACJ330-200, VP-CAC (msn 1053), registered as 5N-FGA.
It features a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom at the front, followed by an office and a conference and dining room. It also has an airline-style first-class and economy seating at the rear.
The report noted that informed sources from international aviation firms and news sites also indicate that as of early afternoon Nigerian time on July 15, 2024, the plane has been flown from Germany to an airport in Saint Louis, France.
SaharaReporters on June 28 reported that the Nigerian government planned to spend over N150 billion on a new presidential jet, a move that sparked controversy.
The proposed expenditure comes under scrutiny as the nation grapples with economic challenges and record inflation.
PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the Nigerian government intended to acquire a seized Airbus A330 aircraft, which was reportedly in possession of a German bank, following a default on a multi-million dollar loan by an unnamed Arab prince and businessman.
The government had reportedly identified the aircraft for purchase but was seeking funds to complete the transaction, pending any changes to the plan.
According to reports, the Nigerian government had its sights on the Airbus A330 aircraft, previously owned by a troubled oil sheikh who used it as collateral for a loan from a German bank.
The aircraft was at that time in the possession of L & L International LLC, a Miami-based aviation firm, which was facilitating the sale on behalf of the German bank. Valued at $600 million, the multi-engine jet boasts a luxurious VIP configuration.
According to the report, the Nigerian government had made a bid of approximately $100 million for the repossessed Airbus A330 aircraft, but the seller, L & L International LLC, was yet to accept the offer.
It was reported that the proposed payment equivalent was N150.7 billion, based on the official exchange rate of N1,507 per US dollar at the time.
According to the report, AMAC Aerospace AG, a Swiss aviation company, was facilitating the Nigerian government's acquisition of the repossessed Airbus A330 aircraft.
AMAC Aerospace AG has a pre-existing contract with the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) for aircraft maintenance, but the company's director, Alexis Ott, declined to comment on the matter, citing a policy of not disclosing information about such transactions.
An operator history dashboard on planespotters.net also showed that the Airbus 330 was now wearing the tail registration of the Nigerian presidential jet 5N-FGA and also adorned with the Nigerian Presidential Seal.
The A330 combines new-generation engines, aerodynamic and other improvements to deliver even more comfort and efficiency. Designed for highly-demanding VIP and private markets, the aircraft delivers top-end luxury, comfort and range.
The A330 is the world’s most successful widebody airliner, having evolved through intelligent innovation into an even more capable aircraft - as well as having evolved into freighter, multi-role tanker transport and corporate jet roles.
Putin and Netanyahu should stop this madness, the senseless killing of innocent people everyday is completely unacceptable.
Nothing can justify such barbarity
Righteousness2: Fake human lover rest and quit your Pretence! It has been over 10hrs since the deadly Strike but you turned blind, deaf and dumb because it is not ISRAEL.
If this had anything to do with ISRAEL, you would have put it out since morning but you dont care now because its not ISRAEL.
At least I am better than you, I don't worship any country or celebrate the death of innocent people everyday quoting bible verses, the lack of humanity in you is worrisome
WriterNig: It took the US 20 years. $4 Trillion to replace the Taliban with Taliban.
Goat herders and cave dwellers won a so called super power.
A Russian private mercenary group Wagner defeated a fully armed professional Ukranian troops armed to the teeth with the most sophisticated weaponry.
lies, I don't want to be seen as US ass licker but Truth be told, US willingly pulled out of Afghanistan before the country fell to the Taliban, blame afghan president ashraf ghani for running away and his soldiers that surrendered to Taliban without any resistance
The same Nigerians that praised the withdrawal then are making a U-turn now to say another thing.
This guy is a gold digger setting himself up for serious heartbreak, he's feeling loved in an uncomfortable environment.
He doesn't even know what made the woman to separate from her ex-husband, one thing I know is that a woman would always choose her children over any other thing, he should quit the relationship before it's too late
A 30year old man who is in love with a 46year old woman says they met in a supermarket and have been inseparable since then. My woman has 3children from her previous relationship and when we met she had told me that her ex-husband and her simply co-parent. Nothing more.
She was glad her children liked me when we were introduced to one another about a year ago when we started dating. However, recently, her ex-husband has been pushing for more and this has been stressing my woman out as she says she has moved on. Her children now act strangely towards me and would rather go spend more time at their dad’s. This has become concerning for her as she says does not want to lose the bond she has with her children who are just 14,12 and 9 years old.
Our parents know about our relationship and are in support even though my mother has always been vocal about her worry that my woman is way richer and that she won’t be able to give her grandchildren if I decide to marry her. I am thinking of proposing to her just to prove my utmost commitment. I told her kids about this. Few day after, my girlfriend told me the kids said she should choose between me and them.
How would children that young come up with such ultimatum? I know my woman loves me but she does not joke with her children as well. How do I win this fight? How do I win their hearts? How do I not lose my woman. Should I just propose without the children’s approval? What do I do? Please advise me.
An ultra-conservative archbishop has been excommunicated by the Vatican after being found guilty of schism.
Schism is one of the gravest crimes in canon law and occurs when someone withdraws submission to the Pope or his Catholic subjects.
Carlo Maria Vigano served as the Vatican's ambassador to the US from 2011 to 2016 but went into hiding in 2018.
This came after he alleged Pope Francis knew about US cardinal Theodore McCarrick's sexual misconduct and did nothing about it.
The Vatican has rejected this claim.
Vigano also branded the Pope a "false prophet" and a "servant of Satan", before calling for him to resign.
The Vatican's doctrinal office announced the 83-year-old's excommunication - or banishment - on Friday.
It said his previous comments made it clear he refused "to recognise and submit" to the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Vigano had also rejected the legitimacy of liberal reforms made by the church in the 1960s, it added.
The statement read: "At the conclusion of the penal process, the Most Reverend Carlo Maria Vigano was found guilty of the reserved delict (violation of the law) of schism."
The excommunication means Vigano is formally outside the church and cannot celebrate or receive its sacraments, such as communion
As is normal, the ruling was signed by the head of the Doctrine of the Faith office instead of the Pope himself, but it's highly unlikely the punishment was given without his approval.
Responding on X, where he has frequently posted while in hiding, Vigano remained unrepentant and urged Catholics to support him with a quote from Jesus in the New Testament: "If they keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting."
Vigano has cultivated a following of like-minded ultra-conservatives over the years, delving into conspiracy theories and labelling the coronavirus pandemic the "Great Reset".
In a post on X last month, he criticised the Vatican's proceedings against him and accused Pope Francis of representing an "inclusive, immigrationist, eco-sustainable, and gay-friendly" church.
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian has been elected as Iran's new president, beating his hardline conservative rival Saeed Jalili.
The vote was declared in Dr Pezeshkian's favour after he secured 53.3% of the more than 30 million votes counted. Mr Jalili polled at 44.3%.
The run-off came after no candidate secured a majority in the first round of the election on 28 June, which saw a historically low voter turnout of 40%.
The election was called after Iran’s previous president Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash in May, in which seven others also died.
The leaders of China, India and Russia have all congratulated Dr Pezeshkian on his victory.
Even before the final results were declared by Iran's interior ministry, Dr Pezeshkian's supporters had taken to the streets in Tehran and a number of other cities to celebrate.
Videos posted on social media showed mostly young people dancing and waving the signature green flag of his campaign, while passing cars sounded their horns.
Dr Pezeshkian, a 71-year-old heart surgeon and member of the Iranian parliament, is critical of Iran’s notorious morality police and caused a stir after promising “unity and cohesion”, as well as an end to Iran's “isolation” from the world.
He has also called for “constructive negotiations” with Western powers over a renewal of the faltering 2015 nuclear deal in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in return for an easing of Western sanctions.
His rival, Saeed Jalili, favours the status quo. The former nuclear negotiator enjoys strong support amongst Iran’s most religious communities.
Mr Jalili is known for his hardline anti-Western stance and opposition to restoring the nuclear deal, which he says crossed Iran’s “red lines".
Turnout in the latest round of voting was 50% - higher than the first round last week, when the turnout was the lowest since the Islamic revolution in 1979 amid widespread discontent, but still considerably low.
Widespread discontent meant that millions of people boycotted the elections.
Lack of choice in the candidates, dominated by Islamic hard liners, and the impossibility of real change as long as the supreme leader tightly controls policies added to their frustration.
Some people who did not vote in the first round were persuaded to cast their ballot for Dr Pezeshkian this time round to prevent Mr Jalili from becoming the president.
They feared that if he won, Iran would be heading for more confrontation with the outside world and that he would bring Iran more sanctions and further isolation.
In order to stand, both candidates had to make it through a vetting process run by the Guardian Council, a body made up of 12 clerics and jurists that hold significant power in Iran.
That process saw 74 other candidates removed from the race, including several women.
The Guardian Council has previously been criticised by human rights groups for disqualifying candidates who are not loyal enough to the regime.
After years of civil unrest - culminating in anti-regime protests that shook the country in 2022-23 - many young and middle-class Iranians deeply mistrust the establishment and have previously refused to vote.
On Iranian social media, the Persian hashtag "traitorous minority" went viral, urging people not to vote for either of the candidates and calling anyone who did a "traitor".
But Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected suggestions that the low turnout represents a rejection of his rule.
"There are reasons [behind the low turnout] and politicians and sociologists will examine them, but if anyone thinks that those who did not vote are against the establishment, they are plainly wrong," he said.
In a rare move, he acknowledged that some Iranians do not accept the current regime. "We listen to them and we know what they are saying and it is not like they are hidden and not seen," Mr Khamenei said.
emiola311: Their are two devish men ruling, controlling, manipulating, defrauding, exploiting the company and their workers. Mr adisa and mr tokunbo. Imagined, those two men were collecting above 5 millions and they also raked the workers wages by paying them below company wages agreement absentism, pension diversion and failure to pay some bonuses aligned by the management. We africans hurt ourselves...
Enemies of Benue within and outside will not succeed, evil will never prevail in our land.
What is delaying governor Alia from setting up the state security outfit to deal with these bandits, is anyone in Abuja frustrating him? does the state need the approval of NSA to do that?
says govt ran out of patience, can’t guarantee olive branch extended to bandits
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State said full military action has been declared to tackle the menace of armed bandits terrorising the Sankera axis of the state.
Recall that bandits had Tuesday night attacked Ayati community in Borikyo Council Ward of the LGA of Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of the state where they murdered some of the residents which sparked angry protest on Wednesday that was eventually hijacked by alleged criminals who went razing personal and public properties in Sankera.
Addressing the state in a live broadcast in Makurdi, Governor Alia who sympathised with the victims decried the activities of the bandits and the mayhem unleash on innocent persons and destruction of properties in Ukum LGA.
He said, “Since the advent of our administration, several efforts have been put in place to eliminate the activities of bandits. Consequently, the combined efforts of our security agencies pushed back some bandit from their handout outs and subsequently neutralized two bandits, recovered seven motorcycle, two English pistols, a Toyota camry, and commercial tricycle and lots of charms.
“As a reprisal, some bandits hit some soft targets and killed six civilians at Ayati, believing that the members of the Ayati community were responsible for giving information on their operations and locations and handouts.
“This led to an initial protest of anger and frustration of family members and women regarding the killings of their loved ones on the Ayati-Sai road down to Sankera, understandable. I have heard the genuine cries of those aggrieved families.
“Regrettably, these peaceful protests were hijacked by bandits and miscreants who had carefully planned to undertake and unleash mayhem on businesses and peace-loving people of Sankera.
“I assure you that I have listened. The mayhem caused by these heinous acts of violence has not gone unnoticed and I stand with you in condemning these atrocities.
“Full military intervention has been ordered. My heart goes out to the three soldiers and two police officers who were wounded in the line of duty protecting lives and properties of citizens in Sakara.
“I am happy to report they have all been treated and discharged. I had earlier in the day directed the Deputy Governor, who had visited and carried out on-the-spot assessment of the scenes of these devastating destructions.
“However, let me make it clear that while we empathize with the pain and frustration felt, we must channel our energies towards constructive actions. Destruction of public property and chaos only serve to compound our challenges and divert resources that could be better used to address the root causes of these issues.
“My administration is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Benue State. We are intensifying our efforts in collaborating with the security agencies to bring the perpetrators of these violent and criminal acts to justice.
“Let me for the last time extend our hands of fellowship to all our youths who have chosen to reside in the forests and continually launch attacks on innocent citizens that my government has ran out of patience and shall no longer guarantee the olive leaf branch extended to them.
“Let us not allow the actions of a few to destabilize us. We will not sit back and allow anyone or a group to frustrate the peace of the State and destabilize the government of Benue State.
“To this end, our government will in the next few days, set up a commission of enquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of this mayhem. Additionally, more actions will be taken to demonstrate my unwavering commitment to bringing these retrogressive activities to a total end.”
jayaba: Why is the Lebanese government and army feel safe allowing Hezbollah to be attacking Israel with Rockets and drops, knowing fully well that when Israel attacks back it will be a damage to Lebanese cities, citizens and communities. I see Hezbollah and Lebanon Army are the same.
the Lebanese army and Hezbollah are at loggerheads
Both sides should cease hostilities abeg, enough of killings and destruction
A full blown war between these two will cause serious damage to both.
Hezbollah with nearly 200,000 rockets, missiles and drones of various types and ranges won't be easy to crush, de-escalation is what people should preach now
Lebanese army is another factor to consider, they won't sit back and watch Lebanon destroyed, israel should be extremely careful now more than ever before
people spend almost all their salary on food now and borrow more to survive till they collect another one, this government is a complete disaster killing people with hunger
The government of Buhari I hated so much wasn't this bad.
somebody should please tell Tinubu to resign if he's incapable of governing this country.
He should stop listening to sycophants around him, I hope he won't go down in history as the worst president
Foreign Affairs › More Kenyan Police Deployed To Tackle Haiti Violence by God1000(op): 6:33pm On Jul 17, 2024
