And the way USA is replying it looks like a Chunk of African countries is on Russia side
The text I posted doesn't include the question and answer session, but if you watch the video, one of the State Department officials said that the media have often asked them why the Global South have not been more supportive of Ukraine (despite the fact that Russia invaded Ukraine and was the aggressor) and he said that the reason is because RT had been spreading lies in the developing world which has affected the way that people view the conflict.
He said that's one of the reasons why they need to take action agains RT.
chopnaira: Una don give bigot a different meaning.
It's actually just about control. If I create a certain type of thread, they'll be here celebrating. If I create a thread that they don't like, then they'll call me a bigot.
The goal is to make me afraid to create threads that they don't like.
Emperormartin: In summary, this is simply a war between USA and Russia
The Cold War was a struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. It was called a cold war because both sides did not actually fight a military war against each other (that's a hot war).
However, both sides engaged in proxy wars. They created conflicts between other countries (America supported one side and the Soviet Union supported the other), espionage, coups and they basically destabilised the world because of their rivalry.
This funny mercenary guy hasn't realised that he has been making false claims about me for a long time and it has achieved absolutely nothing. It's all just a waste of time.
Imagine a mercenary accusing me of being a mercenary, isn't that crazy?
Some also accuse the Americans of doing the same thing that they accuse the Russians of doing.
There is an American organisation called the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Some say that it is a front for the CIA and that the CIA uses it to destabilise governments that it does not like.
There are several Nigerian social media influencers that have links to the NED.
It was often the case during the Cold War that cultural attaches at embassies were usually actually spies. The position of cultural attache gave them diplomatic immunity and ensured that they could not be arrested when their activities cause problems (they were usually just expelled from their host country).
In Nigeria, for example, the director general of the NIA holds the title of ambassador.
The British Council is the cultural arm of the UK Foreign Office.
Mr David Roberts, a former director of the British Council in Nigeria, said this about Secretary Blinken's media conference.
A former British diplomat, Mr David Roberts, has warned that foreign interests may be behind the planned October 1 cost of living protest.
A group, the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, had on August 28 in Osogbo threatened to stage a bigger protest on October 1 unless their improvement in the standard of living.
However, Roberts, who was director of the British Council in Nigeria, in a statement, warned that foreign interests may use Nigerians’ genuine concerns to destabilise the country.
Speaking against the background of last week’s revelation by the US Secretary of State, Mr Anthony Blinken, that African Stream, a media outlet associated with David Hundeyin, one of the supporters of the August #endbadgovernce protests, is an undercover Russian intelligence psychological operation aimed at destabilising Nigeria.
Subsequently, African Stream has been banned from Facebook due to its alleged Russian undercover links.
“In light of the wide use of Russian flags in the last days of August protests and taking this new revelation by the U.S. Secretary of State, Nigeria ought to be very careful about the proposed October 1st protest,” the former envoy said, adding, “Nigeria should take more care and alert its citizenry to the truth about such platforms and their agents.”
At a press conference in Washington last week, Blinken accused African Stream of working for Russia, contrary to its claim of mainstreaming Africa’s interests.
However, Hundeyin, in an interview with Russia Today, a Russian broadcast media, denied the allegation, describing it as a typical American tendency to label perceived opposing viewpoints.
Recalling that many of the August protesters in the North displayed the Russian flags, Roberts admonished the federal government to take the threat of another protest in October seriously and take measures to nip it in the bud
“As many of those behind the protests are linked to Mr. Hundeyin and others from the African Stream network, Nigeria only needs to look at what is happening in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to understand the peril they face,” he warned.
The federal government, in the wake of the August protests against the rising cost of living, said the demonstrations were backed by external bodies and subsequently charged a Briton, David Wynne, and 12 other Nigerians with treason.
NLCreator: These crazy Abuja people really got a former British diplomat to mention my name IN WRITING accusing me of working with Russia to organise a regime change operation to overthrow Tinubu 🤣🤣🤣
If only governance could get a quarter of this energy!💀
However, some people, who have been suspicious of Africa Stream, have also created posts.
I. Cox @IanECox
As I've long assumed, the Nairobi 🇰🇪-based "African Stream" is a Kremlin 🇷🇺 media operation.
Doyin @doyinokupe
The revelation by the U.S. Secretary of State that African Stream, which employs David Hundeyin, is a Russian KGP psyops program to destabilise Nigeria is disturbing. Is this why Russian flags were being displayed during d last protests? is this what is planned for d oct protest
Secretary Blinken announced visa bans and other restrictions on people connected to RT and its front organisations.
Immediately after Secretary Blinken's announcement, Africa Stream was banned from Facebook and other Meta owned social media sites.
Many people had expressed concern and suspicion about Africa Stream on various internet forums. They were concerned about Africa Stream's staff and methods.
However, the media outlet said that it was a social media based media outlet that was run by Africans in order to give Africans a voice. It said that it is an independent outlet. It responded to the United States Government's claims and actions with the following social media posts.
African Stream @african_stream
Our platform is being targeted by the imperialist ruling class, which wants to erase pan-African voices that challenge their narratives concerning Africa and African people worldwide.
We come to you with one simple message: if they silence us, they silence you. Your support means everything to us.
Banning us from social media won’t stop us - pan-Africanists, anti-imperialists - from continuing to raise our voices and fighting for a free and unified African continent, reinforced by a prosperous and protected African diaspora.
If you agree with our message, then share this post far and wide - on Instagram, on Facebook, on X, on TikTok, on Reddit and on all other platforms.
You can still follow - and support us - on Patreon, where we will continue our cause. Do join us! We’re also on Telegram and (for now!) TikTok, X and Rumble.
#WeAreAllAfricanStream
African Stream @african_stream
African Stream has been banned by Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. We were censored after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made false, unsubstantiated claims against us on Friday. To be clear, contrary to the accusations, African Stream does not receive any funding from any state.
We will shorty release a full statement regarding our work, our funding and these accusations. We are currently consulting our legal team to figure out how best to move forward.
We thank all of our loyal followers and encourage those who want to hear our pan-African perspectives to join our Patreon and Telegram. (We are also still on TikTok and X - for now!)
#WeAreAllAfricanStream
Isaya Yunge @IsayaYunge
African Stream was removed from Facebook, Instagram and Google in less than a week. not one evidence was asked to be provided, just gone.
This is done by western countries who pretend to be of democracy and freedom of speech, but Africa should not expose their evil deeds!
One of Africa Stream's Nigerian associates, David Hundeyin, made this post.
David Hundeyin @DavidHundeyin
If a single Chinese company controlled Africa's digital satellite TV broadcast market, and China decided that it would instruct that company to block CNN from its airwaves and only only allow CGTN Global and other China-aligned media to be accessible to its citizens, we would IMMEDIATELY recognise what that is - open, naked imperialism.
If China argued that CNN broadcasts anti-Chinese American propaganda, and that all international partners or allies of China should treat the activities of CNN in their countries the same way they treat the activities of foreign intelligence agencies, we would tell China "I'm sorry, we can't do that."
We would say that regardless of what quarrel exists between the US and China, it is our prerogative as sovereign countries to determine what we information we have access to, and what we should or should not do with it. We would (rightly) argue that this in fact, is a core premise of sovereignty - the ability to access whatever information we want and do whatever want with it.
We would (rightly) point out that regardless of whatever quarrel China has with anyone, it cannot expect us to silo ourselves away from accessing information from one of the world's great powers, simply to please another great power. We would say that we are non-aligned and we have no interest in adopting China's quarrel with America or inserting ourselves into it.
If China then passed a law in its own parliament stating that we should be made to do what it tells us to do, we would tell them "We like your ports and your standard gauge railways and your steamed dumplings, but please don't bring us into your politics. Stick to what you came here to do and quit trying to turn a country halfway around the world into a Beiing annex."
What if I told you that everything I have said here is exactly what the US has done in Africa - with zero pushback like the one described above? What if I told you that - without asking or consulting anyone in Africa - an American decided to block the entire continent from accessing information, viewpoints and perspectives from one of the world's great powers because America and Russia have a quarrel?
What if I told you that the reason you cannot watch RT on terrestrial or digital TV on the entire continent of Africa excluding maybe Eritrea, is that an American politician in Washington DC signed an order that made the European supplier of Multichoice stop streaming RT to DSTV's 20.9 million households across Africa? What if I told you that in addition to censoring this information from you without your knowledge or consent, it now wants to criminalise all alternative information that you can access via the internet?
What if I told you that your African ISP in your African country will soon be subject - by 1 or 2 degrees of separation - to Americans laws forcing them to stop giving you access to certain information? What if I told you that Starlink will not save you because it is itself a US government-backed project to control the global flow and availability of information?
What if I told you that whatever level of internet censorship China has achieved with its Golden Shield system will be child's play compared to what Anthony Blinken described on Friday as the "more resilient global information system" that the US government is building? What if I told you that all of this is written down in granular detail and is publicly accessible, but nobody will read it because people have the attention span of housefly?
What if I told you that the basic concept of sovereignty is being attacked by the US government, which thinks that it is the King and Maximum Ruler of the world, and terms like "independence," "non-interference" and "freedom" are just polite suggestions?
In the evergreen words of Hector Barbossa, “You best start believing in ghost stories, Miss Turner... you're in one!”
All governments have tried to shape public opinion by establishing international media outlets. Governments had shortwave radio stations during the Cold War, they have had international satellite news stations since the 1990s and they have also had internet sites. They have set up organisations like the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the Voice of America (VOA), France 24, Deutche Welle (Voice of Germany), China Global Television Network (CGTN) and Russia Today (RT).
I followed RT and the BBC at the start of the War in Ukraine so that I could get information from both sides and make up my own mind. However, Western Governments accused RT of running a disinformation campaign and they banned the station. RT's YouTube channel was initially restricted and then it was removed. The broadcaster was banned from many social media sites and its officials in the United States were required to register as agents of a foreign power.
On Friday, September 13th, the United States Secretary of State announced new sanctions on RT.
The United States Secretary of State is the most senior minister in the United States Cabinet. He is 4th in the line of succession to the presidency (President → Vice President → Speaker of the House → Senate President Pro Tempore → Secretary of State). The Secretary of State is basically the US foreign minister. The current secretary of state is Anthony Blinken.
Anthony Blinken said that they discovered that RT was not only spreading disinformation, it had also started acting as an arm of the Russian Armed Forces. He said that cyber experts from the Russian Armed Forces had been embedded in RT. He said that RT was raising funds for weapons for the military and he also said that RT was using certain organisations as fronts to distabilise democracies all over the world.
Of particular relevance to Nigeria is the fact that he said that RT created and is funding and running the online media outlet Africa Stream.
Here is a full transcript of Secretary Blinken's media conference.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press Remarks
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Press Briefing Room
Washington, D.C.
September 13, 2024
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. And for those of you who were traveling, welcome home.
Accurate information is vital to the health of any democracy. It helps citizens understand the issues and effects – and events that are affecting their lives. It empowers them to engage meaningfully in their communities, their country, the world. When state or non-state actors spread disinformation, material deliberately meant to deceive or divide our public, they attack the very foundations of our free and open society.
In March, I laid out the comprehensive steps the administration is taking to address this threat to our national security and to our national fabric.
First, we’re building a more resilient global information system, where objective facts are elevated and deceptive messages gain less traction. We’re doing that by promoting policies and programs that protect a free, vibrant, and independent press and that foster greater civic and media literacy so that people can better distinguish fact from fiction.
Second, we’re working to expose, to disrupt, to deter disinformation. Through the State Department Global Engagement Center, we’re coordinating government-wide and with other countries to identify, to analyze, to undercover attempts by governments and non-state actors to manipulate information.
Third, we’re taking steps to hold accountable those who weaponize disinformation to undermine our democracy. That’s what we did just last week when the State Department, the Justice Department, the Treasury Department, the FBI took a series of coordinated actions to counter Russian influence and interference in our elections and in our democracy.
In addition to imposing sanctions, visa restrictions, and other measures, the State Department also designated the Russian state-funded and directed media company Rossiya Segodnya and five of its subsidiaries, including RT, under the Foreign Missions Act. As a result, these actors are now required to notify the State Department of all personnel working in the United States as well as their property.
We took these steps based on our conclusion that Rossiya Segodnya and these five subsidiaries are no longer merely firehoses of Russian Government propaganda and disinformation; they are engaged in covert influence activities aimed at undermining American elections and democracies, functioning like a de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus.
Today, we’re announcing that these Kremlin-backed media outlets are not only playing this covert influence role to undermine democracy in the United States, but also to meddle in the sovereign affairs of countries around the world. Thanks to new information – much of which originates from RT employees – we know that RT possess cyber capabilities and engaged in covert information and influence operations and military procurement. As part of RT’s expanded capabilities, the Russian Government embedded within RT a unit with cyber operational capabilities and ties to Russian intelligence. RT’s leadership had direct, witting knowledge of this enterprise.
Russian Government actors incorporated the cyber capabilities of this unit within RT in the spring of 2023, which is focused primarily on covert influence operations around the world. Under the cover of RT, information produced through this unit flows to Russian intelligence services, Russian media outlets, Russian mercenary groups, and other state and proxy arms of the Russian Government. One of its projects is a large, online crowdfunding program in Russia, operating within RT and through social media channels, to provide support and military equipment – supplies, weaponry – to Russian military units in Ukraine. This includes sniper rifles, suppressors, body armor, night vision equipment, drones, radio equipment, personal weapon sites, diesel generators.
While the crowdfunding campaign is out in the open, what’s hidden is that this program is administered by the leaders of RT. Last week, our government revealed how RT launders information operations through unwitting Americans to covertly disseminate Kremlin-produced content and messaging to the American public. Today, we’re exposing how Russia deploys similar tactics around the world.
In Germany, for example, RT covertly runs the Berlin-based English-language platform Red, a successor to the now defunct RT-linked platform Redfish. RT also secretly runs the online platform African Stream across a wide range of social media platforms. Now, according to the outlet’s website, “African Stream is” – and I quote – “a pan-African digital media organisation based exclusively on social-media platforms, focused on giving a voice to all Africans both at home and abroad.” In reality, the only voice it gives is to Kremlin propagandists.
RT’s expanded covert capabilities allow it to deepen coordination with traditional Russian intelligence services as they work to manipulate the outcome of democratic elections in the United States but also around the world. For years, RT and its employees have coordinated directly with the Kremlin to support Russian Government efforts to influence Moldova’s elections, including the October 2024 presidential election. RT’s leadership has leveraged Russian state-funded and directed media platforms to attempt to foment unrest in Moldova, likely with the aim of causing protests to turn violent. We believe RT will almost certainly leverage its expanded covert capabilities to coordinate with Russian intelligence services to try to manipulate the outcome of Moldova’s upcoming election.
As a result of these findings, today we’re imposing sanctions on three entities and two individuals for Russia’s covert global influence operations, including interference in Moldova’s democracy and its upcoming elections.
The actions we’re exposing today and the actions we exposed last week do not incorporate the full scope of Russia’s efforts to undermine democracies – far from it. Russian weaponization of disinformation to subvert and polarize free and open societies extends to every part of the world. In response, today the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada are launching a joint diplomatic campaign to rally allies and partners around the world to join us in addressing the threat posed by RT and other machinery of Russian disinformation and covert influence. Under the – using, excuse me, the internet – intelligence diplomacy has become a hallmark of our administration. I’ve instructed U.S. diplomats around the world to share the evidence that we’ve gathered on RT’s expanded capabilities and the ways it’s being used to target individual countries and the information ecosystem that we share.
Now, each government, of course, is going to decide how it responds to this threat. But we urge every ally, every partner to start by treating RT’s activities as they do other intelligence activities by Russia within their borders.
Now, let me be very clear. The United States respects and champions freedom of expression, even when it comes to media outlets that wittingly spread government propaganda, and we’ll continue to lead the world in defending and promoting media freedom. But we will not stand by as RT and other actors carry out covert activities in support of Russia’s nefarious activities, and we’ll continue to respond forcefully to Moscow’s playbook of aggression and subversion, one that includes invading sovereign nations, fomenting coups, weaponizing corruption, carrying out assassinations, meddling in elections, and unjustly detaining foreign nationals.
The great U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said, as is well-known, sunlight is the best disinfectant. RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda and disinformation efforts, to remain hidden. Our most powerful antidote to Russia’s lies is the truth. It’s shining a bright light on what the Kremlin is trying to do under the cover of darkness. Taking action together with our allies and partners to address this threat to our democracies is an effective way of pushing back. And today we’re taking an important step in that direction.
One final related note on a more uplifting subject. A little bit earlier today I had the opportunity to sit down with Evan Gershkovich. First time I’ve had a chance to see him since he was freed. We were joined by one of his colleagues from The Wall Street Journal, which was such a tenacious champion, along with his family, in pressing for Evan’s release. I know a number of you know Evan. Anyone who knows him can attest to this: He’s incredibly warm, he’s got a great sense of humor, but maybe the most striking part of spending time with Evan is simply how wonderful it feels to see him free, home, where he belongs. I also keep returning to the fact that Evan, on the form that Russia forced him to fill out before he was released, asked for an interview with Vladimir Putin. Always on the job.
We make a lot of great things in this country, but one of the greatest things we make is our journalists. Their professionalism – your professionalism – the unshakable commitment to seeking the truth, is a service not only to our people and our democracy, it’s a service to the entire world.
Evan’s freedom is also a reminder of all Americans who are still held hostage or wrongfully detained. And as I said when we first secured the release of Evan, of Paul, of Alsu and others, for them and for their families of those who remain detained, there are tough days when they will question if they ever get their freedom back. My pledge to them is the same one that I made to Evan and to the dozens of other Americans whose release we’ve secured these last few years. We’ve not forgotten you; we will not forget you; and we will not rest until we get you home where you belong.
EDO ELECTION: IGP DIRECTS SECURITY MEASURES, MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR EDO OFF-CYCLE ELECTION.
As IGP Calls on Citizens to Adhere to Rule of Law, Assures Free Exercise of Voting Rights.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.
To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.
Furthermore, the IGP has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all.
The Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes. The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are: DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, mni; 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, mni; 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state. The Inspector-General of Police underscores the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law.
The IGP reaffirms the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Prince Muyiwa Adejobi is the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi @Princemoye1
PRESS RELEASE
EDO ELECTION: POLICE ARREST POLITICAL THUGS, RECOVERS FIREARMS IN OVERNIGHT RAIDS, VOWS TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL ARMS BEARERS AND TROUBLE MAKERS
The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, namely: Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo.
John Zhao is the chief representative and executive director of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) in Nigeria.
John Zhao (CCECC) @JohnCCECC
The Phase I of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit by #CCECC has been operating safely for over 100 days! Consisting of 2 lines with a total length of 45 km and 12 stations, the maximum operating speed of the trains can reach 100km/h.
It connects Abuja city center, the international airport, rail line, and Kubwa satellite town. During its operation, over 250,000 passengers have already been served, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the capital. Take a look. #CCECCInNigeria
blowjohn: My response stems from the first article.
Whoever wrote that article didn't try at all. My premise is the article.
Who cares about the thread? Anybody can misyarn or define nonsense.
It behoves on whoever wrote the article to explain things or terms the general public might not understand.
You mean that the WNBA that wrote an article for Americans should define a term that is well known to Americans.
It's now obvious to me that you know that you goofed and many people have pointed out to you that you goofed, but you are trying to safe face by running in circles. I have no time for that.
You rushed in to a thread, did not actually read what was written, jumped to conclusions and made mistakes, but you want to pretend that someone else is responsible.
Reading your posts or responding to you any further will be a complete waste of time. You don't have anything reasonable to say.'
blowjohn: Oga it's not in the article that appeared on nairaland Concerning our nigerian player.
Ur quoting from another source.
That's the point am trying to make
It is in the second post on this thread. Everybody saw it. It contains a definition of hardship contract. How can anybody say that hardship contract was not defined?? It was defined on the thread. Who gives a damn if it was in that article or not? Can't you read??
A hardship contract is an emergency contract extended to a player by a team that has less than 11 players available to play. This may be either due to injuries or illness, but the contract ensures that teams have the necessary amount of players available to carry out a game.
Politics › Re: How The Media War Between The United States And RT Affects Nigeria. by naptu2(op): 8:13am On Sep 21, 2024
