Author name: fatih

Gangs clash with residents and police in Haiti’s Pétionville

Africa /

Gangs launched a new assault on Haiti’s capital early Tuesday, targeting the upscale Pétionville area, where gunmen clashed with residents who joined forces with police to defend their community. The attack was led by the Viv Ansanm gang, headed by former elite police officer Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue, who had posted a video announcing the assault. At least 28 gang members were killed, and hundreds of munitions were seized, according to Lionel Lazarre, deputy spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police. It remains unclear whether police were prepared for the attack, given that Chérizier had publicly planned the assault. Local residents, angry over the ongoing violence, reported that some suspected gang members were decapitated or had their feet cut off, with bodies piled up and set on fire. Eyewitnesses said two trucks carrying gang members entered Pétionville, with one truck blocking the community’s main entrance. Chérizier had previously threatened retaliation against hotel staff and management in the area, accusing them of sheltering politicians and “oligarchs.” The attack follows a surge in gang violence that recently led to the closure of Haiti’s main international airport after gunmen opened fire on a plane preparing to land. This violence has displaced more than 20,000 people, with gangs now controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince. Attacks on previously peaceful neighborhoods are part of a broader effort to expand gang control. The escalation of violence coincides with the arrival of a Kenyan-led U.N. peacekeeping mission, and the U.S. is now advocating for a new peacekeeping force due to the Kenyan mission’s funding and personnel shortages.

Gangs clash with residents and police in Haiti’s Pétionville Read More »

US approves potential $100M sale of military equipment to Ukraine

World /

 The US State Department on Tuesday authorized a potential $100 million sale of military equipment and services to Ukraine. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The package includes vehicle refurbishment, technical assistance, training, publications and logistics and support, said the agency. The announcement came amid reports that the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use long-range US missiles to target deep within Russia. Administration officials have neither confirmed nor denied the reports. The development follows reports of North Korea sending troops to support Moscow’s war effort. A senior US official said the move also aims to deter further North Korean involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine, which was launched in February 2022. On Tuesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it intercepted six US-supplied ATACMS missiles over the Bryansk region. If confirmed, it would mark Ukraine’s first use of the long-range missiles since the war began.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not confirm or deny Kyiv’s involvement in the missile strikes. Russian President Vladimir Putin updated Moscow’s nuclear doctrine Tuesday, allowing for potential nuclear weapon use in response to conventional missile attacks backed by a nuclear power. Reports have also indicated that the Biden administration is working to distribute a remaining $6 billion in security aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, anticipating that the flow of weapons will cease when Trump assumes office.

US approves potential $100M sale of military equipment to Ukraine Read More »

Gaza genocide highlights need for UN reform: Former official

World /

 Israel’s genocide in Gaza, now in its second year, coupled with the United Nations’ failure to take decisive action or implement effective measures has underscored once again the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the global body, according to a former UN official. Speaking to Anadolu, Hans von Sponeck, a former UN assistant secretary-general and UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, highlighted the need to revise the veto system in the UN Security Council and to expand global representation. “Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and the brutal above-evil situation that has evolved in Palestine could have been avoided if the permanent members had pulled at the same end of the rope,” Sponeck said. “That hasn’t happened. Unilateral approaches didn’t work,” he added. Sponeck condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, saying: “Every day, every evening, when we see the screens, we see not only killing and death in Palestine, we see a blatant ignoring of international law. The UN plays no role there.” He also emphasized the imbalance in representation within the Security Council’s permanent membership. “We have three Western nations that are permanent members — the UK, the US and France. We have Russia as representing Eastern Europe, and we have Asia represented,” said Sponeck. “Africa, with 54 countries, is not represented at all in the P5 group,” he said, stressing that the region must have a permanent seat. “Latin America, likewise, is not represented, and Asia is totally underrepresented,” he pointed out. Sponeck also underlined the need to reform the relationship between the Security Council and the UN General Assembly. “You have, year after year, a General Assembly that passes resolutions; a majority votes for decolonization, votes for disarmament, votes for a new economic order, votes for more human rights. And then a minority does what they want,” he said. Israel has launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in October last year, killing nearly 44,000 people, most of them women and children, and injuring over 104,000. The second year of genocide in Gaza has drawn increasing international recognition, with figures and institutions labeling the events as a deliberate attempt to destroy a population. The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, with Israel launching deadly strikes across the country, killing nearly 3,500 people and injuring over 14,000 since October last year. Israel expanded the conflict by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1 this year.

Gaza genocide highlights need for UN reform: Former official Read More »

Nigeria had received four ATAK helicopters from Turkey

Africa /

 Nigeria’s Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar stated that the end is near for terrorists and armed gang members in the country. Abubakar made the remarks during a ceremony at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Katsina state, marking the deployment of the T129 ATAK attack helicopters purchased from Turkey, which were delivered in September. In his speech, Abubakar expressed confidence that the activities of terrorists and armed gang members in Nigeria are nearing their end. He called on the military to collaborate with ground forces and other stakeholders to achieve victory against the country’s enemies. He also highlighted that the two additional T129 ATAK helicopters, received in September, would give Nigeria an advantage over other combat aircraft in preventing enemies from escaping justice. He mentioned that these helicopters are tasked with eliminating bandits and other criminal elements threatening peace, stability, and prosperity in the Northwest region. Abubakar praised the courage, dedication, commitment, and personal sacrifices of the soldiers involved in the ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s future, a fight he believes has already yielded positive results. Nigeria has recently been facing attacks from armed gangs, as well as terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in various parts of the country. Nigeria had received four T129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey: two in February and two more in September.

Nigeria had received four ATAK helicopters from Turkey Read More »

Resolute mining to pay $160M to settle tax dispute with Mali

Africa /

Australian gold miner Resolute Mining has agreed to pay Mali’s military-led government $160 million to resolve a tax dispute following the detention of its British CEO, Terry Holohan, and two colleagues. The executives were arrested 10 days ago while traveling to the capital, Bamako, for what they expected to be routine discussions. Their detention occurred amid increasing scrutiny of foreign mining firms in Mali. Resolute announced on Sunday that it would make an initial payment of $80 million from its cash reserves, with the remaining $80 million to be paid in the coming months. Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, has been tightening control over foreign mining firms to secure a larger share of mining revenues. The charges of forgery and damaging public property against the Resolute executives are seen as part of the military government’s efforts to extract more from international companies. The release of the executives is reportedly contingent on the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the initial payment, though the timeline for their release remains unclear. Since seizing power in a 2021 coup, Mali’s military government, led by President Col Assimi Goïta, has sought to reshape the country’s trade and political relationships. A new mining code introduced last year raised the maximum stake for state and local investors in mining operations from 20% to 35%. This dispute highlights the growing tensions between Mali and foreign mining companies as the military government seeks to assert greater control over its valuable resources.

Resolute mining to pay $160M to settle tax dispute with Mali Read More »

WHO chief calls for action against cervical cancer

Discover /

As the G20 Leaders’ Summit takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for decisive global action to eliminate cervical cancer, a preventable disease that claims the lives of over 350,000 women annually. In an op-ed published ahead of the summit, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency and feasibility of eliminating cervical cancer, describing it as an historic opportunity. “Unlike most other cancers, almost all cervical cancer cases and deaths can be averted,” he wrote, highlighting the transformative impact of vaccines, diagnostics and treatments in combating the disease. Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and disproportionately affects women in low- and middle-income countries, which account for 94% of cervical cancer deaths. While high-income nations are nearing elimination—defined as fewer than four cases per 100,000 women—many countries still lack equitable access to life-saving tools. The global burden is staggering, with 660,000 new cases diagnosed annually. These losses devastate families and communities, leaving children orphaned and plunging families into poverty. With scientific advances, achieving this target has become increasingly realistic. The introduction of a single-dose HPV vaccine, now adopted by 60 countries, is a game-changer in improving vaccination coverage, he said. Since the WHO’s 2018 call to action, more than 60 additional countries have included the HPV vaccine in their immunization programs, bringing the total to 144. Tedros stressed that achieving elimination depends on a strong political commitment and international cooperation to ensure equitable access to the tools needed. “Realizing this opportunity requires determined political leadership,” he said. The WHO hopes the G20 summit will galvanize support for expanded vaccination programs, enhanced diagnostic services and accessible treatments, particularly in resource-limited settings. Cervical cancer elimination would be a monumental public health achievement and a testament to the power of global solidarity.  “We have the tools and the opportunity,” said Tedros, adding “now is the time to act.”

WHO chief calls for action against cervical cancer Read More »

US Senator says he will support measures blocking arms to Israel

Africa /

Democratic US Sen. Chris Van Hollen said Monday that he will support measures blocking certain offensive arms sales to Israel amid its ongoing wars on the besieged Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Van Hollen said he has chosen to support the joint resolutions of disapproval because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly violated US laws governing the provision of lethal aid “only to be rewarded by President (Joe) Biden.” The lawmaker from the US state of Maryland said the pattern of Israeli conduct over the course of the past year “undermines the credibility of the United States and should not persist.” “Recipients of security assistance must facilitate and not arbitrarily restrict the delivery of humanitarian assistance into war zones where US weapons are being used, and American-supplied weapons must be used in accordance with international humanitarian law. The Netanyahu government is violating both of these requirements in Gaza,” he said in a lengthy statement. “President Biden has failed to hold Netanyahu accountable – ignoring US law and undercutting his own stated policies as well as America’s interests and values. Doing so undermines American global leadership and is a disservice to the American people, the people of Israel, and people throughout the Middle East,” he added. Van Hollen circulated a letter to his Senate colleagues, asking them to join him in support of the joint resolutions. The Senate is slated to consider them Wednesday after they were announced last week by Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sen. Elizabeth Warren announced last week that she would endorse the joint resolutions. “There is no longer any doubt that Netanyahu’s extremist government is in clear violation of US and international law as it wages a barbaric war against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Out of a population of 2.2 million, over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed and 102,000 injured – sixty percent of whom are women, children, or elderly people,” said Sanders. “The United States cannot continue to be complicit in this war by supplying more military aid and weaponry to the Netanyahu government. Congress must act to block these arms sales,” he added.

US Senator says he will support measures blocking arms to Israel Read More »

G20 summit focuses on climate crisis, global conflicts

Africa /

Climate Crisis and Global Conflicts Dominate G20 Summit Opening The climate crisis, along with the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, took center stage on the first day of the G20 summit in Brazil on Monday. In a joint statement, leaders from the world’s major economies condemned the suffering in Gaza and Ukraine and emphasized the need for cooperation on poverty reduction, tax policy, and climate change. UN climate chief Simon Stiell had urged G20 leaders over the weekend to break the deadlock in climate finance negotiations ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan. The summit aims to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars for climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. The G20 statement called for a “rapid and substantial increase” in climate finance, but did not propose a specific solution for how much rich nations should contribute. The debate continues over whether to expand the contributor base to include wealthier developing nations like China and Middle Eastern countries. On Tuesday, leaders are set to discuss sustainable development and the transition to cleaner energy, while working to strengthen global efforts on climate change before a potential shift in US policy under a possible Trump presidency.

G20 summit focuses on climate crisis, global conflicts Read More »

PASTEF leading in Senegal’s general election race

Africa /

In yesterday’s general election in Senegal, unofficial results indicate that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s party, PASTEF, is leading the race. While vote counting continues, early figures show PASTEF has gained significant support across nearly all cities. Government spokesperson Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre told local media that, based on initial results, “PASTEF has achieved a decisive victory.” Opposition coalition leader Barthelemy Dias, Mayor of Dakar, congratulated PASTEF on their success in a Facebook post. He leads the “Samm Sa Kaddu” coalition, which translates to “I keep my word” in Wolof. Amadou Ba, former presidential candidate and leader of the “Jamm ak Njarin” coalition (meaning “Peace and Prosperity” in Wolof), also praised PASTEF on X (formerly Twitter), declaring that Senegal was the real winner. Meanwhile, the “Takku Wallu” coalition, led by former President Macky Sall, alleged widespread electoral irregularities and accused Interior Minister Jean Baptiste Tine of misconduct. 83 Seats Needed for Majority Senegal, with about 7.3 million eligible voters, is electing 165 members of parliament from 41 party and coalition lists. A party or coalition needs at least 83 seats to secure a majority. While official results are still pending, it is expected that PASTEF will easily reach the majority needed to control the National Assembly. The last general election in Senegal took place in July 2022, under the leadership of former President Sall. The National Assembly has faced tensions, particularly over Prime Minister Sonko’s vocal opposition to Sall. In September, President Faye dissolved the parliament and called for early elections, which are now scheduled for April 2024.

PASTEF leading in Senegal’s general election race Read More »

UN: G20 nations to lead global efforts for peace, climate action

Discover /

 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the G20 group of developed economies to lead global efforts to promote peace, advance climate action, and ensure equitable access to emerging technologies among other challenges. “I have come to Rio with a simple message: G20 leaders must lead. G20 countries – by definition – have tremendous economic clout.
 “They wield massive diplomatic leverage. They must use it to tackle key global problems,” Guterres said Sunday in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, according to UN News. Stressing the urgency for nations to accelerate efforts in addressing critical shared challenges, he called for intensified efforts to achieve peace in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan. “Everywhere, peace requires actions grounded in the values of the UN Charter, the rule of law, and the principles of sovereignty, political independence and the territorial integrity of States,” Guterres said. Addressing financial issues, the UN secretary-general drew attention to the challenges faced by vulnerable countries, which are grappling with significant obstacles beyond their control. He criticized the current international financial system as “outdated, ineffective, and unfair,” noting that it fails to provide these nations with adequate support. Guterres stressed the need for ambitious reforms under the Pact for the Future to make the global financial system more inclusive and reflective of today’s economy.
 Key measures include increasing developing countries’ representation in financial institutions, boosting Multilateral Development Banks’ lending capacity, fostering inclusive tax cooperation, and pursuing innovative financing. He urged the G20 to take the lead in implementing these changes.
 Guterres expressed concern about the pace of the negotiations at COP29, urging G20 nations to agree on ambitious climate finance goals to support developing countries.
 Stressing the necessity for leadership and trust-building to drive high-ambition climate plans, he called on the G20 as major economies and emitters to lead by example. G20 nations account for 80% of global emissions and “must lead with national climate plans that follow the guidance they agreed to last year – 1.5 degrees aligned, whole of economy and all greenhouse gases,” he said.
 Noting that solutions are still possible despite the challenges, Guterres said: “We need to seize every opportunity to lead transformative action for a safer, more peaceful and sustainable world.” Leaders of the G20 group of largest economies will meet in Rio de Janeiro on Monday and Tuesday for their annual summit in Rio de Janeiro.

UN: G20 nations to lead global efforts for peace, climate action Read More »

Scroll to Top