officials

The leaders of the European Union's 27 member states have reached a consensus to extend sanctions on Russia for an additional six months. This decision alleviates concerns that Hungary, seen as a Kremlin ally, might allow these important measures to lapse, according to officials. This agreement, finalized during a summit in Brussels yesterday, ensures that the EU’s extensive sanctions tied to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine— including the freezing of over €200 billion in Russian central bank assets—will remain intact until…

In a notable warning, law enforcement officials have called on religious leaders across the nation to refrain from making predictions regarding the outcome of the upcoming presidential election set for September. During a recent assembly aimed at fostering a spirit of peaceful electoral participation, police representatives expressed that such "prophecies" could act as a volatile "recipe for chaos." Superintendent Martin Mwanyongo highlighted a growing concern when he stated, "The authority of the police has been…

Recent Russian strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine's northeastern city, have tragically claimed the lives of two individuals and left 60 others, including children, injured. Authorities report that these attacks are part of Moscow's ongoing campaign, which continues despite rejecting calls for an unconditional ceasefire. Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov shared on Telegram, Seventeen strikes by enemy UAVs (drones) were carried out in two districts of the city tonight. Local police confirmed that a 65-year-old man and a 47-year-old…

SEC Issues Alert on $PUN Investment Risk On a recent Sunday, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria delivered a cautionary message to the public, discouraging investment in a cryptocurrency known as $PUN. This warning carries weight; the SEC labeled the ongoing presale as both unlawful and unregulated. It raises an important question: in a digital age rife with enticing financial opportunities, how do we discern between legitimate investment prospects and risky scams? In their statement, the…

The Israeli military has recovered the body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai hostage who was held in Gaza since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed this development. Mr. Pinta's body was in the possession of a Palestinian militant group known as the Mujahedeen Brigades, and it was retrieved from the Rafah area in southern Gaza, according to Mr. Katz. As an agricultural worker, Mr. Pinta was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a small community near the border, where one in four…

The United Kingdom has taken a notable step by lifting sanctions on four former security officials, as well as the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI). This decision marks a significant moment in diplomatic relations and has implications for both security and governance in Zimbabwe. The individuals removed from the sanctions list are Godwin Matanga, the former Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police; Isaac Moyo, who previously served as the Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO); Owen…

Mogadishu: A Tense Standoff Between Government and Opposition Mogadishu (AX) – On Friday, the Somali government articulated a fierce rebuttal to opposition leaders who have critiqued the Council of Ministers for what they perceive as a failure to uphold security in the capital. This unfolding narrative speaks volumes about the intricate dance of power, accountability, and national sentiment in a city that has long wrestled with its stability. State Minister of Defense Omar Abdi Ali took center stage, vehemently…

The Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) have urgently appealed to lawmakers for increased funding to tackle the ongoing mpox outbreak. Currently, four active cases have been confirmed. This request emerged during a recent public hearing, where the House of Representatives invited health officials to shed light on the troubling resurgence of the disease. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, the head of NPHIL, emphasized the critical need for resources to enhance the institute's operations and…

In a tragic escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes targeting a school sheltering families displaced by conflict, as well as a nearby bustling market and restaurant in Gaza City, have resulted in the loss of at least 38 lives, according to local health authorities. Medics reported that two airstrikes struck the Karama School in the Tuffah suburb, claiming the lives of 15 individuals. Later, another strike near a restaurant and market led to at least 23 fatalities, including women and children. The situation is dire,…

A Look into the 2019 Kidnapping Incident in Queen Elizabeth National Park On a seemingly calm evening—April 2, 2019—a shocking incident unfolded on the Edward Track, situated between Katoke Gate and Wilderness Camp in Uganda’s breathtaking Queen Elizabeth National Park. This tranquil scene became the backdrop for an unsettling kidnapping as two individuals, Endicott and Remezo, were taken hostage. The kidnappers, brazen in their actions, demanded a ransom of $500,000 for their release. What does this…