Home Blog Page 162

Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton indicted on classified information charges

admin
-
0
Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton indicted on classified information charges

WASHINGTON (BN24) — A federal grand jury indicted former national security adviser John Bolton on Thursday, making him the third critic of President Donald Trump to face criminal charges in recent weeks.

Bolton was indicted in federal court in Maryland, where he lives and where prosecutors have been investigating whether he improperly retained classified materials following his acrimonious departure from the first Trump administration.

The indictment charges him with eight counts of transmission of national defense information and ten counts of retention of national defense information.

Asked about the indictment during a White House event Thursday, Trump said he did not know about the charges but called Bolton “a bad person.” “I think he’s a bad guy, yeah, he’s a bad guy. Too bad, but that’s the way it goes,” Trump said.

The other two prominent Trump adversaries to face charges in recent weeks are former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement after Bolton was charged that “there is one tier of justice for all Americans.” “Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law,” Bondi said.

FBI Director Kash Patel said charges came after the bureau’s “investigation revealed that John Bolton allegedly transmitted top secret information using personal online accounts and retained said documents in his house in direct violation of federal law.”

Bolton in a statement denied any wrongdoing and said the indictment was politically motivated. “Donald Trump’s retribution against me began then [during Trump’s first administration], continued when he tried unsuccessfully to block the publication of my book, The Room Where It Happened, before the 2020 election, and became one of his rallying cries in his re-election campaign,” Bolton said. “Now, I have become the latest target in weaponizing the Justice Department to charge those he deems to be his enemies with charges that were declined before or distort the facts.”

Bolton’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said his client, who was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration, did not break the law. “The underlying facts in this case were investigated and resolved years ago. These charges stem from portions of Amb. Bolton’s personal diaries over his 45-year career — records that are unclassified, shared only with his immediate family, and known to the FBI as far back as 2021,” Lowell said in a statement. “We look forward to proving once again that Amb. Bolton did not unlawfully share or store any information.”

The indictment alleges Bolton “abused his position” in the first Trump administration by “sharing more than a thousand pages of information about his day-to-day activities as the National Security Advisor including information relating to the national defense which was classified up to the TOP SECRET/SCI level with two unauthorized individuals, namely Individuals 1 and 2.”

The two were relatives of Bolton’s to whom he messaged and emailed the information, although they did not have security clearances, the court filing said. Bolton, seventy-six, “also unlawfully retained documents, writings, and notes relating to the national defense, including information classified up to the TOP SECRET/SCI level, in his home in Montgomery County, Maryland,” the filing said.

The Justice Department said in a press release that Bolton faces a maximum of ten years in prison on each count if convicted, but any sentence handed down by a judge would be far less than that and in line with federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI conducted searches of Bolton’s Maryland home and his Washington office in August. Redacted search warrant applications showed law enforcement cited Bolton’s “2020 Book Pre-Publication Review” and the “Hack of Bolton AOL Account by Foreign Entity” as a basis for probable cause to search his residence and office.

The foreign entity’s name was redacted in filings that were made public, but the indictment says it was “a cyber actor believed to be associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran.” “A representative for Bolton notified the U.S. Government of the hack in or about July 2021, but did not tell the U.S. Government that the account contained national defense information, including classified information, that BOLTON had placed in the account from his time as National Security Advisor,” the indictment said.

The book referred to in the search warrant was Bolton’s “The Room Where It Happened,” chronicling his tumultuous time as Trump’s national security adviser. The 2020 book became problematic for Trump even before it was released during his first impeachment.

The case involved allegations that the president withheld military aid to Ukraine to force it to announce an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Bolton said in the book that Trump had explicitly told him that was why he was withholding the aid, an account Trump denied.

Trump was acquitted in his Senate trial and called for Bolton to be prosecuted after his book was released. “He released massive amounts of classified, and confidential, but classified information. That’s illegal and you go to jail for that,” Trump told Fox News in an interview at the time. Bolton denied that the book included classified information.

Court filings related to the search warrant show the FBI had been investigating Bolton for years. Agents had interviewed him eight times between October 2020 and June 2025 at his office, according to the application.

An inventory of items investigators took from Bolton’s office included several documents described as “classified,” “confidential” or “secret.” Some were described as “Weapons of Mass Destruction Classified Documents” and “U.S. Government Strategic Communications Plan — Confidential documents.”

The charges brought against Bolton, Comey and James largely mirror charges and claims that were brought against Trump between his first and second terms. Trump was indicted in June 2023 on charges of retaining and mishandling classified documents from his time in the White House. He pleaded not guilty, and the case was thrown out on technical grounds by a Trump-appointed judge in 2024.

Two of the other charges against Trump in the documents case were of making false statements and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The two charges against Comey are of making false statements and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. He has pleaded not guilty.

James, meanwhile, was charged with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The indictment alleges she falsely claimed that a home in Norfolk, Virginia, was her second residence, allowing her to obtain favorable loan terms she was not entitled to. The alleged scheme saved her about fifty dollars a month.

James’ office sued Trump and his company in 2022, alleging they were filing misleading financial statements with banks and insurers, overvaluing and undervaluing his assets when it was to his financial benefit, and exaggerating his net worth to the tune of billions of dollars. The scheme enabled Trump and his company to obtain bank loans and insurance policies at rates they were not entitled to, and as a result he “reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains,” James’ office has said.

The case resulted in a four hundred sixty-four million dollar civil judgment against Trump last year. A divided state appeals court upheld the fraud finding in August but tossed the financial penalty entirely, finding it was “excessive.” Trump has denied wrongdoing in the case.

James has called the charges against her “baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost.”

The charges against Comey and James came after a September 20 post on Truth Social by Trump urging Bondi to take action against the two, as well as Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat. “They’re all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done,” the post said. “We can’t delay any longer.” An administration official told NBC News the public posting was meant to be sent to Bondi as a direct message.

African Union suspends Madagascar as military coup displaces President

Simeon Bateren
-
0
African Union suspends Madagascar as military coup displaces President

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (BN24) — The African Union on Wednesday moved swiftly to suspend Madagascar’s membership following a dramatic military takeover that culminated in the removal of President Andry Rajoelina. The bloc, in an emergency session of its Peace and Security Council, said the island nation would be barred from AU bodies “with immediate effect … until constitutional order is restored.”

At the heart of the upheaval is Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit. In a statement broadcast via state television, the new military leadership announced that Randrianirina would assume the presidency during a solemn session of Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court on October 17. He is to take office as “President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar.”

The takeover, which the AU described as an “unconstitutional change of government,” was met with condemnation from the union’s leadership. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that the rule of law must prevail over the rule of force and reiterated the bloc’s insistence on a return to civilian governance.

Rajoelina, who secured power himself in 2009 via a military-backed transition and later won multiple elections, fled the capital amid mounting street protests and defections within the security forces. From an undisclosed location, he denounced his removal as illegitimate, calling the turn of events “null and void.”

The coup came after weeks of youth-led demonstrations, dubbed the “Gen Z protests,” in the capital of Antananarivo. Frustration had boiled over as young people confronted long-standing problems: electricity and water blackouts, rising cost of living, limited access to higher education, and systemic corruption. According to the World Bank, roughly 75 percent of Madagascar’s 30 million inhabitants live in poverty, conditions that fueled the unrest.

The crisis reached its tipping point when CAPSAT troops, long seen as loyal to the presidency, withdrew from orders to suppress protestors and instead marched into the streets, aligning themselves with the demonstrators. Parliament responded by impeaching Rajoelina, and on October 14, the military moved decisively, declaring that it had suspended the constitution and dissolved all state institutions except the lower house of parliament.

In a press briefing, Randrianirina defended the intervention as an act of necessity: “We took responsibility yesterday,” he said. He pledged a transitional period lasting between 18 months and two years, during which a referendum would be held to draft a new constitution, followed by elections. The military said it would establish committees drawn from the army, gendarmerie, and national police to manage the transition.

The AU was not alone in sounding alarms. Neighboring states and regional bodies, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), called for de-escalation and negotiations. The United Nations expressed deep concern over Madagascar’s sudden constitutional rupture.

Some analysts see parallels to Madagascar’s political past: the CAPSAT unit had played a central role in the 2009 coup that first brought Rajoelina to power. Randrianirina himself had previously broken with the president over orders to suppress protestors, stepping into the national spotlight at a moment of crisis.

For the public, the coup elicited mixed reactions. Street supporters cheered CAPSAT troops entering the city, while protest leaders cautioned against ignoring democratic safeguards. As Madagascar stands suspended from the African Union and faces an uncertain path ahead, the question remains: will the transition restore constitutional rule or entrench military control?

Frenkie de Jong signs new Barcelona contract through 2029

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Frenkie de Jong signs new Barcelona contract through 2029

BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong signed a contract extension with the club through 2029, the Spanish champions announced Wednesday, reaffirming his place at the heart of their long-term plans.

The Dutch international, who turned 28 earlier this year, joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 in a high-profile move and has since become a mainstay in midfield. He has made over 250 appearances for the Catalan club, winning two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies during his six full seasons at Camp Nou.

“Barca are confident that the midfielder can be a pivotal part of the current sporting project due to his quality and experience,” the club said in a statement announcing the deal.

De Jong, speaking at a news conference, described the extension as the continuation of a childhood dream.

“I always dreamed of playing for Barca, and now that I am living that dream, I want to continue pursuing it for many more years,” he said. “I am eager to win more titles with this club.”

The midfielder has faced fluctuating form since his arrival, but solidified his role under coach Hansi Flick last season, forming a key partnership with Spain international Pedri Gonzalez in midfield.

His contract extension comes after prolonged speculation about his future, including attempts by the club to sell him in 2022 as part of a broader financial restructuring. De Jong opted to stay, resisting offers from other clubs.

Spanish media reported that De Jong has agreed to a salary reduction in his new deal, effective from the 2026–27 season. The player, however, addressed past reports about his wages, calling them exaggerated and misleading.

“I will not tell you what I will earn,” he said. “They’ve always talked about it a lot, but I think the numbers reported before have been exaggerated. I think that has affected how people see me. If they read in newspapers that Frenkie earns this, that he’s the highest-paid player in Europe, it has an impact.”

De Jong, who joined under former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, was at one point one of Barcelona’s highest earners amid the club’s financial struggles. Despite speculation about his cost to the club, he insisted that he has never felt undervalued within the team.

“I don’t feel under-valued by my teammates, coaches, or anyone inside the club,” he said. “That’s more of a media thing.”

Barcelona, currently undergoing a rebuild under Flick, sees De Jong as a central figure in their efforts to return to European prominence. His new contract is expected to give the club greater financial flexibility while securing the services of one of its most experienced players.

British millionaire and former Aviva CEO David Barral killed in ‘Fireball’ crash after Aston Martin collides with tree

Simeon Bateren
-
0
British millionaire and former Aviva CEO David Barral killed in ‘Fireball’ crash after Aston Martin collides with tree

WETHERBY, West Yorkshire (BN24) — David Barral, the former CEO of Aviva Life and Pensions, was tragically killed in a fiery crash on Tuesday, October 8, after his Aston Martin DBX veered off the road and struck a tree near Wetherby in West Yorkshire. Barral, 63, died at the scene of the crash, which occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on the A58 Leeds Road, between the villages of Bardsey and Collingham.

The crash, described by onlookers as a “fireball,” has prompted an investigation by local police, who have appealed to the public for any witnesses to come forward. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the collision, which left the luxury SUV severely damaged.

Barral’s family issued a heart-wrenching statement, mourning the loss of a man they described as “the most wonderful man.” The statement read: “We are all absolutely devastated at the loss of David. Rest in peace, David. We will all miss you so, so much, and you will always fill our hearts. We love you.”

Barral’s career spanned several decades and saw him hold pivotal leadership roles in the business world. He was best known for his time at Aviva, where he led the company’s Life and Pensions division from 1999 to 2015, and served as the UK and Ireland CEO starting in 2011. His legacy within the company is remembered as one of immense impact, with a spokesperson for Aviva stating, “We are devastated by the loss of David. His contributions to the company and the broader business world were immeasurable. Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Outside of his work at Aviva, Barral held numerous high-profile business positions. He served as non-executive chairman at Virgin Wines and investment platform Embark Group, and was also a senior independent director at the insurance firm LV=. In his later years, Barral worked as a strategic adviser at Harwood Capital, an investment group.

His humble beginnings marked Barral’s career in the insurance industry. He often spoke about his early days as a door-to-door salesman with Abbey Life, a job he recalled as particularly tough. “Abbey was a really tough job, I was only 18 and I was probably too young to sustain it,” Barral once said in an interview. “I did get my wife’s engagement ring with my third month’s salary, though.”

He later transitioned to roles with Guardian Royal Exchange, where he worked as a claims negotiator, before moving to Andrew Yule Insurance. His early insurance career was characterized by his persistence and willingness to seek out clients, even walking the streets during lunch hours to generate business.

Barral’s death has left a profound impact on the business community, where he was widely respected not only for his leadership but also for his mentorship and contributions to the growth of the industry. His loss has been deeply felt by colleagues, friends, and business partners alike, many of whom have expressed their shock and sadness at the news.

As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, Barral’s family and the business world reflect on the life of a man who built an enduring legacy in the financial sector.

Taliban carries out public execution of man convicted of double murder in Western Afghanistan

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Taliban carries out public execution of man convicted of double murder in Western Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (BN24) — Taliban authorities executed a man in public on Thursday in western Afghanistan after convicting him of killing two people, marking the latest use of capital punishment under the group’s interpretation of Islamic law since their return to power.

The execution took place in a sports stadium in Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis province, before thousands of spectators, according to a statement from the Taliban-controlled Supreme Court.

The court said the man had been sentenced to “retaliatory punishment” a form of retributive justice, for fatally shooting a man and a woman. His case was reviewed “very precisely and repeatedly,” the statement added.

Witnesses told AFP that the man was shot three times by a relative of the victims, in keeping with the principle of qisas, or retribution, which permits the family of murder victims to execute the murderer under Islamic law. The families of the victims were reportedly offered an opportunity to grant amnesty but declined, according to the court.

Official notices inviting the public to attend were widely circulated on Wednesday. Large crowds gathered in the stadium on Thursday morning as the execution was carried out.

The man’s identity was not publicly released, and Taliban officials have not commented further on the nature of the crime or the date of his arrest and conviction.

This marks at least the 11th known public execution in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized control of the country in August 2021, according to a tally by Agence France-Presse. It underscores the group’s commitment to enforcing its strict interpretation of Islamic law despite widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations.

Public executions and corporal punishments were common during the Taliban’s first rule from 1996 to 2001. After regaining control, the group promised a more moderate approach, but observers say public punishments, floggings, and executions have resumed in several provinces over the past two years.

The United Nations and human rights groups have criticized the return of public executions as violations of international law and fundamental human rights. The Taliban, however, argue that such punishments serve as a deterrent and reflect religious and cultural traditions.

There was no immediate reaction from international observers or human rights watchdogs following Thursday’s execution.

4 dead as Kenyan security forces fire on crowds mourning opposition leader Raila Odinga

Simeon Bateren
-
0
4 dead as Kenyan security forces fire on crowds mourning opposition leader Raila Odinga

NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24) — Four people were killed in Kenya’s capital Thursday after security forces fired shots and teargas to disperse huge crowds at a stadium where the body of opposition leader Raila Odinga was lying in state, sparking chaotic scenes that also forced a temporary shutdown of Nairobi’s international airport.

Odinga, a major figure in Kenyan politics for decades who was once a political prisoner and ran unsuccessfully for president five times, died Wednesday aged eighty in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

Chaos erupted when a huge crowd breached a gate at Nairobi’s main stadium, prompting soldiers to fire in the air, a Reuters witness said. A police source told Reuters that two people were shot dead at the stadium. KTN News and Citizen TV later said the death toll had increased to four, with scores injured.

After security forces fired shots, police used teargas to disperse thousands of mourners, the two broadcasters reported, leaving the stadium deserted. Local news footage showed tear gas canisters being hurled into the crowds, leading to scenes of chaos as thousands fled the stadium.

Earlier Thursday, thousands of mourners briefly stormed Nairobi’s international airport, interrupting a ceremony for President William Ruto and other officials to receive Odinga’s body with military honors. The incident prompted a two-hour suspension of airport operations.

Crowds also flooded nearby roads and tried to breach parliament, where the government had originally scheduled the public viewing.

Odinga’s body arrived in Nairobi early Thursday morning, where tens of thousands of supporters had gathered in anticipation of viewing it at the Nyayo National Stadium. The procession turned violent when crowds overwhelmed the stadium’s gates, breaching security perimeters and pushing past barriers meant to manage the large numbers of mourners.

A police source, speaking to Reuters under condition of anonymity, confirmed that at least two people were killed when security forces opened fire in an effort to regain control of the situation. The situation escalated further when soldiers fired warning shots into the air, prompting crowds to scatter.

Though mainly known as an opposition figure, Odinga became prime minister in 2008 and also struck a political pact with Ruto last year in a career marked by shifting alliances. He commanded passionate devotion among supporters, especially in his Luo community based in western Kenya, many of whom believe he was denied the presidency by electoral fraud.

Many of Odinga’s mourners, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya became a multi-party democracy, paid tribute to Odinga’s efforts as an activist.

Felix Ambani Uneck, a university student, said at the stadium: “He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his struggle.”

As a central figure in Kenya’s political landscape for decades, Odinga had earned a deep and loyal following for his outspoken advocacy on issues such as democratic reforms and social justice. His political legacy includes a history of imprisonment during Kenya’s more authoritarian periods and five unsuccessful bids for the presidency.

The government has yet to issue an official statement on the deaths. The events underscore deep political divisions in Kenya, with many supporters frustrated by what they perceived as inadequate handling of the mourning process.

Many of Odinga’s supporters have expressed anger at what they view as the government’s mishandling of the public funeral and mourning process. Critics have pointed to heavy-handed tactics in dealing with a grieving public, particularly the use of force in controlling crowds.

For many supporters, Odinga’s death represents the loss of a leader who embodied their aspirations for a more equitable and just Kenya. His political journey, marked by years of imprisonment under previous regimes and later battles for democratic reforms, made him an icon for many, especially among marginalized communities.

The body of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had been receiving medical treatment in India when he died, arrives at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya October 16, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

The shooting deaths and subsequent chaos at the stadium have sparked calls for greater accountability and transparency from the government. As the country remains on edge, it remains unclear how the government will address growing public discontent surrounding the handling of Odinga’s death and the mourning process.

The violence raises broader concerns about the state of political and civil unrest in Kenya, a nation that has long grappled with political polarization. In recent years, tensions have been exacerbated by allegations of electoral malpractice and the continued marginalization of opposition groups.

How the government responds to these events in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the situation will escalate further or whether a peaceful resolution can be found.

Kenya has experienced periodic episodes of political violence, particularly surrounding elections and the deaths of prominent political figures. The country’s 2007-2008 post-election violence left more than one thousand people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced, leading to the power-sharing agreement that made Odinga prime minister.

The massive turnout for Odinga’s viewing demonstrates his enduring influence on Kenyan politics and the deep emotional connection many citizens felt to his decades-long struggle for democratic reforms. His supporters see him as a champion of the marginalized who never stopped fighting for political and economic justice despite repeated setbacks.

Thousands turn out to receive body of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga

admin
-
0
Thousands turn out to receive body of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Thousands of Kenyans gathered Thursday at Nairobi’s main airport to receive the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, one of Africa’s most prominent political figures, a day after his death in India.

Odinga’s body arrived on a chartered flight and received a ceremonial water salute on the runway. Crowds of mourners lined the airport grounds to pay their respects before the body was transported to the national parliament for a public viewing scheduled in the afternoon.

Odinga, widely revered for his decades-long struggle for democracy and political reform, died Wednesday after collapsing during a morning walk in India’s Kerala State. Efforts to revive him at a local hospital were unsuccessful.

The Kenyan government announced that Odinga will be honored with a state funeral, including final rites on Sunday in his hometown of Bondo, located in the country’s western region. In accordance with his wishes, the burial will take place within 72 hours — an unusual practice for a national leader in Kenya.

Friday has been declared a public holiday to allow Kenyans to attend a state funeral service at a football stadium in Nairobi. A second public viewing is planned for Saturday in Kisumu County, near Odinga’s rural home.

President William Ruto, who defeated Odinga in the 2022 election but later formed a political pact with him that brought opposition figures into the Cabinet, led the nation in mourning. He declared seven days of national mourning, describing Odinga as “a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self-gain.”

Odinga’s political career spanned more than three decades, during which he ran for president five times. His closest bid came in 2007, when he narrowly lost to incumbent President Mwai Kibaki in a disputed election that triggered widespread ethnic violence.

From 2008 to 2013, Odinga served as Kenya’s prime minister in a unity government brokered by the international community. He remained a central figure in Kenyan politics, challenging electoral outcomes and pushing for reforms. In 2017, Kenya’s Supreme Court nullified a presidential election for the first time in Africa following his petition, though he boycotted the subsequent rerun.

Despite never winning the presidency, Odinga was widely regarded as a statesman whose activism and leadership helped shape Kenya’s transition to a vibrant multiparty democracy. His death marks the end of an era in the nation’s political landscape, drawing tributes from across Africa and beyond.

AP

Trump authorizes CIA operations in Venezuela, escalating pressure on Maduro

admin
-
0
Trump authorizes CIA operations in Venezuela, escalating pressure on Maduro

Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro’s government and pursue regime change.

The directive, first reported by The New York Times and later acknowledged by Trump during remarks in the Oval Office, marks a rare public admission of a classified action. According to officials cited by the newspaper, the authorization gives the CIA broad powers to conduct lethal operations inside Venezuela and throughout the Caribbean, as part of a strategy to remove Maduro from power. The Trump administration has also offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction on drug trafficking charges.

Trump justified the authorization by citing drug trafficking and what he described as Venezuela’s release of prisoners who later entered the United States. “I authorized for two reasons really,” Trump told reporters. “Number one, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America… they came in through the border. They came in because we had an open border. And the other thing are drugs.” Trump did not provide evidence for his claims.

The president said the United States has made progress intercepting drug shipments by sea and that new operations will focus on land routes. “We are looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” he said. The White House declined to elaborate on the scope or specific targets of the CIA operations, and Reuters was unable to independently verify the details of the directive.

The CIA’s involvement in Latin America has deep historical roots, ranging from direct paramilitary interventions during the Cold War to intelligence-gathering missions. The agency was instrumental in toppling major cocaine trafficking empires in the late 20th century and has conducted long-running covert operations in Mexico to track high-value drug traffickers.

Venezuela’s government condemned Trump’s remarks, calling the U.S. authorization a violation of international law and accusing Washington of pursuing a “regime change” agenda aimed at seizing the country’s oil resources. “Our Permanent Mission to the UN will raise this complaint with the Security Council and the Secretary-General tomorrow, demanding accountability from the United States government,” Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement on Telegram.

Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuela of being a major hub for fentanyl trafficking, though U.S. records show that Mexico remains the main source of the drug. Asked why the U.S. Coast Guard was not used to intercept suspected smuggling vessels, Trump dismissed such operations as “politically correct” and ineffective. He declined to say whether the CIA has the authority to target Maduro personally, stating only: “I think Venezuela is feeling heat.”

Under Trump’s direction, the United States has deployed a large military buildup in the southern Caribbean and carried out at least five strikes on vessels the administration has described as drug trafficking operations, though evidence has not been made public. The Pentagon recently told Congress that Trump determined the United States is engaged in “a non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels, a legally significant designation.

Trump also accused Venezuela of releasing prisoners, including individuals from mental health institutions, into the United States, though he did not specify how they entered the country. Venezuela’s Information Ministry and representatives for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The administration’s limited disclosure of the operations has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including some Republicans. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that the U.S. was being moved “closer to outright conflict.” “The American people deserve to know if the Administration is leading the U.S. into another conflict, putting service members at risk or pursuing a regime-change operation,” she said.

U.S. drops out of World’s Most Powerful Passport top 10 for first time

Simeon Bateren
-
0
U.S. drops out of World’s Most Powerful Passport top 10 for first time

NEW YORK (BN24)— The United States passport has fallen out of the top 10 most powerful passports for the first time since the Henley Passport Index began 20 years ago, signaling a shift in global travel mobility.

The index, compiled by global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners with data from the International Air Transport Association, ranks passports by the number of destinations their holders can enter visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. The U.S. passport is now tied for 12th place with Malaysia, offering access to 180 of 227 destinations tracked worldwide.

Leading the rankings are Asian passports, with Singapore in first place at 193 visa-free destinations, followed by South Korea with 190, and Japan with 189.

The U.S. passport’s decline follows several international policy changes affecting visa arrangements. Brazil withdrew visa-free entry for U.S. citizens in April, citing a lack of reciprocity. China expanded visa exemptions for several European countries but excluded the U.S., and countries such as Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Somalia, and Vietnam introduced new restrictions or visa policies limiting U.S. travel mobility.

Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, said the decline “signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics.” He added that “nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.” The United Kingdom also dropped two places to eighth, its lowest ranking ever.

Other nations have improved their positions. China has risen sharply from 94th place in 2015 to 64th this year, while the United Arab Emirates climbed 34 places over the past decade to eighth place.

Afghanistan remains last on the list, ranked 106th, with visa-free access to just 24 destinations.

The drop in the U.S. ranking also reflects a disparity in visa policies: While Americans can visit 180 countries without a visa, the U.S. allows only 46 nationalities visa-free entry. This gap is among the widest in the world and has fueled demand for alternative citizenship and residency options among Americans.

Despite the shift, experts say the practical difference for most travelers remains small. The Henley Passport Index is one of several tools measuring passport strength, with Arton Capital’s Passport Index naming the UAE the most powerful passport in 2025.

As global travel policies evolve, the U.S. passport’s slip out of the top 10 underscores changing dynamics in international travel and diplomacy.

IMF raises Nigeria’s 2025 growth forecast to 3.9% amid economic reforms, oil gains

Simeon Bateren
-
0
IMF raises Nigeria’s 2025 growth forecast to 3.9% amid economic reforms, oil gains

WASHINGTON (BN24) — The International Monetary Fund has revised upward its economic growth forecast for Nigeria, projecting the West African nation’s GDP will expand by 3.9% in 2025, with growth expected to accelerate to 4.1% in 2026. The update, published in the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook during its Annual Meetings in Washington, reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic trajectory under ongoing fiscal and structural reforms.

The IMF attributed the improved outlook to a combination of higher oil production, rising investor confidence, exchange rate stabilization, and broader domestic policy shifts. Nigeria’s enhanced position comes in contrast to the global trend, where the Fund expects economic growth to slow from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026 amid rising trade protectionism and waning temporary growth drivers.

“Whereas growth in Nigeria is revised upward on account of supportive domestic factors, including higher oil production, improved investor confidence, and a supportive fiscal stance in 2026, many other economies see significant downward revisions because of the changing international trade and official aid landscape,” IMF Economic Counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said during a press briefing on the report.

He pointed to Nigeria’s limited exposure to the effects of rising U.S. tariffs and the country’s stable foreign reserves as contributing factors. The ongoing rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product also bolstered the Fund’s optimism.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso welcomed the IMF’s outlook, citing reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as key to restructuring the economy. Speaking during the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) briefing, Cardoso emphasized Nigeria’s evolving trade dynamics and currency competitiveness.

“We now have a more competitive currency and, for once, a positive balance of trade surplus expected to remain around six percent of GDP,” Cardoso said. “The economy is witnessing a shift from import dependency to domestic production and export growth.”

He noted that the fiscal and monetary reforms have helped reduce the economy’s vulnerability to global disruptions, including tariff tensions.

The IMF report underscored the broader challenges facing the global economy, including declining growth in advanced economies, which are forecast to hover around 1.5% in the coming years. While emerging and developing economies are projected to grow above 4%, downside risks persist due to protectionist policies, geopolitical tensions, and labor market disruptions.

“The global economy has shown resilience to trade policy shocks, but the drag from shifting policies is becoming visible,” the report stated. “Suboptimal reallocation of resources and technological decoupling may restrain growth in the years ahead.”

Petya Koeva Brooks, IMF Deputy Research Director, said growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to remain stable at 4.1% in 2025, edging up to 4.4% in 2026. She noted Nigeria’s upward revision sets it apart as a leading growth prospect in the region.

The Fund urged governments worldwide to pursue credible and sustainable policies, rebuild fiscal buffers, and maintain the independence of central banks to safeguard long-term growth prospects.

1...161162163...975Page 162 of 975