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Russia Demands Release of Two Russian-Israeli Citizens Held in Gaza

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Russia’s Foreign Ministry demanded Friday the immediate release of two Russian-Israeli citizens held hostage in Gaza, following the appearance of one captive in a video released by Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad.

Alexander Trufanov appeared in footage Wednesday speaking Hebrew about Israeli military operations in Lebanon and urging public pressure for hostage releases. Trufanov was captured from the Nir Oz kibbutz near Gaza during Hamas’s October 7 attack, along with his girlfriend Sapir Cohen. While his mother, grandmother, and Cohen were freed during November’s temporary ceasefire, his father Vitaly was killed in the initial assault.

“We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians in the hands of Palestinian groups, first and foremost of our compatriots Trufanov and [Maxim] Kharkin,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Kharkin was among partygoers at the Supernova music festival when Hamas militants attacked, part of a broader assault that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. Israeli officials estimate about 65 hostages remain alive in captivity.

“The release of hostages is a priority in our contacts with representatives of the political wing of Hamas and other Palestinian organizations,” the ministry added, highlighting Russia’s diplomatic efforts with Palestinian groups. The hostage crisis remains a central issue in the ongoing conflict that has claimed more than 43,000 Palestinian lives, according to health officials in Gaza. Human Rights Watch recently accused Israel of systematically forcing mass civilian displacement in Gaza, characterizing it as a war crime and crime against humanity

Trump Team Explores Deporting Migrants to Rwanda, UK-Style Deportation Plan

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President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is exploring a controversial plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda, adopting elements of a recently abandoned British policy as part of his promised immigration crackdown, sources close to the transition tell The Sun on Sunday.

According to the-sun.com, the consideration of the Rwanda scheme comes as U.S. authorities report more than 10 million “encounters” with suspected illegal border crossers between January 2021 and September 2024, highlighting the scale of the crisis Trump campaigned against.

“Trump campaigned on a promise to crack down on illegal immigration – and he is determined to stick to it,” said a source close to Trump’s team, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. “His team is looking at the Rwanda scheme. He is considering deporting illegal migrants to Rwanda and other countries so they cannot stay on American soil.”

The proposed program would mirror Britain’s controversial policy, abandoned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, which had earmarked £370 million ($470 million) over five years to relocate hundreds of illegal immigrants to Rwanda. The British initiative included construction of the now-vacant Hope Hostel, a facility that could potentially accommodate deportees from other nations.

Trump’s landslide victory came largely on promises to address immigration issues, with the president-elect repeatedly criticizing the Biden administration’s border policies. His team’s interest in the Rwanda plan signals a potential expansion of deportation strategies beyond traditional approaches.

The consideration of third-country deportation arrangements represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement policy, though implementation would likely face legal challenges similar to those that complicated Britain’s program.

Rwanda’s existing infrastructure from the British agreement, including the unused Hope Hostel, could facilitate rapid implementation if Trump pursues the plan, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The proposal emerges as both the United States and Britain grapple with record levels of illegal immigration, with Trump positioning aggressive enforcement and deterrence as centerpieces of his upcoming administration’s agenda.

Credit: the-sun.com

American-Based Nigerian Gospel Singer, Mary Fasanya, Involved in Ghastly Pennsylvania Crash 6 Weeks After Album Launch

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American-based Nigerian gospel singer Mary Adenike Fasanya was seriously injured in a highway collision Tuesday, barely six weeks after launching her music ministry with a debut concert in Pennsylvania. While the presentation of the singles was on October 12, 2024, the near fatal incident occurred on November 12, 2024.

The accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Highway 22 near Blairsville when a speeding Ford Ram collided with Fasanya’s SUV, leaving both vehicles severely damaged. Fasanya, a nurse and mother of three, was returning from an overnight shift when the crash occurred. She underwent several hours of surgery, while the condition of the other driver remains unknown.

The accident comes just weeks after Fasanya, known to her congregation as Deaconess Mary, celebrated the release of her first five singles at Living Spring Community Church, a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) branch in Indiana, Pennsylvania. The October 12 concert featured her band, MA’Rock Praise, performing new tracks including “Iba re” (Your Reference), “You are an awesome God,” and “The King of Glory.”

In a recent interview before the accident, Fasanya described her path to gospel music: “I’m motivated by my faith and a desire to connect with people. My experiences in life and my relationship with God inspire my music.”

The Nigerian-born artist highlighted “Your name is wonderful” as particularly meaningful, revealing it came to her in a dream. “God has proved to me in many ways that He is my all in all. This song motivated me to start this ministry,” she said.

Fasanya had discussed the challenges of balancing her musical calling with her healthcare career and family responsibilities. “Being a nursing student when I started prepare and with a full-time job and a full-time mom was not easy,” she acknowledged, but maintained her commitment to both vocations. “My job as a nurse and my ministry will not affect each other. I create different times for my job and my ministry.”

Before the accident, she expressed ambitious plans for her music ministry: “To continue to write songs that will lift the spirits of people. To perform more concerts often, wherever God leads. To make sure the songs are heard all over the world to the glory of God.”

Sources close to the family report that Fasanya is now recovering at home. The accident highlights the delicate balance she maintained between her nursing career, music ministry, and family life, themes she often discussed in relation to her gospel music career.

Her recent concert showcased not only her musical talents but also her unique perspective on the relationship between healthcare and ministry. “There are connections between the two,” she noted in her pre-accident interview. “Music can help in relaxation and pain management.”

The timing of the accident, coming just as her music ministry was gaining momentum, has resonated deeply within her church community, where she serves as both a healthcare professional and spiritual leader through music.

Comoros, Mali Lead Four Nations to AFCON 2025 as Ghana Eliminated

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The Comoros Islands, Mali, Zambia, and Zimbabwe secured their places at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, while four-time champions Ghana suffered a stunning elimination, marking the end of their decade-long streak of tournament appearances.

Mali’s qualification came under tense circumstances in Maputo, where they claimed a 1-0 victory over Mozambique despite security concerns following disputed election results. Kamory Doumbia scored the decisive goal in a match Mali had sought to postpone or play behind closed doors due to fears of civil unrest.

“We were scared that a loss for the home team might lead to stadium violence,” Mali coach Tom Saintfiet told Reuters before the match, though heavy security presence and low attendance helped ensure a peaceful conclusion.

The tiny Comoros Islands continued their remarkable rise in African football, securing their second-ever finals appearance with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Gambia, sealed by Myziane Maolida’s last-minute winner. Their qualification follows their historic debut at the 2021 tournament in Cameroon.

Zambia booked their spot with a 1-0 victory over already-qualified holders Ivory Coast, courtesy of Kennedy Musonda’s strike just before halftime. Zimbabwe, banned from the previous tournament due to government interference, marked their return to international competition by qualifying despite a 1-1 draw with Kenya in Polokwane, South Africa.

Ghana’s elimination came after a 1-1 draw with Angola, despite Jordan Ayew’s stunning 19th-minute free kick. Substitute Zini’s second-half header ended the Black Stars’ run of 10 consecutive tournament appearances.

In other qualifying action:

– Hosts Morocco demonstrated their tournament credentials with a 5-1 victory over Gabon, featuring a Brahim Diaz double

– Egypt dropped their first points in Group C with a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde

– South Africa overtook Uganda atop Group K with a 2-0 away victory, though both nations had already qualified

The qualification campaign concludes between Saturday and Tuesday, with five places remaining for the 24-team tournament scheduled for December 2025 in Morocco. Nineteen nations have now secured their spots in what promises to be one of the most diverse Africa Cup of Nations fields in recent history.

Nigeria’s Inflation Hits 33.88% Amid Food Crisis, Natural Disasters

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Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 33.88% in October, marking the second consecutive monthly increase as Africa’s most populous nation grapples with soaring food prices and widespread crop destruction from severe flooding, the National Bureau of Statistics reported Friday.

The inflation surge, up from 32.70% in September, highlights the mounting economic challenges facing President Bola Tinubu’s administration following his controversial decisions to devalue the naira currency and eliminate fuel subsidies in an effort to boost economic growth and strengthen public finances.

Food inflation reached 39.16% year-on-year in October, jumping from 37.77% in September, as prices spiked for essential staples including rice, maize, bread, potatoes, and cooking oil. The crisis has been exacerbated by devastating floods that have destroyed more than 1.5 million hectares of farmland across 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states, leading to widespread hunger and displacement.

While inflation had begun to ease in July as the impact of the naira devaluation faded, subsequent fuel price increases and the agricultural devastation from flooding have reignited price pressures, worsening what has become the nation’s most severe cost-of-living crisis in decades.

The central bank, which has already raised interest rates five times this year in an attempt to control inflation, is scheduled to make its final rate decision for 2023 on November 26, amid growing pressure to address the economic turmoil.

The persistent inflation surge presents a significant challenge to Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, as the government struggles to balance necessary structural changes with mounting public hardship.

REUTERS

Gabon Votes on New Constitution After Military Coup, Democracy Concerns Persist

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Gabonese voters went to the polls Saturday to decide on a new constitution that would limit presidential powers, a crucial step toward promised democratic reforms following last year’s military coup, though observers warn the ruling junta may use the process to entrench its authority.

The proposed constitution would implement two seven-year term limits for presidents, eliminate the prime minister position, and officially recognize French as the nation’s working language. The referendum marks the first major political reform since military officers overthrew the Bongo dynasty that had ruled Gabon since 1967.

Interim President General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the August coup, praised the referendum’s transparency after casting his vote in the capital. “This is something that I note, and it’s positive. A huge step for the transition,” he said.

The military takeover, the eighth coup in West and Central Africa since 2020, ended the 14-year rule of Ali Bongo, who had succeeded his father Omar’s 42-year reign. Western powers and regional organizations have pressed the new military authorities to establish clear timelines for returning to civilian rule.

While the junta has proposed presidential elections for summer 2025, analysts express concerns about the democratic integrity of the transition. Rukmini Sanyal of the Economist Intelligence Unit warned that despite some checks on power, the new constitution grants significant authority to the presidency.

“There remains a high risk that the electoral process will be manipulated to preserve army-led rule, given the junta’s entrenched control over the state’s electoral, judicial and legislative bodies,” Sanyal wrote before the vote.

Notably, while transitional leaders are generally barred from running for president, the proposed constitution makes an exception for Nguema, raising questions about the military’s long-term intentions.

In Libreville, the capital, pro-referendum posters dominated public spaces as voting proceeded slowly in the morning before picking up later in the day. “I came to vote for the ballot of my choice for the future of my children and my grandchildren, great-grandchildren,” said voter Nziengui Emilienne at a polling station.

The referendum represents a critical moment in Gabon’s political evolution, testing whether the military’s promises of democratic transition will materialize or whether the country risks joining other African nations where military leaders have maintained power through nominally democratic processes.

Muslim Trump Supporters Express Dismay Over Pro-Israel Cabinet Picks

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Muslim American leaders who helped deliver key swing states to President-elect Donald Trump, protesting the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, now express deep disappointment with Trump’s cabinet selections, which they say heavily favor pro-Israel hardliners.

“Trump won because of us and we’re not happy with his secretary of state pick and others,” said Rabiul Chowdhury, a Philadelphia investor who chaired the Abandon Harris campaign in Pennsylvania and co-founded Muslims for Trump. Political strategists credit Muslim support for Trump’s victory in Michigan and potentially other swing states.

The mounting frustration centers on Trump’s nomination of Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, who earlier this year opposed Gaza ceasefire calls and advocated for Israel to destroy “every element” of Hamas, calling them “vicious animals.” Trump’s other appointments have similarly alarmed Muslim supporters, including Mike Huckabee, a vocal supporter of Israeli West Bank occupation, as ambassador to Israel, and Representative Elise Stefanik, who branded the UN a “cesspool of antisemitism” for criticizing Gaza casualties, as UN ambassador.

“It seems like this administration has been packed entirely with neoconservatives and extremely pro-Israel, pro-war people, which is a failure on the side of President Trump, to the pro-peace and anti-war movement,” said Rexhinaldo Nazarko, executive director of the American Muslim Engagement and Empowerment Network (AMEEN).

The disappointment is particularly acute following Trump’s extensive outreach to Muslim and Arab American communities during his campaign. He made several visits to areas with large Arab American populations, including Dearborn, Michigan, where he declared his love for Muslims, and Pittsburgh, where he praised Muslims for Trump as “a beautiful movement” seeking peace and stability.

Former University of Minnesota professor Hassan Abdel Salam, co-founder of the Abandon Harris campaign, characterized Trump’s staffing choices as “Zionist overdrive,” adding, “Obviously we’re still waiting to see where the administration will go, but it does look like our community has been played.”

Some supporters had hoped Richard Grenell, Trump’s former acting director of national intelligence who led Muslim community outreach, would secure a key role. Massad Boulos, Trump’s Lebanese American son-in-law’s father, had also met extensively with community leaders, both promising Trump would work for Middle East peace.

However, some Muslim leaders maintain optimism despite the appointments. Bill Bazzi, mayor of Dearborn Heights who endorsed Trump, and Rola Makki, Muslim vice chair for outreach of the Michigan Republican Party, express continued faith in Trump’s commitment to peace.

“I don’t think everyone’s going to be happy with every appointment Trump makes, but the outcome is what matters,” Makki said, noting that “50,000 dead Palestinians and 3,000 dead Lebanese” occurred under the current administration.

The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment about the community’s concerns. The controversy highlights the complex relationship between Trump and Muslim American voters, who supported him largely in opposition to Biden’s Middle East policies despite Trump’s history of controversial statements about Muslims during his first presidential campaign.

REUTERS

South African Court Orders Police to End Blockade of Trapped Miners

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A South African court ordered police Saturday to lift their blockade of a disused gold mine where hundreds of illegal miners have been trapped underground for a month, marking a significant shift in a standoff that has sparked humanitarian concerns.

The Pretoria court ruled that “no person or institution whether government or private” may block access to the Stilfontein mine, located 90 miles southwest of Johannesburg, where miners have refused to surface fearing arrest and, for some, deportation. The order comes after reports emerged of desperate miners resorting to eating vinegar and toothpaste to survive.

While police welcomed the ruling, they emphasized it wouldn’t prevent arrests of miners who emerge. “Those that are in good health will be processed and detained. Those that require further medical care will be taken to hospital under police guard,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

The crisis has highlighted South Africa’s growing illegal mining problem, which costs the government hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The country holds nearly 30% of the world’s gold deposits and 88% of global platinum reserves, according to official estimates, but mine closures and layoffs have fueled a burgeoning black market.

Attorney Yasmin Omar, who helped secure the court order, told state broadcaster SABC the temporary ruling would “allow us to get emergency relief to the people who need it.” A full hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

The humanitarian situation underground has grown dire, with volunteers who entered the mine reporting they retrieved a body Thursday. More than 1,000 miners have already emerged and been arrested, including individuals from Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, according to police.

The South African Human Rights Commission launched an investigation Friday into the police blockade, citing concerns about potential violations of the miners’ right to life. The commission’s intervention came after Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s controversial statement that authorities would “smoke them out.”

The crisis reflects broader challenges in South Africa’s mining sector, where rising costs and electricity disruptions have made most gold mines unprofitable, according to the Minerals Council of South Africa. This has led to a surge in illegal mining, with some individuals spending months underground in dangerous conditions.

A small economy has evolved around these operations, with vendors supplying food and cigarettes to miners. However, authorities are determined to end the practice, citing concerns about armed gangs recruiting illegal miners for criminal activities.

The SAPS has intensified nationwide operations against illegal mining, recently reporting that 565 people emerged from a mine in Orkney near Johannesburg. The current court order, while addressing immediate humanitarian concerns, underscores the complex balance between law enforcement and human rights in addressing South Africa’s informal mining crisis.

As of Saturday afternoon, three additional miners had surfaced from the Stilfontein mine, facing immediate medical assessment and potential arrest, highlighting the ongoing tension between humanitarian relief and law enforcement objectives.

Rural Zambian Grandmother Becomes Global Fashion Icon Through Viral Photo Series

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In the rural village of 10 Miles, just north of Zambia’s capital, an unlikely fashion star has emerged. Margret Chola, an octogenarian grandmother known as “Legendary Glamma,” has captivated 225,000 Instagram followers with her striking blend of high fashion and rural African life.

The transformation from village grandmother to global style icon began in 2023 when her granddaughter Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, proposed an impromptu wardrobe swap during a visit home to commemorate her father’s death anniversary.

“I feel different, I feel new and alive in these clothes, in a way that I’ve never felt before,” Chola tells the BBC, her weathered face breaking into a smile. “I feel like I can conquer the world!”

The “Granny Series,” as it’s known, exploded in popularity in April 2024 after Kaumba posted photos of her grandmother wearing a red Adidas dress accessorized with chunky golden necklaces and a jeweled crown. The images, set against backdrops of exposed brick buildings, corrugated iron roofs, and maize fields, create a striking juxtaposition of haute couture and rural African life.

Chola’s fashion evolution spans everything from American football jerseys paired with frilly dresses in Zambian flag colors to sequined tops adorned with golden snake jewelry. Her favorite ensemble features jeans, a graphic T-shirt bearing her own image, and a blonde wig – all firsts for the grandmother who doesn’t know her exact age due to lack of a birth certificate.

“I had never worn jeans or a wig before – so I was happy, and I was dancing,” Chola says.

The photographs often incorporate elements of Chola’s daily life: her constant companion radio, the wooden stick she uses to pound millet, and the charcoal brazier that’s essential during Zambia’s frequent power cuts. In one particularly memorable shot dubbed “GOAT” (greatest of all time), even a goat sports Chola’s signature pearl necklaces.

Behind the glamorous images lies a poignant personal story. Chola was forced to leave school at age 12 or 13 for an arranged marriage to a man in his 30s. After having three children, she struggled with alcoholism before eventually escaping the marriage.

“I’m now able to wake up with a purpose knowing that people around the world love to see me,” says Chola, whose unexpected fame has given her life new meaning.

The series has sparked broader impact, with Kaumba now being hired to style other grandmothers aged 70 to 96. “Do not write them off, love them just the same till the end because remember we will be just like them one day,” Kaumba says of the project’s message about aging and intergenerational bonds.

Chola hopes her newfound platform will inspire others to “live their lives and not worry about being judged by society,” adding, “You can never change your past – but you can change your future.”

The phenomenon has transcended simple fashion photography to become a celebration of aging, cultural fusion, and the power of intergenerational creativity, proving that style knows no age or geographical boundaries.

bbc.com

8 Dead, 17 Injured in Stabbing Outside Chinese Vocational School

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A knife-wielding former student killed eight people and injured 17 others in a stabbing rampage outside a vocational school in eastern China Friday, the latest in a series of public attacks that has sparked national concern about social violence.

The 21-year-old suspect was arrested around 6:30 p.m. local time at Wuxi Yixing Arts and Crafts Vocational and Technical College in Wuxi city, police said. Authorities said he carried out the attack after “failing to obtain his diploma due to poor exam results” and harboring resentment over his internship pay.

Police reported the suspect, who graduated in 2024, “confessed without hesitation” and that an investigation is ongoing as officials work to “manage the aftermath.” The authorities have not released the identities of the victims.

The incident comes just days after a driver killed at least 35 people by deliberately driving into crowds at a stadium in Zhuhai, reportedly motivated by anger over a divorce settlement. The two attacks have intensified public discourse about what Chinese social media users call “taking revenge on society,” where individuals act on personal grievances through indiscriminate violence against strangers.

These incidents have raised questions about underlying social tensions in China and prompted discussions about prevention of public violence. The consecutive attacks have led to calls for enhanced security measures at educational institutions and public spaces across the country.

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