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Ethiopia Celebrates Unique New Year on September 11, Welcoming 2017

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Ethiopia Celebrates Unique New Year on September 11, Welcoming 2017

While much of the world observes September 11 as a somber anniversary, Ethiopia marked the date with joyous celebrations, ringing in its New Year 2017 according to the country’s ancient calendar. The festivities, known as Enkutatash, underscore Ethiopia’s distinct cultural identity and its preservation of traditions that predate widespread global calendar standardization.

The Ethiopian New Year, falling on September 11 (or September 12 in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, stems from the country’s use of the Ethiopic or Ge’ez Calendar. This system, introduced in the 16th century by Emperor Ge’ez Sarsa Dengel of Abyssinia, is rooted in the ancient Coptic Alexandrian calendar and differs significantly from the widely used Gregorian Calendar established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.

Bahi Kidus, an Ethiopian residing in London, explained to TRT Afrika, “Holidays and celebrations bring people together, and September 11 is no different for us.” The date’s festive nature in Ethiopia presents a stark contrast to its solemn observance in many other parts of the world, highlighting the country’s unique historical and cultural trajectory.

The name Enkutatash, meaning “gift of jewels” in Amharic, traces its origins to Ethiopian lore surrounding the Queen of Sheba’s return from her famed visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem. Legend has it that on September 11, the queen received a homecoming where her people presented her with jewels, establishing the date’s significance in Ethiopian culture.

Traditional New Year celebrations in Ethiopia feature a spread of local delicacies, including Injera (a bread made from teff flour), accompanied by various meat and vegetable dishes. The honey wine tej flows freely, and the air fills with the rhythms of Eskista, the traditional “shoulder dance.” Coffee ceremonies and animated conversations round out the festivities, which often extend for a week.

Ethiopia’s ability to maintain this distinct calendar and New Year tradition is largely attributed to its unique history as Africa’s oldest independent country that has never been colonized. This historical independence allowed Ethiopia to preserve its language, religion, culture, and heritage through centuries of global change and regional turmoil.

However, current economic challenges are impacting the scale of celebrations. Kidus noted, “If you look at the celebrations now and what they were like when we were growing up, things have changed. The economy has taken a hit. Most people can’t afford to celebrate, at least not as we used to.” Inflation, drought, floods, and intermittent violence have strained many Ethiopians’ financial resources.

For Ethiopians in the diaspora, the New Year takes on additional significance as a connection to their homeland. “We find ourselves far from our motherland. These memories are the ones we hold tightly to for a feeling of home,” Kidus explained, highlighting how cultural traditions like Enkutatash serve as vital links to national identity for expatriates.

As Ethiopia welcomed 2017 according to its calendar, the celebrations served not only as a marker of time but as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to maintain unique traditions in an increasingly globalized world. The contrast between Ethiopia’s joyous observance of September 11 and its somber significance elsewhere underscores the diverse ways in which different cultures mark time and history.

While challenges persist, the continuation of Enkutatash celebrations both within Ethiopia and among its diaspora communities demonstrates the enduring strength of cultural identity and the power of shared traditions to unite people across distances and generations.

Kolkata Doctors Defy Court Order, Continue Strike Over Hospital Rape Case

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Kolkata Doctors Defy Court Order, Continue Strike Over Hospital Rape Case

Junior doctors in Kolkata are maintaining their protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital, defying a Supreme Court order to return to work. The strike, which began after the discovery of the 31-year-old victim’s body on August 9, has sparked nationwide outrage and put intense pressure on the West Bengal state government.

The protesting doctors have established a camp outside the state’s health department headquarters, presenting five key demands: justice for the victim, removal of senior police officials, and enhanced security for health workers. Despite the Supreme Court’s deadline passing on Tuesday evening, the doctors remain resolute in their stance.

Dr. Amrita Bhattacharya of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front stated, “We are providing healthcare through telemedicine from the protest sites. They can’t replace the facilities of a hospital, and we are not even claiming that, but we are there to treat patients.”

The state government reports that 23 people have died due to lack of access to medical services during the strike. However, protesting doctors maintain that emergency services have not been affected, with senior doctors stepping in to fill the gap.

The case has drawn criticism towards the local administration and police for alleged lapses in handling the investigation. A hospital volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime, which is now under investigation by a federal agency.

The protests have seen widespread support, with the Indian Express reporting over 300 rallies in Kolkata in the past month, including many midnight events organized by women. Demonstrators from various backgrounds have joined the doctors, displaying banners and posters seeking justice for the victim, referred to as “Abhaya” (fearless) due to laws prohibiting the naming of sex crime victims.

Dr. Sumantra Dey emphasized the unity of the protest movement, stating, “This is a united front. We might be Barcelona, we might be Manchester United, but here we are playing for India.” He dismissed allegations of political motivations behind the protests, insisting that participants come from all walks of life and various political affiliations in their personal capacities.

The state government’s attempts to negotiate have been unsuccessful, with doctors rejecting conditions for talks, including a demand to broadcast their meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee live on television.

The ongoing strike highlights the deep-seated concerns about safety and security in healthcare facilities. Dr. Bhattacharya expressed the fear permeating the medical community: “How can we go back to work knowing that people who have murdered our colleague might be roaming around free just next to us?”

As the standoff continues, the impact on healthcare services in West Bengal remains a pressing concern. The case has brought to the forefront issues of workplace safety for medical professionals and the need for comprehensive reforms in hospital security measures.

The protesting doctors’ determination to continue their strike until their demands are met presents a significant challenge for state authorities and underscores the broader issues of safety and justice in India’s healthcare system.

Malaysian Police Rescue Hundreds of Children in Massive Care Home Raid

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Malaysian Police Rescue Hundreds of Children in Massive Care Home Raid

Malaysian police have rescued 402 children and teenagers from suspected physical and sexual abuse across 20 care homes, in a sweeping operation that has shocked the nation and raised questions about child protection in the country.

Police Inspector-General Razarudin Husain announced at a press conference that the victims, ranging from one to 17 years old, had allegedly endured various forms of abuse. Some children were reportedly forced to perform sexual acts on other minors.

In a series of raids conducted on Wednesday across care homes in the states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, authorities arrested 171 suspects, including religious teachers and caretakers. The suspects, aged between 17 and 64, are accused of severe misconduct, with some allegedly touching children under the guise of religious treatment.

“Children were punished using heated metal objects,” Razarudin said, adding that ill children were reportedly denied medical treatment until their conditions became critical.

The raids were prompted by reports earlier this month of child exploitation and abuse at another facility in Negeri Sembilan state. Police have confirmed that these cases are linked to an ongoing investigation into the Islamic Global Ikhwan Group (GISB), a prominent business conglomerate with operations across 20 countries.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay stated that initial investigations suggest GISB’s modus operandi involved setting up welfare homes to collect donations. GISB has denied all allegations in a statement posted on Facebook, asserting that the company does not compromise on activities that violate the law, particularly regarding child exploitation.

The rescued children will be temporarily housed at a police center in Kuala Lumpur and undergo health checks. Many of the children were reportedly placed in these homes by their parents for religious education, according to the state news agency Bernama.

This case has prompted calls for stricter regulations of welfare homes from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). Farah Nini Dusuki, Suhakam’s children’s commissioner, told Free Malaysia Today, “The problem is that these places are not properly regulated or supervised. We have a serious issue with monitoring and supervision, which is why we need the community to be more alert.”

The scale of this operation has raised serious concerns about child protection measures in Malaysia and the oversight of religious and charitable institutions. As investigations continue, authorities face the challenge of ensuring the welfare of the rescued children while addressing the systemic issues that allowed such alleged abuse to occur.

This case highlights the urgent need for improved regulations, stricter monitoring of care facilities, and enhanced community vigilance to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.

Chinese Billionaire Investor, Evergrande Chairman, Hui, Reportedly Held in Shenzhen Detention Center

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Chinese Billionaire Investor, Evergrande Chairman, Hui, Reportedly Held in Shenzhen Detention Center

Hui Ka Yan, the 65-year-old chairman of China Evergrande Group, has been moved to a special detention center in Shenzhen, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Hui, once China’s richest man, has not been seen in public since Chinese authorities took him into custody a year ago.

The relocation of Hui, whose company is at the epicenter of China’s property sector crisis, comes after a series of regulatory actions against Evergrande. In March, China’s securities regulator fined Hui $6.6 million and barred him from the securities market for life, following findings that Evergrande’s flagship unit had inflated earnings and committed securities fraud. The company was subsequently ordered into liquidation in January.

Sources say Hui was initially under house surveillance in Beijing after his arrest. His transfer to Shenzhen reportedly occurred a few months ago to facilitate easier communication with top Evergrande executives. The company is headquartered in nearby Guangzhou, with its wealth management unit based in Shenzhen.

Hui’s current legal status remains unclear. He has not been formally charged with any crimes, and it is uncertain how long he will remain in detention or whether he will face trial. This situation mirrors that of other high-profile Chinese business executives who have been detained for extended periods with little public information about their cases.

The special detention center where Hui is reportedly held typically offers better conditions than ordinary detention facilities. One source claims Hui is in “good shape” with access to medical care and quality food. He is said to have written a letter to senior Evergrande executives urging them to resolve outstanding payments to investors in the company’s wealth management products.

Evergrande’s troubles began in 2021 when it defaulted on most of its $300 billion liabilities, including billions in wealth management product payments. The company’s financial woes have become symbolic of China’s broader property sector crisis, which has significantly impacted the country’s economic growth.

A regulatory probe in March revealed that an Evergrande unit had inflated its revenue by 564 billion yuan ($79 billion) during 2019-2020 and issued bonds based on falsified statements. This revelation led to the sanctions against Hui and further eroded investor confidence in the company.

Sources also indicate that Evergrande is nearing completion of most homes promised to buyers, with over 70% of construction reportedly finished for these apartments. However, specific numbers were not provided, and Evergrande had nearly 800 projects across China as of 2022.

The ongoing Evergrande saga continues to unfold against the backdrop of China’s efforts to stabilize its property market and manage the fallout from years of rapid, debt-fueled expansion in the sector. As Hui remains in detention, the future of Evergrande and its impact on China’s broader economy remains uncertain, with investors and policymakers closely watching for further developments.

Russia Targets Ukrainian Rail, Transport Hubs Near Key Fronts, Disrupting Supplies

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Russia Targets Ukrainian Rail, Transport Hubs Near Key Fronts, Disrupting Supplies

Russian forces launched a series of attacks on Thursday targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine, cutting off power and water supplies to key areas near the front lines as Moscow seeks to advance its positions in the eastern Donbas region.

In the eastern town of Pokrovsk, a filtering station ceased operations due to intense fighting, leaving the town without water. Donetsk regional governor Vadym Filashkin urged civilians to evacuate, warning that the situation was dire and unlikely to improve soon. The town, strategically located at the intersection of important roads and a rail line in the Donetsk region, also lost electricity and gas supplies essential for cooking and heating.

The attacks on Pokrovsk come as Russian forces attempt to complete their capture of the Donbas region. Recent open-source intelligence reports from Ukraine’s Deep State analysts indicate that while Russian momentum has slowed near Pokrovsk, Moscow’s troops have made progress south of the town, approaching nearby Ukrainsk.

Ukraine’s military reported that their forces on the Kurakhiv front, which includes Ukrainsk, continued to repel Russian advances, with Moscow’s troops attempting to breach Kyiv’s defensive lines 23 times in the past day. Some Russian military bloggers claimed that Moscow’s forces had nearly taken control of Ukrainsk, though these reports could not be independently verified.

In northern Ukraine, the city of Konotop in the Sumy region suffered significant damage from an overnight Russian drone attack. Local officials reported at least 14 people were injured in the assault, which severely damaged energy infrastructure and cut power to the settlement. Konotop, with a pre-war population of about 83,000, had been used by Ukrainian forces as a staging ground for their recent cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.

Konotop Mayor Artem Semenikhin described the power system as in critical condition, with energy workers struggling to restore electricity to the hospital and water supply system. The attack on Konotop was part of a larger Russian offensive involving 64 drones, of which the Ukrainian air force claimed to have shot down 44 over nine different regions.

These infrastructure attacks underscore the critical juncture of the war, now in its third year. The United States has reported that Iran has supplied hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Moscow, in turn, has warned the West against approving deep strikes into Russian territory with Western weapons, threatening to respond.

Despite being heavily outgunned and lacking a large arsenal of long-range missiles, Ukraine has attempted to retaliate by launching hundreds of drones at Russian targets. However, the scale and frequency of Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure have become almost nightly occurrences since the invasion began in February 2022.

As the conflict continues to evolve, both sides are attempting to gain strategic advantages. Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last month aimed to seize initiative and divert Russian forces from the east. However, Russia has maintained offensive pressure in the Donbas, with a Russian commander claiming to have retaken control of about 10 settlements in the Kursk region in a counterattack.

The ongoing attacks on infrastructure and the shifting battle lines highlight the complex and fluid nature of the conflict, with both sides seeking to gain tactical advantages while inflicting strategic damage on their opponent’s capabilities and resources.

Source: REUTERS

Russian Hawk Urges Putin to Toughen Nuclear Weapons Policy

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Russian Hawk Urges Putin to Toughen Nuclear Weapons Policy

A prominent Russian foreign policy expert is pushing for President Vladimir Putin to adopt a more aggressive nuclear posture towards the West, advocating for a clear willingness to use nuclear weapons against countries supporting NATO’s involvement in Ukraine.

Sergei Karaganov, in an interview with Kommersant newspaper, argued that Russia should be prepared to launch a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without necessarily triggering an all-out nuclear war. He contended that the United States is not truthful about its nuclear protection guarantees to allies.

“The main goal of Russia’s nuclear doctrine should be to ensure that all current and future enemies are sure that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons,” Karaganov stated. His comments come weeks after Ukraine captured a part of Russia’s Kursk region, an area from which Moscow is still attempting to dislodge Ukrainian forces.

Karaganov further asserted, “It is time to declare that we have the right to respond to any massive strikes on our territory with a nuclear strike. This also applies to any seizure of our territory.”

While Karaganov’s views do not represent official Russian policy, they are closely monitored by Western security experts as indicators of Russian thinking on foreign, defense, and nuclear policy. The Kremlin has repeatedly provided him platforms to voice these opinions and present them directly to President Putin.

For over a year, Karaganov has been a leading voice calling for revisions to Russia’s nuclear doctrine. The current doctrine states that Russia would use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or a conventional attack threatening the state’s existence. Karaganov criticized this doctrine as “irresponsible and even suicidal,” arguing it fails to adequately deter Russia’s enemies.

He warned that Russia risks exhausting itself militarily and economically in the Ukraine conflict without a shift in nuclear strategy, potentially leading to “decline and possibly even collapse.”

Karaganov’s past statements have included calls for Russia to consider pre-emptive nuclear strikes to “sober up” its enemies. While President Putin has made statements interpreted by the West as nuclear threats since the start of the Ukraine war, he has also maintained that Russia can win the conflict without resorting to nuclear weapons.

Some Western analysts suggest Karaganov’s role may be to voice alarming views that make Putin appear moderate by comparison. When questioned about the risk of his proposed policy leading to all-out nuclear war, Karaganov responded, “The assertion that any limited use of nuclear weapons will necessarily lead to a general nuclear Armageddon does not stand up to criticism. I assure you that all nuclear powers have plans for the calibrated use of nuclear weapons under certain scenarios.”

He emphasized, “I am not calling for a dangerous path, I am calling for saving the world and Russia. Either we win this war, or we fall apart. The West can fight endlessly, this war is very beneficial to it. And I am not calling for a nuclear war at all, I would very much like not to bring things to this, but to stop before having to make a terrible choice.”

As Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine and faces international sanctions, Karaganov’s statements underscore the ongoing debate within Russian policy circles about the country’s nuclear strategy and its approach to the conflict with the West.

REUTERS

Austria Conducts Anti-Terror Raids Against 72 Alleged Islamic Extremists Ahead of 9/11 Anniversary

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Austria Conducts Anti-Terror Raids Against 72 Alleged Islamic Extremists Ahead of 9/11 Anniversary

Austrian security forces carried out a series of raids against 72 alleged Islamic extremists this week, just days before the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States. The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence announced Thursday that the operations were conducted due to concerns over potential copycat violence inspired by the 2001 tragedy that killed nearly 3,000 people.

The raids, which took place on Tuesday across Austria, were prompted by the ongoing symbolic significance of 9/11 for extremists and the history of inspired attack attempts. Austrian authorities highlighted their successful prevention of an attack planned for last year’s anniversary at Vienna’s central station, emphasizing that the risk remains high globally on this date.

This recent security operation comes in the wake of another foiled terror plot last month targeting planned Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. Austrian officials revealed that the main suspect in that case, a 19-year-old Austrian man, was allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group and intended to kill tens of thousands of concertgoers. The suspect had reportedly uploaded an oath of allegiance to the current Islamic State leader on the internet. A second suspect, aged 17, was found to possess Islamic State and al-Qaida materials at his home.

Tuesday’s anti-terror actions were extensive, including:

– Raids on several Austrian prisons

– Interrogations of multiple suspects

– Seizures of digital devices, such as cellphones, to search for radical Islamic propaganda

Franz Ruf, Austria’s director general for public security, emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in countering extremism, seemingly referencing the Taylor Swift concert plot. This case had notably involved intelligence from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner used the occasion to call for enhanced investigative powers for Austrian security forces. He highlighted a current limitation in Austrian law that prevents authorities from monitoring text messages, unlike some foreign intelligence services. This restriction often requires Austrian officials to rely on information from other countries to uncover potential threats.

The series of raids and the recently foiled plots underscore the ongoing challenges faced by European nations in combating extremism and terrorism. As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, these events serve as a stark reminder of the continued vigilance required by security forces worldwide. The Austrian government’s proactive stance in addressing potential threats reflects a broader European concern about the persistent risk of terrorism, particularly around significant dates and high-profile events. As investigations continue, authorities remain on high alert, balancing security measures with civil

Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Vows the Rich Will Pay More If Elected President-AP

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Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Vows the Rich Will Pay More If Elected President-AP

Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lanka’s opposition leader and presidential candidate, pledged Thursday to renegotiate the country’s 2022 International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic reform package if elected, aiming to shift more of the tax burden to the wealthy while improving conditions for the poor.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Premadasa, 57, outlined his vision for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery ahead of the September 21 presidential election. The vote is widely seen as a referendum on the economic reforms initiated by current President Ranil Wickremesinghe following the country’s 2022 debt default and subsequent economic crisis.

Premadasa aims to pursue a “middle path” economic strategy, focusing on wealth creation and equitable distribution. He criticized Wickremesinghe’s approach as overly contractionary, instead advocating for an “export-oriented, knowledge-based economy” to grow out of the current economic challenges. The opposition leader revealed that his party has already initiated discussions with the IMF to explore ways to reduce the tax burden on citizens.

Emphasizing the need for “fundamental changes” to the current IMF agreement, Premadasa called for a more “humanistic manner” of implementation. He proposed that the “super-rich and the rich” should bear a disproportionately larger share of the tax burden to alleviate pressure on working-class Sri Lankans.

On minority rights and reconciliation, Premadasa committed to prosecuting officials from the previous administration who mandated the cremation of Muslim COVID-19 victims against their religious practices, calling it a “racist policy.”

He promised compensation for affected Muslim families and pledged to allow “maximum devolution of power” to the ethnic Tamil majority in the northern and eastern provinces. The candidate also vowed to address unresolved issues from Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war, including forcible disappearances and missing persons.

The election comes as Sri Lanka grapples with the aftermath of its 2022 economic crisis, triggered by unsustainable debt, a balance of payments crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.

While Wickremesinghe’s administration has seen improvements in key economic indicators — including a dramatic drop in inflation from 70% to 0.5% — many Sri Lankans, particularly the poor and middle class, continue to struggle with high living costs and increased taxes.

Premadasa, son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, is one of 38 candidates but among the three frontrunners. He enjoys significant support from ethnic and religious minority groups, a factor that could prove crucial in the election outcome.

The candidate proposed convening an international donor conference to aid in rebuilding areas affected by the civil war, which ended in 2009 after claiming at least 100,000 lives.

As Sri Lanka approaches this pivotal election, Premadasa’s platform presents a stark contrast to the current administration’s policies. The outcome will likely have significant implications for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery trajectory and its approach to long-standing social and ethnic issues.

Taylor Swift Dominates MTV VMAs, Ties Beyoncé’s Record

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Taylor Swift Dominates MTV VMAs, Ties Beyoncé’s Record

Taylor Swift continued her reign at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, held Wednesday night at the UBS Arena on New York’s Long Island, taking home seven awards including the coveted Video of the Year trophy.

Swift’s victories bring her career total to 30 VMAs, tying her with Beyoncé for the most awards in the show’s history. Eminem now holds the record for most VMAs by a male artist with 14.

In her acceptance speech for Video of the Year, Swift thanked her “boyfriend, Travis” for his support during the filming of her “Fortnight” music video, a reference to NFL star Travis Kelce that elicited cheers from the audience. She praised Kelce, saying, “Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic.”

Swift also used her platform to encourage voter registration for those over 18, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming 2024 presidential election. However, she notably avoided mentioning her recent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid, which she had announced on Tuesday night following Harris’ debate with former president Donald Trump.

The pop star’s first award of the night was for Best Collaboration, shared with Post Malone for “Fortnight.” In that acceptance speech, Swift paid tribute to the victims and families affected by the September 11 attacks, marking the 23rd anniversary of the tragedy.

Other highlights of the night included:

Katy Perry receiving the prestigious Video Vanguard Award. She performed an eight-song medley spanning her career, including hits like “Roar,” “California Gurls,” and “Firework.” Perry also teased a new song, “I’m His, He’s Mine,” featuring Doechii.

Chappell Roan winning Best New Artist, dedicating her award to drag artists and the LGBTQ+ community in music.

Sabrina Carpenter winning Song of the Year for “Espresso” and performing a medley of her hits.

Eminem opening the show with a medley of “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me,” featuring Jelly Roll.

Megan Thee Stallion hosting the awards for the first time, injecting humor throughout the night.

Performances by a diverse array of artists including Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, Halsey, GloRilla, Blackpink’s LISA, Shawn Mendes, Anitta, Camila Cabello, Benson Boone, and Lenny Kravitz.

The 40th anniversary of the VMAs was marked by nostalgic flashbacks to iconic moments from past shows, including Britney Spears’ performance with an albino python and Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” performance.

Swift’s appearance in a green tartan corset with a matching train and long black leather gloves added to the night’s fashion highlights.

This year’s VMAs underscored Swift’s continued dominance in the music industry, while also showcasing a broad spectrum of contemporary musical talent and paying homage to the awards’ rich history.

400 Deported Nigerians Arrive in Abuja from UAE Amid Diplomatic Tensions

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400 Deported Nigerians Arrive in Abuja from UAE Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Four hundred Nigerian citizens deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, according to a report by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

The group of deportees, comprising 90 females and 310 males, was received by a coalition of government agencies. Officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser led the reception, working in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

This mass deportation occurs against the backdrop of complex diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UAE:

Visa Ban Context:

The UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigerian citizens nearly two years ago, stemming from various diplomatic disputes. A key issue involved Dubai’s Emirates Airline halting flights to Nigeria after the Central Bank of Nigeria was unable to remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE.

Recent Developments:

In June, following several rounds of negotiations, the Nigerian government assured its citizens that the visa ban would soon be lifted. Concurrently, it was announced that Nigeria had paid 98% of the $850 million owed, signaling progress in resolving the dispute.

In July 2024, the UAE government announced the immediate lifting of visa restrictions on Nigerians, marking a potential turning point in bilateral relations.

Previous Repatriation:

This recent deportation follows a separate repatriation of 190 Nigerians from the UAE in July 2024, as reported by PUNCH Online.

The arrival of these 400 deportees raises questions about the ongoing implementation of the newly restored visa privileges and the broader state of Nigeria-UAE relations. It also highlights the complexities of international labor migration and the challenges faced by Nigerian citizens abroad.

As both nations navigate this sensitive diplomatic landscape, the focus now turns to the reintegration of the returned citizens and the potential for improved bilateral relations in the wake of the lifted visa restrictions.

The Nigerian government has not yet released an official statement regarding the specific circumstances of these deportations or any planned measures to address the situation of Nigerian nationals in the UAE.

This event underscores the ongoing challenges in Nigeria-UAE relations and the broader issues of labor migration and diplomatic negotiations in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

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