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Uganda’s State Defense Minister Sarah Mateke Dies

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Sarah Mateke, Uganda’s State Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament for Kisoro District, has died. Mateke passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning after suffering a heart attack.

Born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi subcounty, Kisoro District, Mateke was a prominent figure in Ugandan politics and known for her work in education and philanthropy. Her political career began when she was elected as the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament, a position she held from 2011 to 2016. She was re-elected to this position in 2021.

Following her re-election, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Mateke as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, with a specific focus on Children and Youth Affairs. In a recent cabinet reshuffle, she was promoted to the position of State Minister for Defence.

Mateke’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political establishment. She was the daughter of Dr. Philemon Mateke, a well-known figure in Ugandan politics.

Throughout her career, Mateke was recognized for her dedication to public service and her efforts to improve the lives of her constituents, particularly in the areas of education and youth development. Her work as a minister involved critical responsibilities in both social development and, most recently, national defense.

The loss of Minister Mateke is expected to have significant implications for both her home district of Kisoro and the national political landscape. As Uganda mourns her passing, tributes are likely to pour in from across the political spectrum, recognizing her contributions to the nation’s governance and development.

The Ugandan government has not yet released an official statement regarding funeral arrangements or the process for appointing a successor to her ministerial position.

South Africa’s Justice Minister Denies Corruption in Bank Scandal

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South African Justice Minister Thembi Simelane strongly denied corruption allegations on Friday, addressing claims related to her involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank scandal that resulted in thousands of retirees losing their life savings.

The VBS Mutual Bank, which held savings primarily from retirees in the northern Limpopo province and unlawfully secured investments from local municipalities, was declared insolvent and bankrupt in 2018. Investigations revealed that more than 2 billion rand ($112 million) had been stolen from the bank.

Simelane, appointed to her position in June as part of South Africa’s newly-formed government of national unity, faces accusations of receiving a “loan” to purchase a coffee shop from a company allegedly involved in brokering unlawful investments for VBS from South African municipalities. This includes the Polokwane municipality where Simelane served as mayor at the time.

Responding to questions in Parliament, Simelane insisted that the loan was legitimate and that she had repaid it with interest. She vehemently denied any connection between the loan and municipal investments in VBS Bank.

“The minister does not decide who should be prosecuted or not prosecuted. I offered impartiality to the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority),” Simelane stated, addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest given her oversight of the National Prosecuting Authority, which is handling VBS-related corruption cases.

The scandal has led to calls from various quarters for Simelane’s removal from her position as justice minister. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has pledged to tackle corruption in government and state-owned enterprises, faces mounting pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups to dismiss Simelane.

Ramaphosa recently requested an official response from Simelane regarding the allegations. Speaking to the media after a state visit to China, the President assured that the matter would not be “swept under the carpet.”

The VBS Bank investigation has already resulted in convictions of some alleged masterminds behind the scheme. Tshifiwa Matodzi, the bank’s former chairman, was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison after entering a plea deal. Matodzi’s testimony revealed details of the scheme, including payments made to the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters as “donations.”

Police investigations have shown that funds stolen from the bank were used to purchase luxury houses, vehicles, and distribute financial gifts to various individuals and organizations, including political parties.

As investigations into the bank’s collapse continue, the case highlights ongoing challenges in South Africa’s fight against corruption and the complex interplay between politics and financial institutions.

Flight from India to Germany Grounded in Turkey over False Bomb Threat

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A Vistara Airlines flight from Mumbai, India to Frankfurt, Germany was forced to make an emergency landing in Erzurum, Turkey on Friday due to a bomb threat that later proved to be false.

The flight, carrying 234 passengers and 13 crew members, was diverted after a piece of paper with the words “bomb on board” was discovered in one of the aircraft’s lavatories. The incident prompted immediate action from the flight crew and Turkish authorities.

Vistara flight UK27 touched down at Erzurum airport at approximately 4:30 pm local time (1330 GMT). Upon landing, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the aircraft, as confirmed by Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu.

Erzurum Governor Mustafa Ciftci later addressed reporters, stating, “As of 23:30, we have completed all search and examination operations. As a result of the work we carried out, we found that the bomb threat was unfounded.”

Initial plans had considered diverting the flight to either Ordu or Trabzon, but air traffic conditions ultimately led to the decision to land in Erzurum, according to Turkey’s TRT news. As a precautionary measure, all other flights to and from Erzurum airport were temporarily halted during the investigation. Normal operations resumed once the threat was cleared.

Vistara Airlines confirmed that authorities had completed their security checks and announced arrangements for an alternate flight with a fresh crew to accommodate the stranded passengers in Turkey.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation industry in managing security threats, even when they turn out to be false alarms. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in handling such situations, as demonstrated by the swift response of Turkish authorities to the mid-flight emergency.

The false threat caused significant disruption to travel plans and airline operations, serving as a reminder of the sensitive nature of air travel security and the serious consequences of such actions, even when unfounded.

Death Toll in Kenya School Fire Rises to 18, 27 Injured, with 70 Children Missing

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The death toll from a devastating fire at a primary school dormitory in central Kenya has risen to 18, with authorities reporting that 70 children remain unaccounted for. The blaze, which erupted at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county, has left the community reeling and families anxiously awaiting news of their children.

The fire broke out just after midnight on Friday, engulfing a dormitory where more than 150 boys between the ages of 10 and 14 were sleeping. Police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire have been initiated.

In addition to the fatalities, 27 children have been hospitalized with injuries. The death toll increased late Friday when one student succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Authorities expect the number of casualties may rise further, given the significant number of missing children.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to community members who may have sheltered some of the children to bring them back for proper accounting. The school, located in Kenya’s central highlands about 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, has a total enrollment of 824 students.

The rapid spread of the fire is attributed to the wooden plank construction of most of the school’s buildings. This incident has raised concerns about safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, with Gachagua urging school administrators to adhere to safety guidelines recommended by the education ministry.

President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-staff to honor the deceased children. In a statement on social media platform X, Ruto promised a thorough investigation, stating, “Those responsible will be held to account.”

School fires are not uncommon in Kenya, often linked to arson, drug abuse, and overcrowding, according to a recent education ministry report. Many parents opt for boarding schools, believing they provide more study time for their children without long commutes.

This tragedy is reminiscent of Kenya’s deadliest school fire in 2001, when 67 students died in a dormitory fire in Machakos County.

As the community grapples with this disaster, families continue to wait anxiously for information about their children. The government has pledged to mobilize all available resources to support the affected families during this challenging time.

africanews.com

Argentina Calls on ICC to Order Arrest of Venezuela’s Maduro

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Argentina is urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing actions by his government following the controversial July election that could potentially constitute crimes against humanity.

The Argentine Foreign Ministry announced plans to submit a formal request to the ICC on Monday, seeking the arrest of Maduro and other members of his administration. This move comes amid escalating tensions and unrest in Venezuela since Maduro was declared the winner of the July 28 election.

Maduro, a former bus driver who assumed power in 2013 following the death of his mentor Hugo Chavez, has faced numerous controversies during his tenure. However, the disputed July election has intensified both domestic and international pressure on his government.

The Venezuelan opposition claims victory for its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, alleging widespread fraud in the electoral process. This contestation has plunged the Latin American nation into turmoil, with at least 23 people reported dead, dozens injured, and thousands detained in subsequent protests.

International reaction to the election and its aftermath has been swift and critical. The United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and several other countries have condemned the ongoing crackdown on opposition to the election results.

Adding to the diplomatic tension, Venezuelan security forces on Friday surrounded the Brazil-managed residence of the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six opposition figures have sought refuge since March. Opposition figure Pedro Urruchurtu Noselli reported this development on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Brazil has reportedly taken the six opposition figures into custody.

The involvement of Brazil in managing the Argentine embassy stems from Venezuela’s expulsion of diplomats from seven Latin American countries in late July. These expulsions followed expressions of concern from their governments regarding the election results. Since August, Brazil has been in charge of Argentina’s diplomatic representation in Venezuela.

Argentina’s call for Maduro’s arrest marks a significant escalation in diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. It remains to be seen how the ICC and the international community will respond to this request, and what implications it may have for regional stability and Venezuelan domestic politics.

The situation continues to evolve, with potential far-reaching consequences for Venezuela, its people, and the broader Latin American region.

Source: dw.com

Nigeria’s NNPC Says Not Sole Buyer of Dangote Gasoline

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Nigeria’s state-owned oil company, NNPC Ltd, clarified on Saturday that it will not be the exclusive purchaser of gasoline from the newly operational Dangote refinery. The company stated it would only intervene if the facility sold above established pump prices.

This announcement comes in the wake of the Dangote refinery’s commencement of gasoline production earlier this week. The 650,000 barrel-per-day capacity facility had initially stated that NNPC would be the sole buyer of its petrol, also known as premium motor spirit (PMS), with the government setting prices.

However, NNPC’s statement indicates a shift in this arrangement. The company explained that Dangote would determine the price of its gasoline and could sell directly to marketers who buy in bulk and distribute to fuel stations. This marks a significant change from the previous system where NNPC was the sole importer of gasoline into Nigeria.

The development is crucial for Nigeria’s energy sector and economy. For decades, the country has relied on imports for its gasoline supply, costing billions of dollars annually. The Dangote refinery’s production is expected to alleviate this dependency and potentially reduce fuel costs for consumers.

NNPC’s role in the new arrangement was further clarified: “The NNPC Ltd. will only fully offtake PMS from the DRL (Dangote Refinery Ltd) if the market prices of PMS are higher than the pump prices in Nigeria,” the company stated.

This announcement comes on the heels of NNPC’s recent price hike for petrol, from an average of 617 naira ($0.3905) per liter to 855 naira. The timing of this increase, coinciding with the Dangote refinery’s start of operations, has raised questions about the future pricing structure of gasoline in Nigeria.

According to reports, the Dangote refinery plans to supply 25 million liters of gasoline daily to the domestic market this month, with an increase to 30 million liters expected from October. This substantial production could significantly impact Nigeria’s fuel market dynamics.

The clarification from NNPC highlights the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as the country seeks to balance domestic production capabilities with market forces and consumer needs. It also underscores the complex relationship between state-owned enterprises and private sector players in Nigeria’s energy industry.

As the situation develops, stakeholders will be closely watching how this new arrangement affects fuel prices, supply stability, and the overall energy security of Africa’s largest economy.

REUTERS

American Airlines Ex-Mechanic Sentenced to 9 Years for Cocaine Smuggling

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A former American Airlines aircraft mechanic has been sentenced to nine years in prison for attempting to smuggle cocaine hidden beneath the cockpit of a flight from Jamaica to New York.

Paul Belloisi, 56, of Smithtown, New York, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Dora Irizarry in Brooklyn on Friday. In May 2023, Belloisi was convicted of conspiring to possess cocaine, conspiring to import cocaine, and importing cocaine.

The case originated from a routine search of American Airlines flight 1349 on February 4, 2020, following its arrival at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport from Montego Bay, Jamaica. Belloisi had been employed as a mechanic with American Airlines at JFK for over two decades.

According to prosecutors, customs officers discovered 10 cocaine bricks weighing 25.6 pounds (11.6 kg) in an electronics compartment beneath the cockpit. The officers replaced the cocaine with fake bricks sprayed with a substance that glows under a special black light.

Belloisi allegedly approached the plane before its scheduled departure and entered the electronics compartment. Law enforcement confronted him and found that his gloves glowed under the black light, indicating he had handled the fake bricks. Prosecutors also stated that Belloisi was carrying an empty tool bag and wore a jacket large enough to conceal the cocaine.

The street value of the intercepted cocaine was estimated at more than $250,000. American Airlines was not implicated in any wrongdoing.

David Cohen, Belloisi’s lawyer from Cohen Forman Barone, stated that his client plans to appeal the conviction. Cohen expressed his view that the sentence was excessive given Belloisi’s personal history and relevant national and district-wide statistics.

On the same day as the sentencing, Judge Irizarry rejected Belloisi’s request for an acquittal. In her decision, she wrote that jurors could reasonably infer beyond a reasonable doubt that Belloisi was aware of the cocaine aboard flight 1349 and “intentionally conspired and aided in its importation.”

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace in Brooklyn commented on the case, stating that Belloisi’s actions posed “a serious threat to the security of a vital border crossing in our district and our transportation infrastructure.”

The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking through major transportation hubs and the severe consequences for those involved in such activities, even when employed in positions of trust within the aviation industry.

Ukraine Reports 67 Russian Drone Attack Overnight, Claims to Shoot Down Most

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Ukraine’s air force reported on Saturday that Russia launched a massive overnight attack using 67 long-range Shahed drones, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting 58 of them. This large-scale assault marks one of the most significant drone attacks on Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022.

The air force statement, released on the Telegram messaging app, indicated that air defense units were activated in 11 regions across Ukraine, highlighting the widespread nature of the attack. The assault began around 3 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), with Reuters correspondents in Kyiv reporting a series of explosions that resonated loudly throughout the city center, jolting residents awake.

In a rare breach of Kyiv’s robust air defenses, drone debris was discovered near the parliament building in the heart of the capital. The Ukrainian legislature shared photographs on its official Telegram channel showing at least four pieces of debris scattered on the ground near the building. One fragment was found at the foot of the steps leading to the main entrance, while another piece of metal appeared to be riddled with shrapnel.

The incident is particularly noteworthy given the stringent security measures in place around Kyiv’s government quarter. This area, which includes the offices of the president, cabinet, and the central bank, is considered one of the most heavily defended locations in Ukraine. The city’s air defense network comprises both Soviet-era systems and Western-donated equipment, making it challenging for Russian projectiles to penetrate so deeply into the urban core.

Ukraine’s air force reported that the drones were launched from two border regions within Russia, as well as from the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula. The Shahed drones, of Iranian design, have been a staple of Russian attacks since September 2022. These unmanned aerial vehicles serve as a cost-effective alternative to missiles, which are more expensive and complex to manufacture.

The Shahed drones present unique challenges for air defense systems. Despite their relatively slow speed of less than 200 km per hour (125 miles per hour), their low-flying capability and minimal heat signature make them difficult to track and intercept using conventional means.

REUTERS

Libya’s Coast Guard Intercepts 64 Europe-Bound Migrants Days After Deadly Shipwreck

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Libya’s coast guard intercepted 64 migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea on Friday, just days after a tragic shipwreck off the country’s eastern coast left nearly two dozen people dead or missing, authorities reported Saturday.

The interception took place off the northwestern town of Sirte, according to the town’s coast guard unit. Images posted on social media showed dozens of migrants, including at least one woman and a child, being returned to shore. Following standard procedure aimed at preventing reuse by traffickers, the coast guard set the migrants’ boat on fire.

This incident comes in the wake of Wednesday’s capsizing of a vessel carrying 32 migrants from Egypt and Syria near the eastern town of Tobruk. In that tragedy, 22 individuals are presumed dead or missing, while nine were rescued and one body was recovered, as reported by the Libyan coast guard.

Libya has emerged as a primary transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East, seeking better lives in Europe. The country’s descent into chaos following the NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 has created conditions favorable to human trafficking operations.

The International Organization for Migration’s missing migrants project reports grim statistics for 2024: between January and August, at least 434 migrants were reported dead and 611 missing off Libya’s coast. During the same period, more than 14,100 migrants were intercepted and returned to shore.

Migrants intercepted by Libyan authorities are typically held in government-run detention centers, which have been widely criticized for human rights abuses. U.N.-commissioned investigators have reported practices amounting to crimes against humanity, including forced labor, beatings, rapes, and torture. Extortion attempts targeting migrants’ families are also common, with release or passage to Europe often contingent on payment.

Libya’s geographical position, with borders touching six nations and a long Mediterranean coastline, makes it a strategic point on migration routes. Human traffickers exploit the country’s porous borders and political instability, smuggling migrants across vast desert territories before embarking them on perilous sea voyages to Europe.

Algeria’s President Expected to Win Second Term in Saturday Election

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Algerians are set to vote Saturday in a presidential election where incumbent Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, is widely expected to secure a second term.

The election comes five years after pro-democracy protests led to the military-backed ouster of longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, marking a significant moment in Algeria’s political landscape.

Algeria, Africa’s largest country by area and second most populous with nearly 45 million people, is one of over 50 nations holding elections in 2024. However, the campaign has generated little enthusiasm among the populace, with many viewing the outcome as predetermined. Public interest has been notably low, with campaign activities primarily visible on state television, where coverage is mandated.

Tebboune, who first took office in December 2019, is running as an independent candidate with support from several political parties, including the historically dominant National Liberation Front. He has framed his first term as a turning point, telling voters at a recent rally that he “put Algeria back on track.” Tebboune’s campaign, referring to him as “Uncle Tebboune,” has sought to present him as a familiar and trustworthy figure to the electorate.

The president faces two challengers in this election. Abdelali Hassani Cherif, 57, an engineer from the Islamist Movement of Society for Peace party, is campaigning on youth issues and education reform. His platform includes calls for boosting employment and reforming the education system, particularly addressing the role of the French language alongside Arabic.

Youcef Aouchiche, 41, a former journalist representing the Socialist Forces Front, is focusing on human rights and press freedom concerns. Aouchiche’s party, which enjoys strong support among ethnic minorities in central Algeria, is fielding a presidential candidate for the first time since 1999.

Both opposition candidates have emphasized increasing voter turnout rather than directly criticizing Tebboune, a strategy that analysts suggest is more focused on positioning for the 2025 legislative elections than seriously contesting the presidency.

Andrew Farrand, Middle East and North Africa director at geopolitical risk consultancy Horizon Engage, notes that this approach allows the candidates to mobilize their base, build campaign infrastructure, and maintain favorable relations with authorities.

Tebboune’s 2019 victory was marred by low voter turnout, widespread boycotts, and Election Day unrest. Only 39.9% of eligible voters participated in that election, which was marked by protests and calls for systemic change. This time, Tebboune hopes for higher participation among the country’s 24 million eligible voters to bolster his legitimacy both domestically and internationally.

However, many Algerians remain skeptical of the electoral process. Kaci Taher, a 28-year-old voter, expressed a common sentiment to The Associated Press: “Voting has no meaning in Algeria like in the big democracies.

Where I come from, the results and quotas are fixed in advance in the back room of the government, so what’s the point of taking part in the electoral farce?”

The election takes place against a backdrop of ongoing economic challenges and concerns about political freedoms. Critics argue that Tebboune’s government has continued to suppress dissent and limit press freedoms, issues that fueled the 2019 protest movement known as Hirak. These concerns have led some opposition figures and parties to boycott the election entirely, denouncing it as a mechanism to entrench existing power structures.

Source: apnews.com

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