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Heavy Security Deployed at Abuja Court for Alleged Trial of Protest Leaders

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Heavy security forces, including personnel from the Nigerian Army, police, and Department of State Services (DSS), were deployed Monday to the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, in anticipation of a possible trial of #EndBadGovernance protest leaders.

The security buildup comes in response to plans by the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, a human rights and pro-democracy organization, to occupy the court premises in solidarity with detained protesters.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least 30 security vehicles and five military Armoured Personnel Carriers stationed around the court. Officers in both uniform and plainclothes were deployed inside and outside the premises.

Among the protest leaders reportedly still in detention are Michael Adaramoye (also known as Michael Lenin), Mosiu Sodiq, Angel, and Opaoluwa. They were arrested for participating in protests demanding good governance and an end to hunger.

The TIB Movement had called for a solidarity gathering at the court starting at 7 a.m. However, upon arrival, activists found that the case was not listed on the cause lists for either Court 9 or Court 10, both of which are vacation courts.

An anonymous court insider confirmed that a case would be heard in Court 10 but was unsure of its nature, fueling speculation about a possible secret trial.

Omole Ibukun, an activist present at the court, condemned the heavy military presence as undemocratic. “We came to the court today because we heard that some of the protesters who were arrested from the North were brought to Abuja alongside Michael Lenin, Mosiu Sodiq, Angel Opeoluwa and others,” Ibukun said.

Ibukun added that lawyers for the detained activists had been informed that the arraignment was postponed. However, he suggested that the security presence indicated a possible secret trial might still occur.

The TIB Movement criticized the Nigeria Police Force for the reported postponement of the arraignment. The group maintains that protest is not a crime and is protected under the Nigerian constitution.

The situation has raised concerns about judicial transparency and the treatment of protesters in Nigeria. Human rights organizations continue to call for the immediate release of the detained activists and for open and fair legal proceedings.

As of Monday afternoon, Nigerian authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the court proceedings or the status of the detained protest leaders.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began earlier this month, have focused on issues of corruption, economic hardship, and insecurity in Nigeria. The government’s response to these demonstrations has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny.

Source: Saharareporters.com

Tanzania Police Commander Transferred After Controversial Comments on Gang-Rape Case

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The police commander of Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania, has been transferred following controversial comments about an alleged gang-rape victim, national police officials announced Monday.

The transfer comes after a video purportedly showing a young woman being assaulted by five men went viral in Tanzania earlier this month, sparking public outrage.

Dodoma Regional Commander Theopista Mallya was quoted in the Tanzanian newspaper Mwananchi on Sunday as saying the “woman in question appeared to be engaged in sex work.” This comment led to accusations that Mallya was minimizing the victim’s ordeal.

National police spokesperson David Misime issued an apology Monday for the commander’s statement. “The police force would like to apologize to everyone who was touched and offended by the statement circulating in the media while monitoring is being done to find its accuracy,” Misime said.

Misime added that Mallya had also stated that even if the woman was a sex worker, “she did not deserve to be treated that way.” However, these words did not appear in Mwananchi’s original report.

The viral video reportedly shows the suspects interrogating the woman and forcing her to apologize to someone referred to as “afande,” a term often used in Tanzania to refer to a soldier or police officer. This detail led many activists and social media users to speculate that the assault might have been carried out on orders from a member of the security forces.

Addressing these concerns, Mallya told Mwananchi, “The investigation revealed that the youths were not acting on orders from any officers; they were merely under the influence of alcohol and drugs.”

Following the public backlash, Tanzania’s national police force announced Mallya’s transfer to police headquarters. It remains unclear whether this transfer is temporary or permanent.

The case has reignited discussions about sexual violence and the treatment of victims by law enforcement in Tanzania. Women’s rights activists have called for a more sensitive approach to handling such cases and for thorough investigations into all allegations of sexual assault.

Tanzanian authorities have not provided further details about the ongoing investigation into the alleged gang-rape or the identities of the suspects seen in the video.

The incident and its aftermath highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing sensitive cases of sexual violence while maintaining public trust.

Outcry in Ethiopia Over Sentence in Child Rape and Murder Case

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The sentencing of a man convicted of raping and murdering a 7-year-old girl has sparked widespread outrage in Ethiopia, with many calling the punishment too lenient.

Getnet Baye was sentenced last week to 25 years in prison for the rape and murder of Heaven Awot in August 2023 in Bahir Dar, a city in Ethiopia’s northwestern Amhara region. Baye, who was the landlord of the victim’s mother, is appealing the sentence. The case is adjourned until October.

More than 200,000 people have signed an online petition demanding a review of the sentencing “to reflect the gravity of the crime” and to offer support for the grieving mother, Abekyelesh Adeba.

“I have lost my Heaven… I am lifeless,” Adeba told the BBC in an interview. She expressed concern about the possibility of Baye winning his appeal and getting an early release.

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), a prominent women’s rights advocacy group, released a statement criticizing the sentence as “very light,” arguing that “the murder by itself should have been enough to sentence him to life imprisonment or to death.”

Senior government officials have joined the criticism. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister for Women and Social Affairs, wrote on her Facebook page that the crimes committed against Heaven were “inhumane” and said her office would pursue the case with stakeholders.

The case has ignited discussions about the safety of women and girls in Ethiopia. A Human Rights Watch report released in May stated that conflict-related sexual violence “has reached alarming levels in Ethiopia.”

Heaven’s murder occurred against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s recent civil conflict. Her father, an ethnic Tigrayan, was imprisoned for months during the war without being charged. After his release, he left Amhara for Tigray due to perceived hostility.

Adeba, a nurse, was left to raise Heaven and her younger sister alone. She told the BBC she never felt any threat from Baye, who lived in the same compound and was related to his wife.

The attack occurred while Adeba was at work and Heaven’s aunt was babysitting. Heaven’s mutilated body was later found in front of her home with signs of strangulation.

In the months following the murder, Adeba faced additional challenges. Baye escaped custody during a militia attack on the police station where he was held. He remained at large for nearly a month, during which time he threatened Adeba, forcing her into hiding.

Adeba has since moved homes and jobs repeatedly, citing concerns for her safety and that of her surviving daughter.

As a health worker, Adeba says she knows of many more women and girls who have been sexually assaulted. “I know there are so many Heavens,” she told the BBC.

The case continues to draw attention to issues of sexual violence and judicial responses in Ethiopia, with many calling for stricter sentences and better protection for vulnerable populations.

A bbc story

Leicester City to Host Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League Opener

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LEICESTER, England — Leicester City will host Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium on Monday in the opening match of their 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with both sides looking to start strong amid injury concerns and the integration of new signings.

The match, scheduled for 20:00 BST, marks Tottenham’s second season under manager Ange Postecoglou, who led the team to a near-Champions League qualification in his debut year. Spurs will be eager to improve on that performance and secure a top-four finish this season.

Tottenham’s record signing Dominic Solanke, acquired from Bournemouth after scoring 19 Premier League goals last season, is nursing a minor foot injury. However, Postecoglou has hinted at the possibility of Solanke starting. If unavailable, Dejan Kulusevski may feature as a false nine, a role he has played in pre-season matches.

James Maddison is expected to face his former club for the first time since joining Tottenham, while new signing Archie Gray could make his debut. Yves Bissouma has been suspended by the club for this match following an off-field incident.

Leicester City, returning to the top flight after winning the Championship title, face their own challenges. The Foxes have replaced manager Enzo Maresca with Steve Cooper and could potentially face a points deduction. They enter the season following underwhelming pre-season performances.

Cooper’s side will likely be without four players, including forwards Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka, both doubtful with minor injuries. This could lead to a surprise start for Tom Cannon. Goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk is out long-term after surgery, and center-back Conor Coady will miss at least the next three to four weeks.

New signings Caleb Okoli, Bobby Decordova-Reid, and Facundo Buonanotte, on loan from Brighton, may make their competitive debuts for Leicester.

Recent history favors Tottenham, who have won four of the last five meetings between the teams. However, Leicester won their most recent encounter at the King Power Stadium 4-1 in February 2023.

The match will be officiated by referee Chris Kavanagh, with David Coote serving as VAR.

As both teams navigate early-season challenges and integrate new personnel, this opener could set the tone for their respective campaigns in what promises to be another competitive Premier League season.

Ghana’s Ruling Party Launches Manifesto, Emphasizing Job Creation

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TAKORADI, Ghana — Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) launched its manifesto for the December elections on Sunday, emphasizing job creation and economic development in a bid to secure an unprecedented third consecutive term in office.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s presidential candidate, unveiled the document at a large gathering in Takoradi, attended by party officials, diplomats, and outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“Our vision is clear,” Bawumia told supporters. “We will create jobs, empower the youth, provide tax amnesty, and unleash the potential of the private sector to drive Ghana’s economic transformation.”

The NPP’s manifesto highlights several key initiatives, including a job creation program aimed at addressing unemployment, particularly among youth. It also proposes a tax amnesty program to encourage businesses to comply with regulations without facing penalties, as well as plans for expanding access to education and improving infrastructure.

Bawumia stressed the party’s commitment to tackling unemployment, a pressing issue in Ghana. “We know the challenges our youth face, and we are committed to tackling unemployment head-on,” he said.

The manifesto launch comes as Ghana faces significant economic challenges. The country entered a $3 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund after an economic downturn in 2022 resulted in record-high 54% inflation.

The NPP faces a strong challenge from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Mahama. Both Bawumia and Mahama hail from northern Ghana, adding a regional dimension to the contest.

Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, cautioned about the gap between campaign promises and governance realities. “Political parties tend to promise the moon during campaigns, but the reality of governance often limits what can actually be delivered,” he told AFP.

The December elections are seen as a critical test for Ghana, often considered one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. The NPP’s bid for a third term comes amid economic difficulties and growing public discontent over living costs.

President Akufo-Addo, who attended the manifesto launch, is stepping down after serving the maximum two terms in office.

As the campaign intensifies, both the NPP and NDC are expected to focus on economic issues, with job creation and inflation likely to be key battlegrounds in the run-up to the December vote.

Ethiopia Faces Challenges in $1 Billion Bond Restructuring Effort

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Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to restructure its $1 billion international bond as part of a broader debt overhaul, facing resistance from investors over potential write-downs, government officials and financial analysts report.

The East African nation, home to 120 million people, initiated its debt restructuring process in early 2021 under the G20 Common Framework initiative. The move came in response to acute foreign currency shortages and sluggish government revenues, exacerbated by a civil war in the northern Tigray region that ended in late 2022.

Ethiopia’s external debt stood at $28.9 billion in March, according to government figures. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified a $3.5 billion financing gap during its recent lending program to the country.

Ethiopian officials have indicated they will seek a 20% write-down on the principal of the $1 billion bond to achieve comparability of treatment with official creditors. This proposal has met with strong opposition from bondholders, who argue it doesn’t reflect Ethiopia’s economic fundamentals.

Kevin Daly, portfolio manager at abrdn, which holds the bond, suggested a potential solution might lie between the government’s proposed haircut and extending the repayment period.

The restructuring process was delayed by the Tigray conflict and slow progress in meeting IMF requirements, including abandoning the currency peg and introducing an interest rate-based monetary policy framework.

On July 29, Ethiopia floated its birr currency, helping secure a $3.4 billion four-year IMF loan program. The birr has since nearly halved in value this year, trading at 103.97 per dollar according to data from Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the country’s largest lender.

The currency devaluation has led to price hikes on basic commodities. In response, authorities have closed thousands of businesses deemed to have raised prices unjustifiably and increased imports of essential goods.

The IMF has scheduled an unusually rapid series of reviews to monitor the impact of reforms. The first review, focusing on foreign exchange reserves and external debt, is already underway. Subsequent reviews are set for the end of September and December, by which time both the IMF and the Ethiopian government expect to have sealed a restructuring deal.

Ethiopia hopes the restructuring will achieve $4.9 billion in debt relief, citing official creditor proposals, though without specifying a timeframe.

The dispute between Ethiopia and its bondholders centers on whether the country faces a short-term liquidity problem or a longer-term solvency crisis. The IMF’s debt sustainability analysis shows Ethiopia has experienced protracted breaches of several indicators typically used to identify a solvency crunch.

As negotiations continue, the bondholder group has warned that “unduly conservative assumptions, coupled with unambitious fiscal efforts, may lead to protracted restructuring negotiations.”

Ethiopia’s debt restructuring process is being closely watched by international investors and financial institutions, as it could set precedents for other developing nations seeking debt relief under the G20 Common Framework.

Reuters

Kenyan Ride-Hail Drivers Set Own Fares, Defying Companies’ Algorithms

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NAIROBI, Kenya  — Kenyan taxi drivers are increasingly setting their own fares, defying the pricing algorithms of ride-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt, amid economic pressures and a fierce price war in the country’s transportation sector.

Judith Chepkwony, an eight-year veteran taxi driver in Nairobi, told The Associated Press, “Most of us have these cars on loan and the cost of living has risen. I try to convince the customers to agree to the higher rates. If they can’t pay, we cancel and let them find another driver.”

Drivers report that about half of their passengers eventually agree to pay more than the app-generated fare. This practice, however, violates the guidelines set by ride-hailing companies.

Uber’s Head of East Africa, Imran Manji, said the company is reviewing reports of customers being overcharged. “We encourage all riders to report such instances,” Manji stated.

Linda Ndung’u, Bolt’s manager for Kenya, indicated they are discouraging fare-hiking while the industry seeks a solution to balance driver and customer needs.

The fare dispute comes as Kenya faces economic challenges, including recent deadly protests against tax hikes, high prices of basic commodities, and elevated interest rates, all contributing to lower disposable incomes.

Drivers have organized strikes in Kenya twice this year and at least once last year over low commissions. To coordinate their efforts, many use the walkie-talkie app Zello to collectively agree on higher prices.

Some drivers have produced laminated fare guides, posted inside their vehicles, setting minimum fares above those of the ride-hailing companies. One such guide seen by AP set the minimum fare at 300 shillings ($2.33), compared to the 200 shillings set by Uber and Bolt.

Erick Nyamweya, a Nairobi-based driver, explained their strategy: “We first ask the client where they are going and how much is shown on the app. Then we propose a rate based on our chart which can also be done by quickly multiplying by 1.5.”

The situation has led to frustration among some customers. Lameck Owesi, a rider, told AP, “The negotiations end up taking so much time that it ends up beating the logic of trying to save time by taking a cab. It is frustrating.”

In response to driver demands, local start-up Faras Cabs has raised its fares by up to a fifth this month, according to Chief Commercial Officer Osman Abdi.

Kenya, along with Nigeria and Tanzania, represents one of Uber’s most important markets in Africa, according to company executives. The current dispute highlights the challenges faced by international ride-hailing companies in adapting to local economic conditions in developing markets.

As the standoff continues, both drivers and passengers in Nairobi find themselves navigating an increasingly complex and unpredictable transportation landscape.

Cholera Outbreak Kills at Least 22 in Sudan, Health Minister Reports

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KHARTOUM, Sudan  — Sudan’s Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim announced Sunday that a cholera outbreak has killed at least 22 people and infected 354 others across the country, adding to the nation’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The outbreak comes as Sudan grapples with a 16-month-long conflict and recent devastating floods, further straining its already battered health care system.

While the health minister did not specify a timeframe for these deaths and infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 78 cholera-related deaths and over 2,400 cases in Sudan between January 1 and July 28 this year.

Tarik Jašarević, a WHO spokesman, told The Associated Press that the outbreak began in the eastern province of Kassala before spreading to nine localities in five provinces. He noted that data showed most detected cases were unvaccinated, prompting WHO to work with Sudanese health authorities on implementing a vaccination campaign.

Cholera, a highly contagious infection transmitted through contaminated food or water, can cause severe dehydration and death within hours if left untreated, according to WHO.

The outbreak exacerbates Sudan’s already dire humanitarian situation. Fighting between the military and a powerful paramilitary group since April 2022 has turned urban areas into battlefields, damaging civilian infrastructure and the health care system.

The International Organization for Migration reports that over 10.7 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict began, with more than 2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

Recent seasonal floods have killed dozens and displaced about 118,000 people in 12 of Sudan’s 18 provinces, according to U.N. figures. The conflict has pushed many into starvation, with famine confirmed in a camp for displaced people in the Darfur region.

Sudan has a history of cholera outbreaks, with a previous major incident in 2017 resulting in at least 700 deaths and about 22,000 infections in less than two months.

As the health crisis unfolds, diplomatic efforts continue. Sudan’s military-controlled sovereign council announced plans to send a government delegation to meet with American officials in Cairo. The meeting aims to discuss the implementation of a deal requiring paramilitary groups to withdraw from civilian areas.

Meanwhile, peace talks continue in Switzerland, involving diplomats from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union, and the United Nations. The talks, which began on August 14, aim to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

One Dead, Six Missing After Luxury Superyacht Sinks Off Sicily Coast

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A luxury superyacht carrying foreign tourists capsized and sank off the coast of Sicily early Monday during severe weather, leaving one person dead and six others missing, Italian authorities reported.

The British-flagged “Bayesian,” a 56-meter (184-foot) vessel, was carrying 22 people, including 10 crew members and 12 passengers of British, American, and Canadian nationalities, according to the Italian coast guard.

Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service, confirmed that 15 people were initially rescued and taken to shore at Porticello. Eight of the survivors were hospitalized. One body was recovered near the wreck site, while search efforts continue for the six unaccounted individuals.

The yacht capsized around 5 a.m. local time off the port of Porticello. Rescue teams have located the wreck at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet).

A multi-agency rescue operation is underway, involving helicopters and boats from the coast guard, carabinieri, fire rescue, and civil protection service. Experienced deep-water divers are being deployed to attempt entry into the hull, Cari said.

According to the coast guard, those still missing include one crew member and six passengers.

Local media reported that a fierce storm, including waterspouts, had battered the area overnight. However, by Monday morning, skies had cleared and seas were calm.

The “Bayesian,” built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, had been moored off the port at Porticello, according to the ANSA news agency.

Italian authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the yacht’s sinking. The incident has raised questions about maritime safety during severe weather conditions in the Mediterranean.

As the search and rescue operation continues, families of the missing passengers and crew await news. International consular officials are working with Italian authorities to provide support to those affected by the incident.

The sinking of the “Bayesian” marks one of the most significant maritime accidents involving a luxury yacht in recent years in the Mediterranean region.

Crystal Palace’s Eze Claims Referee Admitted Error Over Disallowed Goal

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Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze said the referee admitted to making a mistake after disallowing what could have been a crucial goal in Palace’s 2-1 loss to Brentford on Sunday.

Eze scored directly from a wide free-kick while the match was scoreless, but referee Sam Barrott had already whistled for a foul after a clash between Palace’s Will Hughes and Brentford’s Nathan Collins.

“I was told [by the referee] that he blew too early and made the mistake,” Eze told BBC Match of the Day. “It could have changed the game but we have to deal with it.”

Because the whistle was blown before the ball entered the goal, the video assistant referee (VAR) was unable to intervene and review Hughes’ challenge.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner commented on Barrott’s admission, saying, “He showed he is a great man” by acknowledging the error.

The Premier League match center’s official account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) explained the situation: “The referee awards a free-kick to Brentford for a foul by Hughes on Collins. The whistle was blown before the ball entered the goal so VAR cannot intervene and the referee’s call stands.”

Shortly after the disallowed goal, Brentford took the lead and went on to win the match 2-1.

The incident has sparked debate among pundits and former players. Sky Sports analysts Jamie Redknapp and Micah Richards both criticized the decision. Redknapp, a former England midfielder, described it as a “monumental mistake,” saying Barrott “had a nightmare” by blowing his whistle too early.

Richards, a former Manchester City defender, agreed, stating the referee “had a stinker.” However, he also cautioned against being too harsh on Barrott, acknowledging that mistakes can happen.

The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about the role of VAR in Premier League matches and the challenges referees face in making split-second decisions.

This incident is likely to fuel further debate about potential reforms to the VAR system and referee protocols in the Premier League.

As of Sunday evening, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees officiating in English professional football, had not issued a statement regarding the incident.

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