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Russia Repels Ukrainian Advance in Kursk Region as Kyiv Denies Intent to Occupy Russian Territory

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MOSCOW, Russia – Russia announced on Tuesday that its military forces successfully thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian troops to extend a week-long incursion into the Kursk region.

This escalation comes amid ongoing cross-border operations, with a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman reaffirming that Kyiv has no intentions of occupying Russian territory.

According to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, a combination of Russian army units, including fresh reserves, aircraft, drone teams, and artillery forces, intercepted and halted Ukrainian armored mobile groups that were advancing towards the Russian settlements of Obshchy Kolodez, Snagost, Kauchuk, and Alexeyevsky in the Kursk region.

The Russian military’s swift response reportedly prevented Ukrainian forces from gaining a deeper foothold in Russian territory, with the ministry emphasizing that the operation was a defensive measure aimed at protecting Russian land from further incursions.

In contrast, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi clarified Ukraine’s position, stating that the cross-border operation was not intended to seize Russian land but to safeguard Ukrainian citizens from long-range missile strikes originating from the Kursk region.

“Ukraine is not interested in taking the territory of the Kursk region, but we want to protect the lives of our people,” Tykhyi was quoted as saying by local media.

Tykhyi highlighted that Russia has launched more than 2,000 strikes from the Kursk region in recent months, utilizing anti-aircraft missiles, artillery, mortars, drones, 255 glide bombs, and over 100 missiles.

“The purpose of this operation is to preserve the lives of our children, to protect the territory of Ukraine from Russian strikes,” Tykhyi added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi provided an update on the ongoing operations, stating in a video addressed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel that Ukrainian forces now control 74 settlements in the Kursk region.

“Ukrainian troops have continued to advance, gaining control over 40 square kilometers (15 square miles) of territory in the past 24 hours,” Syrskyi said.

Syrskyi also noted that fierce battles are ongoing along the front line, and despite the high intensity of the fighting, the situation remains under Ukrainian control. “The situation, despite the high price we are paying, remains under control,” he added.

The escalating conflict in the Kursk region underscores the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as both sides continue to engage in aggressive military maneuvers.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have expressed deep concern over the situation, calling for restraint and renewed efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Associated Press

14-Year-Old Girl Accuses Policeman of Defilement and Abandonment in Uganda

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A 14-year-old girl in Lwengo District, Uganda, has accused former Kyazanga police officer David Okello of sexual exploitation, alleging he defiled and impregnated her in 2023. The victim, now a mother of a 2-month-old baby, claims Okello kidnapped her on her way from school and continued to harass her even while she was in police custody.

The girl reported the incident to the police but was instead charged with theft and fraud. She alleges that Okello’s superior, Pamella Kahuma, confirmed her pregnancy but instructed her to keep quiet, promising police support.

Lwengo probation officer Maria Nankuzze called the case “a clear case of police brutality and sexual exploitation,” vowing to fight for justice for the child and her baby.

Masaka Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the defilement but claimed the girl was already pregnant when the incident occurred. Kasirye stated that Okello had been recommended to resign, but he appealed the decision in the police court of appeal.

The case has sparked outrage in Lwengo, with district chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta calling for police reform and accountability. The victim, formerly a Primary Five student at St. Mary’s primary school in Kyazanga, is now receiving support from local authorities and civil society organizations.

The incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and the treatment of sexual exploitation victims in Ghana. As investigations continue, the teenage mother has been placed in a children’s home in Lwengo for her safety and care.

Source: nilepost.co.ug

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko Visits Mali in Diplomatic Effort to Reintegrate Country into ECOWAS

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Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye waves as he walks along with Mali's junta leader Assimi Goita in Bamako, Mali May 30, 2024. Senegal's Presidency/Handout via REUTERS

BAMAKO, Mali – Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made his first official visit to Mali since his political party assumed power in the March 2024 presidential elections. Sonko’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic initiative led by Senegal to persuade Mali, now under military rule, to rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a 15-nation regional bloc established in 1975.

Mali, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, has distanced itself from ECOWAS after military coups fractured its relations with neighboring West African nations. The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the bloc’s nearly 50-year history, as it is the first time member countries have exited in such a manner.

During his visit, Sonko met with Colonel Assimi Goita, the interim president of Mali, emphasizing the need for West African nations to reconcile their differences and work together to restore regional stability. “A Malian empire that stretched from here to Senegal, Ghana and everywhere in between,” Sonko said, highlighting the historical connections that bind the region.

The military juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have criticized ECOWAS for imposing sanctions and pressuring them to return to civilian rule. In January, the juntas accused ECOWAS of imposing “illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions, arguing that the bloc’s actions disregarded the sovereignty of their nations and the right of their people “to take their destiny into their own hands.”

ECOWAS has been at the forefront of efforts to restore civilian governance in the coup-affected countries, applying sanctions and rejecting extended transitional timetables proposed by the military regimes. Despite these efforts, the situation remains tense, with the juntas forming an alternative union known as The Alliance of Sahel States.

Sonko’s visit to Mali represents a critical diplomatic effort to bridge the widening gap between ECOWAS and its former members. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who visited Mali in May, has also been active in these efforts, tasked with the monumental challenge of reuniting the weakened regional bloc.

As West Africa grapples with ongoing security threats and political instability, the success of these diplomatic initiatives could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of regional cooperation and stability.

Ghana Announces Plan to Launch Rocket into Space, Seeks International Partnerships

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The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute has unveiled plans for Ghana to launch a rocket into space. Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong, a Research Scientist at the institute, announced this ambitious goal during the 2024 International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa.

Speaking to JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah, Dr. Frimpong stated, “Ghana does plan to go space.” However, she emphasized that this long-term ambition would require significant investment and partnerships with other IAU member states.

“We will need a lot of investment in space technology, space engineering communication, and research because our infrastructure right now does not support going to space as far as the international space station,” Dr. Frimpong explained.

The announcement comes as South Africa hosts the first IAU General Assembly on African soil in the Union’s 105-year history. The event has attracted over 2,000 experts from 82 countries, highlighting Cape Town’s emergence as a hub for scientific discourse.

Dr. Frimpong expressed confidence in Ghanaian capabilities, stating, “Ghanaians are really brilliant; we have a lot of potential and are able to achieve a lot with the limited infrastructure we have.”

South Africa has expressed willingness to partner with countries like Ghana to enhance their contributions to the global astronomy community. Thoko Modise, General Manager for Communications at Brand South Africa, welcomed the collaboration opportunity.

The assembly will feature presentations on various astronomical topics, including the James Webb Space Telescope’s impact, exoplanet discovery techniques, and initiatives to combat light pollution. Notable guests include Dr. Sian Proctor, the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, and Dr. Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Prize winner in Physics.

As Ghana sets its sights on space, the country’s participation in this prestigious event underscores its commitment to advancing its space science capabilities and contributing to the international scientific community.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Iran Rejects European Call to Refrain from Retaliation Amid Rising Tensions Over Hamas Leader’s Killing

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TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has rejected a plea from three European countries urging it to refrain from carrying out any retaliatory attacks that could further intensify regional tensions. Iran labeled the request, made by the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany, as an “excessive request.”

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the European leaders called on Iran and its allies to avoid any retaliation following the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination, further straining an already volatile situation.

The European leaders also voiced support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to negotiate an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Talks are expected to resume on Thursday, focusing on the release of hostages held by Hamas and ensuring the “unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Mediators have been working for months to secure a three-phase plan aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The proposed plan would see Hamas releasing the remaining hostages captured during the October 7 attack, in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails. The plan also includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian toll continues to rise. After more than 10 months of intense fighting, the death toll among Palestinians in Gaza is nearing 40,000, according to the Health Ministry there.

The situation remains tense as the international community watches closely, with many fearing that any further escalation could have severe consequences for the entire region.

AP

Pandemonium in Ghana Parliament as Minority Attempts to Block Vetting of President’s Supreme Court Nominees

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Chaos erupted in Ghana’s Parliament on August 13, 2024, as the Minority attempted to halt the vetting of two Supreme Court nominees put forward by President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The incident unfolded at the Appointments Committee, where Justice Sophia Bernasko Essah and Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong were scheduled to be vetted for their potential appointments to the country’s highest court.

The disruption began even before the vetting process could commence, with concerns raised about the constitutionality of the appointments. Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, spearheaded the opposition, arguing that the nominations were unconstitutional.

Ayariga stated, “I think that we have been doing an illegal thing, an unconstitutional thing.

The president has been exercising the power without any foundation in the constitution or any law that I know.”

He specifically cited Articles 128, 144, 296, and 298 of the Ghanaian Constitution to support his objection.

The MP’s intervention highlighted a potential conflict between executive power and constitutional provisions, raising questions about the process of judicial appointments in Ghana.

This challenge to the nominations underscores the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition in matters of governance and constitutional interpretation.

In response to the Minority’s objections, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin defended the vetting process.

He emphasized that the role of the Appointments Committee is strictly limited to considering and vetting the President’s nominations, not to determine their constitutionality.

“We are only to vet and report to the preliminary for a decision to be taken.

We are not determining whether we are going to take a matter under a certificate of agency which will be determined by a committee,” Afenyo-Markin asserted.

This clash between the Minority and Majority factions highlights the complex interplay between executive appointments, legislative oversight, and constitutional interpretation in Ghana’s democratic system.

It also raises broader questions about the separation of powers and the checks and balances within the country’s governance structure.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this constitutional dispute will be resolved and what impact it may have on the appointment process for Supreme Court justices in Ghana.

The outcome of this confrontation could potentially set a precedent for future judicial nominations and the role of parliamentary oversight in such matters.

The incident has drawn significant attention from legal experts, political analysts, and the public, reflecting the importance of judicial appointments in shaping the country’s legal landscape and the intense scrutiny such nominations face in Ghana’s vibrant democracy.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Kenya Starvation Cult Leader Pleads Not Guilty

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Paul Mackenzie, the self-proclaimed pastor accused of leading one of Kenya’s worst cult-related mass deaths, has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges.

Mackenzie appeared in court in Mombasa on Monday, August 12, 2024, alongside 94 other suspects in a case that has shocked the nation.

The charges stem from the discovery of 429 bodies, including those of children, in mass graves in the remote Shakahola forest last April.

Most victims showed signs of starvation and assault, leading to the case being dubbed the “Shakahola Forest Massacre.”

Prosecutor Alexander Jami Yamina emphasized the unprecedented nature of the case, stating, “There has never been a manslaughter case like this in Kenya.”

The prosecution plans to call over 400 witnesses over the next four days, utilizing a law relating to suicide pacts due to the unique circumstances of the case.

Mackenzie, who founded the Good News International Church in 2003, allegedly encouraged his followers to move to Shakahola forest to “meet Jesus” and prepare for the end of the world. Survivors report a macabre order for starvation, beginning with children and ending with church leaders.

The case has highlighted issues within Kenya’s religious landscape, where 85% of the population identifies as Christian.

It has raised concerns about unregulated churches and cults operating in the country.

In addition to the manslaughter charges, Mackenzie faces separate trials for terrorism and child abuse.

He was previously convicted in November 2023 for illegally operating a film studio associated with his preaching.

As the trial unfolds, it continues to grip the nation, prompting discussions about religious freedom, child protection, and the need for stricter oversight of religious organizations in Kenya.

The case remains a stark reminder of the potential dangers of extremist religious ideologies and the vulnerability of followers to manipulation.

The ongoing identification and return of victims’ bodies to their families add a somber note to the proceedings, with only 34 bodies returned so far after months of DNA testing.

This process underscores the long-lasting impact of the tragedy on the affected families and the wider Kenyan community.

UN Chief, Sierra Leone’s President, Calls for Security Council Representative Reforms to Favor Africa

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In a significant push for reform of the United Nations Security Council, both UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio have strongly advocated for permanent African representation on the council.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Their calls, made on Monday, August 12, 2024, highlight the growing urgency for change in the structure of the UN’s most powerful body.

President Bio, chairing a Security Council meeting during Sierra Leone’s rotating presidency, emphasized that “Africa cannot wait any longer” for fair representation.

He described the continent as the “unquestionable victim” of an outdated and unbalanced council structure, stating, “The time for half-measures and incremental progress is over. Africa must be heard, and its demands for justice and equity must be met.”

Echoing these sentiments, Secretary-General Guterres pointed out the glaring disparity in representation, saying, “We cannot accept that the world’s preeminent peace and security body lacks a permanent voice for a continent of well over a billion people – a young and rapidly growing population – making up 28% of the membership of the United Nations.”

The current composition of the Security Council, with five permanent veto-wielding members (United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France) and ten non-permanent members, reflects the global power structure that emerged after World War II.

This arrangement has long been criticized for failing to represent the realities of the 21st century, particularly the emergence of Africa as a significant global player.

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio

The African Union has proposed adding two permanent seats and two additional non-permanent seats for African countries.

This would bring the total African representation to five seats, better reflecting the continent’s population, UN membership, and contribution to peacekeeping efforts.

Guterres highlighted that nearly half of all UN peacekeeping operations are in Africa, with 40% of UN peacekeepers being African.

He also noted that while Africa is under-represented in international decision-making bodies, it is “over-represented in the very challenges these structures are designed to address.”

The push for reform comes ahead of the UN “Summit of the Future” and the annual General Assembly gathering next month.

There are hopes that these high-level meetings could generate momentum for change, with the latest draft of the summit’s “Pact for the Future” terming Security Council reform a priority.

However, the path to reform remains complex. While there’s general agreement that the council needs to change, discussions have stalled over specifics such as the extent of expansion, which countries to include, and what powers new members should have.

As the debate continues, both Guterres and Bio emphasize that reform is not just about ethics and justice, but also a strategic imperative.

“It is also a strategic imperative that can increase global acceptance of the council’s decisions – benefitting Africa and the world,” Guterres stated.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this renewed push for African representation on the Security Council can overcome longstanding obstacles and lead to meaningful reform of this key global institution.

Source: bbc.com

A Trove of Artifacts from Egypt’s Last Dynasty Has Been Found in 63 Tombs-AP

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A significant archaeological discovery has been made in Egypt’s Nile Delta region, where 63 tombs containing artifacts from the country’s last dynasty have been unearthed. Neveine el-Arif, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, announced on Monday, August 12, 2024, that experts are now working to restore and classify the finds.

The artifacts, dating back to Egypt’s Late and Ptolemaic periods, include gold pieces and jewelry.

Some of these items may be exhibited in one of the country’s museums in the future.

The discovery was made by an Egyptian archaeological mission with the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the Tell al-Deir necropolis in Damietta city, Damietta governorate.

The mud-brick tombs yielded a variety of items, including statues, funerary amulets, and a pottery vessel containing 38 bronze coins from the Ptolemaic period.

The Ptolemaic dynasty, Egypt’s last before Roman conquest, was founded in 305 B.C. following Alexander the Great’s takeover of Egypt in 332 B.C. The dynasty ended with Cleopatra’s reign.

This discovery adds to Egypt’s rich archaeological heritage. In 2018, artifacts from the Ptolemaic period were exhibited for the first time at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, featuring around 300 items.

The find at Tell al-Deir necropolis provides valuable insights into Egypt’s final native dynasty and offers potential new exhibits for the country’s museums, further enriching the understanding of this pivotal period in ancient Egyptian history.

As restoration and classification work continues, archaeologists and historians anticipate that these artifacts will shed new light on the cultural and social aspects of Egypt’s last dynastic era.

Health of Detained Binance Executive Deteriorates in Nigerian Prison Amid Money Laundering Charges, Wife Reports

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LAGOS, Nigeria – The health of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive, has reportedly worsened while he remains in a Nigerian prison facing serious money laundering charges, his wife disclosed on Monday.

Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and head of financial crime compliance at Binance, is accused of laundering over $35 million alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan national and Binance’s regional manager for Africa.

Binance, recognized as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is also facing separate charges of tax evasion in Nigeria.

Both Gambaryan and the company have denied the allegations, maintaining their innocence. Anjarwalla, who managed to escape custody, fled Nigeria before the trial commenced.

Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, expressed grave concerns about her husband’s deteriorating condition in a statement.

“His health is in a shockingly bad condition and getting worse by the day,” she stated, adding that he suffers from a herniated disc in his back, which has significantly worsened during his incarceration.

“The herniated disc in his back has worsened to the point where it might leave permanent damage and affect his ability to walk,”  Yuki Gambaryan further explained.

She also reported that since July 26, her husband has been denied access to his legal team. Requests for comment from the Nigerian Correctional Service, which oversees the prison, went unanswered.

The legal troubles for Binance in Nigeria began when the government announced in March that it would halt all transactions and trading in the country’s local currency following a nationwide crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Authorities accused these exchanges of illegally trading in U.S. dollars on the black market.

During a recent court appearance, Gambaryan, who was brought to the court in a wheelchair, was ordered by Justice Emeka Nwite to be admitted to a hospital for 24 hours for a medical diagnosis and treatment.

This order came after his defense team provided a medical report indicating his declining health. However, the medical report was not submitted to the court, further complicating the situation.

Gambaryan’s trial has been adjourned until October 11, as his legal and health issues continue to unfold.

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