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Illicit Banknotes in Eastern Libya Contribute to Dinar Devaluation, Russia Involved

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TRIPOLI, Libya – Unofficial Libyan banknotes, some printed by Russia, have been exchanged for real dollars, exacerbating the dinar’s devaluation, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Some of these notes were printed in Russia and exported to eastern Libya this year, while others were printed illicitly within Libya.

The new banknotes have been described as counterfeit by the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) in Tripoli but are being converted into hard currency on the black market or through local banks in Libya’s eastern regions. These activities have significantly impacted the Libyan economy, according to sources from Libya’s eastern government, a Libyan banking source, and a diplomatic source.

The illicit money is reportedly used to fund infrastructure projects in the east following last year’s devastating floods. Additionally, the funds may be used to finance Russian mercenary activity in Libya and the Sahel, the diplomatic source added. Russia’s involvement in introducing new banknotes into Libya was flagged to Reuters by The Sentry, an international investigative and policy group focused on corruption and war crimes.

Neither the Tripoli-based Central Bank of Libya nor its branch in Benghazi responded to Reuters’ requests for comment. There was also no immediate response from the Libyan National Army, which controls eastern Libya. The Russian state printer, Goznak, did not respond to a written request for comment.

Libya split in 2014 between warring eastern and western factions. Despite a 2020 ceasefire, a political solution has been elusive, with ongoing conflict. The U.S. sanctioned Goznak in 2019 for printing more than $1 billion in counterfeit Libyan currency without specifying when the notes were printed.

Credit: Reuters

Ugandan Court Charges 42 Youths Over Anti-Graft Protest

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KAMPALA, Uganda – A Ugandan magistrate’s court has charged at least 42 youths for offenses allegedly committed during a banned anti-corruption protest on Tuesday. The court has remanded them in custody.

Protesters marched on different streets in the capital, Kampala, on Tuesday, shouting slogans and holding placards denouncing corruption by lawmakers. The youths were arrested during these demonstrations and appeared in court late on Tuesday, according to Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society, who was leading a team of lawyers representing the suspects.

The court charged the protesters with various offenses, including being “idle and disorderly” and being a “common nuisance,” according to the charge sheet. They pleaded not guilty and were ordered to return to court on different dates between July 30 and August 6.

New York-based human rights group Human Rights Watch condemned the arrests, stating that they demonstrate the Ugandan government’s “lack of respect for people’s right to protest and express themselves.” Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, said, “Instead of being arrested and blocked from protesting, those people should have been listened to.”

The police spokesperson did not answer repeated calls for comment. The opposition has long accused Ugandan authorities of enabling corruption and misusing public funds, alleging that President Yoweri Museveni protects senior officials who are politically loyal or related to him. Museveni has denied condoning corruption and stated that those found guilty, including lawmakers and even ministers, are punished.

Reuters’ Original Story

At Least 26 Villagers Killed in Latest Attack in Central Mali

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At least 26 villagers were killed in a violent attack on Dembo village in central Mali, near the Burkina Faso border, according to local government official Moulaye Guindo. The assault, which occurred on Sunday evening, targeted villagers working in their farmlands, marking the latest in a series of violent incidents in the conflict-ridden region.

Guindo, the mayor of Bankass town where Dembo is located, reported that the assailants struck as most villagers were engaged in agricultural work. This attack follows a pattern of increasing violence in central Mali, as the country’s military junta struggles to contain unrest in both the central and northern regions.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, suspicion has fallen on JNIM, an al-Qaida-linked extremist group known for similar assaults on villagers in the area. JNIM was blamed for a July attack on a wedding ceremony that left at least 21 people dead.

The violence in central and northern Mali has persisted for over a decade, with extremist rebels regrouping and launching attacks on remote villages and security forces after being initially forced from power in northern cities. The security crisis has been further exacerbated by the collapse of a 2015 peace deal with ethnic Tuareg rebels active in the north.

Death Toll Rises to 229 in Southern Ethiopia Mudslide, Search for Survivors Continues

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The search for survivors continues in Kencho Shacha Gozdi district, southern Ethiopia following a catastrophic mudslide that has claimed at least 229 lives. The death toll, which has risen dramatically from an initial count of 55, includes many who were attempting to rescue survivors, according to local authorities.

Dagmawi Ayele, a local administrator, reported that young children and pregnant women were among the victims. At least five people have been rescued alive, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. The exact number of missing individuals remains unknown, complicating rescue efforts.

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his condolences on Facebook and announced the activation of the federal disaster prevention task force to assist in search and rescue operations. The disaster, triggered by heavy rain, has devastated the remote district, challenging rescue teams working in rugged terrain.

On Monday, as victims were being laid to rest, rescue teams continued to comb the area for survivors. Markos Melese, director of the disaster response agency in Gofa Zone, reported that many rescuers are still unaccounted for, adding to the growing toll of this tragedy.

The ongoing rescue efforts are marked by emotional scenes, with women crying out as they watch rescuers using shovels to clear through thick mud. The challenging conditions have hampered rescue operations, but authorities remain committed to the search.

Landslides are a common occurrence during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which began in July and is expected to continue until mid-September. This disaster underscores the vulnerability of certain regions to such natural calamities and the need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

As the community grapples with this immense loss, the focus remains on supporting survivors, continuing search efforts, and preventing further casualties in the affected areas. The tragedy has drawn national attention to the plight of remote communities and the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and emergency response capabilities in vulnerable regions.

Family Calls for Release of Aid Worker Detained in Central African Republic

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The family of Joseph Figueira Martin, a Portuguese-Belgian aid worker arrested in the Central African Republic (CAR), continues to assert his innocence and demand his immediate release. Martin, detained in a military center in Zemio, southeastern CAR, faces accusations of collaborating with armed groups to plan a coup, allegations his family vehemently denies.

Martin’s brother stated to The Associated Press that any communication with rebels was solely for safety and survival while working in dangerous regions. The aid worker, employed as a consultant for FHI 360 since 2023, began a hunger strike last week to protest his detention conditions.

CAR authorities claim to have evidence of Martin’s involvement in financing and coordinating armed groups, including money transfers, audio recordings, and alleged incitement to war crimes. This arrest marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to regulating foreign NGO activities in conflict zones, with authorities issuing warnings to aid workers about potential legal consequences for actions deemed threats to national security.

The conflict in CAR, ongoing since 2013, has seen reduced fighting following a 2019 peace deal, though tensions persist. The Russian mercenary group Wagner supports President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s government, adding complexity to the situation.

FHI 360 refutes the allegations against Martin, stating they contradict the facts of his visit and the organization’s work. The aid group says Martin was in CAR to support a project aimed at reducing poverty, creating economic opportunities, and preventing gender-based violence.

Russian-linked security forces control the nation

CAR government spokesperson Maxime Balalu expressed confidence in the judiciary’s handling of the case, while the UN Office of the High Commissioner has issued a report condemning human rights violations in the country’s detention facilities.

As tensions mount, Martin’s case highlights the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones and the delicate balance between national security concerns and international aid efforts in fragile states like the Central African Republic.

Africanews.com

Five Parish Chiefs and SACCO Leaders Arrested for Extorting PDM Beneficiaries in Rubanda, Uganda

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Five parish chiefs and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) leaders in Rubanda district, Uganda have been arrested for allegedly extorting money from Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries. The arrests, ordered by acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eric Ssewandingi, took place in Ikumba sub-county and Nshanjare town council.

The suspects, identified as Lius Tumwesigye, Unique Atuheire, Gerald Tumwesigye, Elias Ahimbisibwe, and Justus Mwesigye, are accused of demanding between 50,000 and 100,000 Ugandan shillings from PDM beneficiaries. Ssewandingi reported that authorities recovered 2.5 million shillings from three of the suspects: Justus Tumwesigye, Ezera Arineitwe, and Gerald Tumwesigye.

The RDC explained that the arrests followed a tip-off from a whistleblower, leading to an intelligence operation that confirmed the extortion allegations. I summoned the committee which came this morning and after that they accepted and the money was recovered,” Ssewandingi stated.

Two of the accused, Elias Tumwesigye (chairperson) and Unique Atuheire (treasurer) of the Ikumba Parish Development Model SACCO, allegedly extorted between 50,000 to 100,000 shillings from over 15 PDM beneficiaries.

Ssewandingi has called on the public to report any cases of extortion, emphasizing that the PDM is a free service. He assured citizens that the district will continue monitoring all sub-counties and parishes to root out corruption within the program.

“I call upon the general public not to fear giving us information. They should give us information and we clean up,” Ssewandingi urged. He confirmed that the arrested individuals are in custody and that the recovered money is with the authorities.

This crackdown highlights ongoing challenges in implementing rural development programs in Uganda and underscores the government’s efforts to combat corruption at the local level. As the investigation continues, it serves as a warning to other officials and a call for increased vigilance among PDM beneficiaries.

Source: nilepost.co.ug

Salt Lake City Awarded 2034 Winter Olympics, Marking 32-Year Return

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has formally awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic Games to Salt Lake City, marking a triumphant return to Utah 32 years after the city first hosted the event in 2002. The announcement came Wednesday during an IOC session in Paris, where Salt Lake City was confirmed as the sole candidate for the 2034 Games.

Salt Lake City’s bid, which had been granted exclusive negotiating rights by the IOC last year, was presented by a high-profile delegation including Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and Alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn. The presentation team made their case to IOC members, highlighting the city’s previous Olympic experience and its commitment to hosting a sustainable and innovative Games.

The selection process for the 2034 Winter Olympics was notably streamlined, with the Utah city emerging as the only contender in a fast-tracked bidding process. This approach reflects the IOC’s recent strategy of identifying and working closely with potential hosts well in advance of the Games.

Governor of Utah Spencer Cox

Back in Utah, despite the early hour, a public watch party gathered at 3 a.m. to witness the historic announcement via live broadcast from Paris. The enthusiasm demonstrated by local residents underscores the enduring Olympic spirit in Salt Lake City and the broader Utah community.

Salt Lake City’s successful bid builds on the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics, which were widely regarded as a success and left a lasting impact on the region’s sports infrastructure and winter sports culture. The 2034 Games are expected to utilize many of the venues from 2002, with plans for upgrades and modernization to meet current Olympic standards.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall 

This selection not only represents a significant achievement for Salt Lake City and the United States Olympic movement but also reflects the IOC’s confidence in the city’s ability to deliver a world-class event. As preparations begin for the 2034 Winter Olympics, attention will now turn to the long-term planning and development that will shape Utah’s Olympic future over the next decade.

Plane Crash in Nepal Kills 18, Pilot Sole Survivor

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A Saurya Airlines domestic flight crashed Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, resulting in 18 fatalities. The pilot, who survived with eye injuries, is the lone survivor of the tragic incident.

Police official Basanta Rajauri confirmed that all 18 bodies have been recovered from the crash site. The pilot is currently receiving treatment at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital, where doctors report his injuries are not life-threatening.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the plane, bound for the resort town of Pokhara, took off at 11:11 a.m. local time. It turned right after takeoff but crashed moments later in the eastern section of the airport. While it was not raining at the time of the crash, visibility was low across the capital due to the ongoing monsoon season.

The airline manifest revealed that the flight carried two pilots and 17 passengers, including 16 Nepali nationals and one Yemeni national. All bodies have been transferred to T.U. Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for autopsy.

Tribhuvan International Airport, known for its challenging landing conditions due to its location in a valley surrounded by mountains, has been temporarily closed as emergency crews and investigators begin their work. The airport’s proximity to the city and surrounding neighborhoods adds to the complexity of flight operations.

This incident adds to a history of aviation accidents in Nepal. In 2019, a Bangladeshi airliner crash at the same airport resulted in 51 fatalities, while a 2015 incident involving a Turkish Airlines jet skidding off the runway fortunately resulted in no serious injuries.

As investigations begin, this latest crash raises further questions about aviation safety in Nepal and the challenges faced by pilots operating in the country’s unique geographical conditions. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing need for improved safety measures in Nepal’s aviation sector.

Sierra Leone Court Sentences 11 to Prison for Failed 2023 Coup Attempt

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A Sierra Leone high court has sentenced 11 individuals, including soldiers and police officers, to lengthy prison terms for their alleged involvement in the failed military coup of November 26, 2023. The verdict, delivered on Monday, comes after a trial that has gripped the nation and highlighted ongoing political tensions in the West African country.

The convicted individuals were found guilty on 20 counts, including treason, murder, and unauthorized use of military uniforms. The coup attempt, which targeted military barracks, a prison, and other strategic locations, resulted in the deaths of over 20 people and the escape of approximately 2,200 inmates.

Amadu Koita Makalo, a retired army major and former bodyguard to ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, received the harshest sentence. He was given concurrent prison terms ranging from 40 to 70 years for various offenses. Two female police officers were also among those convicted, with Ramatu Kamanda Conteh receiving a 30-year sentence for harboring Koita.

Notably, a twelfth accused, Bai Mahmoud Bangura from the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party, is being tried separately due to health issues.

The government has alleged that the coup attempt was primarily led by bodyguards of former president Koroma. Koroma himself was initially charged with four related offenses but was later allowed to leave the country on medical grounds. The former president has condemned the coup attempt, while his lawyers have dismissed the charges as “trumped up” and part of a “political vendetta.”

This coup attempt and subsequent trial have reignited tensions in Sierra Leone, a country still recovering from a devastating civil war that ended in 2002. The convictions highlight the ongoing challenges to political stability in the region and raise questions about the future of democracy in Sierra Leone.

As the country grapples with the aftermath of this failed coup and the resulting legal proceedings, many observers are closely watching for any signs of further political unrest or efforts at reconciliation between opposing factions.

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