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Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery Seeks Libyan and Angolan Oil Amid Domestic Supply Challenges

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Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, is in talks with Libya to secure crude oil supplies for its 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant, according to a senior executive. The refinery is also planning to approach Angola for oil supplies as it grapples with insufficient domestic crude availability.

Reuter reports that Devakumar Edwin, a senior executive at Dangote refinery, revealed to Reuters that discussions are underway with Libya, and similar talks are planned with Angola and other African countries. This move comes as the $20 billion refinery, built by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, struggles to obtain adequate crude supplies within Nigeria due to theft, pipeline vandalism, and low investment in the sector.

Since beginning operations in January, the refinery has been forced to import crude from as far as Brazil and the United States to maintain production. The facility, designed to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuels, is now looking to diversify its crude sources to ensure consistent operations.

Aliko Dangote speaking with guests.

Edwin also disclosed that international traders and oil companies, including Trafigura, Vitol, BP, and TotalEnergies, are among the biggest buyers of Dangote’s gasoil, with much of the product being exported. This development indicates that Dangote is increasing its gasoil exports to West Africa, potentially taking market share from European refiners.

To manage supplies and product sales, Dangote has established an oil trading arm with staff in London and Lagos. However, the refinery faces regulatory challenges, with Nigeria’s upstream regulator claiming that the sulphur content in its gasoil exceeds the required limits. Aliko Dangote has denied these allegations, stating that the sulphur levels have decreased and will continue to fall as production increases.

As Dangote refinery seeks to overcome its supply challenges and establish itself as a major player in African oil refining, its negotiations with Libya and Angola could have significant implications for regional oil trade and Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply situation.

Democratic Party Chairs in All 50 States Unanimously Support Kamala Harris for Presidential Nominee-Reuters

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All 50 Democratic Party state chairs have unanimously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s new presidential nominee, sources familiar with the matter told Jeff Mason, Nandita Bose, and Jarrett Renshaw.

The Democratic chairs held a conference call on Sunday following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would step aside as the party’s candidate. According to one source, there was “full support” for Harris to be at the top of the ticket.

Democrats Rally Behind Kamala Harris for 2024 Presidential Nomination, Some Key Figures Remain Silent

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In the wake of President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, many Democrats have swiftly rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s potential nominee. However, some influential party figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have yet to voice their support.

Biden endorsed Harris in a statement on social media platform X, saying, “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Key endorsements for Harris quickly followed from the Congressional Black Caucus, several major donors, lawmakers including U.S. Senator Patty Murray, and super PACs such as Priorities USA and Unite the Country. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also threw their support behind Harris.

Dmitri Mehlhorn, an adviser to major Democratic donor Reid Hoffman, praised Harris as “the American dream personified” and “toughness personified,” highlighting her background as the daughter of immigrants and her rise from Oakland, California to become the state’s top prosecutor.

However, notable absences from the immediate endorsement list include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama. Obama’s statement acknowledged the “uncharted waters” ahead but stopped short of endorsing Harris, stating, “I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

Some Democrats, like U.S. Senator Peter Welch, have called for an open nomination process to ensure the party’s consensus and strengthen the eventual nominee’s position. Welch emphasized the importance of having “an open process so that whoever our nominee is, including Kamala, has the strength of having a process that shows the consensus position of the party.”

The rapid coalescing of support behind Harris is crucial with just over 100 days until the November election. However, doubts persist within the Democratic Party about Harris’s ability to defeat former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.

As the Democratic Party navigates this unexpected transition, the coming days will be critical in determining whether Harris can secure broad party support and position herself as a formidable challenger to Trump in the general election. The situation remains fluid, with some party members exploring potential alternatives or considering the implications of different running mate options for Harris.

Republicans Demand Biden’s Resignation After He Ends Reelection Bid

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More than a dozen Republican lawmakers have called for President Joe Biden to resign from office following his announcement to end his reelection bid. The demands, made on Sunday, cite concerns about Biden’s ability to govern given his decision not to seek a second term.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator J.D. Vance, recently nominated as Donald Trump’s running mate for the November 5 election, led the chorus of Republican voices urging the 81-year-old incumbent to step down.

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately,” Johnson stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The calls for resignation come after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats for Biden to end his campaign, following a poorly received debate performance against former President Trump on June 27.

Some Republicans, including Senator Markwayne Mullin, have gone further, suggesting Biden’s Cabinet invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. However, such action is considered highly unlikely given that Biden handpicked his Cabinet members.

Democrats have swiftly dismissed these demands as “ridiculous.” Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close Biden associate, rejected the calls outright. The White House also responded, with spokesperson Andrew Bates affirming Biden’s intention to complete his term and continue pursuing his agenda.

He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people,” Bates stated, highlighting Biden’s focus on economic issues and opposition to what he termed the “MAGAnomics agenda.

The resignation demands follow months of Republican criticism of Biden on issues such as immigration and inflation. They also come in the wake of an unsuccessful impeachment attempt by House Republicans that failed to uncover evidence of wrongdoing.

As the political landscape shifts dramatically with Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, these calls for resignation underscore the intensifying partisan divide and set the stage for a tumultuous lead-up to the November election.

REUTERS

Austrian Police Detain Over 50 Protesters in Clash Over Far-Right March

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Police try to push back protestors who take part in a demonstration demanding the compliance of basic rights and an end of the restrictive coronavirus measures in Kassel, central Germany, on March 20, 2021. - Several thousand critics and so-called 'Querdenker' from all over Germany were expected to take part in the protest organised by the group 'Freie Buerger Kassel' (Photo by ARMANDO BABANI / AFP)

Austrian police detained more than 50 protesters on Saturday as clashes erupted between anti-fascist groups and a march by hundreds of right-wing extremists in Vienna. The incident highlights growing political tensions in Austria as the country prepares for September parliamentary elections, where the far-right is expected to make significant gains.

The demonstrations were sparked by a march organized by identitarian and other hard-right activists, with social media posts showing marchers carrying banners calling for “remigration” – a term advocating for the mass return of migrants to their countries of origin. In response, anti-fascist groups and left-leaning political parties called for counter-protests.

Law enforcement deployed hundreds of officers to maintain order and keep the opposing groups separated. According to the Austrian Press Agency, 43 people were temporarily detained for refusing to end a sit-down protest blocking the march route. An additional 10 were detained after masked protesters threw rocks and bottles, resulting in injuries to three officers and damage to a patrol car.

Interior Minister Gehard Karner emphasized that police would prosecute offenses committed during demonstrations, regardless of political affiliation. “Whether they are committed by left- or right-wing extremists or other enemies of democracy,” Karner stated.

The upcoming September 29 elections are expected to confirm a recent pan-European trend toward the political right. The far-right Freedom Party narrowly beat the conservative People’s Party in recent European Parliament elections, raising concerns among left-leaning parties about the potential implications of a government including the Freedom Party.

Eva Blimlinger, a spokesperson for the Greens, warned that such a government could embolden right-wing radicals, stating, “They want nothing other than the end of our pluralistic democratic society.”

As Austria grapples with these political tensions, the clashes in Vienna serve as a stark reminder of the divisive issues at play in the upcoming elections and the challenges facing the country’s democratic institutions.

US Airlines Still Reeling from Global Tech Outage, Over 1,000 Flights Canceled for Third Straight Day

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The US aviation industry continues to grapple with the aftermath of a global tech outage, resulting in more than 1,000 flight cancellations for the third consecutive day. As of early Sunday afternoon, over 1,200 flights into, within, or out of the United States were canceled, with an additional 5,000 flights facing delays, according to FlightAware.com.

Delta Airlines bore the brunt of the disruptions, accounting for over 600 of the cancellations. The airline cited an “outside vendor technology issue” as the cause, stating that recovery efforts are ongoing. Delta is offering affected customers travel vouchers, waivers, and SkyMiles Program miles as compensation.

The tech issue, attributed to a flawed software update for Microsoft Windows operating systems by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, has had far-reaching consequences beyond the aviation sector. An estimated 8.5 million Windows devices were affected, impacting businesses, government agencies, and various services worldwide.

Other major airlines are also struggling to restore normal operations. United Airlines reported that most of its systems have recovered, but warned of potential ongoing delays and cancellations. American Airlines and Allegiant Air have also issued statements about their recovery efforts.

The US Department of Transportation has determined that the flight delays and cancellations resulting from this outage are “controllable” and attributable to the airlines. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that passengers are entitled to prompt refunds for canceled flights if they choose not to rebook.

At Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, officials have implemented a “concessions crisis plan” to assist stranded passengers. Many travelers have expressed frustration with the situation, with some reporting sleeping on airport floors and experiencing multiple flight cancellations.

As airlines work to clear the backlog of affected flights and passengers, the incident highlights the vulnerability of the aviation industry to technological disruptions and the need for robust contingency plans. It also underscores the importance of clear communication and fair compensation policies for affected travelers during such widespread disruptions.

South African President Ramaphosa Outlines Unity Plan for New Coalition Government

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed lawmakers at Cape Town’s City Hall on Thursday, marking the official start of business for the country’s unprecedented multiparty coalition government. This new political landscape emerged after the historic May 29 election, where the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority for the first time in 30 years.

In his speech, Ramaphosa emphasized the unity of the diverse coalition in addressing South Africa’s most pressing issues: the unemployment crisis, crippling poverty and inequality, and the failure of state institutions due to corruption and neglect.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the ANC’s shortcomings, stating, “Despite the achievements of 30 years of democracy … millions of South Africans remain poor, unemployed and they live in a highly unequal society.” He called for collective action, saying, “The circumstances of South Africa today require that we act together.

The new coalition government, dubbed a “government of national unity,” brings together at least 10 parties, including the Democratic Alliance, previously the ANC’s main political rival. This shift has resulted in a new official opposition, the newly-founded MK Party led by former president Jacob Zuma.

Ramaphosa outlined broad plans to address South Africa’s challenges, including creating job opportunities in various sectors, eliminating corruption and bureaucratic red tape, and prioritizing economic growth and development.

The president’s speech was met with general approval from lawmakers, reflecting the new political alliances. However, the task ahead remains daunting, with South Africa facing a 32% unemployment rate and being considered the world’s most unequal country by wealth distribution.

As Ramaphosa begins his second and final five-year term, he faces the challenge of keeping this diverse coalition united while addressing the country’s deep-rooted problems. The success of this new political experiment could have significant implications for South Africa’s future and its role as a leader on the African continent.

The speech, which opened what South Africa calls “the seventh administration,” represents a crucial moment in the country’s post-apartheid history. It underscores the evolving nature of South African politics and the urgent need for effective governance to address longstanding socio-economic challenges.

As the country embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Ramaphosa and his coalition partners to see if they can deliver on their promises of unity and progress. The coming months and years will be critical in determining whether this new approach to governance can bring about the meaningful change that many South Africans have long been waiting for.

apnews.com

Man Arrested for Stabbing Girlfriend’s Brother in Ogun State, Nigeria Over Borrowed Phone

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Operatives of Ogun State Police Command, south west, Nigeria have arrested 35-year-old Dada Taiwo for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend’s brother, Damilola Momoh, with a broken bottle in Agbado, Ifo local government area of the state.

The suspect stabbed Damilola, aged 34, during an argument over a phone the victim had borrowed.

Confirming the arrest of Taiwo on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the incident was reported to the Agbado Division by Olaiife Momoh, the girlfriend of the suspect.

Odutola stated that the victim had been rushed to Oworonmer Hospital in Agbado for medical treatment and an investigation is ongoing.

She said, “On the 21st of July, at about 2 am, a woman named Olaiife Momoh, residing at 11 Sowemimo Street, Akera, Agbado, Ogun State, reported to the station that her boyfriend, Dada Taiwo of 34 Crossing Road, Agbado, aged 35, had a dispute with her elder brother, Damilola Momoh, aged 34, over a phone her brother had borrowed.

“During the argument, the suspect, armed with a broken bottle, stabbed her brother in the neck, causing severe injuries and profuse bleeding.”

Odutola, however, warned against uncontrollable anger and advised young people to report any incidents to the nearest police station to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

Source:vangaurdngr.com

9 Shot, 4 Fatally, When ‘Multiple’ Gunmen Open Fire at Large Philadelphia Party, Police Say

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Nine people were shot, four fatally, when gunfire involving multiple gunmen erupted early Sunday at a party in Philadelphia, according to authorities.

The mass shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on the 1200 block of North Alden Street in the Carroll Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia, where a party attended by more than 100 people was taking place, as reported by the Philadelphia Police Department.

Upon arrival, officers found victims suffering from gunshot wounds and multiple spent shell casings scattered in the area, Philadelphia police Inspector D.F. Pace said during a news conference at the scene.

“It appears that there were multiple shooters. It’s unclear at this time how many. But we have counted at least 25 to 30 spent shell casings at this time,” Pace said. “We’re not sure if it was a block party or just simply a group of individuals who were invited from other parts of the city. It’s just not clear at this time.”

Pace initially said a total of 10 people were shot, including the three who were killed. But in the latest statement released Sunday, police said nine victims were shot.

No arrests have been made in the case, officials said.

Preliminary information indicates an exchange of gunfire between multiple shooters resulting in a nonuple shooting and triple homicide,” police said in a statement.

Investigators recovered firearms from the scene, indicating different caliber weapons were used in the shooting, which is “consistent with an exchange of gunfire between multiple shooters,” police said. The investigation remains active, and police are urging anyone with information to contact the authorities.

Kamala Harris Announces Presidential Bid as Biden Exits Race, Backed by Abortion Rights Groups

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Vice President Kamala Harris has announced her intention to run for president in the 2024 election, just hours after President Joe Biden revealed he would be dropping out of the race. This swift declaration positions Harris as a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, with strong support already emerging from pro-abortion rights organizations.

In a statement released Sunday, Harris said, “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.” Emphasizing the urgency of the upcoming election, she added, “We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

Harris’s announcement has been met with enthusiasm from prominent abortion rights advocacy groups, most notably Planned Parenthood. The organization released a statement Sunday, praising Harris’s commitment to reproductive rights: “As we have navigated this public health crisis, Vice President Harris has kept the needs and experiences of patients and providers front and center. She’s the first Vice President to visit a Planned Parenthood health center — and we know that she will continue to fight like hell to rebuild a fundamental right that was stripped away.”

Planned Parenthood further commended the Biden-Harris administration’s record on reproductive freedoms, stating, “President Biden and Vice President Harris‘ record when it comes to protecting our reproductive freedoms and abortion access is unquestionable — these last two years, they have been the strongest, steadiest voice in the post-Dobbs storm.

Harris has indeed been at the forefront of the Biden administration’s efforts to protect abortion rights, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Her leadership on this issue is likely to be a central theme of her campaign, given its significance to Democratic voters.

As the race for the Democratic nomination begins to take shape following Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, Harris’s early declaration and the swift support from key advocacy groups could give her a significant advantage. However, she may still face competition from other prominent Democrats who might view Biden’s exit as an opportunity to enter the race.

The coming weeks will be crucial as Harris begins to build her campaign infrastructure and articulate her vision for the country. With abortion rights expected to be a major issue in the 2024 election, her strong stance on the matter and the backing of organizations like Planned Parenthood could play a pivotal role in mobilizing Democratic voters.

As the political landscape continues to evolve rapidly, all eyes will be on Harris as she transitions from vice president to presidential candidate, navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in what promises to be a highly consequential election.

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