BY ANDREW KORYBKO | JUNE 18, 2023

President Putin surprised his guests from the African peace delegation on Saturday by revealing details about Russias now-defunct draft treaty with Ukraine. It would have re-enshrined neutrality in that countrys constitution and also limited its number of military forces. According to him, it had even been signed by the Ukrainian side, which then discarded it in response to pressure from the Anglo-American Axis (AAA) despite Russia pulling its troops back from Kiev as part of an agreed-upon goodwill gesture.

The special operation could have been over just a month after it started, thus meaning that this development marked the beginning of the NATO-Russian proxy war in hindsight seeing as how that bloc hadnt yet gone all-out in supporting Ukraine until right after that happened. This suggests that while the AAA was indeed surprised by President Putin preemptively averting Kievs planned reconquest of Donbass, they eventually saw an opportunity to weaken their rival by perpetuating this conflict.

They seemingly calculated that it would quickly collapse due to combined proxy war and sanctions pressure, though that obviously didnt happen. The following fifteen months ended up hurting the Global South a lot more than Russia as proven by the food and fuel crises that ravaged these developing countries as a result of the Wests unilateral restrictions on their targets financial dealings. The so-called grain deal also failed to relieve their suffering since Kiev never shipped its supplies to those states.

It was in the context of those countries plight that some of their leaders decided to embark on a peace mission to the two direct combatants in this conflict. They...

Greece shipwreck: Coastguard 'watched' as boat sank, say survivors

South African presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya has accused Reuters of peddling lies, after the news agency claimed that a Russian missile strike sent his delegation running for a bunker in Kiev. It was not the first time Ukrainian authorities sounded air raid sirens when foreign leaders arrived in the city. Magwenya arrived in Kiev on Friday with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who along with five other African leaders met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to promote a negotiated end to the conflict with Russia. According to Reuters, air raid sirens and explosions were heard in the city, and the group was whisked to a shelter underneath a hotel. Ukrainian officials seized on the opportunity to accuse Russia of undermining the peace mission. "Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba wrote on Twitter. "Whenever a high-ranking foreign delegation visits Ukraine, Russia greets it with a missile...

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1992614624438248

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has rebuffed international calls to repeal the country's recent anti-LGBTQ legislation, insisting that no amount of intimidation will persuade his government to do so. "The signing is finished, nobody will move us... I said you people should be ready for a war. And you cannot fight a war when you are a pleasure seeker, if you like a soft life," Museveni said in a statement after a meeting with members of his National Resistance Movement (NRM) party on Wednesday. Kampala has attracted widespread criticism and received threats of sanctions from Western nations and human rights organizations following the president's signing of what activists call one of the most severe anti-LGBTQ laws in the world.

LAGOS JUNE 18TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president, has disclosed that James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State, looted $200 million but only repaid $15 million of the funds. Between 1999 and 2007, both Obasanjo and Ibori were in office when the incident took place.

In response to accusations of being vengeful made against him by the late former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and Ibori, Obasanjo made the admission.

In an interview with Chude, the former president responded to the accusation by saying, These people allowed them to go into chapter and verse. I hope Ibori hasnt said that, but if he has, please explain what transpired.

Ibori was found to have misused about $200 million after an investigation by the EFCC. Ibori, come and take a look at the report, Ibori, they said as they presented the report to me. Go and give the EFCC $150 million assuming you have already spent $50 million. When he returned, he asked, Where should we put it? I told you to pay the money to your state since it is yours. How do I accomplish that, he asked? I opened a Central Bank account for him.

Afterwards, he returned and advised me to open Central Bank accounts for each state if he just deposited funds into the Delta-related account at the Central Bank. Which I did. Said Obasanjo.

When Nuhu Ribadu arrived, I told him to deposit the $15 million in cash in their account at the Central Bank because he believed he was being cunning. We kept looking at it after that. He was so hunted down and taken to London, where he was put in jail. Therefore, if that was revenge, I would encourage more revenge in Nigeria.

Opera News

LAGOS JUNE 18TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Okpe leaders on Sunday took a swipe at former president, Mohammadu, Buhari, describing the re-naming of the Osubi International Airport after Alfred Diete-Spiff as a monumental error and big slap on the Okpe people.

The Osubi International Airport is located in Osubi, a major town in Okpe Local Government and was commissioned for commercial use 1st April 1999.  Towards the twilight of the last administration, the Okpe Union was both shocked and dismayed to hear that the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the re-naming of the Airport after Alfred Diete-Spiff, a former Military Governor of old Rivers State under the General Yakubu Gowon era. We appreciate the need to name certain national assets after eminent citizens, dead or living.

They argued that the issue at stake was the naming of a federal asset after someone that didnt serve Nigeria at Federal level.

Alfred Diete-Spiff had nothing to do with either the old Midwest region or Bendel or Delta States. He was not in any way connected to Osubi nor was he indigenous to Okpe land or the Okpe people of Delta State. With all due respect to him, he never served Nigeria at Federal level such as to suggest that any national asset anywhere could be named after him. Therefore, the Okpe Union is of the view that the re-naming of the Osubi International Airport after Alfred Diete-Spiff is not only a monumental error but a big slap on the Okpe people for which an immediate redress is required. The Okpe people have several eminent citizens such as Senator David Dafinone, a prominent Senate Leader in the Second Republic, General Patrick Aziza, a leading light of the military era, HRM Ezezi II and HRM Orhoro I, both eminent traditional rulers and statesmen after whom the Osubi International Airport may be renamed.

Hindustan Times June 18, 2023

Source

Putin reveals details of draft treaty on Ukraines neutrality

azerbaycan24.com June 18, 2023

Moscow and Kiev agreed on the general terms of Ukraines neutrality and security guarantees during the peace negotiations in March 2022, but Kiev then abruptly discarded the documents its delegation had already signed, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday.

During a meeting with a group of African leaders in St. Petersburg, Putin showed for the first time the draft documents that were being discussed by the Russian and Ukrainian emissaries in Trkiye more than a year ago.

According to Putin, the document titled the Treaty on the Permanent Neutrality and Security Guarantees for Ukraine had been signed by the Ukrainian delegation.

The draft stipulates that Ukraine must enshrine permanent neutrality in its Constitution. Russia, the US, Britain, China, and France are listed as guarantors.

The addendum to the draft, also shown by Putin, outlines both Russian and Ukrainian proposals regarding the size of Ukraines standing army during peacetime, as well as its equipment. Moscow proposed to cap the number of military personnel at 85,000 and the number of the National Guard members at 15,000. Kiev, meanwhile, proposed that its Armed Forces have up to 250,000 troops.

Moscow suggested that Ukraine should be allowed to have 342 tanks, 1,029 armored vehicles, 96 multiple rocket launchers, 50 combat aircraft, and 52 auxiliary aircraft. Kiev, meanwhile, was in favor of having 800 tanks, 2,400 armored vehicles, 600 multiple rocket launchers, 74 combat aircraft, and 86 auxiliary aircraft.

The sides also exchanged proposals on capping Ukraines mortars, anti-tank weapons, and anti-air missile systems, among other equipment.

The negotiations effectively broke down in the spring of 2022 shortly after Ukrainian officials accused Russian troops of killing civilians in several small cities around Kiev. The allegations were made immediately after Russian soldiers had withdrawn from the areas outside the Ukrainian capital in what the Kremlin described at the time as a goodwill gesture. Moscow has since repeatedly denied committing atrocities in Ukraine.

Speaking on Saturday, Putin said that Ukraine was responsible for sabotaging the negotiations. After we pulled our troops away from Kiev as we had promised to do the Kiev authorities had tossed [the draft treaty] into the dustbin of history, he said. They abandoned everything....

Discussion of Ukrainian Crisis to Continue During Russia-Africa Summit Ramaphosa

The President of South Africa noted that the meeting of the African delegation with the President of Russia made it possible to more clearly understand the current situation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Ramil Sitdikov/POOL/TASS

ST. PETERSBURG, June 18. /TASS/. The African peace mission discussed a number of issues related to the Ukrainian crisis with Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed consent to continue the discussion during the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said during the bilateral meeting with Putin Saturday.

He noted that the meeting between the African delegation and the Russian president made it possible to more clearly understand the current situation.

"We are very grateful that Russian President Vladimir Putin received our delegation and explained the situation that has emerged in the Ukrainian crisis," Ramaphosa underscored, adding that the delegation highly values the recent negotiations.

"In July, we will attend the Russia-Africa Summit and continue the discussion, we are grateful for that," Ramaphosa said.

Key Points of Vladimir Putins Meeting with African Peace Mission

MOSCOW, June 18. /TASS/. Russia is ready to review any proposals from African states on the Ukrainian settlement, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, receiving the representatives of seven African states, who arrived to present their peace initiative on Ukraine. Earlier, the African delegation discussed the initiative with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Kiev.

During the talks with Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the 10 main points of the peace plan, which include de-escalation of the conflict on both sides, diplomatic negotiations, ensuring sovereignty of states in accordance with the UN Charter, exchange of captives, post-war reconstruction and others. In response, Putin pointed out that Ukraine has withdrawn from the talks with Russia on its own initiative, although a peace agreement has been preliminarily signed in Istanbul. In addition, Russia was entitled to recognize the independence of DPR and LPR under the UN Charter, Putin noted.

The talks lasted for over 3 hours, and were subsequently commented upon by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Here are the key points from Putins conversation with the African leaders.

Africas balanced attitude

The African mission included President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Comoros Azali Assoumani (who also currently chairs the African Union), President of Senegal Macky Sall, President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly and Special Representatives of Presidents of the Republic of the Congo and Uganda Floran Nsiba and Ruhakana Rugunda.

In the beginning of the negotiations, Putin underscored that the comprehensive development of ties with African states is a priority of Russias foreign policy.

"We consistently advocate further strengthening of the traditionally friendly relations with African states and the main regional association - the African Union - based on princ...

Some Countries Peace Proposals on Ukraine Contain Ideas that Could Work Zakharova

According to the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the main problem is that these proposals are blocked by the "Kyiv regime"

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova Sergei Bobylev/TASS

Sergei Bobylev/TASS

ST. PETERSBURG, June 17. /TASS/. Peace initiatives on the Ukrainian conflict settlement proposed by various countries contain ideas that could work, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an interview with TASS.

Asked by a TASS correspondent at the 2023 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) whether there were viable ideas in the peaceful settlement plans proposed by other countries, Zakharova replied "of course there are."

"I reiterate that we are thankful to every country, every state or every public figure - because many initiatives were personally proposed by prominent figures, internationalists; we are grateful to everyone, who speaks about peace, who speaks about [peaceful] settlement and, who wants to be useful regarding this issue," she said.

"There are interesting ideas, which may work. There are ideas that are in sync with our approaches, and, for instance, it includes the Chinese initiative," she continued.

Zakharova stressed that the main problem is that such initiatives are being blocked "by the Kiev regime, which banned itself" from holding any negotiations with Russia.

"All of it was blocked by [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky, because this concept was laid out by Washington. Washington pursues the concept of kill as many Russians as possible. This concept was voiced by prominent representatives of the US political establishment including [ex-US President] George Bush Jr and Senator [Lindsey] Graham," Zakharova said.

The Russian Foreign Ministrys spokeswoman added that that Washington adhered to the concept of utter domination in the world and strategic defeat of Russia.

"They...

African Nations Call for Indivisibility of Global Security, Russia Supports It Lavrov

Lavrov also pointed out that African countries have shown an understanding of the root causes of the Ukraine crisis, "which was created by the Wests efforts"

Sergei Bobylev/TASS

ST. PETERSBURG, June 17. /TASS/. African countries stand for the indivisibility of global security, and Russia backs this principled position, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Saturday after Russian President Vladimir Putins meeting with an African peace mission.

"First of all, they (African countries - TASS) highlighted Chinas well-known twelve points, which were presented a couple of months ago, and they highlighted those parts of that Chinese initiative that are close to them and that stipulate that there no double standards in the world, that all the principles of the UN Charter in their integrity and correlation are respected and implemented, that there are no unilateral sanctions, that there are no attempts to ensure someones security at the expense of others, that security is indivisible on a global scale. They are the principled attitudes that we share," he said.

Lavrov also pointed out that African countries have shown an understanding of the root causes of the Ukraine crisis, "which was created by the Wests efforts".

"They have shown an understanding that this situation has to be resolved by grappling with those root causes, by working out specific real actions to eliminate the causes that are undermining and have been undermining fair security in Europe throughout many years," the Russian foreign minister said.

The African peace mission has brought together South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Comoros Azali Assoumani, Senegals President Macky Sall, Zambias President Hakainde Hichilema, as well as Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Florent Ntsiba and Ruhakana Rugunda, special envoys of the presidents of the Republic of the Congo and Uga...

Abayomi Azikiwe, PANW Editor, Was Featured on "By Any Means Necessary" Satellite Radio Program Discussing the Security Situation in Senegal on Fri., June 16, 2023

Listen to this broadcast aired from Washington, D.C. over Sputnik Radio where during the second segment, Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire, provides analysis on the recent unrest in the West African state of Senegal.

To hear this broadcast, go to the following website: DOJ Report on Minneapolis Police Reveals More of the Same (sputnikglobe.com)

According to the description from the website: "In the second segment, Sean and Jacquie are joined by Abayomi Azikiwe, the editor of the Pan-African News Wire, to discuss recent protests in Senegal over the jailing of opposition figure Ousmane Sonko and in response to rumors that President Macky Sall may attempt to serve an illegal third term, the influence of neocolonial powers, namely the US and France, in this crisis, and how African nations are maneuvering in this growing trend to multipolarity."

In the second segment, Sean and Jacquie are joined by Abayomi Azikiwe, the editor of the Pan-African News Wire to discuss recent protests in Senegal over the jailing of opposition figure Ousmane Sonko and in response to rumors that President Macky Sall may attempt to serve an illegal third term, the influence of neocolonial powers, namely the US and France, in this crisis, and how African nations are maneuvering in this growing trend to multipolarity.

Pan-African Journal: Special Worldwide Radio Broadcast Hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, PANW Editor, for Sun. June 11, 2023

Listen to the Sun. June 11, 2023 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. 

To hear the podcast for this program just go to the following URL: Pan-African Journal: Special Worldwide Radio Broadcast 06/11 by Pan African Radio Network | Politics (blogtalkradio.com)

This episode continues our focus on Black Music Month. The program will feature our regular PANW report with dispatches on the resumption of fighting between the two military structures in the Republic of Sudan after a 24-hour truce; valuable documents have been damaged and lost in Senegal in the aftermath of unrest; Tunisia is to receive additional assistance in dealing with the migrant crisis; and Honduras has established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China under the new progressive government. 

In the second and third hours we will examine the history of African American music with the Blues legends B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast Hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, PANW Editor, for Sat. June 10, 2023

Listen to the Sat. June 10, 2023 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire.

To hear the podcast of this episode just click on the following link:  Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast 06/10 by Pan African Radio Network | Politics (blogtalkradio.com)

The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the announcement by the African Union (AU) that the continent is now working towards introducing a single currency for the region; several people have been reportedly killed in an explosion in the Horn of Africa state of Somalia; the Sudanese military structures fighting for control of the country have announced another 24-hour ceasefire; and the suspended Nigerian Governor of the Central Bank has been arrested by the authorities just days after the inauguration of the new President Bola Tinubu. 

We will continue our month-long focus on Black Music Month with tributes to Rex Cardinal Lawson, Milt Jackson and Ray Brown. 

Also, we look in-depth at the role of the BRICS states and the formation of the New Development Bank targeting emerging economies.

Behind the Unrest in Senegal: Economic Distress and the Shifting Character of Global Politics

President Macky Sall has been the target of demonstrations in the aftermath of the conviction and sentencing of an opposition leader

By Abayomi Azikiwe, Editor, Pan-African News Wire

Wednesday June 14, 2023

Political Analysis

Senegal was the scene of demonstrations and widespread property damage in the wake of the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko who was tried by the courts in absentia in early June.

Sonko, a former tax inspector and co-founder of the African Patriots of Senegal (PASTEF) opposition party, had been charged with sexual assault, however, his conviction was for the corruption of a minor.

Supposedly the charges stemmed from Sonkos interaction with a woman at a massage parlor, according to press reports. Even after the conviction and sentencing, Sonko has not been arrested by the authorities in Senegal. He was given 15 days to file an appeal in the courts to his conviction and sentence to two years in prison.

The opposition leaders supporters say that the charges against him are politically motivated in order to prevent Sonko from running for president in 2024. He contested in the 2019 elections and came in third after the incumbent President Macky Sall. The PASTEF party leads a coalition of opposition parties called Liberate the People which represents the second largest bloc in the National Assembly of Senegal. 

Aggravating the social situation in Senegal is the controversy surrounding whether President Sall will seek re-election after serving two terms. The Senegalese constitution will have to be changed for Sall to run once again. Sonko, who 49-years-old, has a strong following among the youth who represent the largest demographic inside the country. Due to the post-colonial crisis of many African states, unemployment and poverty among young people remains disproportionately high in many countries such as Senegal.

Reports from Senegal indicate that 16 people lost their lives during the...

LAGOS JUNE 17TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Markets, shops and stalls across Agbarha-Warri kingdom in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State were, on Saturday, deserted and shut in honour of the departed monarch, HRM London Aforkerhi Itu, Orhifi Ememoh 11, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri kingdom.

Prior to Saturdays burial rites of the departed monarch which started during the week, an unsigned statement had gone viral as of Wednesday, urging the closure of the popular Igbudu market in the local government.

The public announcement stated: This is to notify everyone that Igbudu Market wont be open this SATURDAY because theyre burying their king.

No human being should be found in or around the market area if youre not an indigene; please its very serious. Please, help pass the message to your friends and relatives.

Obviously, the terse message, which went viral on social media and some privately-owned online media, caused some panic across the local government area which is heavily inhabited by non-indigenes, especially traders from the South East.

Igbudu Market is also host to folks from the northern part of the country with their commercial and residential enclave popularly called Hausa Quarters.

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But in a swift reaction, the chairman of Warri South, Dr Michael Tidi, issued a statement, urging residents and traders to disregard the viral message suggesting a traditional curfew and restriction of commercial activities in the popular market.

In the statement released on Friday, June 16, Dr Tidi averred that the council had to make the clarification, following repeated inquiries from panic-stricken traders and other critical stakeholders.

He said that the right of passage of the Ovie of Agbarha, Warri, HRM London Orhifi Ememoh II, slated Saturday, June 17, did not pose any security threat to traders in Igbudu Market and customers intending to carry out their usual purchases.

He restated his administrations resolve to sustain the support of traditional institutions in Warri South Local Government Area and emphasized that the unwarranted closure of markets and other business concerns at a time people are struggling with the economic difficulties occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy was unnecessary.

Checks by our correspondent on Saturday, however, showed that th...

Atlanta Struggle to Stop Cop City Continues After Council Approval

Residents and community activists initiate a petition to place the controversial law-enforcement training center to a vote by the electorate.

By Abayomi Azikiwe, Editor, Pan-African News Wire

Tuesday June 13, 2023

Commentary

There is much at stake for the ruling class and its law-enforcement surrogates in the mass campaign taking place in Dekalb County, Georgia to prevent the construction and operation of a training center which will cost tens of millions in tax dollars.

In a vote by the Atlanta City Council on June 5, the legislative approval of the project took place despite the objections of hundreds of people.

This training facility, if completed, would cost at least $90 million. The center would be the largest of its kind in the United States. With Atlanta being a majority African American Southern municipality, it would be against the interests of its population to fund or allow such a project.

Historically, African Americans have been disproportionately impacted by police violence within their communities. The police represent the entry point of millions into the criminal industrial complex, where again, African Americans are sent to prison in far greater numbers to their percentage within the U.S. Consequently, it should not be surprising that many African Americans and other oppressed peoples along with their supporters are calling for the defunding of police and the abolition of the prison systems.

Concerned people stood in line for hours in order to make statements against the building of the complex located in a rural forested area outside of Atlanta. However, despite the growing opposition to the project, the City Council revealed that their status largely depends upon a subservience to the ruling class and the police.  

Demonstrations surrounding the building of Cop City have resulted in the shooting death of one activistManuel Paez Teran (Tortuguita)--...

Governor of West Darfur State Assassinated After Calling for International Protection

West Darfur Governor Khamis Abakr

June 14, 2023 (EL GENEINA) The governor of West Darfur state and head of the Sudanese Alliance, Khamis Abdallah Abkar, was killed on Wednesday, two months after the start of the armed conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum.

Khamiss assassination came two hours after a telephone interview with Al-Hadath TV in which he accused the RSF and Arab armed militias of killing civilians in the capital city of West Darfur state.

In addition, the slain ruler appealed to the international community to intervene and protect civilians, stressing that the Sudanese army and the joint forces of the Darfur armed movements were unable to intervene to protect them.

There is an ongoing genocide in the region and therefore we need international intervention to protect the remaining population of the region, he said.

Sources reported his arrest by the Rapid Support Forces following his television statements.  Shortly after his arrest, a video emerged on social media, showing his blood-stained body amidst the cheering voices of unidentified individuals, intentionally concealed by the photographer.

West Darfur state witnessed fierce intercommunal fighting between Arab militiamen and the Massalit that erupted after the start of hostilities in Khartoum between the army and the RSF on April 15. Day after day, the paramilitary forces and tribal militiamen took control of the city.

The Sudanese army issued a statement condemning the assassination of the governor of West Darfur, saying that the RSF had arrested and assassinated him. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan also issued a statement in his capacity as head of the Sovereign Council, condemning the killing of Abkar. He stressed that he is a signatory to the Juba Peace Agreement.

A number of signatory groups to the Juba agreement issued statements condemning the assassination of the governor. Howe...

Sudan Slips into Crisis with Critical Shortages as Conflict Enters Third Month

By Africa News

15/06 - 14:22

The war between rival generals enters its third month on Thursday with no end in sight in Sudan, where planes bombed a southern town for the first time and the regular army accused paramilitaries of "abducting and murdering" a governor in Darfur.

The air force carried out "air strikes for the first time on El-Obeid", a town 350 kilometers south of the capital Khartoum, "which has been encircled by paramilitary forces since the beginning of the fighting", several witnesses told AFP.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Sudanese army accused paramilitaries from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of having "abducted and murdered" the governor of West Darfur state, Khamis Abdallah Abakar, describing the incident as a "brutal act".

This alleged assassination means that the Rapid Support Forces have added a "new line to their list of barbaric crimes committed against all the Sudanese people", the army said on Facebook.

The governor's death could not be independently confirmed by AFP.

The fighting, which began on April 15, has so far been concentrated mainly in Khartoum, the capital of five million inhabitants, and in the vast Darfur region in the west.

This war between the army of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces of General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo has claimed more than 1,800 lives, according to the NGO ACLED.

More than 2.2 million people have fled their homes across the country, including over a million from the capital Khartoum, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). More than 528,000 of these displaced people have taken refuge in neighboring countries, according to the UN agency.

Civilians who have not fled have "no food, water or medicine left", Ahmed Taha, a Khartoum resident, told AFP.

"We have nothing left. The country is devastated. Wherever you look, you see the impact of bombs and bullets", according to this witness.

Sudan Officials Say Airstrike Killed 17 People, Including 5 Children, in Capital Khartoum

By SAMY MAGDY

People prepare food in a Khrtoum neighborhood Friday, June 16, 2023. Sudan had plunged into chaos since mid-April when monthslong tensions between the military and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere across the northeastern African nation. (AP Photo)

CAIRO (AP) An airstrike in Sudans capital Khartoum on Saturday killed at least 17 people, including five children, health officials said, as fighting continued between rival generals seeking to control the country.

The attack was one of the deadliest of the clashes in urban areas of Khartoum and elsewhere in Sudan between the military and a powerful paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces.

There was no immediate comment Saturday from either side of the conflict on the strike, and it was not clear whether the attack was by warplanes or a drone. The militarys aircraft have repeatedly targeted RSF troops and the RSF has reportedly used drones and anti-aircraft weapons against the military.

The fighting broke out in mid-April, capping months of increasing tensions between the leaders of the military and the RSF. The clashes have killed more than 3,000 people and wounded over 6,000 others, said Health Minister Haitham Mohammed Ibrahim in an interview late Saturday with the Saudi-owned television station, Al-Hadath.

Saturdays strike hit the Yormouk neighborhood in southern Khartoum, where clashes have centered in recent weeks, according to Sudans Ministry of Health. The area houses a military facility controlled by the army. At least 25 houses were destroyed, the ministry wrote in a Facebook post.

The dead included five children and an unknown number of women and elderly people, and some wounded people were hospitalized, the ministry said.

A local group that calls itself The Emergency Room and helps organize humanitarian aid in the area, said at least 11 people were wounded in the strike. It posted i...

LAGOS JUNE 17TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme on Saturday, stopped his convoy at an accident scene along Ogwashi-Uku/Kwale road, shortly before Isheagu junction to help rescue survivors.

Three dead bodies were seen at the scene of the accident at about 2.45 pm being evacuated by officials of Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC which had 52011 written on their vehicle.

The survivors in the accident which involved a GLK SUV with plate number KUJ326CE, Abuja and a bus with the inscription, St. Philips Anglican Church, Asaba, were said to have been moved to the hospital for medical attention.

Sir Onyeme was on his way for an assignment at Kwale when he met the accident scene and despite the rain, he moved to the scene of the accident.

Seeing that officials of the FRSC had taken charge of the situation and no victim that required assistance, the Deputy Governor had to leave the scene.

Sun News Online

At Least 41 Killed in Rebel Attack on Ugandan School Near Congo Border

By RODNEY MUHUMUZA

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) Suspected rebels attacked a school in a remote area of Uganda near the Congo border, killing at least 41 people in a nighttime raid before fleeing across the porous frontier, authorities said. Thirty-eight students in their dormitories were among the victims.

Some students were burned beyond recognition, and others were shot or hacked to death after militants armed with guns and machetes attacked the school in the frontier district of Kasese, a local mayor told The Associated Press.

In addition to the 38 students, one guard and two residents of the local community in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha town were killed in the attack, said Mayor Selevest Mapoze. A Ugandan military statement said the rebels abducted six students, taken as porters of food looted from the schools store.

The school, co-ed and privately owned, is located about two kilometers (just over a mile) from the Congo border.

Government shutdown warnings rise as Republicans seek deeper cuts in budget battle

Authorities are blaming the massacre at Lhubiriha Secondary School on the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, a shadowy extremist group which has been launching attacks for years from bases in volatile eastern Congo. Villagers in the Congolese provinces of Ituri and North Kivu have been the victims of the groups alleged attacks in recent years.

But attacks on the Ugandan side of the border are rare, thanks in part to the presence of an alpine brigade of Ugandan troops in the region.

The attack has sent shockwaves in this normally peaceful East African country whose long-time leader cites security as a strength of his government. It is also a blow to the countrys armed forces, who since 2021 have deployed in parts of eastern Congo under a mission specifically to hunt down the militants accused of attacking a school.

Speaking to reporters near the scene of the attack, the commander of Ugandan troops in Congo told reporters that the rebels spent two nights in Kasese before carryi...

Malis Top Diplomat Demands UN Peacekeepers Leave the Country After More Than 10 Years

By BABA AHMED and SAM MEDNICK

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) Malis top diplomat demanded Friday that U.N. peacekeepers who have been in this West African country grappling with an Islamic insurgency for more than a decade leave immediately, claiming they had failed in their mission.

Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop made the request in a speech to the United Nations Security Council. He said the U.N. mission had not achieved its objectives and was sowing distrust among the people.

Mali has struggled to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012. Extremist rebels were forced from power in Malis northern cities the following year, with the help of a French-led military operation, but they regrouped in the desert and began launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.

The U.N. peacekeepers a contingent of more than 15,000 came in a few months later in what has become one of the most dangerous U.N. missions in the world. At least 170 peacekeepers have been killed in the country since 2013, according to the U.N.

The Malian government asks for the withdrawal without delay of the peacekeepers, Diop said in his speech at the council. He said the mission has not been able to adequately respond to the security situation in Mali and that its future outlook doesnt seem to respond to the security needs of the Malians.

Mali has been ruled by a military junta following two coups, starting in 2020, led by Col. Assimi Goita, who now runs the country.

Since Goita seized power, relations with the international community have become tense in part also because the junta brought in mercenaries fromRussias Wagner Group, who are engaged in Moscows war on Ukraine.

In recent months, Malis government has constrained the peacekeepers ability to operate, and countries such as Benin, Germany, Sweden, Ivory Coast and the United Kingdom have ann...

LAGOS JUNE 17TH (URHOBOTODAY)-The good people of Delta State are warming up to roll out celebration drums in praise and worship to God, for the successful inauguration of their brand new Governor, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, on Monday June 19.

Secretary to Delta State Government, SSG, Dr Kingsley Emu, in a statement said the Thanksgiving Service for the successful inauguration of Oborevwori cum his 60th birthday anniversary thanksgiving shall hold at the Living Faith Church, aka, Winners Chapel, situated along Ibusa Road, Asaba.

The celebration galore, according to SSG Emu, shall shift immediately after the Thanksgiving Service to Event Centre, off Okpanam Road, Asaba, where invited guests, top government functionaries, party leaders and dignitaries from all walks of life shall be treated to gospel music gallore and multifaceted entertainment.

Emu strongly advised invited guests and other dignitaries to be seated on or before 9:30am for the Thanksgiving Service at The Living Faith Church, while those attending the reception at Event Centre must be properly armed with their Special Invited Cards.

Oborevwori of Delta State, was inaugurated on May 29, this year in a peaceful and colourful transition of power from immediate past governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON,who led the state and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for eight years of remarkable achievements and legacy projects.

Come, lets celebrate our excessive local content Governor with superlative street credibility. Be part of history!

Global Times

LAGOS JUNE 17TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday said the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC) got a total of N208 billion in the eight years of his administration.

Speaking on the Morning Show on Arise Television, the immediate past State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said that the Okowa administration was fair in the distribution of projects across the three Senatorial Districts in the state.
Aniagwu said that the interventionist agency got what was due it according to the law establishing it, adding that the Agency had annual budgets approved for them by the State House of Assembly.

According to him, the Okowa administration worked hard to enthrone peace in the state especially in oil producing communities and the creeks of Delta by taking development to the oil producing communities.

He said prior to the emergence of Okowa administration in 2015, Delta was 4th in oil production adding that Okowa administration took the state to number one in oil production because the communities were happy with the projects executed in their areas by the state government.

Let me put it on record that we recognise the contributions of the elder statesman to the development of our democracy in time past.

We also recognise his age because 96 years is not a joke and to that extent I didnt come here to join issues with him neither do we have any cause to undermine the respect we have for him on account of the path he has chosen in recent time.

The issues he has canvassed are not original to him and because they are not original to him, in a number of areas he progressed in error.

Premium Trust Bank does not in any way belong to Okowa. In Delta State during the administration of Governor Okowa, the state operated three distinct accounts.

The FAAC Account which takes remittances from the Federation Account and other remittances is domiciled in Zenith Bank and its still there.

The second account is called the State and Local Government Joint Account which is the JAAC account and that account is with UBA and you know the owners of UBA.

The third account is the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account which is with Sterling Bank.

The Premium Trust B...

Will the East African Rift split the continent and create a new ocean, or will it fizzle out? A giant rift is slowly tearing Africa, the second-largest continent, apart. This depression known as the East African Rift is a network of valleys that stretches about 2,175 miles (3,500 kilometers) long, from the Red Sea to Mozambique, according to the Geological Society of London. So will Africa rip apart completely, and if so, when will it split? To answer this question, let's look at the region's tectonic plates, the outer parts of the planet's surface that can collide with each other, making mountains, or pull apart, creating vast basins. Along this colossal tear in eastern Africa, the Somalian tectonic plate is pulling eastward from the larger, older part of the continent, the Nubian tectonic plate, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. (The Somalian plate is also known as the Somali plate, and the Nubian plate is also sometimes called the African plate.) The Somalian and Nubian...