The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • Alleged killer of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies

    Alleged killer of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies

    Dickson Ndiema, the man suspected of killing Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei of Uganda by setting her on fire, passed away early on Tuesday in a hospital in Eldoret, a city in western Kenya.

    Ndiema died in the intensive care unit, the same ward where Cheptegei died earlier, at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, according to Owen Menach, the hospital’s director of Clinical Services.

    Menach told the media that Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend, Ndiema, was receiving treatment for severe burns sustained during the incident.

    According to the Kenya police, Ndiema allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol and set her ablaze during a dispute at their home in Trans Nzoia County.

    Read Also: Slain Uganda’s Cheptegei  to be buried Sept 14

    “Dickson Ndiema Marangach has died from 30 per cent burns he sustained when he set his girlfriend Rebecca Cheptegei ablaze last week.

    “The police believe he was burnt by the same petrol he used in setting Rebecca ablaze following a dispute over ownership of land one of them had bought,” said a police statement.

    Both were severely burned in the incident, with Cheptegei suffering 80% burns and Ndiema 30%.

    Cheptegei, 33, who competed in the 10,000-meter race at the recent Paris Olympics, died on Sept. 5.

    Ndiema had been receiving treatment at MTRH, but his condition deteriorated, resulting in his death.

    Police intended to charge Ndiema with murder and assault once he recovered.

    Newsnow

  • UK to host Blinken in bid to strengthen ‘special relationship’

    UK to host Blinken in bid to strengthen ‘special relationship’

    British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will welcome U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to London on Tuesday as part of strategic talks on the future of the “special relationship.”

    The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) said the pair talks would cover “unwavering support” for Ukraine, the UK and U.S.’s commitment to a long-term peaceful settlement in the Middle East and enabling a two-state solution.

    The pair would also discuss ways to “deepen” the economic and security relationship between the U.S. and the UK, in the first of what is hoped to be an annual “strategic dialogue” meeting.

    Foreign Secretary said the UK has “no greater friend” than the U.S.

    Read Also: Blinken warns of last chance for Gaza peace

    “The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years.

     “But together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth to Brits and Americans alike,” he said.

    “In a more volatile and insecure world, it is even more important that we are highly aligned nations.

    “Together we are re-energising our economic partnership, working together to tackle insecurity abroad and facing the future in unity and confidence.”

    Lammy and Blinken previously met during the NATO summit in Washington DC in July.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Australian PM moves to ban children from social media – PM

    Australian PM moves to ban children from social media – PM

    Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a plan to ban children from using social media.

    The prime minister on Tuesday said that the government would introduce legislation in 2024 to enforce a minimum age for access to social media and other relevant digital platforms.

    “We know social media is causing social harm, and it is taking kids away from real friends and real experiences,” he said in a statement.

    Read Also: Paralympics: Bolaji gets  Indian, Australian foes in Para Badminton 

    He said that the legislation would be informed by engagement with the states and territories, but his preference is to set the minimum age at 16 years.

    According to a poll conducted by state broadcaster the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in August, 61 per cent of Australians supported restricting social media access to those younger than 17.

    At the same time, Peter Malinauskas, the premier of South Australia, commissioned former federal judge Robert French to explore legal pathways to ban children younger than 14 from social media.

    The prime minister said that the federal government would consider Robert French’s review when drafting the legislation.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Kate Middleton announces she’s completed chemotherapy

    Kate Middleton announces she’s completed chemotherapy

    Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, announced yesterday on X that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

     “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Middleton says in the announcement.

    “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” she said.

    Read Also: Stephanie Ikolo wins global recognition award

    The announcement was made on the official X account for The Prince and Princess of Wales, with an accompanying video of Middleton with her husband William, Prince of Wales, and their three children George, 10, Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6.

    The over three-minute long video shows the five smiling and laughing together on the beach and in a forest. The video was filmed last month in Norfolk, a county in the east of England, according to the New York Times.

    As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.

  • Iraq refutes U.S. congressmen’s allegation of smuggling oil to Iran

    Iraq refutes U.S. congressmen’s allegation of smuggling oil to Iran

    The Iraqi Oil Ministry has dismissed accusations from several U.S. Congress members that Iraq is smuggling and “illegally” selling oil to Iran to help it avoid U.S. sanctions. The ministry also called the claims “fabrications that have no basis.”

    This response followed a letter reportedly sent by five U.S. Congress members to President Joe Biden earlier on Wednesday, accusing several Iraqi parties and officials.

    According to the letter, the Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, who plans to visit the United States soon for gas investment, is aiding Iran’s sanctions evasion by smuggling oil.

    The lawmakers also called on Biden to bar Ghani from visiting Washington as scheduled until the relevant investigation is complete.

    The Iraqi Oil Ministry expressed “astonishment and condemnation” of the letter’s content.

    It emphasised that its oil activities were monitored by international inspectors and Iraqi waters were strictly controlled by the country’s naval forces.

    Read Also: Two firms registered for NIPOST at N10b folded after one year, says Reps’ panel

    This is coming as President Masoud Pezeshkian will leave Tehran for the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Wednesday, marking his first foreign trip since taking office in late July, local media reported.

    During the visit, Pezeshkian is expected to hold meetings with high-ranking Iraqi officials and sign several cooperation agreements and security memoranda.

    Iranian Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad-Kazem Al-e Sadeq said the trip is at the invitation of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

    Mohammad-Mehdi Shahriari, a member of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the visit aimed to strengthen relations with Iraq and address issues such as border demarcation, the report said.

    Pezeshkian was sworn in as Iran’s ninth president on July 30, replacing Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash in May.

  • Iran confirms missile shipments to Russia as part of barter deal

    Iran confirms missile shipments to Russia as part of barter deal

    Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia. Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of Iran’s parliamentary committee on national security, confirmed this information in an interview  with Didban Iran, explaining that these exchanges are part of a barter agreement wherein Tehran receives soybeans and wheat in return and “circumvents sanctions through partnership with Russia”.

    Ardestani admitted Iran’s military aid to Moscow just hours after Iran’s mission to the UN dismissed a report from The Wall Street Journal that said Iran had delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

    “We must resort to barter to meet our needs, including importing soybeans and wheat. Part of the barter involves sending missiles, and another part involves dispatching military drones to Russia,” Ardestani stated.

    Read Also: Two firms registered for NIPOST at N10b folded after one year, says Reps’ panel

    When asked if sending ballistic missiles to Russia could result in further sanctions or the activation of the so-called snapback mechanism against Iran, the lawmaker responded, “It can’t get any worse than it already is. We supply missiles to Hezbollah, Hamas, and Hashd al-Shaabi. Why shouldn’t we give them to Russia?”

    The Iranian politician emphasised that his country “sells weapons and earns dollars,” and also “avoids sanctions through its partnership with Russia.”

    “We import soy, corn, and other goods from Russia. Europeans sell weapons to Ukraine. NATO is in Ukraine, so why shouldn’t we support our ally by shipping missiles and drones to Russia?” added Ardestani.

    Countries that provide weapons to terrorist organizations and states must be punished, said Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in response to the news about Iran sending ballistic missiles to Russia.

    “In response to Russian ballistic missile supplies, Ukraine should be authorized to destroy stockpiles of these missiles with Western weaponry to avoid terror,” he asserted.

    He believes such strikes are defensive rather than escalatory.

    On September 6, The Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran had delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. The Times reported that 200 Fath-360 ballistic missiles were involved.

    On September 7, Iran’s UN envoy denied Read more this, stating, “Iran refrains from such actions and urges other countries to cease arms deliveries to parties involved in the conflict”

  • Paramilitary RSF’s shelling kills at least 20 in central Sudan

    Paramilitary RSF’s shelling kills at least 20 in central Sudan

    Over 20 civilians were killed and 100 others injured in an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Sinnar city in central Sudan, according to local aid groups.

    The Sinnar Youth Gathering, a local voluntary group, reported that the RSF “indiscriminately” shelled the Sinaar market and the Al-Muwazafeen neighborhood on Sunday.

    Meanwhile, the non-governmental Sudanese Doctors Network reported that 21 people were killed and more than 70 others injured due to artillery shelling by the RSF on the market.

    The network said the attack is a “massacre” against unarmed civilians.

    Read Also: Niger tanker fire: Tinubu challenges FRSC on road safety measures as death toll rises to 59

    The RSF has not yet commented on the incident.

    Since June, the RSF has controlled large parts of Sinnar state, including the capital city of Singa, while the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) controls the eastern part of the state.

    The International Organisation for Migration estimates that fighting in Sinnar has displaced more than 725,000 people.

  • U.S. presidential race still tight ahead of debate, new CNN poll shows

    U.S. presidential race still tight ahead of debate, new CNN poll shows

    A new CNN Poll of Polls, including national polls conducted since the Democratic National Convention, finds a tight race with no clear leader between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

    Harris has an average of 49% support in the new CNN Poll of Polls while Trump has 48% across five polls conducted between August 23 and Sept. 6. That’s effectively unchanged from the previous Poll of Polls average.

    The latest average includes a Pew Research Centre poll released yesterday, which finds Harris and Trump tied at 49% among registered voters and shows little change in voter preference from their previous survey conducted in early August.

    However, Harris and Trump are gearing up today’s high-stakes presidential debate, their first face-to-face encounter, as new polls show the race remains tight.

    Read Also: Ghana, Nigeria Awards confers honours

    Harris, who is expected to continue debate preparations today in Pittsburgh, is getting ready for a range of potential insults from Trump, sources said. Trump, who argued he doesn’t need formal preparation, has been meeting with senior advisers, policy experts and outside allies ahead of the debate.

    But, another poll shows that Harris and Trump are tied among Black voters in battleground states like Georgia, Reuters reports.

    Results from the opinion poll show that the candidates are neck-and-neck — a big switch from polls in early July 2024, where Trump was leading President Joe Biden, then the Democratic presidential nominee, by 6%. The stakes are now high to see who will come out on top in Georgia, with a higher focus on Black voters, whose population is one-third Black. However, the strategy to engage with Black voters is different from Harris compared to Trump’s.

    The four-time indicted businessman has used controversially racist tactics to loop in undecided Black voters. In early August 2024, just a few weeks after the Vice President took over the campaign trail, Trump made an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention (NABJ), where he attacked Harris’ race, claiming he didn’t know she identified as “Black.” “I did not know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black,” Trump said when asked why Black voters should trust him.

    His past remarks regarding Black people and support of Republican-backed voting restrictions have made it harder for Black residents to vote. On the other hand, Harris has had historic support from Black voters in the Peach State. Close to 10,000 Atlanta residents gathered to hear Harris at a rally on July 30, her largest event yet. But ​​Vivian Childs, a National Black Americans for Trump Coalition member, claims the excitement for Harris is fading. “We have got to stop dividing our country based on how we look,” Childs said.

    “I’m telling people to talk to Black people the same way they talk to white people: Look at President Trump’s resume, his policies, what he’s done for all Americans.”

    According to The Guardian, a national poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College shows Trump is up one point, 48% to 47%, just days before the nominees meet face-to-face for their first presidential debate today since Harris took over as the Democratic candidate. The poll also identifies Harris’ performance as a crucial moment for her campaign, allowing her to give more details on her policies.

  • Nigerians in Diaspora seek restructuring of NNPCL’s debt

    Nigerians in Diaspora seek restructuring of NNPCL’s debt

    …says this will allow oil giant meet its obligations

    The Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora (NPID) has called for the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) debt profile for the oil giant to meet its obligations and ensure a steady fuel supply at reasonable prices.

    The group noted that it was imperative to restore confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its international commitments by paying its debts.

    President of NPID, Dr Obiora Okereke and Secretary, Mrs Bukola Shonekan said this in a statement on Friday.

    The NNPCL this week confirmed that it was owing $6 billion to suppliers which has resulted in fuel queues nationwide.

    “It is imperative to restore confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its international commitments. NNPCL’s debts must be restructured, and a clear plan put in place to ensure continuous petrol supply at reasonable prices,” the group said.

    The group stated that international suppliers are no longer willing to provide petrol on credit to NNPCL because of the outstanding debts of the oil company.

    According to the group, the debt by the NNPCL has disrupted fuel supply chains and led to the recent hike in fuel prices, adding that it has further compounded the difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians.

    Read Also: NNPCL’s full disclosure and necessity of disciplined lifestyle

    It commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to steering the country towards prosperity but criticised his economic managers for failing to effectively support his vision.

    The group emphasised the detrimental impact of the current economic strategy, specifically pointing to the poorly implemented floating of the Naira as a major factor in the currency’s continued depreciation.

    “Instead of stabilising the Naira and attracting foreign investment, this policy has further weakened the currency, driving up the cost of goods and services and creating unbearable inflation for the Nigerian people,” the statement said.

    It added: “We believe that President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria is clear, but the implementation of his economic policies by his advisers and managers is lacking in strategic foresight and execution.

    “The economic handlers of this administration must take responsibility for the current challenges and urgently recalibrate their approach to avoid further worsening the economic landscape.

    “The President’s economic handlers must be held accountable for the negative outcomes of their policies. A more competent, transparent, and strategic economic management team is needed to guide Nigeria out of this economic quagmire.

    “NPID reaffirms its support for President Tinubu and his administration’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria. However, we urge immediate corrective measures to ensure that the President’s vision is not derailed by the ineffective actions of those entrusted with managing the economy. Nigeria has the potential to rise again, but it requires sound economic policies and a team capable of delivering results for the Nigerian people,” it added.

  • Telegram boss Durov opens up on France arrest

    Telegram boss Durov opens up on France arrest

    Pavel Durov, the owner of social media platform Telegram, has criticised French authorities over his arrest in August.

    While the investigation is still ongoing, Durov claimed France’s justice department should have approached his company rather than detain him.

    Writing on his personal Telegram channel, the Russian-born tech entrepreneur said he was told he “may be personally responsible for other people’s illegal use of Telegram, because the French authorities didn’t receive responses from Telegram”.

    Durov called that “surprising for several reasons”.

    He stressed that Telegram has an official representative in the European Union that accepts and replies to the bloc’s requests, with a publicly available email address.

    In addition, he said, as a frequent guest at the French consulate in Dubai, he previously helped establish a Telegram hotline to address terrorism threats.

    Referring to the French actions, he said: “If a country is unhappy with an internet service, the established practice is to start a legal action against the service itself.

    Read Also: French President Macron reacts to arrest of Pavel Durov

    “Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach.”

    Durov added: “Building technology is hard enough as it is. No innovator will ever build new tools if they know they can be personally held responsible for potential abuse of those tools.”

    He further said that striking the right balance between privacy and security was challenging as it required navigating complex laws, regulations, and technological limitations — a process that he said demanded “open dialogue”.

    Regarding Iran and Russia, Durov said: “We are driven by the intention to bring good and defend the basic rights of people, particularly in places where these rights are violated.”

    He insisted his company did make strenuous efforts to regulate and moderate where needed.

    “All of that does not mean Telegram is perfect. Even the fact that authorities could be confused by where to send requests is something that we should improve,” Durov said.

    “But the claims in some media that Telegram is some sort of anarchic paradise are absolutely untrue. We take down millions of harmful posts and channels every day. We publish daily transparency reports (like this or this). We have direct hotlines with NGOs to process urgent moderation requests faster.”

    Durov added that Telegram had experienced an “abrupt increase in user count to 950 million [users]” and that had caused “growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform”. He pledged to improve the situation and his platform’s operations.

    The Telegram owner, who is a French national, was arrested in France in late August as part of an investigation into crimes involving alleged child pornography, drug trafficking and fraudulent transactions related to the app.

    NewsNow