The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • South Korea’s suspended president Yoon detained

    South Korea’s suspended president Yoon detained

    Suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday was detained for briefly imposing martial law in December, the official Yonhap news agency reported.

    Police officers and staff from South Korea’s anti-corruption office escorted Yoon from his residence to take him to the public prosecutor’s office in their second attempt to do so, Yonhap said.

    The operation appeared to be peaceful in spite of serious security concerns.

    The agency cited the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), as saying that the detention warrant was executed at 10:33 am (0133 GMT).

    This marks the first time in the country’s history that a sitting president of South Korea has been arrested, Yoon was seen entering the CIO headquarters for questioning

    According to Yonhap, investigators would seek a warrant to arrest the president formally within 48 hours.

    “Although it is an illegal investigation, I decided to agree to appear at the CIO in order to prevent ugly bloodshed,” Yoon said in a recorded video message released after his arrest.

    The Constitutional Court earlier on Tuesday had postponed the first hearing in the impeachment proceedings against Yoon because he was not present.

    The 64-year-old, through his lawyer, had stated that he did not attend due to security concerns.

    On December 3, Yoon briefly declared martial law during a budget dispute with the opposition.

    In mid-December, lawmakers removed him from office until further notice on charges of abuse of power and sedition, with the Constitutional Court currently reviewing the decision.

    Yoon has defended his” meaning his political opponents.

    For the time being, the former finance minister and deputy prime minister Choi Sang Mok is in charge of state affairs.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • China, Africa walking on broad path toward modernization – Yan Yuqing 

    China, Africa walking on broad path toward modernization – Yan Yuqing 

    The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has said China and Africa are walking hand in hand on the broad path toward modernization.

    She said that the ten partnership actions cover all areas of China-Africa cooperation, addressing all the challenges Africa faces and fully meeting the continent’s needs, and will provide substantial support for Africa’s development and revitalization. 

    Yuqing stated this in her speech titled” Chinese Foreign Minister Successfully Visited Africa: Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era”.

    She added that China-Nigeria relations had achieved three outstanding achievements, saying the positioning of the relationship has achieved a new leap with the two heads of state jointly announcing that China-Nigeria relations have been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

    “A new platform has been established through solidarity and collaboration. The first plenary session of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee was held successfully, which promoted the upgrading and coordinated progress of China-Nigeria cooperation.

    “International cooperation has reached a new height. The two sides coordinate closely on international and regional affairs and work together to promote the collective rise, development and revitalization of the Global South”.

    She noted: “Mutually Beneficial Economic and Trade Cooperation Paves the path to a Promising China-Nigeria Future. From January to November 2024, China-Nigeria bilateral trade exceeded $19 billion, with imports from Nigeria reaching $2.576 billion, a year-on-year increase of 27%. This marks progress toward a more balanced bilateral trade relationship. 

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    “China remains committed to advance high-level opening-up, by leveraging its enormous domestic market to attract global resources and production factors, and at the same time, utilizing its comprehensive and complete industrial system to encourage competitive industries to “go global.” This will amplify the interplay between domestic and international markets and resources and improve the level and quality of trade and investment cooperation. 

    “We sincerely hope that China and Nigeria will achieve new progress in global industrial chain cooperation, by leveraging their complementary strengths, the two nations can further explore new areas of collaboration, such as clean energy, green minerals, and finance. Expanding the “comprehensiveness” of China-Nigeria relations will promote coordinated development across various sectors, including trade, agriculture, culture, defense, science and technology, and aerospace. This multifaceted approach will ensure the steady growth and deepening of the China-Nigeria partnership.

    “Renewed Hope Agenda is to build a China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future hand in hand. Nigeria is “renewing hope” on its development path, playing a crucial role in regional peace and serving as a stabilizing force in Africa. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit achieved significant outcomes, including the implementation of the ten partnership actions. 

    “We are ready to strengthen alignment with Nigeria, unlock the potential for collaboration, and expand areas of cooperation to support Nigeria’s accelerated development and revitalization. China appreciates Nigeria’s adherence to the one-China principle and supports Nigeria in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. 

    “We also back Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, safeguard regional peace and stability, and enhance its influence on the international stage. China-Nigeria relations have transcended the bilateral scope. The two nations must work together to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership and build a all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for new era, setting an example of solidarity and cooperation for the Global South.”

  • Israel sends Mossad director to Qatar for Gaza ceasefire talks

    Israel sends Mossad director to Qatar for Gaza ceasefire talks

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, his office said Saturday, in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza.

    It was not immediately clear when David Barnea would travel to Qatar’s capital, Doha, for the latest round of indirect talks between Israel and the Hamas militant group, but there is U.S. pressure for a deal before the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. Barnea’s presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.

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    Just one brief ceasefire has been achieved in 15 months of war, and that was in the earliest weeks of fighting. The talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have repeatedly stalled since then.

    Under discussion is a phased ceasefire, with Netanyahu signaling he is committed only to the first phase, a partial hostage release in exchange for a weekslong halt in fighting.

    Hamas has insisted on a full Israeli troop withdrawal from the largely devastated territory, but Netanyahu has insisted on destroying Hamas’ ability to fight in Gaza. On Thursday, Gaza’s Health Ministry said over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, the majority women and children, though it doesn’t say how many were fighters or civilians.

    Also being sent to Qatar are the head of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency and military and political advisers. Netanyahu’s office said the decision followed a meeting with his defence minister, security chiefs and negotiators “on behalf of the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations.”

  • Mexico, Canada send firefighters to help control Los Angeles fire

    Mexico, Canada send firefighters to help control Los Angeles fire

    Mexico and Canada are sending firefighters to help quell the blaze of the Palisades fire across Northern Los Angeles area.

    The deployment of firefighters from U.S. allies occurs after President-elect Donald Trump threatened to increase tariff on goods from the two countries.

    Canada and Mexico are the largest trading partners for agriculture and manufacturing industries.

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) told the press he was “deeply grateful” for the support of Mexico and Canada.

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    Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday said “neighbours helping neighbors” as an airplane dropped water on a wildfire.

    “Just as our friends and neighbours supported us during our own challenging wildfire season, Team Canada is ready to reciprocate that support,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Canada’s minister of emergency preparedness.

    The Palisades fire has destroyed more than 37,000 acres and killed at least 11 people over the last few days. California and LA fire officials have only been able to contain a small amount of the fire as it continues blazing through the county.

    Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Saturday that a team of firefighters has “the courage and heart of Mexico.” Mexico’s civil protection agency said their mission is to “to support the fight” against the wildfires, according to the Washington Post.

  • Biden honours Pope Francis with Presidential Medal of Freedom

    Biden honours Pope Francis with Presidential Medal of Freedom

    President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honour.

    The award was presented to the pope during a phone call on Jan. 11. The president had originally been scheduled to meet with the pope at the Vatican at the weekend, but was forced to cancel his trip to oversee the federal response to the California wildfires.

    The honour was conferred upon the pope with distinction, the first time Biden has granted the award with the status.

    In the official White House citation, Biden praised Francis, the first pontiff from the Southern Hemisphere, as “unlike any who came before”.

    “A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet,” read the citation. “Above all, he is the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”

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    In a photo released by the White House, Cardinal Christophe Pierre — the Vatican’s ambassador to the United States — is seen standing next to the president in the Oval Office.

    The Presidential Medal of Freedom, a tradition that dates back to 1963, is presented to individuals “who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”

    In 2004, Pope John Paul II was presented the honor by President George W. Bush and in 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson posthumously awarded Pope John XXIII with the medal.

    Biden has held two in-person meetings with Francis since becoming the nation’s second Catholic president, but has a history with the pope that predates his tenure as president.

    In 2021, Biden praised Francis as “the most significant warrior for peace I’ve ever met”.

  • Canada’s former leader Chrétien to Trump: give your head a shake

    Canada’s former leader Chrétien to Trump: give your head a shake

    United States President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks that Canada should become the 51st state drew condemnation and a patriotic outburst at the weekend from a former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who offered blunt advice to the incoming American leader: “give your head a shake!”

    Chrétien, who was Canada’s prime minister from 1993 to 2003, joined a chorus of officials from the northern U.S. neighbur who said Trump’s remarks are no longer a joke and may undermine America’s closest ally.

    Canada would never agree to become part of the United States, Chrétien wrote in an article published in The Globe and Mail newspaper, celebrating his 91st birthday.

    He extolled his nation’s love of independence and said Trump’s remarks amounted to “totally unacceptable insults and unprecedented threats” to Canadian sovereignty.

    “To Donald Trump, from one old guy to another, give your head a shake!” Chrétien said. “What could make you think that Canadians would ever give up the best country in the world — and make no mistake that is what we are — to join the United States?

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    Trump has tossed expansionist rhetoric not just at Canada but also at other U.S. allies, with arguments that the frontiers of American power need to be extended to the Danish territory of Greenland, and southward to include the Panama Canal.

    And while many European leaders have been measured in their response, Canadians have not held back.

    “If you think that threatening and insulting us is going to win us over, you really don’t know a thing about us,” Chrétien wrote in the article. “We may look easy-going, mild-mannered. But make no mistake, we have spine and toughness.”

    The U.S. imports approximately 60% of its crude oil from Canada, which is also the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day.

    Canadian officials have been talking to incoming Trump administration officials about increasing border security in an effort to avoid a sweeping 25% tariff that Trump has threatened to impose on all Canadian products.

  • Taiwan canvasses expansion of bilateral trade ties with Nigeria

    Taiwan canvasses expansion of bilateral trade ties with Nigeria

    The Taiwanese government has made a case for the renegotiation and expansion of bilateral trade relations with Nigeria to explore mutually beneficial opportunities between both countries.

    Chief of Taiwan Mission at the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria Andy Yih-Ping Liu made this known at a media parley at the weekend in Lagos .

    Liu, who recalled that he had sent a proposal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on how to strengthen the Nigerian-Taiwan relations, noted that the trading value between both countries was $400 million in 2023.

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    “This is not a big amount, compared with China’s $226 billion. It will only take about 2% of what the Chinese are trading. But Taiwan’s industrial capability is high quality. We don’t make cheap, inferior products. So, it’s not the trade value that means everything, but the quality.

    “The quality of our product has been deeply trusted and has been having good comments from the Nigerian traders and industrial companies. So the most important thing for the government is to attract more Taiwanese companies to come to Nigeria to do trading and investment. It’s very important that Nigeria and Taiwan renew the agreement of protection of investment,” he stressed.

    The diplomat whose first mission assignment to Nigeria was over 30 years ago during which time he maintained embassy offices in Lagos and Cross River states respectively, emphasised that the previous bilateral agreement was signed in 1994 now needs to be renewed with interest of both countries properly aligned.

    “The older version was signed in 1994. It was 30 years ago. So your federal government had already discussed with our mission about two and a half years ago how to renew that. Both sides have negotiated quite extensively, almost finished all the negotiations. Now it needs to be signed by both missions. I would sign on behalf of my government and your mission in Taiwan would sign on behalf of your government. Both sides sign and exchange. That’s it. That means Nigeria is serious enough to attract Taiwanese business people to come to Nigeria to do long-term investment and short-term trading. So we urge your federal government to finalise the signature of the agreement for mutual investment protection. Without that agreement, our people might not have the confidence of the Nigerian government for protecting the investment.”

    Pressed further, Liu reiterated that the bilateral relations between both countries can be enlarged and made more attractive.

    “The second substantive proposal that I mentioned is to resume the annual governmental negotiation between Nigeria and Taiwan on a permanent secretary level from the federal government because that annual consultation was stopped in 2015 or 2016. We don’t know the reason why it has stopped. So we call for the resume of that annual bilateral.

    “So, we look forward to having your federal government, the three ministries, to be able to finalise their consultation and give us much needed feedback on how to progress with the signing of the agreement. We look very much forward to receiving another positive and final decision from the federal government, but we don’t know now.”

  • ECOWAS condemns terrorist attack in northern Benin Republic

    ECOWAS condemns terrorist attack in northern Benin Republic

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has condemned the shocking terrorist attacks in Northern Benin Republic which resulted in dozens of casualties last Wednesday.

    It called on member states to intensify their cooperation in intelligence-sharing and border security following the attacks carried out in the Point Trible area by unidentified armed men.

    It expressed its deepest condolences to the government, security forces, people of the Republic of Benin and the families of the brave soldiers, who lost their lives protecting their country.

    The commission said it remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicate terrorism in West Africa, including through the on-going operationalisation of the Counterterrorism Plan of Action in all its forms.

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    The commission in a communique on the attacks issued in Abuja stated: “The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) unequivocally condemns the heinous attacks in the Point Trible area by unidentified armed men on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, which resulted in dozens of casualties.

    “The ECOWAS Commission expresses its deepest condolences to the Government, security forces, and people of the Republic of Benin, as well as to the families of the brave soldiers, who lost their lives protecting their country and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

    “ECOWAS remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicate terrorism in West Africa, including through the on-going operationalisation of the Counterterrorism Plan of Action in all its forms.

    “ECOWAS calls on all Member States to intensify their cooperation in intelligence sharing and border security. ECOWAS expresses its full solidarity with the Government and people of Benin. It reiterates its determination to accompany member states in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of community citizens.”

  • Biden, Obama, Bush, Clintons, others honour Carter at Washington funeral

    Biden, Obama, Bush, Clintons, others honour Carter at Washington funeral

    Former United States President Jimmy Carter has been lauded for his humility and public service before, during and after his presidency at a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral.

    Current and former presidents and vice-presidents honoured Carter with their presence at the funeral service. He died at the age of 100 last week.

    Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton were seated together in the first rows of the church’s pews.

    Vice-President Kamala Harris, who lost the presidential election to Trump in November, and her predecessors – Mike Pence and Al Gore – were also among the select group of politicians and members of the public who paid their respects to the late former president.

    Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – who lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential election – was also seated with her husband.

    Former and incoming first lady Melania Trump joined her husband for the service but Michelle Obama was not in attendance.

    Trump and his former vice-president, Mike Pence, shook hands as guests took their seats.

    The two men fell out at the end of Trump’s presidency, when Pence presided over the certification of Biden’s presidential win despite pressure from Trump not to do so.

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    Vice President Harris and Trump did not shake hands at Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Though seated near each other, the two politicians did not shake hands after entering the church. Trump was spotted staring at Harris as she took her seat.

    Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Harris’s husband, later shook hands with Trump as Harris spoke to Bush.

    From the pulpit, speaker after speaker praised Carter’s commitment to public service before and after his time in office.

    Steve Ford, son of former president Gerald Ford, read aloud a eulogy his late father wrote about Carter.

    The two men had made a pact to speak at each other’s funerals – an oath Carter himself upheld when Ford died in 2007.

    “By fate, for a brief season, Jimmy Carter and I were rivals,” President Ford’s eulogy read. But later, “it led to the most enduring of friendships.”

    Biden, the first sitting senator to endorse Carter’s 1976 run for the White House, also delivered a eulogy.

    The President, who will leave office in 11 days, spoke about politics several times, stressing  that “character” was Carter’s chief attribute.

    Biden said the former president taught him the imperative that “everyone should be treated with dignity and respect”.

    “We have an obligation to give hate no safe harbour,” Biden said, also noting the importance of standing up to “abuse in power”.

    Joshua Carter, a grandson who recalled how Carter regularly taught Sunday school in his native hamlet of Plains, Georgia, after leaving the White House, said:  “He built houses for people who needed homes.”

  • Attack on Chad’s presidential palace leaves 19 dead

    Attack on Chad’s presidential palace leaves 19 dead

    An attack on Chad’s presidential palace left 18 assailants dead and six in custody, with one soldier killed and three wounded, state media reported yesterday.

    The attack on Wednesday night occurred while Chadian President Mahamat Deby Itno was inside the palace, but authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control.

     “The situation is completely under control. There is no fear,” Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said while surrounded by soldiers in a live Facebook broadcast filmed inside what appeared to be a quiet presidential palace late Wednesday.

    In an interview with state TV, Koulamallah praised the vigilance of the palace guards, describing the attackers as disorganised and intoxicated by alcohol and drugs. When asked if the attack was terrorism, he said it was probably not, as the attackers were local youths from the capital, N’Djamena.

    The attack occurred the same day as a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who congratulated Deby Itno on reestablishing constitutional order.

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    In the immediate aftermath, rumours spread online that the attack was the work of Islamic militant group Boko Haram.

    Boko Haram, which launched an insurgency more than a decade ago against Western education, seeks to establish Islamic law in Nigeria’s northeast. The insurgency has spread to neighbouring West African countries, including Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

    Chad, a country of nearly 18 million people, has been reeling from political turmoil before and after a controversial presidential election that resulted in Deby Itno’s victory. He had led the country as interim president during the period of military rule that followed the death of his father in 2021.