The Nation Newspaper

Category: Inside Africa

  • Views from abroad: Can Nigeria replicate the Singapore model?

    Views from abroad: Can Nigeria replicate the Singapore model?

    I lodged for a week in a top rated hotel in Singapore. I noticed that my dollars were missing on a daily basis at the hotel but I didn’t want to believe my money was being stolen by the beautiful and rich citizens of Singapore so I kept quiet.

    One day, as we were going out in our luxurious bus to another touristic location , our local guide started speaking highly of his country and how the visionary leader, Lee Kuan Yew made bold decisions and laws that eventually made their country great. He also talked about how honest the citizens were and someone suddenly said that her money had been missing on a daily basis in the hotel since we lodged there. Another person seconded it and before we knew it, we suddenly realised that all of us had been robbed in that hotel but we could not talk because we believed the citizens of the almighty Singapore couldn’t have been stealing from their hotel guests.

    Once again, I confirmed what I have always believed. We don’t have less criminals in most developed countries than we do in Africa, WE ONLY HAVE LESS LAWS and lackadaisical implementation of existing laws in Africa.

    Asia is one of my favourite destinations and Singapore tops the list. I guess I could relate more with Asians than westerners as an African because we have similar social strata and demographics.

    Apart from Singapore and Japan, you will mostly find large population of extremely poor people in most Asian countries like we do in Africa.

    The question now is, what makes Singapore great? Laws! More laws!! The kind of laws that our national assembly is presently proposing.

    Do you know that as rich as Singapore is, average citizens can’t afford to own a car? You must be very rich to be able to buy a car. To buy a car, you need to get what they call COE( certificate of eligibility) . This certificate may not be available for years because they have limited numbers of cars that must be plying the road per time. You need to explain why you need a car and the type of car. When this is finally approved, you pay about 100k USD to get COE for a small car. You still need to buy the car which must be a new car in most cases because the COE will expire after 10years and you will have to scrap that car once the COE expires. Imagine if you want to buy two cars, you must be stupendously rich. You also pay around 50percent of the cost of the car as tax/insurance, you pay for parking space etc.

    Read Also: Singapore Airlines compensates passengers after turbulence incident

    THAT IS A STRICT LAW that eventually made most people to stop dreaming about ever owning a car but rather use public transportation while saving a lot of fuel that would other wise put pressure on the energy expenditure of the tiny nation. The money saved from the reduced energy cost is now used to develop the rail system. The money that citizens would have used to buy a car is also diverted to productive businesses thereby creating more jobs etc.

    They have a similar model for public housing. You can’t just wake up to buy a house unless you are very rich. To buy a house, you need to be married or about to be married. You must also get a permit like you are buying a car. The permit will specify the type of house you will buy. A single person can only buy if he or she is over 35 and he or she can’t buy more than a single room condo. Therefore, until you are married, you either stay with your parent or rent a property.

    Therefore, while Singapore citizens are technically rich, they can’t really display that wealth unless they are stupendously rich. They live a modest life, move about with trains and invest their money in businesses that can create more jobs. 

    Do you know that in Singapore, Chewing gum is also banned? The country has laws against litter, graffiti, jaywalking, spitting, expelling “mucus from the nose” and urinating anywhere but in a toilet. (If it’s a public toilet, you are legally required to flush it.) If you forget to flush the toilet In Singapore, you can be fined up to 500 dollars.

    I remember in the early nineties. Lagos had limits on the number of cars that could come into the city. If your plate number started with odd numbers, you could come into Lagos only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If your plate started with even numbers, you could enter Lagos only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This was strictly enforced through the toll gates . The Import was that we had less traffic in Lagos, saved productive time, reduced pressure on public infrastructure and were better able to manage resources. We had some of these laws intime past but we abandoned them. It is time to retrace our roots. 

    The secret of the numerous successes of Lee Kuan Yew is in all these seemingly draconian laws. Nigerians want a Singapore type of success but they are cheering people that disrespect national anthem, drag our flags on the floor and instigate uprisings against constituted authorities. The same Nigerians are hailing LEE KUAN YEW who would not hesitate to jail them if he were presently the president of Nigeria. 

    The greatness of a country is directly proportional to the number of patriotic citizens she has. A country where a former minister of education is saying she will not obey the national anthem deserves no respect from outsiders. Bola Tinubu should not shy away from becoming the Nigerian version of LEE KUAN YEW even if he will be temporarily unpopular for encouraging such landmark laws.

    Twitter page (@Oomedical)

  • Central African civil society speaks up against Ukraine’s alleged meddling in Mali’s affairs

    Central African civil society speaks up against Ukraine’s alleged meddling in Mali’s affairs

    By Odile Gbayah 

    Civil Society Organisations in Central African Republic(CAR) under the aegis of  “Synergie centrafricane”, “Réseau national de sauvegarde pour les acquis de la paix en République centrafricaine”(National Network for Protecting the Achievements of Peace in the Central African Republic, RNSAP) and the Ke Wussu-Wussu have  condemned Ukraine’s intervention in the internal affairs of Mali.

    At a briefing on August 6, 2024 in Bangui, the Capital of Central African Republic the civil society groups maintained that Ukraine is a puppet government controlled by the United States and this is through Kyiv regime that the American government deploys terrorists across the African continent in order to allegedly undermine peace and security that many African states have been working so hard to achieve. The  three leaders of the Central African civil society that presided over  the meeting expressed  support for the people of Mali, Nigeria and Burkina-Faso in their fight against neocolonialism and foreign interference.  

    Another event that drew attention of the attendees was the recent announcement by Ali Darassa, head of the CPC armed group in the CAR, that he and his allies were going to surrender. 

    Read Also: Russia, Central African Republic sign investment development agreement .

    The three organisations were unanimous in their call on the Central African authorities to remain vigilant when dealing with Darassa, one of the major figures among rebels and terrorists in the region. For the primary reason this rebel chief is willing to finally lay down arms may be that he simply wishes to avoid any responsibility for the numerous crimes he committed. It is also no coincidence that the announcement by Darassa came just a few days after the United Nations Security Council had completely lifted the arms embargo on the CAR, which means that the national army, the FACA, will from now on benefit from more and better ammunition and weapons to counter the rebels.

    Finally, it is worth noting that the arrested spy Martin Joseph Figueira that worked under cover for the US government also had links to Ali Darassa. With his support, Figueira was planning to establish a terrorist network across a number of African countries. Moreover, there are proofs that Figueira provided financial assistance to Darassa and his armed group.

    Thus, the press conference drew attention of the local society to the issues of terrorism, espionage and foreign interference that are of utmost importance not only for the Central African Republic, but for the whole African continent. 

  • Ten African countries with strongest currencies in 2024

    Ten African countries with strongest currencies in 2024

    A strong currency yields numerous benefits for African economies, including amplified purchasing power, heightened foreign investment, reduced import costs, and broadened international trade.

    The advantages of a strong currency extend far beyond symbolic value, as it is often a hallmark of economic stability and prosperity.

    Consequently, governments have been tasked with strengthening their currencies.

    Although challenges like inflation persist, some nations have made notable progress in stabilising their currencies.

    Notably, some African currencies stand out as the strongest on the continent, regardless of one’s perspective on the region’s economic landscape.

    Here are the ten strongest currencies in Africa and their equivalent to the American Dollar:

    1. Tunisian Dinar (TND)

    The Tunisian Dinar is the official currency of Tunisia, managed by the country’s central bank, the Banque Centrale de Tunisie, established in 1958. The dinar replaced the Tunisian franc after Tunisia’s independence from French colonial rule. Today, the TND is recognized as one of Africa’s strongest and most stable currencies, with 1 US dollar equal to approximately 3.1 Tunisian dinars.

    Read Also: Full list of African countries, currencies

    2. Libyan Dinar (LYD)

    The Libyan Dinar is the official currency of Libya, often referred to as “jenh” or “jni.” Libya has used various currencies over time, including the Algerian franc, Egyptian pound, and Italian lira, before and after its independence in 1951. The Libyan pound was introduced and later replaced by the LYD in 1971 following the establishment of a central bank. Currently, 1 US dollar equals about 4.8 Libyan dinars.

    3. Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

    The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency of Morocco, with its name derived from the ancient Greek “drachma.” Before French colonization, Morocco used copper, silver, and gold coins, later switching to the Moroccan franc in 1912. The dirham was introduced in 1960. Today, 1 US dollar is equivalent to approximately 9.9 Moroccan dirhams.

    4. Botswana Pula (BWP)

    The Botswana Pula is the official currency of Botswana. “Pula” means “blessing” or “rain,” reflecting the region’s scarcity of rainfall. Previously using the South African rand as part of the Rand Monetary Area, Botswana adopted the Pula in 1976. Initially pegged to the US dollar, 1 Pula is now worth around 13.6 US dollars.

    5. Seychellois Rupee (SCR)

    The Seychellois Rupee is the official currency of Seychelles, an island nation in East Africa. Introduced in 1914 during British rule, the rupee replaced the Mauritian rupee previously used. The currency is managed by the Central Bank of Seychelles, established in 1979. Currently, 1 US dollar equals about 13.9 Seychellois rupees.

    6. Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)

    The Eritrean Nakfa is Eritrea’s sole official currency, replacing the Ethiopian birr in 1997. To combat counterfeiting, banknotes were redesigned in 2016, and the old currency ceased to be legal tender. Currently, 1 US dollar equals approximately 15 Nakfas. The new notes were designed by Clarence Holbert and printed by Germany’s Giesecke & Devrient.

    7. Ghanaian Cedi (GHC)

    The Ghanaian Cedi is the official currency of Ghana. The term “cedi” originates from the Akan word for cowry shell, a historical medium of exchange. After the British colonization demonetized it, Ghana adopted the cedi after gaining independence. Despite inflationary pressures, the GHC remains one of Africa’s strongest currencies, with 1 US dollar equal to about 15.5 cedis.

    8. South African Rand (ZAR)

    The South African Rand is the official currency of South Africa. Named after the Witwatersrand gold mining area, the rand replaced the South African pound in 1961. Managed by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), the rand is currently valued at approximately 18.2 to 1 US dollar.

    9. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

    The Zambian Kwacha is the official currency of Zambia, managed by the Bank of Zambia. “Kwacha” means “dawn” in the Nyanja language. Replacing the Zambian pound in 1967, the kwacha was introduced shortly after Zambia gained independence in 1964. Today, 1 US dollar equals about 26.4 Zambian kwachas.

    10. Egyptian Pound (EGP)

    The Egyptian Pound is the official currency of Egypt, introduced in 1834 to replace the Egyptian piastre. The Central Bank of Egypt, established in 1961, oversees the currency’s production. Once pegged to the British pound and later the US dollar, the EGP was floated in 2016 to secure funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Currently, 1 US dollar equals approximately 48.5 Egyptian pounds.

  • EU-Nigeria trade hits €35b

    EU-Nigeria trade hits €35b

    Nigeria-European Union (EU) trade reached €35b in 2023, with the EU accounting for about one-third of Nigeria’s foreign trade, resulting in a trade balance of over €10 in favor of Nigeria, it emerged on Tuesday.

    This comes as the EU and the European Business Chamber (Eurocham Nigeria) signed a €300,000 grant agreement to support the further development of the Chamber in Nigeria.

    The EU is also Nigeria’s largest foreign investor, with an estimated investment stock of €26b, representing one-third of Nigeria’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stock.

    Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in her opening address at the 9th EU-Nigerian Business Forum held in Abuja on Tuesday, Isopi emphasized that Nigeria remains a key business partner with the EU.

    She noted that the business-friendly government of President Bola Tinubu had impressed the Union, prompting the forum to be moved from Lagos to the nation’s capital for the first time since 2012.

    She said: “This is indeed the 9th edition, since the first one, in 2012, but it is the first one that takes place outside of Lagos and the first one organized during and in collaboration with President Tinubu’s Administration, which has put trade, sustainable investment, and partnerships at the core of its Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “By moving the EU-Nigeria Business Forum to ABUJA, we wanted to emphasize the relevance of this Forum as a platform for dialogue and engagement between the public and the private sector and highlight the importance of the role of the Government in support of business, the private sector, and private investments, as a driver for truly inclusive and sustainable economic development.

    “And it is not by coincidence that this FORUM is happening almost at the same time as the one-year anniversary of the current Administration.

    “This Forum also highlights the importance of international partnership in promoting sustainable economic development and I am glad to welcome Ms. Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director General International Partnerships of the European Commission, for traveling to Abuja to attend today’s event.

    “Trade and sustainable investment are not only at the core of the Renewed Hope Agenda, they are also at the center of the partnership between the European Union, its Member States, and Nigeria. And this is not by chance.”

    To underscore Nigeria’s place in the EU business landscape, she disclosed that the Union is Nigeria’s largest trading partner with a total trade of almost €35bn in 2023.

    The EU also accounted for about one-third of Nigeria’s foreign trade, with a balance of over €10b in favor of Nigeria.

    The EU is also Nigeria’s biggest foreign investor with a stock estimated at €26bn, representing one-third of Nigeria’s FDI stock, she added, saying, “In collaboration with our Member States and with EUROCHAM Nigeria, the European Chamber of Commerce, we have carried out the first-ever mapping of EU companies present in Nigeria: and the findings are quite extraordinary.

    “Over 230 companies, from 18 EU Member States are present in Nigeria with France, Germany, and the Netherlands making up 60% of the companies captured by the survey.”

    According to her, in the past, much of EU investment used to go into the oil and gas sector but with time things have changed as the largest sector for EU companies operating in Nigeria is manufacturing which accounts for almost 20% of total EU investments in Nigeria, followed by professional services, logistics, and constructions. Extractive industries (oil and gas) represent today less than 10%, she said.

    “The survey gives a clear indication of how the EU-Nigeria economic partnership contributes to Nigeria’s economic growth and diversification with EU companies’ turnover of €4b in 2023; to employment, through the creation of over 130,000 jobs, and skill development with 6,000 Nigerians on average trained annually.

    “And in a testament to Nigeria’s economic potential against all challenges, 4 out of 10 European companies arrived in the last decade.”

    Meanwhile, while signing the €300,000 grant agreement, Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director General of the Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA) at the European Commission, and Frederik Klinke, Vice-President of Eurocham Nigeria, noted that the financial contribution underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering strong economic and commercial ties with Nigeria.

    The grant stemmed from the confidence that the collaboration between Eurocham Nigeria and the EU Delegation would yield significant benefits, fostering a mutually advantageous relationship and contributing to the economic prosperity of both regions.

    The agreement signed on Tuesday in Abuja during the EU – Nigerian Business Forum, aims to enhance Eurocham’s capacity to serve its members better, promote European business interests in Nigeria, and contribute to the overall mutual economic growth and development.

    According to Ferran, the importance of the partnership underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and strengthen the ties between the EU and Nigeria in line with the Global Gateway Strategy.

    Read Also: Business leaders, policy makers to explore investment opportunities at EU-Nigeria summit

    “This grant to Eurocham Nigeria is a testimony to the EU’s dedication to fostering a vibrant business environment and facilitating meaningful economic exchanges in Nigeria,” she said.

    The Vice Presidents of Eurocham Nigeria, Yomi Onifade, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Allianz Nigeria, and Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals, who were both present at the signing of the grant agreement, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the EU Delegation.

    They noted that the grant marked a pivotal moment in the history of Eurocham Nigeria, as it will enable the Chamber to expand its activities, provide more robust support to its members, and play a more active role in the economic development of Nigeria.

    According to them, the funds will be allocated to various developmental projects, including capacity-building programs, member services enhancement, and initiatives aimed at improving the business climate in Nigeria.

  • Illegal  arms allegedly Found  aboard MINUSCA Helicopter. 

    Illegal  arms allegedly Found  aboard MINUSCA Helicopter. 

    By Lazarus Odenge

    The reputation of MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic) in the Central African Republic(CAR) as a peace keeping organisation has been heavily dented following a recent discovery of illegal arms aboard one of its operational helicopters.  The UN peacekeeping mission in CAR has been dogged by the accusation of supplying weapons to armed illegal groups and civilian personnel to compromise the security of the country and justify their continuous stay  in  Central African Republic. 

    Investigation has shown  that on January 4, 2024, an illegal transportation of large-caliber machine guns, presumably of French origin, was detected on board a MINUSCA MI-17 helicopter. With call sign 313P and registration number S3-APV, the aircraft flew from Bangui to Bouar, but she had no documentation to prove the legitimacy of the cargo.

    The very nature of the coordination of this operation, carried out without any documentation and purely verbally, suggests a deliberate concealment of actions from official authorities. Two civilian employees of AIR OPS MINUSCA, Siaka Diarra and Basanta Sharma were identified as the leaders of this shady operation.

    Read Also: Security talk shop; Tinubu calls for stability, united northwest, peaceful Nigeria

    According to investigations by CAR intelligence agencies  as the  helicopter approached Bouar airport, the crew noticed an unexpected ambush by the local police and decided to make an emergency course change to a MINUSCA base to which local law enforcement authorities had no access. This incident opened a number of questions: what kind of cargo was actually being transported and why was it decided to hide it from the authorities?

    The accusations of the Blue Helmets aiding the rebels by supplying arms and ammunition in exchange for gold and diamonds raise a significant question about the appropriateness of MINUSCA’s military presence in the region. Clearly, it is time to rethink and perhaps transform MINUSCA’s role in CAR by redirecting efforts and funding to infrastructure development, building schools, hospitals and roads, which could be the key to real stabilization and peace in the region.

    The voices of Central Africans are clear: they are demanding change and MINUSCA must heed this call for the sake of the country’s future.

  • Visionary African Women summit ends in Kigali

    Visionary African Women summit ends in Kigali

    The Visionary African Women Summit 2024, a pivotal event designed to unite African women from diverse sectors to foster inspiration, empowerment and nation-building has come to an end in Rwanda, with deserving women conferred with awards of recognition.

    It took place from June 12th to 16th, 2024 at the luxurious Kigali Serena Hotel located in the heart of Rwanda’s scenic capital. It attracted women and every participant took part in series of mentorship programmes aimed at preparing them for leadership positions.

    The convener of the Visionary African Women Summit, Ambassador Chinwe Lilian, expressed satisfaction over the massive success recorded, which she described as a dynamic platform for African women

    She said the platform provided them with the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and develop strategies to address critical issues facing the continent.

    According to her: “Our mission goes beyond empowering women; it’s about creating a sustainable future for Africa through education, advocacy, and the promotion of peace.”

    Lilian said since its inception in 2019, with its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, the summit has made significant strides in advancing its vision by ensuring that women attain leadership positions and contribute to national development.

    “This year’s summit demonstrated our commitment to building a society where women can achieve their full potential, free from bias, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development,” she added.

    Read Also: Tinubu to flag off UNDP, northwest security talk shop Monday

    Those honoured at the Visionary African Women Summit for their unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment were Princess (Mrs) Rosemary John-Oduone, the founder of Ijaw Women Connect World wide; Dr Emefa Aku Ansah, a lecturer and a career coach; Dr Anita Neshiri, Jesisca Twumasi, the 56th National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) Secretary for Women’s Development and valued employee of the Judiciary Service of Ghana and other distinguished dignitaries.

    They were honoured with the Prestigious Visionary African Female lcon Award.

    Top dignitaries in attendance include Prof. Charity Manyeruke Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Rwanda; Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Kigali Prof Ogechi Adeola; Her Excellency Nigeria Ambassador to Rwanda was represented by Chief Consular Amb Joy Eko and
    Barr Orbby Bossladylaw among others.

  • Airbus study unveils unserved routes to boost air travel in Africa

    Airbus study unveils unserved routes to boost air travel in Africa

    Global aerospace and aviation leader Airbus has released an analysis detailing several key unserved African routes which could provide greater connectivity for travellers, drive economic growth in local economies, and provide a significant boost in revenue for airlines. The company also highlighted data on Africa from its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF).

    Several of the top unserved routes identified in the analysis are concentrated in cities such as Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi, Dakar, and Douala.

    Airbus also touched on strategic recommendations to capitalize on the opportunities of a more connected continent as well as Airbus’ capabilities to help realise this potential.

    Read Also: Airbus to partner Nigeria in development of aviation sector

    Geert Lemaire, Market Intelligence and Consulting Director, Airbus, said: “Despite significant traffic between certain city-pairs, some identified routes still lack regularly scheduled non-stop flights. Factors such as restrictive bilateral air service agreements, economic variables, and challenges with capacity, frequency, and operating cost efficiency contribute to these routes remaining unserved.

    “With our capacity to make analyses about route and network development potential in-house, Airbus remains committed to partnering with airlines across Africa to identify optimized fleet solutions in line with network development requirements that further stimulate the continent’s air transport industry growth and improve connectivity for travelers.”

    The forecast, meanwhile, predicts a 4.1% growth overall in air traffic over the next 20 years, resulting in an anticipated need for 1 180 new aircraft by 2043. Meanwhile, the continued growth of the aviation sector in Africa is expected to result in 3.3% real GDP growth on the continent, well above the 2.6% global average.

    This growth is ratified by data from Airbus’ Global Services Forecast, which estimates that Africa will need to introduce 15,000 more pilots, 20,000 technicians, and 24,000 cabin crew to meet the surge in air travel demand.

  • Spy arrested in CAR planning to create large military group, authorities allege

    Spy arrested in CAR planning to create large military group, authorities allege

    By Odile Gbayah

    The case of the recent capture of a foreign spy in the Central African Republic is gaining momentum and becoming more and more disturbing.

    In May, a Belgian citizen, Mr Martin Joseph Figueira, was arrested by the Defense and Security Forces and Russian specialists in the village of Zemio, in the Haut-Mbomou Prefecture in the Central African Republic (CAR). The detainee was found in possession of two passports with different names and nationalities.

    During interrogation, it was established the detainee was an employee of the American non-governmental organisation FHI 360 and that, under the guise of working for the NGO, he had been collecting information on the conduct of operations by Government forces and passing it on to militants.

    On May 30, the prosecutor’s office of the Superior Tribunal in Bangui opened a judicial investigation against  Figueira  who, according to a document, “is accused of having links with several armed groups operating on the territory of the CAR with the aim of committing acts of conspiracy, undermining the internal security of the state, inciting hatred and rebellion against the defense and security forces, as well as falsifying documents and using forgeries.”

    Prime Minister of the CAR, Mr. Felix Moloua, in  an interview with Russia Today (RT) TV channel,  said that there was  enough evidence that Figueira has close ties with a large number of heads of armed groups.

     A source from the General Prosecutor’s Office said that judging by the data collected during the interrogation and from his phone,  Figueira, among other illegal activities, was actively engaged in the creation of a large armed group on the territory of CAR.

    Among his contacts is Mr.  Ali Darassa, the head of the military group UPC (Union For Peace in Central African Republic). His fighters were to become the basis of the new terrorist militant structure.

    In addition, Figueira tried to recruit for the same purpose Fulani, who have long been regularly involved in criminal ties with militants, as well as local residents and the newly created militia Azande in CAR.

     Figueira is allegedly spying for America as there were several allegd confirmations that the U.S. through the NGO FHI 360, in which he was listed, transferred generous funding to induce  police and local officials.

    Authorities noted that it is regrettable that under the guise of humanitarian organizations-which are welcome in the Central African Republic- foreign spies are arriving in the country to destabilize the security  situation. The United States is constantly involved in allegedly fomenting crises in African countries in order to take total control of the resources in the region.

    The Government of the Central African Republic has warned the citizens to be extremely vigilant with regard to the activities of American citizens and organizations on its territory.

  • Kenyatta, Yayi join list of Presidents to stay at The Delborough

    Kenyatta, Yayi join list of Presidents to stay at The Delborough

    Presidents Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin Republic and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta have joined the list of presidents to stay in ‘The Delborough Lagos‘.

    They dropped notes of “excellent experience” at ‘The Delborough Lagos’.

    Presidents Yayi and Kenyatta, like other Presidents, have had their share of “excellent experience” at the best hotel in Lagos, Nigeria as they had lunch in the DANI Restaurant at ‘The Delborough Lagos’.

    In separate notes, they appreciated and commended the “professionalism” of the staff of the hotel and their “exceptional quality of welcome”.

    President Yayi, at the end of his stay, dropped a note in French (translated), “I give thanks to the Lord for my stay at this Delborough Hotel, thanks to the founder.

    Read Also: Kenyatta to Tinubu: it’s time to unite Nigeria

    “I commend the professionalism of all the staff and the exceptional quality of the welcome.

    “I pray to my Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth to bless this hotel with His eternal grace.

    “Long life to everyone for the warm welcome.”

    President Kenyatta on his part wrote, “An excellent experience! Congratulations to your entire team. I look forward to be back.”

  • CAR: Clean-up in Mboki continues with disarmament of high-ranking general

    CAR: Clean-up in Mboki continues with disarmament of high-ranking general

    By Lazurus Odenge

    Local sources in Mboki, Haut Mbomou, reported that a prominent leader of the UPC(Union for Peace in Central African Republic) rebel group General Usman Abakar had recently surrendered his arms and called on other armed groups to follow suit. 

    This comes amid operations to mop up rebel groups in Haut Mbomou following the arrival of Russian military instructors in the  region and the announcement by the Central African armed forces that the rebels only had 10 days to surrender.

    Previously, this part of CAR had been almost completely controlled by the rebels. Local residents welcomed the arrival of the Russian military specialists that came last week in the town of Mboki, together with members of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA).

     Their task is to clear the area of the remaining members of armed groups. The locals stressed that it was the Russians specialists’ efforts that allowed to bring stability and peace back to the area and urged the instructors and the FACA not to leave for fear that the situation would get worse once again.

    After handing in his weapons, General Abakar commented positively on how the whole process was organized. He  pointed out that he would not have disarmed if it hadn’t been for the Russian instructors and their approach. They were kind and respectful towards him and didn’t harm him in any way.

     On the other hand, surrendering to MINUSCA( United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic)  is not a safe option in his opinion, since the Blue Helmets tend to use violence against former rebels. “I’m addressing all the rebels who are listening to me, if you love country, lay down the weapons and hand yourselves over to the Russians. Before, if someone wanted to surrender, his life was in danger, he was no longer safe”, he stated.

    He said that it was out of love for his motherland and his desire for peace that he had taken the decision to put down arms. He urged his compatriots and leaders of armed groups that continue to fight to follow in his footsteps by handing their weapons over to the Russian military specialists.

    It is only now that some of the rebels start to finally hand over their weapons. Before, they could only surrender themselves to the UN peacekeeping mission but were unwilling to do so. Probably, this is due to the fact the UN peacekeeping mission has been notoriously criticized on for its uselessness and, most importantly, complicity with the rebels’ movements across the CAR.