Category: International News

by Ben Ayuko

{Image by QFM_LIRA}

Armed Officers took to the streets of Kampala to arrest young protestors who were trying to speak up against the corruption of public officials.

These youthful protestors were marching toward the Parliament building in Kampala, demanding for the resignation of the Speaker to the National Assembly, Anitah Among, when they were intercepted and arrested.

This comes after Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, had issued a warning to those planning to protest, saying that they were, “Playing with Fire.”

“What right… do you have to seek to generate chaotic behavior? … We are busy producing … cheap food, other people in other parts of the world are starving… you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us…”, Museveni said in a three-hour-long wide-ranging address.

This, of course, in the wake of the Anti-Finance Bill Protests seen all over Kenya whereby dozens-on-dozens-on-dozens of people were killed by Police sanctioned by President William Ruto, makes Yoweri Museveni’s words all the more ominous in nature as it is yet unclear what the words “Playing with Fire” are meant to imply.

Ugandan Opposition Leader, Bobi Wine, gave a statement in support of the protests which he made a point to claim were “organized by the young people of Uganda” and not his national party. The former musician, just a few years ago, was arrested amidst forming a campaign to challenge Museveni’s rule. His arrest led to protests in Uganda which were met with law enforcement. Dozens-on-dozens died on the day trying to push for his freedom.

He is back, this time, not at the forefront. but as part of the movement that would defy Museveni’s long-standing government.

by Ben Ayuko

contact info: benayuko@gmail.com

{Photo courtesy of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee/Twitter}

The Tennessee governor, Bill Lee, has just approved a very interesting bill set to take effect on July 1st, 2024.

This bill legislates the approval of the death penalty for any human being convicted of crimes against children, rape especially. This means that any person convicted of child abuse can legally receive a sentence ranging from life in prison, life without possibility of parole or sentenced to death believed to be done by lethal injection. This, obviously begs the question, is this, okay?

Most people, I assume, would be of the frame of mind that anybody committing crimes against defenseless people/animals should get what is coming to them. It’s like in a movie, when the terrifying school bully comes across somebody tougher than him and is then humiliated in front of the very people he has been terrorizing. It’s karma at its finest. Tit for tat. An eye for an eye. It is fair.

However, there’s the school of thought that teaches, “an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” Teaches that one should learn to turn the other cheek. That murder is a sin directly opposed to the 6th commandment of God and anybody who partakes of it is irredeemable. It’s quite the moral dilemma.

What is the greater good? Is it the safety of the community or eternal life in heaven? Is it enough to simply repent? Will the pedophile be granted access to heaven after repenting the same way you would for murdering him? Could sacrificing your position by God’s side for safety of the community you live in be enough of a gesture for God to permit you into heaven?

It’s a lot to think about. But one thing that we can all agree on:

Nobody wants to live in a community with a child abuser.

By Joe Aura

In a recent Senate hearing, Meta CEO c found himself in the spotlight as he issued a public apology to families who claimed their children suffered harm due to social media content. The emotional and intense session has drawn comparisons to other historic CEO apologies, such as Bill Clinton’s acknowledgment of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and Steve Jobs’ response to the iPhone 4 antenna problem. As the world watches, these apologies reflect a common thread of public figures facing intense scrutiny, acknowledging mistakes, and expressing remorse.

Zuckerberg’s apology, delivered after intense questioning, resonates not only with an international audience but also with the Kenyan public. The societal impact of social media, particularly on children, is a concern shared globally. In Kenya, where social media usage is widespread, the implications of online safety for children are pertinent, making Zuckerberg’s apology relevant to Kenyan families.

The international audience is closely observing the consequences of CEO apologies on reputation, career, and legacy. While Clinton’s legacy remains tarnished, Jobs’ apology contributed to Apple’s image recovery. The repeated appearances of Zuckerberg before Congress prompt questions about the potential long-term impact on Meta’s standing and its influence on the global tech industry, with implications for Kenyan users. The hearing’s exploration of legislative initiatives to hold tech companies accountable extends concerns beyond the United States, resonating with Kenyans navigating their regulatory landscape. This ongoing debate emphasizes the urgent and complex need to address online safety on a global scale, including in Kenya.

The emotional testimonies from affected families resonate across borders, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address the challenges posed by social media content. As the future of social media, regulation in the United States remains uncertain, but the global implications of such decisions are profound. For Kenyan and international audiences alike, the ongoing dialogue about online safety reflects the evolving relationship between technology, responsibility, and the well-being of users, particularly the younger generation.

By Samira Mohammed

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is scheduled to declare on Friday whether it will proceed with immediate sanctions against Israel in response to the genocide accusations made by South Africa during Israel’s Gaza offensive. In a statement released on Wednesday, the United Nations’ highest court revealed that a panel of 17 judges will deliver its decision on January 26 at 12:00 GMT in response to South Africa’s requests. South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor will attend the announcement in The Hague.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will rule on emergency measures that South Africa is requesting be taken in order to stop Israel from going any farther, rather than the main question of whether or not Israel is committing genocide. In order to avoid more grave and irreversible injury to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention, South Africa petitioned the International Court of Justice, often known as the World Court, to order an emergency suspension of Israel’s military assault in Gaza during recent proceedings.

In its nine submissions to the court, South Africa demanded that Israel stop its military actions in Gaza and make it easier for humanitarian aid to reach the area. The relevance of the court’s reaction to these petitions was emphasized by former ICJ legal officer Michael Becker, who emphasized that the court is not required to grant the precise measures asked by South Africa but might choose the most appropriate temporary measures instead.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has no means of enforcement even though its decisions are final and cannot be challenged. As a result, it is unclear whether any provisional measures will be followed, especially in light of Israel’s denial of the accusations of genocide and its claim to the right to defend itself against Hamas.A decision in the case may be rendered by the ICJ in three to four years after a rigorous process of written submissions, oral arguments, and counterarguments. Provisional measures may be approved in the interim if South Africa can show that there is an immediate danger of irreversible harm to the Palestinian population in Gaza as well as the validity of its claims under the genocide treaty.

Israel has rejected the genocide allegations as distorted and defended its actions as targeting Hamas rather than civilians. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, predominantly among women and children, as reported by Palestinian authorities in Gaza.

Israel has always claimed that UN investigations and international courts are biased, yet it did attend the most recent ICJ proceedings. Though the European Union has remained mostly silent on the subject, Israel’s international position would be called into question by any ICJ order to cease operations. This is especially true given that the United States is its main ally.

[Photo courtesy of Boks rugby]

Handre Pollard kicked four penalties as South Africa beat 14-man New Zealand 12-11 in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday to win a record fourth title.

The All blacks pushed the Boks However, the Springboks prevailed by a point to win their third consecutive knockout match in this event, adding to their triumphs from 1995, 2007 and 2019.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup has not just been a sports tournament, but a global celebration of rugby and its values.

The tournament has been captivating audiences all over the world with its thrilling matches, dramatic moments, and inspiring stories. The fans have played a vital role in making the event an entertaining and memorable one. They have created a festive and vibrant atmosphere in the stadiums and the host cities, cheering loudly, singing songs, and waving flags. The fans have been the heart and soul of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The tournament has not only been a showcase of the best rugby talent in the world, but also a platform for social and environmental change. The organizers set ambitious goals to make the event the most sustainable and inclusive ever, and to involve fans in every aspect of the event. They have implemented various initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of the event, such as a carbon compensation program, a zero-waste policy, and a low-carbon mobility plan. They have also invited fans to participate in the Legacy Program, which aims to leave a positive and lasting impact on rugby and society.

{Photo courtesy of dw.com}

By Samuel Owino

Niger’s junta revealed late Sunday that they will prosecute the toppled president, Mohamed Bazoum for treason and undermining the security of the nation.

The new government, through their spokesperson Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, said that it had gathered information that it would use to prosecute the ousted president and his local and foreign accomplices.

“In any event, the government of Niger has to date gathered necessary evidence to prosecute before the competent national and international authorities the ousted president and his local and foreign accomplices for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”

The statement comes as a surprise since the nation was open to dialogues, even with ECOWAS, to solve the crisis in the nation. In another statement by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, the leader of Nigeria’s Izala Salafist Movement, it said that, Gen Tchiani apologised for shunning the previous ECOWAS delegates.

The president therefore faces a death penalty if convicted. The ousted president’s diet has been poor as he has been fed rice and pasta only stuck in the Palace’s basement with his son and wife.

{Photo courtesy of France 24}

By Samuel Owino

Niger’s coup leaders have closed the country’s airspace rejecting an ultimatum from the West African trade body, ECOWAS to reinstate the overthrown president Mohamed Bazoum or risk military intervention.

In a statement read on national television by the coup spokesperson, Amadou Abdramane, he cited that the planning of military action on Niger has been carried out despite disapproval from Nigeriens and ECOWAS.

“Despite the disapproval of the Nigerien people and that of ECOWAS against any military intervention in Niger, the planning of that war has been carried out.” He said. Amadou Abdramane, also mentioned that the planning has begun in two Central African states but did not give details.

The junta continued to state that they are closing their airspace for these reasons until further notice.

“Faced with the threat of intervention being prepared in neighboring countries, Nigerien airspace is closed from today, 6^th August, 2023, for all aircraft until further orders. All attempts to violate the Nigerien national airspace will be an object of a forceful instantaneous response.”

There is division as to ECOWAS’s next step as the deadline to reinstate the overthrown president and the constitution. The body is torn as there is no clear step to be taken after the deadline expired.

Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, had asked to deploy military troops to Niger but was faced with opposition from his senators. The senators however advised him to deploy delegates to conduct negotiations so as not to tarnish the diplomatic relations they have enjoyed with Niger.

A British Airways flight that left Nairobi on Sunday at 11:10 pm and landed in Niger was forced back to Kenya after two hours. A representative for British Airways apologized in a statement and confirms disruptions of flight operations in Africa due to the action taken by the Junta in Niger.