AfricaWorld Reports

12/07/2024

📷: Visit Rwanda ❤️ before you get married

12/07/2024

Biden's Defiant Stance Amidst Gaffes Raises Eyebrows

US President Joe Biden faced a critical juncture Thursday night as he addressed the press following a NATO summit, with his presidency, re-election prospects, and political standing hanging in the balance. Despite stumbling earlier by mistakenly referring to Ukraine's President Zelensky as "President Putin," Biden stood firm during the hour-long, unscripted news conference.

The event marked Biden's first public appearance since a heated debate with former President Donald Trump, which sparked calls from Democratic circles for him to withdraw from the presidential race.

At 81 years old, Biden has been under increasing scrutiny regarding his age and ability to serve another term, a scrutiny amplified by recent verbal gaffes.

However, Biden brushed off concerns about his campaign's viability, emphasizing his commitment to completing the tasks he began upon taking office in 2021.

"If I slow down and can’t get the job done, that’s a sign I shouldn’t be doing it," Biden said. "But there’s no indication of that yet."

The president's steadfast demeanor underscores his determination to forge ahead despite mounting challenges, positioning himself to navigate a crucial phase in his presidency amidst heightened public and political scrutiny. Reporting by Ollus Ndomu

© AfricaWorld Reports Trends

11/07/2024

📷: Koffi Olomide

11/07/2024

Kenya's Ruto Fires All Ministers Amid Protests Over High Taxes

Kenyan President William Ruto has dismissed his entire cabinet and the attorney general in a dramatic response to weeks of nationwide protests over high taxes and allegations of poor governance. In a televised address, Ruto announced that ministries would temporarily be managed by their permanent secretaries, while he undertakes consultations to form a leaner, more efficient government.

The president, however, retained Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

"I have listened to the people," Ruto said, emphasizing his commitment to forming a broad-based government that addresses public concerns.

Kenya has been rocked by three weeks of intense unrest, culminating in protesters storming parliament on June 25 after the passage of a controversial finance bill that increased taxes. The demonstrations have resulted in over 30 deaths and have escalated into broader demands for President Ruto's resignation.

Ruto's decision to overhaul his cabinet comes as an attempt to quell the unrest and restore public confidence. The move signals a significant shift in his administration's approach, with promises of greater efficiency and responsiveness to the populace's demands.

The president's swift action reflects the mounting pressure on his government to address the economic grievances and governance issues that have fueled the protests.

**

11/07/2024

Ugandan TikTok User Sentenced to Six Years for Hate Speech Against President Museveni

Edward Awebwa, a 24-year-old Ugandan, has been sentenced to six years in prison for using TikTok to disseminate hate speech and false information about President Yoweri Museveni and his family.

Prosecutors claimed that Awebwa's video, posted on his platform "Save Media Uganda," targeted the president, First Lady Janet Museveni, and their son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who heads the military.

Awebwa is among several content creators jailed under the Computer Misuse Act of 2022 for spreading "malicious information" and "hate speech." This crackdown forms part of a broader effort by Ugandan security agencies to curb social media posts targeting top government officials.

The severity of Awebwa's punishment has sparked debate over the balance between free speech and maintaining respect for government figures. Reporting by Ollus Ndomu

11/07/2024

https://africaworldreports.com/tiktoker-jailed-for-six-years-for-insulting-ugandan-president/

BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU Edward Awebwa, a 24-year-old Ugandan TikToker, was sentenced to six years in prison for posting “misleading and malicious” content about President Yoweri Museveni, his wife, and...

11/07/2024

https://africaworldreports.com/canada-drakes-300000-gamble-fails-as-messi-leads-argentina-past-canada-in-copa-america-semis/

BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU Canadian rap superstar Drake lost a staggering $300,000 bet when Argentina triumphed over Canada 2-0 in the Copa America semifinals at New York’s MetLife Stadium. Drake,...

11/07/2024

📷: Love is a beautiful thing

10/07/2024

WHO IS A BIAFRAN?

*Epilogue & Aro Migrations*
- Part 8

I hope the drive through my literary highway will help enlighten you more. There is need to put the records straight. As usual, history repeats either positively or negatively.

Believe It or not, some of us were born for this great project. "Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it", so said by Franz Fanon. Our generation will not be found wanting in restoring the unification, dignity, progress of our people and ultimate glory of the creator, Chukwu Okike.
Biafrans are spiritual. As ancient people, they are gifted beyond imagination and understanding of their neighbours. The Igbo nation which pride itself as ancient people is very spiritual in culture. Early European adventurers were fascinated and curious about aspects of the Igbo culture and behaviour. They even saw rituals and demands of the bible's old testament in full practice within the Igbo Odinala. As I mentioned earlier, Olaudah Equino, who described few observation when comparing what he saw and the ways of his people, made his story intensify the curiosity of Europeans on the Igbos (Heebows). I will not navigate beyond the scope of this short thesis. Search for some of my writings and lectures on issues related to Identity Crisis among our people. Todays Christians should read their Bible well. Who was sold into slavery? There are many deep questions the bible answered yet folks are bamboozled with Church dogma on a daily basis. Your identity is part of this continuous onslaught on you. Who are you? Why do you love God yet cannot fulfill his commandments? Why are some Biafrans, particularly Igbos denying their identity?

Even though the Igbo republican attitude may have contributed a little in this identity issue, some believe that the matter is prophetic and spiritual. This school of thought makes reference to related biblical account of hebraic dispersal, suffering and eventual reunion as foretold.
However ancient and aboriginal the Igbo may be in their primary abode, the fact is there were internal waves of migration before the commencement of transatlantic slave trade.

Before I continue with the Arochukwu example, it is important to understand the religious world view of the Igbos and their kith and kin, who are now separated by colonial interests of the European since the 19th century. Igbos believe in the supreme being whose abode is in heaven, and also recognize lesser deities that run erands for the supreme. This supreme being is called CHUKWU. The reverence for spirituality played a role in wherever Igbos arrive today.

Understanding fully, the republican nature of the Igbo is good as well. Clans are fiercely independent and competitive of each other. Out of hundreds of Igbo clans, Aro emerged and formed a Confederacy with Ohafia, Abam, Abiriba, Afikpo and Ekoi. Such partnership also depended on the trade routes of the lucrative slave trade. These communities provided military support, logistics and personnel to control new trade routes like the Enyong and Cross Rivers and many others that cut across Igbo hinterland.
The cult of the Ibiniukpabi worked highly on the deity being influential in Arochukwu and the clans within today's Ibibio, Akpa and environs. From the begining of 17th century, the influential cult groups controling the deity Ibiniukpabi, had entered into alliance with notable warrior communities to provide muscle work in enforcing strategic decisions of the deity. A glimpse of the mechanism of Ibiniukpabi can be seen today in the patterns of the Igwekala Umunoha, whose cult and social stratification have survived till today.
As the oracle's cult and adherents raised its influence, many in the hinterland and beyond the Oke Oshimiri [Ocean] believed it to be a Judge for the Igbo supreme deity [Chukwu]. More so, the growth of Aro military power established by alliances quickly made the Aro Confederacy a regional economic and military power. However, it is important to inform that the Aro were more interested in economic prosperity. Understanding the political philosophy of Igbos, they embarked on their economic and oracular pursuit tactically.
The rise of Aro Confederacy provided opportunity to an economic oligarch during the trans Atlantic slave trade. At the height of the oracle during the era, it was consulted, venerated and adored as if it were Chukwu. The Aro and children of their allies were respected and feared, that they were regarded as UMU CHUKWU, children of the Igbo supreme deity. The deity combined religious and judicious functions to mitigate and arbitrate in inter and intra ethnic conflicts. It even went beyond community vs community conflicts to families and more.
From the 18th century, mass migrations by several Aro business families and opportunists started into the Igbo hinterland, and it deepened the spread and strength of the oracle. With the confederate military might and presence of the new Aro settlers who now worked covertly as ears on ground, the status quo was maintained until the begining of the 20th century. According to oral accounts from elders, and such is even practiced in some Igbo communities today, new Aro migrants place 'ọmụ', the new palm fronts at the doors of feuding parties, either brothers or not, inviting them to Ibiniukpabi shrine to settle their case. And the penalty for losing a case before the oracle were fines ranging from enslavement to other items. In the case of an affluent loser, a slave could replace.
Discussing Aro migrations and settlements is a vast topic altogether as the lucrative trans Atlantic slave trade that spanned over 300 years of activity for Ibiniukpabi and its agents, gave rise to new patterns of movements. Some priests and individuals moved and integrated into host communities whereas others moved in groups, fought and carved out kingdoms. There were also roving business men or middlemen who took slaves from the source and in return, bring in exotic goods from the coast, and they still go back to Arochukwu.
Ajalli, Arondizuogu, Ndikelionwu, and Igbene Kingdoms were the most powerful Aro settler-states in the Confederacy while Ozizza, Afikpo, Amasiri, Izombe, Awa, Nkwere, Umunoha etc had settlers influencing their expansion. There are over 250 Aro settlements in British empire's Niger Area alone, without looking at those across in Cameroon and Bioko in the Equatorial Guinea. Some settlements were founded and named after commanders and chiefs who led such migrations like slave dealer Izuogu Mgbokpo and Iheme who led Aro/Abam forces to conquer Ikpa Ora and founded Arondizuogu. Many villages in hundreds of Igbo clans trace their origin to Aro migrations while others concealed their identities due to the backlash after the abolition of slavery and advent of Christianity. Many coastal clans battling identity crisis have Aro settlements. Individual migrants assimilated easily into their host communities, and the British colonial expansion in the beginning of the 20th century dislocated most connections with the homefront and all trade routes controlled by the Aro.
The new colonial interest in the late 19th century fostered Anglo-Aro animosity. The Aro Confederacy, which reigned over trade routes from the southeast end shores of the Atlantic into the Igbo hinterland, was challenged in the last decades of the 19th century by increasing British colonial occupation. There were negotiations that ended in futility. Aro leaders knew that colonialism and the arrival of Christianity would threaten their monopoly and destroy Aro economic rule. These tensions finally led to the Anglo-Arochukwu war between 1900–1902. The war resulted in the partial destruction of the Ibiniukpabi shrine, demystified it and dismantled the age-long Aro dominance in the region.

*Ukachukwu Okorie*

10/07/2024

12 Women In The 80s Who Changed Nigerian Music 🎶🇳🇬❤️🎵💯💗

In the history of Nigerian music, some women played significant parts that has led to the growth of the music industry.

For example, in the 1980s, there were a number of talented female musicians who made significant contributions to the industry.....🇳🇬❤️🎵💯💗

Nelly Uchendu

Martha Ulaeto

Salawa Abeni

Dora Ifudu

Christy Essien-Igbokwe

Oby Onyioha

Veno Marioghae

Uche Ibeto

Stella Monye

Evi Edna Ogholi

Funmi Adams

Onyeka Onwenu... 🎶🇳🇬❤️🎵💗

10/07/2024

African Union (AU) troops are set to pull out of Somalia after more than a decade of battling insurgency and fostering a fragile peace. This withdrawal raises critical questions about the future stability of the war-torn country. To explore the potential consequences, analyst Josey Mahachi spoke with Mohamed Sheikh Nor, a Somali journalist, and Samira Gaid, a security analyst based in Kenya.

Also, Henry-Pacifique Mayala from the Kivu Security Barometer provided insights on the repercussions of the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic ............

By Ollus Ndomu African Union (AU) troops are set to pull out of Somalia after more than a decade of battling insurgency and fostering a fragile peace. This withdrawal raises...

10/07/2024

Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop has reiterated that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is irreversible, despite ongoing efforts by the bloc to reconcile with the three nations. Speaking on Saturday, Diop emphasized the commitment of the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to their newly formed confederation, established earlier this year.

Despite the firm stance on withdrawal, Diop noted that Mali remains open to cooperation with ECOWAS, indicating a willingness to engage with the regional bloc........

By Ollus Ndomu Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop has reiterated that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is irreversible,...

10/07/2024

📷: Something Rwandaful❤️

09/07/2024

📷: Zambia

09/07/2024

Kenyan Govt Ordered to Compensate Family of Slain Pakistani Journalist Arshad Sharif

The Kenyan government has been ordered to pay $78,000 (10 million shillings) to the family of Arshad Sharif, a prominent Pakistani journalist who was tragically shot and killed by police in Nairobi in 2022. Sharif, who had fled Pakistan after receiving death threats, was killed in what Kenyan authorities initially described as a case of mistaken identity. However, a detailed report from a Pakistani fact-finding team suggested that his death was a pre-planned murder.

Sharif's widow, Javeria Siddique, filed a lawsuit against the Kenyan police's paramilitary General Service Unit last October, seeking justice for her husband's death. The court's decision to award compensation marks a significant step towards accountability, though it raises questions about whether the financial settlement is sufficient given the gravity of the circumstances.

Sharif's death has drawn international attention and criticism, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists and the need for greater protections for those fleeing persecution.

09/07/2024

Zambia's ConCourt Dismisses Lungu’s Bid to Halt Eligibility Challenge

By Ollus Ndomu

The Constitutional Court has dismissed former president Edgar Lungu’s preliminary motion to halt the case in which youth activist, Isaac Mwanza, is challenging Lungu’s eligibility to stand in future elections. The court's decision paves the way for a full trial to proceed.

Lungu's defense argued that his first term should not be counted as a full term since he was completing the term of the late President Michael Sata. However, the court noted that Lungu was elected under the old constitution, which considers even a partial term as a full term.

This ruling highlights the legal inconsistency in Lungu's argument, as the current constitution does not apply retroactively to his initial term. As such, the case will now proceed to a full trial, where Lungu’s eligibility will be thoroughly examined.

08/07/2024

https://africaworldreports.com/20-feared-dead-scores-injured-in-russian-missile-strikes-on-ukraine/

BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU In a devastating series of Russian missile attacks across Ukraine, at least 20 people have been killed and over 50 injured, according to Interior Minister Ihor...

08/07/2024

https://africaworldreports.com/nigeria-fr-kelvin-ugwu-stated-some-people-are-virgins-but-have-dirty-hearts-and-evil-minds/

BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU In a recent Facebook post, Rev. Kelvin Ugwu, a prominent Catholic priest, asserted that purity encompasses more than just sexual abstinence. He emphasized that true purity...

08/07/2024

HOW BENIN EMPIRE DEALT WITH THE INSUBORDINATION OF DEJI OF AKURE IN AD 1818

After the success of the coup d’etat staged by Ezomo Erebor against the usurper, Prince Ogbebor, Erebors nephew, Prince Erediauwa returned from exile in Ewohimi in Ishan, and assumed his rightful office as Osemwende, the Oba of Benin.

As was customary, whenever a new Oba of Benin ascended the throne of his father, the Chalk of Good Tidings was sent to all the vassal potentates in the Benin Empire, informing them that a new Oba was on the throne in Benin City.

One of the ranking chiefs in the Iwebo Chancellery of the Palace, the Osague of Benin, was the Emissary entrusted with this Chalk of Good Tidings to the Akure monarch, the Deji of Akure.
The name of the Deji was Arakale.
The day that the Osague presented the royal chalk at the palace of the Deji in Akure, he was suitably dressed as the benin chief of rank that he was, adorned with the ceremonial neck beads of the ikele, bead arm-lets and anklets, and the bead neck-choke of the odigba. He was thus regally resplendent, and his host, the Deji was filled with covetousness for these chiefly items of adornment.

Arakale accepted the Chalk of Good Tidings with joy, and prayed for the good health and longevity of the new Oba of Benin, and for peace and fruitfulness all over the Empire.
Later, in the Osague’s place of domicile, there at Akure, a little misunderstanding broke out between one of his wives he had travelled with to Akure, and a local to***co seller, as narrated by J.U Egharevba in his “Short History of Benin”.

It was suspected that Arakale himself had instigated the misunderstanding. The quarrel led to a fight, and the Osague came out from inside the house to lend some help to his wife. He was attacked and murdered in the fracas.
The Deji of Akure thereupon seized all the Osagues chiefly coral beads adornment.

News of the happenings in Akure reached Benin, that the Oba’s Emmisary had been murdered. The year was 1818.
War was thereupon declared upon Akure by Oba Osemwende, and a punitive Expedition assembled for the task.
According to the fairly detailed account of the episode by J.U Egharevba three Benin war commanders, led by Erebor the Ezomo, were in charge of the Akure Expedition. The other two commanders were the Ologbosere and Imaran.

Let us quote Egharevba: “The Ezomo went by way of the Okearo approach to Akure. The Ologbosere by Okelisa, and the Imaran by Isikan and Isinkin. At Oke-Elegbin, a mile from Akure, Omonoyan, the captain of Artillery of the Ezomo’s troops, fired a canoon which ruined the house of the Deji, and the town was taken by assault”.

The ruler, Deji Arakale, successfully fled the fallen town. He sought refuge in Ado Ekiti, but was refused succor by the Ewi, the monarch of the town, for fear of the Benin Army. So he went to Uju, and from there he went on to Uhen. The Uhen ruler, the Arinjale took him prisoner and returned him to the victorious Ezomo in Akure.

Of the three Commanders of the Benin army who undertook this campaign, only one, the Imaran, returned to Benin alive. The Ologbosere, on his return journey to Benin, died of natural causes, and was buried in Okemuen village, by the head-waters of the Orhionmwon river, near Ehor town. This was the same village where his descendant, Irabor, the Ologbosere of the “Benin Massacre” fame of 1897, successfully resisted the British occupation of the Benin territories for two and a half years after Benin fell, until he was wounded and captured there, in june 1899, by a full-fledged British Military Expedition named the “Benin Territories Expedition”, only a little less sophisticated in armament than the Expeditionary Force which had captured Benin City in February 1897.

Erebor the Ezomo, on the other hand, contracted Small Pox soon after he had achieved victory in the Akure war, and died before setting out to return to Benin City. J. U. Egharevba narrates that the Ezomo was then buried near Akure by his fellow War Chief, the Imaran, helped by Ezabayo, the Ezomo’s senior lieutenant.
Ezabayo Street in Benin is named after this lieutenant.

08/07/2024

Protesters Occupies National Assembly of the Gambia

✅ The Gambia 🇬🇲 Protesters Call for Rejection of Proposed Judicial Officers' and National Assembly Salaries and Pensions Bill.


📸 The Fatu Network

08/07/2024

Thousands Displaced in Cape Town as Severe Weather Strikes

By Ollus Ndomu

Cape Town, South Africa, has been hit hard by severe weather, leaving approximately 4,000 people displaced over the weekend. Strong winds ravaged through informal settlements, destroying about 1,000 homes and forcing residents to seek shelter and assistance.

The city now braces for a challenging week ahead, with South African weather authorities forecasting multiple cold fronts until at least Friday. These weather systems are expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and pose a significant risk of flooding in Cape Town and surrounding areas.

Cape Town's disaster coordination team has been on high alert since last Thursday, actively responding to the aftermath of the devastating winds and preparing for further impacts.

Efforts are underway to provide immediate relief and support to those affected, ensuring their safety and well-being during this period of adversity.

08/07/2024

Kenyan Teachers to Head to the United States Amid Export Agreement

By Ollus Ndomu

Kenyan teachers are set to embark on new opportunities in the United States following a government initiative to export more educators abroad. Reports indicate a growing demand for Kenyan teachers not only in Africa but also globally.

President William Ruto's administration has emphasized the importance of exporting skilled and semi-skilled workers, aiming to send nearly 5,000 individuals abroad weekly. This move aligns with efforts to leverage Kenya's workforce expertise on the international stage.

The initiative comes amidst efforts to enhance economic opportunities for Kenyan professionals and meet global demands for qualified educators. As teachers prepare for their placements in the United States, expectations are high for the positive impact on both the individuals and Kenya's educational sector.

08/07/2024

📷: Rwanda ❤️

08/07/2024

📷: Men's life

08/07/2024

Tanzania Receives New Electric Locomotives for Standard Gauge Railway

By Ollus Ndomu

Tanzania has welcomed another shipment of electric locomotives for its new standard gauge railway (SGR), set to be operational in July 2024. These state-of-the-art locomotives have a maximum capacity of 589 passengers and can reach speeds of up to 160 km per hour.

The addition of these locomotives marks a significant milestone in Tanzania's efforts to modernize its rail infrastructure, promising faster and more efficient transportation for passengers. The SGR project is expected to enhance connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.

07/07/2024

📷: August Babies, we love you❤️

07/07/2024

https://africaworldreports.com/ecowas-leaders-convene-in-abuja-as-tinubus-term-concludes/

BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU West African leaders have convened at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja for the 63rd Ordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States...

07/07/2024

British PM Keir Starmer Ends Rwanda Deportation Scheme

By Ollus Ndomu

On his first day in office, newly elected British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the termination of the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme. The Labour leader criticized the Conservative-established plan, labeling it a "gimmick" and affirming its end as part of Labour's manifesto.

The scheme, which aimed to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda, has incurred costs of around £310 million. Starmer highlighted its ineffectiveness, noting that it would impact less than 1% of small boat arrivals and had never acted as a deterrent.

"The Rwanda deportation scheme was never a viable solution to the issue of illegal immigration," Starmer stated. "It's time for a more humane and effective approach to address these challenges."

The termination of the scheme marks a significant policy shift from the previous administration, reflecting Labour's commitment to reforming immigration policies. Starmer's decision has been met with both praise and criticism, as stakeholders and citizens alike anticipate the new administration's next steps in tackling immigration.

07/07/2024

Niger's Military Leader Declares Break from Ecowas, Forms Alliance with Mali and Burkina Faso

By Ollus Ndomu

Niger's military leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, along with junta chiefs from Mali and Burkina Faso, has announced an irreversible break from the West African bloc, Ecowas. This declaration came during their first-ever summit held in Niamey today, signaling the beginning of a collective effort to forge a new alliance in the face of mounting opposition from neighboring countries.

Gen Tchiani emphasized that the goal of this alliance is to establish "a community of sovereign peoples far from the control of foreign powers. A community of peace, solidarity, prosperity based on our African values." This statement underscores the leaders' commitment to charting an independent path free from external influence.

The summit marks a significant shift in the political landscape of West Africa, as the three nations seek to solidify their unity and assert their sovereignty. The alliance is seen as a response to what the leaders perceive as undue pressure and intervention from Ecowas and other international entities.

This new coalition between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso aims to promote regional stability and development through cooperation based on shared African values. The leaders' statements indicate a strong desire to prioritize local governance and self-determination over foreign influence.

The announcement has sparked varied reactions across the region, with some viewing it as a bold step towards true independence, while others express concern over the potential implications for regional cohesion and stability.

06/07/2024

Rwanda Secures $1 Billion in Concessionary Loans from South Korea for Development Projects

By Ollus Ndomu

Rwanda's Finance Ministry has announced a significant boost in development funding with South Korea awarding the country $1 billion in concessionary loans. These funds are earmarked for transformative projects across Rwanda's transport, healthcare, and education sectors, spanning the period from 2024 to 2028.

This new agreement represents a doubling of the previous four-year $500 million deal, which is scheduled to conclude in 2026. In May, Rwanda had outlined plans to secure 1.32 trillion Rwandan francs ($1.02 billion) from external loans in the 2024/25 budget, highlighting the importance of international financing for the country's development agenda.

President Paul Kagame's participation in a summit in South Korea earlier in June played a pivotal role in solidifying this financial support.

During the summit, President Kagame engaged with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, facilitating discussions that led to the expansion of financial cooperation between the two nations.

The infusion of $1 billion in concessional loans from South Korea is expected to bolster Rwanda's efforts to enhance infrastructure, healthcare services, and educational facilities, ultimately improving the quality of life for Rwandan citizens.

These funds signify a strategic investment in Rwanda's socio-economic development, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.