Prudence Journal

16/09/2024

Papua New Guinea has granted police emergency powers to tackle escalating violence in the Porgera Valley, attributing the unrest to "illegal settlers" near one of the country’s largest gold mines. Police Commissioner David Manning announced that “lethal force” would be employed to restore order in the remote highlands, where artisanal miners have been involved in deadly clashes with local landowners.

“If you raise a weapon in a public place or threaten another person, you will be shot,” Manning warned, blaming illegal miners for terrorizing local communities and victimizing traditional landowners. In response, authorities have imposed an overnight curfew and banned alcohol sales to help curb the violence.

Although the exact death toll remains unclear, Enga provincial governor Peter Ipatas expressed concern, stating that “many innocent lives” have been lost, and properties destroyed amid the ongoing violence. He called the situation “dire” and urged swift action to restore peace.

15/09/2024

Nigeria's Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa, has officially started delivering petrol, marking a major achievement for the oil-rich nation, which often struggles with fuel shortages. The 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote, previously began producing diesel and aviation fuel in January.

Despite being one of the world’s top oil producers, Nigeria has long relied on expensive gasoline imports due to non-operational refineries. On September 3, the Dangote Refinery began producing petrol, and 500 trucks from the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) arrived to begin distribution.

This milestone aligns with the federal government’s earlier announcement that petrol deliveries to NNPC would begin by mid-September 2024, according to a statement shared on the Dangote Group's official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Nigeria's Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa, has officially started delivering petrol, marking a significant milestone for the oil-rich nation, which frequently faces fuel shortages. The 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote, had previously begun producing diesel....

15/09/2024

At least 64 people are feared dead after a boat accident in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, local officials reported on Saturday. A wooden boat carrying 70 farmers capsized on a river near Gummi town as they were heading to their farmlands. Rescue efforts led to the recovery of six survivors after a three-hour operation.

Aminu Nuhu Falale, a local administrator leading the rescue mission, noted that this is the second such incident in Gummi Local Government Area. Emergency teams continue to search for more survivors, but hopes are dwindling as time passes.

Over 900 farmers rely on the river crossing daily, with only two boats available, often leading to overcrowding. The local traditional ruler highlighted the urgent need for more boats to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

14/09/2024

Security forces have been deployed to Sinaloa, the stronghold of jailed drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, as violence escalates with bodies left on the streets. The clashes follow the July arrest of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the U.S., alongside El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez.

The violence in Culiacan, Sinaloa's capital, is believed to stem from a power struggle between factions loyal to El Chapo and those aligned with Zambada. Sinaloa’s governor, Ruben Rocha Moya, linked the surge in killings to the aftermath of Zambada’s capture.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has called on rival groups to avoid harming civilians and urged the public to remain calm. Authorities are investigating 15 deaths and 20 suspected forced disappearances related to the ongoing conflict.

13/09/2024

Thousands of Tunisians rallied on Friday to protest against President Kais Saied, accusing him of manipulating the upcoming October 6 presidential election by detaining and intimidating opponents.

Demonstrators, chanting “Out with dictator Saied,” filled the streets in one of the largest protests since Saied began ruling by decree in 2021, which critics call a coup.

Protesters condemned the electoral commission’s decision to disqualify three prominent candidates over filing irregularities, despite a court ruling to reinstate them. The commission ignored the ruling, leaving just three candidates in the race, including Saied. Opponents claim Saied is using the commission to secure his victory, a charge he denies.

Protesters also demanded the release of political prisoners, activists, and journalists jailed for opposing Saied. Human Rights League head Bassam Trifi criticized the electoral commission's defiance of the court's decision, warning that the election would lack legitimacy if restrictions on candidates persist.

Thousands of Tunisians took to the streets on Friday to protest against President Kais Saied, accusing him of manipulating the upcoming October 6 presidential election by detaining and intimidating his opponents. This marked one of the largest demonstrations since Saied began ruling by decree in 202...

13/09/2024

A resurfaced video showing a Met Police officer advising Nigerian women not to report domestic abuse but to "manage it" is under investigation.

The 2018 clip, filmed at a Camberwell church, has sparked outrage from abuse charities like Afruca, which filed a formal complaint. Afruca's CEO, Debbie Ariyo, condemned the officer's remarks, saying they discourage women from seeking protection.

The Met Police confirmed the video has been referred to their professional standards unit and reiterated that victims should always feel able to report abuse. #

A video showing a Metropolitan Police officer allegedly advising Nigerian women not to report their husbands to the police but to "manage it" is now under investigation after resurfacing on social media, six years after it was initially filmed. The footage, recorded in 2018 at Divine Restoration Int...

13/09/2024

A nationwide power outage hit Senegal on Thursday following an accident at a power station in Dakar, the country’s utility company, Senelec, confirmed. The incident at the 90,000-volt Hann station caused widespread disruptions across the national grid, leading to a blackout that affected the entire country.

Senegal has made significant investments in its electricity infrastructure over the past decade after a major power crisis that triggered business disruptions and violent protests. In 2018, the U.S. pledged $550 million as part of a $600 million program to improve access to reliable electricity, with the Senegalese government contributing $50 million.

Despite these efforts, the outage highlights ongoing challenges in Senegal’s energy sector. While some areas, including parts of Dakar, have started to regain power, the blackout serves as a reminder of the country's vulnerability to electricity disruptions. Senelec is working to restore power across the nation.

A nationwide power outage struck Senegal on Thursday due to an accident at a power station in Dakar, according to the country's utility company, Senelec. The incident at the 90,000-volt Hann station caused disruptions across the interconnection grid, leading to a countrywide blackout. In recent year...

13/09/2024

Unauthorized migration to European Union countries saw a significant decline in the first eight months of 2024, despite political tensions and violence against migrants. Data from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows a 35% drop in irregular crossings compared to the same period last year. However, the Canary Islands have experienced a rise in arrivals as migrants use alternative routes to reach mainland Europe.

While the Central Mediterranean route to Italy remains the most used by migrants, arrivals have fallen by 64% due to EU-backed crackdowns in Tunisia and Libya. In contrast, Greece saw a 57% increase in migrants reaching its shores. Meanwhile, the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands saw a sharp increase, with over 25,500 migrants arriving as of August 31. Dangerous conditions on this route have led to many deaths, with over 4,000 people reported missing.

In response, European nations, including Spain, are grappling with how to address the surge in migration, particularly as labor shortages and an aging population create demand for immigrant workers. Temporary work programs are being explored, but experts argue that more comprehensive solutions are needed to address the root causes of migration and the challenges facing both migrants and host countries.

Unauthorised migration to European Union countries decreased notably during the first eight months of this year. This decline occurred despite rising political rhetoric, increased violence against migrants, and gains by far-right parties with anti-immigration platforms. However, there has been a sur...

12/09/2024

Uganda’s crude oil production is projected to fuel double-digit economic growth by the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with the economy expected to grow by 10.8%, up from an earlier forecast of 6.2%, according to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report. The IMF highlighted that the start of commercial oil production will significantly enhance Uganda’s fiscal health and current account balance, boosting overall growth.

After years of delays due to disputes over development plans and infrastructure challenges, Uganda will begin crude oil production and exports next year from its western oil fields. With reserves estimated at 6.5 billion barrels, the country aims to reach a peak output of 240,000 barrels per day. The discovery of oil in 2006 has long held the promise of transforming Uganda's economy.

However, the IMF also noted a decline in Uganda’s foreign exchange reserves, which fell to $3.2 billion in June 2024 from $3.7 billion in December 2023. The fund recommended that the central bank take measures such as cutting government imports, increasing foreign exchange purchases, and allowing greater exchange rate flexibility to address these challenges.

12/09/2024

Nigeria's trade surplus increased by 33.9% in the second quarter of 2024, reaching N6.95 trillion, up from N5.19 trillion in Q1, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Exports rose slightly to N19.4 trillion, while imports dropped by 10.7% to N12.47 trillion. Total merchandise trade stood at N31.89 trillion, down 3.76% from Q1 but up 150.39% from Q2 2023.

Crude oil dominated exports, valued at N14.56 trillion, making up 74.98% of total exports. Non-oil exports contributed N1.94 trillion. The reduction in imports, combined with steady export growth, strengthened Nigeria’s trade balance.

China remained Nigeria’s top import source, with maritime transport facilitating 99.14% of exports and 94.94% of imports, highlighting the importance of seaports in Nigeria's trade.

Nigeria's trade surplus increased by 33.9 percent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to N67.95 trillion in the second quarter of 2024 (Q2'24), up from N5.19 trillion in Q1'24, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics Report for Q2'24 released on Wednesday.....

12/09/2024

The Biden administration has decided to provide Egypt with its full $1.3 billion military aid for 2024, bypassing human rights conditions for the first time since taking office. A State Department spokesperson confirmed the decision on Wednesday, citing Egypt’s crucial role in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas to secure a ceasefire in Gaza as a key factor.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Congress that a certification requirement tied to $225 million in military aid was waived in the interest of US national security. The spokesperson emphasized that this aligns with US priorities, including supporting Egypt’s mediation efforts, finalizing a ceasefire in Gaza, and providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.

This marks the first time during Biden’s presidency that Egypt will receive its full military aid allocation. In prior years, parts of the aid were withheld over concerns about Egypt’s human rights record. Despite ongoing criticism from human rights groups, Washington acknowledges Egypt’s strategic importance in the region amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

11/09/2024

Brent crude oil prices fell below $70 per barrel on Tuesday, dropping 2.75% to $69.08, marking the first time the benchmark has dipped below this level since December 2021.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also saw a sharp decline, falling 2.99% to $65.71. Nigeria’s oil grades, Brass River and Qua Iboe, slipped to $74.57 per barrel, down from $80 earlier this month.

The drop in oil prices is driven by concerns over weaker demand and potential oversupply, with economic data from China and the United States raising fears about oil consumption in the world’s two largest economies. The market is also facing pressure from rising oil production outside of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which could lead to a surplus in 2024. These concerns have caused traders to become bearish, accelerating the sell-off in petroleum futures.

Hedge funds and money managers slashed their net long positions in oil futures to the lowest level since 2011, reflecting growing pessimism in the market. Former Crescent University Vice Chancellor Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella commented on the price drop, stating that evaluating the impact of such fluctuations requires considering long-term trends rather than focusing solely on current prices.

11/09/2024

A US jury has awarded $50 million in damages to Marcel Brown, a man who spent nearly a decade in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder. On Monday, a federal jury in Chicago ruled in favor of Brown, 34, marking the largest award for a single wrongful-conviction plaintiff in US history, according to his lawyers from Loevy & Loevy.

Brown was arrested and sentenced to 35 years in prison for allegedly being an accomplice in a 2008 murder. However, the case against him was dropped in 2018 after evidence showed his confession had been illegally obtained. His lawyers argued that Chicago police had coerced the confession by detaining him for over 30 hours, depriving him of food and sleep, and denying him phone access.

The jury awarded $10 million in compensatory damages for his wrongful arrest and conviction and $40 million for the years he spent in prison. “Justice was finally served for me and my family today,” Brown said following the ruling.

10/09/2024

Thousands of prisoners in England and Wales are set for early release on Tuesday to reduce overcrowding, with the government stressing that violent offenders and domestic abusers are excluded. The prison population has reached record levels, forcing the move.

Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds called the release of 1,700 inmates a tough decision, blaming the previous government for neglecting the crisis. Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, warned of the high risk of reoffending, as around a third of released prisoners commit new crimes within a year.

Reynolds assured safeguards are in place, confirming that those involved in anti-immigration riots will not be exempt from release.

Thousands of prisoners in British jails were set to be released early on Tuesday as part of the government's efforts to reduce overcrowding. Recent data showed that the prison population in England and Wales had reached an all-time high. However, amid concerns about the risk of reoffending, the gove...

10/09/2024

India’s Supreme Court has instructed protesting doctors to return to work by Tuesday or face consequences. The strike began after the r**e and murder of a female trainee medic at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata. A police volunteer has been arrested, and the former principal of the college is in custody on corruption charges. Doctors demand justice and better hospital security and facilities.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud stated that no penalties would be imposed if doctors resumed work by Tuesday. The court also ordered the West Bengal government to address security concerns, including separate duty rooms and CCTV installation.

International protests have spread, with Indian diaspora demonstrators rallying in over 130 cities across 25 countries. Women's rights activists say the case highlights ongoing issues of sexual violence in India despite tougher laws.

India's Supreme Court has instructed all doctors protesting the r**e and murder of a female medic to return to work by Tuesday or face potential consequences. The directive follows a nationwide strike by doctors demanding justice for the woman, whose body was discovered on August 9 in a classroom at...

09/09/2024

The Nigeria Police Force has invited the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.

The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) asked the labour leader to report to its office on Tuesday, August 20.

This is contained in an invitation letter extended to Ajaero and signed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the IRT.

08/09/2024

Government Rejects UN Peacekeeping Proposal Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The Sudanese government, led by the army, has dismissed a United Nations fact-finding mission’s proposal to deploy an independent peacekeeping force in the country, which has been engulfed in a brutal civil war for the past 17 months. The Foreign Ministry declared that safeguarding civilians remains "a top priority" while strongly criticizing the mission’s recommendation for an arms embargo. The embargo would target both Sudan's military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which have been locked in fierce conflict, raising concerns about foreign intervention.

Sudan, a strategically important and mineral-rich nation bordering the Red Sea, has seen its internal conflict draw the attention of global powers while triggering a massive humanitarian crisis. The war has resulted in the largest displacement of people worldwide and one of the most severe hunger crises. On Friday, the UN mission accused both the military and the RSF of committing widespread human rights violations, including direct and indiscriminate attacks on civilians. It recommended the establishment of a global peacekeeping force, possibly organized through a UN resolution and led by the African Union.

Government in Sudan, led by the army, dismissed a proposal from a United Nations fact-finding mission to deploy an independent peacekeeping force in the North African nation, which has been ravaged by a 17-month civil war. The Foreign Ministry emphasised that protecting civilians "remains a top prio...

06/09/2024

In a dominant performance, Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark claimed GOLD in the women’s Up to 61kg Para-Powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, breaking multiple World Records.

Mark started with a 140kg lift, surpassing China's Jianjin Cui. Her second lift of 145kg set a new Paralympic Record. She continued her historic run with a 147kg lift, breaking her own World Record, before pushing further to 150kg.

Mark now holds the last three World Records in her category. Jianjin Cui earned Silver with 140kg, and Mexico’s Amalia Perez took Bronze with 135kg.

In an astonishing display of strength and dominance, Nigeria's Onyinyechi Mark shattered multiple World Records to secure GOLD in the women's Up to 61kg Para-Powerlifting event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Mark began her campaign with an impressive 140kg lift, taking an early lead over China's Jia...