logo
Nigerian leader's pardon of executed Ogoni activists draws criticisms

Nigerian leader's pardon of executed Ogoni activists draws criticisms

Washington Post18 hours ago

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has posthumously pardoned nine environmental activists executed 30 years ago by the then-ruling military junta, drawing sharp criticism and anger from activists who argued on Friday that the individuals committed no crime.
During an event Thursday to mark the 26th anniversary of Nigeria's return to democracy, Tinubu pardoned the 'Ogoni Nine,' including celebrated writer Ken Saro-Wiwa , and described them as 'national heroes.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Thiam's Party Holds Protest After Exclusion From Ivorian Vote
Thiam's Party Holds Protest After Exclusion From Ivorian Vote

Bloomberg

time15 minutes ago

  • Bloomberg

Thiam's Party Holds Protest After Exclusion From Ivorian Vote

Ivory Coast's main opposition party took to the streets Saturday after its candidate, former Credit Suisse AG Chief Executive Officer Tidjane Thiam, was barred from contesting in this year's presidential elections. The Independent Electoral Commission excluded Thiam from the final voters' register published June 4, effectively disqualifying him from contesting in the polls scheduled for October. Under Ivorian law, one must be registered on the voters' roll to be able to stand for office.

African countries excluded as China expands visa‑free transit to 55 nations
African countries excluded as China expands visa‑free transit to 55 nations

Business Insider

time2 hours ago

  • Business Insider

African countries excluded as China expands visa‑free transit to 55 nations

China has expanded its 10-day visa-free transit policy to 55 countries, but notably excluded all African nations, raising questions about the scope of its global engagement. China has expanded its 10-day visa-free transit policy to 55 countries, excluding all African nations. It facilitates stays of up to 240 hours for travelers transiting to a third destination, with certain restrictions. The exclusion of African nations sparked debates about China's geopolitical strategies and diplomatic priorities. China's visa-free transit policy, which grants a 10-day stay for travelers in transit, now includes 55 countries but excludes all African nations—a move that has sparked disappointment and raised questions about Beijing's travel diplomacy and its Africa policy. The absence of African nations, despite China's strong economic and diplomatic ties across the continent, has surprised analysts and travel industry stakeholders alike. China's new transit policy allows travelers from select countries to stay visa-free for up to 240 hours if transiting to a third destination. Visitors must remain in the city or region of entry and have a confirmed onward ticket. While not a general tourist visa, the policy permits short-term activities like tourism, business, and family visits. Aimed at boosting convenience for businesspeople, tourists, and frequent travelers, it also helps save on visa fees and processing time. China-Africa relations threatened? China's recent visa-free travel policy for over 50 countries has sparked debate over the exclusion of African nations, raising questions about Beijing's stance toward the continent. This move appears contradictory given China's deepening trade ties with Africa, including zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries and import duty exemptions for products from 33 least developed nations. However, the omission may not signal waning interest. Rather, it could reflect strategic prioritization of diplomatic and economic relationships. China's investments in Africa focused on trade, infrastructure, and development, suggest a long-term commitment. Understanding Beijing's approach requires considering the broader geopolitical and economic context in which its Africa policy operates. Observers note that this exclusion could be interpreted as a missed opportunity for people-to-people exchange, especially given Beijing's consistent rhetoric about its 'win-win' cooperation with Africa. With African countries hosting massive Chinese investments and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, the lack of reciprocal travel ease underscores a gap in the relationship that some believe needs urgent attention. Full list of eligible countries The countries included under China's 10-day visa-free transit policy are: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These travelers are eligible for entry at any of the approved 60 transit points, which include international airports in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, as well as a select number of seaports. Authorities have clarified that travelers must be in direct transit, meaning they must travel from Country A, transit through China, and continue to Country B. A return trip to the country of origin would not qualify under this policy.

Several killed as separatists clash with Malian army, Russian allies in the conflict-hit north
Several killed as separatists clash with Malian army, Russian allies in the conflict-hit north

Associated Press

time16 hours ago

  • Associated Press

Several killed as separatists clash with Malian army, Russian allies in the conflict-hit north

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Malian security forces clashed with members of an armed separatist group over two days, resulting in the deaths of 10 separatists, the Malian army said Friday. The Azawad separatists said it killed dozens of Malian soldiers and members of a Kremlin-controlled armed force. The clashes began with a military offensive in the northern Kidal region on Thursday, the Malian army said in a statement. On Friday, the Malian military's logistics convoy was ambushed before the attack was repelled, it added. The separatists reported they killed 'dozens' of Malian soldiers and fighters with the Kremlin-controlled African Corps in the ambush. The Azawad separatist movement has been fighting for years to create the state of Azawad in northern Mali. They once drove security forces out of the region before a 2015 peace deal that has since collapsed was signed to pave the way for some ex-rebels to be integrated into the Malian military. 'We recovered 12 trucks loaded with cereals, tankers full of diesel, one military pickup, and one armored vehicles from the 30 vehicles in the convoy,' Mohamed Maouloud Ramadan, spokesman for the Azawad separatists, said in a statement that acknowledged the death of three of their members. Viral videos shared by the separatists showed military trucks on fire in a large swathe of desert land amid gunfire as gun-wielding hooded young men posed in front of the trucks. The videos also showed bodies with uniforms that resemble those of the Malian army. The Associated Press could not independently verify the videos. The latest clashes show how difficult it is for security forces in Mali to operate in difficult terrains like Kidal, according to Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel expert at the Morocco-based Policy Center for the New South think tank. 'It's difficult to gather actionable intelligence to protect their convoys, and this gives a significant advantage to armed and jihadist groups', said Lyammouri. The latest attack occurred days after Russia's mercenary group Wagner – which for more than three years helped Malian security forces in the fight against armed groups – announced it was leaving the country. The Africa Corps, under the direct command of the Russian defense ministry, said it will remain in Mali. There are around 2,000 mercenaries in Mali, according to U.S. officials. It is unclear how many are with Wagner and how many are part of the Africa Corps.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store