Israel admits mistakes over medic killings in Gaza

By Dan Johnson, JERUSALEM Israel 

Israel's army has admitted its soldiers made mistakes over the killing of 15 emergency workers in southern Gaza on 23 March.

The convoy of Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulances, a UN car and a fire truck from Gaza's Civil Defence came under fire near Rafah.

Israel originally claimed troops opened fire because the convoy approached "suspiciously" in darkness without headlights or flashing lights. It said movement of the vehicles had not been previously co-ordinated or agreed with the army.

Mobile phone footage, filmed by one of the paramedics who was killed, showed the vehicles did have lights on as they answered a call to help wounded people.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) insists at least six of the medics were linked to Hamas - but has so far provided no evidence. It admits they were unarmed when the soldiers opened fire.

The mobile video, originally shared by the New York Times, shows the vehicles pulling up on the road when, without warning, shooting begins just before dawn.

The footage continues for more than five minutes, with the paramedic, named as Refat Radwan, heard saying his last prayers before the voices of Israeli soldiers are heard approaching the vehicles.

An IDF official briefed journalists on Saturday evening, saying the soldiers had earlier fired on a car containing three Hamas members.

When the ambulances responded and approached the area, aerial surveillance monitors informed the soldiers on the ground of the convoy "advancing suspiciously".

When the ambulances stopped beside the Hamas car, the soldiers assumed they were under threat and opened fire, despite no evidence any of the emergency team was armed.

Israel has admitted its earlier account claiming the vehicles approached without lights was inaccurate, attributing the report to the troops involved.

The video footage shows the vehicles were clearly marked and the paramedics wore reflective hi-vis uniform.

The soldiers buried the bodies of the 15 dead workers in sand to protect them from wild animals, the official said, claiming the vehicles were moved and buried the following day to clear the road.

They were not uncovered until a week after the incident because international agencies, including the UN, could not organise safe passage to the area or locate the spot.

When an aid team found the bodies they also discovered Refat Radwan's mobile phone containing footage of the incident.

The Israeli military official denied any of the medics were handcuffed before they died and said they were not executed at close range, as some reports had suggested.

Trump urges US to 'hang tough' as 10% tariffs come into effect

By Malu Cursino, WASHINGTON,  United States 

The US began collecting a 10% "baseline" tariff on all imports on Saturday as President Donald Trump urged Americans to "hang tough" after market turmoil.

The UK and France are among hundreds of countries impacted and its leaders have said nothing is off the table. While China, which has been hit the hardest by President Trump's tariffs, announced a significant retaliatory response.

All three major stock indexes in the US plunged more than 5% on Friday, with the S&P 500 dropping almost 6%, capping the worst week for the US stock market since 2020.

In Washington DC, New York and other cities thousands gathered to protest against a range of Trump's policies - from the economy to government cuts.

Trump described the market volatility as "an economic revolution", which the US "will win".

"Hang tough, it won't be easy, but the end result will be historic," he added in a post on Truth Social.

His policy changes have sent shockwaves through global supply chains.

In the UK, the FTSE 100 fell almost 5% - its steepest in five years, while Asian markets also dropped and exchanges in Germany and France faced similar declines.

Billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump and responsible for the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), said the US and Europe could move towards a "zero-tariff situation", which could create "a free-trade zone between Europe and North America".

His comments, made as he travelled to meet government ministers in Italy, came days before the Trump administration introduces tariffs on goods of up to 50% on 9 April to what it calls the "worst offenders" for trade imbalances with the US.

The EU is due to be hit with a 20% levy.

In his first term in office, Trump scorned a proposed free-trade deal with the EU, called the Transatlantic Trade and Investment partnership, but a bubbling trade war was ended after he put threats to impose tariffs on European cars aside in 2018.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had a series of calls with world leaders following Trump's tariffs announcement on Wednesday.

In a readout issued after Sir Keir's conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Downing Street said the pair "agreed that a trade war was in nobody's interests but nothing should be off the table".

Sir Keir and Macron also "shared their concerns about the global economic and security impact, particularly in South East Asia".

China, the world's second largest economy, was hardest hit by Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" towards nations he deems unfriendly to America's interest.

On Friday, Beijing announced retaliatory tariffs of 34% on US imports - the same as Washington imposed on imports from China. Beijing also filed a complaint against the new tariffs to the World Trade Organisation.

In a statement a day later, China's foreign ministry urged Washington to "stop using tariffs as a weapon to suppress China's economy and trade, and stop undermining the legitimate development rights of the Chinese people".

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 06/04/2025

Valencia stuns Real Madrid to hand Barca huge title boost

By Dom Farrel, MADRID,  Spain 

Hugo Duro 95th-minute winner gave Valencia a famous 2-1 victory at Real Madrid that blows a huge hole in the champions' La Liga title defence.

Madrid were looking to go level on points with leaders Barcelona, who play Real Betis later on Sunday but fell behind to Mouctar Diakhaby's 15th-minute header after Vinicius Jr. had a penalty saved.

The Brazil winger atoned for that error with an equaliser early in the second half, but Madrid were unable to build on that moment. 

Their star names, aside from the excellent and tireless Kylian Mbappe, were largely subdued.

As the Santiago Bernabeu waited expectantly for a trademark late decider from Carlo Ancelotti's heroes, Valencia took the points as Duro powered home a header from a cross by fellow substitute Rafa Mir.

It sealed Valencia's first away win of the season and ended a 17-year wait for a victory at the Bernabeu.

Carlos Corberan's side move seven points clear of the relegation zone, with a totemic display from Liverpool-bound goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili a key factor in their triumph. 

The ramifications of this result could prove to be even more decisive at the top of the table.

UK's Jaguar Land Rover to pause shipments to US over tariffs

By Sarah Young, LONDON England 

Jaguar Land Rover will pause shipments of its Britain-made cars to the United States for a month, it said on Saturday, as it considers how to mitigate the cost of President Donald Trump's 25% tariff.

Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by India's Tata Motors, confirmed the temporary export suspension after the Times newspaper reported the plan.

"As we work to address the new trading terms with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions, including a shipment pause in April, as we develop our mid- to longer-term plans," JLR said in an emailed statement.

Britain's car industry, which employs 200,000 people directly, is highly exposed to the new tariffs. The United States is the second-biggest importer of British-made cars after the European Union, with nearly a 20% share, data from industry body SMMT shows.

Jaguar Land Rover, one of Britain's biggest producers by volume, said in its statement that the U.S. was an important market for its luxury brands. It sells 400,000 Range Rover Sports, Defenders and other models annually and exports to the U.S. account for almost a quarter of sales.

The U.S. 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks took effect on April 3, the day after Trump announced tariffs on other goods from countries across the globe.

Britain has said it is focused on trying to secure a trade deal with Washington.

The Times said that Jaguar Land Rover is thought to have a couple of months' supply of cars already in the U.S., which will not be subject to the new tariffs.

Arsenal's slim title hopes hit by draw at Everton

EVERTON,  England 

Arsenal's faint Premier League title hopes suffered a potentially fatal blow as they were held to a draw at Everton.

The result means leaders Liverpool require only 11 points from their remaining eight games - starting with Fulham on Sunday - to guarantee themselves the title.

The first half an hour was a tetchy, stop-start affair but Arsenal broke the deadlock on 34 minutes with the first shot on target of the contest as Leandro Trossard drilled home a cool finish on the counter following Raheem Sterling's pass.

Goalscorer Trossard could have doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time but his toe-poked effort was scrambled away by Jordan Pickford, while Declan Rice's follow-up was blocked.

Everton equalised when they were awarded a penalty a minute into the second half - Myles Lewis-Skelly bundling over Jack Harrison inside the box and Iliman Ndiaye nervelessly stroking in the spot-kick.

The Toffees were rejuvenated after a poor first half showing and Abdoulaye Doucoure forced David Raya into a sharp save low down while at the other end, Rice's thunderous free-kick was batted away by England team-mate Pickford.

Neither side were able to find a winning goal as Everton provided a boost to local rivals Liverpool by claiming a point.

Museveni’s Juba trip failed to address tensions, say critics

JUBA,  South Sudan 

Several South Sudanese civil rights activists and observers have expressed disappointment over Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s visit, saying political and security issues—not bilateral talks—should have been the focus of discussions.

On Friday afternoon, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir bid farewell to Museveni at the airport, concluding the two-day visit.

Museveni has been a key mediator in regional peace efforts, including brokering South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal that ended a brutal civil war. 

However, Uganda’s recent military deployments in South Sudan have drawn criticism from opposition figures, who accuse Kampala of interfering in internal affairs.

The visit came amid rising unrest in South Sudan after First Vice President and opposition leader Riek Machar and some of his allies were detained on Kiir’s orders. The government accuses Machar—a key peace partner under the 2018 agreement—of plotting rebellion, a claim his allies deny.

The United Nations, African Union, and regional leaders have condemned Machar’s detention, warning it risks destabilizing the fragile peace in the world’s youngest nation.

Museveni’s visit began with a bilateral meeting with Kiir, where key ministers from both countries discussed collaboration. He also engaged with various political parties, including representatives from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Machar, who is now under house arrest.

South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ramadan Goc described Museveni’s visit as “successful” in remarks to the media.

However, Santimon Luate, Executive Director of Integrity South Sudan, told Radio Tamazuj that Kiir and Museveni should have discussed de-escalating tensions rather than holding bilateral talks.

“Instead of discussing the de-escalation of the tension, to bring hope to the people, they are engaging in bilateral talks. What we want to hear at the end of the day is what they are going to say as far as this tension is concerned,” Luate said.

He noted that Museveni’s visit could have significantly impacted the country’s peace and security.

“His visit has a serious impact; it is not only the South Sudanese who have expectations, but also the region and the world. It is clear that his involvement in the country could cause destabilization or stabilization. He must justify his position in relation to South Sudan and what he is intending to do in terms of the current crisis,” the activist reiterated.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, accused both Kiir and Museveni of avoiding pressing issues.

“President Museveni is shying away from the reality in South Sudan. The citizens expected a solution regarding the house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar, who is the main principal of the agreement. I thought the invitation came from the AU Panel of the Wise regarding the current situation in the country,” he said.

“If the country goes to full-scale war, he will be held accountable. As the Centre for Peace and Advocacy, I thought his coming to South Sudan was going to have an impact about the recent deployment of the UPDF and also the house arrest of Dr. Machar, but he is just talking about bilateral relationship between the two countries,” Gatwech added.

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, said Museveni should have mediated between Kiir and Machar.

“Museveni should have forged the dialogue between the President and First Vice President to de-escalate the violence. If he fails to reach that consensus to moderate the dialogue, there is a high chance that the violence may escalate,” he said.

“The neutrality of Uganda as a guarantor of the agreement is compromised, but they have the opportunity to repair that damage by embracing justice and accountability. They need to repair the damage by making sure the violence is de-escalated and justice and accountability prevail,” Yakani said.

Central African opposition leads mass protest against Touadéra’s third-term bid

BANGUI, Central African Republic 

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangui this week, rallying behind opposition lawmakers to firmly oppose President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s rumored bid for a third term in office. 

With tightly packed ranks, holding hands, and marching in sync to the Central African Republic’s national anthem, nearly 5,000 demonstrators made their voices heard.

Waving banners emblazoned with slogans such as "Stop the Third Term," the crowd moved from Jackson Bridge to the Boganda Monument, marking one of the largest opposition-led demonstrations in recent years. The strong turnout, especially among young people, was hailed by opposition leaders as a clear signal of growing public discontent.

Martin Ziguélé, President of the MLPC and a leading figure within the opposition bloc BRDC, praised the youth-led movement.

“As he nears the end of his second term, he manipulates public funds to claim that the people want a third term,” said Ziguélé. “But today is a victory for the Central African people. Ninety percent of those who marched this morning were young men and women. Adults made up less than ten percent. This shows the youth are aware of their future and refuse to be intimidated by a machine of pressure made up of Russians, Wagner, and mercenaries. The Central African youth have said no.”

The protest also served as a platform to highlight broader governance failures. Speakers pointed to severe challenges in basic public services, including water, health, and education. 

Many voiced frustration over the worsening quality of life under Touadéra’s administration.

Samson Ngaïbona, Secretary-General of the Citizens’ Patriotic Union for Development (PCUD), underlined the country’s deteriorating education system.

“Even in Bangui, the issue of 'parent-teachers' persists—it's a crisis,” he said. “And yet, this country is led by professors and educators. They should have prioritized fixing the education system, but instead, it’s collapsing. Given the dire conditions Central Africans face, we in the BRDC have mobilized to tell President Touadéra: no third term.”

Protesters also condemned the involvement of foreign military actors, notably the Russian Wagner Group, accusing the government of using foreign mercenaries to suppress dissent.

The Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution (BRDC) has vowed to keep up the pressure, promising more protests in the coming weeks and months. 

As President Touadéra’s second term approaches its end, the opposition warns that attempts to extend his stay in power could spark even broader unrest in a country already facing deep political and humanitarian challenges.

M23 rebels withdraw from strategic DRC town ahead of landmark Doha peace talks

GOMA,  DR Congo 

The M23 rebel group has withdrawn from the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a move they describe as a goodwill gesture ahead of planned peace talks with the Congolese government in Doha on April 9.

Since January, M23 has captured major cities in eastern DRC, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. 

The group's rapid advance has raised concerns about a potential wider regional conflict, involving neighboring countries such as Uganda and Burundi.

Walikale is strategically located along a road linking four eastern DRC provinces and is situated in a mineral-rich area, notably containing tin deposits. 

The town had remained under M23 control despite previous pledges to withdraw, with the rebels accusing the Congolese army of not fulfilling its commitments, including the removal of attack drones

Local residents, officials, and the Congolese army have confirmed the rebels' departure from Walikale. 

However, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka warned that continued provocations from the government could nullify their goodwill gesture.

Humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, reported that civilians and aid teams had been trapped by the recent violence in Walikale, with essential medical supplies running low.

The upcoming talks in Doha mark the first direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23. 

This development follows surprise meetings between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Doha, as well as separate talks between Qatari officials and M23 representatives. 

The conflict's roots trace back to the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and competition for regional mineral resources.

While the United Nations and Western governments accuse Rwanda of supporting M23, the Rwandan government denies these allegations, asserting that its military actions are in self-defense against hostile forces.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 05/04/2025