US offers $20m reward for information about Iran's nuclear programme

WASHINGTON, United States 

The United States has announced a reward of up to $20 million for information about Iran's nuclear programme.

The State Department's Rewards for Justice is also offering to potentially relocate the person who provides such details.

President Donald Trump claimed last year that Iran's nuclear facilities had been "completely and totally obliterated" following a bombing campaign by the US and Israel.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful and that it has no intention of developing a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, the US military says it is setting up a task force to enhance Washington's efforts to restrict Iran's movement of weapons and sanctioned material across its borders.

The US military's Central Command (Centcom) said Task Force Iron Gate would operate from Tampa, Florida, and would work with other US government agencies.

As well as the movement of weapons, it will also focus on dual-use and illegal revenue streams.

Centcom estimates that its naval blockade of Iran's ports has prevented the country from exporting more than $25bn in crude oil.

A US State Department statement about its multi-million dollar reward said it was offering the money for information about the Iranian programme, including "facilities, equipment and associated personnel".

It said Iran's "lack of compliance with the IAEA [the International Atomic Energy Agency] on safeguards obligations has led to the agency's loss of 'continuity of knowledge' regarding Iran's production and inventory of key components like [nuclear] centrifuges".

Centrifuges are needed to produce enriched uranium, which can be used to make reactor fuel for civilian use but also for nuclear weapons if enriched to around 90% purity or higher.

There had been mounting speculation that the US might resume significant strikes in Iran after the midterm elections, though Trump told reporters, prior to the polls, that he was in "no rush" to do so.

In an interview with Fox News on the eve of the midterms, the president also said the US "might need to go after Pickaxe [Mountain]", an underground site linked to Iran's nuclear programme.

This was "not a big deal" and could be done in "one hour", Trump said.

The president has repeatedly threatened to bomb the suspected underground site on previous occasions.

However, both Trump and Vice-President JD Vance have said public opposition to the war on Iran fuelled heavy losses for their Republican Party in this week's midterm elections, which has led to speculation the White House may no longer seek an escalation in the conflict.

Israel President taps Eisenkot to form coalition, but path remains fraught

JERUSALEM, Israel 

Israel President, Isaac Herzog, announced Saturday evening that he would task Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel’s next government, as the so-called change bloc Eisenkot leads continued to attempt to line up potential future coalition partners, including ultra-Orthodox parties, Arab-led parties, and even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud. 

This handout photo released on November 7, 2026, shows President Isaac Herzog (R) meeting Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot at his official residence in Jerusalem. 

Eisenkot will formally receive the mandate at a ceremony at the President’s Residence on Sunday at 5 p.m. He will then have 28 days to form a government, with Herzog authorized to grant him an extension of up to 14 days if necessary. 

If he fails, Netanyahu could next be given the chance to do so.

Herzog said he had informed Eisenkot and Netanyahu of his decision earlier in the evening, after holding consultations Wednesday and Thursday with all the Knesset parties and further talks over the weekend with figures across the political spectrum, including the two rivals.

During Herzog’s consultations with party delegations, Eisenkot received 67 recommendations for the premiership — a majority in the 120-member parliament — while Netanyahu got 46. 

The seven-seat-strong United Torah Judaism made no recommendation.

Reacting to Herzog’s announcement, Eisenkot said in a post on X that “now is the time for the formation of a national emergency government,” adding: “I will do everything to make us worthy.”

However, Eisenkot’s path to a governing coalition is far from straightforward. Hawkish members of his bloc are publicly opposed to any reliance on the Arab-led Ra’am and Joint List, while many bloc members campaigned on the need to send both Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties to the opposition.

While Yashar said on Saturday night that “Likud and its friends” could potentially join an Eisenkot-led coalition, it did not extend that offer to Netanyahu. 

Eisenkot himself has repeatedly stressed he will not partner with Netanyahu in any coalition, and that anybody who held a major position of power when Hamas invaded on October 7, 2023, must leave public life.

Tanzania facing fresh international pressure following sentencing of opposition leader

BRUSSELS, Belgium 

Tanzania is facing fresh international pressure following the sentencing of opposition leader Tundu Lissu to four years in prison, with the European Union, European Parliament and United States raising concerns over the country's commitment to democratic principles and fundamental freedoms.

"The persecution of an opposition figure is a direct assault on democratic principles and the fundamental right to dissent," European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chair David McAllister stated on Saturday, November 7, while condemning the court's decision.

McAllister said the incitement conviction was a disproportionate restriction on freedom of expression, noting that Lissu had been acquitted of treason.

He also recalled Lissu's nomination as a finalist for the Sakharov Prize and renewed calls for his immediate release.

In a separate statement, the European Union said it was closely following developments in the case, recalling findings by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that Lissu's detention lacked sufficient legal basis and was accompanied by serious fair trial concerns.

"The European Union encourages the Tanzanian authorities to uphold their commitment to reconciliation, the rule of law, freedom of expression and a multiparty democracy," the bloc's spokesperson stated on Saturday, November 7.

At the same time, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania William Trachman had also expressed concerns over the proceedings shortly before the judgment, warning that the outcome of the trial carried implications for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

"As an American constitutional lawyer, I have personally litigated cases defending the rights to free expression and due process. These are fundamental principles of human liberty," Trachman stated.

The latest reactions come against the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Washington and Dar es Salaam, after the United States announced a comprehensive review of its bilateral relationship with Tanzania in December 2025.

In a statement issued on December 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of State cited what it described as ongoing repression of religious freedom and free speech, barriers to American investment, and violence against civilians surrounding Tanzania's October 29, 2025 elections.

"The future of our bilateral relationship with the Government of Tanzania will be based on its actions," the department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott warned at the time, raising questions about the direction of cooperation between the two countries.

Lissu was sentenced on Friday, November 6, 2026, after a three-judge panel of the High Court acquitted him of treason but convicted him of the alternative charge of incitement over remarks made ahead of the 2025 General Election, with his party announcing plans to appeal the ruling.

City fall to disappointing defeat at Forest

MANCHESTER CITY, England 

Manchester City suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, who produced their best performance of the season to take all three points in an entertaining Premier League game at the City Ground. 

Goals from Jair Cunha and Liam Delap saw the home side race to a two-goal lead after just 18 minutes, but a wonderful strike from Rayan Cherki halved the arrears early in the second half.

With City in the ascendency and seemingly capable of a memorable comeback, Delap scored another to restore Forest’s two-goal advantage, this time finishing off a swift counter-attacking move.

The result means City have lost three consecutive Premier League matches and head into the international break six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

City, who were making individual errors and struggling to establish our usual fluency, were 2-0 down after 18 minutes and left with a mountain to climb.

Enzo Fernández headed over from close range after Marc Guéhi’s fine ball into the box, as City went looking to reduce the deficit.

The Argentine will have been disappointed to miss, given he put away a much more difficult header in our 3-2 Champions League win in Leipzig on Wednesday.

And five minutes before half-time, Erling Haaland rounded the ‘keeper but saw his effort cleared off the line by Cunha.

Those were promising signs from City, who had gradually stabilised, found some fluidity and started creating chances.

The second half saw Enzo Maresca make a double change, with Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reailly coming on at the break.

And the manager’s reshuffle had an almost immediate impact when Rayan Cherki’s magnificent half-volley got City back into the game.

City suddenly looked revitalised and looked likely to equalise - and came agonisingly close to doing so when Haaland curled one just wide of the top corner.

But as we pressed forward looking for a second, gaps began to appear in behind, and Delap took full advantage, finishing off a swift counter-attack to make it 3-1 with a powerful strike that went in off the post and condemned City to defeat on the banks of the River Trent.

Nottingham Forest started the game superbly and were deservedly 1-0 up after just six minutes. 

Joško Gvardiol was dispossessed by centre-back Jair Cunha, who burst forward and rolled the ball into the bottom corner past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

With the home fans visibly lifted, another Forest goal soon followed, this time it was former City striker Liam Delap was on the scoresheet after a fine individual run and finish that left Donnarumma with no chance.

Odegaard breaks Hull resistance as Arsenal equal their best start to Premier League ever

By Dale Johnson, LONDON England 

It was not pretty, but Martin Odegaard's goal was enough to secure the 1-0 win that ensured Arsenal go into the international break as the Premier League leaders.

It was Arsenal's 34th 1-0 win under Mikel Arteta, to equal their best start to a Premier League season under the Spaniard of 27 points earned after 10 games in 2022-23.

No team has enjoyed more 1-0 wins since Arteta was appointed back in 2019, with the Gunners winning their past 10 home games in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets in that time.

Odegaard's goal though, bundled home from close range, may well have been a relief to those at Pro Ref, too.

A controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decision, which denied the Gunners a first-half penalty, threatened to be the story as a largely uneventful game drifted by.

When referee Farai Hallam was sent to the pitchside monitor for a VAR review for a shirt pull by Nobel Mendy on Kai Havertz, surely everyone inside the Emirates was expecting a penalty.

The irony would not be lost on Liverpool fans, who were denied a VAR penalty for a shirt pull last weekend when Arsenal's Jurrien Timber tugged back Alexander Isak.

Unlike Isak, Havertz made sure everyone - including VAR Michael Oliver, was aware that a defender had hold of his shirt.

Indeed, the cheers had already begun when Hallam started to describe the foul to the crowd - but Gunners supporters were stopped in their tracks. 

The referee pivoted to an offside against Havertz, and play restarted with a free-kick to Hull.

Had Arsenal not mustered that 72nd-minute winner from their captain, much of the attention would, once again, have been on VAR.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 8/11/2026

 

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 7/11/2026

 

Kenyan cult leader sentenced to 200 years in prison for murder of 191

NAIROBI, Kenya 

A self-proclaimed Kenyan preacher was sentenced to 200 years in prison on Friday for the murder of 190 children and one adult in an infamous starvation cult.

Hundreds of bodies have been discovered since 2023 at the sect's base near the coastal resort of Malindi, in what became known as the "Shakahola Forest Massacre".

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie was accused of inciting his followers to starve themselves to death to "meet Jesus."

Last month, he was convicted of murdering 190 children and one adult between January 2021 and September 2023, alongside 28 co-accused. His lawyer said he would appeal.

On Friday, the court sentenced him to 100 years for the homicide charges and 100 years for the starvation charges.

Twenty-eight accomplices were also sentenced to a variety of lengthy prison terms.

Mackenzie also faces manslaughter and terrorism charges in other trials, which he denies.

The former taxi driver appeared indifferent as he arrived in court on Friday, wearing a polo shirt and sporting a faint smile.

Francis Wanje, a 62-year-old teacher who lost two grandchildren, told AFP he had hoped Mackenzie would be sentenced to death to prevent further tragedies.

"Nothing can ease the pain," said Wanje, who blamed authorities for failing to act swiftly.

"I really have great (anger) towards the authorities. If they had taken action, we would not be here today," he added.

Prosecutors had called for the death penalty, citing the scale of the loss of life and the danger posed by his actions.

Although Kenya's law provides for the death penalty, the country has not carried out an execution since 1987.

Prosecutors also asked the court to sentence Mackenzie's co-accused to life imprisonment, arguing they had "been deeply indoctrinated by Mackenzie and were at risk of reoffending".

Around 120 prosecution witnesses testified during the trial.

According to witnesses, the movement denounced formal education as "satanic", viewed modern medicine and hospitals as instruments of the devil and required followers to cut themselves off from the outside world.

Mackenzie was arrested in April 2023 after a rights group alerted authorities and some followers were rescued from the 325-hectare ranch in the Shakahola forest on Kenya's coast.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights put the death toll at 429 in 2024. Some victims remain unidentified.

The case has fuelled calls for tighter regulation of religious organisations, after it emerged that Mackenzie had previously been arrested twice but released.

Tanzania court jails opposition leader for incitement, lifts treason charge

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania 

A Tanzanian court has jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu for four years on a charge of incitement.

The ruling was handed down on Friday in a trial closely watched internationally, during which the court dismissed a charge of treason that carried the threat of a death sentence.

“We are satisfied that through his statements, the accused intended to disrupt 2025 elections and instigate violence,” the judge told a courtroom packed with Lissu’s supporters.

“We sentence you to four years in prison but the doors are open for appeal,” the judge added.

Lissu, who heads the main opposition party, Chadema, responded that the trial was “political persecution”, accusing the judges of following orders from the government of President Samia Hassan.

“Excuses were created to imprison me,” he told the court.

“I was not charged with incitement but you judges are convicting me with it just to impress the person who gives you the titles. I believe these were directives,” he said.

Lissu was arrested before last year’s generalel ection, in which Hassan was re-elected, and has spent 19 months in jail.

Security was heightened across the commercial capital, Dar-es-Salaam, and around the court before the verdict, as Lissu’s supporters gathered for the hearing.

The case has drawn criticism from British and European Union lawmakers, who described it as politically motivated and called for Lissu’s immediate release.

Tanzania opposition leader acquitted of treason charges but found guilty of incitement

By Our Correspondent, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania 

Tanzania's High Court has acquitted opposition leader Tundu Lissu of treason charges but found him guilty of incitement, in a major development in a trial that has attracted national and international attention.

The three-judge panel in Dar es Salaam ruled that prosecutors failed to prove a key element of the treason charge against the Chadema chairman.

The judges are still delivering their ruling, with the legal reasoning and sentence for the incitement conviction yet to be announced.

Lissu, who has been in detention since April 2025, had denied the allegations, saying his remarks were part of a legitimate campaign for electoral reforms ahead of last year's disputed general election.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 6/11/2026