US, British defense chiefs discuss Middle East threats

WASHINGTON, US

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with his British counterpart Grant Shapps at the Pentagon Wednesday for talks on security threats in the Middle East, the Pentagon said.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meets with British Defense Minister Grant Shapps at the Pentagon in Washington, US, January 31, 2024

They discussed issues including “the escalating attacks by Iran-aligned militia groups on US troops in the Middle East” and “the illegal Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea,” as well as humanitarian assistance for Gaza and support for Ukraine, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said in a statement.

“Secretary Austin thanked Secretary Shapps for the United Kingdom’s steadfast support and leadership in coalition efforts to stave off further Houthi aggression, while defending naval and international commercial vessels exercising navigational rights and freedoms,” Ryder said, referring to attacks on shipping by the Iran-backed Yemeni rebels.

US and British forces have launched joint strikes aimed at reducing the Houthis’ ability to target vessels transiting the key Red Sea trade route — attacks the rebels say are in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is at war with Hamas.

US and allied forces in Iraq, Syria and Jordan have been attacked more than 165 times since mid-October, many of them claimed by a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that opposes American support for Israel in the Gaza conflict and the presence of Washington’s troops in the region.

On Sunday, a drone struck a military base in northeastern Jordan, killing three US soldiers and wounding more than 40 — the first American military deaths in an attack in the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in early October.

Washington blamed Iran-backed militants for the attack, vowing a decisive response.

Sudan's warring parties hold talks in Bahrain

MANAMA, Bahrain

Senior leaders from Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) met three times this month in Bahrain, sources with knowledge of the talks said, the first such contact between the two warring sides in nine months of conflict.

Unlike previous talks on war in Sudan, the meetings in Manama were attended by influential deputies from both forces and by officials from the Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, key supporters of the army and RSF respectively, according to the four sources, two of whom were present at the talks.

The unannounced talks, which the sources said were also attended by the United States and Saudi Arabia, come after repeated attempts by both powers as well as East African nations to broker a ceasefire and a political deal to end the war made
little headway.

The war in Sudan erupted last April over disputes about the powers of the army and the RSF under an internationally-backed plan for a political transition towards civilian rule and elections.

The army and the RSF had shared power with civilians after the fall of former leader Omar al-Bashir in a popular uprising in 2019, before staging a coup two years later.

The fighting has wrecked parts of Sudan including the capital Khartoum, killed more than 13,000 people according to U.N. estimates, drawn warnings of famine, and created an internal displacement crisis.

Talks held last year in the Saudi city of Jeddah featured lower-level officials and neither side maintained its commitments.

By contrast, in Manama the army was represented by hardliner General Shamseldin Kabbashi and the RSF by General Abdelrahim Dagalo, a brother of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the sources said.

According to one participant, the two sides had tentatively agreed on a declaration of principles including maintaining the unity of Sudan and its military.

More talks to discuss a ceasefire were planned, but a follow-up meeting last week was postponed, the source added.

Zambia's ex-President Lungu calls for early elections

LUSAKA, Zambia

Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu has asked citizens to call for an early election, accusing his successor Hakainde Hichilema, popularly known as HH, of failing to run the economy.

Mr Lungu also accuses President Hichilema of failing to manage the cholera outbreak which has claimed the lives of nearly 600 people in the country since October last year.

Speaking at an opposition media briefing on Wednesday, Mr Lungu said Zambians should put pressure on the president to accept that an early election was "imperative".

"If you Zambians demand that we call upon HH to resign and call for an early election, let's go that route, but it should come from you," Mr Lungu said.

But in a swift response, the government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa dismissed Mr Lungu's allegations and urged Zambians to give the president enough time to deliver his campaign promises.

Mr Mweetwa accused the former leader of ruining the country's economy during his six years in office.

Mr Lungu announced a comeback to politics last October, prompting the government to withdraw his retirement benefits.

He had retired from politics in 2021 after suffering a crushing defeat in a presidential election.

His return to politics sets a stage for a bruising 2026 presidential race.

Russian troops could deploy to Burkina Faso - junta leader

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso's military-backed president has said Russian troops could deploy to fight jihadists in the West African country, if needed.

In an interview, Ibrahim Traore said Russia was offering logistical and tactical training and was willing to sell whatever weapons were required by Burkina Faso.

Mr Traore said there were no restrictions on what could be bought from Russia, China, Turkey or Iran, unlike other countries.

His comments come amid reports that some 100 Russian fighters were last week sent to the African country as military instructors.

The development also fuels speculation of Burkina Faso deepening security ties with Russia like neighbouring Mali, where Russian Wagner mercenaries operate.

The junta-led country's relations with Moscow have been in the spotlight since it booted out French troops in early 2023.

Burkina Faso has been battling Islamist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, which have taken over large swathes of land and displaced millions of people in the wider Sahel region.

Liberia President questions gov’t bank balance record of former administration

MONROVIA, Liberia

How much money did Liberia's former administration leave in the state coffers when it left power?

President Joseph Boakai who was sworn in on January 22nd said on Monday that the balance recorded was US$20.5 million, not US$40 million, as former President George Weah had claimed.

Liberian media reported Wednesday that the Senate ordered the Central Bank to clarify contradictions between President Boakai and his predecessor.

According to reports, the Senate mandated its joint committees on Public Accounts and Audit, Banking, and Currency to invite the leadership of the Central Bank of Liberia.

President Boakai, pledging to tackle corruption, said he will audit and make sure that regular audits become the norm in all branches of government, not just the executive.

Shortly after losing the presidential election last November, Geroge Weah reportedly told an audience at his congregation that he expects Boakai not to pursue officials from his administration, just as he “did not prosecute anyone” from the first Unity Party government when the Boakai served as Vice President.

Malawi launches new COVID-19 vaccination campaign Amid rising cases

BLANTYRE, Malawi

The Malawi government and the World Health Organization launched a new COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Monday in 10 of the country’s 29 districts. This is partly in response to new cases confirmed in the past three weeks in several districts across the country.

Nsanje District in southern Malawi currently leads in the number of COVID-19 cases recorded this year.

George Mbotwa, spokesperson for the district health office, said the district has registered 17 new cases in the past three weeks and some are health workers.

“Initially there were two, but we had up to eight cases that were health workers,” he said. “Some of them have now been confirmed as negative, and others are being followed up to ensure that they are fully recovered before they can resume work.”

By Monday, Malawi cumulatively recorded 89,202 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 2,686 deaths, since the first cases were confirmed in the country in April 2020.

Malawi’s Ministry of Health says the new vaccination campaign will help boost the number of people getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination rates in some areas of Malawi are as low as 40%.

It also says the WHO-funded campaign would help avoid waste of the vaccine as was the case in 2020 when the government destroyed nearly 20,000 expired AstraZeneca doses.

Many of those doses expired due to vaccine hesitancy amid concerns of its safety and efficacy.

However, recent government public health campaigns on the importance of COVID-19 shots have helped defeat that hesitancy.

Mary Chawinga, a mother of two of Machinjiri Township in Blantyre, said she has had the vaccine and is awaiting a booster.

“And I am ready to take my children, because prevention is better than [a] cure they say,” Chawinga said. “You never know how the wave will be like this time around considering the way it was way back in 2020. We have had it in 2021, and now this is 2024.”

Another mother of two, Habeeba Nyasulu, said she received the COVID-19 doses during the first campaign and encourages others to get the shot.

“I know that we are not safe until everyone is safe,” she said. “So, let others also receive the vaccine. I know that the vaccine does not prevent us from getting infected, but it helps us when we contract it not to be critically ill.”

Maziko Matemba is a community health care ambassador in Malawi, said the COVID-19 threat is still present in the country.

“Malawi didn’t vaccinate a required number of people against COVID-19, because the targeted population was about 11 million Malawians,” Matemba said. “But we were less than half about 2 or 3 million Malawians who were able to get vaccinated.”

Matemba said the country now needs to have the vaccine in the right places and encourage more people to get vaccinated.

The Ministry of Health says the new campaign targets 10 of the country’s 29 health districts that have recently recorded new cases. These include Machinga, Blantyre, Dowa, Mzimba and Nsanje districts.

‘We Will Not Withdrawal from Gaza,’ Vows Netanyahu

JERUSALEM, Israel

Israel’s leader refuted reports of a possible truce agreement to halt the war on Gaza, vowing to finish the fight until “all goals are achieved”.

Benjamin Netanyahu is under mounting pressure from families of captives and the wider public to reach a deal. “We will not withdraw the Israeli military from the Gaza Strip, and we will not release thousands of terrorists,” he said.

Hamas’s top political leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group is studying the latest proposal for truce but the priority is the “full withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza and a long-term ceasefire.

Qatar and Egypt, which mediate with Hamas, have held talks with Israel and the United States in recent days.

US officials said negotiators made progress toward a deal, including the phased release of the remaining captives over a two-month period, and the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza

Sudan leader declares wide-ranging offensive on RSF positions

KASSALA, Sudan

In a significant shift in strategy, Sudanese Army Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan has directed the army and allied armed movements to launch a full-scale offensive against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), aiming to expel them from all areas under their control.

Al-Burhan’s announcement, made during a visit to Kassala State, came amidst a comprehensive mobilization of Sudanese army forces and armed movements from Darfur, who are receiving extensive military training and support from civilian volunteers.

Addressing troops from the 11th Infantry Division in Khashm Al-Girba, Al-Burhan declared, “We will no longer be on the defensive. We will advance and attack with the forces of the movements from all directions, from Darfur and the eastern states, the central states, and the northern states, relying on the will and determination of the Sudanese people who stand united with their armed forces against these rebels.”

Upon the outbreak of the armed conflict with the Rapid Support Forces, Al-Burhan instructed his troops to prioritize defensive manoeuvres and abstain from offensive actions. Simultaneously, he initiated training programmes to prepare the army for guerrilla warfare and acquired weaponry and vehicles specifically tailored for this type of combat.

This announcement marks the official transition from a defensive posture to an offensive strategy against the RSF, almost nine months after the conflict began.

Burhan has positioned himself as a proponent of negotiations for resolving the ongoing conflict, but has also maintained a firm stance against external interference and warned against the potential for Hemetti’s treachery.

Sudanese Army Commander has expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces, but only under certain conditions. He has emphasized that the Rapid Support Forces must vacate civilian areas and return looted goods to both citizens and the state.

While Burhan acknowledged that negotiation can sometimes lead to victory, he also stressed that the army will not hesitate to resort to force if necessary to reclaim what was taken by force.

He reiterated that Sudan will not accept solutions imposed by external parties, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He dismissed IGAD’s involvement, stating that the organization should not meddle in Sudanese affairs.

Instead, Burhan urged politicians to seek solutions within Sudan and engage in dialogue with all segments of society to reach mutually agreeable outcomes. He specifically addressed Abdallah Hamdok, former Prime Minister the head of the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Tagadam), and reiterated that any negotiations must take place within Sudan’s borders.

Warning political forces of the dangers posed by RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti”, Burhan branded him as “a treacherous man without a covenant.” He cited Hemetti’s past betrayals of the army and intelligence officials, along with numerous assassinations against his own comrades.

Al-Burhan further highlighted the severe atrocities perpetrated by the RFS against civilians and their attacks on infrastructure.

He characterized the RSF leader as “the instigator of sedition and the ringleader of criminals.” He accused Hemetti of spreading misinformation by claiming that civilians were approaching RSF sites, stating that paramilitary forces were the aggressors, attacking innocent and defenceless citizens.

“We will pursue the leader of the rebellion, hold him accountable, and make him responsible for the actions of his militia, including theft, looting, murder, and rape.” He added, “The Sudanese people will never forget the heinous crimes of the Rapid Support Militia, as these acts of immorality are not in line with the values of the Sudanese people.”

He affirmed that the armed forces will remain steadfast in their positions, will not yield, and will not pardon those who have desecrated the dignity of the Sudanese people, stolen their possessions, and shattered the security and stability of citizens.

Iran warns of decisive response to any type of attack

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Iran's envoy to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani warned that Tehran would respond decisively to any attack on its territory, its interests, or Iranian nationals outside its borders, state media reported on Wednesday.

The comment from Amir Saeid Iravani comes a day after United States President Joe Biden announced he has decided how to respond to a drone attack by Iran-aligned Iraqi groups that killed U.S. service members in Jordan, without elaborating.

Several Iranian Revolutionary Guards have been killed following Israeli strikes in Syria, with five members dying on Jan. 20 and another two on Dec. 25.

On Monday, another Israeli strike hit what Iran's Tasnim news agency described as an "Iranian military advisory centre" in Syria, killing two, but Iran's envoy to Syria denied the details on the target and said the casualties were not Iranian.

On Jan. 15, Iran attacked what it says was an Israeli "spy headquarter" in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

Dozens are presumed dead after an overloaded boat capsizes on Lake Kivu in Congo

By Jean-Yves Kamale, KINSHASA DR Congo

The majority of the 50 passengers aboard a wooden boat that capsized on a lake in eastern Congo are presumed to be dead, a local official said.

The boat crossing Lake Kivu was also carrying 20 bags of cement and likely sank Sunday due to being overloaded, said Mustafa Mamboleo, an official with South Kivu province.

Mamboleo said 10 people survived and three bodies had been found, and the search continued for about 37 people.

Deadly boating accidents occur frequently in Congo, where crews often overload small wooden vessels. Earlier in January, 22 people died on Lake Maî-Ndombe. Last April, six were killed and 64 went missing on Lake Kivu.

Maritime regulations often are not adhered to, Daniel Lwaboshi, director of Congo’s Public Riverways Authority, said Monday on state television, adding that another primary driver of such accidents is overloading.

Kenya endorses Italy's Africa plan despite criticism over funding

ROME, Italy

Kenya's president endorsed Italy's plan for closer cooperation with Africa on Tuesday, saying it was evidence that Europe was taking the continent seriously despite criticism over the limited initial funding.

Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni unveiled a long-awaited initiative on Monday aimed at helping African countries prosper in return for curbing illegal immigration, pumping a preliminary 5.5 billion euros (Ksh.961 billion) into the scheme.

Some critics scoffed at the small scale of many of the projects, while the chairman of the African Union Commission publicly chastised Meloni for not consulting more widely on the priorities beforehand.

But Kenyan President William Ruto told reporters that the so-called Mattei plan, named after the late founder of Italian energy giant Eni, represented a good start.

"Every journey begins with one simple step. And I think that the most important step has been made, that we are recalibrating our relationship with Italy as a continent," Ruto said.

The Kenyan leader said it was especially relevant given Italy held the rotating chair of the Group of Seven (G7) major Western powers, adding that he was confident Meloni would honour her pledge to promote African interests during her presidency.

"The narrative around Africa was conflict, disease, war. Now it's changing. It is opportunity, investment, market and solutions," he said, denying any doubts over the financial stability of his own country.

African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat jolted his Italian hosts on Monday with sharply worded comments at the opening of the summit in Italy's opulent Senate chamber.

"We are not beggars, our ambition is much higher, we want a paradigm shift for a new model of partnership that can pave the way towards a fairer and more coherent world," he told Meloni.

"You can well understand that we can no longer be satisfied with mere promises that are often not kept," he said.

Meloni's domestic political foes accused her of short-changing her guests, saying much of the money that she pledged had already been announced previously.

"There is nothing new in the Mattei Plan, just funding already provided in the past and projects started long ago under another name," said Davide Faraone, the Senate leader of the centrist Italia Viva party.

Of the 5.5 billion euros promised by Meloni, some 3 billion euros came from an international climate fund set up in 2021, while other funds would come in the shape of public guarantees rather than hard cash for on-the-ground projects.

"This is not entirely about money. This is about a relationship," Ruto said, adding that Europe was waking up to the immense potential of Africa, which has the largest renewable energy resources in the world and two thirds of its arable land.

"The meeting encapsulated a new thinking not just in Italy, but in Europe and globally, about the place of Africa as a continent," he said.

Kenya opposition coalition warns U.S to respect court ruling on police deployment to Haiti

NAIROBI, Kenya

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party has urged the United States government to respect the High Court's ruling barring the government from deploying police to troubled Haiti.

This comes after the High Court on Friday declared that the National Security Council lacks the authority to dispatch police officers to another country.

Despite the verdict, the Kenya Kwanza administration has affirmed its intention to appeal the decision, a move seemingly backed by the U.S. government.

In a statement on Tuesday following an Azimio summit meeting in Nairobi, the coalition underscored that domestic and foreign entities that hold reservations about the ruling should respect the autonomy of the Judiciary.

"We take note of the support expressed by the US government for the Ruto regime to appeal the ruling on the deployment of police to Haiti. It is our hope that all parties shall respect the independence of the Judiciary," said Azimio in the joint statement read by Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua.

The National Security Council, in October last year, petitioned Parliament to approve the deployment of Kenyan police officers on a UN-backed security mission to war-torn Haiti. The National Assembly  subsequently approved the deployment.

ALSO READ: Haiti govt still hopeful after ruling against Kenya support mission

The approval by Parliament came amid a High Court order temporarily blocking the planned deployment pending the hearing of a petition filed by Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot and two others.

In the petition, Aukot argued that the Constitution does not envisage the deployment of the police service outside Kenya.

He went on to ad that the deployment of police officers or the forces outside Kenya is a matter of great public interest and importance and can only be done in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Kenya had pledged to deploy 1,000 security personnel for the mission seeking to combat a decades-long gang violence characterized by widespread murders, kidnappings and extortion.

The UN Security Council gave the go-ahead in early October for the deployment of a multi-national security support mission, led by Kenya, to help the overwhelmed Haitian police.

South Africa knock out Morocco to book date with Cape Verde

SAN PEDRO, Cote d’ivoire

South Africa broke the hearts of Morocco by beating the top-ranked nation 2-0 at the Stade Laurent Pokou in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday evening. The win sees Bafana Bafana qualify for the quarterfinals of the competition, where they will face Cape Verde.

The match started off with both teams determined to bring their A-game.

Bafana Bafana did not hold back in the beginning stages and showed a strong attack.

It was a little short-lived though as Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi easily broke through Bafana Bafana’s defence after receiving a through ball from the wing.

The action led to South Africa conceding a corner just before hitting the 15 minute mark, but were able to deal with danger quickly as Ronwen Williams was on high alert.

Morocco picked up the momentum from there and continued throwing attack after attack at Bafana Bafana. 

Shortly after, Teboho Mokoena had an impressive attempt on goal when he took a powerful shot from outside the box and forced a save from the Atlas Lions goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.

Bafana Bafana would make another attempt on goal within the space of minutes but fell short as Percy Tau’s effort went over the bar.

Just before the half hour mark, Aubrey Modiba caught Hakimi and got himself booked. 

Grant Kekana would pick up a yellow card as well for Bafana Bafana soon after, which left the team on thin ice at the back as two crucial defenders had to tread carefully due to their cautions. 

Teboho Mokoena was a player that stood out as South Africa closed out the second half by breaking through Morocco’s defence and continuously pressing to retain possession. 

The second half saw the most crucial parts of the match take place, as the game became a lot more open.

South Africa finally broke through the Atlas Lions’ defence through Evidence Makgopa who put his shot into the bottom corner of the net in the 57th minute.

In the 80th minute, dramatic events took place as the ball hit Mothobi Mvala’s arm in the penalty area and the spot kick was given.

Hakimi stepped up to the plate but could not convert as his shot hit the crossbar.

South Africa then held onto their one-goal lead as five minutes of play remained.

Sofyan Amrabat was sent off for Morocco during stoppage time as he fouled Mokoena, who was going for goal.

A free kick was awarded just outside the box, taken by Mokoena and he scored - doubling Bafana Bafana’s lead and securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Morocco: Y. Bounou, A. Hakimi, N.Aguerd, R. Saiss, N. Mazraoui (Y. Attiyat Allah 76’), A. Ounahi, S. Amrabat, S. Amallah, (I. Saibari 60’) A. Adli (A. Harit 60’), Y. En-Neysri, A. Ezzalzouli

South Africa: R. Williams, K. Mudau, G. Kekana, M. Mvala, A. Modiba, S. Sithole (T. Monare 87’), T. Mokoena, P. Tau, T. Zwane (T. Maseko 70’), T. Morena, E. Makgopa (Z. Lepasa 72’)

Mali edge Burkina Faso in thrilling round of 16 clash

KORHOGO, Cote d’ivoire

Mali are through to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’ivoire 2023 quarter finals after a nail-biting 2-1 win over Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Korhogo.

An unfortunate own goal by Edmond Tabsoba along with a second half strike by Lassine Sinayoko were enough for the Eagles to soar over the Stallions at a packed Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.

It took just 3 minutes for Mali to take the lead after a powerful Amadou Haidara header came off the woodwork, but instead of it being cleared away, Edmond Tabsoba was unfortunate to see his clearance go into his own net.

Minutes later, Kamory Doumbia, who was a handful for the Burkinabe defense almost doubled his side’s lead after a great build up saw him through on goal, but his effort was denied by the advancing Kouakou Koffi.

A golden opportunity fell the way of the in-form Sinayoko to double the lead after doing well to turn his marker to unleash a powerful effort that was denied by the alert Koffi in the 35^th minute.

Carried by the momentum, the Eagles continued surging forward but wasted numerous opportunities as they took the slender lead into the break. 

Returning from the recess, Sinayoko capitalized on a lapse of concentration after beating the offside trap to face the keeper and comfortably slot home with just minutes into the restart.

A lifeline was given to the Stallions after Mohamed Konate’s headed effort came off the arm of Boubacar Kouyate for VAR to award the penalty that was converted by skipper, Bertrand Traore in the 57^th minute.

The Stallions eventually gained their rhythm and piled on the pressure, but a resolute Mali defense kept them at bay, as the Eagles soar into the quarter-finals to face tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday, 3 February in Bouake. 

Mali: Diarra, Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko, Camara (Fofana 93’), Coulibaly, Haidara (Samassekou 74’), Doumbia, Sinayoko (B. Traore 93’), Traore

Burkina Faso: Koffi, Yago (Badolo 46’), Tapsoba, Dayo, Kabore, Toure, Ouedraogo (Banse 68’), Sangare (Ki 87’), A.Tapsoba (Nagalo 46’), Konate, B.Traore ( Ouattara 77’)

Haiti issues arrest warrant against the widow of Ex-President Moïse

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

A Haitian judge investigating the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse issued an arrest warrant for his wife late last year for failing to meet with him so he could interrogate her about the case, according to a legal document leaked late on Monday.

The warrant is dated Oct. 25 and signed by Judge Walther Voltaire, who is overseeing an ongoing investigation into the killing that occurred at Moïse’s private residence, where authorities say a group of heavily armed men shot him a dozen times and injured his wife, Martine Moïse.

The one-page warrant contains little detail except to say that authorities are seeking to interview Martine Moïse about the case.

It does not state nor suggest any involvement.

Martine Moïse could not be immediately reached for comment, and a spokesperson for an attorney of hers based in Florida said he was trying to reach her.

Messages sent to people close to her went unanswered.

After the July 7, 2021 assassination, Martine Moïse was airlifted to a hospital in Florida for treatment.

She returned unannounced to Haiti less than two weeks later, surprising many.

Since then, she is believed to be residing in the U.S. and has on occasion posted about the assassination on X, the platform formally known as Twitter.

In December, she wrote that the “assassins…feel that their reign of impunity and untouchability seems to be coming to an end.”

This month, she repeated her call for an international tribunal to investigate the case, writing, “Haiti stand up, so that the social injustice done to the people can be repaired.”

In June last year, attorneys for Martine Moïse filed a lawsuit against those accused in the killing seeking unspecified damages and a trial by jury.

Voltaire, the judge investigating the case, did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

He was appointed in May 2022 to oversee the case, becoming the fifth judge to do so.

Previous judges have stepped down, including one who said he feared for his life and another who left a day after one of his assistants died under unclear circumstances.

The case has largely stalled in Haiti, where more than 40 suspects were arrested in the killing, including 18 Colombian soldiers and at least 20 Haitian police officers.

Meanwhile, U.S. authorities have prosecuted several extradited suspects in the case.

Four of 11 suspects in Miami have pleaded guilty, including a retired Colombian army officer and a former Haitian senator.

Israel killed Hamas militants hiding in West Bank hospital

RAMALLAH, Palestine

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that troops “neutralized” Hamas militants who were hiding in a hospital in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin and were planning an imminent attack.

The military identified one of the men as Mohammed Jalamneh, 27, from Jenin, who it said had contacts with Hamas headquarters abroad and was planning “a raid attack inspired by the October 7th massacre.”

It said the two others were militants from the area.
“Jalamneh planned to carry out a terror attack in the immediate future and used the hospital as a hiding place and therefore was neutralized,” the military said.

There was no immediate Palestinian confirmation of the men’s identities. Voice of Palestine radio reported the killing of three Palestinians at the hospital.

The West Bank, among areas where Palestinians seek statehood, has seen a surge of violence since the Oct. 7 attack triggered the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas.

US offers reward for aide to Sudan's former leader Omar al-Bashir

WASHINGTON, US

The United States on Monday offered a reward of up to $5 million for the arrest of a former Sudanese official sought over alleged Darfur war crimes who escaped prison, as charges grow of new atrocities.

Ahmed Harun, a former top aide to deposed dictator Omar al-Bashir, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for helping form the notorious Janjaweed militia which carried out a scorched-earth campaign in Darfur in the 2000s.

Harun announced in April that he and other former regime officials escaped Khartoum's Kober prison days after fighting broke out between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The United States pointed out that the Janjaweed has evolved into the Rapid Support Forces, which is accused of ethnic-based attacks against the non-Arab population in western Sudan.

"Lasting peace in Sudan requires justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses and violations, both past and present," State Departments spokesman Matthew Miller said.

"There is a clear and direct connection between impunity for abuses under the Bashir regime, including those of which Harun is accused, and the violence in Darfur today," he said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused the Rapid Support Forces of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in the latest bloodshed.

Addressing the UN Security Council on Monday, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said it was his "clear assessment" that both sides were carrying out crimes in Darfur.

He said the ICC has not received a single "scrap of paper" from Sudan's armed forces in response to requests to send in investigators.

Many in Darfur are right to fear that their situation "will be the forgotten atrocity," he said.

"If it does, it will be the second time the people of Darfur have been failed. Humanity at large failed, and we must not collectively allow that to happen, Khan told the Council by video link.

The United States has worked with Saudi Arabia to broker a peace agreement between the dueling generals but to little avail.

The war has killed at least 13,000 people, according to a conservative estimate by the Conflict Location and Event Data project, and displaced more than seven million people, according to the UN.

The ICC has sought Harun since 2007 over 20 counts of crimes against humanity and 22 counts of war crimes. In 2009, Bashir became the first sitting head of state indicted by the Hague-based court, but Sudan has not handed him over.

The reward by the United States -- which itself is not party to the court -- is offered for information that leads to Harun's arrest, transfer or conviction.

ICC prosecutor urges action to stop atrocity crimes in Sudan

UNITED NATIONS, New York

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has called on the UN Security Council to take immediate action to halt the escalating violence and impunity in Sudan, warning that the country is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Addressing the Security Council from Chad where he visited Sudanese refugees on Monday, Khan presented compelling evidence to support his assertion that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

“We are fast approaching a critical juncture,” Khan emphasized, “where the violence and impunity in Sudan could spiral out of control, jeopardizing the lives of millions.”

He urged all parties involved in the conflict to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law, emphasizing that “compliance cannot be treated as a ritualistic incantation.”

Khan also underscored the detrimental impact of the international community’s failure to execute warrants issued by the ICC, stating that this inaction has fostered a climate of impunity that has emboldened the perpetrators of atrocities in Sudan.

“The failure to address the nettle of impunity in Darfur has allowed the garden of Sudan to become infested with weeds,” he declared.

To address this pressing issue, Khan called on the Security Council to adopt a new approach to the conflict in Darfur, one that goes beyond traditional judicial measures.

“Judicial orders and court judgments alone cannot solve the problem,” he asserted. “We need innovative solutions that address the underlying causes of the violence and build a lasting peace in Sudan.”

The prosecutor criticized the government for its lack of cooperation with the ICC. Despite the government’s efforts to establish a focal point for the Court and issue single-entry visas, it has not responded to 35 requests for assistance, he said.

The military-led government after the coup slowed the cooperation that the civilian government had started to facilitate the investigations of the ICC in Darfur including. Also, the military component had opposed the handover of al-Bashir and other senior officials including Harun who is indicted in the same crimes facing the militia leader Ali Kushayb who is under trial.

In response to Khan, Sudan’s ambassador Al-Harith Idris denied the allegations of ICC non-cooperation, asserting that his country is actively cooperating with the Court. He added that all the documents found have been submitted to the Prosecutor.

Idris also raised concerns about the ICC’s subjective assessment of cooperation, arguing that it fails to consider the strategic engagement and operational realities on the ground.

Furthermore, he detailed the attacks perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces and its allied militias, including the December 15 armed assaults on the country’s second-largest commercial centre. He accused these militias of recruiting child soldiers and employing foreign mercenaries from neighbouring countries and the Sahel region.

The Sudanese representative also accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of sponsoring these militias and supplying them with weapons.

Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Sudanese representative insisted that Sudan has the right to self-defence, categorically rejecting the allegations of its armed forces’ involvement in atrocity crimes.

“Sudan is fighting a defensive war,” he asserted, “and its actions are in line with international law,” said Idris.

An Italy-Africa summit to build ties “far from any predatory temptation”

ROME, Italy

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni opened the Italy-Africa summit on Monday (Jan. 29) aimed at unveiling Italy’s development plan for the continent, which the government hopes will stem migration flows.

Overall, 155,754 people arrived on Italian shores last year, more than half of them Africans.

In attendance at the Rome summit were over 20 African leaders including William Ruto of Kenya, top European Union and United Nations officials as well as representatives from international lending institutions.

The Italian plan is named after Enrico Mattei, founder of state-controlled oil and gas giant Eni.

Italy seeks to become the natural energy supply hub for the whole of Europe. The EU banned Russian energy supplies following the war in Ukraine.

The Mattei plan also seek cooperation with Africa beyond energy.

It involves pilot projects in areas such as education, health care and agriculture.

Meloni said Italy would set aside an initial 5.5 billion euros ($5.95 billion) for the plan, including public guarantees for investment projects and 3 billion euros from a climate fund set up in 2021.

Speaking of migrants, the Meloni said: "human traffickers will never be defeated, if the causes that push a person to abandon their home are not addressed upstream."

“The medium and long-term objective is to demonstrate how aware we are that the fate of our continents is interconnected," Meloni said as she pushed for a relationship of "equals, far from any predatory temptation but also from that charitable approach in the approach to Africa."

"Our future inevitably depends on the future of the African continent,” she added in her speech.

US arms exports hit record high in fiscal 2023

WASHINGTON, US

Sales of United States military equipment to foreign governments in 2023 rose 16% to a record $238 billion, the U.S. State Department said on Monday, as countries sought to replenish stocks sent to Ukraine and prepare for major conflicts.

The figures underpin expectations of stronger sales for the likes of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman, whose shares are forecast to rise amid growing global instability.

Arms sales and transfers are viewed as "important U.S. foreign policy tools with potential long-term implications for regional and global security," the State Department said in a statement.

Sales approved in the year included $10 billion worth of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Poland, $2.9 billion worth of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-To-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Germany, and National Advanced Surface to Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) to Ukraine.

Lockheed makes the HIMARS, and RTX, formerly Raytheon, makes AMRAAM. RTX and Norway's Kongsberg produce NASAMS.

Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics expect existing orders for hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, hundreds of Patriot missile interceptors, and a surge in orders for armored vehicles will underpin their results in coming quarters.

There are two major ways foreign governments purchase arms from U.S. companies: direct commercial sales negotiated with a company, or foreign military sales in which a government typically contacts a Defense Department official at the U.S. embassy in its capital. Both require U.S. government approval.

The direct military sales by U.S. companies rose to $157.5 billion in fiscal 2023 from $153.6 billion in fiscal 2022, while sales arranged through the U.S. government rose to $80.9 billion in 2023 from $51.9 billion the prior year.

Ivory Coast eliminate Senegal to secure quarterfinal spot

YAMOUSSOUKRO, Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast beat Senegal 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra-time in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Monday night.

The win saw the Elephants progress to the quarterfinals of Africa's biggest football tournament.

The hosts will now go head-to-head with either Mali or Burkina Faso in the last eight on 3 February at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.

Senegal, on the other hand, crashed out of the tournament as their hopes of successfully defending their Afcon title were dashed and they will now travel back home after a shock exit.

It took just four minutes for the Lions of Teranga to take the lead after some great work by Sadio Mane.

The two-time CAF Footballer of the Year set up Habib Diallo who was afforded space and time to fire home to hand Senegal a 1-0 lead.

The Elephants responded by exerting pressure on the Lions of Teranga with Seko Fofana driving the hosts forward.

The Al Nassr midfielder was able to test goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who made a great save to deny Fofana in the 40th minute and the score was 1-0 to Senegal at halftime.

Ivory Coast created the better chances after the restart with Mendy forced to pull off a fine save to deny Franck Kessie in the 73rd minute.

Pressure was mounting on Senegal as Nicolas Pepe was sent through on goal in the 77th minute and he was also denied by Mendy.

The Elephants continued to push for the equalising goal and they were awarded a penalty after Pepe was fouled by Mendy in the box.

Kessie stepped up and beat Mendy from the spot-kick to make it 1-1, and the game ended in a draw in regulation time, and extra-time followed.

The two teams attacked each other in extra-time, but there were no goals and the match was decided by a penalty shootout.

Ivory Coast won 5-4 on penalties with Kessie scoring the winning penalty as Moussa Niakhate became the only player to miss during the shootout.

Senegal: Mendy, Jakobs, Koulibaly, Diallo (Dieng 118'), Niakhate, Matar Sarr, Camara (I Gueye 87'), Ismaila Sarr (Ndiaye 96'), Diatta, Mane, Diallo (Jackson 67').

Ivory Coast: Y Fofana, Konan, Kossounou (Singo 116'), Ndicka, Aurier, Seri, S Fofana (Kouame 79'), Sangare (Kessie 73'), Gradel (Adinga 64'), Diakite (Pepe 65'), Krasso (Haller 72').