South Africa to investigate U.S. allegations of arms shipment to Russia

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a panel to investigate U.S. allegations that a Russian ship had collected weapons from a naval base near Cape Town last year, the presidency said in a statement on Sunday.

Russian frigate Lady R docked in Simon's Town.

The U.S. ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety said on May 11 that he was confident that a Russian ship, which docked at a naval base in Simonstown in the Western Cape in December last year, took aboard weapons from South Africa. An allegation South Africa has since denied.

The allegations have caused a diplomatic row between the U.S., South Africa and Russia and called into question South Africa’s non-aligned position on the Ukraine conflict.

South Africa says it is impartial and has abstained from voting on U.N. resolutions on the war.

"The President decided to establish the enquiry because of the seriousness of the allegations, the extent of public interest and the impact of this matter on South Africa’s international relations,” said the statement.

The three-member panel will be chaired by Phineas Mojapelo, former deputy judge president of Gauteng province. 

The other two members are Advocate Leah Gcabashe, who was former evidence leader for a state corruption inquiry that ended last year, and Enver Surty, former deputy minister of basic education. It will have six weeks to conduct its investigation.

The terms of reference for the panel include establishing who was aware of the cargo ship’s arrival, the contents that were loaded and off-loaded and “whether constitutional, legal or other obligations were complied with in relation to the cargo ship’s arrival.”

The president is expected to receive a final report within two weeks of the investigation concluding.

Russia’s Foreign Minister arrives in Kenya unannounced

NAIROBI, Kenya

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Lavrov’s arrival in Nairobi on Monday morning, without giving further details on the visit.

The Russian embassy in Nairobi in a tweet said this would be “a very fruitful week for Russia-Kenya bilateral relations”.

Kenya’s President William Ruto has skipped Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu inauguration slated for Monday.

Lavrov’s visit comes days after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made an African tour last week.

Lavrov’s trip reflects the continuous campaign in Africa by both Moscow and Kyiv. And they are tapping food security to sway support. Last month, Russia said it was sending 200,000 tonnes of fertiliser to Kenya.

On Africa Day, May 25, the Russian government said it had sent a donation of fortified oil worth $1 million to be distributed to those facing hunger in Kenya.

US revokes visa of Uganda's Parliament Speaker over anti-homosexuality law

KAMPALA, Uganda

The US has revoked the visas of Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, with lawmaker Asuman Basalirwa saying she is the first victim of likely sanctions after the East African nation lawed an anti-LGBTQ legislation.

The speaker’s current visas have been cancelled and this is confirmed in an email,” Basalirwa who moved the Bill said.

Quoting the said email shortly after it became known that President Museveni brushed aside pressure from the West and rights groups to sign the anti-gay Bill into law, Basalirwa added that:

"The US government has revoked your (Among) current visas on information that came available after your last issuance,” he said as he displayed a printout of the apparent mail to journalists at Parliament.

As of May 12, 2023, you (Among) don’t possess a valid visa to the US although you are welcome to apply again,” he said as he displayed a printout of the mail to journalists at parliament.According to Basalirwa, the speaker has been encouraged to forward her passport to the US Embassy through the ministry of finance for necessary modifications to her visas.

"I think they were looking for my visa for the US but they didn’t find it. So, the first victim is the speaker,” the Bugiri Municipality MP observed.

Under the new legislation, those who perform homosexuality face extreme penalties that may include life imprisonment.

Early Monday, Among had made clear that “Parliament shall always stand for and promote the interests of the people of Uganda.”

I now encourage the duty bearers under the law to execute the mandate bestowed upon them in the Anti-Homosexuality Act. The people of Uganda have spoken, and it is your duty now to enforce the law in a fair, steadfast, and firm manner,” she wrote on Twitter.

By press time, the US Mission was not available to comment on the developments.

Uganda president signs tougher anti-homosexuality Bill into law

KAMPALA, Uganda

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has finally signed into law the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act, a highly contentious piece of legislation, has been a subject of intense discussion and lobbying both within and outside Uganda. Last month, Museveni returned the bill for review, especially in regard to clear definition between homosexuality and acts of homosexuality.

Museveni said it was wrong for the original bill to punish a homosexual or reformed homosexual who wasn't involved in the promotion or acts of homosexuality.

The new Act doesn't criminalise anyone who identifies as homosexual, but mandates life in prison for anyone who engages in homosexual acts, up to 20 years for promoting homosexuality, and a three-year sentence for children convicted of homosexuality while certain acts of gay sex could warrant the death penalty.

The speaker of parliament, Anita Among took to Twitter to express gratitude for the president's resolute action.

"I thank His Excellency, the president, for his steadfast action in the interest of Uganda," Among said. 

She noted that the parliament believes that the law safeguards the sanctity of the family, in accordance with Article 31 of the Ugandan Constitution. Additionally, she stated that the legislation aligns with the cultural values and aspirations of the Ugandan people, as outlined in objectives 19 and 24 of the national objectives and directive principles of state policy. 

She further commended the MPs for standing strong against external pressure and criticisms, attributing their resilience to the commitment to upholding Uganda's motto, "For God and our Country." 

"I now encourage the duty bearers under the law to execute the mandate bestowed upon them in the Anti-Homosexuality Act. The people of Uganda have spoken, and it is your duty to now enforce the law in a fair, steadfast, and firm manner,” she said. 

The enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act triggered widespread international reactions, with human rights organizations and advocacy groups expressing concern over its potential impact on the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The law has faced criticism for its potential to promote discrimination and persecution.

Sudan: al-Burhan Under Islamists' Pressure

KHARTOUM, Sudan

Before Sudan army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan got locked into a brutal war with his former deputy, he was propelled to power by powerful Islamists - a tide now turning against him, according to analysts.

Under the regime of Islamist-military ruler Omar al-Bashir, Islamists dominated the government, building powerful networks of financial, commercial and political influence.

al-Burhan has attempted to distance himself from the Islamists, including by releasing statements against Bashir's old party.

According to one military analyst from the region, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, "the Islamists have worked since 1989 to gain their hold over the army."

"Al-Burhan tried to get rid of some of them," he said, but was only able to dismiss a few.

The Islamists maintained powerful positions in Sudan's security apparatus and on October 25, 2021, Burhan "bowed to pressure and launched his coup," Sudanese author Amir Babiker told AFP.

The takeover - for which he collaborated with now-enemy Rapid Support Force leader Mohamed Dagalo - ousted civilian officials from a power-sharing arrangement that was to lead to full civilian rule.

Quickly, al-Burhan cracked down on a commission responsible for dismantling the financial networks and economic empires that Bashir's allies had built.

Pro-democracy activists warned their revolution was being reversed, as several high-ranking officials from the Bashir era found roles in al-Burhan's administration.

In the early weeks of the war, more top officials from Bashir's regime escaped from prison, and the NCP itself reappeared to voice its support for the army.

"They're taking advantage of the exceptional situation the country is in to secure their place" in the future political landscape, according to Mirghani.

According to experts, al-Burhan seems to be facing more and more pressure from his own camp.

On Friday, he sent a letter to United Nations' Secretary=General Antonio Guterres requesting the dismissal of special envoy Volker Perthes, who has long been the target of accusations of "foreign intervention."

Thousands of military and Islamist supporters held protests in the months leading up to the war, demanding the U.N. mission chief's dismissal.

Days before fighting began, the U.N. urged Sudanese authorities to investigate after a man publicly called for Perthes' murder at a conference of Islamist parties and others linked to the Bashir regime.

In his letter, Burhan accused Perthes of bias and of stoking the war by presenting a misleading picture of the situation in Sudan.

"Without these signs of encouragement, the rebel leader Daglo would not have launched his military operations," the letter read.

It has never been possible to verify who fired the first shots of the war, which al-Burhan must fight on multiple fronts in order to survive, according to Mirghani.

His own supporters readily remind the public that Burhan himself named Dagalo as his second-in-command - an ambitious militia leader originally armed by Bashir to crush rebels in Darfur.

Islamist and pro-Bashir television channels in exile now accuse al-Burhan of giving too much leeway to Dagalo, which some suggest lays the groundwork for his eventual sidelining.

"At the end of the day, he's a soldier whose job is done when the mission is over," Mirghani told AFP.

"This could happen with this war."

Russia issues arrest warrant for Lindsey Graham after Ukraine comments

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a Senate Appropriations hearing on the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 16, 2023. 

MOSCOW, Russia

Russia’s Interior Ministry has issued an arrest warrant for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) after he praised U.S. military aid to Ukraine as “the best money we’ve ever spent.” 

Russian officials reacted to a video of Graham’s meeting Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which Graham acknowledged “Russians are dying” and then said in another moment that “it’s the best money we ever spent.” 

Graham appeared to make the comments in different parts of the conversation, which was edited and posted on Zelensky’s social media account.  

Russia’s Investigative Committee has also opened a criminal case against Graham, asserting that the Republican senator “declared the financial involvement of the United States is causing the death of Russian citizens.” 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the comments as a “shame.” 

“It’s difficult to imagine a greater shame for a country than having such senators,” he said. 

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said “Graham shouldn’t have done that” and called the 67-year-old lawmaker an “old fool.” 

Graham later dismissed the criticisms by Russian officials as “propaganda.” 

“As usual the Russia propaganda machine is hard at work,” he told Reuters.  

“Mr. Medvedev, if you want Russians to stop dying in Ukraine, withdraw. Stop the invasion. Stop the war crimes. The truth is that you and Putin could care less about Russian soldiers,” he said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.  

UN agencies warn of starvation risk in Sudan, Haiti, Burkina Faso and Mali

ROME, Italy

Two United Nations agencies warned Monday of rising food emergencies including starvation in Sudan due to the outbreak of war and in Haiti, Burkina Faso due to restricted movements of people and goods.

South Sudan

The four countries join Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen at the highest alert levels, with communities that are already facing or projected to face starvation or otherwise risk a slide “towards catastrophic conditions.”

The report by the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization calls for urgent attention to save both lives and jobs. Beyond the nine countries rating the highest level of concern, the agencies said 22 countries are identified as “hotspots” risking acute food insecurity.

“Business-as-usual pathways are no longer an option in today’s risk landscape if we want to achieve global food security for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.” said Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General.

He called for immediate action in the agricultural sector “to pull people back from the brink of hunger, help them rebuild their lives and provide long-term solution to address the root causes of food insecurities.”

The report cited a possible spillover of the conflict in Sudan, deepening economic crises in poor nations and rising fears that the El Nino climatic phenomenon forecast for mid-2023 could provoke climate extremes in vulnerable countries.

The report warns that 1 million people are expected to flee Sudan, while an additional 2.5 million inside Sudan face acute hunger in the coming months as supply routes through Port Sudan are disrupted by safety issues.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain warned of “catastrophic” consequences unless there is clear action to “help people adapt to a changing climate and ultimately prevent famine.”

“Not only are more people in more places around the world going hungry, but the severity of the hunger they face is worse than ever,” McCain said.

Nigeria: Bola Tinubu sworn in as president amid hopes and skepticism

ABUJA, Nigeria

Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu has been sworn in as president of Africa’s most populous country at a period of unprecedented challenges, leaving some citizens hopeful for a better life and others sceptical that his government would perform better than the one he succeeded.

The former governor of Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, Tinubu, 71, was sworn in as Nigeria’s president in Abuja, the capital city, in the presence of thousands of Nigerians and several heads of governments.

He succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari to lead a country that by 2050 is forecast to become the third most populous nation in the world, tied with the United States after India and China.

He has promised to build on Buhari’s efforts to deliver democratic dividends to citizens in a country where deadly security crises, widespread poverty and hunger have left many frustrated and angry.

And with his election still being contested in court by opposition parties and among many young Nigerians, Tinubu has also pledged to reunite the country.

Symbolic of a transition of power and loyalty to the new president, Gen. Lucky Irabor, Nigeria’s chief of defense staff, presented old national and defense flags of Nigeria to Buhari and received new ones from Tinubu, who is also the Chief of the Armed Forces.

Following the national elections in February, newly elected governors also took their oath of office in many Nigerian states on Monday.

At the inauguration venue, neither of the two main opposition candidates challenging Tinubu’s election in court was present and many Nigerians tweeted in protest to Tinubu’s inauguration.

The outcome of the court challenge is due in about three weeks. If the opposition challenges are upheld, it would be the first time a presidential election would be nullified by the court in Nigeria’s history.

Tinubu’s manifesto of “renewed hope” prioritizes the creation of sufficient jobs and ramping up of local production of goods, investing in agriculture and public infrastructure, providing economic opportunities for the poorest and most vulnerable as well as creating better national security architecture to tackle all forms of insecurity.

However, Tinubu’s ambitious plans could be threatened in his first 100 days in office by a mountain of challenges, from insecurity to a fiscal crisis, poverty and deepening public discontent with the state, said Mucahid Durmaz, Senior West Africa Analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft.

Some analysts also say the promises made by Tinubu and the hope they bring are reminiscent of when Buhari was first elected president in 2015 as a former military head of state.

His priorities were to fight insecurity and build the economy but he ended up failing to meet the expectations of many.

“No Nigerian president has come into office with so much goodwill from citizens as President Buhari but no other president has squandered it as quickly as President Buhari did,” said Dr Seun Kolade, a Nigerian development expert and associate professor at De Montfort University, in the U.K. “In terms of expectations and what is possible, this is a very mediocre eight years, to put it mildly.”

Sudan’s army leader fires foreign minister

KHARTOUM, Sudan

The Head of the Sovereign Council Sudanese Army Commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has suspended Foreign Minister Ali al-Sadiq over criticism of his failure to fulfil his duties following the armed conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Ali al-Sadiq

The minister’s suspension comes days after the outbreak of war with the RSF on April 15, several sources confirmed to Sudan Tribune.

Reports indicate that Burhan has appointed Mohamed Osman al-Hadi, a former ambassador and director of the office of former foreign minister and Islamist leader Ali Karti, to assume the ministerial responsibilities.

Supporters of the former regime launched a campaign criticizing Sadiq for his poor performance during the war.

Following the campaign, an army commander informed the minister of his activity freeze in a phone call on April 18. On April 25, Al-Burhan appointed Undersecretary Daffallah Elhag Ali as his envoy to convey messages to several regional leaders.

Multiple sources indicate that Al-Sadiq had a conflict with Ali, who coordinated various direct missions with two Sovereign Council members, Ali Jaber and Shams al-Din Kabbashi, responsible for coordinating with ministers and government officials.

Nigeria's departing President Buhari defends legacy

ABUJA, Nigeria

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari defended his political record on Sunday, the day before he steps down, saying he leaves the country in a better state than when he took power in 2015.

On Monday, he will hand over the reins of Africa's most populous nation to the new head of state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was elected in February despite the opposition claiming massive electoral fraud.

"I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015," the 80-year-old Buhari said in a televised address.

"Our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election," he added, citing "considerable results in the battle to achieve a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians.

"Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results."

But the administration of 71-year-old Tinubu inherits a 14-year-old jihadist insurgency in the northeast, which has resulted in some 40,000 deaths with two million more displaced.

Under Buhari, the military recaptured territory that had been under the control of the jihadist group Boko Haram. But rivals linked to the Islamic State group, ISWAP, have since emerged as the dominant threat.

A former putschist general in the army, Buhari was elected in 2015, and again in 2019, on the promise of putting an end to corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.

His first election aroused great enthusiasm.

But according to many observers and analysts, Buhari leaves behind a very disappointing, if not catastrophic, legacy.

Africa's leading economy is in the throes of a serious economic crisis with double-digit inflation, exploding debt, poverty and unemployment -- as well as the security crisis, with rampant violence by both criminal and jihadist groups responsible for mass killings and kidnappings.

Human rights organisations including Human Rights Watch have denounced a significant step backwards in terms of human rights, including abuses by the security forces, bloody repression of demonstrations and a six-month suspension of Twitter.

Human Rights Watch has urged Tinubu to "reverse course on significant human rights backsliding".

Buhari's televised speech created a stir on Nigerian social networks, with online comments denouncing "a speech contrary to the reality" experienced by ordinary Nigerians.

Some cited the explosion in kidnappings for ransom, and the considerable increase in the price of rice as examples.

And many articles in the Nigerian press on Sunday scrutinised Buhari's "failure" as head of government.

USMA star Merili strikes late to down Young Africans in Dar

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania

USM Alger's Islam Merili emerged as the hero of the match, scoring a crucial 84th-minute winner that propelled his team closer to their first-ever continental trophy. 

In a tightly contested first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, USM Alger edged past Young Africans (Yanga) with a 2-1 victory.

It was a dramatic conclusion to the match, as Yanga believed they had leveled the score in the 82nd minute through Fiston Mayele's exceptional goal.

However, the Algerians quickly dashed their hopes by finding the winner just two minutes later. Aimen Mahious had previously opened the scoring in the 32nd minute.

Yanga, renowned for their strong performances at home, suffered their first defeat in the tournament this season. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to salvage even a draw, leaving them with an uphill battle in the second leg.

USM Alger broke the deadlock during the first half when Mahious leaped to head home a well-delivered cross from Brahim Benzaza, who had expertly executed a free-kick from the left flank.

The goal provided the Algerians with the much-needed momentum and put them in a favourable position.

Yanga, fueled by the energetic atmosphere of the fully packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, made a positive start to the match.

Tuisila Kisinda tested the goalkeeper with a powerful shot, while Mudathir Yahya attempted an effort from distance that narrowly sailed over the crossbar.

In the 23rd minute, Mayele found himself in a promising position after evading a defender on the left. However, from a difficult angle, he could only manage to strike the ball across the face of the goal.

Yanga displayed resilience after conceding in the 32nd minute and intensified their efforts to equalize. They came close to scoring just before halftime when Kisinda unleashed a fierce strike from the right, but his attempt narrowly missed the target.

In the second half, the Tanzanians started with a sense of urgency, putting immense pressure on their opponents in their pursuit of an equalizer. They had a golden opportunity in the 69th minute when Yahya found himself inside the box, but the goalkeeper intervened and turned his shot behind for a corner.

Yanga's persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Mayele produced a moment of brilliance. Controlling a pass from Yahya with his first touch, he unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom right corner with his second touch, drawing the home crowd into a frenzy.

However, just as Yanga believed they had battled their way back into contention, their hopes were shattered two minutes later. Merili calmly side-footed the ball into the net after excellent setup play from Khaled Bousseliou inside the box, leaving the home fans stunned and silenced.

Yanga fought valiantly in the remaining minutes, but their efforts proved futile. Despite ten minutes of added time, they failed to salvage a draw, leaving USM Alger with a significant advantage heading into the second leg.

Leicester and Leeds relegated from Premier League, Everton safe

LONDON, UK

Leicester were relegated from the Premier League just seven years after a spectacular title triumph as Everton prolonged their 69-year stay in the English top flight by beating Bournemouth 1-0 on Sunday.

Leeds will also return to the Championship after three seasons in the Premier League as their relegation was confirmed by a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Abdoulaye Doucoure was Everton's hero after the French midfielder smashed home from the edge of the box on 57 minutes to spark jubilant celebrations around Goodison Park.

In contrast, Leicester were crestfallen as they went down, despite their 2-1 win over West Ham.

Everton began the afternoon in control of their own fate but put a raucous support of 40 000 fans at Goodison Park through the mill before securing survival.

Scoring goals has been a problem for Sean Dyche's men and they badly missed the presence of talismanic striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Even when Everton did open up the visitors, Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers produced a stunning save to deny Idrissa Gueye midway through the first half.

Travers was a late replacement in the Bournemouth side after captain Neto missed out for personal reasons and more heroics from the Irish goalkeeper prevented Demarai Gray from opening the scoring early in the second period.

Conceding first would likely have been fatal for Everton, who have not scored more than once at home since October.

The relief around Goodison was palpable when Doucoure's sweet strike finally got the better of Travers.

Everton still had an anxious half hour to see out and Jordan Pickford had to make a fine save to deny Matias Vina an equaliser during 10 minutes of added time to get over the line.

Leicester did what they had to do on the day as the Foxes won for just the second time in 17 games.

But it was too little, too late for a talented squad that badly underperformed this season.

In contrast to Everton, Leicester have an array of attacking weapons and they showed the quality they possess with the opening goal as Harvey Barnes exchanged a one-two with Kelechi Iheanacho and slotted calmly into the far corner.

Wout Faes headed in Leicester's second just after the hour, but by that point the home crowd at the King Power knew Everton led and needed a favour from Bournemouth that never arrived.

Leeds required a series of results to go in their favour and never gave themselves a chance as Harry Kane opened the scoring after just two minutes at Elland Road.

Pedro Porro doubled Spurs' lead early in the second-half and Kane reached 30 Premier League goals for the season after Jack Harrison had pulled one back for Leeds.

Lucas Moura rounded off the scoring with virtually his final kick of a five-year Tottenham career.

Victory for Spurs was not enough for secure a place in next season's Europa Conference League as Aston Villa beat Brighton 2-1 to seal seventh.

Manchester City had long since sealed a fourth title in five years, but the champions 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end as Brentford beat Pep Guardiola's men 1-0.

Ethan Pinnock scored the only goal five minutes from time as the Bees completed a memorable double over City this season.

Arsenal put the disappointment of their demise in the title race to round off their season on a high as Granit Xhaka scored twice in a 5-0 thrashing of Wolves.

Manchester United made sure of third with a 2-1 win over Fulham as fourth-placed Newcastle were held 1-1 at Chelsea.

But the game of the day came at St. Mary's where already-relegated Southampton and Liverpool played out a 4-4 draw.

Senegalese opposition leader Sonko heads to Dakar for final battle

DAKAR, Senegal

Ousmane Sonko, the popular Senegalese opposition leader facing a rape trial, said Wednesday that he would lead a "caravan of freedom" across the country as he travels to face judges in Dakar.

Sonko, who has a keen following among Senegal's large youth population, has branded the trial a political plot aimed at scuttling his bid for the presidency in 2024 elections.

Sonko, 48, has been charged with rape and making death threats against an employee of a beauty salon in Dakar, accusations that he denies.

"I'll meet you in Dakar: either (President) Macky Sall steps back, or we will face him to put an end to this," Sonko told hundreds of cheering supporters outside his home in the southern city of Ziguinchor after the second day of his trial wrapped.

"The final fight, where will it go? It will happen in Dakar... If you are 2,000, let 1,500 go to Dakar to continue the fight," he said.

Sonko plans to return to Dakar by road and turn the 500-kilometre (310-mile) journey into a "caravan of freedom", saying later on social media that his convoy would set off for Dakar on Thursday.

Public prosecutor Abdou Karim Diop had earlier called for a 10-year prison sentence for rape, or a minimum of a five-year term for "corrupting youth."

Either sentence would legally bar him from contesting the elections.

A decision is expected to be handed down on June 1, the president of the criminal court said after the marathon 17-hour session wound up.

The trial had resumed Tuesday after a weeklong suspension, but Sonko refused to show up for the second time.

The court rejected pleas by his lawyers for a new adjournment, prompting the attorneys to walk out.

Sonko has said he went to the "Sweet Beaute" salon for a massage for chronic back pain and denies any assault.

The complainant maintained her accusations in Tuesday's hearing, saying she had been abused five times by Sonko between 2020 and early 2021. She also said she had received death threats if she went public with her accusations.

The conservative nation has been avidly following the case, which on Wednesday served up a string of salacious details.

Wagner chief says 20,000 of its troops killed in Bakhmut battle

MOSCOW, Russia

Some 20,000 troops from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group were killed in the months-long battle for control of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, its founder has said.

Yevgeny Prigozhin said he had recruited about 50,000 prisoners to fight with Wagner in Russia’s war in Ukraine and that about 20 percent of them had been killed.

A similar number of his contract soldiers had also perished in the battle for the city, he told Russian political strategist Konstantin Dolgov in a video interview posted on his Telegram channel on Wednesday.

This weekend, Wagner and the Russian military claimed to have taken control of Bakhmut, which has been left in ruins by the prolonged fighting, with Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating the armed forces. But Kyiv has said its forces continue to fight for the city.

Prigozhin, a businessman whose influence has deepened since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago, has scathingly criticised the country’s military leadership, accusing Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov of incompetence.

If ordinary Russians continued getting their children back in coffins while the children of the elite “shook their arses” in the sun, he warned in his latest video, Russia would face turmoil along the lines of 1917 that brought the Bolsheviks to power.

“This divide can end as in 1917 with a revolution,” he said.

"First, the soldiers will stand up and after that, their loved ones will rise up,” he said. “There are already tens of thousands of them – relatives of those killed. And there will probably be hundreds of thousands – we cannot avoid that.”

Last year, Prigozhin toured Russian prisons in a bid to convince inmates to fight with Wagner in Ukraine in exchange for an amnesty if they survived to return home.

Russia’s most powerful mercenary leader said Ukraine was preparing a counteroffensive aimed at pushing Russian troops back to its borders before 2014, when Moscow invaded and then annexed Crimea.

Ukraine would try to encircle Bakhmut, the focus of intense fighting in the east, and attack Crimea, he added.

"Most likely of all, this scenario will not be good for Russia so we need to prepare for an arduous war,” Prigozhin said in the interview.

"We are in such a condition that we could f***ing lose Russia – that is the main problem … We need to impose martial law.”

The attacks in Russia’s Belgorod region, which Moscow has blamed on Ukraine, was a further example of the failures of the military leadership, he said, warning that Ukraine would seek to strike deeper into Russia.

Russia needed to mobilise more men and gear its economy exclusively to war, the Wagner chief said.

Prigozhin is known for his expletive-laden outbursts directed at Shoigu and Gerasimov.

Earlier this month, he accused the Russian defence chief of failing to provide his soldiers with enough ammunition and threatened to pull out of Bakhmut.

He filmed the video in front of rows of corpses he said were dead Wagner fighters as he unleashed a wave of invective at Shoigu and Gerasimov.

UK website advertises military job for Africans, Middle East to join Ukraine war

LONDON, UK

A United Kingdom job site dubbed Adzuna is advertising vacancies for Africans and citizens of Middle East States to join the military voluntary program that is aimed at assisting Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Adzuna is a job aggregate and search engine that operates in over 20 countries and is visited by at least 10 million visitors per month.

In one of their job postings, a European Union Citizenship Program needs permanent staff mostly from African and Middle East countries to join a “High Contract” payment program.

The advertising company for the job vacancies is located in Sands End, London, United Kingdom.

“We invite citizens from the Middle East and North Africa to participate in a voluntary program to assist Ukraine on a competitive basis,” the job advert reads in part.

As part of the requirements, those who intend to apply should be military specialists with good health and psychological ability.

The qualified candidates will be deployed to participate in the Ukrainian Counteroffensive.

“Participants must understand all risks and sign a waiver of claims,” the advert states.

The contract of the job will fetch at least £20,000 (equivalent to UShs93 million/ Tshs58.5 million or Kshs3.4 million)  in payment.

However, as part of the conditions, after the contract expires and compliance with requirements is verified, accelerated citizenship in the UK or EU is guaranteed.

The United Kingdom is the second largest donor of Ukraine having committed £4.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine so far.

The UK is also hosting a training programme (Operation Interflex), which is supported by several allies, with the aim of training 30,000 new and existing Ukrainian personnel by the end of 2023.

It has also recently committed to training Ukrainian fast jet pilots on top of providing long-range precision strike missiles.