May-May Nwa' Africa

'Relatives of the groom who [appeared to have shot] the photographer brought the victim to the hospital,' Executive Director at Bhannes Medical Center Michel Chahine told The Daily Star.

But once there, some of the relatives are reported to have inexplicably stormed into the hospital and attacked the doctors treating the victim.

One staff member suffered a broken eye socket and will have to himself undergo surgery in the coming days, Mr Chahine said.

He said: 

'I honestly do not have an explanation why they did that... They brought a victim of their actions [to the hospital], then began hitting those trying to tend to the victim.'

When asked if there was security at the hospital, Chahine said it has never been necessary due to the calmness of the area.'

'Our doors are open to those in need,' he said. 'We are located in the mountains, in a village, unlike in Beirut.'

He added that the assailants' identities were known and that it was now the Internal Security Forces' responsibility to apprehend them.

The President of the Private Hospitals Syndicate, Sleiman Haroun, condemned the acts of violence, saying: 'Enough is enough.'

Haroun said they would wait a few days but 'if nothing is done [by security forces or the government] they would take a strong position'.

He added: 

'We will no longer accept this. I am not going to call anyone out for being responsible, because they know who they are.'

Mr Chahine said the justice and health ministers both contacted him to denounce Friday's attack.

German riot police are currently clashing with protesters in Hamburg, Germany as world leaders including President Trump arrive the country ahead of Friday's G20 summit.  

Police used water cannon as protesters threw smoke bombs, while officers clashed with demonstrators at the anti-capitalist Welcome to Hell protest. 

The demonstration is taking place approximately two miles from where the G20 summit is taking place.

Hundreds of cartoonists from around the world were said to have taken part in the exhibition of the Islamic Republic's 2017 International Trumpism cartoon and caricature contest,  which held in the capital Tehran on July 3, 2017, but it was Asadi whose cartoon was chosen from among 1,600 entries from 75 countries. 

His winning image, shows the US president wearing a jacket of dollar bills and with burning yellow hair.

Speaking to the Associated Press after his victory, he said: 

He added that the focus of his piece was on Trump’s “money-mindedness and war monger nature.”

Two U.S. contestants were awarded for their entries. Robert Jones Clayton, again, compared Trump to Hitler while another cartoon by Ed Wexler showed the president being pursued by a snowball with a red hammer and sickle emblem on it—a reference to an ongoing investigation into Trump staff and their connections to the Kremlin.

Hadi Asadi was given a trophy and an award with a cash prize of   $1,500.

Five teenage pupils from The Gambia who built a robot for a prestigious international competition in the United States will not be able to accompany their invention to the event after being denied a visa.

The Gambian pupils become the second team of students refused entry to the US to attend the FIRST Global robotics event in Washington, DC, on July 16-18. On Saturday, it was reported that an all-girls team from Afghanistan were also denied a visa to travel to the US to showcase their creation at the same competition.

Moktar Darboe, director of The Gambia’s ministry of higher education, research, science and technology, told Al Jazeera that the team, made up of high school pupils aged 17-18, were “very disappointed”.

“They put in so much effort into building this, and now, after all the sacrifice and energy they put in, they have been left disheartened,” Darboe, who is also the team’s mentor, said on Monday.

The robot, a ball sorting machine, will be shipped off in the next day or two, he added.

The Gambian American Association will represent the team at the event and the students in The Gambia’s capital, Banjul, will watch it over Skype.

The FIRST Global Challenge is open to students aged 15 to 18 from across the globe. According to FIRST, around 158 countries will be represented, including 40 African countries. Only the teams from Afghanistan and The Gambia have had their visas rejected so far.

Darboe said that the visa was denied shortly after their interview at the US embassy in Banjul in April. They were not given any explanation. 

“We were only told that we did not qualify and that we could try again.”

According to Darboe, the students had to pay $170 each for the visa application. “Their parents had to sacrifice a lot to pay this fee.”

The students continued building the robot despite being denied the visa, hoping the decision would ultimately change.

They were further buoyed by a visit of US Ambassador C Patricia Alsup to their project site last month.

“She gave us hope not to give up, and she said they would give us all their support to help us go further,” 17-year-old Khadijatou Gassam, a science student and spokesperson for the team, said.

The US embassy in Banjul told Al Jazeera that it did not comment on consular affairs. Kevin Brosnahan, a spokesperson for the state department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, said he was unable to discuss individual visa cases.

Last week, the US Supreme Court allowed the partial enforcement of President Donald Trump’s travel ban on residents, citizens and refugees from six Muslim-majority countries – but both The Gambia and Afghanistan are not on the list.

In March, at least 60 African citizens were denied visas for African Global Economic and Development Summit in the US state of California. Organisers said at the time they were not sure if the rejection was linked to Trump’s anti-immigrant policies or if talk of the travel ban was being used to “to blatantly reject everyone”.

Darboe said building the robot was difficult. When parts arrived, customs officials took their time in releasing them. “They asked us if were building RoboCop,” he said.

The French police has arrested a 23-year-old man suspected of planning President Emmanuel Macron’s assassination during a Bastille Day parade on July 14, local media reported on Monday.

According to a report by the RMC radio, he was reportedly arrested after attempting to buy a Kalashnikov assault rifle online.

The report said that during a conversation on a video game site he had written that he was trying to buy a Kalashnikov type In custody, the man, described as far-right ‘nationalist’ said he wanted to make a political gesture by killing the President of the Republic at the parade on 14 July, on the Champs-Elysees.

Macron will be joined by U.S. President Donald Trump as he oversees a military parade in Paris onBastille Day.

The arrested man also said that he wanted to attack blacks, Arabs, Jews or homosexuals.

Earlier on July 14, 2002, Maxime Brunerie, a far-right neo-Nazi activist, attempted to assassinate President Jacques Chirac during a military parade.weapon to commit an attack.

The kidnappers of German archaeologist, Professor Peter Breunig, and his associate, Johannes Buringer have demanded a N60 million ransom.

The two men were kidnapped in Jenjela village in the Kagarko Local Government of Kaduna State on Wednesday, February 22.

 

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, had earlier ordered special forces to secure the release of the two abducted archaeologists. 

Also, Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, had summoned the Inspector-General of Police over the kidnap of Prof. Peter Breunig and Johannes Behringer in Kaduna yesterday. 

However, a spokesman for the kidnappers is said to have made the demand and warned against the involvement of security agents, according to Punch.

Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood earlier revealed that the professor didn’t go along with his security details to the site where he was kidnapped.

 

He said, “Though the German archaeologists have police officers attached to them for their protection at the NOK Archaeology Research Project Centre, they did not go with the policemen to the excavation site where they were kidnapped.

“The Nigeria Police Force, while assuring all Nigerians and foreign nationals in the country of their safety, wishes to implore them to always request and obtain police escort to protect them any time they are embarking on research, mining and related endeavours outside the towns and cities across the country,” he added.

via Daily Post

Reports by National Daily newspapers say that another  planned xenophobic attack against Nigerians and other African nationals especially Zimbabweans and Tanzanians may be brewing again as a group in South African has called on South Africans to protest against these nationals living in South Africa, tomorrow, Friday 24, 2017.

The group which goes by name Mamelodi Concerned Residence in a statement made available accused Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Tanzanians and even nationals from Pakistan of taking over jobs meant for South Africans.

In the statement, it specifically targets Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Tanzanians and Pakistanis staying in South Africa.

“Unemployment is 34% in South Africa but Government give people asylum seekers status when there is no work in South Africa,” the statement said. 

The group also accused Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa of fueling crime rates in the country by dealing in drugs and other social vices.

It has therefore called upon other South Africans to come out and March against illegal immigrants living in South African, tomorrow Friday 24.

Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria Union, which is the Union of Nigerian Community in South Africa, Mr. Ikechukwu Anyene confirmed the attacks and looting of Nigerian-owned businesses in Pretoria West.

“As we speak, five buildings with Nigerian businesses, including a church have been looted and burned by South Africans. One of the buildings is a mechanic garage with 28 cars under repairs, with other vital documents, were burned during the attack.”

Anyene said the union had informed Nigerians in South Africa to be vigilant in the face of renewed xenophobic attacks. According to him, the union received information that there will be xenophobic attacks against foreigners on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24.

Anyene called on the Federal Government to persuade its South African counterpart to protect Nigerians in their country.

Brazil's Foreign Minister, Jose Serra has resigned from his post, citing health problems.

CNN reports that in a letter to Brazilian President Michel Temer, Serra said he was "saddened" to be stepping down but said his doctors told him he would need "at least four months" to properly recover. 

Neither Temer's office, nor the foreign ministry have confirmed who will be replacing Serra.

A Zimbabwean pastor has declared the possession of God’s private mobile number, a declaration which has left many in shock and disbelief.

Pastor Paul Sanyangore

H-metro reported the pastor to have said: “I have a direct channel, actually I have His number and I can call Him when need arises.”

Describing the person on the other end of the heavenly conversation as ‘heaven’, the pastor while prophesying on a certain lady told her of her background to the shock of his congregation.

In reaction to comments which held that the pastor could have been on the phone with someone who knew the lady he was prophesying on, the pastor said: “It is possible to talk to God, while would you doubt that I got a call from him? I actually have a direct line which I can call Him and get instructions on how to proceed. I got this when I was praying and I heard a voice telling me to call direct,” he said.

He added: “I got instructions on the phone on what to do or say and that is what happened on Sunday. If the heavens spoke to Abraham why not us? You are of little faith and people will always have doubts while others are being delivered.

“I know people say whatever they want, some might feel it is a publicity stunt and it is all fine. We don’t do things for publicity; what will we get from that?”

H-metro reported the pastor to have said: “I have a direct channel, actually I have His number and I can call Him when need arises.”

Describing the person on the other end of the heavenly conversation as ‘heaven’, the pastor while prophesying on a certain lady told her of her background to the shock of his congregation.

In reaction to comments which held that the pastor could have been on the phone with someone who knew the lady he was prophesying on, the pastor said: “It is possible to talk to God, while would you doubt that I got a call from him? I actually have a direct line which I can call Him and get instructions on how to proceed. I got this when I was praying and I heard a voice telling me to call direct,” he said.

He added: “I got instructions on the phone on what to do or say and that is what happened on Sunday. If the heavens spoke to Abraham why not us? You are of little faith and people will always have doubts while others are being delivered.

“I know people say whatever they want, some might feel it is a publicity stunt and it is all fine. We don’t do things for publicity; what will we get from that?”

Via The Trent

Zimbabwe’s long-serving President, Robert Mugabe has declared his intention to run for the 2018 elections in his address to his ruling ZANU-PF party while also noting that the people of Zimbabwe see no viable successor to him for next year’s general polls.

Robert Mugabe, the world’s oldest national leader has been confirmed by his party as its candidate for the next presidential election expected in mid-2018, when he will be 94.

Speaking while addressing party faithfuls, Mugabe said; “They want me to stand for elections, they want me to stand for elections everywhere in the party,” Mugabe said in comments to state media.

“The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement, successor who to them is acceptable, as acceptable as I am.” 

His declaration is coming days after his wife, Grace suggested when speaking to the supporters of the ruling party that citizens of her country will still vote for her husband’s corpse, even when he is dead.

The wife of the 92-year-old leader who is seen as a possible successor to her ailing husband, made the comments without mincing words saying the move will show how people of Zimbabwe love their president.

‘One day when God decides that Mugabe dies, we will have his corpse appear as a candidate on the ballot paper. You will see people voting for Mugabe as a corpse. I am seriously telling you — just to show people how people love their president, she added.

Grace also accused some ruling Zanu-PF party officials of plotting to take over from her husband and said that if he dies supporters should put his name on the ballot to show their love for him.

In a couple of days, February 21st to be precise, Mugabe, who has been in power since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980 will turn 93 with a grand celebration party planned in the next six days.

May his soul rest in peace…Amen

Legendary wrestler Ivan Koloff popularly known as ‘The Russian Bear’ has passed away at the age of 74. He was reported to have been battling liver cancer and needed “urgent medical care,” his daughter Racgel Marley wrote on a a Go Fund Me page she set up on February 2.

 

“My dad was diagnosed with liver disease about 10 years ago and while he has been living with it, he chose not to make this announcement public to his fans and friends,” she wrote.

“But doctors are now saying that his liver function is getting worse day by day and it will continue to. There are no other medical options available for my dad for a cure. ” 

On hearing the tragic news, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan said he felt “helpless” with the death.

“RIP Ivan Koloff,it’s been a tough week,Chavo,Nicole Bass,George Steel,Ivan and Marty Prince,I would feel helpless if not for my faith1loveHH,” Hulk Hogan wrote on his Twitter handle also acknowledging the death of George ‘The Animal’ Steele, who passed away 24 hours earlier.

Koloff was a Canadian professional wrestler, best known for once holding the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship.

Following the now-legendary election of November 8th, Democrats and those surrounding the Clinton camp were quick to build hysteria between the U.S. populous and Russia—aimed specifically at discrediting President Trump’s Democratic victory.

The media has hounded Trump and his team almost relentlessly, questioning them daily on their ‘relationships’ with Putin and the Kremlin.

While the FBI cleared then President-Elect Trump on October 31st, the media forgot and reignited their perpetual Trump-hating rhetoric once word of the recent Flynn incident came to light. 

Liberals hoping to oust Trump in his first days began to spread the news of General Flynn’s December conversations far and wide. News agencies from every part of the country released statements poised at dismantling the new President.

ABC news is now crushing that narrative though, and reports that the claims are baseless.

“A senior intelligence official told ABC News last night that no evidence gathered by the FBI so far suggests Trump associates knew they were talking to Russian intelligence officers.”

As even more evidence continues to come forth that Trump and his administration are clean in their words, acts, and intentions regarding foreign policy, expect to receive an all-new level of media spin that makes yellow journalism look like child’s play.

Grace Mugabe, wife of Zimbabwe dictator, Robert Mugabe has warned oppositions to stop wishing her husband death because even if he dies, his corpse will contest for Presidency.

Grace Mugabe, the first lady of Zimbabwe and wife of 92 year old dictator Robert Mugabe, has said her husband won’t be leaving power anytime soon.

According to The Guardian, Grace Mugabe accused some ruling Zanu-PF party officials of plotting to take over from her husband and said that if he dies supporters should put his name on the ballot to show their love for him.

Grace told thousands of supporters at a rally in Buhera, eastern Zimbabwe that her husband is beloved by many who will vote for him even in death. Grace who spoke in Shona, a native language reportedly said: “If Mugabe dies, we will field his corpse as a candidate for elections to prove that people love him.”

 

A media house in Zimbabwe later tweeted the first lady speech for those who aren’t fortunate enough to be present at the rally. Grace Mugabe warned associates of her husband from the era of the guerrilla war against white rule that they were also too old to take power.

Grace said: “Anyone who was with Mugabe in 1980 has no right to tell him he is old. If you want Mugabe to go, then you leave together. You also have to leave.

Then we take over because we were not there in 1980.”

Robert Mugabe became the prime minister of Zimbabwe in 1980 and became the president in 1987. He has ruled the country since then and would be 93 years next week.