Author: Opalim Lifted

The French government said on Sunday that any attack on French persons or interests in Niger would elicit a strong, instant response from France, as pro-junta rallies erupted outside the French Embassy in Niamey in the aftermath of last week’s military coup. Junta warns ECOWAS against intervention in Niger coup “The President (Emmanuel Macron) will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests,” Macron’s office said in a statement, adding that attacks against French diplomats, armed forces, or enterprises will be met with retaliation. Macron has talked with deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and former Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou in…

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has imposed a 24-hour curfew in force as of Sunday, July 30, 2023. Adamawa: INEC declares PDP’s Ahmadu Fintiri governor-elect The governor said the curfew was imposed due to the hazardous nature of hoodlums’ actions in the state capital, which included attacking individuals with matches, breaking into commercial premises, and stealing items. There will be no mobility within the state due to the curfew. Only individuals on vital jobs with legal identification would be allowed to go about during the curfew, according to Fintiri. According to a statement issued by the Governor’s press secretary, Humwashi…

Military authorities in Niger have warned against any armed involvement in the nation as leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) assemble in Nigeria’s capital on Sunday for an emergency conference to deliberate on next steps to urge the army to restore constitutional order. The heads of state of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the eight-member West African Economic and Monetary Union have the option of suspending Niger from its institutions, cutting the nation off from the regional central bank and financial market, and closing borders. Chad, Niger’s eastern neighbour and non-member…

Pope Francis urged Russia on Sunday to reconsider its decision to terminate the Black Sea grain pact, which had allowed Ukraine to export food from its seaports despite the ongoing conflict. “I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, so that the Black Sea initiative may be resumed and grain may be transported safely,” Francis stated in his weekly Angelus address. Pope Francis set to appoint new cardinals in September Global wheat prices have risen after Russia left the accord struck by the UN and Turkey in July 2022 and began targeting Ukrainian ports and agricultural infrastructure…

Six individuals were killed after a plane crashed in Kananaskis Country, a hilly region west of Calgary, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). According to the RCMP, an aeroplane with five passengers and a pilot took off from Springbank Airport outside Calgary on Friday night on its way to Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Nine die as civilian plane crashes in hunger hit Sudan According to RCMP Staff Sgt. Ryan Singleton, communication with the jet was lost at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time (0330 GMT Saturday). A search was launched by a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) unit located…

Imo State police stopped a robbery attempt on Saturday in the Kenegbu neighbourhood. Armed robbers invaded the Goldwise and Wisdom Gold outlets in Owerri. According to eyewitnesses, the thieves arrived in a white pick-up van wearing military uniforms and heavily armed. They were claimed to have entered the business, stolen products worth millions of naira, and were on their way out when a police officer accompanying an unnamed individual to a nearby cafe suspected foul play and opened fire on them. The five-man gang returned fire and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing customers to lock their stores and flee for their…

Justin Gaethje knocked out Dustin Poirier to win the symbolic BMF championship at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City, Utah, establishing a claim for a crack at the lightweight belt. Gaethje is the second winner of the BMF championship, having received it from former champion Jorge Masvidal. After one minute of the second round, the 34-year-old hit a right high-kick on Poirier, 34, to secure the victory. “I want to fight for the [lightweight] championship,” Gaethje declared. “These guys are fighting in October, and I want a shot at them.” “Win, lose, or draw, I’m going to give it my…

Healthcare workers affiliated with the Joint Health Sector Unions and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives have announced their intention to join the Nigeria Labour Congress strike, which is set to begin on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The National Labour Council has planned a nationwide revolt to begin next Wednesday. Though a court order prohibiting the congress from striking in June remains in place, our reporter learned that the congress stated that it could not fold its arms while Nigerians continued to endure the consequences of subsidy withdrawal, which has caused tremendous suffering. Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, National Vice…

The Federal Government will meet with members of organized labour on Monday in an attempt to avert a statewide strike planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The NLC, on the other hand, has recommended residents stock their houses with food, medications, and other necessities ahead of the start of its seven-day strike to protest the withdrawal of gasoline subsidies and the rising cost of living in the country. The warning was issued because the strike will cripple the country by significantly restricting travel as commercial transport firms withdraw their services, forcing markets, schools, and healthcare institutions to close. NLC…

Tens of millions of Americans were hit with a dangerous heat wave on the East Coast, which was predicted to last into the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for more than 175 million people in the United States until at least Saturday afternoon, as midday heat index values in several areas went far beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Some of the country’s largest cities, including Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, have established cooling centres in public libraries and community centres for individuals who are unable to escape the hotness. “Extreme hotness…