World
ECOWAS suspends Niger Republic over coup, asks for review of transition period
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially suspended Niger Republic until constitutional order is restored in the country.
The commission made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.
In July, soldiers led by Abdourahamane Tiani, a general and head of the presidential guard, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on account of “bad governance and worsening security”.
In response, ECOWAS imposed trade sanctions on Niger and threatened military intervention. However, there has been little success in attempts to restore constitutional order in the country.
On Sunday, the ECOWAS leaders asked the military junta to release the deposed president in exchange for lifting the sanctions imposed on the country but Tiani rejected the proposal.
Taking another approach at the summit of heads of state and government held on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, the commission suspended Niger from all decision-making organs of ECOWAS.
According to the statement, the commission said during the summit, it recognised that Bazoum’s government had effectively been overthrown by a military coup, and as such, Niger would be suspended until constitutional order is restored in the country.
“Until the 64th ordinary session held on Dec. 10, 2023, the Conference of Heads of State and Government considered the situation in Niger as a coup attempt and continued to consider Mohamed Bazoum the President of the Republic of Niger, Head of State,” the statement said.
“Due to this position, Niger was not suspended from ECOWAS’ decision-making bodies and members of Bazoum’s government were authorized to represent Niger in ECOWAS’ statutory meetings.”
The bloc also asked the junta to shorten the duration of the transition period, currently set at three years.
Although Tiani agreed to this request, he did not specify how long the transition period would be revised to.
The sub-regional body also announced the maintenance of sanctions against Niger.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea Bissau, three countries that are part of a military-led belt spanning Africa’s Sahel, have also been suspended from ECOWAS.
World
Nigerian lady Clara Chizoba Kronborg certified as world record holder for longest interviewing marathon
The Guinness World Records (GWR) has certified Clara Chizoba Kronborg, the Nigerian social media entrepreneur, as the holder of the longest interviewing marathon.
Kronborg broke the world record for the longest interviewing marathon with a time of 55 hours 24 seconds.
The Nigerian lady, who grew up in Onitsha, held the marathon between March 8 to 10 wherein she interviewed 90 people of various nationalities and occupations.
The conversations were centred on how each guest achieved success in their respective field.
Kronborg was permitted a five-minute break for each hour which she could use to take a nap, bath, or change her clothes.
Speaking about her motivations, Clara said she attempted the record because of her passion for success and to “amplify the voices of hardworking women using their stories to inspire others”.
“This record attempt was about bringing together diverse individuals, sharing their inspiring narratives, and forging meaningful connections on a global scale,” she said.
“I am committed to amplifying voices, particularly those of hardworking women, and using their stories to inspire others facing similar challenges.”
Clara revealed that one of her toughest challenges during the exercise was the pain she battled from her monthly flow.
“Even worse, my period started the same day, and I was already having intense menstrual cramps,” she added.
“At some point, I was literally dripping pee and period stain, but I persevered and kept my eyes on the goal. To anyone who ever reads this, once you find your purpose, go after it with everything you’ve got.
“Recalling everything I went through physically, mentally, financially, emotionally – it feels so unreal.
“I am extremely proud of this accomplishment because I know lives have been touched and changed.
“This achievement is dedicated to all those who dare to dream and persist, regardless of the challenges they face.”
In an official statement on Wednesday, the GWR certified Clara as the current world record holder.
The previous record was 37 hours 44 minutes by Rob Oliver (USA) in 2022.
In December, Amuda Mariam completed a 100-hour marathon to set a new record for the longest television talk show.
World
10 killed as two military helicopters collide in Malaysia
Two Malaysian military helicopters collided and crashed during a training session on Tuesday, killing all 10 crew onboard, the country’s rescue agency said.
Footage shared online showed several helicopters flying low in formation over the Lumut naval base, located about 160 kilometres (100 miles) from the capital Kuala Lumpur.
The helicopters were participating in a flypast rehearsal ahead of Naval Day celebrations in May.
One chopper was seen clipping the rear rotor of another, causing both to go into a tailspin and crash.
“The two helicopters collided during flight training,” said Suhaimy Mohamad Suhail, senior operations commander from the fire and rescue department, adding that all 10 crew members on board were confirmed dead by medical officers.
The two aircraft involved were a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an AgustaWestland AW139, the rescue agency said.
Photos showed the Eurocopter model heavily mangled in the wreckage on the naval base stadium track with rescue personnel surrounding it as well as various debris.
The AgustaWestland helicopter crashed at the naval base’s swimming pool area.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent his condolences to the families of the victims, saying “the nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy”.
“I was informed that an immediate investigation will be carried out by the Ministry of Defense, especially TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy), to find the cause of the crash,” he said.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also shared condolences.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also shared condolences.
“Queen Zarith and I feel very sad over the loss of national heroes in this tragedy,” he said in a social media post.
World
Israel launches counterattack on Iran
Oil prices have surged by nearly 4 percent as Israel launched a missile attack on a target in Iran, according to international media reports.
Explosions were reported in Isfahan province in central Iran, where the country’s nuclear plant is located.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later announced that there was no damage to the plant.
Israel had promised a response to missile and drone attacks by Iran last weekend.
Iran had launched the attacks in response to the April 1 strike that killed its senior security officials at its embassy in Syria apparently carried out by Israel.
A US official told ABC News that Israel carried out a strike inside Iran, confirming reports of the explosion by the Asian country’s media.
There were also reports of blasts in Iraq and southern Syria.
Commercial flights we re-routed as parts of the Iranian airspace were closed.
Iran says it activated its air defence systems.
Israel is not planning further attacks and Iran is not going to retaliate either, according various officials quoted by the media.
Brent crude price is now over $90 per barrel, up from $87 before the strike.
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