World
Obama endorses Kamala Harris for US president
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Former US president Barack Obama endorsed his fellow Democrat Kamala Harris’ bid for the White House on Friday, delivering a major boost to her campaign to beat Donald Trump in November’s presidential election.
“Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support,” Obama said on social media platform X.
“At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.”
The influential former leader was one of the last Democratic heavy hitters to offer his endorsement, with Harris having already received the backing of President Joe Biden on Sunday to take his place on the ballot.
Obama’s backing will add to the growing momentum behind Harris’ campaign, which has enjoyed a groundswell of support since she announced her 11th-hour candidacy.
Harris, 59, jumped into the election after weeks of turmoil over 81-year-old Biden, who bowed out after a dismal debate performance against Trump accelerated concerns over his mental capacity and persistently low polling numbers.
The country’s first woman vice president — who is seeking to make history again in November — launched a blistering attack on Trump and his “extremist” Republicans as she addressed teachers Thursday.
The momentum appeared to catch Trump off guard, with the bombastic Republican refusing to schedule a debate with Harris, saying Thursday night it would be “inappropriate” until she was officially named the Democratic nominee.
“Democrats very well could still change their minds,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
Harris, a former top prosecutor for California, chided her opponent on X, saying: “What happened to ‘any time, any place?’”
She had previously said of a potential September 10 face-off: “I’m ready. So let’s go.”
The first union to endorse Harris — the American Federation of Teachers — applauded at their convention in Houston as Harris warned that the country was witnessing a “full-on attack” by Trump’s Republicans on “hard-won, hard-fought freedoms.”
“While you teach students about democracy and representative government, extremists attack the sacred freedom to vote. While you try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence,” she said.
The speech came with Harris facing increasingly extreme rhetoric from Trump, who on Wednesday called her a “radical left lunatic” and claimed — entirely falsely — that she was in favor of the “execution” of newborn babies.
Trump, who at 78 is the oldest presidential nominee in US history, has promised he will “not give one penny” of federal funds to schools with vaccine mandates. Every public school in America has such mandates.
World
‘She laughs infectiously’ — Putin says Russia supports Kamala over Trump
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Kamala Harris has Russia’s support in the forthcoming US presidential election.
Harris is up against Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in the race for the White House. Trump is widely perceived as Putin’s ally.
Speaking in a tongue-in-cheek manner at the Eastern economic forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Putin said Russia would follow US President Joe Biden’s lead and back Harris ahead of the vote.
“We will do the same, we will support her,” Putin said with a chuckle.
“She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her.”
The Russian leader said Trump oversaw the most sanctions on Russia as US leader.
“Ultimately, the choice is up to the American people, and we will respect that choice,” he said.
Last month, Trump praised Putin’s leadership style, saying he was on top of his game.
The former US president also claimed that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if he were president because he would have stood up to Putin.
In 2016, US intelligence agencies accused Russia of running a disinformation campaign to boost Trump’s electoral chances against Hillary Clinton. Russia denied the claims.
Moscow has also been accused of interfering in the 2024 US election.
World
Burkina Faso launches new passport without ECOWAS logo
![](https://bodexng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Burkina-Faso-biometric-passport-.jpeg)
Burkina Faso has issued new biometric passports without the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) — solidifying its decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso severed ties with the 15-member body after sanctions were imposed on them in the wake of military coups.
ECOWAS said the countries have to return to constitutional order if they want the sanctions lifted.
All three countries have since accused the alliance of abandoning the spirit of pan-Africanism for selfish interests.
Although ECOWAS only issued a suspension, the countries have denounced plans to return.
Mahamadou Sana, Burkinabe security minister, announced the passport facelift on Tuesday.
“On this passport, there’s no ECOWAS logo, and no mention of ECOWAS either. Since January, Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body, and this is just a realisation of the action already taken by Burkina Faso,” Sana said.
Out of 198 passports globally, Burkina Faso’s ranks 78 with access to 60 visa-free destinations including ECOWAS member-countries, according to the Henley passport ranking.
ECOWAS said the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger would undermine the freedom of movement and common market of the 400 million people living within the 50-year-old bloc.
President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS chairman, and his team have been persuading the trio to reconsider their decision to exit.
Tinubu also said the bloc would remain friendly to the countries.
World
New Zealand to increase international visitor levy by almost 200%
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New Zealand will increase its international visitor levy from NZ$35 to NZ$100 starting October 1st, 2024.
The increase is supposed to fund conservation efforts and support tourism.
Though the tourism sector has concerns about its effect on visitor numbers.
This decision, as reported by TravelBiz, was announced by the government, informing that the levy will increase from NZ$35 to NZ$100 (about N98,565 based on the current official rate), representing a 185.7% increase in cost for international visitors.
This move, according to the government, seeks to have tourists support public services and maintain their experience in New Zealand. But ultimately, this has led to criticism from the tourism sector, which worries it may reduce international visitor numbers.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which applies to tourists, working holidaymakers, and some students and workers, was introduced to support conservation efforts and tourism infrastructure.
Reports inform that the increased levy will now directly contribute to the upkeep of national parks, improve visitor facilities, and enhance public services that benefit both tourists and residents.
“By paying this fee, visitors are helping to preserve New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity,” a government spokesperson said.
The tourism industry has expressed concerns that the fee increase could deter potential visitors. Despite this, government officials are optimistic that the higher levy will not diminish New Zealand’s allure as a premier travel destination.
“The fee remains competitive compared to other countries and will help ensure that visitors continue to enjoy high-quality experiences while protecting our environment,” the spokesperson added.
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