Africa
Coup: UN demands detained Nigerien President’ release
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Niger’s President Mohammed Buzoum, who is being held captive by military officers who have declared a coup.
After members of the president’s own guard detained him inside his offices in the capital Niamey, a group of officers from all branches of the military made the television announcement late on Wednesday.
According to news reports, the attempted coup does not have the support of the entire military, but the army chief has stated his support for the move.
In an address to reporters at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Guterres strongly condemned the attempted military takeover and the assault on the democratically elected government.
The UN backs the West African bloc ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) in their efforts to restore democracy.
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On Thursday, President Bazoum issued his own defiant tweet, saying that “the hard-won achievements would be safeguarded.” All Nigerians who value democracy and freedom will take care of it.
Guterres said he spoke with the president on Wednesday to express the UN’s complete support.
In a direct address to the coup plotters in Niger, the UN Secretary-General demanded that they stop obstructing democratic governance and respect the rule of law.
Following coups in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso in recent years, which were prompted by the rise of jihadist terrorist groups throughout the Sahel region, the secretary-general stated that the events in Niamey were part of a “disturbing trend.”
Successive unconstitutional changes of government are having terrible effects on the development and lives of civilian populations.
This is particularly glaring in countries already affected by conflict, violent extremism and terrorism, as well as the devastating effects of climate change.
The UN’s human rights chief Volker Türk tweeted that he was “shocked and distressed” by the coup attempt, adding that every step must be taken to restore constitutional order.
Africa
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted “in very strong terms” allegations that it is plotting to destabilise neighbouring Niger Republic.
The Nigerien authorities alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
However, Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Saturday signed by its acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, refuted the allegation.
“The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.
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“The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilize the Government of Niger.
“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the Statement read in part.
It also noted that the relationship between Nigeria and France had always been cordial, saying it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
The government of Nigeria assured that it would continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
Africa
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Two men were detained in Zambia on charges of being “witchdoctors” tasked with attempting to bewitch the president.
The police stated they had arrested Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri in Lusaka.
“Their purported mission was to use charms to harm” President Hakainde Hichilema, according to the police statement issued on Friday.
Many individuals in the southern African country believe in and dread witches.
The police stated Mr. Candunde and Mr. Phiri were hired by Nelson Banda, MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda’s younger brother.
The MP was reportedly arrested last month in nearby Zimbabwe on robbery allegations, which he denies, but he has not been seen in public since.
He is also accused of escaping from detention in August while waiting to appear in court.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), led by z, has previously claimed that the charges are politically motivated.
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Emmanuel Banda, who has been an independent MP since 2021, previously worked with Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hichilema that same year.
The police stated the MP’s younger brother, Nelson, was “currently on the run” in their statement.
Mr. Candunde and Mr. Phiri face charges under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act for “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.”
The pair was found with “assorted charms,” including a live chameleon, according to the authorities.
According to the police statement, they claimed they had been given more than 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) for their “mission.”
The accused are in jail and will appear in court “soon,” according to the police, although no specific date has been set for the hearing. They have not yet responded in public to the charges.
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Africa
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