Africa

Nigerian Pastor stirs controversy in Zimbabwe With Election Prophecy

Published

1 year ago

January 6, 2023

Samuel Akinbodunse

Samuel Akinbodunse, a South Africa-based Nigerian pastor, has stirred controversy in Zimbabwe with a prophecy that Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition party, would win the country’s 2023 presidential election.

The Pretoria-based pastor, who is also the founder of Samuel Akinbodunse Ministries, said in a Facebook video on January 4 that God told him that Nelson Chamisa’s time had come.

Chamisa, 44, lost to Emmerson Mnangagwa, the incumbent president in 2018.

Akinbodunse had said that God told him that it was not yet time for Chamisa in 2018. He told his congregants that Mnangagwa would be president.

He added that Chamisa would be victorious after several gruelling legal challenges in 2023.

“Zimbabwe. Some time ago, the Lord said to me that I should speak to Chamisa to go and be silent and that it was not yet time for him to come as president… I said that Mnangagwa was the one that God was taking in order to show Zimbabwe the way,” Akinbodunse said.

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“But this time around, the Lord said to me that Honourable Chamisa’s time has come. So I see this man as the next president, but it will be very hard. It will be a battle from court to court. Many lives will be lost.

“There will be a great fight on the street. There will be burning of tyres, burning of properties; but at last, victory shall be given to the man.

“Please write my prophecy down.”

The Nigerian pastor also said the election’s outcome would result in a lot of bloodshed on the streets of Zimbabwe.

Akinbodunse’s prophecy has, however, sparked controversy and divided Zimbabweans on social media.

While some Zimbabweans welcomed the prophecy, saying that they could not wait for it to come to pass, others questioned it.

“God has spoken. Mr @nelsonchamisa is the next President of Zimbabwe”, @alistarchibanda, a Twitter user, wrote

“‘Psalm 118:22-23 says, ‘The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. ‘Ini I believe in prophecy especially from authentic prophets like this one. So let it be for sure. Ngazvitodaro wena.’”

Believe Chikom, another Zimbabwean Twitter user, disagreed with the prophesy, saying it was a mere prediction that might end up not becoming a reality.

“Predicting is not prophesying; soothsaying is not prophesying either. A prophesy is there to warn and to caution the people to get things right with God. God sent a lying spirit to a prophet, 1 kings 22 — tell Ahab that he would win in battle against Assyria — only to have him killed,’” Chikom wrote.

“There has to be a ‘proofread’ and I am sure you knew that before making such needless declarations,” BAWSE, another Twitter user, said.

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Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

Published

4 days ago

April 23, 2024

Trends Admin

Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

Ten people have died after two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.

One of the choppers clipped the rotor of the other before the two crashed into the ground, footage published on local media show.

The incident took place at 09:30 local time (02:30 BST) in the Malaysian town of Lumut, which is home to a navy base.

There are no known survivors.

“All victims were confirmed dead on site and the remains were sent to the [Lumut] Military Hospital for identification,” said the Royal Malaysian Navy.

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It added that it will form a committee to investigate the cause of the incident.

One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, is believed to have crashed onto a running track.

The other, a Fennec M502-6 carrying the other three victims, crashed into a swimming pool nearby.

The state’s fire and rescue department said it was alerted to the incident at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT).

In March, a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Malaysia’s Angsa Island during a training flight.

The pilot, co-pilot and two passengers on board were found and rescued by fishermen.

Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

BBC

Africa

League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye

Published

4 weeks ago

March 30, 2024

Trends Admin

Bassirou Faye

League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye

The League of African Ambassadors, a coalition of African diplomats, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his historic election as the President-elect of the Republic of Senegal.

In a statement released today and signed by the President of the group, Amb. Nwannebuike Eze Ominyi, the League heralded Faye’s triumph as a significant milestone for democracy not only in West Africa but across the entire continent.

Faye’s victory underscores the resilience of democratic values and processes in Senegal.

Ominyi emphasized the transformative nature of Faye’s ascent to power, characterizing it as a generational shift in Senegal’s political landscape. He urged Faye to swiftly address the pressing social and economic challenges confronting the nation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Senegal’s citizens.

Faye’s remarkable victory comes a mere 10 days after his release from prison, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Despite facing formidable obstacles, Faye’s courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to the democratic cause propelled him to triumph.

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The League lauded Faye’s tireless efforts to deepen democracy in Senegal and his ability to unite diverse segments of society. His extensive political experience and commitment to national development have garnered widespread support, particularly among the country’s youth.

“Faye’s years of political activism and democratic advocacy have earned him the trust and admiration of the Senegalese people,” Ominyi remarked. “His leadership will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for other African leaders, guiding them towards inclusive governance and sustainable development.”

As Senegal charts a course towards economic recovery and political stability, Faye’s leadership promises to set a precedent for excellence and progress. The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners stands ready to support President-elect Bassirou Faye in his efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive Senegal.

About the League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners:

The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and development across the African continent. Comprising distinguished diplomats and leaders, the League advocates for inclusive governance and socioeconomic progress in Africa.

League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye

Africa

How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2024

Trends Admin

How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty

Mali’s army has killed at least 13 civilians, including seven children aged between two and 17, in drone strikes in the north of the country, Amnesty International said Wednesday.

One man told the London-based rights group he had lost his wife and six of his children in the night-time air raid on the area of Amasrakad on March 17.

The army had described the two strikes as “having contributed to neutralising many terrorists”, Amnesty said, but that claim was refuted by the accounts of seven survivors and witnesses.

A first strike hit a pick-up truck, then a second struck a makeshift shelter where residents had sought refuge, killing nine people instantly, Amnesty said.

Three more people died of their wounds and a woman discovered later that her unborn foetus had died.

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“It is unconscionable that whole families could be killed by drone strikes, without any accountability or justice,” said Amnesty’s Samira Daoud.

“Authorities in Mali must ensure an effective and independent investigation into the killings of these civilians.”

Mali has since 2012 been ravaged by different jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as by self-declared self-defence forces and bandits.

The country has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, with the security situation compounded by a profound humanitarian and political crisis.

Amnesty says the army has intensified military operations against Al-Qaeda, IS and former rebel groups since mid-2023, regularly conducting drone strikes.

It said an increase in military operations in the regions of Kidal and Gao over the last few months had pushed many people to flee to Amasrakad.