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India opposition leader arrested in a corruption case

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emant Soren has been arrested in an alleged corruption case

India’s financial crimes agency has arrested a top opposition leader, hours after he resigned from the position of the chief minister of Jharkhand state. Hemant Soren, of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party, has been accused of corruption. He denies the allegations.

He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday evening after seven hours of questioning. His party has named transport minister Champai Soren as the next chief minister of the eastern state.

Mr Soren has challenged his arrest in India’s Supreme Court, calling it politically motivated. The matter will be heard on Friday.

He is the latest in a long list of opposition leaders who are facing high-profile investigations led by India’s central agencies.

The case against Mr Soren relates to a piece of land he allegedly owns in Ranchi city, the capital of Jharkhand. The ED claims he bought the property through “proceeds of crime” by illegally selling land owned by the Indian army.

Credit: bbc.com

UK High Court throws out Trump ex-spy dossier case

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Christopher Steele compiled the Steele Dossier

Donald Trump’s attempt to bring a case in the UK against a former MI6 officer who compiled a salacious dossier linking him to Russia has failed.

The former president had been seeking to use data protection laws to sue the company run by Christopher Steele but the High Court has thrown out the case.

Mr Steele compiled the dossier which contained unproven allegations about bribing officials and sex parties.

It was leaked to the media just before Mr Trump was sworn in as president.

In bringing the lawsuit against Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd, he said the dossier contained allegations that were inaccurate and breached his data protection rights.

In Thursday’s ruling in London, Mrs Justice Steyn DBE said she did not make any judgement on the allegations themselves but found Mr Trump’s claim had not been brought within the six-year limitation period.

“There are no compelling reasons to allow the claim to proceed to trial,” she wrote.

The case stems from 2016, when a US political consultancy asked Mr Steele’s company to produce a report into potential Russian interference in that year’s US general election.

Credit: bbc.com

Ukraine support package worth €50bn agreed by EU leaders

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EU leaders

All 27 EU leaders have agreed a €50bn aid package for Ukraine after Hungary had previously blocked the deal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the new funding, saying it would strengthen the country’s economic and financial stability.

Ukraine’s economic ministry said it expects the first tranche of funds in March.

There had been fears Hungary’s PM would again block the package as he did at a European summit in December.

Viktor Orban, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally in the EU, had said he wanted to force a rethink of the bloc’s policy towards Ukraine and questioned the idea of committing funds for Kyiv for the next four years.

The package will help to pay pensions, salaries and other costs over the next four years. It comes as US military aid for Ukraine – the largest provider of military support for Kyiv – is being held up by Congress.

News of the agreement was announced less than two hours after the summit started, surprising many observers who had expected talks to go on much longer due to the depth of disagreement between Mr Orban and the other EU leaders.

Credit: bbc.com

Foods That Can Save Your Heart

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Fresh Herbs

When you add these to foods instead of salt and fat, you’re making a heart-healthy choice. They add flavor without the bad stuff. Spices and other foods are delicious ways to eat heart-smart.

Black Beans

Mild, tender black beans are packed with heart-healthy nutrients. Folate, antioxidants, and magnesium can help lower blood pressure. Their fiber helps control both cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Add beans to boost soups and salads.

Prep Tip: Rinse canned beans to remove extra salt.

Red Wine and Resveratrol

If you drink alcohol, a little red wine may be a heart-healthy choice. Resveratrol and catechins, two antioxidants in red wine, may protect artery walls. Alcohol can also boost HDL, the good cholesterol.

Tip: Too much alcohol hurts the heart. Don’t have more than one drink a day for women or two drinks for men. It’s best to talk to your doctor first. Alcohol may cause problems for people taking aspirin and other medications.

Salmon: Super Food

A top food for heart health, it’s rich in omega-3s. Omega-3s are healthy fats that may lessen the risk of heart rhythm disorders and lower blood pressure. They may also lower triglycerides and curb inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of salmon or other oily fish a week.

Cooking Tip: Bake salmon in foil with herbs and veggies. Toss extra cooked salmon in fish tacos and salads.

Olive Oil

This oil is a healthy fat made from smashed olives. It’s rich in heart-healthy antioxidants. They may protect your blood vessels. When olive oil replaces saturated fat (like butter), it can help lower cholesterol levels. Try it on salads and cooked veggies, or with bread.

Taste tip: For the best flavor, look for cold-pressed and use it within 6 months.

Walnuts

A small handful of walnuts a day may lower your cholesterol. It may also protect against inflammation in your heart’s arteries. Walnuts are packed with omega-3s, healthy fats called monounsaturated fats, plant sterols, and fiber. The benefits come when walnuts replace bad fats, like those in chips and cookies.

Tip: Try walnut oil in salad dressings.

Almonds

Slivered almonds go well with vegetables, fish, chicken, and desserts. They have  plant sterols, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Almonds may help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. Grab a small handful a day.

Taste Tip: Toast them to boost their creamy, mild flavor.

Sweet Potatoes

Swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes. With a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, these spuds won’t cause a quick spike in blood sugar. They also have fiber, vitamin A, and lycopene.

Taste Tip: Boost their natural sweetness with a sprinkle of cinnamon and lime juice instead of sugary toppings.

Oranges

Sweet and juicy, oranges have the cholesterol-fighting fiber pectin. They also have potassium, which helps control blood pressure.In one study, 2 cups of orange juice a day lowered diastolic blood pressure among patients with overweight.

Nutrition Tip: A medium orange has about 62 calories and 3 grams of fiber.

Oatmeal

A warm bowl of oatmeal fills you up for hours, fights snack attacks, and helps keep blood sugar levels stable over time — making it useful for people with diabetes, too. Oats’ fiber can help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). Best results come from using steel cut or slow cooked oats.

Baking Tip: Making pancakes, muffins, or other baked goods? Swap out one-third of the flour and put in oats instead.

Low-Fat Yogurt

When you think of dairy foods, you probably think, “Good for my bones!” These foods can help control high blood pressure, too. Yogurt is high in calcium and potassium. To really boost the calcium and minimize the fat, choose low-fat varieties.

Cherries

Sweet cherries, sour cherries, dried cherries, and cherry juice — they’re all good. All are packed with an antioxidants called anthocyanins. They’re believed to help protect blood vessels.

Get More: Sprinkle dried cherries into cereal, muffin batter, green salads, and wild rice.

Blueberries

Blueberries are simply brilliant when it comes to nutrition. They’ve got anthocyanins, those blood vessel-helping antioxidants. Those antioxidants give the berries their dark blue color. Blueberries also have fiber and more than a handful of other great nutrients. Add fresh or dried blueberries to cereal, pancakes, or yogurt.

Dessert Idea: Puree a batch for a sweet sauce you can use as a dip or to drizzle on other sweet treats.

Dark Leafy Greens

Your parents were onto something when they told you to eat your greens. They’re full of vitamins and minerals. They’re also high in nitrates, a substance that helps to open blood vessels so oxygen-rich blood can reach your heart. You’ll find them in veggies like:

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Bok Choy
  • Mustard greens
  • Arugula

Serving tip: Bring out the flavor by adding greens to a stir-fry, sauté them with olive oil, or roast them with garlic.

Source: webmd.com

Unified Group calls for resignation of GRA Boss for breach of Article 199

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ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Nana Kwakye Anarfi, National Communication Director of Unified Group

The Unified Group, comprising young professionals from various institutions, aimed at championing the democratic dispensations and the rule of law for accountable governance is calling for the Head of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the breach of Article 199 of the 1992 constitution.

Nana Kwakye Anarfi, National Communication Director of the group, in a press release stated that, the alleged continued tenure beyond retirement age, in direct violation of Article 199 of the 1992 Constitution, raises serious questions about governance and commitment to financial prudence, especially under current economic pressure.

He noted that, the case of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Boss, Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, serves as a stark example and want reinstatement of accountability and transparency as core principles of governance and renewal of commitment to addressing Ghanaians’ concerns by all elected officials and government appointees.

The Unified Group demanded the immediate resignation of Rev. Owusu-Amoah from the GRA, full restitution of all remuneration received since his retirement age and the application of legal consequences for any financial or administrative irregularities.

According to him, the group believe that promises made by Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia to protect the public purse at their inauguration have fallen short, as  Ghanaians are facing significant hardship, amidst accusations of high-level corruption, embezzlement, cronyism and rampant unaccountability.

The group lamented that the perceived deafening silence by influential institutions like the National Peace Council and the Christian Council raises concerns about their neutrality and commitment to speaking truth to power.

The group finds it disheartening that the very entities entrusted with safeguarding ethical conduct seem selective in their pronouncements depending on the individuals involved.

The Unified Group expresses its profound concern regarding the alleged ongoing disregard for public accountability and transparency within the current government.

The group called upon the government to address these concerns head-on, take immediate corrective action and uphold the trust placed in the government by the Ghanaian people.

Nana Kwakye Anarfi urged the government to act swiftly and decisively to address allegations and restore public trust, as Ghanaians deserve a government that prioritises their well-being through transparency and the responsible management of public resources.

The National Communication Director of the Unified Group also called upon fellow citizens to remain vigilant and demand accountability from those entrusted with power and help work collectively towards a Ghana where the needs of the people are placed above personal gains and where governance truly upholds the principles of justice and fairness.

The Biblical Names And Titles Of Jesus Christ – Part 2

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Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. – 1 Corinthians 8:6

INTRODUCTION

We continue our study this week with more Biblical names and titles ascribed to Jesus Christ.

1.HOLY ONE OF GOD; “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” – Mark 1:24

  1. HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL; Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don’t be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the Lord, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.’ – Isaiah 41:14.
  2. HORN OF SALVATION;The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2
  3. I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE;Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. – John 6:35.
  4. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD;While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:35
  5. I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD; “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. – John 10:11
  6. I AM THE DOOR;I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a]They will come in and go out, and find pasture. – John 10:9
  7. I AM THE RESURRECTION; “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die – John 11:25.
  8. I AM THE TRUE VINE; I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. – John 15:1
  9. I AM THE WAY;Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6
  10. JESUS; She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.”, – Matthew 1:21.
  11. JUDGE; He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. – Acts 10:42.
  12. KING OF ISRAEL; He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. – Matthew 27:42.
  13. KING OF KINGS;They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.”- Revelation 17:14
  14. LAMB OF GOD;The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29.
  15. LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH;Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:5.
  16. MAN;For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus – 1 Timothy 2:5
  17. MESSIAH;The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ) – John 1:41.
  18. MIGHTY GOD;For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6.
  19. NAZARENE;What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”. – Mark 1:24.
  20. ONLY BEGOTTEN SON; No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. – John 1:18.
  21. PASSOVER; “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7.
  22. PHYSICIAN; When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. – Matthew 9:12.
  23. POTENTATE;which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, – 1 Timothy 6:15
  24. PRINCE;and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. – Acts 3:15.
  25. PROPHET;For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. – Acts 3:22.
  26. PROPITIATION; And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.’–1 John 2:2
  27. PURIFIER; He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.” – Malachi 3:3.
  28. PRIEST;Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess-Hebrews 4:14.
  • Source: Culled from Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible

Stay blessed!

Please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays 5:30 am; and YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymns and their Stories.

Feature: NPP Parliamentary Primaries: The Good the Bad and the Ugly

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Saturday, January 27, 2024, the New Patriotic Party, organised its last general internal elections before Elections 2024. The January 24 primaries for constituencies with sitting MPs, turned out to be fair in one way and unfair in another. There was the Good the Bad and the Ugly.

The Good: In 2020, many parliamentary candidates were imposed on constituencies against the wishes of the constituents. This led to the NPP losing seats in Parliament. Maybe, learning lessons from this, the parliamentary primaries were left to the constituents to decide. There were some constituencies where the sitting MPs, went unopposed.

If the NPP will remain resolute in sustaining this, parliamentary candidates will always be exclusively, chosen by the members in the constituencies and not from outside. They know who can draw votes from the other sides, so as to gain enough votes to win the seat. This is GOOD.

One thing that gave the primaries a spark of hope was what happened at the Bantama constituency. A great showdown was promised by Hon. Kennedy Agyepong, who did his fiery best to convinced the delegates that their MP, Hon. Asenso Boakye was the worse ever and his brother, Ralph was the only choice for them. Ralph also took to the stage and spoke as his brother always did and fired salvos.

All this time, Hon. Asenso Boakye was very quiet and seemed to resort abidingin the House of Lord, because on the primaries’ day, he came out singing praises to God the Most High.

Like the walls of Jericho, which were brought down by music and songs of praise, Hon Asenso Boakye’s songs brought down the Agyapongs and flattened them.He took a commanding 78.22% of valid votes cast, securing 650 votes, while Ralph Agyapong secured 181 or 21.78%.

It is very wrong for people of the same party to come out and destroy each other in public, especially during internal elections. Things said could hurt the party in one way or the other. The elders and top officers of the NPP should crack the whip on any party member who goes to town with another during events leading to internal elections. In my view, whether Ralph Agyapong would have been a better MP than Asenso Boakye is not the issue; it was GOOD the way the results went. My congratulations to Hon. Asenso Boakye. It pays to seek refuge in the Lord.

The Bad: What transpired in Yendi constituency, marred the conduct of the primaries across the country. It means that the party is not fully transformed to hold credible elections. The EC who conducted the elections is saying that the results were not well collated and that they were not declared. Meanwhile, some party official declared the MP. Hon Farouk Mahama, the winner.This is rather unfortunate.

The way two known aspirants, who used to be in Alan’s camp, lost the primaries, tickles the mind of observers to ask who constitute the delegates.

It all happened in Ashanti region, in the Subin and Manhyia North constituencies. The current MP for Subin, Hon. Eugene Boakye Antwi, could acquire only 12.08% of valid votes cast. Was he that unpopular among his constituents to have sunk that low?

In the Manhyia North constituency, a former MP, in the person of Hon. Collins Owusu Amankwah, looked poised to snatch the constituency back. Very appealing, bold and hardworking the two-time MP ended up badly coming last with a mere 15 votes out of 687 votes or 2.18%. At forty-three years old, is this the end of the road for Collins Owusu Amankwah? It is just impossible for a sitting MP and a two-term MP seeking a comeback, to perform so poorly.

What might be the reason? Reports have it that during the elections of polling station executives, who could form not less than 95% of the delegates, some party officials managed to pick and choose who should get the nomination forms. No doubt in some constituencies there were reports of violence.

It came on social media that in one constituency, the party executives got the forms at 11 pm and by dawn, 3 am, all the forms were finished. The law-abiding ones who waited till the office was opened, were disappointed.

If this is the case, then it showed clearly that in the cases above, someone decided who should win the primaries. This does not exhibit democracy in a party known for being truly democratic.

After Elections 2024, the NPP must embark on a clean-up to weed out such communist structures, where results of elections are known years before the election. This policy where some party gurus sitting in armchairs, should decide who should be what in the party, is BAD.

The Ugly: The way moneyocracy has found roots in politics in Ghana is very scary. It is even getting worse. The demands on those seeking office, is now very outrageous. The corruption level at the grassroots is overwhelmingly outclassing the corruption at the top. NPP and NDC are very guilty of this.

Nothing seems to be done to culled these huge demands by delegates before they vote during internal elections. And as party officials, it is their duty to vote during internal elections, so why should they be paid for doing their work.

An American research center, stated that on average, a parliamentary candidate spends GH¢ 8 million, during campaign through toGeneral Elections. This cannot be said to be far from the truth, because if, for primaries alone, aspirants can dole out, GH¢2,000.00 to each delegate,with the number of delegates at say, 500, then GH¢1,000,000.00 is already gone.Mind you, this is only on the day of primaries. Envelopes that exchanged hands during campaign visits are not accounted for, here.

Neither the cost of high capital items like flat screen television, refrigerators, among others. So, if we have three aspirants contesting the ticket, then at least GH¢3,000,000.00 will be splashed on delegates on that day. This amount can go a long way to improve lives in the constituency.

With at least GH¢1,000,000.00 wasted on the day of primaries, the elected parliamentary candidate goes out to meet the people in his or her constituency over a period of a year of campaigning. By Election Day, he would surely cross the GH¢ 8 million, mark. This confirms what the US research center stated, GH¢ 8 million or about $650,000.00 on the average can be spent for campaign.

What can’t this amount do for the community? School block, clinic, pipe borne water, electricity, soft loans to the petty traders and farmers among others. That amount can improve lives.

Today, political office holders are branded as corrupt people. Where is the source of this corruption?  The aspirant becomes MP, after wasting so much on greedy and corrupt people, it is only natural and logical for him to use any means possible to recoup that amount and even go after more money for his war chest, for the nextelections. The real corrupt people are the delegates and electorates who make such unrealisticdemands on political aspirants.

The money they take, which they may recklessly spend, will be repaid at least ten times more, in form of taxes. And when things are tough, these same people, most of whom do not pay taxes anyway,will blame political office holders.

Corruption in Ghana cannot be minimized if delegates and electorates will continue making such demands on political office holders.

Electoral laws which forbid aspirants to give money out to electorates as a way of influencing votes, must be fully implemented and those who violate this, must be disqualified and punished. The receiver must also be punished.

One excuse for given out money to delegates, is that, that amount is to cover transportation cost. What a laugh!!! GH¢ 2,000.00 for TnT when the cost of moving from one end of the constituency to the other, will not exceed GH¢50.00.

I will advise all the political parties, especially the major ones, NPP and NDC, to halt moneyocracy in politics. The aspirants should be made to pay a fee of say GH¢50,000.00 that will be used on the day of primaries to cater for TnT and other logistics for the delegates. This should be paid directly by the constituency executives to the delegates.

Visits to polling station areas, must attract an amount of not more than GH¢ 500.00 per each area. So, assuming there are one hundred polling stations, an aspirant will spend GH¢ 100,000.00 from campaign to primaries, apart from the stipulated filing fee.

It all started in 1992, when gifts of buta, cutlasses, Wellington boots, matches, oramounts of at most ¢1,000.00 (GH¢ 0.10) were packaged and given to the electorate. Today, we are talking about at least GH¢ 1,000.00 (¢ 10 million) and very expensive items. Tomorrow, the delegate and electorate will be demanding a three-bedroom house.

Democracy is expensive, but the way things are going, if this rot is not checked, it is the nation which will be too expensive to live in.

This is UGLY.

Hon. Daniel Dugan

ECOWAS: Is This the Beginning of The End?

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OPINION

Mali and Burkina Faso obviously have a lot more in common than squaring off in a game of football like they just did in the Round of 16 knockout stage of the African Nations Cup (AFCON), in Cote d’Ivoire.

Along with Niger, these countries have been a great source of misery for the continent in the last four years, with rogue military leaders there playing a game far more deadly with the lives of their countries than anything football can ever hope to imitate.

They announced to the continent’s shock and surprise last week, that they were pulling out of the 15-member regional trading block, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

There are rules for entry and exit. But the military governments that seized power in these countries are invoking the name of citizens whose mandate they trampled upon in the first place, to break the rules. They don’t care.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are neighbours with artificial borders created for the convenience of thecolonial powers. They occupy nearly half of West Africa’s landmass. They are also landlocked and among the poorest countries by many global indexes. They have other sociological similarities besides.

Burkina Faso has a GDP per capita of $1,510 (2020); Mali, $2,640 (2023); and Niger, ranked by worldatlas.com as the second poorest country in Africa, has a GDP of $1,410 (2020).

With their humongous acreage straddling the Sahara Desert and its southern fringes, these countries manage an estimated 72 million population combined. As though in agreement, the three have had a checkered history of military coups and are currently under military rule against the prevailing tide of multiparty democracy: Mali since 2021; Burkina Faso in 2022; and Niger, 2023.

Alliance of delinquents

The trio are members of a new “Alliance of Sahel States”, a mutual defence pact they entered into in September 2023. Like delinquents plotting to evade the consequence of mischief, they formed this alliance to ward off possible military invasion by the regional intervention force following the coup in Niger.

Their latest bluff to quit ECOWAS has elevated their plight to Siamese status. Trapped as they are in the Sahel, they may now need lifesaving surgery should ECOWAS decide to squeeze in a bit more than sanctions.

Who will bell the cat? The region is a different place today than it was in the mid-1990s when the Commonwealth punished Nigeria for the bad behaviour of the military government of General Sani Abacha that executed Ken Saro-Wiwa in defiance of global appeals. Or even under the more recent example of The Gambia’s Yahaya Jammeh who was forced to back down in 2017, after Nigeria rallied regional leaders to chase him out of office.

Root of the matter

At least three events have shaped the intransigence of the so-called “Alliance of Sahel States.”The first is the significant infiltration of the region by ISIS and ISWAP elements after the US-led military action in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan and the killing of Muammar Ghaddafi in Libya.

Arms from Syria, Iraq and Libya have flooded the Sahel, destablising the region and emboldening insurgency. Mali and Niger in particular have never quite overcome theimpact of that destabilisation. Even countries farther South, like Nigeria, are still grappling with the fallout of the proliferation of light weapons, mostly through the Sahel.

The complicity of France is the second reason. It’s not just complicity in the sense of meddling, which most states do routinely. It’s the more egregious kind – pregnant complicity that straps a child on its back.

A number of Francophone countries in West and Central Africa, at least 14 of them, that are part of the rigged CFA franc zone still maintain 50 per cent of their reserves in the French treasury in Paris. Also, the profit of French state-owned atomic energy group and uranium monopoly,Areva, based in Niger, is twice the GDP of that country.

The story of ruthless exploitation, often in connivance with the elite, is pretty much the same in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and other Francophone countries. Citizens have, of course, borne the brunt and the political elite who are complicit and have used the exploitation as excuse for coups and counter-coups.

The third reason for the stubbornness of the military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is the expansionist ambitions of China, but more importantly, Russia, under its current President Vladimir Putin. In other to spite the West, especially since the war in Ukraine, Putin sets up aplay station wherever the enemies of the West can be found, with the deadly private army, Wagner Group, as his avatar.

The Russian president has made no pretence of his support for the rogue military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.Apart from military and strategic support, he has also offered free grains to six African countries, including Mali and Burkina Faso,to hedge supply shortfalls caused by the war withUkraine. The new military leaders in these countries believe that trading off membership of ECOWAS for the Trojan horses of Beijing and Moscow is a better bargain.

How far is too far?

But how far can they go? As far as they believe they can continue to exploit the obvious indecision of regional leaders, the mostdistracted of which is Nigeria. The last time a member country – Mauritania – left(although for different reasons), the regional group ECOWAS was in a much stronger, more united place.

It’s now a shambles of its old self.Members already weakened by internal crisis and political wranglings are not sure whether to use force or not even though they can see clearly that negotiations are heading nowhere.

Unfortunately, Nigeria, the regional powerhouse which should have provided leadership as it did in the past in Sao Tome, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire, is facing its own Gulliver moment.

It has been pinned to the ground by a string of Lilliputian problems ranging from internal insecurity to the relatively new and fragile mandate of its president and ECOWAS leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who faces the unpleasant task of being the leader on whose watch the community could fallapart.

Other ECOWAS countries beset by serious economic and political problems, including flawed elections which have also significantly limited the legitimacy of many current civilian leaders, are not faring better. Yet, even in the best of times, Nigeria picks about 70 percent of the community’s bills.

The rogue military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger know that the community is in a difficult place, compounded by the decline in the influence of France, elections this year in the US and the UK, and the wars in Europe and the Middle East. They will milk these distractions.

They are betting big on Russian support and also stirring up nationalistic fervour among the local populations. It remains to be seen, however, if rhetoric will prevail over geography. Being landlocked is problematic and is a major reason 16 out of 31 landlocked developing countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, are among the world’s poorest.

Catch-22

For ECOWAS it is a catch-22 situation. While it is hoping that existing sanctions on the rogue governments, which range from the freezing of assets to the suspension of trade and the cut off of electricity supply would force the leaders to negotiate more sensibly and prevent a further contagion of coups, the community is also mindful that informal cross-border trade, largely in food, make up about 30 percent of regional trade.

To kill the precariously perched tsetse fly without hurting its own scrotum, ECOWAS needs to strengthen citizens’ voices in these countries. It needs to cut through the posturing and partisan noise andengage citizens through more trusted, independent channels.

The community could alsouse the experience of eminent persons, led by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Thabo Mbeki, and possibly joined byGeorge UppongWeah, to reset negotiations.

The longer the process takes the greater the risk of normalisation – and even worse, the danger of contagion.

Azu Ishiekwene

Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.

Today’s European League Fixtures & Previews

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Kylian Mbappe, PSG

PSG  travel to the Stade de la Meinau to tackle Strasbourg

On the hunt for a fourth successive away victory across all competitions, reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain travel to the Stade de la Meinau to tackle Strasbourg on Friday night.

Luis Enrique‘s men let a two-goal lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Brest last time out, while their hosts also settled for a point in a 1-1 stalemate at home to Clermont.

Seven days prior to locking horns with Clermont in top-flight action, Strasbourg eliminated Les Lanciers from the Coupe de France with a 3-1 success at the Stade Gabriel-Montpied, but their hosts had evidently learned a few lessons from that knockout heartache.

By virtue of taking 12 points from their last six Ligue 1 contests, Vieira’s sturdy side are enjoying mid-table obscurity in an unremarkable 10th place, and a nine-point gap separates Les Coureurs from both Monaco in fourth place and Lyon in the relegation playoff spot.

PSG have had their defence breached in their last two visits to the Stade de la Meinau, though – both of which have ended level – but the champions eased to a 3-0 Parc des Princes win over Vieira’s side in October and have not suffered defeat to their hosts in any tournament since December 2017.

Offensive incisiveness has come rather easily to Strasbourg over the past few weeks, but Vieira may very well opt to sacrifice his side’s penchant for attacking in a bid to stifle an even more rampant PSG frontline.

Such tactics will likely prove futile against Enrique’s side, though, especially with a couple of esteemed names expected to return to the visitors’ XI, and the champions have been winning for fun on the road since the start of October.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca get La Liga underway

Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca get round 23 of the Spanish La Liga underway when they lock horns at the San Mamés Stadium on Friday.

Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca face off

Javier Aguirre’s side have failed to win their four league matches since the turn of the year and will head into the weekend looking to end this dry spell.

Athletic Bilbao head into the weekend on an impressive run of seven wins and four draws in their last 12 games in La Liga, where they are fifth in the table, two points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid.

 

Heidenheim play host to Borussia Dortmund

Heidenheim play host to Borussia Dortmund at the Voith-Arena as round 20 of the German Bundesliga gets underway on Friday. Both sides head into the weekend in contrasting form, with Edin Terzic’s men winning their three league matches since the turn of the year.

Heidenheim play host to Borussia Dortmund

Heidenheim were involved in a share of the spoils for the third consecutive game as they played out a 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim last Saturday.

Frank Schmidt’s side have now gone six consecutive games without defeat in the Bundesliga, claiming three wins and three draws since early December.

Heidenheim will be satisfied with what has been a solid debut top-flight campaign as they sit 10th in the league table, level on points with ninth-placed Werder Bremen.

Over in the West, Borussia Dortmund maintained their 100% start to the new year as they picked up a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bochum last Sunday.

While Heidenheim will be looking to replicate their impressive reverse-leg display, Dortmund have flown out of the blocks this year and are currently firing on all cylinders but Dortmund will pick up from where they left off against Bochum and come away with all three points once again.

Credit: sportskeeda.com

 

Today’s Afcon 2023 Quarter-Finals

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Guinea players

Congo DR and Guineato engagein cagey encounter

Congo DR have made it to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals without winning a game in regulation time, as they take on Guinea in Friday’s encounter at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

The Leopards eliminated seven-time winners Egypt in the round of 16, while Syli National ended a losing run in the competition’s first knockout by defeating Equatorial Guinea.

DRC are yet to win a game in Cote d’Ivoire, but the Leopards find themselves in the last eight of the continental showpiece, defeating Egypt — who equally failed to claim a victory in regulation time before their elimination — on penalties.

As for Guinea, the last-gasp Mohamed Bayo header ended Syli National’s extended run without a knockout stage win in their history at the finals.

The victory came following Federico Bikoro‘s 55th-minute dismissal for the Equatoguineans and Emilio Nsue‘s missed penalty, preventing extra time for Kaba Diawara‘s troops.

Interestingly, Guinea progressed to the knockout rounds as the competition’s best third-placed side, and they go into the quarters as the only remaining side from Group C still in the competition, after Senegal and Cameroon were eliminated respectively.

Congo DR and Guinea have scored three goals each at the finals, and this last eight tie could be decided by a lone goal, with the DRC eking out a marginal win over Guinea..

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Nigeria, Angola face off in Afcon quarter-final

Nigeria hope to avoid the poisoned chalice of the Africa Cup of Nations favourites tag when they face Angola in Friday’s quarter-final at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

The Super Eagles defeated age-old rivals Cameroon in the round of 16 to outdo their AFCON 2021 performance, while the Palancas Negras eliminated inexperienced Namibia to make history by recording a first victory in the tournament’s knockout stage.

Nigeria players

Peseiro’s men have been beneficiaries of a watertight rearguard that has seen them concede insignificant shots on goal, with the last clear-cut chance created against them coming in the 1-0 success over Cote d’Ivoire in their second game of the finals.

Angola stand in the Super Eagles’ path to another semi-final, and the southern African nation are not expected to be straightforward opponents against the highest-ranked side left in the competition.

The Palancas Negras have a history of ruining the West African nation’s ambition, with the South African nation denying the Super Eagles a place at the 2006 World Cup.

Friday should pose the sternest test to Nigeria’s watertight backline, with Angola capable of hurting the West African nation in different ways.

Peseiro’s men are expected to concede, but they should have enough at the other end to defeat the exciting Palancas Negras.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Players who could make transfer moves after Afcon 2023

Lamine Camara (Metz & Senegal, midfielder)

Named the continent’s Young Footballer of the Year in December, 20-year-old Camara announced himself on the senior stage with two goals and a man-of-the-match performance for the defending champions in their opening 3-0 win against The Gambia.

Lamine Camara, Senegal

It was not the first time Camara had scored twice in one game at an international tournament.

He struck twice when the West Africans won by the same scoreline against Tunisia on their way to winning the Under-20 Afcon in 2023, while he also triumphed at the African Nations Championship last year.The box-to-box midfielder – a product of the Senegalese Generation Foot academy, whose alumni include Sadio Mane.

 

Jesus Owono (Alaves & Equatorial Guinea, goalkeeper)

Owono won the man of the match award in both Equatorial Guinea’s opening draw with Nigeria and sensational 4-0 win over Ivory Coast.The 2.7 goals he had prevented was by far the highest of any player at the tournament at the time of the National Thunder’s last-16 exit, with no other goalkeeper achieving a tally of two or more by that point.

Jesus Owono, Equatorial Guinea

Owono kept three clean sheets in four appearances at the 2021 finals and saved two penalties in a shootout win over Mali to play a heroic role in his country reaching the quarter-finals.

However, the 22-year-old has not featured in La Liga for club side Alaves since making his debut in February 2022.

Aguibou Camara (Atromitos & Guinea, forward)

Camara’s alert finish as part of a man-of-the-match display gave Guinea a vital victory over The Gambia, and the 22-year-old has featured in every minute of their run to the quarter-finals.

Aguibou Camara, Guinea

A youth player at Lille, he has gained Champions League qualifying and Europa League experience since joining Olympiacos in 2021 and is currently on loan to fellow Greek Super League side Atromitos.

The versatile attacker, who can also play in midfield, has already been deployed in a variety of positions by Guinea during their campaign, and spoke of his readiness to switch to the wings after he was asked to by Syli National manager Kaba Diawara during the group stage.

Emam Ashour (Al Ahly & Egypt, midfielder)

Ashour was outstanding in providing defensive support and bursting forward to boost Egypt’s attack during their action-packed Group B campaign.

Emam Ashour, Egypt

But a concussion prevented the man who has been likened to Pharaohs legend Ahmed Hassan from taking part in their surprise defeat by DR Congo in the last 16.

Despite playing substantially fewer minutes than many of his team-mates, Ashour still finished near the top of the standings among the squad in terms of chances created, passes, tackles won and ball carries, while only top scorer Mostafa Mohamed bettered his four attempts on target.

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