BOTSWANA’S LONG-DOMINANT PARTY DEFEATED AFTER 58 YEARS OF RULE

AFRICA NEWS

3rd NOVEMBER, 2024

By Oyenike

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BOTSWANA’S LONG-DOMINANT PARTY DEFEATED AFTER 58 YEARS OF RULE

Botswana has witnessed a historic political shift as the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in power since 1966, was defeated in recent elections. The BDP secured only four parliamentary seats, enabling the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) to take the reins.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi publicly acknowledged his defeat and congratulated UDC leader Duma Boko. Masisi attributed the BDP’s decline to sluggish economic growth and high unemployment, admitting they “had got it wrong big time.” He emphasised a smooth transition and encouraged supporters to back the incoming government, assuring Boko of his guidance.

Boko, a former human rights lawyer, hailed the outcome as a significant advance for democracy and vowed to serve the populace diligently. Celebrations erupted among UDC supporters in Gaborone and beyond, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape.

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POLICE WILL NOT DEFEND OFFICERS PARTICIPATING IN LAND GRABS AND RIGHTS INFRACTIONS — AIG

Adebola Hamzat, the Assistant Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, announced that the Police Force will not shield officers involved in land grabbing or human rights violations. Speaking in Port Harcourt, Hamzat highlighted the importance of integrity within the police and called for public accountability.

Under Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, the Force is implementing strict policies against corruption and misconduct. Hamzat encouraged citizens to report any misconduct confidentially and pledged that offenders would face consequences, reinforcing his commitment to transparency.

Adebola Hamzat, the Assistant Inspector General of the Nigeria Police

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BRIDES-FOR-MONEY SUSPECTS DETAINED IN SOUTH AFRICA

In a raid in Durban, three individuals were arrested for allegedly creating fraudulent marriage documents to help foreign nationals secure South African citizenship. Police confiscated various materials during the operation, including application forms and identification copies.

Authorities believe many of the IDs were obtained without the consent of local women, used to forge marriage certificates. Regional police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda explained that the suspects posed as married men, divorcing once citizenship was acquired. The investigation is ongoing, with police examining seized computers for further evidence.

Authorities suspect that many of the IDs were taken from local women without their consent and used to fabricate fake marriage certificates and visas for foreigners

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REPS APPROVE BILL INCREASING HEALTH WORKERS’ RETIREMENT AGE TO 65

The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a bill raising the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years, while extending pensionable service from 35 to 40 years. Introduced by Hameed Adewale, the legislation aims to retain skilled healthcare professionals amidst significant challenges facing the sector.

Adewale emphasised the importance of experienced workers in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare needs, urging his colleagues to support the bill for the benefit of the nation’s healthcare system.

The Nigerian House of Representatives

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ASSAULTED WOMEN IN SUDAN DIE BY SUICIDE, SAY ACTIVISTS

Tragic reports from Sudan’s Gezira state reveal a disturbing rise in suicides among women following assaults by paramilitary fighters amidst ongoing civil conflict. Rights organisations have documented these incidents, coinciding with a UN report accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing heinous crimes.

The situation has escalated fears of sexual violence, with activists noting that many women are contemplating suicide. Despite the RSF’s denial of the allegations, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen, with millions at risk of starvation amid ongoing violence and displacement.

In Sudan’s central Gezira state, numerous women have taken their own lives following assaults by paramilitary fighters amid the ongoing civil conflict

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