MOZAMBIQUE’S RULING PARTY ACHIEVES SWEEPING VICTORY IN CONTESTED ELECTION

AFRICA NEWS

25th October, 2024

By Oyenike

MOZAMBIQUE’S RULING PARTY ACHIEVES SWEEPING VICTORY IN CONTESTED ELECTION

Mozambique’s ruling party, Frelimo, has secured victory in a contentious election marked by violence, maintaining its hold on power for 49 years. Daniel Chapo, a relatively unknown candidate, will take over from Filipe Nyusi after winning 71% of the votes, making him the first president born post-independence in 1975. His main opponent, Venâncio Mondlane, received 20%.

In his acceptance speech, Chapo emphasised the party’s organisation and respect for the law. However, following the results, violent protests erupted in various towns, resulting in fatalities and a strong police presence. The election faced accusations of fraud and violence against opposition supporters.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated Chapo prematurely, despite ongoing allegations of electoral misconduct in his own country. Ossufo Momade from the former rebel group Renamo finished third with only 6% of the votes, indicating a loss of support among younger voters.

Political analyst Tomás Vieira Mário noted that Renamo’s historical influence has diminished under Momade’s leadership. The election results shocked many, including some within Frelimo, highlighting the unexpected nature of the ruling party’s overwhelming success.

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FORMER REBEL RECEIVES 40-YEAR SENTENCE IN HISTORIC UGANDAN TRIAL

A court in Uganda has sentenced a former commander of the infamous Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) to 40 years in prison following a significant war crimes trial. Thomas Kwoyelo was convicted on 44 counts, including murder, rape, kidnapping, and looting, although he denied all allegations. He is the first commander from the feared rebel group to be sentenced by a Ugandan court.

Established in the late 1980s, the LRA is blamed for numerous atrocities in Uganda and neighbouring nations. Kwoyelo’s trial took place in Gulu, a city in northern Uganda that suffered from LRA violence for over two decades. One infamous incident involved an attack on a camp for displaced persons in Pagak in 2004, where many women and children were brutally killed.

The International Crimes Division of the Ugandan High Court opted against imposing the death penalty or life imprisonment, considering Kwoyelo’s abduction as a child and his transformation into a soldier. The LRA was notorious for kidnapping children and forcing them to become soldiers or sex slaves. Kwoyelo stated that he was just 12 years old when he was taken.

The court also noted that Kwoyelo showed remorse and was assessed as no longer being a danger to society. Joseph Kony, the founder of the LRA, claimed to fight for a government based on the Ten Commandments from the Bible. The group gained infamy for its brutal tactics, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. Initially operating in northern Uganda, the LRA later moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Kwoyelo was eventually captured.

Thomas Kwoyelo a former commander of the infamous Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)

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NIGERIA DISMISSES ACCUSATIONS AGAINST BINANCE CRYPTO EXECUTIVE

Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has dismissed a money-laundering case against a prominent cryptocurrency executive to enable him to seek medical care abroad. Tigran Gambaryan, an American citizen, was detained during a business visit to Nigeria in February and subsequently charged along with his company, Binance, for allegedly laundering $35.4 million, which they both denied.

The 40-year-old was responsible for financial crime compliance at Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally, which Nigeria accuses of contributing to its recent economic challenges. Authorities claim the platform manipulated exchange rates and engaged in currency speculation, causing the local currency’s decline. The charges against Binance, including tax evasion, are part of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency firms amid concerns regarding money laundering and terrorism financing.

Gambaryan’s family has been advocating for his release due to health concerns, stating that conditions in Kuje Correctional Centre, where he has been detained since April, have aggravated a pre-existing back issue.

Despite his family’s pleas, a High Court judge has denied bail twice, citing flight risk concerns, especially after the escape of his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager. Anjarwalla, who was arrested with Gambaryan, fled the country shortly after being placed under house arrest and remains at large. Gambaryan’s trial has been postponed, according to reports.

Tigran Gambaryan, American citizen, detained in Nigeria for laundering

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NPF REBUKES VIOLENCE IN AMAGBA COMMUNITY, BEGINS PROBE INTO TRAGIC SHOOTING OF MR. ISRAEL OGBEIDE

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has condemned the violence in Amagba Community, Edo State, which led to the death of Mr. Israel Ogbeide. His body was found on 19th October 2024, with a gunshot wound. Investigations indicate that this incident may be linked to a long-standing conflict between the Amagba and Obagie communities.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a comprehensive inquiry to determine the details of the shooting and ensure justice for the victim. The NPF is dedicated to restoring order in the region and holding those responsible accountable.

Despite rumours, the NPF clarifies that its operatives from the Force Intelligence Department and Edo State Command acted quickly to address rising tensions in the Oke Aroma area. Upon arrival, they found the community deserted after thorough patrols, emphasising that officers did not enter either the Amagba or Obagie communities but maintained a presence in Oke Aroma to prevent further unrest.

The NPF stresses that police deployments are based on intelligence and operational needs, not influenced by external pressures. They encourage residents to stay calm and assist with the investigation, asking anyone with information about Mr. Ogbeide’s death or related incidents to come forward.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has condemned the violence in Amagba Community, Edo State

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NPF REFUTES CLAIMS OF POOR FUNDING, CORRUPTION, AND INSIGNIFICANT BUDGET ALLOCATION TO DIVISIONS

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted a recent negative article titled “Nigeria Police Force Faces Funding Scandal: N15,000 Allocation for 3 Months Sparks Corruption Concerns,” published by Ecos Intelligence, labelling it as false and misleading. They assert that no Divisional Police Officer would provide such inaccurate information, suggesting that an impostor may have been involved.

The article claims that Divisional Headquarters receive no budget and rely on unofficial funding for operations, including bail payments. However, the Police Authority clarifies that Divisional Police Officers receive official funding from federal allocations and support from state governments, calling the article’s claims a deliberate attempt to undermine the police.

In response to this misleading publication, the Inspector General of Police has initiated an investigation to identify those behind the misinformation. While acknowledging historical funding challenges, the current government is committed to improving financial support for police operations, with recent improvements indicating a positive trend.

The Nigeria Police Force emphasises its dedication to transparency and warns against individuals attempting to harm its reputation. They will not tolerate disparagement of the institution or its officers, who work tirelessly to ensure national security.

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted a recent negative article titled “Nigeria Police Force Face Funding Scandal”

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