War Against Terror: 186 Junior Military Officers Get Counter-terrorism Training

The Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State, has conducted a special training course for junior military officers on counter-terrorism and peace support operations.

The training equipped them with appropriate skills to function as Grade Three Staff Officers and Junior commanders in their various military services and organisations.

During their graduation ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, said the training had become necessary due to the emerging security challenges.

What the Conviction of Chad's Former Dictator Means for African Human Rights

The breakthrough for many victims of atrocities committed under the former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré came on May 30 in Dakar, Senegal. After nearly two decades of effort by activists, the Extraordinary African Chambers in the courts of Senegal convicted Habré of torture, war crimes and crimes against humanity and handed down a life sentence. For those of us in the courtroom, the cries of joy from the victims after the judges’ ruling underscored its immense importance.

Habré was the first African suspect prosecuted under ‘universal jurisdiction’

The Habré trial was the first in which a court in Africa prosecuted a suspect under “universal jurisdiction”— which allows states to prosecute certain heinous crimes even if they were committed abroad, by foreigners and against foreigners. While many countries have universal jurisdiction laws, few have used them. European countries have launched most such cases. South Africa has begun to investigate crimes on the basis of universal jurisdiction but has yet to bring any prosecutions.

Floods In Kenya: Kenyatta visits scene where a six storey building collapsed killing 7 people during heavy rains in Huruma, Nairobi

President Kenyatta of Kenya on Saturday visited the scene where a building collapsed killing seven people during heavy rains.

The President was accompanied by Nairobi Women Representative Rachel Shebesh, Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke, Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.

County officials said seven people have been confirmed dead and that the number could rise as search and rescue efforts continue.

More than 150 people have so far been rescued from the rubble. Kenya Defence Forces have been deployed to assist in rescue operations.

Mr Mueke ordered people residing in adjacent buildings to evacuate immediately to avoid a similar disaster.

Why Africa’s top 4 economies are in trouble

Growth in Africa has outpaced most emerging markets in recent years, but that’s changing fast as a slew of problems beset its leading economies.

Cheap oil, political uncertainty and weak banks are all to blame. Here’s what you need to know about sub-Saharan Africa’s big four:

Africa’s top 4 economies are in trouble

South Africa

When the President writes, By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz

Like when he speaks, when we see the president writes, it is something that jolts us. We the incurable optimists always rush out to the transistor radio or to the TV set, anytime we hear the president is up to speak. We expect something new. It is like when the women ululate, he who has a heavy one at home would expect baby’s cry from his hut. Imagine then, how disappointingly boring it would be when such rush to catch the good news is spoilt by a completely different one. Or, at worse, a more agonising experience when what is said, a la “You journalists know more than the president”, is unbefitting of the office and person of the president.

Then it occurs, our own President Goodluck Jonathan has written for the Washington Post. By my own reckoning, this is the first time a serving Nigerian president would write for an international publication, like the Washington Post. If there were any, please do not seek to remind me, in Nigeria we are all afflicted by amnesia. By the way, amnesia is a sweet affliction here, do not pity us. It is a nice way of forgetting our past misfortunes and, at the same time, a fine tool for political leaders who seek to misguide the people and rule over our ignorance.

Brazil 2014: Stephen Keshi blasts Nigerian fans

           Local World Cup viewers tune out after opener

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has lashed out at the country’s fans, saying it is a shame they have abused his person for the team’s showing at Brazil 2014. The Super Eagles and coach Keshi came under heavy fire from angry fans after they could only manage a 0-0 draw with Iran in their opening group game at the World Cup in Brazil.

But Keshi has taken serious exception to the fans’ rage, saying there was no justification for them to insult his person. “I am disappointed, totally disappointed (by the personal attacks), but it’s their thing, no wahala (no problem),” blasted Keshi in Brazil.

Chibok Schoolgirls: Israel experts in Nigeria to hunt for abducted girls

Israel has sent intelligence experts to Nigeria to help search for more than 200 schoolgirls abducted last month by the Boko Haram sect, an Israeli official told Reuters on Tuesday.

The team included people with experience in dealing with hostage situations, will join a growing international effort to track down the children.

“These are not operational troops, they’re there to advise,” the Israeli official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Boko Haram: Time for Muslims Leaders world wide to review their teachings

As condemnations trails the activities of the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram even from the Islamic international bodies and scholars across the globe. It seem very necessary for the Muslim society to re-exermine the teaching of Islam worldwide.

It is Time for Muslims Leaders world wide to review their teachings, they claim to teach peace but a large part of their followers do otherwise IN THE NAME OF THE RELIGION.

World Economic Forum: US Marines Already In Abuja

As the World Economic Forum summit kick off in Abuja, the Nigeria capital, US marines have been reported to have arrive the country to help the Nigeria’s security services tackle increasing threats as Nigeria is playing host to the 7th WEF in Abuja today amid heightened security challenges.

The US marines have already arrived the country, according to sources in the know of their movement.

WEF summit is expected to be attended by over 10 heads of state and government as well as over 900 delegates from 70 countries.

Presidents of Algeria, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Togo have confirmed attendance. Former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and former President of Brazil, Lula da Silva, are expected to attend. 50 chief executives of big global corporations have confirmed attendance.