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Showing posts from August 27, 2023

Niger's Junta expel French Ambassador:

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Niger's Junta's recent expulsion of the French ambassador, Denys Gauer, has escalated tensions between the two nations, marking a significant development in their diplomatic relations. This move, announced on August 27, 2023, by junta spokesperson Colonel Abdourahamane Sani, is rooted in accusations of the ambassador's interference in Niger's internal affairs. According to Colonel Sani, Gauer was accused of unauthorized meetings with opposition figures and NGOs, as well as disseminating false information regarding the situation within Niger. The French Foreign Ministry responded by expressing its deep disappointment, asserting that Gauer's actions were consistent with international norms and that he had upheld Niger's sovereignty. This expulsion further exacerbates existing strains between Niger and France, countries that have been historical allies but have recently faced challenges in their relationship. Points of contention include France's military prese...

Emmerson Mnangagwa declared winner of Zimbabwe's presidential election

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Emmerson Mnangagwa, the incumbent president of Zimbabwe, has been declared the winner of the country's presidential election. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced the results on Saturday, August 26, 2023, after a week of voting and counting. Mnangagwa won the election with 53% of the vote, defeating his main rival, Nelson Chamisa, who received 44% of the vote. The election was closely watched by the international community, as Zimbabwe has a history of disputed elections. The ZEC has been criticized for its handling of the election, with some observers alleging that there were irregularities in the voting and counting process. However, the ZEC has denied these allegations and said that the election was conducted fairly. Mnangagwa's victory is a major boost for the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party, which has been in power since independence in 1980. Chamisa's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party has accused ZANU-PF of...

Gunman kills 3 in Jacksonville, Florida

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On Sunday, August 27, 2023, a gunman armed with an assault rifle opened fire in a residential neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, resulting in the deaths of two men and a woman. The shooter was later found dead. The incident occurred around 11:00 PM local time in the Emerald Hills neighborhood. The unidentified gunman targeted a group of people outside a residence, leaving two men and a woman dead and another person injured. The assailant fled to a nearby house, prompting a police response. After several hours of standoff, the shooter was discovered deceased within the home. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, suspecting a possible connection between the gunman and the victims. This event marks the second mass shooting in Jacksonville in recent months. In February 2023, a gunman attacked a Waffle House, claiming four lives and injuring four others. The tragedy has revived discussions about gun violence in the United States. President Biden condemned the act...