a:3:{s:4:"time";i:1778266277;s:3:"ttl";i:600;s:4:"data";a:15:{i:0;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"287";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:59:"Ivory Coast Moves to Calm Farmers Amid Cocoa Strike Threats";s:4:"slug";s:59:"ivory-coast-moves-to-calm-farmers-amid-cocoa-strike-threats";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";s:225:"Ivory Coast has assured cocoa farmers it will buy excess cocoa stocks to prevent income losses after threats of strike action. The move aims to stabilise the sector and protect farmer livelihoods amid global price volatility.";s:7:"content";s:1431:"<p>The government of Ivory Coast has moved swiftly to reassure cocoa farmers that it will purchase excess cocoa stocks, amid growing tensions and threats of strike action.</p>
<p>Authorities say measures are being put in place to absorb surplus production and stabilise the local market, following concerns from farmers about delayed purchases and falling global prices. The reassurance comes at a critical time, as cocoa producers express frustration over uncertainty in the sector.</p>
<p>Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, relies heavily on the crop as a major source of foreign exchange and rural employment. Any disruption in the cocoa supply chain could have ripple effects on both the national economy and global chocolate markets.</p>
<p>Farmer groups had signaled possible strike action, citing fears that unsold stock could lead to income losses. In response, government officials have pledged to intervene to prevent financial hardship and maintain confidence in the industry.</p>
<p>Analysts note that stabilising cocoa purchases is essential to protecting farmer livelihoods and sustaining output levels, especially at a time when global commodity markets remain volatile.</p>
<p>The government’s intervention is expected to ease tensions in the short term, though stakeholders say long-term reforms may be needed to strengthen price stability and improve resilience within the cocoa sector.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"392";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"2";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"4";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";s:120:"Siaka Diakite, President of the Interprofessional Agricultural Organization for the Coffee-Cocoa Sector (OIA cafe-cacao)";s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2026-03-04 09:30:20";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-03-04 09:28:17";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69a7fabad8179.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202603/image_870x_69a7fabae4ccd.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202603/image_694x532_69a7fabaef56f.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202603/image_430x256_69a7fabb0384b.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202603/image_140x98_69a7fabb08f6a.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:10:"Mary Adofo";s:11:"author_slug";s:10:"mary-adofo";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:1;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"283";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:62:"Tight Security as El Mencho Laid to Rest Following Deadly Raid";s:4:"slug";s:62:"tight-security-as-el-mencho-laid-to-rest-following-deadly-raid";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";s:301:"Mexican drug lord El Mencho has been buried after dying from injuries sustained in a clash with special forces. His death led to violent reprisals across Mexico. Authorities see the operation as a major victory in the fight against drug trafficking, though concerns remain about potential instability.";s:7:"content";s:2280:"<p>Infamous Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” has been buried in a golden casket after dying from wounds sustained during a firefight with Mexican special forces.</p>
<p>The 59-year-old cartel leader was fatally injured in late February when security forces attempted to capture him. The operation ended in a violent clash between his bodyguards and government troops, marking the final chapter in a years-long manhunt for one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals.</p>
<p>Oseguera was the founder and leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which grew under his command into a powerful transnational drug trafficking network. From its stronghold in Jalisco, the cartel expanded operations into multiple Mexican states and beyond, engaging in drug production and international trafficking.</p>
<p>The United States had placed a $15 million bounty on Oseguera, reflecting the scale of his operations and the threat authorities believed he posed.</p>
<p>His death sparked widespread retaliatory violence across 20 Mexican states, with cartel members reportedly setting vehicles ablaze and blocking major roads. In response, members of the National Guard were heavily deployed to maintain order during his funeral near Guadalajara, an area long considered a cartel stronghold.</p>
<p>The funeral itself was described as colorful yet closely monitored. Large floral tributes were delivered ahead of the ceremony, including one shaped like a rooster — a nod to Oseguera’s well-known passion for cockfighting. Despite the grandeur of the golden casket, reports indicate that his burial plot was relatively modest compared to the elaborate mausoleums often built for other high-profile drug lords.</p>
<p>Oseguera’s killing has been viewed as a significant win for President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, which has faced mounting pressure from the United States to intensify efforts against drug trafficking. US President Donald Trump has previously urged stronger action to curb the flow of narcotics.</p>
<p>While authorities celebrate the operation as a breakthrough, security analysts warn that the power vacuum left behind could trigger further instability within Mexico’s criminal underworld.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"386";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"2";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"4";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";s:62:"Tight Security as El Mencho Laid to Rest Following Deadly Raid";s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";N;s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-03-03 16:02:25";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69a7057f56313.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202603/image_870x_69a7057f63b67.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202603/image_694x532_69a7057f6f3ab.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202603/image_430x256_69a7057f77912.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202603/image_140x98_69a7057f7d978.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:10:"Mary Adofo";s:11:"author_slug";s:10:"mary-adofo";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:2;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"263";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:77:"Escalating Middle East Conflict Sparks Talk of Iran Boycotting 2026 World Cup";s:4:"slug";s:77:"escalating-middle-east-conflict-sparks-talk-of-iran-boycotting-2026-world-cup";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";s:174:"Iran World Cup 2026 Ali Khamenei US-Israel Strikes FIFA Participation Iran Football Federation Geopolitical Impact on Sports Middle East Conflict International Football Drama";s:7:"summary";s:322:"Following the death of Iran’s supreme leader amid U.S.–Israeli strikes, Iran’s football federation head has raised the possibility of the country boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While no official boycott has been confirmed, the remarks reflect growing uncertainty as geopolitical tensions threaten participation.";s:7:"content";s:2579:"<p>As tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated, recent developments have deepened global unease,  including in the world of sport.</p>
<p>According to international reports, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a wave of joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Tehran and other key targets. The attack killed Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, along with top military and political figures, leaving the country’s political future uncertain and triggering a wave of retaliatory strikes. </p>
<p>In the wake of this dramatic escalation, the head of Iran’s football federation has expressed serious doubts about the country’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. According to local media reporting his comments, Mehdi Taj said recent attacks make it unlikely that Iran can “look forward to the World Cup with hope,” and that the issue would be reviewed carefully at the highest levels of Iranian football administration.</p>
<p>Iran’s national men’s team had already qualified for the tournament and been drawn into Group G, where it is scheduled to face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in matches hosted in Los Angeles and Seattle. </p>
<p>While no formal boycott decision has been made, Taj’s remarks have fuelled speculation that Tehran could reconsider its participation if the conflict deepens or if security concerns prevent safe travel for players and fans.</p>
<p>Despite this uncertainty, the global governing body of football, FIFA, has stated it wants “everybody participating” and is monitoring the situation closely, emphasising its desire for all qualified teams to compete in the tournament. </p>
<p>The backdrop to these developments is a growing regional crisis, with the Middle East now facing one of its most dangerous confrontations in decades. The death of Khamenei, a figure once central to Iran’s hardline foreign policy  has led to retaliatory military actions and heightened fears of further escalation.</p>
<p>For the world of sport, this marks a rare moment where geopolitics may directly intersect with global football. Analysts say that any formal boycott by Iran would not only be unprecedented but could also signal deeper fractures in international sport tied to geopolitical conflict.</p>
<p>As Iran’s political leadership navigates a period of transition and heightened tension, football fans  especially in the countries set to host the World Cup will be watching closely for any official decision on Iran’s status in the tournament.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"367";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"1";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"4";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";N;s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";N;s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-03-02 13:33:38";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69a58e13120fa.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202603/image_870x_69a58e132239a.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202603/image_694x532_69a58e1330fad.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202603/image_430x256_69a58e133c3b9.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202603/image_140x98_69a58e1344a51.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:10:"Mary Adofo";s:11:"author_slug";s:10:"mary-adofo";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:3;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"215";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:83:"President Mahama Ranks5th Among World’s Most Influential Development Changemakers";s:4:"slug";s:80:"president-mahama-ranks5th-among-worlds-most-influential-development-changemakers";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";s:187:"President John Dramani Mahama has been ranked 5th on the 2026 Devex Power 50 list, recognising him as one of the world’s most influential figures in global development and changemaking.";s:7:"content";s:1540:"<p></p>
<p>President John Dramani Mahama has been ranked fifth on the 2026 Devex Power 50 list, placing him among the most influential figures shaping global development and social change.</p>
<p>The annual ranking, compiled by the international development media platform Devex, highlights 50 individuals whose decisions, ideas, and leadership are redefining how development is financed, governed, and delivered worldwide. President Mahama’s position puts him ahead of several prominent global policymakers and development financiers.</p>
<p>According to Devex, Mahama’s influence stems largely from his advocacy for reforms in the global development system, particularly his push for African-led solutions. His promotion of the “Accra Reset” agenda, which calls for fairer global financing structures, stronger regional trade and reduced dependence on traditional aid models, was cited as a key factor in his ranking.</p>
<p>The list arrives at a time when global development is undergoing significant shifts marked by declining aid budgets, rising debt levels, and increased calls for climate-resilient and market-driven growth. Devex noted that Mahama has emerged as a leading voice in conversations around debt relief, climate finance and equitable partnerships between the Global South and international institutions.</p>
<p>President Mahama’s recognition is seen as a significant boost for Ghana and Africa, underscoring the continent’s growing influence in global development debates and decision-making spaces.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"240";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"3";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"3";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";s:29:"President John Dramani Mahama";s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";N;s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-02-02 18:04:30";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_69725736e5a5e.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_69725737026ae.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_697257371386d.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_6972573720bc2.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_697257372864b.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:12:"Hilda Appiah";s:11:"author_slug";s:12:"hilda-appiah";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:4;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"204";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:61:"Putin and Syria’s New Leader Seek Ties After Assad’s Fall";s:4:"slug";s:55:"putin-and-syrias-new-leader-seek-ties-after-assads-fall";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";s:124:"Syria Russia relations, Assad exile, Ahmed al-Sharaa leadership, Russian diplomacy, Syrian reconstruction aid, Assad justice";s:7:"summary";s:362:"Following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa are exploring ways to strengthen ties. Al-Sharaa, a former rebel commander, is requesting Russian assistance for Syria’s reconstruction while insisting that Assad must face justice. The Kremlin has acknowledged the talks but remains cautious.";s:7:"content";s:1106:"<p>In the wake of the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and Syria’s new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, are exploring avenues to rebuild bilateral relations. Assad, who was backed by Russia, was ousted after seizing power in late 2024 and rapidly consolidating control across Syria, only to be forced into a gilded exile in Russia.</p>
<p>President al-Sharaa, once a Qaeda fighter and later a rebel commander turned statesman, has taken a pragmatic approach toward Moscow despite years of conflict under Russian airstrikes. He emphasized that Syria cannot afford to antagonize major world powers and has formally requested Russian assistance in the country’s reconstruction.</p>
<p>At the same time, al-Sharaa has insisted that Assad must face justice for his actions, signaling a potential reckoning for the former dictator.</p>
<p>The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitri S. Pes, has acknowledged the overtures but stopped short of committing to specific support, reflecting Moscow’s cautious stance as it navigates the new political landscape in Syria.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"283";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"1";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"4";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";s:25:"President  Vladimir Putin";s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2026-01-28 12:54:50";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-01-28 12:50:35";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_697a06950b3da.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_697a0695238c1.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_697a069538021.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_697a069545c83.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_697a069553bde.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:10:"Mary Adofo";s:11:"author_slug";s:10:"mary-adofo";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:5;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"174";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:61:"Global Powers Are Reorganising — Is Ghana Ready to Keep Up?";s:4:"slug";s:56:"global-powers-are-reorganising-is-ghana-ready-to-keep-up";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";N;s:7:"content";s:1388:"<p></p>
<p>The global geopolitical and economic landscape is undergoing a major shift, with powerful nations restructuring alliances and redefining influence.</p>
<p> Amid these changes, questions are emerging about whether Ghana has the capacity to adapt and position itself strategically on the world stage. Analysts argue that without proactive planning and reforms, the country risks falling behind as the world reorganises.</p>
<p>Ghana’s leadership has been making efforts to engage internationally, including initiatives aimed at giving the country a stronger voice in global decision-making. Domestically, reforms to stabilise the economy, boost productivity, and create jobs are seen as crucial steps to enhance competitiveness.</p>
<p>Additionally, Ghana has strengthened partnerships with countries like Germany, attracting investment in technology, renewable energy, and workforce development. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure the nation can catch up with emerging global powers.</p>
<p>Beyond economics, Ghana continues to play a leading role in African affairs, championing initiatives that promote unity and justice, including discussions at the United Nations.</p>
<p>The evolving global order presents both challenges and opportunities, and Ghana’s ability to navigate these changes will be a key test of its readiness for the future.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"244";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"1";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"3";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";s:93:"Mark Carney speaks after being announced the winner at the liberal leadership event in Ottawa";s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";N;s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-01-22 17:40:41";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_6972607550f9a.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_6972607556c6d.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_697260755c3c3.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_697260755f4b7.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_6972607560f20.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:12:"Hilda Appiah";s:11:"author_slug";s:12:"hilda-appiah";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:6;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"163";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:89:"Commonwealth Deploys Observer Group for Bangladesh Elections, Akufo-Addo to Chair Mission";s:4:"slug";s:88:"commonwealth-deploys-observer-group-for-bangladesh-elections-akufo-addo-to-chair-mission";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";s:133:"Commonwealth Observer Group, Bangladesh elections, Akufo-Addo, July Charter referendum, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, election monitoring";s:7:"summary";s:193:"The Commonwealth has deployed an Observer Group, chaired by President Akufo-Addo, to monitor Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary elections and a referendum on proposed constitutional reforms.";s:7:"content";s:2439:"<p>The Commonwealth has announced the deployment of an Observer Group to monitor Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections and a referendum on the July Charter, a post-uprising reform framework proposing wide-ranging political and constitutional changes.</p>
<p>The announcement was made in London on January 21, 2026, by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, following a formal invitation from the Bangladesh Election Commission. The deployment comes at a critical moment in Bangladesh’s democratic journey, as the country prepares for elections alongside a nationwide referendum.</p>
<p>In announcing the mission, the Secretary-General underscored the importance of the Commonwealth’s engagement, stressing that it goes beyond routine election observation. She said the organisation’s presence in Bangladesh is guided by a commitment to uphold the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people and to act independently and impartially to help ensure that the collective will of the people is freely expressed.</p>
<p>The Observer Group will be chaired by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and will comprise election experts and professionals drawn from across the Commonwealth. Members include specialists in politics, law, media, gender advocacy and election administration. The group will be supported by a Secretariat team led by Linford Andrews, Head and Adviser at the Commonwealth’s Electoral Support Section.</p>
<p>The Commonwealth Secretary-General also expressed appreciation to members of the Observer Group for their commitment, noting that they had dedicated the beginning of the new year to preparing for the important assignment in support of the people of Bangladesh.</p>
<p>The mandate of the Observer Group is to assess the entire electoral process and determine whether the parliamentary elections and referendum are conducted in a credible, transparent and inclusive manner. Its work will be guided by democratic standards and principles to which Bangladesh has committed itself, including its national legal framework.</p>
<p>At the conclusion of the mission, the group is expected to submit a detailed report containing its findings and recommendations to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The report will then be shared with the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Election Commission, political parties, all Commonwealth governments and made available to the public.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"233";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"1";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"4";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";s:36:"Ex President Nana Akufo  Addo Dankwa";s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2026-01-22 15:32:15";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-01-22 15:34:37";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_69724234ab74d.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_69724234b599a.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_69724234bd083.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_69724234c11f3.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_69724234c32ac.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:10:"Mary Adofo";s:11:"author_slug";s:10:"mary-adofo";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:7;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"160";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:65:"Trump Pardons Forgive Hundreds of Millions in Financial Penalties";s:4:"slug";s:65:"trump-pardons-forgive-hundreds-of-millions-in-financial-penalties";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";s:227:"Former President Donald Trump’s recent pardons erase hundreds of millions in fines and restitution owed by individuals convicted of financial crimes, prompting criticism over fairness, accountability, and justice for victims.";s:7:"content";s:1195:"<p>President Donald Trump has issued pardons that erase financial penalties tied to white-collar crimes, including fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. The clemency actions cover dozens of individuals, many of whom owed substantial fines or restitution, totalling hundreds of millions of dollars.</p>
<p>According to analyses by NBC News and the House Judiciary Committee Democrats, the cumulative amount of wiped-out fines and restitution may reach over $1 billion. Critics argue these pardons undermine accountability for financial wrongdoing and deprive victims, workers, and taxpayers of money they were legally owed.</p>
<p>Among those pardoned are wealthy executives, business figures, and political allies, including prominent individuals in the cryptocurrency and corporate sectors. Many of these recipients had previously faced court judgments requiring them to repay significant sums, but the pardons now absolve them of these obligations.</p>
<p>The wave of clemency has sparked widespread debate about fairness and the influence of wealth and connections in the justice system, raising questions about whether financial crime continues to carry meaningful consequences.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"225";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"0";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"3";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";N;s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2026-01-22 01:21:13";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-01-21 16:08:01";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_6970f982ceac3.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_6970f982dd50b.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_6970f982e6e92.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_6970f982ef00c.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_6970f982f3284.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:12:"Hilda Appiah";s:11:"author_slug";s:12:"hilda-appiah";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:8;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"138";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:13:"UGANDA BLEEDS";s:4:"slug";s:13:"uganda-bleeds";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";s:71:"'Bloodshed ' as Uganda 🇺🇬 election descends into deadly violence.";s:7:"content";s:1061:"<p>'Bloodshed ' as Uganda 🇺🇬 election descends into deadly violence.</p>
<p>At least seven people have been killed as Uganda's presidential election descended into violence, with the opposition party saying their leader had been forcibly taken away.</p>
<p>Posting on X, the party said an army helicopter landed in Bobi Wine's compound, before taking him away to an unknown destination.</p>
<p>The country's elections this month have been marred by clashes and look set to extend President Yoweri Museveni's rule ⁠into a fifth decade.</p>
<p>Police claim that in the early hours of last night, machete-wielding "goons" were shot dead by security forces in the central town of Butambala.</p>
<p>Those killed were supporters of Bobi Wine - who is trailing in the polls and looks set for a landslide defeat.</p>
<p>Authorities claim the mob had attacked a polling station and a police station at around 3am.</p>
<p>Local police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe said the armed group "came in big numbers" and security forces had acted in self defence</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"184";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"1";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"2";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";N;s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";N;s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-01-17 15:08:15";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_696ba5c2d4f0c.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_696ba5c2dcd60.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_696ba5c2e483c.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_696ba5c2e9900.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_696ba5c2ed42a.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:6:"samuet";s:11:"author_slug";s:6:"samuet";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:9;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:3:"111";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:98:"Oxford Dictionary Adds ‘Nyash’, ‘Ghana Must Go’, ‘Obroni’ and Other West African Words";s:4:"slug";s:78:"oxford-dictionary-adds-nyash-ghana-must-go-obroni-and-other-west-african-words";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";N;s:7:"content";s:1602:"<p>The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added about 500 new words, phrases and meanings to its lexicon, with several entries originating from West Africa, highlighting the growing global influence of African languages on modern English.</p>
<p>In its latest update, the OED also revised more than 1,000 existing entries, while editors examined the changing histories and usage of words such as “troll,” “snooker,” and various coffee-related terms.</p>
<p>The update features expressions from different parts of the world, including West African English, Maltese English, Japanese English and South Korean English, reflecting the increasingly global and evolving nature of the English language.</p>
<p>Among the newly recognised terms are popular expressions widely used in Ghana, Nigeria and across West Africa, many of which have gained international exposure through migration, pop culture and social media. Words such as “abrokyire,” “nyash,” “abeg,” “Ghana Must Go,” and “obroni” are now acknowledged for their widespread usage beyond their regions of origin.</p>
<p>The OED noted that the new entries capture everyday life in West Africa, with additions linked to food, music, markets, pop culture and daily conversation. These inclusions demonstrate how local languages and cultural expressions continue to shape and enrich global English.</p>
<p>The latest update further cements the role of African languages and expressions in influencing contemporary English, as the dictionary adapts to reflect how people around the world speak and communicate today.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"138";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"3";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"4";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";N;s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";N;s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-01-12 15:17:08";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_69650f5da8512.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_69650f5dc2486.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_69650f5dcd325.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_69650f5dd5072.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_69650f5dd8fc5.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:10:"Mary Adofo";s:11:"author_slug";s:10:"mary-adofo";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:10;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:2:"91";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:45:"South Africa Hosts BRICS Joint Naval Exercise";s:4:"slug";s:45:"south-africa-hosts-brics-joint-naval-exercise";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";N;s:7:"content";s:1703:"<p>A multinational maritime exercise involving BRICS partners China, Russia and South Africa has commenced at the Simon’s Town naval base near Cape Town.</p>
<p>The drill, code-named “Will for Peace 2026,” is being conducted in the surrounding waters and airspace off the South African coast and is expected to last for a week. It is aimed at protecting international shipping routes, deepening maritime collaboration among participating nations and reinforcing strategic confidence, while projecting a message of peace and shared development to the global community.</p>
<p>Speaking on the exercise, Joint Task Force Commander of the South African Navy, Captain Ndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, explained that the operation places strong emphasis on collective efforts to secure sea lanes and support maritime economic activities. He noted that anti-piracy operations form a core part of the sea phase, alongside several other planned naval engagements.</p>
<p>China has deployed naval destroyers for the exercise, with South Africa and Russia also contributing warships and support vessels. Together, the participating forces are undertaking a variety of coordinated drills, including maritime security patrols, counter-terrorism operations, search-and-rescue exercises, anti-surface warfare training and fleet exchange activities.</p>
<p>Beyond its military dimension, the exercise is being viewed as a broader diplomatic and strategic engagement that underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation in tackling shared global challenges. It is also seen as a practical demonstration of collaborative maritime security efforts aligned with the principles of the Belt and Road Initiative.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"129";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"1";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"3";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";N;s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2026-01-11 18:14:29";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-01-11 16:25:20";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_6963ce9abba91.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_6963ce9ae4bdd.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_6963ce9b0d69e.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_6963ce9b1c1e5.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_6963ce9b210b7.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:12:"Hilda Appiah";s:11:"author_slug";s:12:"hilda-appiah";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:11;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:2:"74";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:74:"Trump Invites Colombian President to White House Following Tense Exchanges";s:4:"slug";s:74:"trump-invites-colombian-president-to-white-house-following-tense-exchanges";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";s:81:"The invitation of the Colombian president Gustavo Petro by President Donald Trump";s:7:"content";s:950:"<p></p>
<p>In a surprising diplomatic turn, U.S. President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Colombian President Gustavo Petro to visit the White House. The invitation came after a lengthy phone call between the two leaders, which Trump described as a “great honour.”</p>
<p>This development follows recent tensions in which Trump had suggested the possibility of military action against Colombia, accusing Petro of links to drug trafficking and indicating that intervention “sounds good to me.” During their conversation, both leaders reportedly discussed cooperation on regional security and drug trafficking issues, signalling a willingness to engage despite earlier hostilities.</p>
<p>While arrangements for Petro’s visit are underway, no official date has been confirmed. The move marks a shift from the heated rhetoric of recent days, which had raised concerns about deteriorating relations between the two countries.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:3:"106";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"1";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"3";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";N;s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2026-01-08 17:39:39";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2026-01-08 17:37:43";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202601/image_870x580_695feb1e5d463.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202601/image_870x_695feb1e6ba47.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202601/image_694x532_695feb1e77621.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202601/image_430x256_695feb1e7ffea.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202601/image_140x98_695feb1e858f1.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:12:"Hilda Appiah";s:11:"author_slug";s:12:"hilda-appiah";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:12;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:1:"6";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:73:"'U.S. strike exposes hypocrisy of American leadership’ – Brako-Powers";s:4:"slug";s:63:"us-strike-exposes-hypocrisy-of-american-leadership-brako-powers";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";N;s:7:"summary";N;s:7:"content";s:1725:"<p>Ghanaian  legal practitioner, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers has criticised the United States President over recent U.S. military strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria, describing the action as a clear demonstration of hypocrisy.<br>Reacting to the development, Brako-Powers  questioned the moral justification behind the strike, arguing that the United States often presents itself as a global champion of peace and democracy while resorting to military force in foreign territories.</p>
<p><img src="https://news.xgentgroup.com/uploads/images/202512/image_870x_694ea0f29c38d.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><br>The U.S. strikes, carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, reportedly targeted IS-linked camps in northwest Nigeria following renewed attacks by the extremist group. American officials said the operation was aimed at weakening the militants’ operational capacity and restoring stability in the affected areas.<br>However, Brako-Powers maintained that such actions contradict the principles the U.S. President claims to uphold on the international stage. He noted that similar military interventions in other parts of the world have often worsened insecurity rather than resolved it.                   According to him, global powers must be consistent in their approach to conflict resolution and avoid selective application of international law, especially when civilian lives are at risk.                                                                                 He further called on African leaders to critically assess foreign military involvement on the continent and prioritise homegrown solutions to security challenges.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:1:"8";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"4";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"3";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";s:15:"Mr Brako Powers";s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2025-12-26 18:29:03";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2025-12-26 14:55:30";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202512/image_870x580_694ea0f28d796.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202512/image_870x_694ea0f29c38d.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202512/image_694x532_694ea0f2a88c9.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202512/image_430x256_694ea0f2b1bf6.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202512/image_140x98_694ea0f2b72c9.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:12:"Hilda Appiah";s:11:"author_slug";s:12:"hilda-appiah";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:13;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:1:"2";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:71:"Africa’s Reparations Case Shifts From Morality to Measurable Evidence";s:4:"slug";s:68:"africas-reparations-case-shifts-from-morality-to-measurable-evidence";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";s:29:"Pan African Progressive Front";s:7:"summary";N;s:7:"content";s:1759:"<p>The campaign for reparations for Africa is moving beyond moral arguments into an evidence-driven phase, as new research by the Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) quantifies the economic and human damage caused by slavery, colonialism, and their lasting effects.<br>According to the PPF, generations of Africans were denied education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, creating intergenerational harm that continues to drive global wealth gaps. Even after the end of enslavement, colonial and post-colonial systems, the Front argues, sustained structural exclusion across the continent.<br>“We are no longer guessing what we are owed. The task now is to consolidate verifiable evidence to demand what we know is true,” said Sumaila Mohammed, the PPF’s Head of Economics. Following its Accra conference, the Front has sharpened its focus on what it calls the “damages of reparations,” including the “African Premium” — the higher cost Africans pay to borrow money internationally.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img src="https://news.xgentgroup.com/uploads/images/202512/image_870x_694e66c344715.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><br>PPF research treats reparations as owed restitution, not charity, and aims to establish a credible reference point for Africa’s global claim. Estimates cited by the Front suggest economic harms from slavery and post-enslavement discrimination range between $100 trillion and $131 trillion, with human life losses valued at about $75 trillion. Broader assessments place total damages near $100 trillion.<br>Venezuela’s Ambassador to Benin, Togo, and Ghana, Jesús Alberto García, also underscored reparations as a matter of global justice, pointing to “intellectual extractivism” as another unaccounted colonial harm.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:1:"3";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:2:"11";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"4";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";N;s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2025-12-26 18:25:00";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2025-12-26 10:44:59";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202512/image_870x580_694e66c33a777.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202512/image_870x_694e66c344715.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202512/image_694x532_694e66c34e5a3.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202512/image_430x256_694e66c3542c3.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202512/image_140x98_694e66c35796a.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:10:"Mary Adofo";s:11:"author_slug";s:10:"mary-adofo";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}i:14;O:8:"stdClass":45:{s:2:"id";s:1:"1";s:7:"lang_id";s:1:"1";s:5:"title";s:87:"US Air Strikes ISIL Targets in Northwest Nigeria, Abuja Pushes Back on Trump’s Claims";s:4:"slug";s:83:"us-air-strikes-isil-targets-in-northwest-nigeria-abuja-pushes-back-on-trumps-claims";s:10:"title_hash";N;s:8:"keywords";s:34:"Strikes against northwest, Nigeria";s:7:"summary";N;s:7:"content";s:2237:"<p>Nigeria has confirmed that the United States carried out air strikes against suspected ISIL (ISIS) fighters in the country’s northwest, but the federal government has rejected claims by former US President Donald Trump that the attacks were aimed at protecting Christians from persecution.<br>In a statement, the Nigerian authorities acknowledged the strikes but stressed that the country’s security challenges are far more complex than being framed as religiously motivated violence. According to the government, armed groups operating across Nigeria target both Muslim and Christian communities, and suggestions that Christians are uniquely persecuted misrepresent the situation on the ground and overlook efforts by Nigerian authorities to safeguard religious freedom.</p>
<p><img src="https://news.xgentgroup.com/uploads/images/202512/image_870x_694e6226002f6.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><br>Trump had announced that the US military struck ISIL fighters in northwest Nigeria, claiming the group had “targeted and viciously” killed “primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.” His remarks have sparked debate, with Nigerian officials insisting that terrorism and banditry in the country cut across religious lines.<br>Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is battling multiple armed groups, including at least two with links to ISIL. These include the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an offshoot of Boko Haram operating mainly in the northeast, and the lesser-known Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), locally referred to as Lakurawa, which is active in the northwest.<br>While US and Nigerian officials did not specify which group was targeted in the air strikes, security analysts believe the operation likely focused on Lakurawa fighters. The group has grown increasingly lethal over the past year, particularly in border states such as Sokoto and Kebbi, where it has carried out attacks on remote communities and security forces.<br>The Nigerian government maintains that it continues to work with international partners to address the security threat, while also pursuing a balanced approach that protects all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.</p>";s:11:"category_id";s:1:"3";s:8:"image_id";s:1:"1";s:12:"optional_url";N;s:9:"pageviews";s:1:"4";s:13:"comment_count";s:1:"0";s:9:"need_auth";s:1:"0";s:12:"slider_order";s:1:"1";s:14:"featured_order";s:1:"1";s:12:"is_scheduled";s:1:"0";s:10:"visibility";s:1:"1";s:17:"show_right_column";s:1:"1";s:9:"post_type";s:7:"article";s:10:"video_path";N;s:13:"video_storage";s:5:"local";s:9:"image_url";N;s:9:"video_url";N;s:16:"video_embed_code";N;s:7:"user_id";s:1:"4";s:6:"status";s:1:"1";s:7:"feed_id";N;s:8:"post_url";N;s:13:"show_post_url";s:1:"0";s:17:"image_description";s:33:"Strikes against northwest Nigeria";s:17:"show_item_numbers";s:1:"0";s:14:"is_poll_public";s:1:"1";s:15:"link_list_style";s:156:"a:3:{i:1;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:5:"style";s:4:"none";s:6:"status";i:0;}}";s:11:"recipe_info";N;s:9:"post_data";N;s:10:"updated_at";s:19:"2025-12-26 18:23:20";s:10:"created_at";s:19:"2025-12-26 10:26:34";s:10:"image_data";s:337:"img_bg::uploads/images/202512/image_870x580_694e6225e7ac0.jpg||img_df::uploads/images/202512/image_870x_694e6226002f6.jpg||img_sl::uploads/images/202512/image_694x532_694e6226105e3.jpg||img_md::uploads/images/202512/image_430x256_694e62261b464.jpg||img_sm::uploads/images/202512/image_140x98_694e62261ee61.jpg||img_mi::jpg||img_st::local";s:13:"category_name";s:10:"World News";s:13:"category_slug";s:10:"world-news";s:14:"category_color";s:7:"#1565c0";s:15:"author_username";s:10:"Mary Adofo";s:11:"author_slug";s:10:"mary-adofo";s:15:"lang_short_form";s:2:"en";}}}