Category Archives: POLITICS

South Korea authorities in standoff to arrest impeached leader Yoon

Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials arrive at the residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, on January 3, 2025 [Lee Jin-man/AP Photo]

Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials arrive at the residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, on January 3, 2025 [Lee Jin-man/AP Photo]

DEVELOPING STORY, Yoon’s security team blocking investigators from executing arrest warrant, local media says. South Korean authorities are locked in a standoff with President Yoon Suk-yeol’s security team after arriving at the impeached leader’s residence to execute an arrest warrant over his short-lived declaration of martial law. Dozens of police and anticorruption investigators arrived at Yoon’s compound in Seoul early on Friday morning to detain the embattled leader only to be blocked by the Presidential Security Service (PSS). PSS chief Park Jong-joon denied entry to investigators after citing restrictions on secured areas, the state-funded Yonhap News Agency reported, citing anonymous police sources. “[Corruption Investigation Office] prosecutors and investigators are in a standoff with the Presidential Security Service in front of the residence after moving past the first and second barriers,”

South Koreas acting president faces impeachment vote as won plunges

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks in Seoul, South Korea, on December 8, 2024 [Lee Jin-man/AP Photo]

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks in Seoul, South Korea, on December 8, 2024 [Lee Jin-man/AP Photo]

Main opposition Democratic Party’s bid to suspend acting leader Han Duck-soo plunges country into further uncertainty. South Korea’s legislature is set to vote on the impeachment of its acting president as ongoing turmoil in Asia’s fourth-largest economy sent the won plunging to levels not seen since the 2007-2009 global financial crisis. The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) is pushing to impeach Han Duck-soo, the prime minister, in a vote at the National Assembly on Friday after accusing the acting president of being complicit in an attempted insurrection by suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol. The DP, which holds 170 seats in the 300-member legislature, submitted the impeachment motion on Thursday after Han refused to fill three judicial vacancies on the court set to adjudicate Yoon’s impeachment trial following his short-lived declaration of

Introduce bill of responsibilities to tame reckless use of social media

With the surge in actions that stretch the boundaries of our cherished freedoms, from derogatory name-calling to the dissemination of AI-generated images depicting the president in a casket, the line between constructive criticism and outright disrespect has become increasingly blurred. A session ongoing in the National Assembly. Photo: National Assembly.Source: Twitter Such actions not only undermine the dignity of the presidency but also erode the respect integral to our national ethos. The abduction, reportedly in connection with posting AI-generated images of President William Ruto, has intensified public concern over the balance between freedom of expression and respect for leadership. While the Bill of Rights enshrined in our Constitution grants us freedoms that are the envy of many, it is imperative to recognize that these rights come with inherent responsibilities. The

Karua to Ruto: Manage your anger and stop insulting Kenyans

Narc Kenya Martha Karua. [Standard] Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has told President William Ruto to manage his anger and stop using bad language towards Kenyans demanding accountability. She said Ruto’s rage, laden with insults, will not cow Kenyans from asking tough questions about poor economic policies and runaway graft. Speaking in Ikolomani constituency, Kakamega County, Karua said President Ruto should focus on delivering what Kenyans are demanding and stop calling Kenyans bad names. “We want to tell Ruto and his government to stop getting angry at Kenyans and instead work on what the people are demanding of him to do,” said Karua. She added, “Ruto should contain his anger. The language he is using is inappropriate and not presidential; it does not bring harmony. People know what they want

William Kabogo pledges to serve Kenyans diligently if approved by MPs: “Without bias”

William Kabogo said he is ready to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy The former Kiambu governor pledged to directly engage with Kenyans, travelling across the country to monitor the implementation of key projects Kabogo called on all Kenyans to support the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government’s development agenda Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya. Nairobi—William Kabogo, the former Kiambu Governor and nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy, has committed to delivering fair and equitable services to all Kenyans. Former Kiambu governor William Kabogo was recently nominated to the Cabinet. Photo: William Kabogo.Source: UGC What did William Kabogo pledge to Kenyans? Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Kabogo emphasised

How to send information on suspected acts of corruption & state capture to Team ORAL

How to send information on suspected acts of corruption & state capture to Team ORAL

How to send information on suspected acts of corruption & state capture to Team ORAL

The Anti-Corruption Preparatory Team established by President-elect John Dramani Mahama has introduced new platforms to encourage public reporting of corruption.  Dubbed Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), the initiative aims to combat corruption and state capture as part of the incoming administration’s efforts to promote accountability.   Reporting channels   A press statement by the Mahama Transition Team, spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the launch of interactive and secure platforms for citizens to report suspected acts of corruption.   “Members of the public wishing to share any information on suspected acts of corruption can reach the team on the toll-free number 0800 900 111, its website, www.oralgh.org, or via email through [email protected],” the statement outlined.   The public was further assured that “information sent to the team will be handled expeditiously

Bangladesh faces election uncertainty amid unrest and weakened police force

Bangladesh’s caretaker government’s vow to hold fresh elections as early as next year or early 2026 faces a severe test amid rising unrest and expert warnings that a depleted and demoralised police force may struggle to restore order. The country’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, said on Monday that the voting schedule will depend on electoral reforms, political consensus, and an accurate voters’ list. Opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of two dominant parties in the country alongside the Awami League, have called for elections to be held as soon as possible. Analysts say conducting a credible poll will require stabilising the country’s security landscape, which has been marred by attacks on minorities. Recent incidents, such as the detention of a Hindu priest and reports of

Is Indonesian kingmaker Joko Widodo planning a political comeback?

Despite having stepped down as Indonesia ’s president, Joko Widodo continues to cast a large shadow over the country’s political arena as speculation mounts about his future including the possibility of him forming a party. After handing the presidency to his successor Prabowo Subianto in October, Widodo returned to his hometown of Solo, seemingly ready to take a break from politics. However, ahead of regional elections in November, Widodo re-emerged and actively campaigned for candidates linked to Prabowo’s grand Onward Indonesia Coalition (KIM). In Central Java, Widodo was photographed riding a white, open-cabin jeep, joining a parade for Ahmad Luthfi, his preferred candidate who won the race to become the province’s governor. The ex-president reportedly distributed election T-shirts, including one that listed his achievements as a leader, to thousands of

Julius Malema re-elected as EFF president, Gordrich Gardee fills in Floyd Shivambus deputy position

The Economic Freedom Fighters' newly elected top six leadership — treasurer general Omphile Maotwe; chairperson Noluthando Notshuku; deputy president Godrich Gardee; president Julius Malema; secretary general Marshal Dlamini; and deputy secretary-general Leigh-Ann Mathys, after their election at the 3rd National People's Assembly at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Picture: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers

The Economic Freedom Fighters' newly elected top six leadership — treasurer general Omphile Maotwe; chairperson Noluthando Notshuku; deputy president Godrich Gardee; president Julius Malema; secretary general Marshal Dlamini; and deputy secretary-general Leigh-Ann Mathys, after their election at the 3rd National People's Assembly at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Picture: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers

The newly elected leadership of the Economic Freedom Fighters was elected unopposed at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday. Julius Malema was re-elected president and Godrich Gardee was elected as deputy president replacing Floyd Shivambu. Malema’s re-election means this will be his third term as the party’s leader and he is the only president the EFF has ever had. Voting did not take place and the results were announced immediately because all those nominated, ran unopposed.  Shivambu resigned in August to join the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party as the national organiser. He has since been appointed as the party’s secretary-general. This is the position that many EFF members wanted EFF head of political education, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, to fill within the party but the move collapsed before it could reach

Outcry after RFK Jr linked to effort to nix US approval for polio vaccine

Robert Kennedy Jr leaves the New York Stock Exchange following a ceremony with President-elect Donald Trump on December 12 [Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo]

Robert Kennedy Jr leaves the New York Stock Exchange following a ceremony with President-elect Donald Trump on December 12 [Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo]

Backlash has been building in the United States following a news report that links one of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed cabinet members to an effort to revoke approval for the polio vaccine. On Saturday, The Associated Press news agency published a statement from a spokesperson for Robert F Kennedy Jr, whom Trump has nominated to lead the Health and Human Services Department. In the statement, Kennedy’s camp attempted to distance the nominee from a New York Times report that his lawyer Aaron Siri had petitioned to suspend approval for the life-saving vaccine. “Mr Kennedy believes the Polio Vaccine should be available to the public and thoroughly and properly studied,” Katie Miller, Kennedy’s spokesperson, said. But The New York Times article has raised alarm about Kennedy’s nomination to Health and Human

Elections 2024: Ghana Fact-checking Coalition records over 100 false publications

 The Ghana Fact-checking Coalition, a group of fact-checkers, has reported over 100 false publica­tions related to the 2024 elections in its Election 2024 Media Situa­tion Room. According to the coalition’s findings, 85.3 per cent of the false narratives were spread on social media, followed by 8.8 per cent on television stations, 4.4 per cent on news websites, and 1.5 per cent on radio stations. Mr Kwaku Krobea Asante, Coordinator of the Coalition, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Media Situation Room in Accra. The data was collected and an­alysed over the course of a week, covering publications before, during, and after the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Mr Asante noted that political parties were the primary targets of misinformation and disinfor­mation. He added that the two main

Macron names centrist Bayrou as French PM in bid to end political instability

Getty Images François Bayrou has long been a centrist ally of President Macron President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist leader François Bayrou as France’s next prime minister, in a bid to end months of political turmoil. A Macron ally, Bayrou is a mayor from the southwest and leads the MoDem party. Ahead of the announcement, the two men spent almost two hours in talks described as tense by French media. The president’s task is now to ensure Bayrou lasts longer than his predecessor. Former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier was ousted by MPs nine days ago. Macron is half-way through his second term as president and Bayrou will be his fourth prime minister this year. French politics has been deadlocked ever since Macron called snap parliamentary elections during the summer. An

Citizens Have a Duty To Respect Decisions Of The Courts Of Law- LAZ

Citizens have a duty to respect decisions of the duly constituted courts of law: LAZ reaction to the constitutional court Judgement in the Eligibitlity case of Michelo Chizombe v Edgar Chagwa Lungu and others 2023/CCZ/0021 The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has closely monitored the developments surrounding the eligibility case of Michelo Chizombe vs. Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Others -2023/CCZ/0021 before the Constitutional Court. We acknowledge the significant public interest generated by this case,including the Judgment delivered today by the Court. By its Judgment, the Constitutional Court determined that Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the 1st Respondent is ineligible to contest any future elections having served two terms as President. This decision marks a departure from the Court’s earlier decision on the matter, specifically in the cases of Daniel Pule and

Another long-serving member ditches ANC for MK Party

Another long-serving member ditches ANC for MK Party.

Another long-serving member ditches ANC for MK Party.

A long-serving ANC leader Bethuel Mthethwa has quit the party to join former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Mthethwa is the former mayor of Jozini local municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). He is reportedly leaving while facing corruption allegations. He was subjected to the step-aside rule after an accusation of crime drawing back from when he was still the mayor. As reported by Scrolla, Mthethwa left because he believed the ANC no longer stands up for poor black people. According to Mthethwa, the ANC has turned into a newer version of the National Party (NP) because the party’s top leadership was doing what the NP did to black people in the past. “This is what they do whenever the organisation is heading to its elective conferences. “They make sure

Car torched, buildings painted with anti-Israel graffiti in Australia

Two people wearing face coverings and dark clothing were spotted near the area when the car caught fire in the eastern suburb of Woollahra. By REUTERS DECEMBER 11, 2024 09:30 View of the torched car in Sydney, Australia. December 11, 2024. (photo credit: Via Maariv) A car was set alight, and two properties spray painted with anti-Israel messages in Sydney just days after an arson attack at a synagogue in Melbourne, which is being investigated as terrorism, Australian authorities said on Wednesday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the latest attack, the second targeting the Jewish community in the Sydney suburb in three weeks, was an “outrage,” and he would be briefed on it soon by a new antisemitism task force. “This isn’t an attack on a government; this is an


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