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JUST IN: Heavy Gunfire In Sudan As Eid Ceasefire Calls Ignored

Published

3 years ago

April 21, 2023

Sudan’s warring forces battled Friday with heavy gunfire and explosions in the capital Khartoum and elsewhere in the country, as they ignored appeals by world powers for an end-of-Ramadan ceasefire.

More than 300 people have been killed and thousands wounded since the fighting erupted Saturday between forces loyal to Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the commander of the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who is commonly known as Hemeti.

The Central Committee of Sudan Doctors said that overnight, as the Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of the Muslim Ramadan month of fasting began, “several areas of Khartoum were bombed” and reported “shelling and clashes” for the sixth straight night.

Khartoum has seen some of the fiercest fighting with air strikes and tanks firing in densely packed districts, with most of its five million people sheltering at home in baking heat without electricity, food or water. Communications are heavily disrupted.

Both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called separately for a ceasefire of “at least” three days to mark Eid, as explosions and gunfire resounded in Khartoum.

The RSF, a powerful force formed from members of the Janjaweed militia that led years of extreme violence in the western Darfur region, said they would commit to a 72-hour ceasefire starting at dawn (0400 GMT).

But, like two previous declared 24-hour ceasefires, it failed to take hold.

The crackle of intense gunfire continued Friday morning, with columns of black smoke rising across the capital.

– ‘Nightmare scenario’ –

On Thursday, dozens of Burhan loyalists protested in Port Sudan against the presence of the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, which has been accused of links to Daglo.

“No to the foreign interference in the country’s affairs,” read a banner they carried.

Analysts have warned of countries across the region being dragged into the conflict.

For the first time since hostilities began a week ago, Burhan appeared on television.

“For Eid this year, our country is bleeding: destruction, desolation and the sound of bullets have taken precedence over joy,” he said in a pre-recorded video, which showed him sitting behind a desk in military uniform.

“We hope that we will come out of this ordeal more united… a single army, a single people… towards a civilian power.”

The International Crisis Group (IGC) warned urgent steps were needed to stop a descent into “full-blown civil war”, warning “the nightmare scenario that many feared in Sudan is unfolding.”

The World Food Programme warned the violence could plunge millions more into hunger in a country where 15 million people — one-third of the population — need aid.

It has suspended its Sudan operations after the killing of three WFP workers on Saturday.

Burhan and Daglo’s bitter dispute centred on the planned integration of the RSF into the regular army, a key condition for a final deal aimed at restoring Sudan’s democratic transition.

– ‘They don’t care’ –

Civilians are becoming increasingly desperate with thousands risking the dangerous streets to flee Khartoum, with many reporting streets strewn with corpses.

“This is a mere power struggle,” said Abdul Wahid Othman, a 53-year-old in Khartoum. “They don’t care about poor citizens who have been left without water, electricity… and water.”

International efforts are being planned for the potential evacuation of citizens, including with the United States deploying forces for the possible airlift of US embassy staff.

Medics have warned of a catastrophe, with over two-thirds of hospitals in Khartoum and neighbouring states rendered “out of service” by the fighting, the doctors’ union said.

Four hospitals in Obeid in North Kordofan state had also been “shelled”.

The World Health Organization said it had reports of almost 330 people killed and 3,200 wounded across Sudan, but medics fear the death toll is likely to be far higher, with many wounded unable to reach hospitals.

Burhan and Daglo toppled autocratic president Omar al-Bashir together in April 2019 following massive protests against his three decades of iron-fisted rule.

In October 2021, they again worked together in a coup to oust the civilian government installed after Bashir’s downfall, derailing an internationally backed transition to democracy.

“With neither Burhan nor Hemeti appearing ready to back down, the situation could get much worse,” the ICG think tank said, adding that while some analysts thought the army would succeed in on its “home turf” in Khartoum, the risk of an all-out conflict remained.

“Even if the army eventually does secure the capital, and Hemeti retreats to Darfur, a civil war could well follow, with potentially destabilising impact in neighbouring Chad, the Central African Republic, Libya and South Sudan”, the ICG added.

Headline

UK Introduces Powers To Seize Phones, SIM Cards From Illegal Migrants

Published

1 day ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

The United Kingdom has rolled out expanded enforcement powers allowing authorities to confiscate mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants who enter the country illegally.

The new measures, which do not require an arrest, came into force on Monday at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent and represent a significant tightening of border controls.

According to the Home Office, the powers are intended to support intelligence-gathering operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks that organise and profit from dangerous Channel crossings.

Officials at the centre are equipped with technology that enables them to extract and analyse data from seized devices, a move the government says will help track and dismantle smuggling rings.

Under the revised rules, migrants are permitted to be asked to remove outer garments if there is suspicion that phones are being concealed.

In certain circumstances, officers may also check mouths for hidden SIM cards or small electronic items.

The National Crime Agency said information recovered from devices could accelerate investigations and improve the effectiveness of action against organised crime groups.

Border Security Minister Alex Norris said the policy was necessary to regain control of the UK’s borders and confront human trafficking operations.

“We are committed to restoring order and tackling the people-smuggling gangs behind this lethal trade,” Norris said.

Headline

PROPHECY: Primate Ayodele Reveals Trump’s Plot Against Tinubu

Published

2 days ago

January 4, 2026

Editor

Primate Ayodele and Tinubu, Tinubu’s rice palliative, Primate Ayodele to Tinubu
Tinubu and Primate Ayodele
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that US President Donald Trump is after removing him from office.

This comes amid the removal of Vanezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by Donald Trump.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed Sunday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, made it known that the US President has ‘caged’ Tinubu and his plan is to ultimately see that he is removed from office.

He stated that the support the US is giving Nigeria to fight insecurity isn’t for nothing other than ways to penetrate the government.

“Trump is adamant to remove President Tinubu. America will be part of those who will be against Tinubu. You may not see it as I am being shown, and that’s why I am saying Trump is after removing Tinubu, that’s it and nothing more.”

The cleric made it known that, despite US’ help, Nigeria will continue to fight insecurity, but the ulterior motive of the US President isn’t about ending insecurity in the country.

“Nigeria will still continue to fight insecurity, but either they fight it or not, Trump is focused on removing Tinubu from office, but he doesn’t know it yet. He isn’t after ending insecurity in the country, he knows what he wants and won’t stop at nothing towards achieving it.”

He urged the president to take a bold political step to overcome the plans of the US president; otherwise, he will end up succeeding with his plans.

“Tinubu must take a very bold step to overcome the plans of Trump, because he has caged him already. Tinubu must not relent his efforts and bring up strategies for him to succeed otherwise, he would be at the losing end while his defeat would be celebrated,” he added.

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JAPA: Top Six Countries To Obtain Easiest Citizenship

Published

1 week ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

As a Nigerian considering relocation plans, interest in countries with clear and less complicated citizenship pathways is a smart way to not just guarantee greener pastures, but also provide you with the opportunity to feel more at home in a foreign land. While some of the programmes are ancestry-based, others allow Nigerians with such a link to try other means.

Contents
1. Dominica
2. Ireland
3. Turkey
4. Portugal
5. Vanuatu
6. Italy
Though rules vary widely across borders, some nations stand out for offering citizenship through investment or family ties with fewer hurdles and faster processing timelines.

Below are the top six countries with the easiest citizenship:

1. Dominica
Dominica operates a citizenship-by-investment programme that allows applicants to qualify through a contribution to the government’s Economic Diversification Fund or by investing in approved real estate. Processing typically takes a few months. Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone. There is no residency requirement, and dual citizenship is permitted.

2. Ireland
Ireland provides a clear citizenship pathway for individuals with Irish ancestry. Those with an Irish-born parent qualify automatically, while people with an Irish-born grandparent can apply through the Foreign Births Register. An Irish passport grants full European Union rights, including freedom of movement across EU countries. Dual citizenship is allowed, and there is no language requirement for applicants applying by descent.

3. Turkey
Turkey offers a fast-track citizenship option through investment. Foreign nationals who purchase qualifying real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000 can obtain citizenship within a few months. The programme does not require residency or renunciation of an existing nationality. Turkish passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries, with ongoing efforts to expand travel agreements.

4. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme provides a residency-to-citizenship route for foreign investors. After five years of legal residence and meeting programme conditions, applicants may apply for citizenship. Approved investment options include venture capital funds and other qualifying assets. Successful applicants gain an EU passport, access to the Schengen Area, and dual citizenship, subject to passing a basic Portuguese language test.

5. Vanuatu
Vanuatu runs one of the world’s fastest citizenship programmes. Through its Development Support Programme, eligible applicants can receive citizenship in as little as two months after making the required financial contribution. The country offers visa-free access to over 100 destinations and has no tax on global income or capital gains. Residency requirements are minimal.

6. Italy
Italy grants citizenship by descent to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent, following a 2025 legal update that tightened eligibility rules. Applicants must provide official documents proving a direct family link to an Italian ancestor. Italian citizenship comes with full EU rights, wide visa-free travel, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations. Dual nationality is allowed, and no language test is required for descent-based applications.
(Tribune)