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Thousands Of Coup Supporters Rally Near French Base In Niger

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Supporters of Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) hold a Niger flag (R) and a Russian flag (L) as they gather for a demonstration in Niamey on August 11, 2023 near a French airbase in Niger. AFP

Protesters Brandish Russia Flag

Thousands of coup supporters rallied near a French military base in Niger on Friday, a day after West African leaders said they would muster a “standby” force in their efforts to reinstate the country’s deposed leader.

Fears also mounted for elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted by members of his guard on July 26, with reports saying his detention conditions were deteriorating.

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Protesters near the base on the outskirts of the capital Niamey shouted “down with France, down with ECOWAS”, a reference to the West African bloc which on Thursday approved deployment of a “standby force to restore constitutional order”.

Many brandished Russian and Niger flags and yelled their support for the country’s new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani.

READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Full Speech At 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit On Niger Crisis

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“We are going to make the French leave! ECOWAS isn’t independent, it’s being manipulated by France,” said one demonstrator, Aziz Rabeh Ali, a member of a students’ union.

Former colonial power France has around 1,500 personnel in Niger as part of a force battling an eight-year-old jihadist insurgency.

It is facing growing hostility across the Sahel, withdrawing its anti-jihadist forces from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso last year after falling out with military governments that ousted elected leaders.

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Niger’s new leaders scrapped defence agreements with France last week, while a hostile protest outside the French embassy in Niamey on July 30 prompted Paris to evacuate its citizens.

Fears for Bazoum

The European Union and African Union joined others in sounding the alarm for Bazoum on Friday.

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Bazoum and his family, according to the latest information, have been deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

READ ALSO: Niger Crisis Requires Public Diplomacy – Mohammad Sanusi

UN rights chief Volker Turk said Bazoum’s reported detention conditions “could amount to inhuman and degrading treatment, in violation of international human rights law.”

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The AU echoed the concern, saying “such treatment of a democratically elected president” was “unacceptable”.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that the “coup plotters must face harsh consequences should anything happen” to Bazoum or his family.

A source close to Bazoum said “he’s OK, but the conditions are very difficult,” adding that the coup leaders had brandished the threat of assaulting him in the event of military intervention.

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Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it had spoken to Bazoum earlier this week. The 63-year-old described the treatment of him, his wife and their 20-year-old son as “inhuman and cruel”, HRW said.

READ ALSO:Niger Coup Leaders Ignore ECOWAS Threat, Form New Govt

“I’m not allowed to receive my family members (or) my friends who have been bringing food and other supplies to us,” the group quoted him as saying.

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“My son is sick, has a serious heart condition, and needs to see a doctor,” he was quoted as saying. “They’ve refused to let him get medical treatment.”

Intervention warning

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday approved the deployment of what it called a “standby force to restore constitutional order” in Niger following an emergency summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

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Chiefs of staff from ECOWAS members will meet on Saturday in Ghana’s capital Accra, regional military sources said on Friday.

The leaders did not provide any details on the force or any timetable for action, and emphasised they still wanted a peaceful solution.

Under pressure to stem a cascade of coups among its members, ECOWAS had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the coup leaders to return Bazoum to power.

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READ ALSO: Niger Coup: Russia’s President Putin Storms Burkina Faso, Meets Traore

But the regime defied the deadline, which expired on Sunday without any action being taken.

Troubled region

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Since 1990, the 15-country bloc has intervened among six of its members at times of civil war, insurrection or political turmoil.

But the possibility of intervention in deeply fragile Niger has sparked debate within its ranks and warnings from neighbouring Algeria as well as Russia.

Moscow on Friday said a military solution “could lead to a protracted confrontation” in Niger and “a sharp destabilisation” across the Sahel.

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Military-ruled ECOWAS members Mali and Burkina Faso have warned an intervention would be a “declaration of war” on their countries.

Countries in the arid western Sahel region are among the world’s poorest and most turbulent nations.

The latest coup is Niger’s fifth since the landlocked country gained independence from France in 1960.

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Like Mali and Burkina Faso, the country is struggling with a brutal jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives, forced many people from their homes and undermined faith in government.

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Trump Says Putin ‘Playing With Fire’ In New Jab At Russian Leader

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US President Donald Trump warned Vladimir Putin Tuesday that he was “playing with fire,” launching a fresh broadside at his Russian counterpart over stalled Ukraine peace efforts.

Trump’s latest comments came after he called the Kremlin leader “CRAZY” over the weekend following a mass Russian air attack on Kyiv, and warned that Moscow risked new sanctions.

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“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realise is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD,” Trump said on his Truth Social network Tuesday.

“He’s playing with fire!”

Trump did not specify what the “really bad” things were or make any specific threats.

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REA ALSO: Trump Revokes Harvard University’s Right To Enroll Foreign Students

But the Wall Street Journal and CNN both reported that Trump was now considering fresh sanctions against Russia as early as this week, while stressing that he could still change his mind.

Trump had told reporters on Sunday he was “absolutely” considering increasing sanctions on Moscow.

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The US president’s recent rebukes mark a major change from his previous attitude towards Putin, whom he often speaks of with admiration and has previously held off criticising.

Trump has, however, expressed increasing frustration with Moscow’s position in deadlocked truce negotiations with Kyiv.

READ ALSO: S/African President Meets Trump Over Rising Tensions

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That frustration boiled over at the weekend when Russia launched a record drone barrage at Ukraine, killing at least 13 people.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday night.

Russia’s attacks have continued despite a phone call between Trump and Putin eight days ago in which the US leader said the Russian president had agreed to “immediately” start ceasefire talks.

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Moscow on Tuesday accused Kyiv of trying to “disrupt” peace efforts and said its aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent days were a “response” to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians.

AFP

 

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Check Out World’s Richest King With 38 Private Jets, 300 Cars, 52 Golden Boats

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While there are countless billionaires around the world, few match the regal wealth and extravagant lifestyle of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand—better known as King Rama X. According to The Business Standard, he is considered the richest king in the world, with a staggering estimated net worth of Rs 3.7 lakh crore (approximately USD 43 billion).

Unlike typical billionaires, King Vajiralongkorn’s wealth is rooted in centuries-old royal lineage and further amplified by modern investments. His fortune, inherited largely after the passing of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016, has since been expanded through stakes in Thailand’s major companies and real estate holdings.

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The monarch owns over 17,000 properties in Bangkok alone, making him one of the largest landowners in the country. His luxury collection includes over 300 high-end cars, 38 private jets, and a fleet of 52 golden boats, which are used exclusively for royal ceremonies and reflect the opulence of Thailand’s monarchy.

Born in 1952, Vajiralongkorn is the only son of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. He received military education in the UK and Australia and is a trained jet and helicopter pilot. He graduated from the University of New South Wales with a degree in military studies and served in the Royal Thai Army, even taking part in anti-insurgency operations during the 1970s.

READ ALSO: King Charles III Hospitalized Amid Cancer Battle, Pulls Out Of Royal Engagements

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Despite his controversial personal life, including four marriages and frequent media scrutiny, King Vajiralongkorn remains a dominant symbol of Thailand’s royal legacy, luxury, and power.

Meanwhile, in India, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani continue to dominate the billionaire charts. As of May 2025, Ambani, with an estimated net worth of USD 92.5 billion, holds the title of India’s richest person. Adani follows with USD 56.3 billion, with investments spanning energy, ports, and infrastructure.

In contrast to corporate billionaires, King Vajiralongkorn stands out not only for his immense wealth but also for a lifestyle that rivals any global celebrity or monarch.

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Source: Financial Express

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Top 10 Courses To Study In Germany For High Employment Opportunities

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Here are 10 of the best courses to study in Germany—and why they stand out

Germany continues to attract international students with its tuition-free or low-cost public universities, globally respected degrees, and strong career prospects.

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With world-class infrastructure and many programs taught in English, Germany has become a go-to destination for higher education.

Here are 10 of the best courses to study in Germany—and why they stand out:

1. Mechanical Engineering

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Germany is a global hub for mechanical innovation, home to industry giants like BMW, Siemens, and Bosch. Programs emphasize research, design, and real-world applications, making graduates highly sought-after in Europe and beyond.

READ ALSO:10 Countries With Multiple Capital Cities

2. Computer Science & IT

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With a growing tech ecosystem, Germany offers excellent opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software development. Universities partner with startups and multinationals, giving students hands-on experience and strong job placement.

3. Business Administration & Management

Germany’s powerful economy and strategic location in Europe make it ideal for studying business. Courses blend theory and practice, often including internships with global firms in finance, marketing, or consulting.

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4. Electrical Engineering

This field powers Germany’s energy transition and automation advancements. Programs focus on electronics, robotics, and renewable energy systems, preparing graduates for high-tech careers with competitive salaries.

5. Medicine & Healthcare

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Germany offers rigorous medical training with strong clinical exposure. Though most programs require German proficiency, the high demand for doctors and healthcare professionals makes this a promising path with excellent job security.

READ ALSO:5 Asian Countries Nigerians Can Visit Without A Visa

6. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

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Germany is investing heavily in AI across sectors like finance, logistics, and health. These courses, often housed in computer science faculties, provide research-driven education with pathways into cutting-edge tech roles.

7. Automotive Engineering

Study in the birthplace of Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Courses emphasize vehicle design, sustainability, and automation, with direct pipelines into internships and jobs in the thriving German auto industry.

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8. Environmental Engineering

Germany’s leadership in renewable energy and sustainability makes this a timely field. Programs focus on waste management, water treatment, and climate solutions—ideal for those passionate about environmental change.

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9. Architecture

Combining history with innovation, Germany offers a dynamic environment for aspiring architects. Courses often highlight green design, urban planning, and energy-efficient construction, preparing students for the global market.

10. Psychology

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Mental health is gaining attention worldwide, and Germany is no exception. With a focus on clinical and organizational psychology, these programs open doors to healthcare, HR, education, and research roles.

 

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