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ECOWAS, US, France Condemn Military Take-Over in Burkina Faso

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ECOWAS, US, France Condemn Military Take-Over in Burkina Faso

ECOWAS, US, France Condemn Military Take-Over in Burkina Faso

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the coup d’etat in Burkina Faso, describing it as a step backward.

The regional body had in two separate statements on the military take-over of government in the West African countries condemned the action in its entirety.

In an early statement when the military had not explicitly came out to declare a take-over, the body said: “ECOWAS is following with great concern the political and security developments in Burkina Faso since Sunday, 23 January 2022, characterized by an attempted coup d’état.

 “ECOWAS condemns this extremely serious act which cannot be tolerated under the relevant regulations.

 “It holds the military responsible for the physical integrity of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. ECOWAS calls on the military to return to their barracks, to maintain a republican posture and to give priority to dialogue with the authorities to resolve the problems.”

The body came out with a new statement when the picture became clearer that military was not going to change its posture. The statement read that: “ECOWAS notes that, despite calls by the regional and international community for calm and respect for constitutional legality, the situation in Burkina Faso is characterised by a military coup d’état on Monday 24 January 2022, following the resignation of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, obtained under the threat, intimidation and pressure of the military after two days of mutiny.

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this military takeover which marks a major step backwards for Burkina Faso. An extraordinary ECOWAS summit will be held in the coming days to examine this situation.”

Sanctions are expected to be issued after the extraordinary meeting by ECOWAS against Burkina Faso to compel the military to retrace their steps.

In a similar development, the United States has equally condemned the military putsch,

A statement by the spokesman of Unites States Department of State, Ned Price, read: “The United States is deeply concerned by events in Burkina Faso. We note that military officers have asserted that they have dissolved the government and national assembly and suspended the constitution. 

“We are also deeply concerned by reports of the January 23 detention of Burkina Faso’s President, Roch Marc Kaboré, by members of Burkina Faso’s military. We condemn these acts and call on those responsible to deescalate the situation, prevent harm to President Kaboré and any other members of his government in detention, and return to civilian-led government and constitutional order. 

“We acknowledge the tremendous stress on Burkinabé society and security forces posed by ISIS and JNIM but urge military officers to step back, return to their barracks, and address their concerns through dialogue. 

“The United States is closely monitoring this fluid situation, and we call for restraint by all actors as we carefully review the events on the ground for any potential impact on our assistance.”

Also, the French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the military take-over.

Also Read: 2023: Against Odds, Tinubu still a sellable material for…

In his reaction to coup d’etat during an interview by Radio France Internationale (RFI), Macron: “As you know, France is present in the region to fight terrorism. And I am constantly committed to working alongside regional bodies. ECOWAS condemned yesterday this new coup d’état, which was led by the military. And since President Kaboré has been democratically elected by his people twice, France supports the position of ECOWAS. Our priority is obviously that his physical integrity is preserved and that calm is maintained. 

“Today it is too early to go into more detail, if I may say so, in the characterisation of the situation in Burkina Faso. And it is clear that this situation remains worrying in view of what has happened since the summer of 2020 in Mali and what has happened in recent months in Guinea. And I think that the region must be supported in its desire to maintain civil transitions and democratic elections. In addition to this, I would like to remind you that our priority in the region is obviously to continue to fight against Islamist terrorism, which continues to wreak havoc in Mali, but also in Burkina Faso, which has been the target of numerous terrorist attacks in recent times.”

He added that: “Moreover, when we look at the demands, the motivations of the coup plotters, it is clear that the security situation and the blows that have been dealt to both the army and the civilian population by these terrorist groups is a determining factor in this rebellion. So our desire is in close collaboration with ECOWAS on the one hand, but also with all the states involved, what we call the Accra Initiative, to fight against all forms of terrorism in the region, and to stand by the states and the people.”

On whether he entertains fear that other countries will suffer from what are called popular coups, Macron said: “We must not underestimate the fatigue and exhaustion created by the permanent attacks of terrorist groups, which weaken the armed forces on the one hand, and which also profoundly weaken the link with the population and the legitimate institutions. So, this is also why, if we want to fight for education, economic emancipation, stability in these democratically elected countries and for the sovereignty of the states, it is important to continue to intensify the fight against terrorism.”

The French President said he does not yet have any information about the deposed Burkina Faso’s President.

He said: “I don’t have any more information than that which has been passed on. It was confirmed to me last night that he was in good health and that he was not under threat. I hope that this will be officially guaranteed in the next few hours and that we will collectively ensure that he and his family are placed in safety.”

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Cuba Condemns Reintroduction of Sanction by Trump

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Cuba Condemns Reintroduction of Sanction by Trump


…Describes US President Imperialist

By: Michael Mike

Cuban Government has condemned the reintroduction by US President Donald Trump of tough economic warfare measures against Cuba, stating that it “proves the aggressiveness of US imperialism against the sovereignty, peace and welfare of the Cuban people.”

A statement by the Cuban Revolutionary Government read: “US President Donald Trump lashes out against Cuba from day one and without pretext. The decision to reinstate the tough economic warfare measures against Cuba, which his predecessor removed just days before, proves the aggressiveness of US imperialism against the sovereignty, peace and welfare of the Cuban people. These measures comprise the inclusion of our country, once again, in the arbitrary list of States that allegedly sponsor terrorism, a designation that shows an absolute disregard for the truth.

“This is no surprise. The statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of January 14 already warned: “that the government of that country could reverse in the future the measures adopted today, as has happened on other occasions and as a sign of the lack of legitimacy, ethics, consistency and reason in its conduct against Cuba”. It also affirmed that “U.S. politicians do not usually stop to find honest justification…” That is how they run their government in that country.”

The statement added that: “Trump has construed his coming to power as the coronation of an emperor. His ambition comprises, just to begin with, the conquest of Canada, the usurpation of Greenland, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and stripping the Panamanians of their canal. The hegemonic Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny, which were enforced with blood and fire in Latin America and the Caribbean, are the driving force of the new government team.

“Those groups and politicians, who have made aggression against Cuba a way of life, profited for decades from the anti-Cuban business and today share the heady intoxication of the new president, are associated with him. They all bear a heavy responsibility in the difficult economic situation of the country and in the increase of the migratory flow from Cuba to the United States.

“This new act of aggression by the US government against the Cuban people shows, once again, the true, cruel and merciless purpose of these and so many other measures of siege and asphyxiation against Cuba for sake of dominating it. It constitutes a reaction of impotence given their inability to bend our will and the respect, sympathy and support that the Revolution commands among the peoples of the world.”

The statement lamented that: “The tightening of the economic blockade and the new aggressive measures will continue to weigh, with very harmful effects, on our economy, the standard of living, the potential for development and the legitimate dreams of justice and well-being of the Cuban people, as has been the case in recent years.”

The statement however assured that: “They will not deflect us from the Socialist course, from our determination to recover the economy, promote the widest possible solidarity, creativity, talent, spirit of work, and defend freedom, independence, sovereignty and the privilege of building a future without foreign interference as an ironclad stronghold.”

“The Cuban people appreciate the numerous expressions of support and solidarity received from all over the world, from governments, Cubans living abroad, parliaments, political, religious and social organisations, and political leaders from the United States and other countries.
No one should be mistaken. The Cuban people expressed itself with clear determination and force during the December 20 march. The conviction that CUBA WILL OVERCOME is what prevails here,” the statement further added.

Cuba Condemns Reintroduction of Sanction by Trump

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Ceasefire Announced: Gaza Emerges Triumphant Over The Zionist Regime

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Ceasefire Announced: Gaza Emerges Triumphant Over The Zionist Regime

By: Husaini Mohammed Isa

The unbreakable spirit of Palestinian resistance has compelled Israel into a humiliating ceasefire after failing to achieve any of its war aims.

After 15 months of Israel’s brutal genocide in Gaza, Israel has exposed to the world its true nature of barbarism, racial supremacy and oppression.

In stark contrast, the Palestinian people have displayed breathtaking heroism, dignity and resilience in the face of the US-backed Zionist onslaught, and are now beginning to see the fruits of their struggle.

As we celebrate this moment of triumph and jubilation with the Palestinians, we also acknowledge that their fight for liberation continues and we will continue to support them with prayers for them to succeed.

It is our duty in Nigeria to stand firmly with them and support their noble cause until full victory over the Zionist enemy is achieved.

Ceasefire Announced: Gaza Emerges Triumphant Over The Zionist Regime

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Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives Nigeria

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Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi will arrive in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday for an official visit.

According to a press statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the visiting Foreign Minister who is also a Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China will be received on arrival by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Ebienfa said: “During his visit, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi will meet with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar OON, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja on Thursday 9th January 2025 for bilateral talks that will focus on strengthening relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

“The visiting foreign minister will also pay a courtesy call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to deliver a special message from the Chinese President at the Presidential Villa.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives Nigeria

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