Metro

Latest al-Shabab killings stir demand for withdrawal of Kenyan troops from Somalia

Published

3 years ago

March 22, 2022

Latest attacks of deadly terrorist group, al-Shabab on Kenyan soldiers in Kilgoris, south-western Kenya has stirred the demands of withdrawal of Kenya troops from Somalia by Kenyans.

The attack, which killed 35 year-old Kenyan soldier, Mr. Johnson ole Kiyaipi, and nine of his associates have left families of the deceased frustrated as there has been no official statement on the attack.

“How many other young men are we going to lose before our boys are brought back home? How many more families should bear the pain of this war fought in distant lands?” asked Johnson’s elder brother, Dr Joel ole Kiyiapi.

“If our boys should die, they should die protecting our country within our borders.”

In January, the U.S. military says its troop withdrawal from Somalia is complete, in one of the last actions of President Donald Trump’s presidency.

Report from Kenya says “family members of soldiers are angry about the government’s silence when Kenyan troops die in action. They say the blackout and lack of public honouring is disrespectful. The authorities have not explained why they keep quiet about military deaths.”

Wife of one of the slain soldiers, who could not hold back her tears while her scribbled tribute for the late husband was read out by a friend: “Your children and I will miss you and your lovely smile. Shine on your way my love,” the speech read.

Another relative of the deceased, Prof. Kiyaipi said he was surprised there was no debate amongst lawmakers or the public about the goal of Kenyan forces in Somalia.

“We need to rethink our strategy and have a clear end-date for our troops there. It cannot be an indefinite mission and we sure can’t afford to keep losing our young men in this war,” he told newsmen.

“Every fallen soldier is a father, a son, a daughter. The president needs to publicly acknowledge our heroes,” he continued.

“We are the taxpayers and the government has a responsibility of being open,” he said.

Kenyan troops have suffered many attacks from the deadly al-Shabab. In 2021, a massive bomb attack in Lamu County near the Somali border targeting a Kenyan military convoy killed fifteen soldiers. There have been several other attacks that have left hundreds of soldiers dead with al-Shabab claiming responsibility.

Kenya Defence Forces entered southern Somalia 2011 years ago under a special operation called The Operation Linda Nchi . The Kenyan government declared the operation completed in March 2012, but its forces then joined AMISOM in Somalia with Kenya forces still on ground.

Metro

Lungu: Zambian law association calls for respect of court decisions

Published

18 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has called on citizens to respect court decisions amid widespread criticism over the barring of ex-President Edgar Lungu from contesting the 2026 presidential election by the Constitutional Court.

The association, while reacting to the ruling, urged those affected by the court’s judgement to respect its decision.

The Constitutional Court had determined that Lungu was ineligible to contest future elections, having already served two terms as Republican President, but the ruling has generated criticism from Lungu and opposition figures who see it as a ploy by President Hakainde Hichilema to silence the opposition.

However, LAZ, in a statement issued by its President Lungisani Zulu, noted that the decision departs from the Court’s earlier rulings in cases such as Daniel Pule and Others vs Attorney General and Others, Bampi Aubrey Kapalasa and Another vs The Attorney General, and Legal Resources Foundation vs Edgar Lungu and the Attorney General.

Zulu expressed concern over the potential risks posed by inconsistent rulings from the apex court, cautioning that such fluctuations could erode public confidence in the Judiciary.

However, Zulu reiterated the importance of respecting the Court’s authority.

“Under Part 8 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, judicial authority, derived from the people of Zambia, is vested in the courts, which have the final say on constitutional interpretation,” he stated.

Zulu further stressed that the Constitutional Court plays a critical role in settling constitutional disputes and underscored the need for citizens to uphold the integrity of governance institutions, including the judiciary.

“At the same time, in line with Article 118 of the Constitution, we strongly remind the Judiciary to ensure that judicial power is exercised in a just and fair manner,” he added.

The LAZ President expressed hope that consistent and fair judicial decisions would enhance accountability and maintain public confidence in the Judiciary, a cornerstone of Zambia’s democratic governance.

Metro

Nigeria: President Tinubu’s reforms, economic policies yielding positive results— Minister

Published

18 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has backed the reforms and economic policies embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu since coming into office in 2023, saying they are yielding significant positive results despite the hardship currently being faced by citizens.

Matawalle, who disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director, Information and Public Relations in Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, said Tinubu’s policies, which include the new tax reforms and several key reforms across various sectors, were already contributing to a turnaround in the country’s economy and would, in the long run, be of benefit to all Nigerians.

The former Zamfara State governor also urged critics of the Tinubu administration, particular those from Northern Nigeria, to be positive in their narrations.

“In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, I urge critics to be positive in their narratives,” he said in the statement.

“I also call on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.

“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalise our economy through a series of effective policies, programmes, and reforms.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognise the positive changes taking place,” the minister said.

Highlighting the new tax reforms, Matawalle described them as pivotal elements in the country’s economic turnaround, emphasizing that the reforms were designed to create a more equitable tax system, which would enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.

“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.

“These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle explained.

According to him, this will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.