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Family of real life ‘Hotel Rwanda’ hero files $400m suit against government following conviction

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Following the controversial conviction of the world famous ‘Hotel Rwanda’ hero, Paul Rusesabagina by a Rwandan court last month, his family has filed a $400 million lawsuit in the US over his alleged abduction and torture by the government in Kigali.

Rusesabagina, whose heroism during the 1994 Rwandan genocide was depicted in the Hollywood film ‘Hotel Rwanda,’ is respected the world over as a hero who saved the lives of thousands by providing shelter for them when he was the manager of a luxury hotel in Kigali during the genocide when ethnic Hutus killed more than 800,000 people, mostly from the Tutsi minority.

The lawsuit filed by Rusesabagina’s family names the Government of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame, and other senior officials including the former Justice Minister and Intelligence Chief as part of those who abducted and tortured him.

A lawyer to the Rusesabagina family in a statement on Saturday, said:

“The complaint alleges that the Government of Rwanda, the President and high-ranking Rwandan officials conspired to facilitate and execute an elaborate plot to lure Paul Rusesabagina from his home in Texas to Rwanda, where he would be tortured and illegally detained.”

According to the family, the 67-year-old Rusesabagina who is a holder of a US green card, as well as Belgian citizenship, was tricked into travelling from the US to Burundi in 2020 by the promise of work.

“Instead, he was drugged and taken to Rwanda where President Paul Kagame’s security agents forcibly abducted him, tortured him, and forced him into illegal imprisonment,” according to the statement.

The family also aver that the conviction of the ailing hero is effectively a death sentence for him.

He is now currently serving 25 years in prison on terrorism charges following a trial last year, which his supporters say was riddled with irregularities.

He was first brought to Rwanda in 2020 and convicted in September 2021 for alleged involvement in a rebel group blamed for deadly attacks in Rwanda in 2018 and 2019.

Rusesabagina’s family and lawyers say they will hold a news conference in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 4, to announce further details of the suit, which is seeking at least $400m (380 million euros) in compensation, as well as punitive damages.

Metro

Zambian revenue agency warns businesses to pay tax arrears or face sanctions

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The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has warned businesses and taxpayers to settle their outstanding tax arrears on or before December 31, 2024, or stand the risk of facing stiff sanctions, including interest charges.

Oliver Nzala, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, who gave the warning, advised taxpayers experiencing cash flow challenges to consider entering a Time to Pay Agreement (TPA) with the Commission to avoid penalties.

He noted that the flexible arrangement would allow them to spread their tax payments over monthly installments, easing the burden of settling the arrears in one lump sum.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Nzala reminded businesses that tax compliance was mandatory for renewing trading licenses and permits with local councils in 2025.

“As the financial year draws to a close, taxpayers must fulfill obligations such as submitting tax returns and paying outstanding taxes to avoid penalties,” Nzala said.

He added that support would be available for taxpayers approaching the December 31 deadline while encouraging taxpayers to act promptly to avoid the end-of-year rush, emphasizing that failing to meet the deadline could lead to accumulating interest on any unpaid amounts.

“To provide extra support, ZRA service centers and contact lines are open, ready to assist taxpayers,” he said, while extending appreciation to those who contribute to national development through their tax payments.

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Metro

President Tinubu congratulates Trump on US election victory

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Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has congratulated USA president-elect, Donald Trump, on his electoral victory after defeating vice president Kamala Harris to stage a return to the White House.

Tinubu, who conveyed the congratulatory message in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he looked forward to working with him and further strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States.

The statement reads:

“President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.

“President Tinubu looks forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

“President Tinubu says, ‘Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.’

“According to President Tinubu, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He congratulates them on their commitment to democracy.

“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th president will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.

“Acknowledging the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, the Nigerian leader trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.”

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