Politics

President Kenyatta, Ethiopia PM, present as Kenya flaunts air power in lastest show

Published

3 years ago

May 29, 2022

It was a classic case of “if you have got it, flaunt it” as Kenya held an air show in its capital Nairobi to showcase a batch of military and civilian aircraft.

The East African powerhouse on Saturday displayed its achievements in aviation at the Uhuru Gardens, along Lang’ata Road in Nairobi. The garden is Kenya’s largest Memorial Park.

President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside the Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed witnessed the show with thousands of Kenyans for the thrilling Museum Air Show

According to Kenya’s Defence Ministry report on the event, in attendance were Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Robert Kibochi, Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla, Service Commanders, Serving and Retired General Officers, Senior Officers, Service Members, families and members of the public.

The air show was jointly held by the Kenya Defense Forces and Aero Club of East Africa.

Kenya Wildlife Service also conducted an anti-poaching drill to demonstrate know-how in saving wildlife from poachers at the event.

One of the locals at the sight of the show, Steven, who was quoted in the media, said that “it has been quite an amazing one. They had quite remarkable skills. It let also our children realize that they can achieve their goals and their dreams because they get to see whatever is happening”

Paratroopers of the Kenyan Air Force performed thrilling parachuting from helicopters for a simulated hostage rescue operation.

In addition, a variety of dazzling aerobatic flights were performed, wowing throngs of spectators.

Politics

Burkina Faso releases 4 French spies after Moroccan intervention

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

In a diplomatic spat over their imprisonment, France and Morocco announced Thursday that four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso for a year had been freed after mediation from Morocco.

They were spies, according to a prior statement made by the director of France’s foreign intelligence organisation, the DGSE.

A request for comment was not answered by the DGSE or a representative of the French military, which is in charge of the agency.

Since December 2023, they have been held in Ouagadougou.

President Emmanuel Macron hailed King Mohammed of Morocco on Wednesday for his intervention, “which made possible the liberation of our four countrymen who had been held in Burkina Faso for a year,” according to a statement from the French administration.

King Mohammed and President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso were also commended by Morocco’s foreign ministry, which stated that “this humanitarian act” was made possible by their positive bilateral ties.

In October, France made peace with Morocco, one of its former protectorates, after three years of hostilities between Paris and Rabat stoked by immigration concerns and the disputed Western Sahara region.

Morocco offers Burkina Faso and other military-ruled Sahel republics Atlantic trade.

However, France’s relations with former West and Central African colonies, such as Burkina Faso, remain difficult. In Ouagadougou, French troops and diplomats were ejected, the defence attache and ambassador were asked to depart, and certain French media were suspended.

The military junta that took control in 2022 in Burkina Faso has been criticized by international rights groups for cracking down on free expression and harassing dissidents to handle a security crisis precipitated by Al Qaeda and Islamic State extremists.

Politics

Ghana: President-elect Mahama appoints anti-corruption team

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to a statement released by his transition team on Wednesday, Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has designated an anti-corruption committee to investigate allegations of wrongdoing.

When he takes office next month, Mahama, the leading opposition candidate in the presidential election held on December 7 and who received almost 56% of the vote, has pledged to reclaim the proceeds of corruption and hold those responsible for it accountable.

In anticipation, an anti-graft squad has been established. The parliament’s Committee on Assurances, which has previously raised suspicions of governmental corruption, is chaired by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah.

An investigative journalist, a private attorney, a former auditor general, and a former police officer with experience in high-profile robbery cases make up the other three members.

After looking into alleged financial irregularities that took place during the previous administration, Daniel Dumelovo, the former auditor general, was fired.

Recovering lost assets and fighting corruption were two of Mahama’s main campaign pledges.

“He intends to hit the ground running on these commitments,” the statement said.

Eight years after leaving office, former President Mahama is back to head the West African country. Despite not being personally contaminated, he faced criticism during his 2012–2016 administration due to claims of political corruption.