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Thousands protest against al-Shabaab in Somali capital, Mogadishu

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Thousands of Somalians on Friday, took to the streets of Mogadishu, the country’s capital, in solidarity with the the government to protest against the al-Shabaab militant group.

The rally organised by the government against the al-Qaeda-backed group, is one of the measures put in place by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was part of the rally at a stadium under tight security, and used the event to call on Somalis to help flush out members of the al-Shabab group he described as “bedbugs”.

“I’m calling to you, the people of Mogadishu, the Kharijites (renegades) are amongst you … so flush them out. They are in your houses, they are your neighbours, in cars that pass you by,” Mohamud said while addressing the large crowd which was one of the largest public gatherings in recent years.

“I want us to commit today to flushing them out. They are like bedbugs under our clothes.

“We will never accept extremist killing or robbing our people and we will also never accept the killing of our innocent people. We will protect them from al-Shabaab. Anyone who does kills innocent people will face trial or justice.

““The people are tired of massacres, killings, and all kinds of misdeeds and they are now saying to al-Shabab: ‘Enough is enough’,” Mohamud said, as demonstrators waved flags and placards with anti-al-Shabaab messages.

For over a decade now, the al-Shabaab terrorists have been waging a bloody uprising against the central government, carrying out attacks in the country, especially in the capital with the aim of overthrowing the government and implementing a strict Sharia regime.

When Mohamud came into office in May last year, he had declared an all-out war against the group and urged locals to set up militia groups to chase them out of the communities.

The alliance between the government and the local militias have largely succeeded as lots of the terrorists have been pushed out of several territories they had hitherto held since the offensives were launched last August.

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Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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