Metro

US places $5m bounty on Somali-born Al-Shabaab spokesman, Ali Mohamed Rage

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2023

The United States has placed a $5 million bounty for information that could lead to the arrest of Somali-born terrorist leader, Ali Mohamed Rage, who is the spokesman for the Al-Shabaab militant group.

The US government, in a statement by the Department of State on Wednesday, said the bounty was offered by its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which is being administered by the Diplomatic Security Service.

“The United States, through the Rewards for Justice (RFJ) initiative, is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the identification or location of al-Shabaab key leader Ali Mohamed Rage,” the statement said.

“Rage, also known as Ali Dheere, has been al-Shabaab’s chief spokesperson since May 2009 and is a senior leader of the terrorist organization,” the US Department statement said.

It went on to say Rage who was born in the Hawlwadag district of Mogadishu, Somalia in 1966, has been involved in the planning of attacks in Kenya and Somalia, hence the decision to declare him wanted.

“On August 6, 2021, the Department of State designated Rage as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).”

“That designation, among other consequences, blocks all property and interests in property belonging to Rage and may expose persons who engage in certain transactions with Rage to designation.”

The statement also warned foreign financial institutions from transacting businesses with the dissident.

“Furthermore, any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant financial transaction or provides significant financial services for Rage could be subject to U.S. correspondent account or payable-through account sanctions.”

The United Nations Security Council’s Somalia Sanctions Committee had, on February 18, 2022, added Rage to its Sanctions List for “engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Somalia.”

In March 2008, the Department of State had designated the al-Shabaab as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)” and Specially Designated Global Terrorist, while in April 2010, al-Shabaab was also added to the 1844 Sanctions List by the U.N. Security Council’s Somalia Sanctions Committee.

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Metro

Catholic bishops in Zambia decry ‘shrinking democratic space’, hounding of opposition parties

Published

20 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has decried what it describes as a shrinking and deteriorating democratic environment, marked by the arrests and prolonged detention of opposition leaders.

In a letter signed and issued by all 11 Catholic Bishops in Zambia in Lusaka on Sunday, the clerics lamented that at least six opposition leaders were currently facing charges linked to their political activities, highlighting what they termed as a significant restriction of democratic freedoms.

“We are gravely concerned by the shrinking democratic space in the country. For example, about six or more opposition leaders are facing the law simply because of their participation in political activism,” the letter stated.

The Catholic Bishops called on the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to ensure fairness in the political landscape.

“We urge the government to tolerate divergent views and promote democracy in the country,” they said.

The Bishops also condemned the prolonged detention of political figures, journalists, and other individuals without trial, asserting that such practices undermine democratic principles.

“Of concern is the detention of individuals, journalists, and opposition political leaders for expressing their views on governance issues,” the letter read.

The pastoral letter also criticized the UPND government for its use of derogatory language against the Church, referencing UPND Secretary-General Batuke Imenda’s labelling of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda as “Lucifer.”

“The Church expected Mr. Imenda to apologize for his remarks, as they were not only an insult to Archbishop Banda but to the entire Catholic Church,” the Bishops emphasized.

The letter further condemned the deployment of police officers to the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, viewing it as a form of intimidation.

Metro

Nigerian economy to grow in leaps and bounds in 2025, VP Shettima predicts

Published

1 day ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has predicted that the country’s economy will grow in leaps and bounds in 2025 due to the reforms put in place by President Bola Tinubu.

Shettima, who made the projection at a retreat organized for presidential aides in Abuja, gave reasons for his optimism, citing economic improvements recorded so far, including crude oil production reaching 1.8 million barrels per day.

Shettima emphasized that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, the nation’s economy was on the path to growth due to Tinubu’s policies and determination to transform the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“President Bola Tinubu is determined to change the fortunes of the nation. We all want to bequeath to the younger generation a united and progressive country,” Shettima said.

He emphasized that though the Nigerian economy is facing challenges, the current government is doing everything possible to turn things around.

“Yes, the economy has faced and is still facing challenges, but we have turned the corner. As of now, we are producing 1.8 million barrels of oil per day. The economy is on an upward trajectory, and I believe that in the new year, the economy will grow in leaps and bounds.”

“The country is greater than all of us. I urge you all to work as a team and as a family.”