International

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) as her running mate for the upcoming November election, according to sources close to the matter. 

Walz, 60, emerged as a surprising choice for the vice-presidential spot, gaining traction following a recent cable news interview where he described some Republicans as “weird.” 

This characterization was subsequently adopted by national Democrats, The Hill reports. 

Walz’s selection comes after speculation initially centered on other high-profile Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D). 

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to appeal to the left, given his strong liberal credentials. 

Other potential candidates, such as Shapiro and Kelly, had faced criticism from progressive groups—Shapiro for his management of pro-Palestinian protests during the Israel-Hamas conflict, and both for their positions on union issues.  

Walz’s Midwestern background is also considered a key factor, particularly as Trump has been intensifying his campaign efforts in Minnesota, a state Biden won by 7 points in 2020. 

With Trump and JD Vance increasing their efforts to flip the state, Walz’s presence on the ticket could strengthen support in this crucial region. 

Harris is expected to make the formal announcement about her vice-presidential running mate today (Tuesday), ahead of a week of joint campaigning in key battleground states.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In a swift reversal, tech giant Meta has apologised and restored social media posts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The move comes after Anwar’s office condemned Meta’s initial removal of the posts as “a blatant suppression of free expression”.

 Meta attributed the removal to “an operational error” and claimed the posts were taken down due to association with “dangerous individuals and organisations”.

However, the company has since reapplied a “newsworthy” label to the content, allowing it to be reinstated on Facebook and Instagram. 

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between social media platforms and political leaders over censorship and free speech.

Anwar had previously accused Meta of “cowardice” for removing his posts, which included a video offering condolences to a Hamas official. 

Malaysia’s ties with Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by several countries, have been a point of contention. Anwar has defended his country’s links with the group’s political win.

By Uzair Adam

There is growing concern over the recent actions of protesters in Nigeria, particularly in the north, where aggrieved youths were seen waving the Russian flag during demonstrations against hunger and starvation in the country.

The Daily Reality reports that the “EndBadGovernance” protest began on August 1st and saw a large turnout. Many youths and women took to the streets to voice their worries amid worsening economic hardship.

However, the protests took an unexpected turn when demonstrators were seen waving the Russian flag and chanting slogans, asking for Russia to come to their rescue as the biting economic hardship exacerbated with each passing day.

Political Analysts React

Political analysts suggest that waving the Russian flag may stem from ignorance of global politics, describing the situation as an incredible display of “unpatriotism” by the aggrieved youths and women.

Russia as the Last Hope

The protesters argued that they knew exactly what they were doing and viewed their actions as a passionate plea to the Russian government to rescue the Nigerian masses from their devastating challenges. 

The youths, who perceive Russia as a “freedom fighter” for African countries, said they would never seek help from England, despite its historical ties to Nigeria, as they believe England harbours bad intentions against the country.

A group of youths told our reporter that they are pleading for Russian intervention since England remains silent on Nigeria’s problems. “America, too, will not speak because it is in the same boat as England,” they argued.

Ibrahim Muhammad (not his real name) said they were waving the flag to frustrate the federal government and clarify that they no longer cared for a country that had ignored their concerns. 

“I am waving this flag to make President Bola Ahmad Tinubu sad. These people don’t care about our problems and do whatever it takes to make us angry,” he stated.

Another protester, Isma’il Usman, said Russia is the only country they should now turn to for help, “especially looking at its recent interventions in some African countries.”

When Ignorance and Unpatriotism Shake Hands

According to analysts who spoke to The Daily Reality, the waving of the Russian flag by the youths is a demonstration of both ignorance and unpatriotism.

Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Bayero University Kano, noted that while youths lack an understanding of global politics, certain individuals may have lured them into doing so. 

“There could be some people behind this movement, and people were pushed to the wall in this country, which could also be why they accepted to wave the flag during the protest,” he stated.

“However, the government is to blame for all this because it should have taken action to stop the protest by addressing these problems, but it refused. Now that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has addressed the nation, there is still no hope,” Professor Fagge added.

An Invitation to Neo-Colonialism

Another analyst, Malam Sulaiman Muhammad, a lecturer at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, argued that government negligence has deteriorated the situation, leading to more unpatriotic youth in the country. 

He warned that by pleading for Russian intervention, the youths are ignorantly inviting a new form of colonialism.

“I think the youths are not seeking intervention from England and France because England colonised Nigeria and the latter colonised Nigeria’s sister country, Niger. However, they forget that pleading for Russian soldiers’ presence in Nigeria is another form of colonialism,” he stated.

Disappointment as Russia Distances Itself

In a statement on Monday, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria issued a strong denial of any involvement with the group of protesters who were seen carrying the Russian flag and chanting slogans in support of President Vladimir Putin. 

The embassy stressed that Russia respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal affairs, a statement that may not please the Russian flag-waving protesters. 

The statement described the protesters’ actions as personal choices that do not reflect any official Russian government policy.

However, one of these aggrieved youths said they would only stop pleading with the Russians once their voices were heard by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

Arrest of Tailor Sewing Russian Flags

However, the tailor who sewed the Russian flags for the protesters was reportedly arrested by security personnel on Monday. 

A picture seen by The Daily Reality showed the youth, whose name was not identified, being arrested with some of the flags he had sewn and his sewing machine.

Defense Chief Condemns Protesters’ Actions

Nigeria’s Chief of Defense, General Chris Musa, condemned the protesters’ actions as treasonable and warned they would face the full force of the law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has issued a strong denial of any involvement with a group of protesters in northern Nigeria who were seen carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans in support of President Vladimir Putin. 

In a statement released on Monday, the embassy noted that Russia respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal affairs.

The statement described the protesters’ actions as “personal choices” that do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position. 

The embassy’s denial comes amid concerns about external interference in regional affairs, with Russia accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in several West African countries. 

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence, General Chris Musa, has condemned the protesters’ actions as treasonable and warned that they will face the full force of the law. 

The incident has sparked a diplomatic row, with Nigeria’s government facing pressure to explain how the protesters obtained Russian flags and what their motivations were.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bangladesh army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman spent nearly four decades rising to the top of the military and said on Monday he was “taking full responsibility” after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted and fled.

Bedecked with medal ribbons on his green fatigues and wearing a four-star general’s cap, Waker said 76-year-old Hasina had quit and that the army would “form an interim government”.

“I give you my word that all the injustices will be addressed,” the career infantry officer said in a broadcast to the nation on state television, although it was not immediately clear if he would head the new government.

“The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed — it is time to stop the violence.”

The mild-looking, bespectacled officer was appointed as chief of army staff, the military’s top job, only in June. Hasina had trusted him because he was a distant relative.

The experienced soldier has served as a UN peacekeeper as well as in Hasina’s office.

His father-in-law was army chief during the first of Hasina’s five terms as prime minister from 1996-2001.

The military declared an emergency in January 2007 after widespread political unrest and installed a caretaker government for two years.

Hasina then ruled Bangladesh from 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.

‘Forge a beautiful future’

As protesters stormed Hasina’s palace on Monday and she fled by helicopter, Waker said he would speak to the president to form a government.

He vowed that the new authorities would “prosecute all murders” following weeks of deadly protests.

The army was deployed on the streets to crush the protests last month but shifted on Sunday and in several instances allowed demonstrations to go on.

Waker said he had held talks with the main opposition parties and civil society members, although not with Hasina’s Awami League.

“All of us together will forge a beautiful future. If we work together, we can achieve a favourable outcome,” he said.

The Bangladesh Military Academy graduate, who served two tours as a UN peacekeeper in Angola and Liberia, called for the weeks of protests to stop.

At least 300 people were killed in the unrest.

“If the situation gets better, there is no need for emergency,” he said.

Waker appealed to the university students who first launched protests in early July to support the army. The protests were initially against government hiring rules but spiralled into demands for Hasina to leave office.

“Now the task of the students is to keep calm and help us,” he said.

Waker, who Bangladeshi media say is aged 57 or 58, also received officer training in Britain.

Married with two daughters, he holds master’s degrees in defence studies from Bangladesh’s National University and King’s College London.

He was commissioned in 1985, also serving as an instructor at the Army’s College for Infantry and Tactics and at Bangladesh’s Institute for Peace Support Operations.

By Sa’adatu Aliyu 

As the US election approaches and President Joe Biden steps aside for Vice-President Kamala Harris to run as president in 2024, questions swirl within both White and Black communities about Harris’s recent declaration as a Black woman. Despite her long-standing identification as a woman of Indian and Jamaican descent, Harris has only recently begun associating herself with the Black community. However, this sudden shift doesn’t surprise me, as politicians often use false identities to win popular support.

Can one simply claim a new identity without shared experiences and cultural heritage? Well, in the woke 21st century, perhaps. Is Harris’s declaration a genuine attempt to connect with the Black community or a calculated move to garner support? The timing of her proclamation, coinciding with her presidential bid, only fuels doubts about her authenticity.

But honestly, I am not in the least surprised by this sudden cross-dressing because it’s not uncommon to see politicians taking on false identities and doing strange things just to win popular support among the people, which will serve them during elections. I mean, among many others, I recall Joe Biden reciting a prophetic Hadith during the 2020 elections, attempting to prove his commitment to Muslim interests. This tactic is a familiar ploy to rally specific communities and secure votes. 

However, he was only using the strategy that every politician employs to rally Muslim communities to vote for him, and some bought it. Gullible and naive as they were, they had thought he was the man who wouldn’t see colour, let alone religion. However, Biden’s term turned out to be one of the regimes in which Palestinians suffered heavy persecution at the hands of his Israeli allies.

Now, I fail to understand the reason behind former President Donald Trump and the Republican Presidential candidate’s surprise that a dogged opponent is simply employing a political strategy to win the sympathy of the Black community, who, to a large extent, may determine the outcome of the US election. This is similar to how Trump capitalises on white supremacy and “America First” idiosyncrasies. Thus, it’s surprising that anyone is shocked when someone magically signs up to be a Black woman overnight as if we do not live in a world where our mere utterance and public declaration of being something automatically makes us that thing. I mean, take gender, for example.

I was born a boy, but I felt and wanted to be a girl, so I showed up and simply made a formal declaration. Isn’t gender, after all, a social construct? Perhaps Vice President Harris thought it was enough to be Black by merely making an official declaration of being Black, even though she’d always flaunted her Indian and Jamaican heritage with pride. And I don’t blame her. If Kamala Harris one day wakes up and says, “I am a Black woman and belong in the Black community,” so be it. She could just as easily choose to argue that she’s a white woman by simply being married to a white man or by saying she’s white. It’s easy to be a chameleon these days, changing into the colour that best fits our situation to achieve our desires.

With reference to Mrs Harris, who suddenly feels and declares herself a Black woman, and in relation to Simone de Beauvoir’s notion in her famous feminist book The Second Sex that “One is not born but becomes a woman,” perhaps it’s time to put the issue of race behind us. Let’s consider race, like gender, a social construct and integrate everyone irrespective of colour, as long as they feel and make the formal proclamation: “Although I was born Black, I feel I am white, and therefore, I am what I think I am.” Just like transgender people, who are increasingly being accepted into their desired gender community, we should similarly accept individuals who self-identify with a particular race. After all, we’re all one.

To that effect, if race is perceived as a social construct, then one is not born black but becomes black, and one is not born white but becomes white.

 Let us remember that for several decades, Black people have struggled for full acceptance into the world of white people. Some have straightened their hair with hot irons and a range of relaxers, worn contact lenses to have the “bluest eyes” to be accepted “under Western eyes”, and gone as far as bleaching their skin. However, this has not made them white nor granted them full acceptance into the white community because, despite all these efforts to change into somebody else, they are simply not that person.

Just because I say I am a doctor and put on a doctor’s uniform, parading myself as one, does not make me a doctor when I am a writer. The pen and scalpel are not interchangeable just because I say they are. And if, as a writer, I insist on performing the duties of a doctor, we’ll sure be heading for disaster. 

Therefore, if one is not born but becomes a woman, how about we stop seeing colour? How about we think of race as a social construct, too, and integrate everyone into one big, happy, peaceful family? Why is race still an issue? If some people recognise gender as a social construct, why haven’t the same group of people wholly recognised race as a social construct?

Perhaps it’s because cross-dressing doesn’t change certain realities. 

Sa’adatu Aliyu is a writer from Zaria. She is pursuing an M.A. in Literature at Ahmadu Bello University and lecturing at the university’s Distance Learning Centre. Her writing interests include prose fiction and international politics.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, effective immediately.

This move marks a significant improvement in diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government and UAE authorities have reached an agreement to vacate travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians.

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to the UAE without any hindrance. 

The lifting of the visa ban comes after several diplomatic disputes, including a dispute over $850 million in revenue owed to the UAE.

However, with 98 percent of the debt now paid, the UAE has agreed to lift the ban. 

This development is a significant win for Nigeria, and it is expected to improve trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Nigerians seeking information on the updated UAE visa conditions can visit the official government website for further details.

 By Umar Umar Namadi

Africa faces significant challenges from declining global aid and economic transitions, as highlighted in the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) publication, “The African Union vs ‘the End of Development.'” The report stresses the urgency for Africa to achieve self-reliance, innovate financially, and ensure the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to achieve Agenda 2063. 

Navigating Reduced Global Aid:

Africa’s longstanding reliance on external aid for development is increasingly unsustainable. Recent trends show a significant reduction in aid from traditional donors. For example, UK development aid to developing nations has dropped sharply since 2019, with cuts of 55%, 49%, and 49% for Least Developed Countries, Lower Middle-Income Countries, and Upper Middle-Income Countries, respectively. This decline necessitates a strategic pivot towards self-sustaining financial strategies.

Enhancing Economic Freedom:

One effective way to mitigate the impact of reduced aid is to enhance economic freedom within African nations. Research consistently shows that countries with higher economic freedom experience more robust economic growth. Botswana is a prime example, where market-friendly policies have led to significant economic advancements. By improving economic freedom across the continent, Africa could attract essential foreign direct investment (FDI), which brings in capital, technology, and expertise critical for development.

Focusing on Education and Human Capital:

Investing in education is another crucial strategy for fostering self-reliance. The APRI report highlights the strong correlation between higher educational attainment and economic freedom. By enhancing their education systems, African nations can equip their populations with the necessary skills to drive economic growth and innovation, thereby addressing the continent’s long-term job creation needs. A well-educated workforce is pivotal for adapting to and harnessing new technologies and sustaining economic progress.

 Prioritising Strategic Autonomy and Intra-African Trade:

The successful implementation of the AfCFTA is fundamental to Africa’s economic integration and growth. This trade agreement could reduce dependence on external markets and bolster intra-African trade, leveraging the continent’s collective strengths. The African Union (AU) must prioritise AfCFTA’s implementation, ensuring it is shielded from geopolitical and economic uncertainties. By fostering intra-African trade, the continent can create a more resilient and self-sufficient economic bloc.

 Tapping into Intra-African Strengths:

Beyond the AfCFTA, Africa must look within to tap into its collective strengths. The AU should promote policies encouraging collaboration between African nations, focusing on sectors where the continent has a comparative advantage. This could include sectors like agriculture, mining, and technology. By building robust supply chains within the continent, African nations can reduce their dependence on external markets and create more resilient economies.

Innovating Financial Strategies

In the face of declining global aid, African nations must innovate their financial strategies. This could involve tapping into alternative funding sources, such as diaspora bonds, sovereign wealth funds, and public-private partnerships. Additionally, enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation through tax reforms and improved financial management can provide the necessary funds for development projects.

The Role of the African Diaspora

The African diaspora represents a significant potential source of investment and knowledge transfer. By engaging the diaspora community through targeted policies and initiatives, African nations can attract investments and leverage the expertise of Africans abroad to drive development. This includes creating favourable investment climates and incentivising diaspora engagement in local economies.

Conclusion

The future of Africa hinges on its ability to adapt and innovate in response to global challenges. African nations can chart a path toward sustainable development by promoting economic freedom, investing in education, and focusing on strategic autonomy. The AU must spearhead this initiative, proving that Africa can drive its growth despite the global narrative around “the end of development.” The continent’s progress depends on pragmatic strategies emphasising self-reliance and intra-African collaboration.

Umar Namadi wrote via namadijunior@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Near East University (NEU), Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano (YUMSUK), and Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster academic cooperation and enhance research endeavours.

The MOU, signed recently, focuses on collaborative research projects, conferences, and seminars.

Representatives from the participating institutions affirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation and knowledge exchange during the signing ceremony.

The signatories included Professor Tamer Salidag, Rector of Near East University; Professor Dilber Uzun Ozsahin, Director of Operational Research Center in Healthcare; Assoc. Prof. Berna Uzun; Dr. Zubaida Said Ameen; and Dr. Auwalu Saleh Mubarak from NEU. ADUSTECH was represented by Professor Adamu Mustapha, Director of Linkages and Affiliations, and Professor Muktar Atiku Kurawa, Vice-Chancellor of YUMSUK, and Assoc. Prof. Rukayya Hamidu, Director of Advances and Linkages.

The MOU marks a significant milestone in the journey towards collaborative research and academic advancement. The participating universities aim to facilitate interdisciplinary research, promote knowledge dissemination, and nurture the next generation of scholars and researchers.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, representatives expressed optimism about the potential impact of the collaboration on academic and research landscapes.

They reiterated their commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in academia, with the shared goal of advancing knowledge for the betterment of society.

This historic collaboration is expected to yield significant benefits, including advancing research and academic endeavors and promoting knowledge sharing and exchange among participating institutions.

By Ibrahim Yunusa 

The Labour Party won the 2024 UK general election after winning more than 326 seats. Keir Starmer is set to become the UK’s next prime minister, and the outgoing prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has already accepted defeat.

In his speech on defeat acceptance, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says his party lost the election due to his fault.

“The Labour Party has won this general election, and I’ve called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.

“Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.

“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight. There is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss.

“To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and delivery, and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry.”

Speaking to a cheering crowd in central London, the next prime minister, Keir Starmer, says, “Change begins now. It feels good, I have to be honest.”

Labour’s victory is extraordinary, but results show that the party’s candidate has lost its aspirations in areas where Muslims dominate the votes. This gives Leicester East to Conservatives and Leicester South to an Independent candidate. Independent pro-Palestine candidates Iqbal Hussein Mohammed and Adnan Hussein won Batley & Dewsbury and Blackburn seats against Labour’s candidates, respectively.