International

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

What initially appeared as rumours of a coup attempt in the Niger Republic gradually and eventually proved true. Even when the leader of the coup d’état, Presidential Guard Commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani, announced the overthrow and proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta, there remained a doubt in the air due to the exclusion (or so it seemed) of the Nigerien Chief of Army Staff. However, all traces of doubt cleared when the military declared their support for the coup. They cited loyalty to avoid casualties from internal military clashes. Since then, news and developments have dominated the public discourse hourly. Small and major national and international media outlets pinched their tenths on this event. 

The Nigerien coup has drawn significant attention compared to other recent similar operations. For instance, in Conakry, Chief of Army Mamady Doumbouya ousted his authoritarian leader Alpha Condé. In Mali, the junta overthrew its transitional president a few months after their appointment. In Niger’s neighbouring Burkina Faso, the junta toppled another transitional government they had installed months earlier. 

The reasons for the global condemnation of the Nigerien coup differ among various blocs. France and its allies might be concerned about the potential loss of influence over their former colonies. The U.S. stance is partly rooted in their role as self-appointed global police guardians of democracy. It is also due to their military base housing thousands of soldiers within the country. Russia, on the other hand, seems to be benefiting from the situation. However, for organisations like the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the coup posed a direct threat to democratic leadership, reaching an alarming level. So the ECOWAS bigwig Nigeria, which not only shares proximity with Niger but also has its president as ECOWAS leader, tends to overreact. Bola Ahmed Tinubu was fighting from a dual role. 

The Nigerian coup came as a surprising shock, sudden and unexpected. Unlike many similar military strikes, this coup lacked potential factors pointing to its occurrence. Such factors often include internal crises, insecurity, tension, hardship, prolonged presidential tenure, crackdowns on the opposition, and suppression of dissent. The renowned Ghanaian coup leader Jerry Rawlings once noted that the success of his coups was owed to the ripe situation in his country. He likened the atmosphere for coup success to a saturated atmosphere filled with gas, waiting for ignition to burst into flames. However, in the case of Niger, none of those factors seem to be in play. 

One plausible theory regarding the reason behind the Niger coup has been put forward by a friend who also serves as an elder brother figure. This theory revolves around the wave of change sweeping through Francophone Africa. The leadership of France appears to be faltering due to its neo-colonial approach toward its former colonies. This approach doesn’t align with the interests of the affected countries, leading to increasing unrest. Both civilians and the military are discontented with this interference, creating an environment conducive to a coup. This theory gains weight considering the surge of support that followed the coup. The military cut all ties with France to bolster this perspective and sought to shift their allegiance towards Russia. But wait! President Basoum’s public statements aligned with this shift. His videos, circulating on social media, included threats to sever remaining ties with France gave rise to the conspiracy theory as the reason behind the coup. But with the current unfolding, the question arises: Is Basoum genuinely committed to this path, or is he merely putting on a facade? 

Russia appears threatened by Western encroachment, mainly through proxy conflicts in its neighbouring countries. The most recent instance of this is the situation in Ukraine. However, suddenly, Russia found a windfall at the doorstep: developments in Africa. Aggrieved African countries with the West swiftly shifted their allegiances towards Russia as a rival to Western powers. This scenario offers an alternative to the dominant Western influence—a sort of counterbalance. The concept of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), akin to NATO or perhaps a stronger G7, also garners mass interest in joining. Six countries, namely Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia, joined this movement in January 2024. Such a development holds promise for rebalancing global power dynamics. It provides other developing countries with an alternative.

Those who previously leaked atomic technology to Russia would be very happy with this development. After the United States successfully developed and detonated nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively ending Second World War II, some of the bomb’s developers had worries: the disruption of the global power balance. As a result, according to reports, they leaked the technology to their arch-rival, the USSR.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a Doctoral candidate in Chemical Engineering at ABU Zaria. He is also a social and political affairs commentator and science writer.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A wedding celebration in Moroccan village saved a newly married couple and some of their relatives that attended the party from the Friday’s deadly earthquake.

The couple and their families were said to have been enjoying a traditional music in an outdoor courtyard when the traumatic incident occurred.

Our reporters learned that the newly married couple were identified as Habiba Ajdir, 22, and apple farmer Mohammed Boudad, 30.

The Daily Reality gathered that the earthquake had claimed the lives of  hundreds of innocent people and destroyed properties worth million of dollars.

It was reported that the marriage was due to take place at his village of Kettou on Saturday, but by custom, the bride’s family held a party the night before the wedding.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has said that Nigeria is exploring ways to improve trade and investment relations with India.

She said that Nigeria was making efforts to woo various Indian entrepreneurs who are already doing business in Nigeria.

The minister stated this during a bilateral meeting with the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in the ongoing G-20 Summit in India.

In a statement, Uzoka-Anite said: “Our trip here has so far been fruitful and Nigerians should be proud of our achievement here. We signed an agreement on Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Limited (InfraCorp) and Invest India.

“We also signed another agreement between the Nigerian Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. We have also secured investment commitments from multinationals like; SkipperSeil Group, Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Bharti Enterprises, Indorama Petrochemical Limited amounting to several billions of dollars.”

She further stated: “We have more than 130 Indian companies that are active in Nigeria from manufacturing to hospitality to oil and gas, and healthcare sector.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed greif over Morocon earthquake tradedy that claimed the lives of thousands of people and destroyed properties worth millions of dollars.

Buhari disclosed this Monday in a personal letter to King Muhammad the VI, the ruler of Morocco with whom he said he had a good working relationship while in office.

A statement, issued by Garba Shehu, explained that the letter, sent to the Royal Palace in Rabat in Morocco, was personally signed by the former President.

The former President said: “It is with a deep sense of sadness that I write on behalf of my family and myself to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and the people of the Kingdom of Morocco in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck your country on 8th September 2023.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives destruction of property caused by the earthquake. I stand in solidarity with Your Majesty and the people of Morocco in this difficult time and pray for the swift recovery of those who were affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may Allah bring peace and solace to those affected.

“While extending, once again, my condolences, please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem,” Buhari added.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

A shocking case of alleged homicide unfolded in Hamburg, Germany, as a 37-year-old man faced trial for the brutal murder of his 100-year-old grandmother. 

The accused, a German native born in Estonia, appeared in court on Thursday to answer the grave charges against him. 

The prosecution’s case revolves around the accused’s inability to care for his elderly grandmother, who was 100 years old and suffered from dementia.

The prosecuting lawyer emphasised this point in court, stating, “He could not cope with looking after her.” The horrifying incident took place in the early hours of March 6, when the accused reportedly launched a vicious attack on his defenceless grandmother inside her Hamburg home. 

The elderly woman, struggling to fend off her assailant while sitting in a wheelchair, endured a harrowing assault. 

According to the prosecution, the victim suffered at least 16 blows to her head and neck during the violent encounter. The brutal attack resulted in her falling to the ground, sustaining a broken shoulder, and ultimately succumbing to spinal injuries. 

The accused, in a chilling turn of events, took it upon himself to alert emergency services to the grisly act he had committed. When the police arrived at the scene, they discovered the lifeless body of the 100-year-old woman.

Remarkably, the man offered no resistance and surrendered himself to the authorities without incident. 

As the trial unfolds in the northern German city of Hamburg, the court will delve further into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

The accused faces a charge of homicide, and the legal proceedings will determine his guilt or innocence in the murder of his own grandmother.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi applauded the steadfast resistance of African countries against colonialism and terrorism during a diplomatic meeting with Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba on Monday. 

While not explicitly naming France, President Raisi’s remarks were seen as a recognition of African nations’ efforts to assert their sovereignty. 

Burkina Faso and Mali, both currently under military junta rule, have notably severed military ties with France, their former colonial ruler, in favour of bolstering relations with Russia. 

Niger, which experienced a military junta takeover in July, has been marked by widespread protests demanding the withdrawal of French troops, harking back to its colonial history. 

In his meeting with Foreign Minister Rouamba, President Raisi commended the African countries for their resilience and resolve. He described their stance as a “sign of vigilance and awakening,” underscoring the importance of nations safeguarding their independence. 

The Iranian presidency’s official website published a statement quoting President Raisi’s words of appreciation for African countries’ principled stand against colonialism and terrorism. 

While diplomatic relations between Iran and the African nations were not the primary focus of the meeting, the implicit message of solidarity resonated with those advocating for self-determination and autonomy in the face of historical colonial ties. 

This meeting marks another instance of international relations being influenced by the evolving geopolitical landscape as African nations navigate their path towards sovereignty and redefine their partnerships on the global stage.

By Haitham Al Ghais

What do toothpaste, deodorant, soap, cameras, computers, gasoline, heating oil, jet fuel, car tires, contact lenses and artificial limbs have in common?

If oil vanished today, these and many other vital products and services that use oil or its derivatives would vanish too. Transportation networks would grind to a halt, homes could freeze, supply chains would crash, and energy poverty would rise.

The World Energy Report for 2022, published by the UK-based Energy Institute and consulting firms KPMG and Kearney, noted that fossil fuels constituted 82% of global energy in 2022. This is comparable to OPEC’s latest world oil outlook and represents a similar level to 30 years ago.

Why then do most energy transition debates disregard the critical role that commodities like oil and gas continue to play in improving lives, fostering stability and energy security, as well as related industries’ efforts to develop technologies and best practices to reduce emissions? The scale of the climate change challenge is daunting, but meeting the world’s rising energy demand and mitigating climate change do not have to exist in a vacuum or be at odds with each other.

Rather, the world should act to reduce emissions and ensure that people have access to the products and services they need to live comfortably. Towards these goals, OPEC members are investing in upstream and downstream capacities, mobilising cleaner technologies and deploying vast expertise to decarbonise the oil industry. Major investments are also being made in renewables and hydrogen capacity, carbon capture utilisation and storage — as well as in promoting the circular carbon economy.

The bottom line is that it is possible to invest heavily in renewables while continuing to produce the oil the world needs today and in the coming decades. This approach also contributes to global stability at a time of volatility and is critical given that history shows that energy transitions evolve over decades and take many paths.

Take electric vehicles: Although the Toyota Prius became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the late 1990s, an analysis from the U.S. National Automobile Dealers Association noted that sales of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEV) accounted for only 12.3% of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022.

While the rising popularity of electric vehicles is indisputable, total sales of BEVS also made up only 19% of new car sales in China last year. Similarly, in the EU, vehicles using petrol or diesel still accounted for around half of all car sales in 2022.

Thus, when it comes to the transportation sector – and indeed many other fields – it is clear that it would not be prudent to ignore that billions of people across the globe rely on oil and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

This becomes even more pressing when coupled with the investment needed to meet the rising demand for energy, ensure energy security and affordable access, and lower global emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

Rising demand for energy

The world’s population is growing. OPEC’s World Oil Outlook (WOO) for 2022 sees it increasing by 1.6 billion people through 2045, while United Nations statistics note growth to around 10.4 billion by 2100.

In parallel, OPEC’s estimates that global energy demand will increase by 23% to 2045. Within this, oil demand is projected to increase to around 110 million barrels a day (mb/d). Thus, it is clear that oil will continue to be an essential part of the global energy infrastructure for decades to come. This is in stark contrast to the many proclamations of past decades that the age of oil was over. Indeed, contemporary demand is close to an all-time high and will rise by close to 5 mb/d in 2023 and 2024.

No single form of energy can currently meet expected future energy demand; instead, an “all-peoples, all-fuels and all-technologies” approach is required. As such, OPEC member countries are ready, willing and able to provide the affordable energy needed to cater towards these future energy needs, all the while reducing their emissions and helping eradicate energy poverty in doing so.

The UN notes that more than 700 million people still lack access to electricity, and almost one-third of the global population uses inefficient, polluting cooking systems. Daily life is not about cars, laptops or air conditioning for these people; it is about basic access to heat and electricity. To provide adequate and affordable universal energy access, and eradicate energy poverty, oil can and will play a key role in developing countries. The Global South has been – and continues to be – very clear about this; is the Global North taking heed?

Investment in oil is critical for energy security

Another worrying reality across the globe is that not enough investment is going into all energies. Looming oil demand growth alone necessitates far more investment if a sustainable supply is to be maintained.

Oil will make up close to 29% of global energy needs by 2045, with an investment of $12.1 trillion needed by then — or over $500 billion a year — but recent annual levels have been far below this.

The consequence of failing to invest adequately in oil is hammered home by recent OPEC Secretariat research outlining that in five years, there would be a staggering oil market deficit of 16 million barrels per day between forecasted rising global demand and supply if investments into upstream activities were stopped today — as some are calling for.

The oil industry has played a central role in improving billions of lives to date. If it is to continue to do so, and if the world is serious about implementing orderly energy transitions and meeting future energy demand while ensuring energy security for all, chronic under-investment in the industry needs to be remedied swiftly.

Ahead of this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates – where the world will evaluate progress on the Paris Agreement – COP28 President-Designate Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the world needs “maximum energy, minimum emissions.” A healthy degree of pragmatism will be necessary to achieve this goal, especially given the clear need to utilise all energies if we are to meet the world’s current and future energy demands.

Ultimately, no people, industry or country can be ignored, and we believe that discussions at this year’s COP28 will reflect this. After all, history is filled with numerous examples of turmoil that should serve as ample warning for what occurs when policymakers fail to take on board energy’s interwoven complexities.

Al-Ghais is the Secretary General of the Organization for the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Sweden’s security agencies have reported a worsening security situation in the country, following the controversial decision to permit the burning of the Holy Quran.

This decision, made nine months ago, has not only drawn international criticism but has also cost the nation approximately $200,000, according to a recent report from a national media outlet.

The act of burning the Holy Quran, carried out by individuals including Danish politician Rasmus Paludan and Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika, has incurred significant financial repercussions.

Sweden has reportedly lost 2.2 million Swedish krona (equivalent to $199,300) due to these highly contentious actions, as confirmed by Sveriges Radio.

The controversial activities surrounding Quran burning have necessitated increased police presence and intervention to maintain security, as outlined in the report released by the radio station.

Instances of Quran Burning in Sweden

The burning of the Holy Quran has triggered global outrage and scrutiny, with both Sweden and Denmark facing criticism for permitting such actions and even providing police protection to those involved.

Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the far-right Stram Kurs party, has conducted Quran burnings in multiple Swedish cities, including Malmo, Norrkoping, Jonkoping, and Stockholm.

Notably, he burned copies of the Quran during Easter last year and, on June 21, staged a Quran burning outside the Turkish embassy in Sweden.

Salwan Momika garnered international attention when he burned the Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm during Eid.

On July 20, he threw the Quran outside the Iraqi embassy in Sweden, along with the Iraqi flag, and trampled them.

He also conducted a Quran burning outside the Swedish Parliament building on July 31.

Additionally, Bahrami Marjan, an Iranian refugee, engaged in Quran burning near Stockholm in early August.

Salwan Momika continued these acts, burning another Quran outside the Iranian Embassy in Sweden and another outside the Stockholm Mosque in subsequent weeks.

These actions have severely tarnished Sweden’s international reputation and placed additional pressure on its security forces.

Despite these challenges, the country’s authorities have allowed Momika to continue burning copies of the Holy Quran.

By Baba Isa

While reviewing my collection of photographs, I stumbled upon a significant historical image that reminded me of a momentous event during a public lecture in Sudan. It was during this event that distinguished figures such as Prof. Salisu Shehu, Prof. Sagagi, and Prof. Maqari embarked on a special joint visit to Sudan some years ago. Their visit aimed to understand the exceptional approach Sudanese institutions took in providing training to Nigerian students on their soil, enabling them to return to Nigeria as productive individuals.

During this lecture, Prof. Salisu Shehu said, “The educational experience for Nigerian students in Sudan extended beyond academic excellence. These students, who received education in diverse fields, also imbibed qualities of respect, commendable attitudes towards their communities, and a sense of understanding towards various religious doctrines. This was different to their counterparts studying in different foreign nations.

Prof. Added that the Nigerian Sudan-educated students exhibited unmatched expertise and skills compared to their counterparts in Nigeria. Therefore, the Council of Ulama of Nigeria felt compelled to delegate us to come to Sudan and delve deeper into brief research and learn more about strategies employed by Sudanese institutions and their communities to empower these students. So that we can take back reports to Nigeria and put it into practice”.

The lecture was delivered at the International University of Africa (Indimi Hall) during this insightful visit, and I captured the picture.

Regrettably, the Sudan we love, the Sudan we learn from and once held in high esteem, an exemplar of a hygienic educational environment, now stands ravaged by conflict. It’s disheartening that we have not extended a helping hand to a nation from which we have drawn knowledge and inspiration. Sudan, which significantly contributed to the growth and development of our region through its educational support (like its massive Scholarship scheme to everyone in any course without exception)and enlightened Islamic scholars, medical doctors and other professionals, remains in dire need of our attention, prayers, and support.

Northern Nigeria has encountered setbacks in the realm of girls’ education. In the past, we lamented the shortage of female doctors, resulting in inadequate female doctors in healthcare for women in our hospitals. Our parents in the Northern region were hesitant to enrol our sisters in local institutions, let alone consider overseas education, given concerns about religious beliefs, cultural norms and environmental disparities.

These barriers hindered the prospect of sending our sisters abroad for education. This predicament led us to lag in conventional education and the attainment of female medical doctors. Recently, a positive shift has occurred as our parents have become more receptive to sending our sisters to study medicine and various other disciplines, especially in Sudan, due to the conducive educational environment and Islamically oriented. However, it is disheartening to note that challenges mar the current situation in Sudan.

The aftermath of the evacuation of Nigerian students from Sudan – more than 2000 – medical students, primarily females from the north- has left us searching for alternatives that can provide the same nurturing educational environment. Regrettably, no such choice has presented itself, leaving us feeling powerless.

Recent events have highlighted the impactful role that Northern Nigerian scholars have played in resolving crises, as evidenced by their intervention in the unrest following a coup in Niger. Drawing from this, I earnestly beseech our esteemed Northern scholars to extend their benevolent interventions to Sudan. While Sudan may not be a member of ECOWAS, its historical and cultural ties to us cannot be taken away. Just as we stand by Niger, we must stand by Sudan.

In this challenging time, I humbly implore our esteemed Ulama to exert their influence and restore peace and tranquillity in Sudan. Just as they have done in our region and Niger, their intervention could serve as a beacon of hope for a nation that has been an invaluable contributor to our growth and development.

Pharm. Baba Isa, Former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Sudan.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In the aftermath of the recent coup attempt in Gabon, President Alain Bernard Bongo finds himself at the centre of a political storm that has shaken the nation. 

Born in neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville in February 1959, Bongo’s journey from a one-time funk singer to the head of a longstanding political dynasty has been one of both fascination and controversy. 

Stepping into his father’s shoes to continue a family legacy that spanned over 50 years, President Bongo has been a figure of polarising opinion. 

Some see him as a spoilt playboy prince who views ruling the oil-rich country as his birthright. However, others regard him as a reformer who has made efforts to diversify Gabon’s economy. 

He was initially voted into power democratically by the masses, a testament to his perceived commitment to change. 

Despite his tenure, President Bongo’s legitimacy has consistently been under scrutiny from political opponents. Allegations of fraud marred his 2016 election victory, casting a shadow on his presidency.

Calls for his resignation gained traction following a period of ill health in 2018, which culminated in a failed coup attempt. This event highlighted the fragility of his leadership and exposed divisions within the country. 

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the recent coup, questions about President Bongo’s ability to maintain control and foster stability continue to surface. 

The unfolding events have once again ignited debates about his governance style and the true nature of his rule.

With opposition forces emboldened and citizens expressing varying degrees of dissatisfaction, Gabon stands at a crossroads where its future hangs in the balance under the leadership of President Bongo.