International

By Bilyaminu Abdulmumin

In the year 2021, when the gale of coup d’etat appeared to be fast resurfacing, it triggered revered columnist Mahmud Jega to title one of the columns “Fast Forward to the Past” to take us back to the period of the coup harvest, when the coup occurred as a competition in Africa. 

Within the 2021 year, three coups were carried out in Mali, Sudan, and Guinea Conakry. Conakry’s ousting of President Alpha Condé garnered a lot of media sensation. One reason that made it so was how the president was captured in the viral video in a state of disbelief, dressed casually, and the coup orchestrated by the commander of his supposed forces, a hitherto submissive commander, Mamady Doumbouya.

In the following year, 2022, there were two coups in Burkina Faso within eight months. The first one took place in January, with Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba taking over as interim; after eight months, Damiba was, in turn, ousted by another military (installing Captain Ibrahim Traoré as transitional president).

It was even 2023 that has taken us ever faster than in the past. The news of coup d’etat or rumours about it broke almost daily. First, it was Niger, where the military guarding President Bozoum ousted him as simply as going to the park.  Similar to Conakry’s, the Niger coup drew a lot of attention, and the Nigeriens threw their weight behind the junta. Both the public and the junta kept the anti-French kite flying, paving the way for the shift in allegiance to socialist Russia- an alternative superpower block to which all the aggrieved countries with West meddling turn. In addition, the row that ensued between the Junta and ECOWAS has also added twists to the matter. 

Months after Niger, the Gabon military struck to oust Ali Bongo, which brought to an end the Bango dynasty of 53 years. Drama ensued when Ali Bango, who was declared winner of the Gabonese presidential election barely an hour before, appeared on recorded video, appealing for help from the international community: “I, Ali Bongo, president of Gabon, aim to send a message to all my friends all over the world to tell them to make noise, people here have arrested me, my family and son are somewhere right now I don’t know what is happening… I’m calling on you to make noise, to make noise really, I am thanking you” This reminds me of Colonel Muhammed Gaddafi in 2011, when the NATO-enforced rebels came ever closer, toppling him as they approached Tripoli, the capital of Libya, then the self-described “king of the kings” buckled down crying for help.

 The Niger and Gabon coup shook the African continent. It appeared the coup was sweeping the whole continent, and the writing was all over the horizon as the next coup seemed to be a matter of when, not if. This development has triggered several sit-tight leaders to do something. Both President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Paul Biya Cameroon reshuffled military positions. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau dissolved the country’s legislature and appointed a new prime minister weeks later. Hausa says Mai kaza aljihu baya jimirin ass (he who has a skeleton in his closet gets frightened at the slightest provocation)

One thing that has been a tradition for the coup plotters is to elongate their stay or convert to democracy and orchestrate their indefinite stay, for instance, the failed Sani Abacha attempt or the successful attempt by Yahya Jammeh of Gambia, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Mathiew Kerekou of Benin or the late Chad president Idriss Deby. 

Some of these sit-tight African leaders even taken their stay to another level: dynasty form, where children or family members take turns to preside over their respective countries like Mahamat Deby Idris taking after his father Idriss Deby, Joseph Kabila from his father Laurent-Désiré Kabila, Museveni’s son is currently heating up, the Robert Mugabe wanted to impose his wife. No one embodied this sentiment like The Nguema family of Equatorial Guinea. They didn’t surpass 53 years of the Bango family alone but showed no sign of relinquishing the power.

You see, it is not that there were not good reasons on the ground for the junta to intervene. For instance, the corruption was said to be unprecedented when Muhammadu Buhari intervened, the economic hardship was also on the equal scale when Ibrahim Babangida intervened, insecurities currently bedevil the Sahelian countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, the excuse for the toppling of the government in those countries. In addition, it is not that the Junta didn’t have good intentions to make things better for their respective countries, but somehow along the line after taking power, the situation became ‘Jiya iya yau’, (the more things change, the more they remain the same) sometimes even worse. Africa, where does the problem lie?

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A 25-year-old U.S. Airman, identified as Aaron Bushnell, died on Sunday night after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to independent journalist Talia Jane. 

D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) confirmed an adult male was transported with critical, life-threatening injuries to a local hospital following the incident on Friday.

Authorities have not confirmed the identity, condition, or status of the individual when asked by TIME. 

Bushnell reportedly sent a message to media outlets before his self-immolation, stating, “Today, I am planning to engage in an extreme act of protest against the genocide of the Palestinian people.”

He also allegedly live-streamed the act on Twitch, which has since removed the video for violating guidelines and not responded to requests for comment from TIME. 

Footage reviewed by TIME shows Bushnell walking towards the driveway of the Israeli Embassy, stating, “I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I’m about to engage in an extreme act of protest.”

Authorities are investigating the incident and the reasons behind Bushnell’s actions. The Israeli Embassy has not issued a statement regarding the incident. 

The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the U.S. and abroad.

Critics have questioned the lack of information available about Bushnell’s motivations and mental health.  

Mental health experts urge anyone experiencing distress to seek help and the resources readily available.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7 in the U.S. 

By Dr Raji Bello

I have no intention of aggravating anyone’s feelings over the war in Gaza. I also feel bad about it, even though I don’t write much on the subject. The main reason for this is that nothing surprises me about what is happening. I have completely anticipated what Israel would do as well as the reaction of the Western countries to Israel’s conduct. No UN vetoes or abstentions by the Western countries is a surprise or a shock to me. 

My interest in history and current affairs for over 40 years has taught me two uncomfortable truths, which I have written about a few times:

1. Might is right. Powerful civilisations, kingdoms or countries have always done as they wished and will continue to do so until the end. Most other countries would either accept or at least not confront what the powerful countries do.

2. Relations between human societies or countries have never been based on moral considerations and will never be. They have always, and will always be, based on interests. Morality only becomes a consideration when there are no compelling interests to pursue.

When these two truths have been understood, two conclusions can be made:

1. no level of horror of human suffering would make powerful countries stop pursuing their interests. This is why the US and the UK behave like they do at the UN.

2. While it is incumbent upon the less powerful countries to also pursue their interests, they should never get in the way of a powerful country’s pursuit of its interests. 

Human beings are not as mentally sophisticated as we might think. We are technically and materially advanced, but the ancient rules still apply. For less powerful countries to survive and flourish, tact is essential. They could get what they wanted through tact but would risk being crushed if they stood in the way of a powerful country. 

The only feasible way to take on a powerful country directly is by acquiring more power than them. Until a less powerful country acquires more power, its strategy should be tact, and tact only.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

Last quarter of 2023, 7th October to be precise, the patience of Palestinians on the forceful occupation and increasing encroachment of Israel in the Gaza Strip, Westbank, and East Jerusalem reached the breaking point, as the voice and heartbeat of Palestine in the Gaza Strip, Hamas, launched a devastating attack on Israel in the occupied areas. The coordinated attack was said to bypass Israeli intelligence and caught their security off guard. But in a swift reaction, Israel has since been responding brutally, threatening the annihilation of not only Hamas but Palestinians in Gaza.

This article is the second from my reading of the book that Dr Muhsin Ibrahim generously shared: They called me a lioness.

 As far back as the beginning of the 19th century, the geopolitical entity now known as Israel did not exist. Instead, the Jewish population was scattered globally (this is a topic for another day); their population would be dispersed across Europe, America, and even our continent, Africa, as some reports claim. 

The clamour for Israel to settle in Palestine first gained traction after the First World War. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed, the control over Palestine fell under British rule.  Regardless of how one will view the situation,  the genesis of the Palestine-Israel turmoil must go back to the British. Because they sought both the help of Israel and Palestine during the war,   promising  Israel to establish a state for them on one hand and agreeing to get independence for Palestine from the Ottoman Empire on another, the British eventually sided with Israel.

So, in 1917, the British issued the Balfour Declaration, pledging to establish “a national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This marked (substantially) the beginning of a series of ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine.

 The Second World War saw the Zionist movement get even more traction.  According to Hitler’s fascist ideology, for humanity to attain Utopia, all forms of inefficiency must be removed, including problematic races and even physically or mentally challenged individuals. In Hitler’s vision, Israel fell in the former category,  so they have to be eradicated. In this regard, about six million Jews had been said to have met their brutal end. The individuals with discounts, either physically or mentally, should also have allied nations to thank for ending the fascism ideology; had Hitler succeeded, it would have been the beginning of their eradication, too.  But for Palestine, their predicament increased. Hundreds of thousands of Holocaust survivors fled Europe, with tens of thousands seeking refuge in Palestine.

It appears that Hitler’s apprehension against Israel had some element of truth because all European countries closed their doors to Jews both before and after the World War. The Jewish population seemed a burden, and the world grappled with an approach to address the puzzle.

In 1947, the United Nations formalised Zionism by approving a plan to partition Palestine into a Jewish state and a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem remaining under international control. This marked a triumphant year for Israel, the culmination of the Zionist struggle. Conversely, for Palestinians, it was a time of national mourning and sadness.

A whole new chapter of the standoff between Israel and Palestine would ensue as Arab nations united against Israel to stop the partition. However, the coalition achieved limited success, with only Jordan managing to capture East Jerusalem and the West Bank and Egypt taking control of Gaza after the 1948 war; Palestinians referred to this war as the “Nakba” or catastrophe, reflecting the extent of devastation that was inflicted on them by Israel.

Again, in the 1967 war, known as the Six-Day War, Israel got the upper hand, capturing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem and initiating what Palestine currently fights with their heart in their mouth: the military occupation of Palestinian territories. In this process, Israel implemented various methods to relegate Palestinians to second-class status, including the construction of a separation wall, the issuance of green identification cards, and the assignment of white license plates to Palestinians, a sort of apartheid-style.

The fact that both Israel and Palestine are descendants of a common ancestor, Abraham, with the former tracing their lineage through Isaac and the latter through Ishmael, is significant and, at the same time, intriguing. To paraphrase former US president W. J. Clinton, dear brothers and sisters Shalom, sheathe the sword and make a sacrifice to accept the common deal beneficial to both sides like the one Nigeria offered.

 Through the then Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Nigeria gave the suggestions: “We encourage Israel to take concrete steps to freeze and reverse all settlement-related activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. On their part, Palestinian leaders must also signal their readiness to return to the negotiating table, and we reaffirm our unwavering support for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine existing side-by-side in peace.” 

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a doctoral researcher in chemical engineering at ABU Zaria.

By Salihi Adamu Takai 

Religion is the most important thing to live with on earth – and for embracing the ultimate life as the avenue to a – successful life and the last day. As a Muslim, you have been ordained in the religion you have faith in to accommodate everything said therein. Various verses in the Glorious Qur’an have an emphasis on being submissive to the religion completely.

In chapter 2 of the Qur’an, Verse 208, Almighty Allah asks the believers to enter Islam to the fullest extent of its laws, adhere to the Book – and refrain from transgressing to everything disliked therefrom. This has encompassed the extent of being surrendered in anything of the Almighty Allah.

Contemporaneously, we interact in a secular world where religious belief is becoming disliked by some people who deem themselves “humanists”. But, there had been a generation that had manifested the idea of religion and propagated the natural school of thought. They believed that the world should be controlled by the Lord against manmade laws.

Nowadays, secularism allows for democracy, reduces the power of religion, and empowers manmade laws. To them, religious law undoubtedly must be in conformity with manmade laws. This is, of course, stated in every Constitution of every secular state.

Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mentions that ” The Government of Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion. This is the same as in the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Article 7, in which the Constitution says: “Uganda shall not adopt a State religion”.

Moreover, the same Constitutions give the right to practise a religion in both countries, Nigeria and Uganda. Section 38 of the 1995 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives the right to a religion in both countries, Nigeria and Uganda.

Section 38 of the 1995 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives the right to a religion. Also, in Article 29 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the right to religion has been protected. But the Constitution of Uganda, in the aforementioned Article, continuously says that the practice of the religion shall be in a manner consistent with the Constitution as it’s said in Article 2 ( Supremacy of the Constitution).

Nigeria, as a Federal State that encompasses diversity in tribe, culture and religion, indirectly gives room for the adoption of a religion but not to the extent of its laws. The establishment of the Shari’a Courts by the Constitution is, of course, a move to the adoption in the Eighteen States of the Northern parts of Nigeria. The Courts are not yet as powerful as the conventional courts of the Country.

The Sharia Courts are limited to hearing only Islamic Personal matters – not other crimes. Section 277 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says: “The Sharia Court of Appeal of a State shall, in addition to such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon it by the law of the State, exercise such appellant and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of Islamic personal law which the Court is competent to decide in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section.”.

By Uzair Adam Imam

President Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Senegal on Monday in response to the ongoing political crisis gripping the West African nation.

As reported by the Western Post, Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS, aims to engage in discussions with President Sall to advocate for upholding the country’s constitution and preventing Senegal from descending further into crisis.

One of the key objectives of Tinubu’s visit is to urge for the immediate conduct of presidential elections, highlighting the importance of restoring stability and democratic processes in Senegal.

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

As the dust settled following thrilling first-round matches at the ongoing AFCON in Ivory Coast, here are the main talking points:

African football has dispelled the stereotype

Most football enthusiasts often malign African football as a turgid, dull, low-quality affair with little excitement, panache and flair. However, the ongoing edition of AFCON is anything but boring. There were plenty of genuinely entertaining and high-scoring games. So far, 89 goals have been scored in the 36 group-stage games. Some of the standout encounters include Equatorial Guinea’s 4-2 defeat of Guinea Bissau, Egypt’s trio of 2-2 draws against Mozambique, Ghana and Cape Verde; Angola’s and Cameroon’s pair of 3-2 wins over Mauritania and Gambia, respectively, as well as Ghana’s and Algeria 2-2 draws against Mozambique and Burkina Faso, respectively. Most of the games played have been filled with drama and excitement. Long may this continue.

Nigeria has not joined the party yet

For a country boasting arguably the best array of attacking players in the continent, it is shocking that the Super Eagles have managed to score a paltry three goals in 270 minutes of football. How the goals were scored makes it all the more disappointing: a fortuitous Victor Osimhen header, a Troost-Ekong penalty and an own goal. When you can call upon the likes of Osimhen, Onuachu, Chukweze, Lookman, Simon and Iheanacho, you expect to score a bucketful of goals regardless of the strength of the opposition. So far, this has yet to materialise for the Super Eagles. On the flip side, history has shown that international tournaments are often won by teams which start slowly and grow as the tournament progresses. Will the Super Eagles’ fortunes change in front of goal change in the knockout rounds? I hope so. 

Underdogs are writing their own stories

The group stage has thrown a lot of surprises to spectators. The biggest casualties are three former champions in Ghana, Algeria and Tunisia, who have already taken the first flights home with their tails firmly between their legs. While most of the continental giants have flattered to deceive, the relative minnows have managed to put their names on the continent’s footballing map. Cape Verde topped the pool, which contains illustrious names such as Egypt and Ghana. Equatorial Guinea finished ahead of the more fancied Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Mauritania defeated and finished ahead of former champions Algeria. And Namibia qualified to the next round at the expense of Tunisia. Undoubtedly, the tournament’s biggest and most impressive performance came from Equatorial Guinea, who recorded a resounding 4-0 mauling of the host, Ivory Coast. The sight of the disbelieving face of Didier Drogba and the distraught Ivorians will remain iconic for generations. 

Senegal are the team to beat

I think this doesn’t even need to be explained to anyone who follows the events of the last two weeks at the AFCON. The Teranga Lions are the only team to have qualified from their group with maximum points. They won all their games with a minimum of fuss. Their talisman, Sadio Mane, may be approaching the twilight of his career. Still, with the spine of Mendy in goal, Koulibaly and Diatta in defence and Gana-Gueye and Matar Sarr in midfield, the defending champions have all it takes to retain their trophy. Come the end of the tournament, Senegal will be there or thereabout.

West Africa rules the roost 

Half of the 16 nations still standing at the AFCON are from West Africa (Nigeria, Guinea, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso). With the biggest threats in Egypt, Cameroon and Morocco looking quite vulnerable and easily beatable, the stage is set for West African countries to dominate the latter stages of the tournament. 

Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf wrote from Kano. He can be reached via aliyuyy@gmail.com. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared on Tuesday an additional $45 million in aid dedicated to West African nations, intensifying efforts to address the persistent instability in the region.

This financial commitment builds on the ongoing initiative, bringing the total funding under the year-old programme to nearly $300 million. 

During a comprehensive tour of African democracies, Blinken engaged in separate discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.

The focal points of these conversations revolved around strengthening US-African collaborations across a spectrum of vital sectors such as trade, climate, infrastructure, health, and security. 

The purpose of the visit was to facilitate progress in dealing with coups and extremism in West Africa, with Blinken singling out Ivory Coast as an exemplary model.

While in Abidjan, he lauded the country’s resolute stance against the coup in Niger and its innovative strategy of “building security together.”

This approach involves strategic economic investments to counter extremism in the northern regions bordering Mali and Burkina Faso. 

Standing alongside President Ouattara, Blinken commended Ivory Coast’s community-centric tactics, stating, “I think that can serve as a very powerful model for other countries.” 

Addressing mutual security challenges, Blinken expressed gratitude for Ivory Coast’s leadership in countering extremism and violence.

The US Secretary of State unveiled plans to intensify cooperation on the ground with Ivory Coast, with a focus on expanded military training and increased investments in civil protection. 

Discussing the prevailing security challenges in Africa, including the coup in Niger and the ongoing terrorism in Nigeria, Blinken emphasised the imperative for collaborative efforts.

The United States aims to provide support to affected nations, bolstering their capacity to effectively counteract security threats. 

This announcement comes at a crucial juncture when security concerns persist in the region, with notable incidents like the Christmas Eve killings in Plateau, Nigeria, and the pervasive kidnapping epidemic.

By Aminu Mohammed

I recently came across an interview on Instablog9ja on Instagram, where an elderly man advised youths to think critically before moving to the United Kingdom for better opportunities. The interview sparked a lot of reactions from listeners, particularly from the youths who were unhappy with the man’s attempt to discourage them from seeking a better life abroad.

I was both amused and taken aback by the disparaging comments under the post. Unsurprisingly, many Nigerians, particularly the youths, are disenchanted with the country’s security challenges and economic situation, especially the lack of jobs and inflation, and are desperately looking for a means to travel abroad for a better life.

I have read several stories online of people who resigned from their jobs and sold their properties, such as houses, lands, and businesses, to raise significant funds to pay for tuition fees in the United Kingdom, which can range from £10,000 to £20,000, depending on the course of study.

I have received several emails from people asking for advice on applying for scholarships or postgraduate programs in Germany. Similarly, I have received messages from people seeking my opinion on whether to sell their property to pay for tuition for a master’s program in the UK and Germany or travel to another country to seek work.

First and foremost, I would never discourage anyone from exploring the world to pursue his or her aspirations. I believe that life without adventure is not worth living. I have gained many tangible benefits from moving to Germany for my studies. In the last few years, I have acquired valuable skills, visited great cities and met incredible individuals from different countries worldwide.

However, it is important that I share the reality of living abroad with those who are planning to embark on such an adventure. This will enable them to prepare adequately before leaving their home country.

Conduct Sufficient Research and Planning

Before making any relocation moves, it is important to conduct adequate research and preparation. You should start by evaluating your qualifications, skills, and ability to adapt. Remember that immigration laws are becoming stricter in European countries like the United Kingdom, France, Sweden and Germany. If you decide to migrate and explore other places, ensure you have a job with visa sponsorship, a scholarship, or the financial capability to support yourself while studying. Additionally, research the prospective countries you want to relocate to and check the ease of settling down after your studies.

It is also a good idea to consult reliable friends from the countries you intend to relocate to for genuine advice. Don’t be swayed by social media trends like the “Japa hype”. Peer pressure is a significant challenge in our society, and herd mentality often impedes personal growth.

Keep the Second Option in Mind

Defining your goals, intentions, and plans is important before jumping into something trending. Many people make the mistake of not having a concrete plan and end up stranded and depressed when things don’t work out as expected. If you plan to travel abroad, it is not advisable to do so on a visitor visa to find a job. This puts you at a great risk of getting stuck and deported for overstaying.

If you are currently employed in Nigeria and plan to study abroad, taking a study leave from your company is best. Similarly, if you have a successful business, do not dispose of it before travelling abroad. Instead, entrust it to someone you trust to manage it in your absence.

While many Nigerians have successfully moved abroad and achieved career and financial success, many are stranded and unable to return home. Some even suffer from depression and mental illness due to the challenges they are facing there.

Moving to a new country comes with challenges, so careful consideration is necessary before making any decisions. Best of luck as you embark on your personal pursuit and growth journey.

Aminu Mohammed wrote this article from Ingolstadt, Germany. He can be reached at gravity23n@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, declared that US and British interests are now “legitimate targets” following a series of overnight strikes on strategic places in Houthi-held areas. 

The rebels’ Supreme Political Council issued a statement warning of retaliation, asserting that the armed forces would ensure the aggressors face consequences for their actions. 

In response to the attacks, the council stated, “The joy of the aggressors will not be long, and our hand will be the upper hand, God willing.  

“All American-British interests have become legitimate targets for the Yemeni armed forces.” 

The overnight strikes, reported to have killed five people according to the rebels, came after weeks of Houthi attacks on Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, in protest against Israel’s actions in its conflict with Hamas.