Tekijä: Ohene Anochie

The High Court of Bukavu has commenced a highly anticipated trial involving three Chinese nationals accused of illegal mineral exploitation in Walungu, South Kivu. The defendants face multiple serious charges, including illicit mineral extraction, money laundering, illegal residency, fraud, pillaging of natural resources, and unlawful possession of mineral substances. This trial has attracted widespread attention, highlighting South Kivu’s ongoing struggle against illegal resource exploitation. Authorities have long condemned the environmental damage and river pollution linked to illicit gold mining, often implicating foreign nationals in these destructive practices. Thomas Chidibi, a lawyer at the Kinshasa Matete Bar Association, underscored the importance…

The Amazigh communities of North Africa are ushering in the year 2974 of their calendar, which traces its origins to 950 BCE, when King Sheshonq ascended to the throne in Egypt. This year’s Yennayer, marking the end of the agricultural year and the start of a new one, was celebrated on January 13. Derived from “yan” (first) and “ayur” (month), Yennayer coincides with the coldest weeks of winter and is a significant cultural event for the Amazigh, considered the original inhabitants of North Africa. The festivities, rooted in tradition, symbolize abundance and fertility, with a focus on communal meals and…

The Latvian Association of Professional Guides has expressed frustration over the continued presence of the Latvian Riflemen Monument in the Old Town of Riga, as reported by the Latvian Television program “4. studija” on January 12. The monument, which commemorates the Latvian Riflemen, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about the removal of Soviet-era symbols. The controversy arises from a special law enacted to dismantle objects glorifying Soviet and Nazi regimes. While several such monuments have been demolished or relocated, the Latvian Riflemen Monument remains in place, leading to questions about its appropriateness. In a…

A Russian citizen has been detained by Latvian border guards after illegally crossing the state border in Liepna parish on Friday, January 10, according to a press release from the State Border Guard. The incident was prompted by surveillance camera images showing an individual moving from the border toward Latvia. Border guards swiftly responded to the alert and discovered the individual, who lacked valid identity documents. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the individual for intentionally crossing the external state border illegally. Additionally, administrative proceedings are underway for failing to present documents confirming identity and the right to…

The Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) has initiated an investigation into airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss to assess his compliance with the Law On Prevention of Conflict of Interest in Activities of Public Officials. The probe follows allegations from private individuals concerning a potential conflict of interest, according to KNAB representatives. The controversy centers on claims made by Girts Lapins of the National Alliance, who alleged on social media that Gauss is the owner of the German company MaGau GmbH, which holds shares in 2e systems GmbH, a supplier to airBaltic. However, airBaltic clarified that 2e systems has been a business…

Sam Moore, the celebrated vocalist and half of the iconic 1960s duo Sam & Dave, has died at the age of 89. Known for timeless hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Moore’s contributions to the soul music genre have left an indelible mark. His publicist, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that Moore passed away on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications following surgery. Further details regarding his passing have not been disclosed. Moore’s remarkable talent and style inspired generations of artists, including legends such as Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen. In 1992, Moore…

For the first time in their 40-year journey, the iconic Italian design duo Dolce & Gabbana are exhibiting their creations in Paris, the epicenter of global fashion. Titled Du Coeur à la Main (From the Heart to the Hand), the exhibition runs from January 10 to March 31, and aims to celebrate Italian artistry while showcasing the deep connections between fashion traditions. Curator Florence Müller explains the exhibition’s intent, saying, “Yes, Italy does it too,” underscoring the unparalleled craftsmanship of Italian fashion. Hosted in the newly refurbished Grand Palais, the exhibition spans 1,200 square meters and features over 200…

Amid speculation in mid-December about his potential retirement after the 2024-2025 season, Karim Benzema, the 37-year-old Al-Ittihad striker, has firmly denied such claims. The French star, who has been in remarkable form with 10 goals in 10 Saudi Pro League matches this season, dismissed the rumors as “nonsense.” Benzema addressed the speculation, stating, “I have no idea who is behind these claims. My career has no boundaries. I can’t predict if I’ll still be playing in two, three, or four years. I feel great my body is in excellent condition, my training is going well, and I’m taking it…

The Lithuanian government has authorized law enforcement officers to use special ammunition and projectiles to neutralize drones, weather balloons, and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as autonomously or remotely piloted objects. Under the new measures, officers can deploy these tools against airborne, land-based, waterborne, or underwater objects. They are also permitted to use drones, vehicles, demining robots, and similar devices to launch special ammunition and projectiles. Special ammunition, as defined by the legislation, includes projectiles fired from firearms or propelled by devices containing substances like gas or paint, designed to impact a target. The law also…

Transnistria, a breakaway province of Moldova aligned with Russia, faces a severe energy crisis after Ukraine suspended a Russian gas deal that supplied the region. The situation has left hundreds of thousands without heating, gas, or electricity as the Kremlin-backed leadership in Tiraspol declined alternative energy solutions offered by Moldova. This crisis has also impacted Moldova, which relied on Transnistria’s gas-fired power plant for a third of its electricity. The country’s pro-European leaders accuse Moscow of leveraging “gas blackmail” to destabilize Moldova and warn of a potential Russia-induced security crisis. Understanding Transnistria With a population of around 400,000,…