oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, international relations, news, politics, politics and government
On Monday, ODM party leader Raila Odinga and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi met for discussions with the
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan
Raila stated that the Ambassador visited him for a courtesy call, similar to what other ambassadors have done before.
He mentioned that their talks centered on the bilateral relationship between Kenya and China, highlighting this aspect.
the friendly and long-standing relationship the two nations have maintained over many years.
Following the discussion, the ex-Prime Minister stated that Kenya and China work together on commerce, manufacturing, tech, and infrastructure projects.
“Today, I have received Gصند
uo Haiyan Ambassador
from the People’s Republic of China. She made a courtesy visit to me, similar to others.
mbassadors
This has been completed. I am acting in my role as the head of the OrangeDemocratic Movement,” Raila stated.
He mentioned that Kenya and China are currently engaged in talks about development initiatives and enhancing their relationship with each other.
Raila mentioned that they have addressed topics of mutual concern because China has been alongside this nation since its independence began, and during this time, they have funded various development initiatives within the country.
At a press conference following the meeting, the ODM leader avoided political topics, stating that he is not involved with the administration.
However, shows a strong interest in the development of the bilateral relationship between Kenya and China.
“Since I am not affiliated with the government, my focus is solely on the bilateral relations between our two nations,” Raila stated.
In June of last year, President William Ruto reorganized his Cabinet and included several individuals from the opposition ODM party, integrating them into his inclusive administration.
The two leaders have recently entered into a working partnership, but Raila maintains that this arrangement is not a political agreement in any form.
Since losing the bid for AU Commission chairman, Raila has had discussions with two ambassadors.
On March 18, he
conducted a meeting with the United Kingdom High Commissioner, Neil Wigan.
They talked about various topics including the changing global order and the condition of the nation.
He mentioned that they also discussed the relationship between Kenya and the UK.
“I recently had an enlightening conversation with H.E Neil Wigan, the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Kenya, where we discussed our nation’s longstanding relationship with the UK, the current state of Kenya, and the changing global landscape,” Raila stated at that time.
The ex-Prime Minister expressed his delight at hearing about the UK’s plans to enhance its relationship with Kenya.
He stated that this shift would involve transitioning from providing aid to Kenya, which has occurred over many years, to making economic investments instead.
Raila expressed his delight at hearing about the UK and Europe’s plans to extend their outreach to other regions as part of their efforts to address crucial matters impacting the functioning of global systems.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | foreign policy, gaza israel conflict, international relations, news, politics
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The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, called for resuming negotiations on Monday in reaction to the recent intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which followed unexpected Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) air strikes on Gaza.
During a press conference in Jerusalem, where she had a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Kallas commented, “Violence only breeds further violence.”
“What we’re seeing currently is a perilous intensification of the situation. This is creating immense uncertainty for the captives and their loved ones, and simultaneously instilling terror and leading to fatalities among the Palestinian population,” Kallas stated additionally.
Foreign Minister Sa’ar stated that “the conflict could conclude as early as tomorrow” provided certain conditions are met. These include the liberation of hostages seized by Hamas, the disarmament of Gaza, along with “the removal of armed factions from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.”
Sa’ar stated that they would be delighted to reach their objectives through diplomatic channels. However, should this prove unfeasible, they must proceed with their military operations.
The truce initiated in January halted more than a year of conflict that started with Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023. During this period, their fighters killed around 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, and seized 251 hostages. Many of these captives have subsequently been freed via ceasefire arrangements or various pacts.
During the initial stage of the truce, 25 Israeli hostages along with the remains of eight more were freed in return for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
The Israeli military later permitted hundreds of thousands of individuals to return to their homes, leading to an uptick in humanitarian assistance. However, Israel recently halted all deliveries of supplies to Gaza earlier this month in order to exert pressure on Hamas for additional negotiations regarding the agreement.
It was anticipated that the parties would start discussions in early February concerning the subsequent stage of the truce. This included releasing the leftover 59 captives—of whom roughly half are thought to have perished—in return for additional Palestinian inmates being freed, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and Israel’s retreat from occupied areas. Nonetheless, such dialogues did not take place.
“The only viable solution to alleviate the pain for everyone involved is to restart the discussions,” Kallas emphasized again.
Moreover, Kallas highlighted that the EU does not envision a role for Hamas in governing the Strip moving ahead and stated their willingness to engage in talks regarding Gaza’s future with the aim of achieving lasting peace.
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | air travel, aviation, flights, flying, news
________________
BRUSSELS –
On Monday, Brussels Airport declared that it would cancel all departure flights planned for March 31 as an anticipatory measure due to a national strike anticipated to severely affect air traffic control operations.
The head of operations at Belgium’s biggest airport advised passengers to prepare for potential cancellations of incoming flights due to a strike announced by the nation’s primary labor unions.
Much of the airport’s security and maintenance workforce is anticipated to go on strike during a protest against proposed changes to their pensions from the new conservative administration, along with concerns about rising costs of living.
The strike scheduled for next Monday was likewise anticipated to significantly disrupt activities at the nation’s secondary airport, located in the southern town of Charleroi.
Bart De Wever, a Flemish nationalist, assumed the role of prime minister at the beginning of last month. This followed extensive coalition negotiations that occurred after Belgium’s elections in June of the previous year.
However, trade unions have been angered by his efforts toward pension reform as Belgium struggles with a budget deficit that exceeds the limits set by European Union regulations.
The scheduled demonstration on Monday follows a previous national strike that took place six weeks ago, drawing tens of thousands of participants to the streets.
A significant number of military personnel, educators, railroad employees, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders have participated in the strike due to the government’s decision to eliminate their distinct retirement plans, which disproportionately impacts these professions.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | agriculture, business, commerce, international trade, news
Tariffs place a 100 per cent surcharge on rapeseed oil, peas and oil cakes for animal feed. Aquatic products will face a 25 per cent levy
Canada has initiated a complaint against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding extra tariffs imposed on agricultural and fisheries goods, according to an announcement from the organization on Monday.
The agency stated, “Canada has sought WTO dispute consultations with China regarding the latter’s actions that have imposed extra import tariffs on specific agricultural and fishery goods coming from Canada.”
The duties announced at the beginning of this month affect rapeseed oil, oil cakes — which serve as an animal feed — and peas coming into the country.
Canada
with a 100 percent surcharge.
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Canada ranks as one of the leading global suppliers of canola, which is a type of rapeseed utilized for producing cooking oil, animal feed, and biodiesel fuel.
China
Has traditionally been among its biggest clients.
In the meantime, aquatic products and pork will be subject to a 25 percent tariff.
Leaders from Canada’s industries have stated that they would suffer significantly due to the recent tariffs. These were implemented following an inquiry initiated by Beijing regarding the duties that Ottawa placed on Chinese products in the previous year.
The tariffs follow growing trade tensions between the United States and both Canada and China, following new duties introduced by U.S. President
Donald Trump
.
In August, Ottawa imposed 100 percent tariffs on China.
electric vehicle
imports, matching
US
initiatives aimed at preventing a surge of government-supported vehicles from China into the North American market.
Additionally, they imposed an extra fee on imported Chinese steel and aluminum goods.
Beijing’s commerce ministry said an investigation into these measures found that Canadian policies “disrupted the normal trade order and harmed the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises”.
Following the submission of grievances to the
WTO
, discussions are started among the members who are in conflict with one another.
In the absence of an agreement, the complainant may seek the formation of a special committee comprising three to five specialists.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | ghana, government, international relations, news, politics
Morocco and Ghana have entered into an agreement to exempt travelers from visa requirements when visiting each other’s countries. According to Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, this pact will shortly be submitted to the parliaments of Morocco and Ghana for approval.
On Monday, an announcement was made after a meeting took place between Ghana’s Foreign Minister and the Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil. During their discussions, they explored ways to enhance collaboration in areas such as agriculture and food production, tourism, and security. Additionally, both parties concurred on boosting educational ties bilaterally; Morocco decided to double the scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students, raising the count from 90 to 180, beginning this year.
Ablakwa tweeted, “I’ve had productive and reassuring talks with the Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Imane Ouaadil. She confirmed that Ghanaians and all African residents in Morocco are safe, contradicting the numerous videos circulating online alleging that around 700 Africans are facing violence.”
This reconciliation comes after Ghana informed Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January about suspending its relationship with the “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).” The same stance was supported by Ibrahim Boughali, who serves as the Speaker of Parliament in Accra.
Ablakwa further explained that the Moroccan ambassador assured the safety of Ghanaians and other African residents in Morocco, dispelling false reports circulating online. He noted that the disputed video actually depicted an earlier event from June 24, 2022, at the border, where sadly 23 individuals lost their lives close to the Melilla-Nador barrier. However, he stressed that these events did not involve any Ghanaians.
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, government, news, politics, politics and government
The stakeholders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo Federal Constituency, within Oyo State, are urging Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene due to an ongoing crisis affecting their party locally.
Stakeholders hailing from Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East, and Oyo West local government areas made this plea after convening over the weekend. During their gathering, they emphasized the critical necessity of reviving and restoring the PDP within the federal constituency.
At the conclusion of their gathering, party members released a statement listing “unequal distribution of political positions and roles, actions against the interests of the party, concentration of authority, and disregard for the party charter” as key challenges impeding the party’s development within the constituency.
The statement entitled “Critical Need to Rescue, Revive, and Restore PDP in Oyo Federal Constituency” was endorsed by ex-Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Morufu Atilola; Alhaji Isiaka Adebayo; Alhaji Fatai Obabi; Mr. Wasiu Olaoti; Mr. Tunde Ogunlana, as well as an additional 29 individuals.
As stated in the document, “Every dedicated member of the PDP within the Oyo Federal Constituency has joined forces to rejuvenate and salvage their party from impending ruin caused by authoritarianism, betrayal, biased treatment, deceit, suppression, and public disputes.”
The stakeholders appealed to Governor Makinde, who they referred to as the party’s leader within the state, to “decentralize authority, promote full inclusion, and tackle various challenges impacting the party.”
News Updates Oyo government requests stakeholders’ assistance to combat gender-based violence in educational institutions Rivers state conflict: PDP governors contest Tinubu’s emergency governance before the Supreme Court Oyo reported treating 14,930 tuberculosis cases — Official
They further pushed for acknowledging ex-Speaker Atilola officially as the head of the PDP within the Oyo Federal Constituency, emphasizing that he serves as a “unifying figure” with the capability to advance democratic principles.
As per their view, taking into account their suggestions could contribute to discovering a permanent resolution for the issues faced by the party within the constituency.
They stressed that adopting their suggestions would boost the party’s advancement, cautioning that the present system of indirect leadership has perpetually exacerbated the issues rather than resolving them.
The stakeholders also pointed out concerns like “an imbalance in the distribution of political positions and roles, subversive actions by certain party officials, concentration of authority on one side causing exclusion, defamation, and suppression, along with the ineffectiveness of party structures.”
They also criticized “failure to comply with the party’s constitution and lack of collective discussions and coordination during the previous local government elections.” They further expressed disappointment over “the total absence of information and communication resulting from the consolidation of power within one faction.”
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