oleh admin | Apr 2, 2025 | government, laws and regulations, politics, politics and government, politics and law
GABORONE – The Executive Secretary of Sadc, Elias Magosi, has praised the recent efforts aimed at transforming the Sadc Parliamentary Forum (Sadc PF) into a regional parliament.
After Botswana’s President Duma Boko signed an agreement last week amending the SADC treaty to facilitate the creation of a potential SADC parliament, Magosi initiated this action.
Mauritius currently stands as the sole SADC member state to have signed the agreement.
Nevertheless, he urged for the proactive participation of the region’s parliaments to guarantee prompt approval of all regional agreements.
Magosi characterized the signing of the agreement as a “significant moment” and an essential move toward regional unification, praising everyone who has contributed over the years to achieve this landmark accomplishment.
“We did not lose hope,” Magosi stated, further saying, “Many leaders have preceded you, laying down the groundwork, and now we stand together as you sign this crucial document. While the nation and past leadership deserve recognition, so do you for quickly recognizing the importance of affixing your signature.”
Magosi emphasized that setting up a regional parliament goes beyond symbolism; it represents an essential step forward in the institutional growth of SADC. This move aims particularly at bolstering democratic governance, providing better oversight mechanisms, and aligning legislation among member countries.
He stated that this measure ensures better regional governance, leading to more effective performance.
“The current laws require an independent advocate and an impartial observer to ensure that both the region and the individual member states adhere to these regulations in a way that benefits our area, our member nations, and our people,” Magosi stated.
Nevertheless, he voiced concerns about the persistent gap between presidential endorsements at the SADC summit and the sluggish pace of ratification by the parliaments of member states—delays that have hindered multiple regional agreements for as long as two decades.
“One of my objectives in this position is to ensure that member states endorse these agreements that we’ve had for quite a while,” Magosi stated.
He stated, “Upon approval of the agreement, a time lag exists between when Their Excellencies sign it during the Sadc summit and when they provide their ratification signatures. This interval frequently spans from 5 to 20 years, leading us to question the reason for such delays.”
He pointed out that this delay is especially concerning since all required internal assessments by legal teams and government agencies are presumed to be finished prior to the president’s approval, which means that ratification ought to move forward without undue administrative obstacles.
“SADC is only as robust as its mechanisms. The organization’s efficacy hinges on the efficiency of these tools. For these tools to function effectively, they require signature and ratification,” he emphasized.
Magosi implored lawmakers throughout the area to take an active role in promoting the ratification and implementation of agreed upon documents.
“It’s an appeal to each one of us serving as Members of Parliament from this area to thoroughly examine these tools and help expedite their implementation. We should aim to match the speed at which member states operate,” he stated.
He remained optimistic that should all necessary technical contributions be submitted promptly, the body forming the Sadc regional parliament might be completed and showcased during the forthcoming 45th Sadc summit in Madagascar.
He emphasized that the proposed regional parliament should be viewed and developed as a reliable, efficient, and beneficial organization, distinct from other pancontinental entities.
We are establishing a regional parliament. It needs to appear capable and efficient, with us as Members of Parliament ensuring its effectiveness… Our role includes safeguarding and maintaining it to ensure it brings benefit to the region and enhances the value for each member state.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Apr 2, 2025 | government, korea national news, local news, news, politics and law
On April 4th, Seoul plans to enforce an unparalleled security measure near the Constitutional Court due to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment verdict scheduled for that day. The subway stations, fueling stations, and building sites within proximity will shut down temporarily, along with local educational institutions suspending their activities. Authorities stated that they would establish a barrier encompassing a hundred meters from the courthouse boundary, forming what has been termed as a “no-go zone,” excluding everyone without exception—even legislators won’t be allowed entry. Renowned cultural landmarks such as palaces, art museums, and exhibition halls will also cease operations. Businesses located in this region are advising staff members to opt for remote working arrangements instead.
On April 1, authorities stated that Anguk Station on Seoul Metro Line 3, situated close to the Constitutional Court, would remain shut throughout April 4, with trains bypassing this station without halting. Three days prior to the decision, four out of its six exits had been sealed off. Depending on circumstances, Seoul Metro might collaborate with law enforcement to make additional stations such as Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung, Jongno 3-ga, Jonggak, City Hall, and Hangangjin pass-by stops as well.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Department has implemented traffic limitations beginning at 1:00 PM on April 1st. They have completely blocked off Yulgak-ro near the Constitutional Court under a 24-hour urgent measure. Should gatherings increase, street closings might expand to include Sajik-ro and Sejong-daero.
On April 4, the National Palace Museum and surrounding cultural landmarks proximate to the Constitutional Court will be shut down, with 15 government employees designated for their security. In an effort to ensure student safety amid possible demonstrations, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has mandated the closure of 11 educational institutions located in the vicinity; this includes kindergartens, elementary, middle, high, and specialized schools.
In order to minimize disruptions, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to station up to 1,350 crowd management personnel in crucial locations such as Gwanghwamun, Anguk Station, and Yeouido during the three-day period preceding and following the event. Additionally, the city has requested mobile service providers to install additional temporary cell towers to prevent network issues due to high pedestrian traffic.
A significant police deployment is scheduled for the day of the impeachment verdict, involving 20,000 riot police from 338 units across the country, with 14,000 officers stationed in Seoul. At midnight, the National Police Agency plans to declare a “Gapho” emergency, enabling complete activation of law enforcement resources. Additionally, on April 3rd, a “Eulho” emergency declaration will take effect specifically for Seoul and national-level policing efforts, deploying half of their personnel. Meanwhile, local police agencies throughout the regions will face a “Byeongho” emergency status requiring the involvement of 30 percent of their workforce.
The Korea Heritage Service’s Royal Palace and Tombs Center stated that visits to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung palaces will be limited on April 4 due to safety concerns and efforts towards cultural conservation. Additional closures might occur based on circumstances preceding and following this decision. Notably, Changdeokgung, which holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies merely 600 meters away from the Constitutional Court, whereas Gyeongbokgung has often served as a focal point for demonstrations.
A number of local museums and art galleries, such as the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, will remain closed on April 4. Additionally, the Unhyeongung Royal Residence, situated roughly 300 meters away from the Constitutional Court, will not accept visitors that same day.
A number of businesses close to the Constitutional Court are modifying their work schedules. The finance and public relations personnel at HD Hyundai, situated approximately 100 meters away from the court, have been instructed to either telecommute or go to the company’s Pangyo branch. Similarly, workers at Hyundai Oilbank within the same complex are making comparable adjustments. Additionally, both Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering are contemplating implementing remote working options for all team members; definitive choices will be finalized by early next month.
oleh admin | Apr 2, 2025 | controversies, government, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Ambassador Simeon Uwah, the Executive Secretary of the International Supreme Council for Peace Africa, has emphasized the significant dedication shown by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan when he accepted his loss in the 2015 national elections.
Uwah characterized Jonathan’s choice as a pivotal instance of democratic growth in Africa.
In the 2015 general elections, Jonathan created history by admitting loss to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in a highly competitive contest.
This never-before-seen action left Nigerians astonished and grabbed the global spotlight.
On Monday, during an interview with reporters in Uyo, precisely ten years following the incident, Uwah highlighted that Jonathan’s choice to relinquish power calmly offers a significant example for African leaders. These leaders often opt to maintain their grip on authority when faced with crises instead of placing peace above all else.
On March 31, 2015, precisely a decade ago, ex-Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan created history by acknowledging his loss to Muhammadu Buhari following a highly competitive presidential poll,” stated Uwah. “During an age when many African political figures frequently turn to aggression, contest elections through dispute, or use unlawful methods to retain control, Jonathan’s gesture of acceptance exemplifies one of the paramount instances of matured democracy in Africa. This act marked a significant shift, with Nigeria’s democratic journey being painted in vivid hues.
Uwah also pointed out that Jonathan’s well-known telephone call to Buhari to extend his congratulations was not merely an act of polite recognition of the electoral outcome.
This was an intentional dedication to tranquility, democratic principles, and the nation’s equilibrium.
“His telephone conversation with Buhari wasn’t just an act of good sportsmanship; it was a deliberate move aimed at promoting peace. This one action prevented potential post-election violence, protected numerous lives, and bolstered Nigeria’s position as a democracy on the international scene,” Uwah emphasized.
He stressed that Jonathan’s choice ought to be seen as an example for Africa, especially considering the ongoing political turmoil across the continent.
As Africa contends with military uprisings, contentious elections, erosion of democracy, and the solidification of autocratic rule, Jonathan’s strategy continues to serve as an essential framework for effective democratic management and reform,” stated Uwah. “Given the escalating political unrest from countries like Guinea to Sudan, and from Gabon to Burkina Faso, fostering nationalist and democratic leadership is not merely a choice but a necessity. Without adhering to this path, Africa could confront far more severe issues.
Uwah also proposed that Jonathan’s calm concession should serve as a case study in courses on governance and leadership training for African leaders.
He urged the African Union and ECOWAS to establish peaceful transfers of power and leadership changes as standard practices to protect democracy across the continent from collapsing.
Political transitions ought to be cooperative rather than confrontational,” Uwah emphasized. “Upcoming leaders should adopt bipartisan approaches and foster national reconciliation as fundamental tenets of leadership.
He ended his speech by quoting Jonathan from that crucial instance: “My ambition does not merit the blood of any Nigerian.”
Uwah called for African leaders to adopt this mindset—not just in rhetoric but in practice—moving forward.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | crime, immigration, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Government attorneys contend that even with the error, U.S. courts lack the authority to facilitate the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies came under renewed examination on Tuesday when authorities acknowledged that a “clerical mistake” during the hasty deportation procedures led to the wrongful transfer of an individual to a well-known detention facility in El Salvador.
The Trump administration promotes its extensive initiative against immigrants – a major campaign pledge – as an effort to target gang members and other violent offenders.
However, numerous assertions that several people with tenuous or no links to organized crime have been swiftly expelled have sparked outrage among human rights organizations, Democrats, and even certain Trump supporters, such as the prominent podcaster Joe Rogan.
A man from El Salvador resided in the U.S. state of Maryland under protected legal standing until he was transported to El Salvador along with several hundred other individuals accused of being gang members in mid-March, according to a court document released on Monday.
The aircraft arrived shortly following Trump’s invocation of a seldom-used wartime measure, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, even though a judge had instructed to stop these deportations.
In 2019, Kilmar Abrego Garcia faced accusations of being part of a gang; however, he wasn’t found guilty of any offenses. A judge had earlier ruled against his deportation, fearing potential harm to him in El Salvador.
In the court documents submitted on Monday, attorneys for the government acknowledged that he was sent back due to an “administrative mistake,” yet they contended that U.S. courts currently lack the authority to ensure his liberation.
When pressed on the topic on Tuesday, the White House stood firm, asserting that undisclosed evidence indicated Abrego Garcia was actually a key figure in the vicious MS-13 gang.
The Salvadoran group along with others like Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua has been labeled as “foreign terrorist organizations” under President Trump’s administration.
“The United States of America no longer offers legal protection to foreign terrorists, and President has both the executive authority and power to remove these reprehensible individuals from our communities,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a briefing.
A distinct instance of a gay barber who was deported has drawn attention from U.S. media outlets, and attorneys representing multiple individuals facing deportation claim that their clients were singled out solely due to their tattoos.
Rogan, who supported Trump during the 2024 election, stated on Saturday that it was “horrible” that individuals not involved in criminal activities might get caught up in the efforts to remove gang members from the country.
“The fear arises as even non-criminals are being apprehended, deported, and end up in El Salvador prisons,” stated the comedian and mixed martial arts analyst.
Let’s remove the gang members. Everyone is on board with this. However, we shouldn’t include innocent gay hairdressers with these groups.
The US Vice-President, J.D. Vance, addressed the topic on social media on Tuesday, subsequently making several corrections after noticing inaccuracies in his initial postings.
Initially referring to Abrego Garcia as a “convicted MS-13 gang member,” he subsequently stated that an immigration judge had “concluded” he was part of MS-13, adding that “any ‘due process’ he was owed, he got.”
The activation of the ancient AlienEnemiesAct has ignited intense discussions among legal experts regarding immigrants’ entitlement to fair procedures and the degree to which courts can scrutinize decisions made by government officials.
On Friday, the Trump administration requested the Supreme Court to reverse the federal judge’s suspension of deportations carried out under that specific authority.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff and a strong adversary of unlawful immigration, has consistently criticized the judge’s moves as a danger to democratic principles.
“A kind reminder: if you have unlawfully entered our nation, the sole ‘procedure’ you’re entitled to is deportation,” he stated on social media Tuesday.
More Articles from SCMP
Beijing shifts exercises nearer to Taiwan, researcher appeals to China via AI: SCMP daily roundup
During the tariff conflicts, Chinese automobile manufacturers are taking over the Russian market.
Could new US tariffs on China be ‘too significant to handle, too obvious to evade’?
“Jimmie Lau Lane”: U.S. urged to name D.C. street after imprisoned businessman for Hong Kong trade office location
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | donald trump, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
-
PODCAST: Round three for Trump, Musk parts ways with DOGE – plus insight from the ex-Denmark ambassador on what’s best for Greenland. Tune in now.
President
Donald Trump
will claim all the credit if his ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs lead to bringing manufacturing back to the United States and provide an economic uplift for the country.
However, if the economic hardship outweighs the benefits, certain individuals within the Trump sphere have begun laying the groundwork for finding someone to blame as we approach autumn.
In mid-March,
Politico published a story
accusing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
He’s attempting to emulate a smaller version of Trump. It seems like he missed the message that nobody else can act like Trump,” commented an insider within the administration regarding Lutnick. “This just underscores his lack of understanding about how to perform this role effectively.
The source indicated that Lutnick is ‘always trying to win Trump’s approval.’
Informants likewise disclosed to the media organization that Lutnick’s recent TV appearances revealed his inadequate comprehension of economic functioning and the effects of tariffs on it.
Lutnick, who previously led Cantor Fitzgerald, presented an overly optimistic economic outlook as well.
In March, during an appearance on Meet the Press, he stated that Americans should ‘definitely not’ prepare for a recession.
Lutnick’s interview was broadcast just prior to Trump, during a pre-recorded discussion with Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo, declined to dismiss the possibility of an economic downturn.
Trump has acknowledged that his tariffs could create some short term economic pain for consumers but argued the import taxes would help the U.S. in the longterm.
“Tariffs aim to make America wealthy once more and to restore American greatness. This process has already begun and will accelerate swiftly,” Trump stated during his joint address to Congress in early March.
There might be some minor disruption, but we’re fine with that,” Trump said. “It shouldn’t be significant.
Insiders close to Trump might be more inclined to speak critically of Lutnick since his background in Wall Street does not align well with the group supporting tariffs.
Trump’s long-standing trade advisor, Peter Navarro, along with U.S. Trade Representative James Greer, are seen as more steadfast and genuine proponents of their beliefs.
“Each member of the Trump administration agrees on finally evening out the playing field for American businesses and laborers,” stated Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, to SANGGRALOKA on Tuesday afternoon.
The White House was queried about whether Trump still maintained faith in Lutnick.
‘President Trump has assembled the best and brightest trade team in modern American history to reignite American Greatness, and they are hard at work following the same playbook,’ Desai added.
It’s evident that Trump holds deep fondness for Lutnick.
During his inauguration event in late February, Trump once again shared Lutnick’s September 11, 2001 narrative—how Lutnick missed being in the North Tower as he had been escorting his son Kyle to school instead.
‘Trump quipped that you should let him have more than the other children.’
Cantor Fitzgerald tragically lost 658 out of its 960 New York-based employees in the terrorist attacks, and Howard mourned the loss of his younger brother, Gary.
At Lutnick’s swearing-in ceremony, Trump playfully chided him for his previous affiliation with the Democratic Party.
In turn, Lutnick called Trump ‘the smartest, most thoughtful and most intuitive person I’ve ever met.’
‘It’s truly incredible to be in this room and work for him,’ stated the Commerce Secretary.
Read more
oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | government, politics, politics and government, politics and law, security
By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, April 01, GNA – The New Patriotic Party Minority Caucus in Parliament has voiced serious reservations about various crucial security issues in Ghana.
They mentioned this involved the supposed baffling vanishing of 12 containers loaded with gold and money, potential drug smuggling involving private aircraft carrying cocaine and funds, as well as an allegedly pirated assault on a Ghanaian fishing boat.
At a press conference held in Parliament on Tuesday, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who serves as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Assin South and holds the position of Ranking Member on both the Interior and Defense Committees within Parliament, addressed members of the media. He raised a pertinent issue regarding concerns from Ghanaian citizens about whether the government, via National Security, planned to redirect the 12 containers filled with gold and cash, ultimately aiming to mislead the public later on.
He expressed worries regarding two supposed private aircraft: AirMed flight N823AM and Cavok Air, which arrived at Kotoka International Airport in March 2025 with questionable goods thought to include cocaine and money.
“We urge the National Security agency to disclose all details regarding the contents of the cargo transported by these two airplanes into the country, as well as what was loaded onto the same planes when they departed for Gran Canary,” he stated additionally.
Reverend Ntim Fordjour likewise voiced worry over a purportedly reported pirate assault on a Ghanaian fishing ship named “MENGXIN 1,” which took place within Ghana’s territorial waters on March 27, 2025.
As they pushed for a comprehensive inquiry into the event, the Caucus demanded that the government equip the Ghana Navy with the necessary number of Offshore Patrol Vessels to protect Ghana’s territorial waters.
As Ghana’s position as the second most tranquil nation in Africa was precarious, the Minority Caucus determined that it was crucial for the country to remain secure under President John Dramani Mahama’s guidance. They believed it essential to prevent the nation from becoming a refuge for piracy, narcotics smuggling, and financial fraud.
Mr. Kofi Amankwa Manu, the NPP Member of Parliament for Aktwima Kwanwoma and Deputy Ranking member of both the Interior and Defense Committees in Parliament, stated that this matter is a security concern requiring collaborative action. He emphasized that the minority party will contribute their share and urged all other parties involved to also participate actively.
Mr Amankwa Manu cautioned against politicizing Ghana’s security matters and urged for the appropriate focus to be given to them.
GNA
CAA
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
Halaman 3 dari 20«12345...1020...»Akhir »
