Foreign
War Unnecessary, But We’re Ready to Defend Ourselves, Niger Junta Informs ECOWAS.
War Unnecessary, But We’re Ready to Defend Ourselves, Niger Junta Informs ECOWAS.
By Admin
The leader of the coup plotters who took control in the Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, conveyed on Saturday that while his nation has no intentions of pursuing war, it is prepared to protect itself if required. This declaration arrives amidst heightened tensions and international apprehensions after the coup that displaced President Mohamed Bazoum. Tchiani’s remarks were shared via Al Jazeera.
Tchiani emphasized that neither the military nor the citizens of Niger have any appetite for conflict, but they are committed to countering any potential aggression. He urged the member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to grasp the crucial role Niger plays in maintaining regional stability, particularly given the escalating terrorist activities.
Regarding the sanctions placed on Niger, Tchiani clarified that their purpose is to pressure the rebels rather than serve as a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis. Moreover, he clarified that the rebels’ aims are not to seize power but to find a resolution that aligns with the populace’s interests.
Reports emerged of an ECOWAS delegation arriving in Niger’s capital to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the detainment of former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted by the coup. This delegation, which also engaged in discussions with Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, seeks to gain insights into the current scenario.
The coup, which occurred on July 26, led to President Bazoum’s detention by his own security personnel, commanded by Gen. Tchiani. In response, ECOWAS halted financial aid to Niger, froze assets linked to the rebels, and imposed restrictions on commercial flights to and from the nation. During an Abuja summit, ECOWAS leaders collectively endorsed the activation of a standby force to potentially exert pressure on the Nigerien military to reinstate President Bazoum.
On Friday, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel-Fatau Musah disclosed that the General Staff Chiefs of ECOWAS have settled on a commencement date for potential military intervention, but this date will remain undisclosed to the public.
Source: NAN.
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By: Divine Perezide
Eighteen months after undergoing a groundbreaking procedure with Elon Musk’s company Neuralink, Noland Arbaugh has opened up about how the brain chip implant has transformed his daily life and future ambitions.
Arbaugh, who lost sensation and movement below his shoulders after a swimming accident in 2016, received the device in 2024. During the surgery, a robot implanted a coin-sized chip in his skull, linking more than 1,000 electrodes directly to neurons in his brain. This advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) translates his brain’s electrical signals into digital commands, allowing him to control devices around him.
With the Neuralink implant, Arbaugh can now operate his computer, play games such as Mario Kart, switch his television on and off, and even control his air purifier-all without moving his body. “It’s been transformative,” he told Fortune, explaining that he uses the device for about 10 hours each day for studying, reading, and gaming.
The technology has also enabled him to pursue new opportunities. Arbaugh is enrolled in classes at a community college in Arizona and is making plans to start his own business while also seeking paid professional speaking engagement and live talks to share his story.
Both Fortune and Blomberg have reported Arbaugh’s case as a key milestone in Neuralink’s ambitious goal of merging human cognitive with digital technology. His journey offers a rare glimpse into how brain-computer interfaces could reshape independence and accessibility for people with severe physical disabilities.
Foreign
SECRET SERVICE CHIEF, KIMBERLY Cheatle RESIGNS TWO WEEKS AFTER TRUMP’S ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
SECRET SERVICE CHIEF, KIMBERLY Cheatle RESIGNS TWO WEEKS AFTER TRUMP’S ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
By Tobouke JEMINE
Kimberly Cheatle, the embattled Secret Service boss, has announced her resignation following the agency’s failure at Donald Trump’s July 13 campaign rally, where he narrowly escaped assassination.
Cheatle, who has been with the Secret Service for 28 years, faced persistent pressure to step down but had initially insisted on remaining in her position.
During a House Oversight Committee meeting on July 22, she admitted the agency’s response at the rally was a “failure” but controversially awarded her agents an “A” grade for their efforts. She communicated her decision to resign in a letter to agency staffers on Tuesday morning.
“All of you are worthy of trust and confidence.”
“You deserve the nation’s support in carrying out our critical mission,” she said. “One of my favorite things about this workforce is that the men and women are fiercely committed to our mission.”
“Thank you for all that you do, and will continue to do, for our great nation,” she concluded.
Following the resignation of Secret Service Director Cheatle, U.S. president, Biden expressed his appreciation her “for her decades of public service.”
“She has selflessly dedicated and risked her life to protect our nation throughout her career in the United States Secret Service. We especially thank her for answering the call to lead the Secret Service during our Administration and we are grateful for her service to our family,” Biden said.
“As a leader, it takes honor, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility for an organization tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in public service,” he continued.
“The independent review to get to the bottom of what happened on July 13 continues, and I look forward to assessing its conclusions,” Biden added. “We all know what happened that day can never happen again. As we move forward, I wish Kim all the best, and I will plan to appoint a new Director soon”
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AUSTRALIA/NIGERIA>Government Announces $915 Minimum Wage Effective From July 1st…
By Tobouke JEMINE
The recent announcement by Australia’s Fair Work Commission about a new minimum wage of $915.90 per week (or $24.10 per hour) effective from July 1, 2024, is a significant development for workers in Australia.
This 3.75% increase aims to help workers cope with inflation and economic shifts. It also improves Australia’s attractiveness for skilled international workers, given that meeting these wage standards is crucial for employers, especially those seeking to sponsor overseas employees.
In Nigeria the case is different. It’s been months Nigeria has not fixed its minimum wage challenges. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have proposed a substantial increase from N30,000 to N494,000, citing the high cost of living.
However, the federal government has not agreed to this demand, saying it is financially unsustainable. This institutional differences recently led to a nationwide strike, resulting in a temporary agreement to raise the minimum wage to over N60,000 while further negotiations take place.