NewStats: 3,259,263 , 8,169,662 topics. Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025 at 02:45 PM 6t5x40

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A controversy has emerged over the recent arrival of a group of white South Africans in the United States, who were granted refugee status under a relocation program announced by the Trump istration in February. The group, consisting of 49 people according to the Associated Press and 59 according to Reuters, was fast-tracked for refugee status, with the US government citing persecution and racial discrimination in their homeland as the justification.

However, South African leaders and scholars have disputed the qualification of “refugees” for these individuals, arguing that they do not meet the criteria for refugee status. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that “a refugee is someone who has to leave their country out of fear of political persecution, religious persecution, or economic persecution, and they don’t fit that bill.” He added that the individuals who have fled are not being persecuted and are instead leaving because they do not want to embrace the changes taking place in South Africa in accordance with its Constitution.

The US government’s decision to grant refugee status to white South Africans has been met with criticism, particularly given the country’s history of economic privilege and the fact that they do not face the same level of persecution as other groups. Dr. Oscar van Heerden, a senior research fellow at the University of Johannesburg, noted that the US had to call white South Africans “refugees” to justify the expenses necessary for their relocation. He also pointed out that South Africa has traditionally been a receiver of refugees from other countries, and that the Trump istration’s actions are trying to portray the country as a place where people are seeking refugee status.

The controversy has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that the US government is prioritizing the resettlement of white South Africans over other groups, such as asylum seekers from Afghanistan. On the same day that the Afrikaners arrived in the US, the Trump istration revoked temporary deportation protections for Afghan people, citing an improved security situation and a stabilizing economy in Afghanistan.

The situation has also led to a diplomatic rift between the US and South Africa, with President Ramaphosa telling President Trump that he had received false information about the situation of white South Africans. Trump has planned to address the issue with the South African leadership in a meeting next week. The arrival of the Afrikaners in the US has been seen as a significant development, with many questioning the validity of their refugee status and the motivations behind the US government’s decision to grant it to them.

Related News: US Welcomes Afrikaner Refugees Fleeing Racial Discrimination in South Africa

https://mediatalkafrica.com/211647/us-welcomes-white-south-african-refugees-amid-dispute-over-genocide-claims-and-refugee-status/

Kim Kardashian is set to testify in Paris against 10 men accused of high profile 2016 robbery where she was bound with zip ties and held at gunpoint.

The robbery that left her trapped in a marble bathroom as masked intruders stole over six million dollars in jewelry.

Kardashian is preparing to open up about the traumatic experience that transformed her life and highlighted the dangers of fame in the era of social media.

Her appearance is expected to be the most emotionally charged moment of a trial that began last month.

Court officials are preparing for a large crowd, with heightened security measures in place.

A second courtroom has been set up for journalists to follow the proceedings via video feed.

Kardashian’s testimony is expected to recount, in harrowing detail, how the intruders bound her hands with zip ties, demanded her ring, and left her fearing she might never see her children again.

Twelve suspects were originally charged. One has died. Another has been excused from proceedings due to serious illness.

Most are in their 60s and 70s dubbed les papys braqueurs, or “the grandpa robbers” by the French press but investigators insist they were no harmless retirees.

Authorities have described them as a seasoned and coordinated criminal group.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/211669/kardashian-set-to-deliver-testimony-as-court-prepares-for-high-profile-robbery-case/

In a landmark decision, the United Nations aviation agency has ruled that Russia is responsible under international law for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014. The flight, a Boeing 777 with the flight number MH17, was on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down over Ukraine’s Donetsk region, resulting in the tragic loss of 298 lives. This ruling by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) council confirms that Russia failed to meet its obligations under international air law.

The case was brought forward by Australia and the Netherlands, with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressing her views on the matter. In a statement, Minister Wong noted that the ICAO Council has upheld a fundamental principle: that weapons should not be used against civilian aircraft. She described this moment as historic in the pursuit of truth, justice, and ability for the victims of Flight MH17, as well as their families and loved ones.

Minister Wong welcomed the ruling, urging the council to determine the necessary remedies. She called upon Russia to acknowledge its responsibility for this act of violence and to provide reparations for its conduct, as required by international law. While acknowledging that the grief of those left behind cannot be erased, she emphasized Australia’s commitment to standing with them and pursuing justice for this horrific act.

Russia has consistently denied any responsibility for the downing of Flight MH17. The ICAO, headquartered in Montreal, plays a crucial role in setting global aviation standards, although it lacks the power to enforce regulations. This ruling marks a significant step in the quest for ability and justice for the victims and their families.

The international community has been awaiting this decision, which underscores the importance of adherence to international law, especially in matters involving civilian aviation. As the worldreflects on this tragic event, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future and that those responsible are held able. With this ruling, the ICAO has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and security of civilian air travel, a principle that is fundamental to international aviation.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/211673/un-aviation-agency-rules-russia-responsible-for-downing-of-malaysia-airlines-flight-mh17/

Nigerian on-air personality and rapper, Nnamdi Nwabasili, popularly known as N6, has claimed that he influenced the animosity between his colleagues, M.I Abaga and Vector Tha Viper.

The media personality explained that he tries to avoid quarrels but was forced to do a diss track in response to M.I’s 2017 controversial song ‘You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives,’ which dissed all Nigerian rappers.

He claimed that his track, which hit hard at M.I inspired Vector’s lyrical onslaught against the ‘Number 1’ crooner, as previous replies from other rappers were diplomatic.

In a recent conversation with Day Genius, N6 said, “I did a reply track to M.I’s diss track ‘You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives,’ but he replied me with tweets. So, we didn’t go on the full extent of a rap beef. He did ‘You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives’ and I did ‘You Should Fix Up Your Life, Too,’ then he replied me with about 18 tweets.

“That was the only time I ever went at a fellow rapper. I like to keep a friendly disposition with my colleagues because I know I’m crazily talented. So, what am I dragging with them? When I dropped my reply track, we got into a fight. Some people don’t know that was what led to him [M.I] and Vector’s beef.

“M.I did a song entitled, ‘You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives,’ and some rappers started replying him but were being diplomatic. So, I did my reply. If you hear the things I said in my reply, I understand why out of 4,000 replies, he came for me.”

https://mediatalkafrica.com/211659/i-started-beef-between-m-i-vector-oap-n6/

Popular Nollywood actor and comedian, Okey Bakassi, has been crowned the king of the Umuihuocha community in Imo State.

Okey Bakassi was officially presented as the traditional ruler of Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Mbaise by his kinsmen in a video he shared on Tuesday.

The coronation of the actor now known as ‘His Royal Highness Eze Okechukwu Onyegbule, the Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia’ was a grand celebration of Igbo culture and tradition.

Sharing the video of the ceremony on his Instagram page, Okey Bakassi wrote: “Special presentation as king (Eze) of Umuihuocha community”.

Media Talk Africa reports that Bakassi’s coronation came barely two weeks after he announced his appointment as the traditional ruler.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/210991/nollywood-actor-okey-bakassi-officially-crowned-king-in-imo-state/

The Chinese Central Bank announced interest rate cuts and a major liquidity injection on Wednesday.

The rate cuts are part of stimulus measures rolled out by the Chinese authorities amid tariffs war between China and United States.

The latest moves come as Beijing steps up efforts to soften the economic damage caused by the trade war ignited by US President Donald Trump’s istration.

The monetary measures announcements come shortly after US and Chinese officials said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and chief trade negotiator Jamieson Greer will meet China’s top economic official, He Lifeng, in Switzerland this weekend for talks.

The development saw Chinese stocks rise as investors cheered the easing steps and the icebreaker trade talks.

Details of monetary measures showed that China’s central bank will lower the borrowing cost of its seven-day reverse repurchase agreements, its benchmark interest rate, by 10 basis points to 1.40 percent, effective May 8. Other interest rates will drop in line with the key rate.

The amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves, known as the reserve requirement ratio (RRR), will also be cut by 50 bps from May 15, bringing the average level to 6.2 percent.

The People’s Bank of China’s (PBOC) Governor Pan Gongsheng told a press conference on Wednesday that this is the first RRR cut since September last year and will release 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) in liquidity.

Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve, chaired by Jerome Powell, planned to meet on Wednesday to make a decision on the country’s interest rate amid pressure by President Trump to cut the rate.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/210998/chinas-central-bank-cuts-interest-rate-to-defend-economy-amid-trumps-tariffs/

French midfielder, Paul Pogba, has finished serving his suspension and is now eligible to play for any team.

Pogba’s ban officially ended on March 10, 2025, and he is currently a free agent.


The 28-year-old is without a club as his contract with Juventus was terminated in November 2024.

Pogba is exploring options to continue his professional career, focusing exclusively on top European leagues.

He has been linked with Marseille and Manchester United.

On February 29, 2024, Pogba was handed a four-year ban for violating anti-doping rules, with the suspension effective from September 11, 2023.

Later, on October 7, 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS, reduced the ban to 18 months.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/204806/pogbas-doping-ban-ends-officially-a-free-agent/

American model and rapper, Amber Rose has revealed why she reversed the Brazilian Butt Lift surgery she did.

During a conversation with Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Amber Rose explained that she did a BBL when it was in-style but has now taken it out.


“I got my butt done when it was in-style to have a big stupid fat a**e, and now I got it taken out,” she said.

Amber also disclosed that she subjected her ex Kanye West to medical tests before having unprotected sex.

“You’re Kanye West and I made you get tested. … So how you got to take 30 showers after me? I wasn’t the one out cheating,” the model said.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/204788/why-i-removed-my-bbl-amber-rose/

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has explained why he opted to play for the national team of Nigeria over the Netherlands.

Born in Haarlem, the defender chose to defect from the Netherlands to Nigeria, where his father originally hails from.


According to the former Watford star, he made the decision after a telephone conversation with late former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, who was coaching the team at the time.

The 31-year-old played in friendly matches for his country of birth at U19 and U20 level before taking the opportunity to represent Nigeria following discussions with Keshi.

Asked why he chose Nigeria over the Netherlands, Troost-Ekong said on the latest episode of The Sports Afterparty Podcast:

“I had the decision quite early in my career. I was 20 at the time, I just finished my breakthrough season in the Netherlands, first year of playing probably 30 plus games in the Eredivisie, which is the highest league in the Netherlands.

“And all of a sudden I got a phone call from Stephen Keshi, who was the coach at the time, ex-captain and ex-player, so I was quite blown away when he called me.

“Just at the start of the season, I had played for the Dutch U19 and U20 squads, but there was no real perspective yet for the first team.

“This was the only tangible option that I had. The choice was between trying to progress and later in my career maybe have a chance to play for the Netherlands or have a chance now to play for the Super Eagles who were kind of going through a transition stage where a lot of their defenders that time were a little bit older, so I knew that they wanted to make some changes there.

“And taking that opportunity which then in turn would give me more perspective for my club so I kind of made that decision thinking about all those things.”

https://mediatalkafrica.com/192907/why-i-chose-to-play-for-nigeria-over-netherlands-super-eagles-captain-william-troost-ekong/

Popular South Korean actor, Song Jae-Rim is dead.

Media Talk Africa reports that Song Jae-Rim was known for his role in K-drama ‘The Moon Embracing The Sun’.

He was found dead in his apartment on Tuesday November 12 2024, at 39-year-old.

According to Korean media outlet Soompi, a two-page letter was discovered at the scene.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of his death has not been disclosed, although it is rumoured on social media that the actor may have committed suicide.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/192895/k-drama-actor-song-jae-rim-found-dead/

American hip-hop legend, Snoop Dogg, has revealed his top three rappers of all time in a recent interview with Jimmy Kimmel. When asked to name his personal picks, Snoop confidently placed himself alongside two other iconic figures in the rap game: Slick Rick and Ice Cube.

During the interview, Kimmel posed the question, “Who are your top three greatest rappers of all time?” Without hesitation, Snoop responded, “Slick Rick, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg.”

Snoop’s list has generated a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with many fans expressing surprise and disappointment over the exclusion of other renowned hip-hop figures such as 2Pac, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, and Eminem. The discussion has sparked debates about what defines the “greatest” in hip-hop, with fans weighing in on the influence and contributions of the artists Snoop chose versus those who didn’t make the cut.

While Snoop Dogg’s selection is undeniably personal, it highlights the ongoing conversation about the evolution of hip-hop and the various artists who have shaped the genre. The debate continues to rage on, showcasing the deep ion fans have for their favorite rappers and the lasting impact of these musical legends on the culture.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/192201/snoop-dogg-names-his-top-three-rappers-of-all-time-sparking-debate/

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has compared his survival of an assassination attempt to that of US President-elect Donald Trump, suggesting that both incidents are connected to the highly polarized media environments they face. Fico's comments followed his expression of for Trump's victory in the US presidential election, which he called a defeat for "liberal" ideologies and a clear sign that legacy media can no longer be trusted.

“We respect the choice made by American citizens, because we do not interfere in the internal politics of other states,” Fico stated on Wednesday. He also congratulated Trump, emphasizing that his election represented a blow to progressive ideas and liberal media narratives.

The Slovak leader sharply criticized the American media, claiming that the election results disproved the media's influence over public opinion. "Trump’s victory confirms that one should never trust the media and the polls, which are 90% made to order," Fico said, reflecting on the discrepancy between the media's predictions and the election outcome.

Fico also commented on the potential political fallout from Trump's win, suggesting that Brussels and the European Union will face challenges as a result. He hinted that the new istration in Washington could reshape US-EU relations. "The EU in Brussels will sweat," Fico noted, alluding to the shifting political dynamics.

In the meantime, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini ed Fico in congratulating Trump, expressing a commitment to strengthening transatlantic ties. Pellegrini reaffirmed Slovakia's loyalty to NATO, pledging to be a "strong and reliable ally" of the US.

Fico, meanwhile, shared his hope that Trump would seek an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. He expressed for a peace plan proposed by China and Brazil to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.

This statement from the Slovak Prime Minister, along with his personal survival of an assassination attempt, highlights the intense political climate in both Slovakia and the US, raising questions about the role of media in shaping global events.

Nigerian clergyman Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has revealed that TikTok disconnected his due to the nature of his so-called "dangerous miracles."

In a recent address to his congregation, Odumeje explained why his was blocked on the popular video-sharing platform. The controversial pastor, known for his dramatic religious displays, shared that his miracles were deemed too extreme for TikTok, which led to the disconnection.

Speaking in a clip shared online, Odumeje remarked, “Even social media is rejecting me. Because of my dangerous miracles, TikTok rejected me. They disconnected me. They said this miracle is beyond them.” He also expressed frustration over those who doubt his practices, claiming that these individuals were behind the platform’s decision to block him.

Odumeje has become a polarizing figure due to his unconventional approach to performing miracles, which often involve intense physical gestures and dramatic expressions of faith. His comments about TikTok reflect his ongoing battle with critics who challenge the authenticity of his religious practices.

Despite the setback on social media, Odumeje remains steadfast in his belief that his miracles are legitimate and continues to advocate for his ministry in Nigeria and beyond.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/191824/odumeje-claims-tiktok-blocked-him-over-dangerous-miracles/

Nairobi, Kenya – Li Xi, a senior Chinese official, arrived in Kenya’s capital on Monday for high-level bilateral talks aimed at enhancing the relationship between the two nations. The visit was marked by a warm welcome from Kenyan President William Ruto and other government officials at Nairobi’s State House.

During their discussions, President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to deepening its partnership with China, highlighting the importance of upholding the “One China” policy. “Kenya, I want to assure you, is committed to promoting this partnership across Africa and also upholding the ‘One China’ policy,” Ruto stated.


As part of their ongoing collaboration, China and Kenya are focusing on development projects that are set to drive progress in key sectors across the country. These efforts are seen as vital to bolstering Kenya’s infrastructure and economic growth.

A key topic during the talks was Kenya’s aspiration to the BRICS group of emerging economies. Ruto called on China’s for this ambition, emphasizing the importance of Kenya’s inclusion in the bloc, which represents nearly 28% of the global economy. The BRICS group, founded in 2006, initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa ing in 2010. This year, several other countries, including Egypt and Ethiopia, were welcomed into the group.

As Kenya seeks to expand its influence within global economic forums, this partnership with China is expected to play a pivotal role in ing the country’s development agenda and its aspirations for regional and global leadership.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/191674/china-and-kenya-strengthen-ties-amid-brics-ambitions/

WASHINGTON — Republicans seized control of the U.S. Senate late Tuesday, flipping key Democratic-held seats and securing a majority for the first time in four years. The pivotal moment came in Nebraska, where incumbent GOP Senator Deb Fischer narrowly defeated independent challenger Dan Osborn. This victory, along with other gains in West Virginia and Ohio, allowed Republicans to edge past the Democrats.

In West Virginia, GOP Governor Jim Justice won the Senate seat vacated by retiring Democrat Joe Manchin. In Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown lost to wealthy Republican newcomer Bernie Moreno. The Democrats’ efforts to unseat high-profile Republicans like Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida failed.


Despite the setbacks, attention now turns to the Democratic strongholds of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where key Senate races could determine whether Republicans sweep the chamber.

This shift in Senate power marks a turning point in the political landscape, with the GOP’s Mitch McConnell stepping down from leadership. Meanwhile, debates over the party’s leadership and direction loom, with South Dakota Senator John Thune and Texas Senator John Cornyn emerging as potential successors.

The election results are shaping the future of U.S. governance, with Congress poised to influence presidential agendas, particularly with the backdrop of the presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/191692/republicans-regain-u-s-senate-majority-in-historic-election-night/

More than 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have deserted or gone AWOL during the conflict with Russia, Ukrainian MP Anna Skorokhod said on Tuesday.

The statement came as another MP revealed recently that rising losses and troop shortages have prompted plans to draft an additional 160,000 soldiers.


Speaking on the Novyny.LIVE TV show, Skorokhod claimed that rampant mismanagement and poor decisions by officials were contributing to low morale on the battlefield.

“I will not tell you the [exact] number of people who deserted and went AWOL, but will say it is over 100,000,” Skorokhod said.

She went on to say that she has been receiving complaints from soldiers and their families about the behaviour of the higher-ups. “People are raising questions that I cannot provide answers to. ‘Why must I, a repair shop worker from just a month ago, sit in the trenches while senior officers are far away from the front line? Why just 10% to 15% of the army personnel are actually participating in combat?’”

The rough estimate of deserters voiced by Skorokhod aligns with the figure provided to the media last week by military lawyer Roman Lykhachev, who said that “definitely more than 100,000 servicemen” have unlawfully left their positions. In some instances, as many as 20-30 soldiers deserted at the same time, he said, adding that only the military knows the exact number.

The discussion about morale erupted after several high-profile cases of soldiers going AWOL combined with multiple reports of Ukrainian officers complaining that troops were losing combat readiness and the will to fight due to the lack of rotation and rest. Videos of conscription officers ambushing military-age men in public places and using force to detain them have also sparked outrage on social media.

In August, the Ukrainian parliament introduced a law essentially decriminalizing first-time AWOL attempts, provided that soldiers agree to return.

Last spring, to compensate for the mounting losses on the battlefield, Kyiv lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25 and increased penalties for draft dodgers. Earlier this month, an MP warned that Ukrainians could face criminal charges for undermining the mobilization push by aiding draft dodgers via social media.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/190107/more-than-100000-ukrainian-soldiers-have-deserted-mp/

Wikipedia is “broken,” X and Tesla owner Elon Musk wrote on Tuesday, commenting on accusations that the online encyclopedia allows articles which essentially brand Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump a “fascist.”

The billionaire, who recently offered his full to the previous US president ahead of the November election, highlighted an article called ‘Wikipedia Editors Officially Deem Trump a Fascist’ by American writer Ashley Rindsberg.


The article published on Pirate Wires drew attention to several Wikipedia entries, including ‘Trumpism’, ‘Racial views of Donald Trump’, and ‘Donald Trump and fascism’, noting that the latter page appeared on the same day that The Guardian published a 4,000-word essay called “Is Donald Trump a Fascist?” alluding to many similar points.

The page ‘Donald Trump and fascism’ also contains some of the more pointed accusations against the Republican, including comparisons between the January 6 attack by the then president’s ers on Capitol Hill and the Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup attempt by Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in 1923.

Rindsberg noted that the ‘Trumpism’ Wikipedia page writes that the supposed ideology “has significant authoritarian leanings,” and is “national-populist” and “neo-nationalist” in essence while relying on “a source that argues exactly the opposite.” He added that some of the key quotes in the ‘Trumpism’ article are sourced to late sociologist Richard Lachmann, who was described as a “committed leftist” and “an anti-imperialist.”

Commenting on Rindsberg’s article, Musk wrote on X: “Wikipedia is broken.” He previously claimed that the website “is controlled by far-left activists” and that “people should stop donating to them.”

Musk’s criticism of Wikipedia comes after a June report by the Manhattan Institute found that some English-language articles tended to associate right-wing leaders more often with words correlated with negative emotions as “anger” and “disgust.” This apparent bias, the researchers added, is also influencing automatic responses given by AI large language models.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/190113/wikipedia-is-broken-elon-musk/

During President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Morocco, he and Moroccan King Mohammed VI signed new deals at the Royal Palace bolstering ties between the two nations.

The agreements, which are worth around €10 billion, cover issues including investment, energy and infrastructure.

According to the agreements, French rail manufacturer Alstom will give up to 18 high-speed train cars to Morocco.

The AFP news agency reported that the Moroccan Phosphates Office and Energy company Engie sealed an agreement with potential investments of up to €3.5 billion.

On Tuesday, Macron is set to address parliament.

The visit, which was at the king's invitation, comes months after President Macron altered 's longstanding stance and ed Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara.

Macron described the plan as the 'only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution' to the issue.

The move was welcomed by Rabat, after years of strained relations.

The Western Sahara has been fought over by Morocco and Algeria for nearly five decades.The territory is controlled for the most part by Morocco, but the Algeria-backed Polisario front also claims the land as its own.

The U.N. states that the Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory, over which Morocco cannot claim it has sovereignty.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/189983/-morocco-sign-agreements-worth-e10-billion-on-investment-infrastructure-energy/

SonofElElyonRet:


Jumoke is not her surname..

Whose surname?

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has revealed that 5,000 Kenyans are stranded in Qatar, left without work or financial .

Speaking on local media, Citizen TV, CS Mutua blamed rogue recruitment agencies for misleading Kenyans with false promises of well-paying jobs abroad.


Mutua explained that most of these Kenyans travelled to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, only to remain there jobless after the tournament ended. “We have 5,000 Kenyans in Qatar, being ed daily by the International Organization for Migration due to these rogue agencies,” he stated.

According to Mutua, some agencies charged Kenyan job-seekers up to Ksh250,000 (1,933.92 USD), often leading people to sell property or take on debt to afford the fees. However, many of these jobs only lasted three months, leaving workers unable to afford the trip back home.

Mutua highlighted corruption as a major factor behind the exploitation of job-seekers, with agencies pocketing high fees while failing to secure sustainable employment for recruits. “Since ing the Labour Ministry, I have been working to tackle this corruption and clean up the recruitment process,” he said. The CS emphasized that job interviews should be free, aside from medical tests and minimal istrative costs.

As part of his commitment to reform, Mutua aims to protect Kenyan job-seekers from exploitation and ensure legitimate opportunities for those seeking work abroad.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/189964/5000-kenyans-stranded-and-jobless-in-qatar-says-labour-cs-mutua/

The US State Department on Monday announced it will restrict visas for people who Washington deems responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana.

The move comes ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections due to take place in the West African country on 7 December.


Ghana has held peaceful, free, fair, and transparent elections for nearly two decades. But allegations of voter roll irregularities this year have created concerns about a possible democratic backslide.

The December polls will be the ninth consecutive general election since the country’s return to multi-party democracy in 1992.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quoted as saying that the visa policy announced on Monday would be directed only at people “who undermine democracy” and not at the government or people of Ghana.

Last month, Ghana’s biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), held nationwide protests demanding an audit of the voter roll.

It alleged that it had detected thousands of unauthorised transfers and removals of voter names.

Incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is stepping down this year after his second and final four-year term.

Thirteen candidates have been approved by the electoral commission to run in the presidential election.

But analyst believe it will be a two-man race been former President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/189944/us-announces-visa-restrictions-for-ghana/

The Nigerian Senate will on Tuesday (today) screen the ministerial nominees forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu last week.

Tinubu had on October 24, written the upper legislative chamber seeking for the screening and subsequent confirmation of seven ministerial nominees.


The request, which was contained in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio was read during Thursday’s plenary.

The ministerial nominees include: Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment.

Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Development; Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State, Education; Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development and Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State, Housing.

According to reports, the nominees have been cleared by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Some of the nominees were sighted at the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado on Monday to submit their curriculum vitae.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/189937/senate-to-screen-bianca-ojukwu-jumoke-other-ministerial-nominees-today/

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have reached a boiling point as a drone attack by the militant group on an Israeli army base in central Israel has resulted in the deaths of at least four soldiers and approximately 60 others severely injured. This marks the deadliest strike by Hezbollah on Israeli territory since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground operation into Lebanon nearly two weeks ago.


Rafi Sheva, a paramedic with Magen David Adom, described the scene as “difficult,” with victims requiring urgent life-saving treatment and surgery to stop bleeding and being swiftly evacuated to hospitals. The attack was a retaliation, according to Hezbollah, for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, which killed 22 people.

The ongoing conflict has seen a surge in attacks on both sides. Israel has responded with heavy airstrikes in Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut, and has deployed around 15,000 soldiers in the region. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports over 1,400 casualties since September, without specifying how many are Hezbollah fighters. Meanwhile, at least 58 people have died in rocket attacks on Israel, with nearly half being soldiers.

The war in Gaza, which began in October, has displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border. The intensification of violence has left a trail of destruction and human suffering, with millions seeking refuge. As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community is bracing for further escalations, which may only deepen the humanitarian crisis.

With no end in sight, the people of Israel and Lebanon are caught in the crossfire, forced to live with the rising threat of violence and uncertainty.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/187642/deadly-hezbollah-drone-attack-strikes-israel-kills-4-soldiers/

Nigeria’s 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal Government’s newly introduced 18-year age limit on Nigerian Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams. The minister of education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the decision during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.


The policy is faced with widespread criticism, with the Minister stating that the government has instructed NECO and WAEC to enforce the new age requirement for candidates taking these exams.

In response, Atiku wrote on his verified Facebook page, criticizing the decision as “absurd” and an “anti-scholarship” regulation. He urged universal condemnation for those who value intellectual freedom and accessibility.

“We are moving backward in time and rejecting the progress made by other countries by introducing such archaic policies like this one,” Atiku stated.

He also highlighted that under the Nigerian constitution, education is listed under concurrent powers, where sub-national governments have more authority over education than the Federal Government. Atiku argued that the effective global approach is to allow sub-national governments to establish their education laws or regulations.

The former Vice President of Nigeria expressed disappointment in the government for not having a plan to cater for talented students, stating that this neglects the intellectual freedom and accessibility which is crucial for education.

“Ironically, if the federal government does play a role in education, it should prioritize identifying and granting scholarships to exceptionally gifted students, regardless of age, before accepting them into tertiary institutions,” Atiku emphasized.

Atiku concluded, labeling the policy as belonging to “Stone Ages” and calling for its thorough condemnation by everyone who values education and intellectual freedom.

This bold move by the presidential hopeful has sparked intense debate in Nigeria about the country’s educational system and whether the federal government has the right to determine the age limit for NECO and WAEC exams.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/180073/atiku-blasts-fg-over-18-year-age-limit-on-necessory-exams-calls-policy-absurd/

In a shocking display of generosity, Nigerian afrobeat sensation Wizkid has made headlines by paying his disc jockey, DJ Tunez, N10 million to play singer Asake’s hit song, Fuji Vibe. The remarkable gesture took place during Wizkid’s sold-out concert in London, where the crowd was left stunned by the announcement.


A trending video from the concert shows DJ Tunez making the announcement, which sent the audience into a frenzy of cheers and applause. The disc jockey can be heard saying, “One of the afrobeat singer Wizkid just paid me N10 million now to play this song.” The crowd’s reaction was a testament to the power of the music, as they sang along to the hit song with gusto.

DJ Tunez’s performance with Fuji Vibe undoubtedly stood out as a major highlight of the night, and the generous payment by Wizkid only added to the excitement. The event marked a memorable night for fans of afrobeat music, as they witnessed a display of camaraderie and appreciation for the art form.

Wizkid’s decision to pay DJ Tunez N10 million to play Asake’s hit song is a testament to his commitment to promoting and celebrating Nigerian music. The gesture has also sparked a wave of excitement among fans, who are eager to see what other surprises Wizkid has in store for them.

As the afrobeat scene continues to gain global recognition, it’s heartening to see artists like Wizkid and DJ Tunez coming together to celebrate the music they love. The generous payment has set a new standard for artist appreciation, and fans can only hope to see more of these kinds of gestures in the future.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/180048/wizkid-pays-n10m-for-dj-tunez-to-play-asakes-hit-song/

* Corruption probe reveals shocking scale of allegations


South Africa is grappling with over $7 billion in alleged corruption at several top state-owned companies, according to a new report published by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU). The vast corruption scandal involves six companies: Transnet, Denel, Eskom, National Lotteries Commission, South African Airways, and enger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

The SIU’s report suggests that the investigations, which have been underway since 2018, involve scores of suspicious contracts and cases of conflict of interest. At Transnet, approximately 60 contracts worth nearly $4 billion are under scrutiny. The findings reveal a widespread corruption scheme, where government officials and executives embezzled millions by offering bribes to business partners for government contracts.

The culture of graft became particularly entrenched during the istration of former President Jacob Zuma, who ruled the country from 2009 to 2018. Many top officials and executives were found to have taken kickbacks and bribes from businessmen, resulting in a monumental scandal that shook the country to its core.

One of the notable corruption cases is PRASA, which allegedly lost $540 million, including a scheme where nearly $300 million was stolen in the guise of payments to over 1,200 "ghost employees" who never existed.

The scandal has had a devastating impact on the economy, including the near collapse of power utility Eskom due to rampant graft and mismanagement. South Africa suffered record blackouts due to the crisis, plunging households and businesses into darkness.

The ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), under current President Cyril Ramaphosa, has pledged to clean up the government and justice system. However, experts say the tainted officials may not be held able and many millions will remain unfished.

This is yet another stark reminder of the importance of integrity in governance, highlighting the need for ongoing reforms and ability mechanisms to combat grand corruption and restore trust in the justice system.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/180040/south-africa-uncovers-billion-dollar-corruption-scandals-at-state-owned-companies/

A judge in the United States has denied bail to Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the man accused of murdering legendary hip-hop star Tupac Shakur in 1996. Davis, a former Los Angeles gang leader, is the only person ever charged in connection with the drive-by shooting that claimed Shakur’s life.


Prosecutors claim that the gunfire that killed Shakur was the result of competition between of two different gangs, one of which reportedly included Davis. The former gang leader has requested release on bail, set at $750,000, several times since his arrest in September 2023, but has faced repeated denials.

In rejecting his latest request, Judge Carli Kierny cited concerns over the legitimacy of the funds being offered for his release. She expressed doubts about the transparency of the funds, suggesting that efforts might have been underway to conceal their true origin. Kierny also expressed concerns that Davis and the music executive reportedly underwriting the money might be planning to reap profits from the sale of his life story.

Nevada law prohibits convicted killers from benefiting financially from their crimes. Davis has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. The judge has also pushed back the start of his trial from 4 November to March next year.

The denial of bail is a significant setback for Davis, who has been behind bars since his arrest. The case has garnered widespread attention, with many fans and followers of Tupac Shakur still seeking justice for the rapper’s untimely death.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/179971/judge-denies-bail-to-accused-tupac-shakur-killer-duane-keffe-d-davis/

Tensions between Russia and the United States have escalated further, with Russia warning that permitting Ukraine to launch Western missile strikes into its territory could lead to a significant escalation of the conflict.


According to reports, Ukrainian authorities are urging Western arms donors to approve the use of their weapons for long-range strikes deep inside Russia. However, Russia has cautioned the US and other Western nations that such actions could have severe and far-reaching consequences, potentially spreading the conflict beyond Europe’s borders.

In a statement, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the situation as "asking for trouble" and accused the West of seeking to escalate the Ukraine war. He warned that "playing with fire" – referring to the use of military might without careful consideration – could lead to disastrous consequences.

Lavrov’s remarks were aimed at both Ukraine and the West, cautioning them against underestimating Russia’s response to any potential missile strikes. "The American mentality is that of a master, who sits on the other coast convinced of his safety and that others will do the dirty work for him," Lavrov said. "He expects others to die for him, not just Ukrainians, but also Europeans, it appears."

Despite these warnings, Russia has emphasized the need for restraint and diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, urging all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution.

As the situation continues to unfold, international tensions remain high, with Russia’s warnings serving as a clear signal of its determination to defend its sovereignty.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/180022/russia-warns-us-against-western-missile-strikes-into-russian-territory/

In a bid to ensure the safety of its engers, Air has announced that it will suspend flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut this Sunday and Monday. The decision comes as a response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, following Israel’s launch of air strikes into Lebanon.


According to a spokesperson for the French carrier, the flights scheduled for today and tomorrow have been temporarily suspended. The airline has left open the possibility of extending the suspension further, depending on the developments in the region.

Air usually operates a daily service to both Tel Aviv and Beirut. The airline had previously halted flights to Beirut between July 29 and August 15, but it had continued to fly to Tel Aviv. It remains unclear whether its budget subsidiary, Transavia, will follow suit and suspend its flights to these destinations.

’s Lufthansa has also taken similar measures, announcing that it will not fly to Beirut until the end of September and will not operate flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until September 2. The airline had previously extended its suspension of flights to Beirut until September 1.

Air and Lufthansa’s decisions demonstrate the impact that regional conflicts can have on global air travel. As the situation in the Middle East remains fragile, it is essential for engers to stay informed about the latest developments and airline policies.

https://mediatalkafrica.com/179575/billionaire-telegram-founder-pavel-durov-detained-in-paris-over-criminal-activity-claims/