South Africa’s ANC calls demands for President Ramaphosa to step down for coalition talks a ‘no-go’

South Africa’s ANC calls demands for President Ramaphosa to step down for coalition talks a ‘no-go’
South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma sits at the booth of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) at the National Results Operation Centre of the IEC, which serves as an operational hub where results of the national election are displayed, in Midrand, South Africa, June 1, 2024. (Reuters)
Short Url
Updated 02 June 2024
Follow

South Africa’s ANC calls demands for President Ramaphosa to step down for coalition talks a ‘no-go’

South Africa’s ANC calls demands for President Ramaphosa to step down for coalition talks a ‘no-go’

CAPE TOWN: South Africa's African National Congress party will not consider any demands from possible coalition partners that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down, a top official said Sunday, as the ANC attempted to present a united front after a stinging election result ended its 30-year majority.
As South Africa heads for a series of complex talks to form a national coalition government for the first time and establish stability, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Ramaphosa would remain as party leader and any demands from others that he resign for talks to go ahead was “a no-go area.”
“President Ramaphosa is the president of the ANC,” Mbalula said in the ANC leadership's first public comments since the landmark election results. “And if you come to us with that demand that Ramaphosa is going to step down as the president, that is not going to happen.”
Mbalula said the ANC was open to talks with every other political party in an effort to form a government, but “no political party will dictate terms to us, the ANC. They will not ... You come to us with that demand, forget (it).”
Mbalula conceded the ANC, which has dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid in 1994, “suffered heavily” in the election but said it was “not booted out.”
The ANC received just over 40% of votes, falling well short of the majority it has held for all of South Africa’s young democracy. It will still be the biggest party by some way. But it needs to talk with others to form a government and to reelect Ramaphosa for a second and final term. South Africa’s president is elected by Parliament after national elections.
“The results send a clear message to the ANC,” Mbalula said. “We wish to send a message to the people of South Africa: We have heard them.” He said the ANC was committed to forming a government that reflects the will of the people and is stable.
The new MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma, which won 14% in the election in a surprise showing that makes it the third biggest in parliament, has said Ramaphosa must go as leader of the ANC and the country for it to enter any coalition talks with the ANC.
The ANC has many options for coalition partners among South Africa's other parties, including one with the main opposition Democratic Alliance, which won 21% of votes.
"We’ll talk to everybody," Mbalula said. “We are talking to everybody because the election did not give us outright majority. Talks about talks are in full swing. We are engaged and we are open to engagement. We need stability in this country.”


Nigerian army rescues 13 hostages from extremist group

Nigerian army rescues 13 hostages from extremist group
Updated 10 sec ago
Follow

Nigerian army rescues 13 hostages from extremist group

Nigerian army rescues 13 hostages from extremist group
  • Kidnappings have become common in parts of northern Nigeria, where dozens of armed groups take advantage of a limited security presence to carry out attacks in village

ABUJA, Nigeria: Nigerian troops have rescued 13 hostages who were kidnapped by an extremist group in the northwestern state of Kaduna, the country’s army said on Saturday.
The army said in a statement that “the troops successfully overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives.”
Several kidnappers were killed and others captured, the military added. It didn’t specify what armed group the kidnappers belonged to.
The rescued hostages were taken to a military facility for a medical assessment before being reunited with their families. Weapons, ammunition, solar panels and cash were also discovered during the rescue operation.
Kidnappings have become common in parts of northern Nigeria, where dozens of armed groups take advantage of a limited security presence to carry out attacks in villages and along major roads. Most victims are released only after the payment of ransoms that sometimes run into the thousands of dollars.
At least 1,400 students have been taken from Nigerian schools since the 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants in the village of Chibok in Borno state shocked the world.
Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadi rebels, launched its insurgency in 2009 to establish Islamic Shariah law in the country. At least 35,000 people have been killed and 2.1 million people displaced as a result of the extremist violence, according to UN agencies in Nigeria.


G7 foreign ministers condemn Iran’s export of ballistic missiles to Russia

G7 foreign ministers condemn Iran’s export of ballistic missiles to Russia
Updated 1 min 18 sec ago
Follow

G7 foreign ministers condemn Iran’s export of ballistic missiles to Russia

G7 foreign ministers condemn Iran’s export of ballistic missiles to Russia
  • Iran has provided Russia with a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles

ROME: The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized powers condemned on Saturday “in the strongest terms” Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles.
Iran has provided Russia with a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, deepening the military cooperation between the two countries, which are both under US sanctions.
“Iran must immediately cease all support to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine and halt such transfers of ballistic missiles, UAVs (drones) and related technology, which constitute a direct threat to the Ukrainian people as well as European and international security more broadly,” the G7 ministers said in a statement.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to hold Iran to account for its unacceptable support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine that further undermines global security. In line with our previous statements on the matter, we are already responding with new and significant measures.”
Italy currently holds the presidency of the G7 group of wealthy nations which also includes the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France and Canada.


British PM breached parliament’s rules over clothing donations to wife — Sunday Times

British PM breached parliament’s rules over clothing donations to wife — Sunday Times
Updated 22 min 23 sec ago
Follow

British PM breached parliament’s rules over clothing donations to wife — Sunday Times

British PM breached parliament’s rules over clothing donations to wife — Sunday Times
  • Sunday Times said those donations were declared but the clothes given to his wife were not

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has breached parliamentary rules by not declaring a wealthy businessman and Labour Party donor bought high-end clothes for his wife Victoria, the Sunday Times reported on Saturday.
According to the Sunday Times, Starmer, in power since July, faces an investigation after “neglecting to disclose” that major Labour donor Waheed Alli covered the cost of a personal shopper, clothes and alterations for his wife.
The premier’s registered financial interests, listed on the parliament’s website, show that he has received several donations from Alli, including multiple pairs of glasses, work clothes and accommodation.
The Sunday Times said those donations were declared but the clothes given to his wife were not.
A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said in a statement sent to Reuters that Starmer and his team had sought advice from authorities on coming to office, and believed they had been compliant.
“However, following further interrogation this month, we’ve declared further items,” the spokesperson said.
Alli is British media entrepreneur and former chairman of the online fashion retailer ASOS.
Under the House of Commons code of conduct, members of parliament have to provide information about financial interests which might reasonably be thought to influence their work.
A Conservative Party spokesperson called for a full investigation over “apparent serious breaches of parliamentary rules.”


Pope Francis calls for lasting solution to Palestinian cause

Pope Francis calls for lasting solution to Palestinian cause
Updated 14 September 2024
Follow

Pope Francis calls for lasting solution to Palestinian cause

Pope Francis calls for lasting solution to Palestinian cause
  • Pope commended King Abdullah’s ongoing diplomatic efforts

LONDON: Pope Francis has reiterated the need for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue, warning that failure to achieve this goal would only lead to continued violence and instability in the region, it was reported by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan on Saturday.

The pope highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, and praised Jordan’s King Abdullah II’s support for the Palestinian people.

The king has facilitated daily humanitarian aid to the area, delivered by the Jordan Armed Forces via air and land, since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out in October.

The pope commended King Abdullah’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, noting his active role in international forums where he consistently advocates for Palestinian rights.

According to Pope Francis, the king has repeatedly warned that true peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East can only be achieved by resolving the Palestinian issue, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Pope Francis also lauded Jordan’s clear and firm stance on the Palestinian cause, highlighting the country’s efforts to keep global attention on the issue and to condemn violations against the Palestinian people under occupation.

He also expressed deep concern over the prolonged war on Gaza. He voiced regret over the international community’s failure to take meaningful action to end the war and achieve peace.

Addressing Israel’s bombing of schools that sheltered displaced civilians, the pope condemned the attacks, particularly when such strikes are justified by the presumption of fighters being present.

“It is bad, it is bad, it is bad,” he said. The pope also rejected the argument that the ongoing war is purely defensive, highlighting the number of children among the victims.


Pro-Palestine protester found not guilty of racial abuse over coconut poster

Pro-Palestine protester found not guilty of racial abuse over coconut poster
Updated 14 September 2024
Follow

Pro-Palestine protester found not guilty of racial abuse over coconut poster

Pro-Palestine protester found not guilty of racial abuse over coconut poster
  • Hussain defended the placard as a form of “light-hearted political banter"

LONDON: A British teacher who carried a placard depicting Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts during a pro-Palestine demonstration in London was acquitted on Friday of a racially aggravated public order offense.

Marieha Hussain, 37, attended the protest in November, where her placard showed the faces of the then prime minister and home secretary superimposed onto coconuts beneath a palm tree.

Hussain, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, denied the prosecution’s claim that the placard was “racially abusive,” insisting it was meant to be satirical and humorous. On Friday, Westminster Magistrates’ Court cleared her of the charges, The Guardian newspaper reported.

Speaking outside the court, Hussain expressed frustration over the ordeal: “The damage done to my reputation and image can never be undone.” She criticized what she described as the misuse of hate speech laws, claiming they were being “weaponized to target ethnic minorities.”

Reflecting on the personal impact of the trial, she added: “This ordeal has been agonizing for my family and I. Instead of enjoying my pregnancy, I’ve been vilified by the media, lost my career, and been dragged through the court system.”

Despite the challenging experience, Hussain voiced her continued commitment to activism, particularly in support of Palestine.

“Nearly a year on from the genocide in Gaza, and despite this trial, I’m more determined than ever to continue using my voice to defend Palestine,” she said.

During the trial, Hussain defended the placard as a form of “light-hearted political banter,” explaining it was a satirical way of addressing serious issues.

Her defense lawyer, Rajiv Menon, argued that the case was a troubling attack on freedom of expression.

Menon said: “This prosecution of Ms Hussain is a disturbing attack on the right to peaceful protest, the right to criticize politicians, and the right to satirise in a British context.”

He highlighted the contrast between Hussain’s prosecution and the perceived leniency shown to figures such as Suella Braverman, Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson, who have made controversial statements without facing similar consequences.

Expert testimony was heard in court regarding the use of the term “coconut” and whether it constitutes a racial slur.

Menon contended that the placard was a satirical critique of the policies and rhetoric employed by Sunak and Braverman, particularly in relation to race and immigration.

The district judge, Vanessa Lloyd, ultimately found that the placard fell within the realm of political satire.

“I find that it was part of the genre of political satire, and, as such, the prosecution has not proved to the criminal standard that it was abusive,” she said.