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Kabul remains calm but residents live in uncertainty

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4 years ago

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Afghanistan’s capital Kabul
Afghanistan’s capital Kabul
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Afghanistan’s capital Kabul has been experiencing relatively peaceful days since the Taliban took control of the city on Sunday

Afghanistan’s capital Kabul has been experiencing relatively peaceful days since the Taliban took control of the city on Sunday, but the residents have been living in uncertainty as the new establishment has yet to formally replace the former administration.

In a rapid but peaceful move, the Taliban fighters captured Kabul on Sunday.

Since then the city has been calm with no major security incidents reported.

However, the government offices, as well as private and state-run schools and universities, have mostly remained closed in spite of the Taliban’s call on the employees to attend their offices and continue their works.

On Tuesday evening, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in his first news conference since entering Kabul, called upon government employees and those in the private sector to resume their normal duty.

Mujahid assured the people that their lives and properties would be safe and protected.

Defending Taliban’s 20 years of war against the U.S.-led forces, Mujahid said they have defeated the invading foreign forces and liberated the country from foreign occupation.

Announcing the end of the protracted war in Afghanistan, Mujahid said the “Islamic Emirate (of Afghanistan)’’ has no enmity with anyone and has declared general amnesty to all Afghans including the former foes.

The Afghan national defense and security forces said the former government employees including the army and police could live free of fear in the homeland.

He also assured that foreign diplomatic missions, United Nations offices, and non-government agencies can continue their work and the Taliban wanted to have a broad-based government in Afghanistan.

Addressing the concerns of certain countries, Mujahid said at the news conference that “we assure the international community, our neighbours and regional countries and the United States of America’’ that Afghanistan will not be used against any country.

The Islamic Emirate (of Afghanistan) would respect the right of women and women can work in the sector of education, health, and other fields within the framework of sharia or Islamic law, he said.

Since the U.S. troops started to pull out of Afghanistan from May 1, the Taliban began to launch major offensives on Afghan forces.

During the past two weeks, the military group has captured most of Afghanistan’s territories in its blitz attacks, including the capital of Kabul.

Amid the fast-evolving situation, some Kabul residents fear the eruption of another war and worried about the uncertain future, as the intra-Afghan talks have failed to bear fruit.

“Many former warlords have gone missing

either outside the country or been hidden inside the country, they could fight back,’’ a street vendor Mohammad Azim said.

“Afghanistan is the depot of weapons and any mistake could spark a violent war,’’ a Kabul resident Noor Khan added.

Khan, who was attempting to flee the country due to the unstable situation, said apart from maintaining peace and security, the authorities also needed to ensure job opportunities and economic stability for the citizens. (Xinhua/NAN)

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International

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism

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3 months ago

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September 1, 2025

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Simon Ekpa
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A Finnish court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.

The Päijät-Häme District Court found the 40-year-old former Lahti municipal councillor guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa promoted the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal means, using social media to influence followers and support armed groups the court classified as terrorist organisations.

The court ruled that Ekpa provided weapons and explosives through his contacts and urged his supporters on X, formerly Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria. He denied all charges.

Ekpa was arrested in December 2024 and tried over 12 sessions earlier this year. A three-judge panel delivered the unanimous verdict, ordering him to remain in custody.

 

 

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International

In Brazil, Tinubu Calls for Innovation-Driven Transformation in Nigeria

Published

3 months ago

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August 27, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s development, with a focus on technology, food security, and innovation.

Speaking to Nigerians in Brazil on Wednesday, Tinubu described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral ties and learn from the South American country’s rapid development.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today — its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President stressed that his government is laying the foundation for partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, with the goal of unlocking Nigeria’s potential.

Acknowledging the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu insisted that the measures are necessary for long-term prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a new Nigeria.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” Tinubu stated.

The President further called for unity and resilience among Nigerians, adding that the dream of a prosperous nation must be pursued with urgency.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” he said.

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International

Tinubu Arrives in Brazil for Two-Day State Visit After U.S. Stopover

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3 months ago

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August 25, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepping out from Airplane
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President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, Brazil, for a two-day state visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and securing new investments.

Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles after attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian government officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, also joined the reception. Other cabinet ministers, heads of key agencies, and private sector representatives later welcomed the president at his hotel.

The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, is scheduled for Monday at the Planalto Palace.

According to presidential aides, the visit will focus on activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and attracting fresh foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Tinubu is also expected to participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum, bilateral meetings, and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding in technology, aviation, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The presidency has not disclosed when the president is expected to return to Abuja.

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