Author: Esiri Edward

Washington D.C. – Three American citizens previously convicted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for participating in a failed coup attempt have been repatriated to the United States and are now facing federal charges, according to U.S. authorities.​The individuals—Marcel Malanga, 22; Tyler Thompson Jr., 22; and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 37—were returned to U.S. custody on Tuesday, April 8, following the commutation of their death sentences to life imprisonment by Congolese authorities. The repatriation was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa. ​Upon their return, the U.S. Department of Justice charged the trio, along with a fourth individual, Joseph…

This is a story that intertwines legal malpractice, political machinations, and familial corruption—a narrative that underscores the perils of power wielded without accountability. At the center of this maelstrom stands Emmanuel Nsahlai, a U.S.-based attorney whose actions have sparked controversy and legal battles both domestically and internationally.Emmanuel Nsahlai, known for his alignment with the regime of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, has recently found himself ensnared in a $100,000 defamation lawsuit. The plaintiff, Tapang Ivo, a U.S.-based Southern Cameroonian activist, alleges that Nsahlai falsely labeled him a “terrorist” in communications disseminated to various media outlets and government agencies in the USA.…

WASHINGTON — The United States is engaging in exploratory discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish a partnership granting American companies exclusive access to critical minerals in exchange for security assistance to combat insurgent groups. This initiative emerges as the DRC confronts escalating conflicts with the M23 rebels, who have seized significant territories in the mineral-rich eastern regions. ​The DRC is endowed with vast reserves of minerals essential for modern technologies, including cobalt, lithium, and uranium. Recognizing the strategic importance of these resources, the U.S. Department of State has expressed willingness to explore a minerals-for-security agreement with…

JUBA, South Sudan — The South Sudanese government has firmly denied claims by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, that Ugandan special forces have been deployed in Juba to protect President Salva Kiir’s administration. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei stated that there are no Ugandan forces in the capital and that Juba remains calm despite recent political tensions.The denial comes in response to statements made by Gen. Kainerugaba, who announced on social media that Ugandan troops had entered Juba to “secure it,” expressing strong support for President Kiir and warning that any opposition against him would be considered a declaration of…

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s tenure as G20 president faced challenges as recent talks on global economic issues concluded without consensus, primarily due to disagreements over climate finance and notable absences of top officials from key nations.The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting in Cape Town ended without a joint communique, reflecting divisions on critical topics such as climate finance and trade protectionism. South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana expressed disappointment over the lack of agreement, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to mobilizing support for developing countries transitioning to low-carbon economies.President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined South Africa’s G20…

London – In response to escalating tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Kingdom has announced plans to impose sanctions on Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group. Foreign Office Minister Ray Collins confirmed the forthcoming measures during a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting, stating that Britain has clearly communicated its position to Rwanda and will act shortly.The M23 rebels have intensified their activities in eastern DRC since January, seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu. These offensives have led to significant humanitarian crises, including mass displacements and widespread violence. While Rwanda…

LONDON – The UK government has unveiled sweeping new immigration restrictions, effectively barring undocumented migrants arriving via small boats or hidden in vehicles from ever obtaining British citizenship. The stricter rules, announced under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, come amid mounting political pressure to curb migration following the dramatic rise of Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party, which secured nearly four million votes in the last general election—an unprecedented surge for a conservative party in Britain.Under the new guidance, any individual who enters the country illegally, including those crossing the English Channel in small boats or smuggled into the…

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Once a towering figure in diplomatic and financial circles, Dr. Nfor Susungi, a former Cameroonian diplomat and ex-director at the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Finance d’Atlantique (CFdA), has been found in a distressing state on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria. A video circulating on social media shows him frail, disoriented, and barely able to recognize those calling his name.A longtime advocate for the liberation of Ambazonia, Dr. Susungi had settled in Lagos after retirement, where he sought to invest in business opportunities. However, according to unconfirmed reports, he was allegedly defrauded of $2 million by individuals…

Kinshasa, Congo (DRC) –On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Kinshasa witnessed a surge of violent protests as demonstrators attacked multiple foreign embassies, expressing outrage over perceived international support for the M23 rebels advancing in the eastern DRC. The embassies of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the United Nations were among those targeted.Protesters set fires and caused significant damage to embassy properties. At the French Embassy, demonstrators breached the compound, setting the main gate ablaze and vandalizing offices. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting immediate security concerns for diplomatic personnel.In response to the attacks, Congolese security forces…

Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its control over Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. Recent developments include the seizure of Goma’s airport, signaling a significant escalation in the conflict.The United Nations reports a relative calm within Goma following days of intense clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army. However, sporadic shooting persists, and continued fighting has been observed in surrounding areas, including Sake, northwest of Goma.In response to the escalating crisis, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Rwandan President Paul Kagame to implement…