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Idrissa Seck, former Prime Minister, gains ground in Senegal Presidential Election.

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The February 2024 election in Senegal is an inflection point for the country, and arguably for the region writ large. It’s a country with a rich democratic tradition and a reputation as a democratic standard bearer,” said Jeff Smith, founding director of Vanguard Africa and co-creator producer of The Resistance Bureau, in Washington DC recently. “Yet, today, there is a president laying the foundation for an unprecedented third term and a populist challenger, with clearly authoritarian instincts, that are occupying most of the headlines,” Mr Smith said.

“This has caused increasing unrest in Senegal, as well as uncertainty abroad about the country’s trajectory. That’s why it is important to effectively engage the US and the broader pro-democracy community,” said Mr Smith.

In less than 12 months, Senegal faces an important election. Mr Smith told PREMIUM TIMES why the 2024 Senegalese election is a turning point, and why the US and international community should care. “The time is now to remind these audiences — both in Senegal and outside — that there is, in fact, an adult in the room, a former Prime Minister who, many seem to forget, finished second in the last presidential election,” further describing that “Idrissa Seck is a principled, experienced politician and a committed democrat. He simply needs to remind audiences of these basic facts.”

On recent reports which say that Vanguard Africa is the lead backer and supporter of former Prime Minister Seck’s advocacy in Washington, Mr Smith acknowledged his organization’s support of Mr Seck in Washington DC. “As with all of our partners on the continent, Vanguard Africa is honoured to be supporting him in his mission to bring ethical, accountable leadership to Senegal and to present voters with a viable option for the future,” said Mr Smith, making it clear that his public advocacy organization is the one backing Idrissa Seck.

Providing further details, he explained that “We will definitely recommend and plan accordingly for a trip to Washington, DC for Honourable Seck to meet with US Government officials — this strategic outreach will be crucial for the future of US-Senegal relations.”Asked about the extent of the strategic communications and pro-democracy work Vanguard Africa will carry out for Mr Seck, he stated, “We will also recommend, as we do with all of our partners, committed engagement with the human rights and pro-democracy communities, as well as think tank leadership, to advocate for free, fair and credible elections in Senegal.” He added that Mr Seck “will effectively be the spokesperson for this movement. It’s important to us, and to Honourable Seck, to help build and then maintain a global community of those invested in a free and fair poll in Senegal — in effect, for Senegalese to have their votes respected and also defended if need be.”

PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the US Department of State for comment, including on the now escalating violence. A State Department spokesperson said they empathize. “The United States is troubled and saddened by the ongoing violence and the resulting harm to lives, livelihoods, and stability. We offer our condolences to the loved ones of those who have died, and our wishes for the quick and full recovery of those injured. Senegal’s reputation for stable, democratic governance is well-deserved, and something for which the Senegalese people are rightfully proud. We encourage the Senegalese people to embrace their defining characteristics — peace, tolerance, generosity, and brotherhood — and to express their views in a peaceful manner.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration has elevated human rights and the defence of democracy in U.S. foreign policy, and Erin Barclay, the Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor has a vital role to play in executing on this commitment,” said the US Department of State spokesperson, reiterating US support for the Senegalese people.The United States reaffirmed its support of the Senegalese people and their long-standing commitment to democracy, including through free and fair elections. It is ultimately up to the Senegalese people to decide the future of their country and to elect leaders who best represent them and their interests. The United States said it supports democratic processes that are legitimate, transparent, and inclusive and will continue to support Senegal’s electoral institutions and civil society in their important work.

“Senegal’s reputation for stable, democratic governance is well-deserved, and something for which the Senegalese people are rightfully proud. We will continue to support Senegal’s efforts to ensure free and fair elections that are held peacefully,” a State Department spokesperson said.

 

 

 

 

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Foreign

BREAKING: Trump Orders Investigation into Reported Christian Killings in Nigeria

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By: Fabian Apechihin

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has directed lawmakers to launch an immediate investigation into reports of widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing the situation as a “Christian genocide.”

In a statement released Friday evening via his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed grave concern over the violence, blaming radical Islamist groups for what he called a “mass slaughter.”

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” he wrote.

The U.S. President announced that he is designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing alarming figures of killings within the country compared to global totals.

“When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria — something must be done! I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me,” Trump stated.

He added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that his administration remains ready “to protect Christian populations around the world.”

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Defence/Security

Polish MEP Raises Alarm Over Killings of Christians in Nigeria

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By: Fabian Apechihin

Polish Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Dominik Tarczyński, has once again drawn global attention to what he described as the ongoing persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria.

In a post on his verified 𝕏 account on Monday, Tarczyński shared an image of a blood-stained Nigerian flag alongside a viral video showing a pastor conducting a burial ceremony for victims of violence.

In the video, the pastor lamented the frequent killings, saying:

“We are tired of performing burial every day, and they expect us to remain silent. It has become an order, and the Nigerian government came out to deny the massacre, saying there is no genocide of Christians in Nigeria. United Nations, you’re watching me. The American Parliament is aware of what we are doing now. My special request is to President Trump to save our lives in Nigeria. They are killing more Christians. If they say they kill Muslims, the Muslims are killed by who? Muslims are killed by Muslims.”

Tarczyński’s post quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions and renewed calls for the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to combat banditry and terrorism.

However, the Federal Government has repeatedly rejected claims of a religiously targeted genocide. In a recent statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described such allegations as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”

Idris maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and not driven by religious motives, warning that framing the fight against terrorism as an anti-Christian campaign could deepen existing social and religious divides.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and called on international partners and media outlets to “refrain from narratives that distort the country’s security realities.”

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Foreign

Two Dead After Cargo Plane Skids Off Hong Kong Runway Into Sea

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By: Fabian Apechihin

Two airport security officers were killed early Monday after a cargo plane skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport, struck their patrol vehicle, and plunged into the sea.

The incident involved Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747 arriving from Dubai around 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT Sunday). The aircraft veered off the north runway, crashed through perimeter fencing, and collided with the patrol vehicle, pushing it into the water. Both occupants of the vehicle died, while the plane’s four crew members survived.

According to officials, the plane ended up partially submerged, making it one of Hong Kong Airport’s deadliest aviation accidents in years. Two other runways remain operational as investigations continue.

Airport operations executive director Steven Yiu said the patrol vehicle had been travelling on a service road outside the runway’s perimeter at a “safe distance” when the plane suddenly turned off course.
“Normally, the plane is not supposed to turn towards the sea,” Yiu said during a press briefing. He emphasized that the patrol car “definitely did not enter the runway” and that the aircraft had not sent a distress signal before landing.

Divers later recovered the bodies of the victims—two men aged 30 and 41—about five meters from the shore and seven meters underwater. One was confirmed dead at the scene, and the other died in hospital.

Hong Kong’s transport bureau expressed condolences to the victims’ families, describing the event as “deeply saddening.”

Emirates confirmed the accident, saying the cargo plane “sustained damage on landing in Hong Kong.” The airline noted there was no cargo onboard and that the aircraft had been wet-leased—meaning operated with crew and insurance—from Turkish carrier ACT Airlines.

Firefighters reached the scene within two minutes, rescuing all four crew members who had escaped via the aircraft’s emergency slides. Photos from the crash site show the plane broken in half, with part of its fuselage submerged in water.

Authorities are now searching for the plane’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders (“black boxes”). A police spokesperson said criminal investigations have not been ruled out.

The affected runway will remain closed pending the outcome of the investigation. At least 11 incoming cargo flights were cancelled on Monday, according to airport authorities.

This is only the second fatal aviation accident at Hong Kong International Airport since it relocated to Chek Lap Kok in 1998. The previous one occurred in 1999, when a China Airlines jet crash-landed during a typhoon, killing three people.

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