Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), revealed the arrest of two individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia under the guise of participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Speaking at a Ministerial Committee on Drug Use Control meeting, Marwa expressed concern over the recurring exploitation of religious travel by criminal networks. He cited a previous incident where individuals were deceived into unknowingly carrying cocaine concealed within luggage.

Despite resource limitations impacting the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the NDLEA reaffirmed its dedication to combating drug trafficking and abuse. The agency remains vigilant in its efforts to intercept illicit substances and apprehend those who seek to exploit religious events for criminal purposes.

Recent reports indicate a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. After a year and a half of intense fighting, Israel has reportedly agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal brokered by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

According to state-owned KAN TV, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed this development during a meeting with families of deceased Israeli hostages. US officials have confirmed Israel’s acceptance of the deal prior to its submission to Hamas.

Hamas has acknowledged receipt of the proposal and stated they are reviewing it with the aim of providing relief to the Palestinian population and establishing a permanent ceasefire.

The proposed agreement entails a 60-day cessation of hostilities in Gaza in exchange for the release of ten living Israeli hostages and 18 bodies. In return, Israel would release over 1,200 Palestinian detainees and 180 bodies. While not mandating an end to Israel’s offensive, the proposal necessitates negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a long-term truce, with the United States, Egypt, and Qatar acting as guarantors.

Currently, Israel asserts that Hamas is holding 58 hostages in Gaza, with 20 presumed to be alive. A prior ceasefire agreement dissolved in March, leading to the resumption of Israeli operations after a two-month truce that saw the release of 33 hostages by Hamas. Tragically, since the conflict’s escalation in October 2023, over 54,000 Gazans have lost their lives, as reported by Gaza’s health authorities.

An ECOWAS mission to Guinea-Bissau has concluded prematurely, citing threats of expulsion by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The mission, deployed last month to facilitate a “political consensus” regarding upcoming elections, had drafted an electoral roadmap and initiated stakeholder consultations. However, the team’s departure on Saturday morning was precipitated by President Embalo’s alleged threat.

The ECOWAS team will now submit its report, including a proposed agreement for “inclusive and peaceful elections,” to the ECOWAS president. This development unfolds amidst escalating tensions surrounding the expiration of President Embalo’s five-year mandate. While the opposition claims the term concluded last week, the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled it extends until September 4th. The postponement of general elections, initially scheduled for last November and now slated for November 30th, has further fueled opposition discontent.

Guinea-Bissau’s history has been marked by political instability, including multiple military coups and two attempts to overthrow President Embalo, most recently in December 2023, leading to the dissolution of parliament. Prior to the ECOWAS mission’s withdrawal, the opposition staged a nationwide strike, prompting government deployment of security forces. President Embalo’s recent visit to Moscow, where he discussed bilateral cooperation with President Vladimir Putin, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.