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Lebanese Lawmakers Set to Elect New President After Prolonged Deadlock.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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On Thursday, Lebanese lawmakers are poised to elect a new president, marking a significant development after more than two years of political stalemate. This election is crucial for Lebanon, which has been grappling with a severe financial crisis exacerbated by ongoing instability.

Army chief Joseph Aoun emerges as the leading candidate, with analysts suggesting that he could play a pivotal role in enforcing a truce in southern Lebanon, particularly following the recent conflicts that have impacted the region. Lebanon has remained without a president since Michel Aoun’s term expired in October 2022, and previous attempts to fill the vacancy have faltered due to a deadlock between pro- and anti-Hezbollah factions within the parliament.

The landscape has shifted considerably since last autumn, when a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah resulted in substantial losses for the militant group, including the death of its long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Additionally, Hezbollah’s support base in Syria has weakened following the recent upheaval that saw President Bashar al-Assad ousted by rebels.

With a fragile ceasefire in place since late November, lawmakers will convene for the thirteenth time to attempt to elect a new head of state, commencing at 11:00 am local time (0900 GMT). In a nation still recovering from the scars of its 1975-1990 civil war, the fragmented political elite typically reaches a consensus on a candidate before any successful parliamentary vote occurs.

International pressure has intensified ahead of this critical session, with notable figures such as French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and US envoy Amos Hochstein advocating for a successful election. A Saudi envoy’s recent visit to Lebanon further underscores the regional interest in stabilizing the political landscape, with indications that both the United States and Saudi Arabia support Joseph Aoun’s candidacy.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism about the upcoming vote, stating, “For the first time since the presidency became vacant, I am pleased that God willing tomorrow we will have a president.” As Lebanon stands at a crossroads, the outcome of this election could pave the way for much-needed reforms and recovery in a country desperately in need of stability.

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Ambassador Elias-Fatile Meets with Nigerians Living in Denmark.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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On May 24th, Nigerians residing in Denmark extended a warm welcome to Ambassador T.A. Elias-Fatile, the CDAai of the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Ambassador Fatile’s arrival signifies a continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and supporting the Nigerian diaspora within the Scandinavian Nordic Region, which includes Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland, all under the purview of the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm.

During his visit, Ambassador Fatile engaged in productive dialogues with members of the Nigerian Union in Denmark. These discussions centered on their expectations from the embassy and focused on fostering unity and collaboration within the community. The Ambassador further encouraged economic growth by advocating for investment in Nigeria, addressing security concerns and promoting a more positive perception of the current climate. Finally, he urged the Union to cultivate inclusive activities that would further strengthen community bonds. His visit underscores the embassy’s dedication to serving and empowering the Nigerian community in the Nordic region.

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Tensions Flare as Trump Presents Controversial Video to Ramaphosa at Oval Office.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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A notable diplomatic incident occurred at the Oval Office on Wednesday when President Donald Trump presented South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with a video depicting alleged violence against white farmers in South Africa.

Reports indicate that President Trump directed an aide to dim the lights before screening the footage for President Ramaphosa and his delegation. The video reportedly contained content alleging incitement to violence against white farmers, purportedly featuring South African opposition figures.

President Ramaphosa, visibly taken aback, responded to the presentation by reiterating his condemnation of such rhetoric and emphasizing his government’s commitment to inclusivity. He clarified that his political coalition has actively worked to marginalize those advocating for violence.

This incident follows earlier remarks by President Trump concerning an alleged “white genocide” in South Africa, a claim that has fueled both controversy and the emigration of some white South Africans to the United States. President Ramaphosa has previously criticized those leaving the country as “cowards,” advocating for a collective approach to addressing South Africa’s challenges. This impromptu video presentation is likely to further strain already delicate relations between the two nations.

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“Take It Down Act” Signed Into Law: Federal Protection Against Non-Consensual Image Sharing.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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President Donald Trump has signed the “Take It Down Act” into law, criminalizing the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including those generated by artificial intelligence. The legislation mandates the prompt removal of such content by digital platforms and carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment for offenders.

The law garnered bipartisan support and addresses growing concerns surrounding the proliferation of deepfakes and non-consensual pornography. Platforms failing to remove flagged content within 48 hours face civil penalties. First Lady Melania Trump, a vocal supporter of the bill, attended the signing ceremony.

While praised as a significant step in protecting individuals from online exploitation, the law has also drawn criticism. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, for example, warns of potential for misuse, suggesting the legislation may grant excessive censorship powers and stifle lawful speech. Digital platforms are now mandated to implement rapid response systems for content removal upon receiving complaints.

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