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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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Recent Allegations Surface Regarding Actress Angela Okorie’s Relationship.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Recent social media posts originating from Nollywood actress Angela Okorie have brought to light allegations of infidelity and exploitation within her now-terminated relationship with her partner, known as “Oil Money.”

Ms. Okorie has publicly accused Oil Money of engaging in affairs with fellow actresses within the industry. In a series of posts on her Instagram story, she characterized him as “efulefu,” implying a lack of substance and susceptibility to manipulation. She further alleges that he leveraged their relationship for personal gain, specifically to gain access to other prominent women in both Lagos and Nollywood.

These accusations, posted alongside an announcement of their separation, mark a stark turn in the actress’s public persona. Ms. Okorie has vowed to refrain from future public displays of affection, indicating a desire to protect herself from similar situations moving forward. The claims remain unverified and have not yet been addressed by Oil Money directly. The situation is developing and further details may emerge.

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Russia Responds to Potential Western Troop Deployment in Ukraine.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Moscow has reacted strongly to reports of potential troop deployments by France and the United Kingdom aimed at bolstering security in Ukraine. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in a briefing on Thursday, labeled the proposition of a multinational peacekeeping contingent as “insane.”

Ms. Zakharova further highlighted the apparent lack of widespread support within the European Union for the proposed intervention, suggesting the initiative lacks the necessary consensus for successful implementation. She also alluded to the necessity of U.S. involvement, stating that the coalition is unlikely to achieve its objectives without Washington’s backing. “Judging by the current discussions, Washington still has no intention of becoming involved in such an adventure,” she remarked, implying a pragmatic assessment of the potential ramifications by the United States.

Turning to the recent missile strike on Palm Sunday, Ms. Zakharova asserted President Zelenskyy’s “certain” responsibility for the ensuing consequences. She explained that the Russian Armed Forces had targeted a location in Sumy identified as hosting a Ukrainian command staff meeting. Ms. Zakharova further noted that President Zelenskyy subsequently dismissed the head of the Sumy military administration, Volodymyr Artyukh, seemingly “confirming the charges against him” in the aftermath of the incident.

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US Accuses Chinese Firm of Aiding Houthi Attacks.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The United States State Department has leveled serious accusations against Chang Guang Satellite Technology, a Chinese firm, alleging its direct support for Houthi rebel attacks targeting US interests. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed reports that the company is providing critical support to the Iran-backed group.

According to US officials cited by the Financial Times, Chang Guang Satellite Technology, which has ties to the Chinese military, is supplying the Houthis with satellite imagery used to target US warships and international vessels operating in the Red Sea.

The State Department condemned this action as “unacceptable,” further stating that it contradicts China’s self-proclaimed role as a global peacemaker. The department argues that Beijing, through companies like Chang Guang Satellite Technology, provides vital economic and technical assistance to regimes such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran, including its proxy groups. This accusation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the US and China, highlighting concerns over China’s role in destabilizing international security.

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