United States Ready to Resume Cooperation with Niger on the Condition of Swift Transition from Military Regime

U.s Secretary Of State Antony Blinken At The Diori Hamani International Airport In Niamey

In a statement made on Wednesday in Niamey, the United States expressed its willingness to renew cooperation with Niger, contingent upon the military regime that seized power in a coup at the end of July committing to a notably brief transition period.

Following the July 26 coup that ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum, Washington suspended its cooperation with Niger. However, during her visit to Niamey, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for African Affairs held discussions with several Nigerien officials, including Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who was appointed by the military.

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State emphasised the necessity for the Nigerien military to announce “a deadline for a rapid and credible transition” leading to the establishment of a democratically elected government. She stated to the press on Wednesday, “We have confirmed that we are ready to resume our cooperation if the CNSP (military regime) takes the steps I have outlined.”

The military regime has proposed a maximum three-year transition period before transferring power back to civilians, with the duration to be determined through a national dialogue that will be convened imminently.

Regarding the fate of former President Mohamed Bazoum, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Ms. Phee, indicated that they have “agreed to reach a satisfactory solution” for him, his family, and members of his government. Since the coup, Bazoum has been confined to his residence along with his wife and son, while several former dignitaries have either been arrested or fled the country.

On Sunday, Ms. Phee participated in a summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) presidents in Abuja, where the organization maintained strict economic and financial sanctions imposed on Niger following the coup. The easing of these sanctions is conditioned upon a notably “short transition.”

“I encourage the CNSP (military regime) to respond positively to the ECOWAS offer for negotiation; the United States supports the resolutions of the regional organisation,” clarified the U.S. diplomat.

Additionally, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, is expected to present her credentials to the authorities soon, as confirmed by Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakary Yaou Sangaré in early December. The arrival of the ambassador further signals the United States’ commitment to engaging with Niger and fostering diplomatic relations.

 

Source: Africa News

Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Cyber Fraud Scheme Targeting US Corporations

Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty To Multimillion Dollar Cyber Fraud Scheme Targeting Us Corporations

In a significant development, 33-year-old Idris Dayo Mustapha, a British-Nigerian man, has confessed to orchestrating a highly sophisticated cyber fraud scheme that spanned seven years. Mustapha, a prominent member of a hacking ring, meticulously targeted email and brokerage accounts of US corporations from 2011 to 2018, resulting in staggering losses exceeding $6 million (£4.7 million).

US authorities had been diligently pursuing Mustapha for several years, and their relentless efforts have finally led to a breakthrough in the case. Mustapha appeared before a court in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday, where he entered a guilty plea to four charges: computer intrusion, securities fraud, wire fraud, and access device fraud, as reported by the BBC.

According to authorities familiar with the investigation, Mustapha and his accomplices hacked into the computer servers of various financial institutions in the United States, successfully gaining access to highly confidential user data, including personal identifying information. Armed with this stolen information and passwords, they undertook a series of transactions that involved transferring funds and securities from the victims’ accounts to accounts under their control.

The cybercriminals also exploited the compromised accounts to execute stock trades without the knowledge or consent of the legitimate account holders. This covert manipulation allowed Mustapha and his ring to profit illicitly while leaving the unsuspecting victims with significant financial losses.

Given the severity and scale of the crimes committed, Mustapha faces a potential prison term of up to 20 years. His guilty plea serves as a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to hold cybercriminals accountable and safeguard the integrity of financial systems.

The successful apprehension and prosecution of Mustapha highlight the tireless work of law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime. It underscores the importance of international collaboration and the continuous adaptation of security measures to address the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals.

As technology continues to advance, the specter of cyber fraud looms ever larger. This case serves as a reminder of the need for individuals, organizations, and governments to remain vigilant in safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing cybersecurity protocols, and educating the public about potential threats.

The conclusion of this high-profile case emphasises the unwavering commitment to justice and the determination to pursue those responsible for perpetrating cyber fraud. It sends a clear message that cybercriminals will be pursued relentlessly and held accountable for their actions, as authorities strive to protect individuals, corporations, and the global financial ecosystem from the perils of cybercrime.

 

Source: Africa News

Kenya Celebrates Impressive Strides in HIV/AIDS Fight, Acknowledges Partnership with PEPFAR

Kenya Celebrates Impressive Strides In Hivaids Fight, Acknowledges Partnership With Pepfar

President Ruto of Kenya expressed gratitude for the United States’ support through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), highlighting the remarkable progress made in the country’s battle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Speaking at the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) 20th Anniversary Celebration in Kenya, President Ruto emphasised the transformative impact of the partnership between the two nations.

“We are highly grateful to the US government for this partnership that has changed the fortunes of our nation. Such a strong show of solidarity is highly appreciated, and we do not take the friendship and support for granted,” said President Ruto, acknowledging the rare nature of the collaboration.

President Ruto reflected on the devastating toll HIV/AIDS had taken on Kenyan households and communities just two decades ago, leaving behind a trail of death, illness, orphaned children, and socioeconomic devastation. However, he praised the significant strides made since then, attributing them to the support received from PEPFAR.

Over the past two years, President Ruto’s administration has increased financial investment in the HIV commodity pipeline by Sh 1 billion to prevent disruptions in the supply of essential resources. Furthermore, the government is committed to ending AIDS in children by 2027, in alignment with the goals set by the Global Alliance.

“The time is now to take a strong stand and make up for lost ground for the sake of Kenya’s children,” emphasised President Ruto, highlighting the universal healthcare coverage pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda as a crucial opportunity to address the domestic financing gap related to HIV/AIDS effectively.

President Ruto expressed his gratitude to PEPFAR, which has channelled over US dollars 6.5 billion into Kenya’s fight against the disease since 2004. The impact of this support has resulted in a 68.5 percent reduction in new HIV infections and a 53 percent reduction in HIV-related mortality. The quality of life for individuals living with HIV has also significantly improved.

Currently, 1.4 million people in Kenya are living with HIV, with 1.3 million receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) through more than 3,000 health facilities nationwide. Among the recipients are over 48,000 children and 55,000 breastfeeding mothers.

US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, emphasised the importance of partnership between the government and the private sector in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She called for continued collaboration with the private sector to raise awareness about the disease and contain its spread.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha expressed satisfaction with the progress made in Kenya’s efforts against HIV/AIDS, highlighting that 95 percent of those afflicted with the disease are receiving treatment. Kenya is determined to end HIV/AIDS in children by 2027, aiming to achieve this milestone ahead of the global target of 2030.

Joyce Ouma, a representative from the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, extended gratitude to the government and PEPFAR for their support in providing life-saving medications to individuals affected by the disease.

The celebration of Kenya’s achievements in combating HIV/AIDS serves as a testament to the power of international partnerships and collective efforts in overcoming significant health challenges. As the country continues its fight against the pandemic, the commitment to ending AIDS and ensuring the well-being of its citizens remains at the forefront of Kenya’s agenda.

 

Source: Capital FM Kenya