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A Historic First in Suriname – But at What Cost?

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Suriname elects first female president

Suriname has made history by electing Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as its first female president.

The 71-year-old physician and veteran lawmaker secured the presidency after receiving overwhelming backing from parliament, following a coalition agreement in the National Assembly.

Her unopposed election on Sunday marks a significant political shift for the South American nation as it grapples with economic challenges and widespread discontent.

Geerlings-Simons, who leads the National Democratic Party, will officially assume office on July 16, 2025.

Her confirmation comes on the heels of inconclusive elections in May and increasing calls for a change in leadership after a turbulent presidency under Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

Santokhi’s term was overshadowed by allegations of corruption and unpopular austerity measures that stabilized the macroeconomy with help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The measures also sparked widespread protests due to sharp cuts in public subsidies.

Acknowledging the historic weight of her new role, Geerlings-Simons expressed both humility and determination following her confirmation.

“I am aware that the heavy task I have taken on is further aggravated by the fact that I am the first woman to serve the country in this position,” she stated.

She will be joined in office by Gregory Rusland, her vice-presidential running mate.

Together, they inherit a nation of 646,000 citizens struggling with inflation, reduced government spending, and persistent inequality.

The previous administration achieved some fiscal gains by restructuring external debt and regaining international lender confidence.

On the other hand, the social costs have been severe, leaving many citizens disillusioned and angry.

Looking ahead, Geerlings-Simons has pledged to focus on financial reform and improved revenue collection.

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One of her key policy goals is to tighten tax enforcement, particularly targeting small-scale gold mining operations, a significant but under-regulated source of national income.

With Suriname projected to begin offshore oil production in 2028, she also aims to lay the groundwork for managing and distributing the anticipated oil revenue more equitably and transparently.

Economists, however, warn that immediate challenges will overshadow long-term ambitions.

Winston Ramautarsingh, former president of the Surinamese Economists’ Association, cautioned that the country still faces a steep financial cliff.

“Suriname must repay roughly $400 million annually in debt servicing,” he said.

“The prior administration restructured much of that debt, but that simply delayed the reckoning.

“The money still isn’t there.”

Indeed, the country’s economic instability remains deeply entrenched, even as hopes rise for an oil-driven recovery.

Geerlings-Simons must now navigate a delicate political and fiscal landscape, balancing urgent public demands for relief with international financial obligations.

Her presidency also arrives as Suriname prepares to commemorate its 50th anniversary of independence from the Netherlands this November.

For many, the milestone serves as a symbolic moment to reset national priorities and restore public faith in governance.

Suriname’s future is also increasingly tied to global players.

In 2019, it became one of the first Latin American countries to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a move that has since deepened economic ties between the two nations.

As part of the vast infrastructure and investment program, Suriname has received support in the form of loans and development projects, although critics warn of long-term dependency and debt risks.

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Despite its wealth of natural resources, including oil, gold, and timber, Suriname remains one of the poorest countries in South America.

Its small population reflects a remarkable diversity, made up of African descendants, Indigenous peoples, East Indians, Indonesians, Chinese, and European settlers.

This cultural mosaic, while a source of national pride, also presents governance challenges in terms of equitable development and political representation.

Geerlings-Simons’ election has been hailed as a landmark moment for women in Suriname and across the region.

Her rise to power comes after decades of political experience and service in the National Assembly, where she built a reputation for resilience and negotiation.

As she prepares to take the helm, her leadership will be closely watched, both for how she manages the fragile economy and for whether she can deliver on her promise of a more just and prosperous future.

 

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VIRAL VIDEO: Moment Yahaya Bello Orders Kogi State House Members to Sit on Floor, Gives Strict Directives

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IGP withdraws all policemen attached to Kogi ex-gov, Yahaya Bello

A viral video circulating on social media has captured former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello making newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.

The meeting took place at Bello’s residence on Monday, where he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss party unity and responsibilities.

Shado, who won the Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election on August 16, was formally presented to the former governor.

INEC declared Shado the winner after he polled 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who garnered 1,038 votes.

During the session, Bello emphasized that Shado must strictly obey the directives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all legislative matters.

He drew his ear to stress the importance of cooperation, warning the lawmaker to align with Assembly decisions even when he did not fully understand them.

Bello said, “Go and cooperate with the Speaker and other members of the House of Assembly. Support Governor Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly, even if you don’t understand it.”

Bello also reminded Shado that political victories are collective achievements.

He stated, “No candidate wins an election alone. Your people worked tirelessly from nomination to election day. Do not let them down.”

He urged inclusivity, consultation, and collective leadership, emphasizing that unity remains the key to APC’s continued success in Kogi State.

The former governor praised the people of Kogi East for demonstrating unity, which he said had been lacking in the past.

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He further expressed confidence that APC would retain all major political positions in upcoming elections, declaring, “Our President, Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected.

Governor Ododo will be re-elected. All our candidates will continue to win on our great party’s platform.”

Bello’s post-governorship period has been marked by controversy.

The EFCC accused him of diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State coffers during his tenure.

He evaded multiple court summons and even a failed arrest in Abuja that led to a shootout. Ultimately, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 26, 2024, after months of avoiding legal proceedings.

Despite his legal troubles, Bello maintains influence over APC lawmakers in Kogi and continues to assert political authority, as shown in the recent video with Shado.

Watch the video below.

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Africa

Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.

“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.

Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.

He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.

The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.

He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.

Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”

General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.

He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”

Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.

He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.

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They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.

General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.

He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”

He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.

Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.

He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”

The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.

General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.

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Health

Police Arrest Fake Doctor as Woman Dies During Abortion

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Detectives from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man posing as a medical doctor following the death of a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Sunday Etim, during an alleged illegal abortion.

The suspect, identified as Sunday Okon Akpan, reportedly owns and operates the Full Life Medical Centre (FLMC) in Ikot Obio Odongo, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Timfon John, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom Police Command, revealed that police launched a search for the victim after receiving a distress call from her mother.

DSP John stated that operatives acted quickly following the report, which indicated that Blessing had gone to work at the FLMC and never returned.

According to police reports, the suspect attempted to secretly dispose of the victim’s body in her room.

A co-tenant, who witnessed the act, raised an alarm, forcing the suspect to abandon the corpse and flee the scene.

Police quickly arrived at the scene, where detectives discovered a premature foetus, confirming the occurrence of an illegal abortion.

Police traced and arrested Sunday Okon Akpan, a resident of Afaha Offiong village, Nsit Ibom LGA.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is not a licensed medical doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner who allegedly used his clinic to perform illegal medical procedures, including abortions.

The health centre has since been found abandoned.

DSP John confirmed that the victim’s body has been deposited at a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while investigations continue to uncover more details surrounding the incident.

She also promised to update the public as the probe progresses.

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This shocking incident highlights the dangers of unlicensed medical practitioners operating clinics and offering illegal procedures.

Police authorities are warning residents to verify the credentials of anyone offering medical services and to report suspicious activities to prevent similar tragedies.

As the investigation unfolds, Akwa Ibom police have vowed to ensure that justice is served, and the public remains safe from unqualified medical practitioners operating in the state.

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Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

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The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.

In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”

Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.

If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.

Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.

Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.

The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.

Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.

Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.

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“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.

The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.

“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.

Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.

“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.

The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.

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2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

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Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.

“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.

Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.

“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.

When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.

“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.

I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.

The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.

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