President Zelensky’s statement highlights the ongoing tension in Ukraine’s fight against Russia and the broader international diplomatic struggle. He is right to emphasize that lifting sanctions on Russia at this stage would send the wrong message and undermine the leverage the international community currently has to push for a serious peace agreement.

Zelensky’s criticism of Russia’s demands for unrealistic conditions—such as for a ceasefire in the Black Sea—underscores the complexity of the negotiations. Russia’s insistence on unreasonable terms, while rejecting proposals for peace, continues to delay any meaningful diplomatic solution. Zelensky makes a crucial point in arguing that sanctions are one of the few effective tools to pressure Russia into genuine talks, and without them, the risk of a breakdown in future negotiations becomes even more significant.

His call for continued support from international partners and for sanctions to remain until Russia’s aggression stops is a stance that aligns with Ukraine’s need for long-term pressure on Russia to cease its military actions and respect territorial integrity. The prospect of lifting sanctions prematurely could indeed have serious consequences, both in terms of diplomacy and the integrity of future peace agreements.

Do you think international pressure, particularly through sanctions, will ultimately succeed in forcing Russia to engage in meaningful peace talks, or is there a risk that it could backfire and prolong the conflict?

The incident involving the Houthis launching missiles towards Israel marks a significant escalation in the ongoing regional tensions. The interception of the missiles by the Israeli military, along with the claims of the Houthis targeting Ben Gurion airport and military sites near Tel Aviv, reflects the growing complexity of the conflict in the Middle East.

The Houthis, a group backed by Iran, have been involved in missile and drone attacks targeting various entities, including Israel, as part of their broader support for Hamas. This ties into the larger regional conflict where Iran supports groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, all of which are aligned against Israeli interests.

Additionally, the U.S. airstrikes against Houthi strongholds in Yemen since March 15, coupled with President Trump’s statements on holding Iran accountable, show the increasing international involvement and the multifaceted nature of these conflicts.

Do you think the continued involvement of regional powers like Iran will further escalate tensions in the Middle East?

The passage of these constitutional amendment bills, including the creation of the Office of the Prime Minister and President in Nigeria, marks a significant step toward potential political restructuring. The separation of the roles of head of government and head of state, which is being considered in the bill, could bring a shift in how Nigeria’s executive branch operates, much like parliamentary systems in other countries. It could also impact the balance of power and governance dynamics in the country.

The bills that focus on increasing the representation of women in the National Assembly and state houses of assembly are especially notable, as they aim to address gender inequality in political representation. This change could provide more opportunities for women in Nigerian politics, potentially driving more inclusive decision-making.

The proposed changes regarding pre-election petition matters and the establishment of pre-election tribunals might also help streamline the electoral process, making it more efficient and transparent. These reforms could further stabilize Nigeria’s democracy and enhance electoral credibility.

The creation of new states like Wan and Gobir, and the review of the Federal Capital Territory’s electoral status, reflect ongoing debates over the country’s federal structure, which could have both political and administrative consequences.

Altogether, with 113 bills now under consideration, these amendments indicate an active effort to fine-tune Nigeria’s Constitution, reflecting evolving political needs.

What are your thoughts on the proposed separation of powers between the Prime Minister and President? Do you think it will improve governance in Nigeria?

This is truly heartbreaking news. Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi’s passing at the age of 42, particularly so soon after the loss of her father, former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, is devastating. She was a prominent figure and had a significant role as Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu. Her family and loved ones must be going through an incredibly tough time.

It’s always so tragic when someone so young and seemingly with so much ahead of them is taken so suddenly. My condolences go out to her family and everyone who knew her.

Have you seen any further details about her life or career that you’d like to discuss?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that the United States will “stand strong” against Russian demands to lift sanctions as a condition for a ceasefire in the Black Sea. Moscow has insisted that Western sanctions on Russia’s food and fertilizer trade be lifted before the maritime truce, which was announced earlier this week, can take effect. The Russian government also requested the removal of financial restrictions and the restoration of Russia’s access to the Swift international payment system, a crucial financial network.

While the White House confirmed that Russian and Ukrainian delegations agreed to a ceasefire after talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, the Kremlin’s subsequent statement outlined its conditions. Zelensky, however, expressed concern that some in the U.S. might be influenced by Russian narratives, undermining the bipartisan support his country has received. He made it clear that Ukraine cannot accept these Russian-driven narratives.

The U.S. government, through former President Donald Trump, has acknowledged Moscow’s request and stated that they are “looking at” the possibility of easing sanctions. However, the European Union has firmly rejected lifting any sanctions unless Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory unconditionally. Zelensky, in a panel interview in Paris, also voiced concerns about the role of U.S. figures like Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who dismissed European efforts to create a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine. Zelensky questioned Witkoff’s experience and pointed out that his background in real estate was far removed from the complexities of international diplomacy.

During the interview, Zelensky was asked how history would remember him—whether as the man who saved Ukraine or as the one who let it fall. He responded by saying that it was not his concern how history would judge him; his focus remains on defending Ukraine and ensuring his children can walk freely in their streets. He reaffirmed his commitment to defending Ukraine for as long as he could.

On the issue of Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine, now “battle-hardened” by the ongoing war, would strengthen the alliance, though he acknowledged that the Trump administration had ruled out membership for Kyiv in the past.

Zelensky’s return to Europe is part of his ongoing effort to rally support from European nations as the war in Ukraine continues. European leaders have been slow to commit substantial military support, traditionally relying on the U.S. for military capacity. However, the changing geopolitical dynamics, particularly after comments from Trump, have led European leaders to realize they may need to act more independently in the future.

In a sign of continued European support, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a €2bn military aid package for Ukraine, and Macron has also made it clear that Moscow cannot “dictate the conditions” for peace. Ahead of a European leaders’ meeting in Paris, which will also include British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron said it was too early to consider lifting sanctions on Russia. The gathering aims to discuss the next steps for supporting Ukraine and the potential for a ceasefire agreement.

Poland has taken a controversial step by temporarily suspending the right of migrants arriving via its border with Belarus to apply for asylum. This decision comes after a bill was signed into law by President Andrzej Duda, allowing Polish authorities to suspend asylum applications for up to 60 days at a time. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that this move would be enacted “without a moment’s delay,” asserting that the changes were necessary to bolster Poland’s border security.

The law has sparked significant criticism from human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch, which has condemned the bill as a violation of Poland’s international and EU obligations. They argue that the law could lead to a complete closure of the Poland-Belarus border and exacerbate the already unlawful practices of pushbacks by Polish authorities, where migrants are sent back without due process. The human rights group has urged the EU to take legal action against Poland if the law is implemented.

Polish authorities, however, have defended the law, stating that the suspension would only be temporary and applied to those who pose a security threat, particularly large groups of migrants attempting to storm the border. There will be exceptions for vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, the elderly, the sick, and those who could face “real risk of serious harm” if returned to their country. The government has specifically pointed to Belarus, accusing it of deliberately orchestrating migration flows to destabilize Poland and the wider EU.

Tusk has dismissed the criticism, asserting that the policy does not violate human rights or the right to asylum but rather addresses the issue of organized groups of migrants illegally crossing the border, which, according to Poland, are encouraged by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Since 2021, Poland, along with other EU countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland, has faced a sharp increase in irregular migration from Belarus and Russia. In response, Poland has deployed thousands of troops and border guards to secure its frontier and has constructed a 5.5-meter-high steel fence along 186 kilometers of the border. Despite these measures, many migrants have been stranded, and human rights groups estimate that over a hundred people have died along the border since 2021.

Poland, along with other EU nations on the eastern flank, and the European Commission, have accused Belarus and Russia of “weaponizing” migration, creating a new route into the EU in an attempt to destabilize the bloc. The situation remains highly contentious, with ongoing debates about how best to balance national security concerns with the protection of human rights.

The situation in South Sudan has become increasingly tense as First Vice-President Riek Machar has been placed under house arrest by the government, marking a significant development in the strained relationship between him and President Salva Kiir. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM/IO), led by Machar, claims that an armed convoy, including the country’s defense minister, entered Machar’s residence in Juba, disarmed his bodyguards, and detained him along with his wife, Angelina Teny, the interior minister. This action has sparked concerns about potential violations of the constitution and the peace agreement signed in 2018.

The United Nations has expressed alarm over the situation, warning that South Sudan could be on the verge of returning to civil war, a situation that would have devastating consequences for the country and the region. Since the 2013-2018 civil war that led to almost 400,000 deaths, the country has struggled to maintain peace, with ethnic tensions and sporadic violence still fueling unrest.

The recent actions against Machar and his party have heightened fears of a full-scale return to conflict. International actors, including the UK and US embassies, have responded by reducing diplomatic staff and advising citizens to leave the country. The Norwegian and German embassies have closed operations in Juba altogether.

The potential for widespread conflict is compounded by renewed fighting between the forces loyal to Machar and President Kiir in the northern region of Nasir, which is rich in oil resources. This standoff, combined with the arrest and the political turmoil, has pushed South Sudan to a fragile breaking point. The global community is closely monitoring the developments, fearing that the fragile peace achieved since 2018 could collapse if the conflict escalates further.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to seize parts of Gaza if Hamas does not release hostages. This came after Hamas warned that the hostages would return in coffins if Israel did not halt its bombardment of Gaza. The situation escalated after Israel resumed military operations on March 18 following a fragile ceasefire. Israel aims to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages, and Netanyahu emphasized that further refusal to release hostages would lead to Israel increasing its pressure, including potential territorial seizures in Gaza.

The Sudanese army has announced that it has successfully recaptured Khartoum’s airport from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking another significant territorial gain in the ongoing civil war. Gen. Mohamed Abdel Rahman al-Bilawi stated that the troops have fully secured the airport and may be able to clear the remaining RSF fighters by the end of the day.

The army’s advances have been swift, following their recapture of the presidential palace on Friday. This has led to celebrations among civilians in the streets of Khartoum. For nearly two years, the RSF had controlled most of the capital since the war erupted in April 2023. The conflict has led to widespread devastation, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost and millions displaced.

In addition to retaking the airport, the Sudanese army also announced the seizure of Manshiya Bridge, the last RSF-controlled bridge in Khartoum, and a military camp in the RSF’s southern stronghold.

However, despite these gains, the war is far from over. The RSF still holds nearly all of the Darfur region in western Sudan. Earlier this week, reports indicated that Sudanese airstrikes had bombed a market in Darfur, killing dozens of civilians, highlighting the continuing toll of the conflict.

The Nigerian Army’s Sector 2 troops, in partnership with the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), successfully rescued 101 individuals who had been abducted by bandits in Katsina and Zamfara States. The operation led to the neutralization of 10 terrorists during an encounter in the Faru district of Maradun LGA.

The operation started in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, where troops launched a deliberate assault on a terrorists’ enclave at Pauwa High Ground. This action resulted in the death of three bandits and the rescue of 84 kidnap victims, who were handed over to local government authorities for further care.

In Zamfara State, the troops responded to intelligence on terrorist activities in the Bagabuzu area, leading to the neutralization of 7 terrorists and the recovery of a motorcycle. Additionally, 17 captives, including those abducted by a notorious terrorist kingpin, were rescued from villages in Shinkafi LGA and are now receiving medical care.

The OPFY spokesperson, Lt. Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, reiterated the operation’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of communities in both Katsina and Zamfara States.

Nigerian actress Lilian Afegbai recently called out her Lagos-based friend for pricing the aso ebi fabric for her wedding at $1,200. In a post shared on Instagram, Afegbai expressed her shock upon seeing the price tag, initially thinking it was in Naira, but realizing it was actually in dollars after checking the link.

She questioned the growing trend of selling aso ebi in dollars, pointing out how excessive the practice has become. She also emphasized that weddings should not be about extravagant costs, urging people to remember that life continues after the wedding day. Afegbai’s post has sparked a conversation about the rising costs associated with Nigerian weddings, particularly the use of foreign currency for traditional ceremonies.

The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has raised concerns about the implications of polygamy in modern Nigerian society, urging men to reconsider having multiple wives, especially if they are financially unable to support them. During the 30th annual Ramadan lecture of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Emir pointed out that while Islam permits polygamy, it doesn’t mean that every man is in a financial position to maintain multiple households.

He cited his own palace as an example, where 192 families live, some with over 50 children, questioning how men could adequately care for such large numbers of dependents. His advice was for men facing financial challenges to limit themselves to one wife in order to provide better care and support for their families.

The Emir also called for reforms in the Islamiyya education system to better address the rights of girls, believing that such changes could help create more progressive and balanced communities. He further criticized the judiciary, referring to a case where a woman was imprisoned over a small debt of N6,000. He suggested that the judiciary’s approach to such cases often exacerbates societal problems, citing his own intervention in securing the release of people jailed for minor offenses.

On the topic of family disputes, the Emir emphasized the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in resolving issues such as marriage, inheritance, and land conflicts, which are common sources of tension in families.

In support of the Emir’s views, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, called on the Ulama (Islamic scholars) to encourage men to take greater responsibility within their homes, especially as many household responsibilities have increasingly fallen on women.

Meanwhile, Hajiya Nafisa Isah, the Amirah of FOMWAN Kaduna State, announced plans to establish a fully operational skills acquisition center to empower women and youth in the region, highlighting the ongoing efforts to uplift both groups economically and socially.

This discourse touches on various aspects of societal change, from family dynamics to education and justice, reflecting a desire to promote a more responsible and balanced approach to community life in Northern Nigeria.

A groundbreaking report by South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission has unveiled numerous human rights violations connected to the country’s controversial adoption program, which, since the 1950s, sent at least 170,000 children abroad, mostly to Western countries. The report reveals systemic failures in oversight that enabled private adoption agencies to facilitate large-scale child exports, often with minimal regulation, profit motives, and severe exploitation. These agencies reportedly engaged in fraud, falsified documents, and coerced birth mothers into giving up their children.

The program’s rapid expansion followed the Korean War, when South Korea was in dire poverty, and adoption agencies were largely unregulated, allowed to charge excessive fees and receive “donations” from adoptive parents. This created a profit-driven industry, where children were sometimes presented as abandoned to justify their adoption, even when the children had living families. Many of the adoptees ended up with false identities, making it difficult for them to trace their birth families or secure legal protection.

In addition to the violations in the adoption process, there were disturbing accounts of trauma and abuse among adoptees. One notable example is Inger-Tone Ueland Shin, who was adopted by a Norwegian couple when she was 13, but later discovered that her adoption was illegal. She spoke out about her painful childhood, marked by neglect and sexual abuse at the hands of her adoptive father. She also described the immense challenges she faced in adjusting to life in Norway, and the lack of emotional care she received. Inger-Tone’s case was one of several investigated by the commission.

The report’s findings have prompted calls for official accountability and a formal apology from the South Korean government. Although South Korea has recently moved to improve adoption processes—such as passing a law in 2023 to centralize overseas adoptions under government control—many adoptees and their biological families continue to grapple with the lasting impacts of this dark chapter in South Korea’s history.

The commission is continuing its investigation, with 367 adoptees petitioning for justice, and it plans to finish its inquiries by May. The inquiry’s findings reflect both the historical injustices endured by adoptees and the ongoing challenges they face in seeking recognition and closure.

Inger-Tone, despite her painful experiences, expressed some satisfaction with the investigation but emphasized the ongoing harm caused by the illegal practices of the adoption agencies. She also voiced hope that such practices would cease, for the sake of future generations.

This inquiry marks a significant moment for South Korea, as it faces its past and the profound impacts of this program on thousands of lives.

Russia has conditioned its participation in a maritime ceasefire with Ukraine on the lifting of several Western sanctions, including those imposed on Russian banks. Moscow has specifically demanded that sanctions on the state agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, be revoked, and that Russian banks regain access to the international Swift payment system, which is critical for smooth financial transactions.

The US had announced a deal between the two sides to halt strikes in the Black Sea, a crucial maritime route, following peace talks in Saudi Arabia. However, Moscow’s response made it clear that it would not abide by the ceasefire unless these sanctions were lifted first. The Kremlin’s position is that the sanctions are causing undue harm to the Russian economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture, and therefore need to be addressed before any military de-escalation can take place.

In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the deal did not require sanctions relief to come into effect and criticized the Kremlin’s demands, accusing it of using the ceasefire talks as a manipulation tactic. Zelensky also suggested that Russia’s actions, including a recent drone strike on the Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv, showed that Moscow was not interested in peace.

The sanctions in question were initially imposed by the European Union and its allies in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the goal of destabilizing Russia’s economy by cutting off access to Swift and other financial services. These measures have affected Russia’s ability to transact internationally, especially with regard to its energy and agricultural exports.

A European Commission spokesperson indicated that any move to lift sanctions would require the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, which seems unlikely given Russia’s ongoing military operations. This complicates any prospects of lifting sanctions in the near future, especially since the EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

This situation reflects the broader geopolitical struggle, where military and economic pressures continue to be central to both sides’ strategies. With Ukraine’s grain exports heavily impacted by Russia’s actions in the Black Sea, a ceasefire could potentially help restore important trade routes, but it remains unclear when or if the sanctions will be lifted, complicating efforts for a lasting peace.

Reuben Abati, the former presidential spokesman, has responded to allegations made by former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following accusations of sexual harassment.

Abati, speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show, called Atiku’s comments defamatory, particularly those where Atiku accused Akpabio of being corrupt and having a history of abusing women. In an interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie of Untold Stories, Atiku had accused Akpabio of being a “weakness for women,” claiming that the Senate President has been known for “abusing women” even during his tenure as a governor. Atiku also suggested that Akpabio’s behavior was part of the reason for the state of emergency in the National Assembly, as he implied that the leadership there was corrupt.

Abati, while addressing these remarks, emphasized that Atiku’s comments could be legally problematic. He pointed out that since Akpabio has never been convicted of corruption, he could demand proof from Atiku to substantiate these claims, labeling them as defamatory. Abati stated that Atiku, having held the office of Vice President, should be aware of the potential legal consequences of making such serious allegations without solid evidence.

The issue has gained more attention due to a separate sexual harassment accusation made by Kogi West Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that Akpabio sexually harassed her and subsequently deprived her of certain privileges when she rejected his advances.

The ongoing accusations against Akpabio have sparked significant political and legal discussions, especially in light of the gravity of the allegations and the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.

US Vice President JD Vance announced that he would accompany his wife, Usha Vance, on her planned visit to Greenland later this week. The Vice President explained in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he didn’t want his wife to have all the fun alone, so he decided to join her on her trip. JD Vance shared that he would visit U.S. military personnel in the Space Force stationed on Greenland’s northwest coast, while also assessing the region’s security situation.

Originally, Usha’s itinerary included visits to historic sites and participation in a traditional dog-sledding race, but the White House made changes to the schedule. The dog-sledding race was canceled and replaced with a meeting with U.S. military officials. JD Vance emphasized the importance of strengthening Greenland’s security, stating, “We want to reinvigorate the security of the people of Greenland because we think it’s important for protecting the security of the entire world.”

This visit comes in the context of ongoing tensions involving U.S. interests in Greenland. Former President Donald Trump had previously expressed interest in asserting U.S. control over Greenland, citing national and international security concerns. However, Greenland’s political leadership and the majority of its population strongly oppose the idea of becoming a U.S. territory.

Adding to the diplomatic tension, the Greenland government officially denied claims made by Trump regarding an invitation for the U.S. delegation, including Usha Vance, to visit. The government in Nuuk clarified that no official or private invitation had been extended. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also criticized the visit, stressing that both Greenland and Denmark would resist any undue pressure and stand firm on their sovereignty.

This development comes on the heels of a visit to Nuuk earlier this year by Donald Trump Jr., further fueling concerns about the strained relationship between Greenland and the United States.