Monthly Archives: October 2021

Kenya rejects jurisdiction of UN tribunal ahead of Somali border ruling

Jurisdiction

Kenya said on Friday it was rejecting the jurisdiction of the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ), ahead of a ruling next week on its long-standing maritime border dispute with Somalia.

Neighbors in the Horn of Africa have been feuding for years over part of the Indian Ocean claimed by the two countries and believed to have oil and gas deposits.

“In addition to withdrawing its participation in the ongoing case, Kenya (…) has also joined many other members of the United Nations in withdrawing its recognition of the compulsory jurisdiction of the court,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kenya announced in March that it would boycott the ICJ hearings in the case after the Hague-based court refused to allow further delays. The final decision is due on Tuesday.

“The delivery of the judgment will be the culmination of a flawed judicial process against which Kenya has expressed reservations and withdrew,” the foreign ministry said, accusing the tribunal of “obvious and inherent bias” in the dispute resolution.

“As a sovereign nation, Kenya will no longer be subject to an international court or tribunal without its express consent.”

– Failed discussions –

Somalia, located in north-eastern Kenya, wishes to extend its maritime border with Kenya along the land border, in a south-easterly direction.

Kenya wants the border to run towards the sea in a straight line east – a delineation that would give it more of the ocean. The disputed water triangle covers an area of ​​over 100,000 square kilometers (40,000 square miles).

Nairobi maintains that it has had sovereignty over the disputed area since 1979.

The two countries agreed in 2009 to settle their dispute through bilateral negotiations.

Two meetings were held in 2014, but little progress was made. A third round the same year failed when the Kenyan delegation did not show up without informing their counterparts, later citing security concerns.

Somalia took the case to court in 2014 after saying diplomatic attempts to resolve the disagreement had gone nowhere.

But Nairobi – which has described itself as “a beacon of peace and stability” in an unstable region – said on Friday it was determined to resolve the dispute through “amicable negotiations.”

Kenya accused the ICJ of incompetence over the case and its assumption of arbitration amounted to using pseudo-judicial processes to undermine territorial integrity.

– Bumpy ties –

Next week’s ICJ verdict could further disrupt the often difficult relations between the two countries.

Somalia has long bristled with what it calls Kenyan interference in areas beyond its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems.

Kenya recalled its ambassador to Mogadishu in 2019 after accusing Somalia of selling blocks of oil and gas in the disputed area.

He described the move as an “illegal seizure” of resources and reminded Mogadishu of Kenya’s aid in the battle against al-Shabaab jihadists in Somalia.

Kenya is a major troop contributor to AMISOM, an African Union military operation that combats al-Qaeda-linked fighters leading a violent insurgency across Somalia.

Somalia severed relations in December 2020 after Kenya welcomed the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognized by Mogadishu.

But the two countries agreed to restore relations when Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble met with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in August 2021.

ho / amu / ri


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Must stop fishing due to Russian military exercises

Military

Sturla Roald is Division Manager at Fiskebåt, the organization of the offshore fishing fleet. (Photo: Fiskebåt)

“In Fiskebåt’s experience, the extent and intensity of Russian military exercises have increased in recent years,” said Sturla Roald, division head at Fiskebåt, in a press release.

Fiskebåt writes that the organization is informed by Norwegian fishing vessels that they have to interrupt the fishing process due to Russian military exercises in the north more and more often.

The organization emphasizes that danger zones covering large areas are established during exercises, and that exercises are not announced until very shortly before their start.

In a letter to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the organization asks whether the Russian authorities, in accordance with international law, have access to the establishment of such danger zones in areas covered by Norwegian jurisdiction and also whether the requirements potential notification of such exercises are respected. .

The affected areas in question are parts of the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea in which fishing activities take place. The organization points out that the most important areas for the Norwegian fishing fleet are the Norwegian Economic Zone as well as the Fisheries Protection Zone around Svalbard.

“The conduct of military exercises by the Russian defense forces in the areas of the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea where fishing activities take place is a recurring challenge,” says Fiskebåt, the fishing vessel organization offshore. “We are increasingly contacted by Norwegian vessels which have had to stop fishing at short notice and leave areas rich in fish,” Roald adds.

Shooting exercises

Among other things, Fiskebåt mentions that in August this year, shooting exercises were conducted in the so-called Loophole area, claiming a large area affecting several Norwegian and foreign shrimp trawlers. In September, exercises were carried out with defined danger zones in both the Russian Economic Zone and the Norwegian Economic Zone, as well as in the Fisheries Protection Zone, which affected many vessels.

“The exercises in the Russian economic zone are particularly difficult. When Norwegian vessels have to fish in the Russian Economic Zone, they must travel significant distances and follow detailed procedures to enter and exit the area. Vessels risk losing several days of fishing if the fishing process is interrupted due to military exercises and the resulting additional costs, ”Roald said in the statement.

“In addition, we have received information that the timing of the danger zones in the Russian zone is being changed in the short term and that the ships have been ordered to stay further away from the exercise areas than was announced in the original warning notices. “

The planning and conduct of Russian military exercises is beyond the control of the Norwegian authorities, and of course we understand that the room for maneuver is very limited. At the same time, it is in the interests of both countries to ensure that military exercises in the Arctic take place in the best possible coexistence with commercial interests. Nevertheless, Fiskebåt considers that the praxis which seems to have developed at present is totally unacceptable and detrimental to Norwegian interests, writes the organization.

Measures

The letter says Fiskebåt is not sure whether these issues have already been raised with Russian authorities, but still asks the Foreign Ministry to consider doing so. In addition, Fiskebåt presents a series of relevant measures, including:

  • When planning exercises, fishing interests in the areas concerned should be taken into account. The aim should be to perform exercises at times and in areas with the least possible fishing activity.
  • Danger zones established in many cases cover large ocean areas. Limiting the extent of these areas should be a goal.
  • Scheduled exercises should be announced with longer deadlines than is currently being done, so that notifications can be included in the operational planning of vessels. In conclusion, we question whether Russian authorities under public international law have lawful access to establish danger zones in ocean areas under Norwegian jurisdiction, and whether the requirements for notification of such exercises are being met. And following that; how Norwegian fishing vessels should relate to Russian danger zones in the Norwegian economic zone as well as to the fisheries protection zone around Svalbard.


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Court dismisses lawsuit asking to quash dismissal of pregnant police officer –

Police officer

A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Ekiti state government against Inspector General of Police Usman Baba for the dismissal of a pregnant policewoman for abuse of legal process .

The Nigerian News Agency reports that Ekiti State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner Wale Fapounda in the case is asking the court to overturn section 127 of the Law and Regulations on the police, which provides for the revocation of the policy. Force female officers who become pregnant when they are not officially married.

Delivering his judgment, Judge Babs Kuewumi said: “This lawsuit cannot validly coexist with the lawsuit before the National Labor Court, sitting in Akure in Ondo State with the lawsuit number: NICN / AK / 14 / 2021.

“The summons that gave rise to this lawsuit is hereby rejected. “

However, Judge Kuewumi had earlier ruled in favor of the plaintiff the reparations, caring whether the court had jurisdiction and whether the appropriate parties had been joined to the action.

The respondents, CSP Femi Falade, opposed the plaintiff’s remedies in the preliminary objection with an 18 paragraph affidavit filed by an Ariyo and a written address.

NAN reports that Fapounda, acting in the public interest, approached the court to seek the interpretation of the constitutionality of section 127 of the Police Service Regulation Act 2001.

He told the court that the dismissal of the policewoman, a native of Ekiti state, on the grounds that she had become pregnant before legally marrying, violated her fundamental right as enshrined in the Constitution of Ekiti. Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Fapounda therefore asked for the interpretation of article 127 of the police regulations.

But Falade, the respondents’ attorney, objected to the plaintiff’s prayers, saying a similar lawsuit had been filed in Akure’s national labor court.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the judgment, Fapounda said he had asked the court for a copy of the judgment in order to know the next course of action.

He said he was delighted with the court’s decision on reparations that he has standing to take action that will be in the public interest, especially for the needy, saying that female police officers should be treated the same as their own. male counterparts.

–


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Former Alorton Police Officer Charged With Obtaining Funds From Alorton Village Police Department By Fraud | USAO-SDIL

Police officer

EAST STREET. LOUIS, BAD. – Jay A. Cobb, 57, of Cahokia, Illinois, a former police officer with
Village of Alorton Police Department, was indicted in an indictment of “obtaining funds
by the fraud of the Alorton Town Police Department, a unit of a government that received
Funds. ”Indictment alleges Cobb tampered with time records for January 2020 period
until April 2021 and acknowledges having obtained funds by fraud from May 2018
until April 2021 claiming to work when he was out of jurisdiction, usually at his
residence in Cahokia, Illinois. The indictment alleges that there were approximately 654 hours
where Cobb claimed he worked but was outside the jurisdiction of the village of Alorton
causing a financial loss of approximately $ 9,815.

US Prosecutor Steven D. Weinhoeft said: “The allegations contained in this indictment should reassure the
public that allegations of police misconduct be seriously investigated; but the charges must not
undermine public confidence in law enforcement, which is largely made up of good and
honest public servants who risk their lives for our safety.

Embezzlement of money from an organization that receives federal funds carries a maximum penalty of ten
years in prison, a fine of up to $ 250,000 and restitution.

An indictment is only a formal accusation against an accused. By law, the defendant is
presumed innocent of the charges until his guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt at the
satisfaction of a jury.

The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Public Corruption Task Force which
consists of FBI agents and the Illinois State Police.

The charge is handled by Assistant US Attorney Norman R. Smith.

Citizens are encouraged to report suspicions of public corruption to the Southern Illinois Public
Corruption Task Force Whistleblower Line at (618) 589-7373.


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Andy McCarthy: DOJ has “no jurisdiction” over school board meetings, GA memo is “dangerous nonsense”

Jurisdiction

Former Federal Attorney Andrew McCarthy says not only is the Justice Department prohibited from trying to get involved in disputes arising from school board meetings, Attorney General Merrick Garland knows it.

Garland issued a memo to Department of Justice employees earlier this week, discussing efforts to address violence, threats, and “efforts to intimidate individuals based on their opinions” related to school boards and local and state school officials. McCarthy, who worked for the department with Garland during the Clinton administration, warns that this poses a number of legal issues.

PHILADELPHIA’S MOM SPEAKS, “WON’T BE INTIMIDATED” BY DOJ TARGETING OF PARENTS

“Garland knows this is dangerous nonsense,” McCarthy wrote in an article for the National Review. Specifically, he was referring to the free speech issues that arise when acting against people’s expressions – even threats.

To support his claim that the Attorney General himself is aware of the problem, McCarthy recalled how, during the Clinton presidency, he pushed to indict “a notorious terrorist” with soliciting acts of violence and a seditious plot on the basis of recorded statements supporting allegations that he called for bombing US military installations. Garland was a senior DOJ official at the time, and McCarthy wrote about how the agency didn’t want to trample on the First Amendment.

“I was grimly warned against the inviolable shell of free speech and the imperative to avoid ‘chilling’ speech by confusing incitement to crime with constitutionally protected rhetoric that expressed hatred of America, ”he wrote.

“Garland is well aware, as he and Clinton officials pointed out to me almost 30 years ago, that in the context of incitement, the First Amendment protects speech unless it calls unambiguously. use of force which the speaker clearly intends, in circumstances where the likelihood of violence is real and imminent, ”McCarthy added. “Even real ‘threats of violence’ do not result in action unless they reach this high threshold.”

Fox News reached out to the DOJ for comment, but they did not immediately respond.

THE DOJ LAUNCHES AN EFFORT TO FIGHT THREATS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST SCHOOL LEADERS

Freedom of speech isn’t the only reason McCarthy thinks Garland’s memo is problematic. Even though there was no First Amendment hurdle to remove, he says any criminal act of violence should be dealt with by the police.

“The DOJ has no jurisdiction here,” McCarthy said in an email to Fox News, noting that Garland had specifically said that federal authorities would work with state and local authorities and not alone.

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That’s because there are no federal laws involved, McCarthy explained in the National Review. Even if parents expressing their opposition to the school’s policies crossed the line by committing a violent act or by issuing an imminent threat of violence that could be considered criminal, he said, it would fall under the law of the ‘State.

“If I threaten to hit the president of my local school board in the nose, it is possible – depending on the severity and the imminence of the threat – that I have violated state law, but there is no no possibility that the matter is of concern. of the Department of Justice, “he wrote.


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Court dismisses lawsuit to quash dismissed pregnant police

Police officer

The Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Ekiti government against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the dismissal of a pregnant policewoman for abuse of legal process.

Nigeria News Agency (NAN) reports that Ekiti Attorney General Wale Fapounda in the lawsuit asks the court to overturn section 127 of the Police Act and Regulations, which provides for dismissal police officers who become pregnant while unofficially married.

Delivering his judgment, Judge Babs Kuewumi said: “This lawsuit cannot validly coexist with the lawsuit before the National Labor Court, sitting in Akure in Ondo State with the lawsuit number: NICN / AK / 14 / 2021.

“The summons at the origin of this lawsuit is rejected. “

Mr Kuewumi had, however, previously decided in favor of the plaintiff the aid measures at the limit of the “locus standi”, whether the court had jurisdiction and whether the appropriate parties had been joined to the action.

The respondents, Femi Falade, in the preliminary objection, opposed the plaintiff’s remedies with an 18 paragraph affidavit filed by an Ariyo and a written address.

NAN reports that Mr. Fapounda, acting in the public interest, approached the court to seek the interpretation of the constitutionality of section 127 of the Police Service Regulation Act 2001.

He told the court that the dismissal of the policewoman, a native of Ekiti, on the grounds that she became pregnant before being legally married violates her fundamental right as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria of 1999 ( as amended).

Mr. Fapounda therefore asked for the interpretation of article 127 of the police regulations.

But Mr Falade, the respondents’ lawyer, objected to the complainant’s prayers, saying similar action had been taken in Akure’s national labor court.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the judgment, Mr. Fapounda said he asked the court for a copy of the judgment in order to know the next course of action.

He said he was delighted with the court’s ruling on the relief that he has the “locus standi” to initiate the trial which will be of public interest, especially to the needy, saying policewomen should be treated the same. way than their male counterparts.

(NOPE)

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Army begins COVID-19 work at Edmonton hospital as Alberta grapples with fourth wave

Military

LACOMBE, Alberta. – Canada must earn a spot at the 2022 World Men’s Curling Championship due to a challenge from Brazil and Mexico.

Defending Canadian champion Brendan Bottcher of Edmonton will face the Brazilians and Mexicans in an Americas challenge at the Lacombe Curling Club from October 29-31.

The 2022 World Championship will take place April 2-10 in Las Vegas.

The Americas zone has two places in the men’s world championship. The United States is guaranteed a place as a hot country.

Canada can be challenged by other countries in the zone, but this has only happened once before in 2018, when the world championship was also in Las Vegas.

Brazil challenged Canada and Glenn Howard swept a best-of-five streak 15-1, 8-3, 6-3 to lock in Canada’s place.

Brad Gushue won the Canadian title that year and finished second in Las Vegas.

Bottcher, third Darren Molding, second Brad Thiessen, first Karrick Martin will face Brazil and Mexico in a double round robin without playoffs.

“Obviously this is an important event for Canada, and we take this opportunity to wear the maple leaf very seriously, so we are already preparing for this event,” Bottcher said Wednesday in a statement. communicated.

“We have nothing but respect for any team that comes out on the ice to represent their country, and I know Mexico and Brazil will do their best at Lacombe, so we will have to be prepared.”

Bottcher’s team will also be competing at the Tim Hortons Curling Trials in Saskatoon Nov. 20-28.

Canada has won a world record 36 gold medals at the men’s world championship since its inception in 1959.

Brazil and Mexico are trying to enter for the first time.

The Brazilian squad is made up of captain Marcelo Mello, vice-president Ricardo Losso, second Gilad Kempenich, first Filipe Nunes and substitute / coach Henrique Kempenich.

Jesus Barajas skips the Mexican quartet comprising the third Ramy Cohen, the second Christopher Barajas and the first Alex Sánchez.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 6, 2021

The Canadian Press


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Army begins COVID-19 work at Edmonton hospital as Alberta grapples with fourth wave

Military

As of October 6, Albertans aged 75 and over and First Nations, Inuit and Métis people aged 65 and over can begin reserving for a third dose at least six months after their second dose.

Following recommendations from the Alberta Advisory Committee on Immunization, Alberta is one of the first provinces in Canada to offer third doses of vaccine to these age groups. Older Albertans, as well as those who are immunocompromised or living with senior support services, are receiving third doses due to their increased risk of hospitalization, death or other serious consequences from COVID-19.

Health officials will continue to monitor any emerging evidence on vaccine effectiveness in Canada and around the world.

“We are pleased to provide additional protection to Albertans most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Being fully immunized is not only important for protecting yourself and others, but is also essential for protecting our health care system. “

Jason Kenney, Premier

“We know that COVID-19 can be particularly dangerous for our elderly populations and continue to do everything possible to keep them safe. More than three-quarters of eligible Albertans are now fully immune. I encourage everyone to think about their family, friends and neighbors and get the full vaccine as soon as possible. “

Jason Copping, Minister of Health

“The data shows that the elderly may experience a decline in immunity about six months after their second dose. A third dose will benefit our senior population to ensure that they have the best protection against COVID-19 as we go through this fourth wave. At this time, the evidence does not support the need for additional doses for the general population, but we continue to monitor the data and will adapt as new evidence emerges. “

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health

Double dose crossed

Currently, 75.1% of eligible Albertans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 after receiving two doses of the vaccine.

In addition, 84.5 percent of eligible Albertans received at least one dose. More than 500,000 first, second and third doses have been administered since September 3.

All eligible Albertans are strongly encouraged to get fully immunized as soon as possible to protect themselves, their families and their communities.

Albertans eligible for third doses

In addition to Albertans aged 75 and over and First Nations, Métis and Inuit aged 65 and over, third doses are available for seniors living in collective care. These people are at the highest risk of serious outcomes and potential spread within collective housing sites, and will receive their doses on site.

A number of immunocompromised conditions are also eligible for an additional dose at least eight weeks after a second dose. For a complete list, visit alberta.ca/vaccine.

Additional mRNA doses are also available for Albertans traveling to a jurisdiction that does not accept visitors who have been vaccinated with Covishield / AstraZeneca or mixed doses.

Anyone in the general population who receives a full set of two-dose COVID-19 vaccines can be sure that they have strong protection against serious illness and hospitalizations due to COVID-19.

Make an appointment for the third dose

Eligible Albertans aged 75 and over and First Nations, Métis and Inuit people living off reserve can make an appointment for the third dose at participating pharmacies and medical clinics using the reservation system in alberta. ca / vaccine. Albertans can also call 811, participating pharmacies or physician offices, or find a community pharmacy offering walk-in vaccinations.

Those 65 years of age and older living on a First Nations reserve will be able to access the third dose through local public health clinics on the reserve.

If you are found to be ineligible due to your age, or if six months have not passed since receiving your second dose, you will be asked to re-book once eligible.

Outdoor gathering restrictions

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, an updated public health measure will apply to all private outdoor social gatherings starting October 6:

  • Outdoor private social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 20 people, with a physical distance of two meters between households at all times. This is a decrease from the previous limit of 200 participants.
  • All other public health measures previously remain in place for now.
  • Additional information on all public health measures is available at alberta.ca/covid19.


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Drill: Buhari did not learn from Operation Python Dance that killed Nnamdi Kanu’s parents – Igbo Group

Military

The Concerned Igbo Stakeholders Forum (CISF) urged the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to consider dialogue to resolve the crisis in the Southeast rather than a military operation.

Reacting to the recently launched military exercise in the southeast, dubbed “Golden Dawn,” group spokesman Chukwuma Okenwa advised the Nigerian government to learn from history and explore dialogue as an option to regain the heart of the South-East. .



In a statement made available to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, he said: “For the record what we have in the South East is unrest and not insurgency, as such the right key would be to assuage grievances legitimate Southeast.

“How do you beat a child and expect him not to cry?” ”

The statement identified “the lack of critical federal government interventions in the southeast, the region’s exclusion in key appointments” and the lack of an Igbo man in the presidency as confirmation that the region is marginalized.

Okenwa said the recent announcement of a military exercise in the region further confirmed that the administration had not learned lessons from the past.

He said: “We know that insecurity has become a concern in the Southeast after Operation Python Dance and why the president will follow the same ill-advised path as the current situation in the Southeast Does Nigeria Live Up To What The Police Can Handle?

“This idea of ​​preferring the military to the police when it comes to civil unrest is like adding salt to the wound, and it portrays a war situation that the military is designed to engage in.

“A nation at perpetual war with itself does not have the capacity to make reasonable progress.

“The eyes of the Southeast are also on the president regarding October 21, 2021, the day the besieged leader of IPOB (indigenous people of Biafra), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is expected to appear in court.

“If the DSS (Department of State Services) does not present him to a fair trial on the said date, it will confirm the fear that some individuals are trying to use the mantle of governance to fuel violence in the Southeast.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

“Let it be recorded that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu never jumped on bail, but his hometown, Afara Ukwu, was invaded by the army, resulting in various casualties, including the loss of his parents.

“Finally, we advise the governors of the South East to wake up from their slumber and stand up for the people they have sworn to protect.

“The people of the southeast are people who love peace.”


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Fake policeman robs Ugandan motorists during curfew

Police officer

By DAILY MONITOR

Luck fell on a civilian posing as Ugandan security guards to extort money from members of the public after attempting to arrest plainclothes police during his illegal curfew operations.

Mr. Allan Mukisa, a resident of Busega, a neighborhood in the Ugandan capital Kampala, used to impound cars after curfews and receive bribes from motorists before letting them go.

He has since been charged by a Ugandan court with identity theft and obtaining money under false pretenses before being returned to Kitalya prison last week.

Mr. Mukisa denied the charges.

He was arrested after local residents recently complained about an undercover policeman who made arrests and accepted bribes, prompting the head of the Nateete police station, the deputy commissioner Hassan Ssekalema Police Officer, to order an investigation.

According to the police report, the man was arrested after arresting two security officers on leave, ASP Juma Mustafa and military officer Darius Kanyesigye, who were running personal errands.

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The accused arrested them for unclear offenses in Busega township and allegedly identified himself as a police officer. This prompted ASP Mustafa, head of the Busega police station, to arrest him after realizing that the man was not one of the police officers under his jurisdiction.

Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesman Luke Owoyesigyire said officers discovered the suspect had impounded several motorists for various traffic violations.

The suspect was quickly apprehended and taken to Nateete police station. But even at the police station, the suspect insisted he was a police officer and was released on bail.

Investigations, however, later revealed that Mukisa was indeed not a police officer leading to his re-arrest.

“The public prosecutor sanctioned the case. We took him to court where he was remanded in custody. We must strongly condemn those people who spoil the image of the police when they act as law enforcement officers when they are not, ”said ASP Owoyesigyire.


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