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Central African Republic at a critical juncture, warns Pillay

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GENEVA – The Central African Republic is now at a critical juncture, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay warned on Monday, amid renewed fighting and the flight of ex-Séléka and Muslim civilians towards the north of the country.

Since 21 January, clashes between anti-Balaka and ex-Séléka supported by armed Muslim civilians in the Bangui neighbourhoods of PK5, PK11, PK12 and PK13, have resulted in several casualties. Mobs went on a rampage, looting shops, homes and mosques in Muslim areas of these neighbourhoods. The fighting has also forced ex-Séléka and Muslim civilians to flee towards the town of Damara, some 65 km north of Bangui.

“I welcome the appointment of Catherine Samba-Panza as the Head of State of the Transition and her repeated calls for an end to violence. However the security and human rights situation has further deteriorated over the past few days. Muslim civilians are now extremely vulnerable. Many are being pushed out of the country, alongside ex-Séléka, and are now fleeing, mostly towards the Chadian border,” Pillay said.

Serious incidents of violence have also been reported beyond Bangui as ex-Séléka and Muslim civilians flee the country.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi PillayDespite the presence of African peacekeeping troops in Bouar, clashes were reported between remaining ex-Séléka and anti-Balaka, supported by former national army (ex-FACA) soldiers, on January 20 and 21. Several civilians and ex-Séléka fighters were reportedly killed. The town is deserted and anti-Balaka have allegedly threatened international organisations that are sheltering the Muslim relatives of their staff.

Following the death of their commander in Bouar, a group of ex-Séléka allegedly fled with Muslim civilians in some twenty vehicles and a group of them entered the town of Bocaranga on 21 January. They reportedly fired on the population, killing at least 10 people and injuring many others. Growing numbers of local civilians are reported to be leaving Bocaranga, where ex-Séléka groups from other prefectures are reportedly regrouping on their way to Chad.

In the nearby town of Baoro, anti-Balaka reportedly attacked Muslim civilians on January 22, killing at least 80 people and injuring several hundreds. Close to 4,000 houses were also allegedly burned.

“I am also deeply concerned about the proliferation of armed groups and the explosion of common criminality which are making the situation even more chaotic and dangerous,” Pillay said.

“We simply cannot let the social fabric of this country be torn apart. I call as a matter of utmost urgency upon the international community to strengthen peacekeeping efforts. There is a need to urgently restore security not only in Bangui but also in other parts of the country. Many lives are at stake,” Pillay said.

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Bayern Won’t Sell Olise Even for €200m — Rummenigge Drops Bombshell

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Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.

The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.

SEE ALSO: BREAKING: Chelsea Hit With £10.75m Fine, Transfer Ban

Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.

After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.

According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.

He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.

The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.

Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.

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AFCON 2025 Drama: Morocco Defends CAF Ruling Amid Growing Controversy

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The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has defended its position following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Moroccan football authority said its appeal was strictly aimed at ensuring the proper application of competition rules, and not to question the sporting merit or performance of any team involved in the final.

The federation emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the stability of African football competitions, noting that its actions were guided by respect for established regulations.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: Senegal Stuns Hosts Morocco To Lift AFCON 2025 Trophy

“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the statement read.

FRMF also praised all participating nations in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant milestone in the growth and development of football across the continent.

However, the body revealed that a more detailed position would be made public after a scheduled meeting of its governing organs.

The statement is expected to further clarify Morocco’s stance and outline any possible legal or administrative steps moving forward.

The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has continued to generate widespread reactions among football stakeholders, with growing calls for clearer regulations, improved transparency, and consistency in the administration of African football.

 

 

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Inside Tinubu’s Closed-Door Meeting With Opposition Leaders – SDP, IPAC Reveal Details

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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have disclosed details of their recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the engagement focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The clarification came amid speculation surrounding the meeting, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after leaders of several opposition parties attended an Iftar dinner hosted by the president earlier in the week.

ALSO READ: NNPC Secures Tinubu’s Approval for $20bn FID on Bonga Deepwater Project

Speaking during a gathering hosted in Abuja by the SDP’s former presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the meeting with Tinubu followed an official invitation from the Presidency and lasted about an hour.

According to Gombe, the discussion centred on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral laws and restore public confidence in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

He explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for party leaders to remind the president of the importance of conducting transparent, free, and credible elections.

Gombe noted that democracy can only thrive when governments listen to the concerns of citizens and ensure electoral processes that guarantee fairness and accountability.

The SDP chairman also expressed concern over growing voter apathy, pointing to the low turnout recorded in the recent Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the Abuja Municipal Area Council election witnessed only about seven per cent voter turnout, which he described as a clear sign that many Nigerians are losing confidence in the electoral system.

Gombe urged the government and members of the National Assembly to take urgent steps to review electoral laws and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, said political parties used the meeting to raise concerns about aspects of proposed electoral reforms, particularly issues related to indirect primaries and the mandatory electronic transmission of results.

Dantalle explained that the parties appealed to the president to use his influence to encourage legislative review where necessary, noting that reforms should strengthen, rather than complicate, the democratic process.

He expressed optimism that Tinubu would consider the concerns raised and support necessary amendments that would improve the electoral system.

The IPAC chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines as preparations for the next election cycle begin.

Earlier in his remarks, Adebayo cautioned political actors against turning the 2027 general elections into a do-or-die contest, stressing that the primary goal of democracy should be the progress and stability of Nigeria rather than personal political victories.

He urged leaders across political parties to encourage citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.

 

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