The Georgian Health Ministry reported Tuesday that 26 people, including 23 protesters and three law enforcement officers, were injured during overnight clashes in the capital, Tbilisi.

The violence marked the fifth consecutive day of anti-government demonstrations as the political crisis in the country deepens.

Georgia has been gripped by unrest since the October parliamentary elections, which opposition groups allege were marred by irregularities.

READ ALSO: 2026: No Vacancy In Abere Govt House – Osun Workers

The recent protests were triggered by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement last week that discussions on Georgia’s accession to the European Union would be postponed until 2028.

Monday night’s demonstrations saw riot police deploy tear gas against hundreds of protesters, predominantly young activists, who retaliated by launching fireworks.

The Health Ministry confirmed that none of the injuries sustained were life-threatening, though some individuals remain under medical observation.

International criticism of Georgia’s handling of the protests has intensified.

Several Western nations and the United Nations human rights chief have condemned the police’s “disproportionate” use of force against demonstrators.

Protesters have accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of stalling the country’s European integration process and aligning too closely with Moscow.

The political crisis has exacerbated divisions in the country, with pro-EU factions calling for the government’s resignation and immediate steps toward EU membership.

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to BRICS nations, threatening to impose a 100% tariff on their exports to the United States if they pursue efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar in international trade.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump demanded assurances from the BRICS bloc—which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new members such as Iran, Egypt, and the UAE—that they would abandon any plans to create an alternative global currency.

READ ALSO: Tinubu, Ramphosa Co-Chair Bi-National Commission’s 11th Session

“We require a commitment… that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US Dollar, or they will face 100 percent tariffs,” Trump wrote.

The warning follows the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where member states discussed measures to strengthen local currencies and reduce reliance on the dollar in trade.

A joint declaration issued at the summit endorsed initiatives such as expanding correspondent banking networks and enabling settlements in local currencies under the BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative.

Despite these discussions, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that progress on more ambitious goals—such as a unified BRICS currency or a competitor to the SWIFT financial messaging system—remains limited.

“As for SWIFT and any alternatives, we have not created and are not creating any alternatives,” Putin said at the conclusion of the summit. He added, “As for a unified BRICS currency, we are not considering that question at the moment.”

Trump, however, dismissed such reassurances, signaling his intent to protect the dollar’s dominance in global trade.

“If BRICS countries continue with their plans, they should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy,” he warned.

“They can go find another ‘sucker!’ There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US Dollar in international trade, and any country that tries should wave goodbye to America.”

This marks a continuation of Trump’s protectionist trade agenda, which defined much of his first term in office.

His administration imposed steep tariffs on countries such as China and Mexico, citing the need to safeguard American industries.

President-elect Donald Trump has announced Kash Patel as his choice to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation, signaling a potential shake-up in federal law enforcement leadership.

Patel, a former national security advisor and Pentagon chief of staff, would replace Christopher Wray, who has served as FBI director since 2017.

“Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

READ ALSO: Port Harcourt Refinery Operations Face Challenges Amid Calibration Efforts

Patel is a vocal critic of what he describes as a “deep state” within the federal government, a term used by Trump allies to accuse bureaucrats of working against his administration’s agenda.

He has also authored a book on the subject and is known for his hardline support of Trump’s policies.

The move to replace Wray, who was originally appointed by Trump, reflects the president-elect’s frustration with the FBI under Wray’s leadership.

The agency investigated Trump during Wray’s tenure, including the 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago estate for classified documents.

The FBI has also pursued cases against individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, which Trump has repeatedly criticized.

Wray’s 10-year term is set to expire in 2027, meaning he would need to step down or be removed to make way for Patel.

Despite the mounting tensions, an FBI spokesperson reaffirmed Wray’s commitment to the bureau, stating, “Wray’s focus remains on the men and women of the FBI, the people we do the work with, and the people we do the work for.”

Trump praised Patel’s prior service during his first term, emphasizing his role in national security and defense. “Kash did an incredible job during my First Term,” Trump said.

“He will lead the fight to end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border.”

The announcement of Patel’s nomination came alongside Trump’s selection of Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff, to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

In his Truth Social post, Trump outlined Chronister’s priorities, including tackling the fentanyl crisis and strengthening border security.

“Chad will work with our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to secure the Border, stop the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs, and SAVE LIVES,” Trump wrote.

Trump erroneously referred to the DEA as the “Drug Enforcement Agency” in his announcement.

Bondi, a staunch Trump ally and former Florida attorney general, has been tapped to lead the Department of Justice.

As head of the DOJ, Bondi would oversee both the FBI and DEA, further consolidating the leadership of federal law enforcement under Trump loyalists.

The appointment of Patel and other Trump allies to key positions reflects the president-elect’s intent to align federal agencies with his policy priorities and “America First” agenda.

Patel’s nomination, in particular, marks a departure from the FBI’s tradition of granting directors a 10-year term to ensure independence from political influence.

Trump’s supporters view Patel as a necessary reformer who will address issues like crime and trafficking, but critics have expressed concerns about the potential politicization of the FBI.

Patel’s confirmation, along with those of Bondi and Chronister, is expected to face intense scrutiny in the Senate.