In a fervent campaign rally held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara appealed to the nation’s youth to actively participate in the forthcoming presidential election scheduled for October 25. Addressing a large crowd, the 83-year-old leader emphasized his dedication to improving the lives of young Ivorians, positioning himself as the most committed candidate to their welfare. “I have always strived to provide the best opportunities for our youth, enabling them to start businesses, work, learn, and achieve independence,” Ouattara declared. The election, which sees Ouattara contesting against four other candidates, is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened political tensions. Key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, have been disqualified from running, a move that has sparked widespread protests. Authorities have attempted to quell these demonstrations, resulting in hundreds of arrests and several jail sentences. Despite the controversy, analysts predict a strong likelihood of Ouattara securing a fourth term, especially after the 2016 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits. While Ouattara pledges to tackle the country’s security and economic challenges, opposition leaders argue that his administration has fallen short of expectations and accuse the government of manipulating the electoral process to ensure his victory. Florine-Auxane Loukou Bledja, a youth leader within the ruling party, echoed the sentiment of many supporters, stating, “He has done a lot for young people, and we want him to continue.”
分类： politics
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Can Netanyahu survive peace?
As a ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical juncture in his political career. With national elections mandated within the next year, Netanyahu must strategize his campaign amidst a complex political landscape. The recent Knesset meeting on October 13 saw Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid delivering speeches that effectively launched their election campaigns. Netanyahu portrayed himself as a war victor, while Lapid underscored the liberal values enshrined in Israel’s declaration of independence. U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing Israeli lawmakers, praised Netanyahu but cautioned that Israel cannot fight the world alone. This warning followed Netanyahu’s diplomatic misstep in attacking Qatar, where Hamas representatives were discussing peace plans, leading to a forced apology and pressure to endorse Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includes Palestinian statehood—a contentious issue for Netanyahu’s base. Middle Eastern affairs expert Shira Efron argues that the Gaza deal signifies a defeat for Netanyahu’s government, contradicting his promise of total victory over Hamas. However, Netanyahu’s political acumen, demonstrated by his ability to turn challenges into opportunities, suggests he may yet leverage the situation to his advantage. Opinion polls indicate that while Netanyahu’s Likud party remains strong, his ruling coalition may struggle to retain power. The opposition, though fragmented, has begun coordinating more effectively. The election will occur against the backdrop of post-October 7 trauma and war fatigue, with civil society movements like the Hostages and Missing Family Forum potentially influencing voter behavior. The success of Trump’s peace plan and the decommissioning of Hamas will also play pivotal roles in shaping Netanyahu’s reelection prospects.
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Zimbabwe’s ruling party moves to extend President Mnangagwa’s term until 2030
In a significant political development, Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party announced on Saturday its intention to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years, potentially keeping him in office until 2030. The decision, made during the party’s annual conference in Mutare, directs the government to initiate legislative amendments to alter the constitutional term limits. Currently, the constitution mandates that Mnangagwa step down in 2028 after completing two five-year terms. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who also serves as ZANU-PF’s legal secretary, confirmed the resolution, which was met with enthusiastic applause from hundreds of delegates. However, legal experts, including lecturer Lovemore Madhuku, argue that such a change might necessitate two referendums, adding complexity to the process. Mnangagwa, who has previously identified as a ‘constitutionalist,’ has not publicly endorsed the extension, though factions loyal to him have actively campaigned for it. Conversely, allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in the 2017 coup against former President Robert Mugabe, oppose the move. Chiwenga supporter Blessed Geza has used YouTube to criticize the campaign, garnering significant attention, though calls for protests have been subdued amid heightened police presence. The proposal echoes a broader trend in Africa, where constitutional amendments have been used to extend the rule of several leaders in recent years.
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Louisiana resident assisted in Hamas 7 October attack, US says
A Louisiana resident, Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, has been accused by US prosecutors of participating in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, according to recently unsealed court documents. The 33-year-old allegedly armed himself and joined a paramilitary group that fought alongside Hamas during the assault, which resulted in approximately 2,000 deaths and 251 hostages. Since the attack, Israeli strikes in Gaza have reportedly killed over 67,900 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, whose data is considered reliable by the UN.
A year after the attack, al-Muhtadi allegedly entered the US on a fraudulent visa and obtained permanent residency. He now faces charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as visa fraud and document misuse. The FBI complaint identifies him as an operative of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Court documents reveal that al-Muhtadi allegedly coordinated a group of armed fighters to infiltrate Israel during the attack, requesting weapons and ammunition. His phone was reportedly traced to a cell tower near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a site of a massacre, hours after the attack began.
Al-Muhtadi denied involvement in terrorist activities on his US visa application. After arriving in the US, he lived in several locations before settling in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked in a local restaurant. Arrested on Thursday, he appeared in court on Friday, where he claimed innocence, stating through an interpreter, ‘Yes, but there are a lot of things mentioned here that are so false, I’m innocent.’ While the documents do not accuse him of specific killings, federal prosecutors have previously charged senior Hamas members with the deaths of American citizens during the October 7 attack.
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Deference and disappointment as Zelensky leaves White House empty-handed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s high-stakes visit to the White House ended in disappointment as he failed to secure the much-needed American long-range Tomahawk missiles. The meeting, described by Zelensky as ‘pointed,’ starkly contrasted with the optimism his delegation had harbored before their arrival in Washington. Just hours before landing, news broke of a two-and-a-half-hour phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by an announcement of an upcoming summit between the two leaders. This development cast a shadow over Zelensky’s visit, leaving Ukrainian hopes for decisive U.S. support unfulfilled.
Trump, who had previously expressed frustration with Putin, now appeared confident that the Russian leader was ready to negotiate. ‘I think he wants to make a deal,’ Trump stated, framing the conflict as a personal dispute rather than a geopolitical crisis. Zelensky, cautious not to challenge Trump directly, praised the U.S. president’s peacemaking efforts but made it clear that he did not share Trump’s trust in Putin’s intentions. ‘We understand that Putin is not ready,’ Zelensky said.
The meeting concluded with Trump suggesting that the war be frozen along existing battle lines, a proposal that falls short of Ukraine’s demands for security guarantees and military aid. For Ukraine and its allies, the conflict is not a personal grievance but a war of aggression by an authoritarian state with imperial ambitions. The absence of U.S. commitments leaves Ukraine to continue its fight against Russia, relying on its own resilience and determination.
In Kyiv, residents expressed mixed feelings about the outcome of the talks. Volodymyr Tsepovatenko, a shop owner repairing damage from recent missile strikes, warned that any peace deal now would only allow Russia to prepare for future aggression. Oleksandr Vilko, whose car was destroyed in the attacks, emphasized that Ukraine’s fate ultimately lies in the hands of its army. ‘With or without [Tomahawks], Ukrainians will fight on,’ he said. Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains steadfast in its resolve to defend its sovereignty and freedom.
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Taiwan’s main opposition party elects new leader in a race clouded by claims of China meddling
In a pivotal leadership election marred by accusations of external interference, Taiwan’s primary opposition party, the Nationalist Party (KMT), has chosen former lawmaker Cheng Li-wun as its new chairperson. Cheng, the sole female candidate in the race, secured a decisive victory over former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin and four other contenders. Positioning herself as a reformist, Cheng aims to rejuvenate the party, which has suffered three consecutive presidential election defeats to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), known for its pro-independence stance. Despite these losses, the KMT retains significant political influence, holding a legislative majority with its allies and surviving recent recall elections triggered by controversial legislative changes perceived as favoring China. Cheng’s leadership, set to begin in November, is expected to shape Taiwan’s approach to cross-strait relations with Beijing, domestic policies, and the 2026 local and 2028 presidential elections. During her campaign, Cheng vowed to transform the KMT from a passive “flock of sheep” into a dynamic “pride of lions,” emphasizing the need to reconnect with younger voters. The election unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing accusing incumbent President Lai Ching-te of separatism and threatening military action if necessary. Allegations of Chinese interference in the KMT election emerged, with reports of over 1,000 TikTok videos and 23 YouTube accounts discussing the race, many based outside Taiwan. Cheng has called for party unity, warning that internal divisions could weaken the KMT. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office dismissed the allegations, stating that the election was an internal KMT matter and that online opinions from mainland users do not reflect official government positions. Historically, the KMT has maintained warmer ties with Beijing, a stance that supporters argue benefits Taiwan’s stability and economy, while critics caution against Beijing’s growing influence. The party’s roots trace back to its rise under Chiang Kai-shek in 1920s China, before retreating to Taiwan after the Communist victory in 1949. Taiwan’s transition to multiparty democracy began in the 1980s, culminating in its first direct presidential election in 1996.
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China-US officials hold economic talks
In a significant development for bilateral relations, China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who oversees China-US economic and trade affairs, engaged in a high-level video conference with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Saturday morning. The meeting, reported by Xinhua News Agency, underscored the commitment of both nations to addressing critical issues in their economic partnership. The discussions were characterized by their candid, in-depth, and constructive nature, focusing on implementing the key agreements reached by the leaders of both countries during their earlier phone conversation this year. Both sides agreed to expedite the scheduling of a new round of economic and trade consultations, signaling a proactive approach to resolving ongoing challenges and fostering mutual economic growth. This dialogue marks a pivotal step in reinforcing the economic ties between the two global powers, amidst a complex international landscape.
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One scandal too many forces UK monarchy to sideline Prince Andrew
The British monarchy has taken decisive action to distance itself from Prince Andrew following a series of damaging revelations about his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that Andrew, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has agreed to relinquish his remaining royal titles, including the Duke of York, to prevent further distractions from the monarchy’s public duties. This move comes after emails surfaced this week showing that Andrew maintained contact with Epstein longer than he had previously admitted, contradicting his earlier claims and misleading the British public. Craig Prescott, a constitutional law expert at Royal Holloway University of London, described this as the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” emphasizing the severity of the deception. The decision to strip Andrew of his titles marks the culmination of a years-long process that began in 2019 when he stepped back from public duties following a disastrous BBC interview addressing his ties to Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct. The interview, widely criticized for its lack of empathy and implausible explanations, set the stage for this week’s revelations. Andrew’s banishment from royal life underscores King Charles III’s efforts to modernize and stabilize the monarchy, particularly as he prepares for a significant state visit to the Vatican. The king is also motivated by a desire to protect the reputations of Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Edinburgh, who have championed causes related to domestic and sexual violence. By severing ties with Andrew, the monarchy aims to insulate itself from further scandal and reaffirm its commitment to public service.
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Palestinian PM outlines Gaza reconstruction plan
The Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, has announced a comprehensive three-phase recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza, with an estimated cost of $67 billion over five years. The plan was unveiled during a meeting with international partners in Ramallah, West Bank, on Thursday. This initiative aligns with the Gaza Recovery, Reconstruction & Development Plan adopted at the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo in March 2025 and is consistent with United Nations resolutions and the New York Declaration.
The first phase, lasting six months, will address urgent humanitarian and infrastructure needs at a cost of $3.5 billion. The second phase, spanning three years, will require $30 billion, while the final phase will focus on long-term recovery and reconstruction. Mustafa emphasized that the reconstruction must be ‘Palestinian-led, Arab-backed, and internationally supported,’ aiming to restore hope, dignity, and stability for Gaza’s people.
However, the plan faces significant challenges. Israel opposes any role for the Palestinian Authority or Hamas in governing Gaza following the two-year conflict, which has resulted in 68,000 Palestinian deaths, over 170,000 injuries, and widespread destruction. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, includes Israeli troop withdrawals, hostage and prisoner exchanges, and the opening of aid crossings. Despite progress, tensions remain high. Israel continues to station troops in half of Gaza and has linked the return of deceased hostages to humanitarian aid deliveries.
Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by killing at least 24 people since October 10. The group has submitted a list of alleged violations to mediators. US President Donald Trump has also escalated tensions, threatening military action against Hamas if it continues to carry out executions in Gaza. Aid trucks from Egypt remain stalled at the Rafah crossing, with Israel providing no clear timeline for their entry.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation as negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire are expected to begin soon. The outcome will significantly impact the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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National Guard activated ahead of No Kings protests planned across US
Republican governors across multiple U.S. states have placed National Guard troops on standby in anticipation of widespread protests opposing former President Donald Trump and his policies. The demonstrations, organized under the banner ‘No Kings,’ are expected to occur at over 2,500 locations nationwide. Protest organizers claim the movement aims to challenge what they describe as Trump’s ‘authoritarianism,’ asserting on their website, ‘In America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.’
Governors in Texas and Virginia have activated their state’s National Guard, though the extent of military visibility remains uncertain. Texas Governor Greg Abbott justified the deployment by citing a ‘planned antifa-linked demonstration’ in Austin, the state capital. Similarly, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has ordered the activation of the state’s National Guard.
Critics, including Democratic leaders, have condemned the move. Gene Wu, a prominent Texas Democrat, accused Abbott of acting like a ‘king or dictator’ by deploying armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests. Meanwhile, some Republicans have labeled the protests as ‘Hate America’ rallies, with Kansas Senator Roger Marshall expressing skepticism about the events remaining peaceful.
The ‘No Kings’ movement, which previously drew over five million participants in June, continues to galvanize opposition to Trump’s political agenda. As tensions rise, the nation watches closely to see how these protests will unfold and what impact they may have on the broader political landscape.