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Raul Castro steps down as Head of Cuba’s Communist Party

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4 years ago

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Raul Castro

 

Raul Castro gives a speech during the celebration of 60th Anniversary of Cuban Revolution, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on Jan. 1, 2019, in this file photo.
Raul Castro gives a speech during the celebration of 60th Anniversary of Cuban Revolution, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on Jan. 1, 2019, in this file photo.

Raul Castro said Friday he is resigning as head of Cuba’s Communist Party, ending an era of formal leadership by he and his brother Fidel Castro that began with the 1959 revolution.

The 89-year-old Castro made the announcement Friday in a speech at the opening of the Eighth Congress of the ruling party, the only one allowed on the island.

He said he was retiring with the sense of having “fulfilled his mission and confidence in the future of the fatherland.”

Castro didn’t say who he would endorse as his successor as the first secretary of the Communist Party. But he previously indicated that he favors yielding control to 60-year-old Miguel Diaz-Canel, who succeeded him as president in 2018 and is the standard-bearer of a younger generation of loyalists who have been pushing an economic opening without touching Cuba’s one-party system.

Biden In,Trump Out

His retirement means that for the first time in more than six decades Cubans won’t have a Castro formally guiding their affairs, and it comes at a difficult time, with many on the island anxious about what lies ahead.

The coronavirus pandemic, painful financial reforms, and restrictions imposed by the Trump administration have battered the economy, which shrank 11 percent last year as a result of a collapse in tourism and remittances. Long food lines and shortages have brought back echoes of the “special period” that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

Discontent has been fueled by the spread of the internet and growing inequality.

Much of the debate inside Cuba is focused on the pace of reform, with many complaining that the so-called “historic generation” represented by Castro has been too slow to open the economy.

In January, Diaz-Canel finally pulled the trigger on a plan approved two congresses ago to unify the island’s dual currency system, giving rise to fears of inflation. He also threw the doors open to a broader range of private enterprise — a category long-banned or tightly restricted — permitting Cubans to legally operate many sorts of self-run businesses from their homes.

This year’s congress is expected to focus on unfinished reforms to overhaul state-run enterprises, attract foreign investment and provide more legal protection to private business activities.

The Communist Party is made up of 700,000 activists and is tasked in Cuba’s constitution with directing the affairs of the nation and society.
Fidel Castro, who led the revolution that drove dictator Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959, formally became head of the party in 1965, about four years after officially embracing socialism.

He quickly absorbed the old party under his control and was the country’s unquestioned leader until falling ill in 2006 and in 2008 handing over the presidency to his younger brother Raul, who had fought alongside him during the revolution.
Raul succeeded him as head of the party in 2011. Fidel Castro died in 2016. — Euronews

 

 

 

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Trump, Harris Secure Votes as First Results Emerge in U.S. Presidential Election

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2 hours ago

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November 5, 2024

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The first results in the U.S. presidential election have emerged, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump tied at three votes each.

The early count comes from Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, a small town with just six voters.

Dixville Notch is famous for its tradition of being the first to finish in-person voting, a practice that began in 1960.

Voting reportedly began right at midnight. Meanwhile, votes were counted, and results were announced just 15 minutes later.

Harris, the Democratic candidate, and Trump, a Republican, have been close in the polls leading up to election day.

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International

ActionAid Nigeria Commemorates International Peace Day with Cultural Festivities

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1 month ago

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September 26, 2024

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By Naziru Idris Ya’u

Celebrating Peace: ActionAid Nigeria/Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative Commemorates International Peace Day with Cultural Festivities

On a radiant day marked by vibrant cultural displays, ActionAid Nigeria/Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative commemorated the International Day of Peace with an event that brought together communities in a celebration of harmony and resilience.

The Peace Fiesta, held in honor of this significant occasion, showcased various cultural troupes that performed traditional dances, songs, and skits, emphasizing the theme of unity amid diversity.

Speaking at the occasion, Andrew Amebu, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, articulated the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and sustainable peace in communities. “Today, we celebrate not just peace, but the ideals of brotherhood and the importance of understanding across cultures and nations,” she stated. “This event is a reminder that our shared commitment to peace is groundbreaking for the futures we want to create.”

Over the past 20 months, ActionAid Nigeria has made significant inroads into building community resilience against violent extremism. The organization recently provided livelihood equipment worth 100 million Naira (approximately 71,428.5 USD) to 600 youth and women across Kano and Kaduna States. These beneficiaries, trained in seven different vocational skills, are a vital part of the organization’s effort to promote socio-economic stability and discourage violent extremism.

Hajiya Dankabo highlighted that over 15,000 direct beneficiaries have been engaged in sensitization programs, cultivating a culture that values peaceful coexistence and embraces diversity. The ripple effect of these programs is evident in the increasingly harmonious interactions within these communities.

Partnering with the Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (DRDI), the event also featured novelty football matches aimed at improving peace and social cohesion among community members. “Sports have emerged as a vital tool for unifying people, transcending differences, and creating a peaceful environment,” remarked the Executive Director of DRDI, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Yahaya, who noted that such initiatives are crucial for strengthening communal ties.

International Peace Day, observed annually, is a global call to action that encourages individuals and communities to prioritize peace above all differences. The day resonates deeply with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), both of which are instrumental in fostering a harmonious world.

This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” served as an impetus for ActionAid Nigeria to mobilize communities against ethnicism, discrimination, and intolerance. Supported by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) in collaboration with Global Peace Development, the organization has been implementing the System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violence Extremism (SARVE III) project. This initiative has resulted in the establishment of 24 women’s safe spaces along with Peace Clubs and Local Conflict Management Alliances aimed at enhancing early warning capabilities for conflict and promoting peacebuilding efforts.

The cultural extravaganza at the event was a fitting highlight, demonstrating how art and tradition can symbolize and signify the ideals of peace and stability in communities. Each performance served as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that binds communities, encouraging them to embrace their differences as a source of strength rather than division.

As the sun set on the event, the atmosphere lingered with hope and the promise of ongoing efforts toward building resilient, peaceful communities throughout Nigeria. ActionAid’s initiatives reflect a broader commitment to weaving peace into the fabric of society—an endeavor that requires continuous collaboration, engagement, and education for lasting impact.

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International

RE : Saudi Arabia National Day 94

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1 month ago

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September 24, 2024

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Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman

 

By Abba Anwar

As I flipped through the pages of the Daily Trust Newspaper on Monday, September 23, 2024, a paid advert caught my attention. The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria rejoiced with King Salman Bin Abdul’Aziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammad Bin Salman Al-Saud, and the people of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 94th National Day.

The historical account of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, which began under King Abdul’Aziz Bin Abdurrahman Al-Saud, fascinated me. However, what truly captured my interest was the Kingdom’s bold strides in socio-economic development, positioning itself as a key player in the global arena.

Saudi Arabia’s determination to become an active member of the G20 Industrial Growth and Digitization is commendable. The upcoming Saudi Infrastructure Summit aims to bring public and private stakeholders together to collaborate and discuss challenges in delivering infrastructure.

The Kingdom’s $1 trillion Saudi Vision 2030 is an audacious plan to propel Saudi communities into a brighter future. This visionary initiative seeks to integrate modern advancements in science, technology, industrialization, and innovation into the fabric of Saudi society.

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Under Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman’s leadership, Saudi Arabia is transitioning from a stagnant entity to a robust and responsive political entity, actively engaging in global economic development. The Kingdom’s political economy is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

Saudi Arabia is no longer an entity without a future industrial plan. Instead, it is embracing global incorporation of modern advancements, shedding its conservative understanding of growth and development.

The Kingdom’s membership in the G20 and its interest in hosting the Saudi Infrastructure Summit demonstrate its commitment to reducing dependence on oil exports. Investments in renewable energy, tourism, and manufacturing are poised to drive economic growth.

Initiatives like the Saudi Industrial Development Fund will support local industries, making the Kingdom a rallying point for true industrialization.

Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman recognizes the importance of investing in education, research, and innovation. Partnerships with international institutions will develop human capital, essential for Saudi Arabia’s transformation.

The Kingdom’s participation in global forums, dialogues, and cooperations under Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman’s leadership has opened up new markets and opportunities. Its membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) is a testament to its commitment to global engagement.

Infrastructure development, social reforms, and economic empowerment are transforming Saudi Arabia into a hub for industrialization and global cooperation. The Crown Prince’s vision for a more liberal and diversified economy is unfolding.

Saudi Arabia’s bilateral relationship with Nigeria, established in 1961, is strengthening under Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman’s leadership. This partnership promises to foster economic growth, development, and global understanding.

As Saudi Arabia celebrates its 94th National Day, its remarkable progress under Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman is a beacon of hope for Muslims, Islamic nations, and the world at large. The Kingdom’s transformation is a testament to its dedication to global industrialization and cooperation.

Anwar writes from Kano State, Nigeria
Can be reached on
fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

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