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Nigerian Air Force Plane's Emergency Landing Triggers Alert in Burkina Faso

Nigerian Air Force Plane's Emergency Landing Triggers Alert in Burkina Faso

A Nigerian Air Force plane made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso on Monday due to an unspecified in-flight emergency. The aircraft, en route to Portugal, landed in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, which had the nearest available airfield. The incident has been described by the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as a violation of Burkina Faso's airspace. In response, the alliance has placed its air and anti-air defenses on high alert, with orders to neutralize any aircraft violating their airspace. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the emergency landing, stating that it was conducted in accordance with international safety procedures. The crew and passengers, consisting of two crew members and nine passengers, were reported safe and received cordial treatment from Burkina Faso authorities.

EU Asserts Sovereignty Amid Criticism from President Trump

EU Asserts Sovereignty Amid Criticism from President Trump

The European Union (EU) is emphasizing its sovereignty in response to criticisms from the United States, particularly from President Trump. EU Council President Antonio Costa highlighted the importance of European autonomy in decision-making, stating that the U.S. cannot dictate European political directions. This stance comes after the release of the U.S. national security strategy, which criticizes European institutions and policies. The strategy, seen as a continuation of the 'Make America Great Again' policy, suggests that Europe is on a problematic trajectory, particularly concerning migration and political freedoms. EU leaders, while acknowledging some valid criticisms, stress the need for Europe to strengthen its own policies and maintain its strategic partnership with the U.S.

Columbia Group Anticipates Growth as Shipowners Relocate to UAE

Columbia Group Anticipates Growth as Shipowners Relocate to UAE

Columbia Group is forecasting significant growth as more international shipowners choose to relocate their operations to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move is expected to bolster Dubai's status as a leading maritime hub. Xanthos Kyriacou, the Middle East Regional Managing Director at Columbia Group, highlighted the exceptional progress the company has made in the region over the past year. A key development was the launch of Noatum CSM, a ship management venture formed in collaboration with Abu Dhabi's AD Ports Group. This venture has already begun managing 34 vessels and is actively seeking to expand its commercial footprint by targeting third-party tonnage. Columbia Group is also leveraging digital solutions, such as the OneLink platform, to enhance fleet performance transparency. Additionally, the company is involved in a consultancy project in Qatar and is collaborating with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia to equip a research vessel with advanced systems.

Doha Forum Faces Scrutiny Amid Gaza War Controversy

Doha Forum Faces Scrutiny Amid Gaza War Controversy

The annual Doha Forum, a significant event drawing global leaders, is currently overshadowed by the ongoing Gaza war, casting a negative spotlight on Qatar. This year's forum featured prominent speakers, including Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Shara'a, who has gained attention at other international gatherings. The event also highlighted Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani presenting the Doha Forum Award to Alex Thier and Saad Mohseni for their contributions to children's education in Palestine and Afghanistan. The forum's focus on international cooperation and education is being challenged by the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict.

Takeaways from AP's investigation into Russia's Africa Corps in Mali

Takeaways from AP's investigation into Russia's Africa Corps in Mali

Refugees from Mali have told The Associated Press that a new Russian military unit, Africa Corps, is committing abuses like rapes and beheadings

Burkina Faso Accuses Nigerian Air Force of Airspace Violation Amid Emergency Landing

Burkina Faso Accuses Nigerian Air Force of Airspace Violation Amid Emergency Landing

Burkina Faso has accused the Nigerian Air Force of violating its airspace after a Nigerian military aircraft made an emergency landing in the country. The incident involved a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft that was en route to Portugal but had to land in Burkina Faso due to technical issues. Burkina Faso's Territorial Administration Minister, Emile Zerbo, stated that the aircraft entered the country's airspace without authorization. The aircraft, carrying eleven Nigerian military officers, landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso's second-largest city. The Nigerian authorities explained that the emergency landing was necessary for safety reasons. However, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, issued a joint statement confirming the airspace violation and described the landing as an 'unfriendly act.' The AES has put its air forces on high alert, authorizing them to neutralize any unauthorized aircraft. The Nigerian military officers were briefly detained but later re...

Why some African countries are prone to military takeovers

Why some African countries are prone to military takeovers

It had become a familiar scene in West Africa

As Russia's Africa Corps fights in Mali, witnesses describe atrocities from beheadings to rapes

As Russia's Africa Corps fights in Mali, witnesses describe atrocities from beheadings to rapes

The Associated Press has spoken to over 30 refugees from Mali who say they witnessed beheadings, rapes and other abuses committed by Africa Corps, a new military unit under Russia's direct command

U.S. Embassy Warns Travelers of Rising Crime in Costa Rica, Urges Caution

U.S. Embassy Warns Travelers of Rising Crime in Costa Rica, Urges Caution

The United States Embassy in Costa Rica has issued a security alert warning American travelers about an increase in crime targeting tourists. The alert, issued on November 25, highlights a rise in property crimes, financial crimes, and robberies affecting foreigners, including U.S. citizens. Criminal gangs have been reported to target foreign-owned businesses and residences for robberies, break-ins, and extortion. The embassy advises travelers to research accommodations in advance, ensure strong security measures are in place, and avoid properties with reviews mentioning security incidents. Travelers are also encouraged to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry, and to be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert for Costa Rica Amid Crime Surge

U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert for Costa Rica Amid Crime Surge

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, has issued a security alert for American travelers due to a rise in property crimes, financial crimes, and robberies. The alert, dated November 25, warns of criminal gangs targeting foreign-owned businesses and residences for robberies, break-ins, and extortion. Tourists have reported incidents of armed robberies at vacation rental properties. The U.S. State Department has placed Costa Rica under a Level 2 travel advisory, urging travelers to exercise increased caution. The embassy advises travelers to enhance security measures, such as installing cameras or motion sensor lights, and to avoid displaying signs of wealth.

China-Japan Tensions Escalate as Fighter Jets Lock Radars

China-Japan Tensions Escalate as Fighter Jets Lock Radars

Tensions between China and Japan have intensified following incidents where Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked radars on Japanese aircraft near Okinawa. Japan has protested these actions, which are considered a threat as radar locking can signal a potential attack. The incidents occurred during a Chinese naval exercise, with Japan responding by scrambling its fighter jets. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained, particularly after Japan's Prime Minister suggested possible military action if China attacked Taiwan.

President Trump Clarifies Stance on Releasing Sept. 2 Boat Strikes Video

President Trump Clarifies Stance on Releasing Sept. 2 Boat Strikes Video

President Trump has clarified his position regarding the release of the remaining video footage of the September 2 boat strikes near Venezuela. Initially, there was some confusion about whether the footage would be made public. President Trump stated that the decision to release the video rests with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This development follows previous discussions about the incident, which involved U.S. military actions in the region. The boat strikes have been a point of contention, with various stakeholders interested in the transparency and implications of the military engagement.