Pakistani Defense Minister Blasts Israel Over Genocide in Lebanon

Friday, 10 April 2026 2:04 AM

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has blasted the Israeli regime as “evil and a curse for humanity,” slamming its ongoing genocide against innocent civilians in Lebanon while diplomatic peace efforts are underway in Islamabad.

Taking to the social media platform X on Thursday, the senior Pakistani politician drew a clear line between the Zionist entity’s bloodletting and any pretense of pursuing peace, stating: “Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated.”

Asif further described the Zionist regime as a “cancerous state” forcibly implanted on Palestinian land, underscoring that its very existence has brought nothing but destruction and instability to the region and the wider world.

Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated. I hope and pray people who created…

The remarks come as the Israeli occupation army escalates its barbaric assault on Lebanon, killing hundreds of civilians in blatant acts of aggression that have drawn widespread international condemnation.

This latest wave of Israeli crimes follows the regime’s long genocidal campaign in Gaza — which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead, mostly women and children — and its aggression against Iran on February 28.

Pakistan has long stood firmly with the Palestinian people and the Lebanese resistance in their legitimate struggle against Zionist occupation and expansionism.

Asif’s statement reflects the principled position of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which rejects the legitimacy of the Israeli entity and demands an immediate end to its reign of terror.

Since February 28, when Israel and the US began their large-scale and unprovoked military campaign against Iran, the occupying regime has ramped up its assaults on Lebanon.

‎Before the war, Israel carried out numerous violations of a 2024 ceasefire deal it signed with Hezbollah, under which Tel Aviv was expected to end deadly attacks on Lebanon.

Iran and the US announced a 15-day ceasefire on Wednesday based on Iran's 10-point proposal. One of the agreed points, as confirmed by the mediator Pakistan, has been a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Hezbollah Expands Strikes on IOF Amid Israeli Ceasefire Violations

By Al Mayadeen English

The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon announced a series of operations targeting Israeli military gatherings, settlements, and artillery positions across the northern front following "Israel's" violation of the so-called ceasefire.

The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon announced early Friday that it carried out a series of operations against Israeli occupation forces (IOF), describing the actions as a continuation of its response to ongoing aggression and repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Strikes on IOF gatherings and positions

The Resistance said it targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the al-Khiam detention center with a rocket barrage.

At 11:00 pm on April 9, 2026, Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli army soldiers at the al-Khiam detention center with a rocket salvo.

At 8:45 pm on April 9, 2026, Resistance fighters struck a gathering of Israeli army soldiers in the courtyard of the al-Marj site using an explosive drone.

At 10:00 pm on April 9, 2026, Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli army soldiers at the Baranit barracks with an explosive drone.

At 12:20 am, Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli army soldiers in the town of Rshaf with a rocket salvo.

At 12:05 am, Resistance fighters targeted the Metula settlement with a rocket salvo.

At 12:30 am, Resistance fighters targeted the Shlomi settlement with a rocket salvo and a swarm of explosive drones.

At 12:30 am, the Resistance targeted artillery positions north of the Goren settlement with a rocket salvo and explosive drones.

At 2:15 am, Resistance fighters targeted the Yarah barracks with a swarm of explosive drones.

 Confrontations intensify across southern frontlines

On the same night, confrontations were reported on the outskirts of Bint Jbeil and Ainata, as well as in Mays al-Jabal and Maroun al-Ras, where Resistance fighters engaged with Israeli occupation forces.

Israeli media reported that long-range missiles were launched from Lebanon toward the Ashdod coastal area, while sirens sounded across multiple areas in the occupied south and central regions following rocket fire.

A powerful explosion was also reported in central occupied Palestine.

Israeli media further confirmed disruptions to takeoff and landing operations at Ben Gurion Airport after a missile launch from Lebanon.

The operations and exchanges continued from Thursday night into Friday morning, with multiple fronts active across southern Lebanon and northern occupied territories, marking an expansion in the scope and intensity of the confrontations.

Israeli strikes kill 300+ in Lebanon, damage key bridge: HRW

More than 100 Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon on April 8, 2026, including attacks on densely populated neighborhoods in Beirut, killed over 300 people and damaged a key bridge linking southern Lebanon with the rest of the country, according to Human Rights Watch.

The bombings, which also wounded more than 1,150 people according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, were described as the deadliest aggression since March 2.

Later on April 8, the Lebanese Armed Forces evacuated the al-Qasmiyeh bridge near Tyre—the last major crossing connecting areas south of the Litani River to the rest of Lebanon. The bridge was also targeted last month by an Israeli strike, prompting the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to call it a serious escalation and a direct violation of national sovereignty. 

WHO Urges 'Israel' to Cancel Evacuation Threat Near Beirut Hospitals

By Al Mayadeen English

WHO urges "Israel" to cancel the evacuation warning for Beirut’s Jnah area, warning that two major hospitals are at risk amid Lebanon’s worsening medical crisis.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Thursday urged "Israel" to cancel its evacuation warning for the Jnah area in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, stressing that the area includes two major hospitals and that their evacuation is not possible.

Ghebreyesus warned that the warning issued by "Israel" places critical medical infrastructure at risk, as the Jnah area contains Al-Zahraa Hospital and Rafik Hariri Governmental Hospital.

The WHO statement came after the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) issued evacuation threats targeting multiple areas in Lebanon, including Haret Hreik, Burj al-Barajneh, Laylaki, Ghobeiri, Hadath, Tahwita al-Ghadir, Chiyah, and al-Jnah.

WHO warns of imminent shortage of medical supplies

Earlier on Thursday, the World Health Organization warned that essential first-aid supplies at several Lebanese hospitals could run out within days due to severe shortages. The supplies at risk include bandages, antibiotics, and painkillers.

WHO representative in Lebanon, Abdel Nasser Abu Bakar, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that hospitals are already facing critical shortages in war-related medical supplies.

Abu Bakar warned that if heavy casualties continue at the same scale, the situation would become disastrous, noting that more lives may be lost.  He added that demand has surged dramatically due to the sharp rise in civilian casualties, explaining that supplies normally sufficient for three weeks were depleted in just one day.

Rising death toll and humanitarian crisis in Lebanon

The warnings come after Israeli attacks on Lebanon on Wednesday, which, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, caused a non-final toll of 303 killed and 1,150 injured, with search and recovery operations for victims still ongoing across multiple locations.

The Ministry said the casualties were mostly women, children, and elderly individuals.

Recovery operations for victims trapped under rubble are still ongoing.

The large number of wounded has also triggered urgent appeals for blood donations, as hospital reserves have been rapidly depleted due to the scale of casualties caused by the strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, the capital, and multiple regions in southern and eastern Lebanon. 

Lebanon seeks ceasefire before engaging in talks with 'Israel'

Lebanon has yet to receive an official date from the United States to begin negotiations with "Israel", with Beirut insisting that a ceasefire must be established before any talks take place, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Beirut reported.

According to the correspondent, the upcoming Lebanese delegation will include Ambassador Simon Karam and another senior diplomat, with Beirut awaiting a response from Washington on the expected start of negotiations next week.

Additionally, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Lebanon's official option is a ceasefire before engaging in negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Thursday that he had instructed his government to initiate direct talks with Lebanon "as soon as possible." He emphasized that the negotiations would focus on “the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.”

Netanyahu also acknowledged Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s call for Beirut to be disarmed but stressed that “negotiations will begin in the coming days.”

The announcement followed talks on Wednesday with US President Donald Trump and White House envoy Steve Witkoff, who had urged "Israel" to ease airstrikes and open channels for negotiation.

According to Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS, the negotiations are expected to be conducted between Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yehiel Leiter and the Lebanese ambassador to the US, a close associate of President Salam, with US Ambassador Michel Issa in Beirut acting as a mediator.

IMF Warns Iran War Will Slow Global Growth and Fuel Inflation Risks

By Al Mayadeen English

Source: New York Times

The IMF warns that the war in Iran and the wider war in West Asia will slow global economic growth, drive oil prices higher, and risk renewed inflation pressures, even if a fragile ceasefire holds.

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, warned that the ongoing war on Iran and the wider West Asia will significantly weigh on global economic growth this year, driven by damage to energy infrastructure and disruptions to supply chains.

Speaking ahead of next week’s spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, Georgieva said that even in the most optimistic scenario, the global economy will not return to pre-war conditions. “Even in a best case, there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo ante,” she said, adding that growth will be slower even if a peace agreement proves durable.

The IMF noted that a fragile two-week truce agreed between the United States and Iran could help limit some of the economic damage. However, Georgieva stressed that the broader consequences of the war are already embedded in global markets.

The fund’s last projections, issued in October, had already anticipated a slowdown in global growth to 3.1% this year, down from 3.2% in 2025. Georgieva said those forecasts are now likely to be revised downward due to the war’s impact on energy markets.

Energy shocks push inflation higher

The war has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel and pushed gasoline prices in the United States above $4 per gallon. The IMF warned that renewed energy shocks could trigger another wave of inflation, forcing central banks to consider tighter monetary policy. "Higher prices for key inputs feed into many consumer goods, lifting inflation", Georgieva said.

She added that if inflation expectations become unanchored, central banks may need to respond with interest rate hikes.

Minutes from the latest meeting of the Federal Reserve showed policymakers remain cautious, closely monitoring the war’s inflationary impact while keeping interest rates steady.

Georgieva also warned against overly aggressive monetary tightening, saying premature action could harm growth. “Concentrate on conditions,” she said. “Because if you tighten prematurely and unnecessarily, you’re throwing cold water on growth.”

Energy security concerns rise globally

The IMF said the war underscores the importance of energy diversification and efficiency as global economies face prolonged instability.

While the IMF reduced emphasis on its green transition agenda since the return of US President Donald Trump, Georgieva stressed that energy shocks highlight the need for long-term resilience in global energy systems.

The IMF will release updated economic projections next Tuesday, including multiple scenarios based on possible outcomes of the war.

Fuel crisis now worse than 1973, 1979, 2002 combined, IEA chief warns

The current oil and gas crisis triggered by the US-Israeli aggression on Iran and subsequently Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz is "more serious than the ones in 1973, 1979, and 2002 together," the head of the International Energy Agency has warned earlier today.

Speaking with French newspaper Le Figaro, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the world has "never experienced a disruption to energy supply of such magnitude."

The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of the world's oil flows, has been effectively closed since the United States and "Israel" launched their war on Iran on February 28. Iran has maintained that the Strait remains open to non-hostile vessels that coordinate with Tehran, while ships linked to the aggressors and their allies remain blocked.

Birol said the countries most at risk were developing nations whose populations will be hard-hit by higher oil and gas prices, rising food prices, and the general ramping up of inflation across global economies.

The warning comes as IEA member countries agreed last month to release part of their strategic reserves amid the blockade. Birol said some of this had already been released, but added that the process was still underway.

IRGC Denies Gulf Attacks, Reaffirms Ceasefire Commitment

By Al Mayadeen English

Iran’s IRGC denies recent attacks on Gulf states and says "Israel" would be responsible if claims are confirmed.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that no attacks have been carried out against Gulf states in the past few hours, adding that if reports of such incidents are confirmed, then “Israel” would be responsible.

The IRGC stressed that Iran’s armed forces take responsibility for every operation they conduct “transparently and courageously,” and have no connection to what has been circulated in the media in recent hours.

For its part, the IRGC Navy stated that both allies and adversaries recognize that the management of the Strait of Hormuz has entered a new phase over the past two days.

The denial comes after Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense reported that it was responding to drone attacks that violated its airspace and targeted several vital facilities late Thursday night.

Iran reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement brokered by Pakistan since April 8, saying it continues to give diplomacy a chance despite what it described as US–Israeli violations of the agreement and ongoing attacks against Lebanon. It also stated that the cessation of attacks on Lebanon remains a condition for its participation in talks in Islamabad.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian officials stressed the need to develop its management framework in light of recent developments.

Iran denies Islamabad talks amid ongoing war on Lebanon: Exclusive

On a related note, Iranian sources told Al Mayadeen that reports of a negotiating delegation arriving in Islamabad are false, stressing that no talks will take place as long as the war on Lebanon continues, while warning of a potential collapse in ceasefire efforts.

The sources further warned that the United States has only a limited window to restrain "Israel", otherwise, ongoing ceasefire efforts will collapse.

According to the same sources, Iran insists that any ceasefire agreement brokered through Pakistani mediation must explicitly include Lebanon, with full commitment from both the United States and "Israel".

In this context, Fars News Agency quoted an informed source as saying that a ceasefire in Lebanon is an “inevitable and unchangeable” precondition for Tehran to enter any new negotiation process.

Nigerian Army General and Several Soldiers Killed During an Assault on a Base in the Northeast

By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN

4:24 PM EDT, April 9, 2026

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — An army general and several soldiers were killed during an attempt to raid a military base in northeastern Nigeria early Thursday, officials said.

The attack occurred in Benisheikh in Borno State, army spokesman Michael Onoja said in a statement, but it was repelled.

Onoja described the assailants as “terrorists,” which is the term the military uses to describe members of Islamic militant groups in the northeast of the country.

President Bola Tinubu confirmed that a general was killed in the attack.

“The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation,” he said in a statement. “I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices.”

“Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” Tinubu said. “Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the front line, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.”

Onoja didn’t specify how many soldiers were killed in the latest attack on military bases.

“This attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions,” he said. “Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.”

Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous country, is battling a complex security crisis, especially in the north where there is a decadelong insurgency and several armed groups who kidnap for ransom.

Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group and known as Islamic State West Africa Province. There is also the IS-linked Lakurawa group operating in communities in the northwestern part of the country that borders Niger Republic.

The crisis has worsened recently to include other militants from the neighboring Sahel region, including the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, or JNIM, which claimed its first attack on Nigerian soil last year.

Earlier this year, the U.S. sent 200 troops and drones to Nigeria to assist the Nigerian military in fighting extremists. The U.S. military said that the American troops won’t engage in combat or have a direct operational role, and that Nigerian forces will have complete command authority.

The deployment is part of a new security partnership agreed on after U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria’s security crisis. The U.S. launched strikes against IS forces on Dec. 26.

Several thousand people in Nigeria have been killed, according to data from the United Nations. Analysts say not enough is being done by the government to protect its citizens.

Judge Postpones Termination of Temporary Status for Ethiopians

By GISELA SALOMON

3:41 PM EDT, April 9, 2026

MIAMI (AP) — A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s decision to end a temporary status that has protected more than 5,000 Ethiopians from deportation and allowed them to live and work in the United States.

In his Wednesday decision, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy from Massachusetts said the Trump administration terminated the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) “without regard for the process delineated by Congress.”

The decision came at a time when hundreds of thousands of TPS holders from different nationalities are challenging the termination of their status at the federal courts. It represents the latest legal setback for the Trump’s administration efforts to put an end to TPS as part of his hard-line immigration policy.

More than 1 million migrants from 17 countries were protected by TPS during President Joe Biden’s administration. But the Department of Homeland Security has terminated the designation for 13 of those countries since President Donald Trump came to office for his second term in January 2025.

Venezuelans comprised the largest group of beneficiaries, followed by Haitians and Salvadorans.

On April 29, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on the administration efforts to terminate TPS for 6,100 people from Syria and 350,000 from Haiti.

TPS was created by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries suffering from natural disasters or civil strife, giving people authorization to work in increments of up to 18 months.

The Biden administration granted TPS to Ethiopians living in the U.S. in 2022, noting the need to protect them from armed conflict ⁠and humanitarian suffering. In April 2024, it was extended.

Under Trump’s administration, the Department of Homeland Security terminated TPS for Ethiopia in December 2025, saying that the country no longer met the conditions for its designation.

The judge said DHS disregarded the statutory procedures Congress enacted that govern TPS.

“Fundamental to this case — and indeed to our constitutional system — is the principle that the will of the President does not supersede that of Congress,” Murphy, who was appointed by Biden, said in his decision. “Presidential whims do not and cannot supplant agencies’ statutory obligations.”

After Murphy’s decision, DHS reiterated that TPS is a temporary status.

DHS spokeswoman Lauren Bis said the ruling “is just the latest example of judicial activists trying to prevent President Trump from restoring integrity to America’s legal immigration system.”

At Least 21 People are Missing After a Boat Capsizes in Eastern DR Congo on Lake Kivu

By JANVIER BARHAHIGA

12:25 PM EDT, April 8, 2026

BUKAVU, Congo (AP) — A boat has capsized on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo, leaving at least 21 people missing, authorities said Wednesday.

The boat was on its way to the town of Makengere when it sunk on Tuesday, after a visit to a market town. Officials said that 23 people survived, and a search was ongoing for the missing.

The cause of the capsizing was under investigation. It wasn’t immediately known how many people were onboard or the exact number of missing.

Deadly boat tragedies are common in the central African country, where late-night travels and overcrowded vessels are often blamed.

Because of insecurity in eastern Congo, many people are abandoning the few available roads for wooden vessels crumbling under the weight of passengers and their goods. The roads are often caught up in the deadly clashes between Congolese security forces and rebels that sometimes block major access routes.

“Pending the restoration of peace, we urge the central and provincial governments to become more involved in order to find a lasting solution to this situation,” said Koko Chirimwami Akeem, provincial deputy for South Kivu in a statement.

Congo’s rivers are a major means of transport for its more than 100 million people, especially in remote areas where infrastructure is poor or nonexistent.

Hundreds have been killed in boat disasters in recent years.

Tanzanian Leader Orders Smaller Convoys and Shared Buses to Cut Fuel Use as Prices Rise

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan delivers remarks during a campaign rally in Iringa, Tanzania, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo, File)

8:07 AM EDT, April 9, 2026

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AP) — Tanzania ‘s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose motorcades are reportedly among the largest in Africa, is cutting down on the number of official and luxury vehicles as part of measures to save fuel as oil prices rise.

Several African governments have announced steps to cope with fuel shortages and rising prices. Madagascar on Tuesday declared a state of emergency to reduce fuel consumption, while South Africa cut the fuel levy, and Ethiopia introduced rationing. Senegal banned all but essential foreign trips for government ministers.

“From today, whenever I travel, the officers accompanying me will use consolidated transport in small buses to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs during this period,” Hassan said Wednesday.

In the past, the president’s convoy had dozens of luxury vehicles carrying government officials, protocol officers and security personnel. A video of her 30-car convoy was once shared online, sparking conversations about African presidential convoys. Hassan has one of the continent’s longest motorcades.

She said Tanzania had fuel reserves that could last up to three months, but cautioned businesses against inflating prices.

The price of fuel has risen by $0.40 per liter in the last two weeks, fueled by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Benin is Holding an Election for a New President as Security Worsens and Critics Denounce Clampdown

By VIRGILE AHISSOU and MARK BANCHEREAU

1:48 AM EDT, April 9, 2026

COTONOU, Benin (AP) — Voters in Benin will vote Sunday to elect a new president as outgoing leader Patrice Talon steps down after a decade in power with a mixed legacy of economic growth, but also a growing jihadi insurgency in the north and a clamp down on the opposition and critics.

Romuald Wadagni, the 49-year-old finance minister and governing coalition standard-bearer, is considered Talon’s anointed successor. Wadagni is being challenged by Paul Hounkpè, the sole opposition candidate.

In the parliamentary election in January, the opposition failed to cross the 20% electoral threshold required to win seats, leaving Talon’s two allied parties in control of all 109 seats in the National Assembly and in good position before Sunday’s vote.

Renaud Agbodjo, leader of The Democrats, was barred from competing after failing to secure a sufficient number of parliamentary endorsements — a threshold critics say was engineered to keep rivals out.

With the main opposition sidelined, Wadagni is widely considered a favorite due in part to his strong economic track record and broad support from influential figures across historically rival camps, said Fiacre Vidjingninou, political analyst at the Lagos-based Béhanzin Institute.

“Ten years at the Finance Ministry have given him something rare in African politics: a quantified record — verifiable and difficult to dismantle in a serious debate,” Vidjingninou said.

The first round of the vote is set for April 12. In order to secure an outright victory, the winner would need to secure at least 50% of the votes. If that doesn’t happen, a runoff will be conducted on May 10 between the top two candidates.

Nearly 8 million people are eligible to vote in the election.

Strong economy but unequal gains

Wadagni is campaigning heavily on the country’s economic performance during his decade as finance minister. Benin’s economy grew 7% last year, according to the International Monetary Fund, making it one of West Africa’s steadiest performers.

Under Talon, the country sustained robust growth for nearly a decade, driven by agriculture, trade and a major port expansion in the economic hub Cotonou that turned Benin into a key transit point for landlocked neighbors. Infrastructure has also expanded.

However, the gains have been unequally shared, with poverty remaining widespread in rural areas and in the poorer northern region.

Critics denounce democratic backslide

While Benin has historically been among the most stable democracies in Africa, opposition leaders and human rights organizations have accused Talon of using the justice system as a tool to sideline his political opponents, after taking office in 2016 and changing electoral rules.

In November, a constitutional reform extended presidential terms from five to seven years, established a partially presidential-appointed senate, and further raised the bar for opposition parties to enter parliament.

Rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have denounced a sustained crackdown on dissent under Talon, citing arbitrary detentions, tight restrictions on public demonstrations and mounting pressure on independent media outlets.

Protests over the rising cost of living sprang up in recent years, but the government and security forces clamped down on them.

Security crisis and political instability

Last December, a group of military officers attempted to topple Talon’s government in a failed coup, the latest in a series of recent military takeover attempts across Africa. Most of the coups and attempted coups follow a similar pattern of disputed elections, constitutional upheaval, security crises and youth discontent.

Among the coup leaders’ key complaints was the deterioration of security in northern Benin.

For years, the country has faced spillover violence in its north from neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger in their battle against the al-Qaida-affiliated extremist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, or JNIM.

The tri-border area has long been a hotbed for extremist violence, a trend worsened by the lack of security cooperation with Niger and Burkina Faso, both now led by military juntas.

Last year, an attack by Islamic militants on military posts killed 54 soldiers.

Vidjingninou said that while the foiled coup in Benin has weakened the narrative of stability of the outgoing administration, the climate of instability might work in favor of the governing party candidate.

“In a context perceived as unstable, cautious voters tend to choose continuity and familiarity over the risk of the unknown,” he said.

Divided voters

Roch Gbenou, a civil servant living in Cotonou, said two key issues stand out for him before Sunday’s vote: Equal distribution of wealth, and restoration of democratic freedoms, which “appear to have been substantially restricted” in recent years.

Gbenou, however, said that he has little hope for the election, because “it will ultimately only serve to legitimize a choice already made,” suggesting it won’t be a credible process.

Mathias Salanon, a retired police officer, said that he believes Talon has done well and hopes the next president will stabilize the economic and political situations of the country.

“In more than 50 years of my life I have not seen such a fierce will to develop the country as during President Patrice Talon’s 10 years,” he said.

For Sofiath Akadiri, another resident of Cotonou, the most important campaign issues for her are access to health care, education and jobs.

“We also need social justice and the restoration of democratic norms,” she said.

___

Mark Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal.

Iran, IRGC Commemorate 40th Day Since Sayyed Khamenei's Assassination

By Al Mayadeen English

Iran marks 40 days since Ali Khamenei’s martyrdom; the IRGC pledges to continue his path amid ongoing Israeli attacks.

Iran marked the 40th day since the martyrdom of Iran's Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, an event commemorated with widespread popular ceremonies across the country.

In the context of Thursday's events, a statement issued by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), the force hailed Sayyed Khamenei’s sacrifice as a turning point in the region.

IRGC highlights Sayyed Khamenei’s legacy

“The end of the dark era of arrogance in the region came by the blessing of the blood of the martyr leader,” the IRGC said, emphasizing that his martyrdom inspired the Iranian people’s resurgence.

The statement highlighted the role of national resistance, unity, and the Iranian armed forces in repelling aggressors, underlining that these achievements are part of the blessings of Sayyed Khamenei’s martyrdom.

Regarding the late leader’s philosophy, the IRGC described it as “a comprehensive system for leadership and governance that we will emulate,” reaffirming loyalty to the newly elected leader of the Islamic Revolution and Republic, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, and pledging to continue the path of Ali Khamenei “with strength and determination”.

Sayyed Ali Khamenei was officially declared a martyr on March 1, 2026, following a US-Israeli aggression on Iran against his home on February 28. Subsequently, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the third leader of the Islamic Revolution and Republic, citing thorough deliberations under Article 108 of the Iranian constitution and a “duty before God”.

The commemoration comes over 40 days after the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, and a two-week ceasefire period that was agreed to on Wednesday. However, the ceasefire terms have been breached by the United States and the Israeli regime, after the US endorsed Israeli bombing of Lebanon, saying that a ceasefire in the country was never part of the agreement.

However, at an earlier time, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mediated and announced the ceasefire, saying that Iran and the United States, and their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire covering all fronts, including Lebanon.

Israeli Massive Bombing Kills 203, Injures Over 1,000: Lebanese MoPH

By Al Mayadeen English

Israeli aggression on Lebanon leaves 203 martyred, including four soldiers, and over 1,000 wounded, as "Israel" escalates attacks despite ceasefire announcements.

The toll from the Israeli aggression on Lebanon has risen to 203 killed and more than 1,000 wounded, Lebanon’s Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine announced on Thursday, saying the figures are preliminary.

The statement came shortly before a Cabinet session, as authorities continue to assess the scale of the aggression that targeted multiple regions across the country.

Lebanese Army confirms martyrs among its ranks

In a separate statement, the Lebanese Army confirmed the martyrdom of four soldiers as a result of the Israeli strikes carried out on Wednesday, underscoring the direct targeting of national institutions amid the escalation.

The Israeli occupation carried out a series of massacres against civilians in various Lebanese areas, leading to mass casualties and widespread destruction, in what constitutes a full-fledged war crime and a blatant violation of international law.

The escalation came despite earlier announcements by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Iran and the United States, alongside their allies, had agreed to an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the proposed ceasefire does not include Lebanon, a position that coincided with a sharp intensification of attacks on the country.

Jalali: Iran Ready for Talks if They Yield Tangible Results - Excl.

By Al Mayadeen English

Iran's ambassador to Russia tells Al Mayadeen that the international community should closely observe how Washington conducts itself at the table.

Tehran is prepared to engage in negotiations with the United States, provided that they produce tangible outcomes and deliver lasting peace to the region, Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, stated on Thursday.

In an interview for Al Mayadeen, Jalali said, "If the Americans approach negotiations in good faith, they can lead to results," adding that the international community should closely observe how Washington conducts itself at the table.

He noted that trust between Iran and the United States remains insufficient, pointing to Washington's track record of failing to honor its commitments as the central obstacle. Jalali reaffirmed that Iran does not seek war, noting that "the Zionists and the Americans carried out the aggression against Iran; Iran was the victim in this war."

He added that Iran had come close to resolving outstanding issues in previous rounds of negotiations and reiterated that Tehran is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

US failed to achieve objectives

"Trump's statements contain many contradictions," the Iranian envoy said, describing the current confrontation as "a war of wills" and suggesting that public demonstrations are the clearest indicator of where the balance of resolve lies. "The Americans initially said they would overthrow the system, but they failed, and the situation turned upside down," Jalali said, adding that Washington and the West may have wrongly concluded that Iran is weak.

On Iran's military posture, Jalali said the country had achieved military successes despite the loss of several senior commanders, asserting that its institutions continue to function normally.

"They claimed to have destroyed our navy, yet our missiles remain operational despite all these allegations," he said, stressing that engaging in conflicts is not among Iran's priorities and that it seeks peace both regionally and globally.

Negotiators, date of talks yet to be confirmed

On the question of who will represent Iran in the talks set to be held in Pakistan, Jalali said the identity of the delegation head will be officially announced in due course. Sources cited by Iran's ISNA had reported that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf would lead the Iranian negotiating team, opposite a US delegation headed by Vice President JD Vance, but an official confirmation from Tehran is still pending.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who brokered the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, stated on Wednesday that talks would begin on Friday in Islamabad. However, a post by Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, saying that an Iranian delegation would arrive in Islamabad on Thursday night was subsequently deleted. When asked about the removal, an embassy official told AFP, "Timing, we were not supposed to send it."

No ceasefire without Lebanon

The talks are taking place against the backdrop of an already fragile ceasefire, with Israeli attacks on Lebanon emerging as a potential dealbreaker for Tehran.

A ceasefire that encompasses Lebanon, alongside the rest of the Axis of Resistance, is explicitly listed as point 1 of Iran's ten-point proposal covering all, leading both Ghalibaf and President Pezeshkian to issue warnings Thursday that Israeli attacks on Lebanon are complicating the path to negotiations.

Pezeshkian stressed that continued Israeli escalation would render the ongoing negotiations meaningless, reaffirming that Iran will not abandon the Lebanese people.

Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh announced that Iran's delegation will head to Islamabad on the condition that "Israel" halts its aggression against Lebanon. He added that any peace in the region must include Lebanon, and that the coming hours will be decisive.

Strait of Hormuz, Russia's role

Jalali addressed the legal status of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that its governance is determined by its littoral states, Iran and Oman, and that Iran's recent actions were aimed at upholding that legal framework rather than closing the waterway outright. "Iran has never sought to close the strait," he maintained.

On Iran-Russia relations, Jalali noted that Moscow condemned the aggression against Iran from the very first day, with direct communication between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian beginning early in the war.

Qaani Warns of Punishment for Perpetrators of Brutality in Lebanon

By Al Mayadeen English

Iran’s Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani warns "Israel" of harsh punishment for its attacks on Lebanon, praising Resistance fighters and condemning Netanyahu’s brutality.

Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force, issued a strong message to Lebanese Resistance fighters and members of the broader Resistance Front, condemning recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon and pledging accountability for perpetrators.

In his statement, Qaani praised the role of Lebanese Resistance fighters in confronting the enemy, saying their actions “will bear victory”. Addressing the Israeli regime, he warned that “the killer Zionists will regret their actions” and that they will face “harsh punishment”.

He also lauded the steadfastness of Resistance forces, declaring, “I kiss your hands one by one”, in recognition of their “decisive and courageous decisions”. Qaani said their struggles are “great heroic epics” that are “carved into the rocks of dignity and steadfastness and will create legacies for humanity.”

The Quds Force commander characterized "Israel’s" history as “bloody, criminal, and anti-human, full of killing of innocent people, women, and children.” He singled out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for seeking to demonstrate that “he is more savage and cruel-hearted than his master, the United States.”

Israeli aggression kills 250+, injures 1,150+

On Wednesday, after a two-week ceasefire that would include Iran, the United States, and their allies, including Lebanon, the Israeli occupation launched a large-scale aggression, carrying out a series of coordinated bombings that have left more than 250 people martyred and over 1,150 others wounded in Lebanon.

Approximately 150 airstrikes were carried out across Lebanon within just two hours, highlighting the scale and intensity of the attacks that targeted several regions across the country, including the capital Beirut, its southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Mount Lebanon, with residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure bearing the brunt of the bombardment.

The Lebanese Civil Defense announced that a total of 254 people were martyred and 1,165 others were injured in Wednesday’s attacks.

Hezbollah had ceased attacks on Israeli positions since the ceasefire was announced; however, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Lebanon would not be included in the ceasefire, despite it being explicitly named in the initial announcement made by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who mediated talks between Tehran and Washington. 

Iran said that a ceasefire in Lebanon was among its core demands to agree to the limited truce, promising to respond to the blatant violation.

Iran War Has Exposed the Weakness of the Dollar

As Opec members have long understood, it is not a good idea to give users of your product an incentive to find alternatives

Daniel Davies

The writer is a managing director at Frontline Analysts and author of ‘The Unaccountability Machine’

There is an old central banker maxim that seems widely applicable to today’s geopolitical situation. As recounted in David Kynaston’s history of the Bank of England, it runs: “Wave the big stick if you like, but never use it; it may break in your hand. Better still, try wagging your finger.”

Among the many consequences of the stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz, it seems that we may look back on this as the week in which one of America’s most powerful geopolitical tools was shown to be a weakened stick. Threatening to limit access to the global dollar system now seems less fearsome.

We saw the first indications that this was the case back in 2022, when Russian banks were sanctioned and disconnected from the Swift messaging system for global bank payments. Even at the time, it was understood that this was likely to be more of an inconvenience than an economic death sentence, but the extent to which Russia has continued to be able to wage war and to sell oil to fund itself must have disappointed supporters of the sanctions.

The ineffectiveness of the weaponised dollar in the Gulf has also been telling. Iran is one of the most sanctioned places in the world; it is one of a handful of cases where US Treasury sanctions cover an entire country rather than specific entities and people. But not only does this not appear to have prevented it from selling oil while at war with the US, it has not seemed to stop it from charging ransom fees to international shipping seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Some ships have paid as much as $2mn to Iran to ensure safe passage, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. And following news of a ceasefire between the US and Iran, an Iranian official has indicated his country will demand that shipping companies pay tolls in cryptocurrency for oil tankers equivalent to $1 per barrel of oil transported.

Part of the problem is that being cut off from the dominant global payments system is only a threat because the dollar economy is so convenient and profitable to deal in. That means that the weapon is most effective against open economies that are integrated into global supply chains. But these are rarely the ones worth threatening. 

Sanctioned states, on the other hand, tend to get used to making do and mending, and finding people who are prepared to deal with them. Iran is able to sell at least some of its oil in return for renminbi largely because most of its imports come from China. There is also a network of banks and shadow financial companies, according to research by the Atlantic Council, which are prepared to take the risk of US extraterritorial enforcement, and to launder payments in dollars. Such counterparties are less worried about their access to New York dollar clearing.

But these workarounds may be barely necessary in a world in which it is possible for anonymous money to be sent over the internet. The US does not control the flow of payments made in bitcoin or stablecoins — cryptocurrencies pegged to real-world assets such as the dollar — transmitted over decentralised networks. While the intrusive compliance of US money laundering rules continues to cause inconvenience for US allies, countries at odds with America have an entirely separate and barely regulated parallel crypto-dollar to use, just like criminals and other bad actors.

As Gulf states of all kinds have understood since the founding of Opec, it is not a good idea to give the users of your product an incentive to find alternatives. 

This was all very predictable. In fact, Henry Farrell, one of the political scientists who coined the phrase “weaponised interdependence”, predicted it in a paper earlier this year that I co-authored. Having been a source of global stability for so long, the dollar system has evolved to be a source of instability as it has become more weaponised. As we stated: “As the US ratchets up pressure, other countries will look to escape dollar power, likely provoking the US to double down in response”.

This is not without impact as the isolation of North Korea from the mainstream global financial system has shown. And as our paper noted, targeted sanctions on individuals appear to have been more effective than general sanctions on countries. “Bad actors” shunned from the dollar banking system still have to turn to inferior alternatives like crypto payments technologies.

But far from being a geopolitical weapon for the US, global finance is arguably a force multiplier for its enemies. As Kynaston’s central bankers knew, it is much better to threaten dire consequences than to put yourself in a situation where you have to actually use the big stick. It may break.

Hundreds March in Senegal’s Capital Over Broken Government Promises and Inflation

By MARK BANCHEREAU and BABACAR DIONE

7:20 PM EDT, April 8, 2026

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Hundreds of workers, union members and opposition supporters marched in Senegal’s capital Dakar on Wednesday to protest what they say are broken government promises and a worsening cost-of-living, as the country is plagued by a severe debt crisis.

The protest was organized by the country’s main labor unions and the Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic, also known as FDR, opposition coalition.

Mody Guiro, secretary-general of the National Confederation of Senegalese Workers, the country’s largest labor union, said the government had betrayed a deal last year that had frozen strikes in exchange for promises of better wages and working conditions. Authorities say a record debt crisis inherited from the previous administration has left the government with little money to spend.

Protesters wearing red scarfs and union hats held signs demanding that the government rehires laid off public sector workers and lowers income taxes. Some chanted slogans calling for the ousting of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

The West African country’s government, led by Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, came to power in April 2024, promising to carry out ambitious reforms, which included fighting corruption, creating jobs for young people and maximizing the country’s natural resource benefits.

But the ruling PASTEF party’s reform agenda has run into obstacles. A 2025 government audit revealed a larger-than-reported debt of $13 billion attributed to the previous administration. Talks with the International Monetary Fund over a new financial program have stalled as the nation’s fiscal outlook worsens.

Senegal’s debt-to-GDP ratio has surged to roughly 132%, one of the highest in Africa.

The country’s economic difficulties have deepened the daily struggles of many people, with young Senegalese among the hardest hit. About 75% of the country’s population is under 35.

Last February, protests at Senegal’s top public university over unpaid financial aid were met with a violent response by security forces, leading to the death of a student.

“The country is at a standstill. It is essential that the government finds solutions to revive Senegal’s economy instead of picking fights everywhere,” said Mohamed Fall, a youth activist at the protest on Wednesday.

Another protester, Pape Laobe Samb, is one of more than 700 employees of the port of Dakar that have been laid off since early 2025, as the Senegalese government moves to overhaul state institutions.

“This is not what they promised people. They said they were going to create jobs and develop the country but they did the complete opposite,” Samb, who worked more than 12 years at the port before being let go, told The Associated Press.

The port’s director, who was appointed shortly after President Faye came to power, has described the action as a purge of irregular contracts inherited from the previous administration. Unions disagree, arguing the workers targeted were largely those associated with the previous government, and that the firings were unlawful.

Attacks on 2 Villages in Northern Nigeria Leave at Least 20 People Dead, Residents Say

By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN

3:07 PM EDT, April 8, 2026

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen attacked two villages in the north-central region of Nigeria, killing at least 20 people, residents said Wednesday.

The attacks occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Bagna and Erena, located in the Shiroro area of Niger state. Shiroro is about 250 kilometers (155 miles) or a four-hour drive from the capital, Abuja.

“They came on motorbikes and began shooting. It was a surprise attack, because it was in the early hours of the morning,” said Jibrin Isah, who lives in Erena.

Residents said that at least 20 people were killed, with more missing. However, local police said that only three people were killed.

“Unfortunately, two vigilante members and a driver from the joint security team lost their lives during the attack, while some others were injured,” Niger state police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said in a statement.

Residents said the attackers operated for hours, raiding homes and sending residents to flee to safety in neighboring communities.

“Those killed in the attacks were above 20,” Muhammad Tukur, a resident of Erena, told The Associated Press.

Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous country, is battling a complex security crisis, especially in the north where there is a decade-long insurgency and several armed groups who kidnap for ransom.

Disputes over land and grazing between mostly Muslim Fulani herders and largely Christian farming communities frequently escalate into deadly clashes. Criminal gangs are also active.

The insurgency in the northeast has led to the death and displacement of many, according to the U.N.

Thousands Flood Lagos’ Vibrant Fanti Carnival to Celebrate Afro-Brazilian Heritage

By DAN IKPOYI and SUNDAY ALAMBA

9:11 AM EDT, April 7, 2026

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Thousands of revelers flooded Nigeria’s Lagos for the annual Lagos Fanti Carnival, celebrating the Afro-Brazilian heritage of the “Aguda” or the formerly enslaved people who returned from Brazil in the 19th century.

The festival, usually celebrated during Eastertide in recent years, is one of West Africa’s most prominent cultural celebrations, similar to Brazil’s Rio Carnival, the world’s biggest party.

After reaching West Africa, many of the returnees settled in Lagos, building a life among the city’s Yoruba ethnic group. They retained some of the Brazilian and Portuguese cultures and infused them into music, food, architecture, religion and lifestyle, giving life to the Fanti carnival.

“If you know the history of Lagos, you will understand how this carnival is important to the city and its history,” said Ademola Oduyebo, one of the carnival revelers, on Monday. “It is important that we preserve this so for our children.”

This year’s theme, “A Homecoming of Heritage,” saw processions from across Lagos converging at the Tafawa Balewa Square, featuring communities of descendants of formerly enslaved people of different age groups.

Many wore colorful costumes, including the attendees, as they danced their way to the city center, while others rode horses. All displayed elements of their Brazilian history and identity.

Artists and performers from across Africa wore elaborate outfits, with beads and feathers, while others had their bodies covered in colorful paint, swaying along Indigenous Yoruba rhythms.

One of the revelers, Glamour Sandra, said she always looked forward to being at both the Fanti festival and Brazil’s Rio Carnival.

“I love the energy, the artistic splendor that they create,” she said of the Fanti festival.

Various community associations that represent the original Aguda settlements are heavily featured in the annual festival and help organize it.

Rwanda Tries to Protect Farmland in Africa’s Most Densely Populated Nation

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI and NADEGE BIZIMUNGU

10:53 AM EDT, April 8, 2026

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — The rhythmic sounds of construction muffle the thud of farmers’ hoes on a chilly morning in Rwanda ‘s capital, where new efforts aim to protect remaining agricultural land from relentless development in Africa’s most densely populated country.

Eighty-four-year-old Mukarusini Purisikira had been a farmer before she fled the country to Congo during the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis. Upon returning, she said, her family’s land, which had stretched across the hills, had been taken away for construction. She gestured toward Kigali’s high-rise buildings.

Now she grows maize and sweet potatoes on a piece of land the size of a small cottage, which she said is barely enough to feed her.

“It is all I have,” she said, looking warily at construction equipment on a ridge nearby.

Now she has a measure of protection. Since September, Rwanda’s government has been mapping agricultural land and using satellite imagery to track any development encroaching on farmlands and forests in a country where the population is expected to reach 22 million in a couple of years.

Rwanda is striving to ensure food security amid the latest global pressures on farm inputs like fertilizer, whose prices have been rising since the Iran war began.

The capital set aside nearly a quarter of land for farming

The government has imposed fines of up to $3,000 and jail terms of up to six months on developers found to be encroaching.

Some buildings in Kigali have been torn down, though people associated with them didn’t want to comment for fear of government retaliation. The government now plans to incorporate drones for better real-time monitoring.

Meanwhile, land use data from the mayor’s office shows that the Kigali master plan has dedicated nearly a quarter of land — 22% — to agriculture.

City authorities acknowledge that housing construction is attractive due to demand but say future projections show that “farming will be even more productive.” They say the demand for food is also rising and believe that, with innovation, it can be grown on smaller pieces of land.

While most of the food consumed in Kigali comes from other districts in Rwanda, farmland in those areas is shrinking, too, a spokeswoman for the mayor’s office, Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya, told The Associated Press.

The government last year printed and displayed maps showing areas in districts across Rwanda that are designated for construction and reserved for agriculture.

Ntirenganya spoke of going into agriculture “in an urban way. We will be able to show Kigalians that they can also do agriculture and be productive.”

The city administration, which is setting up a greenhouse on its roof, requires developers seeking building permits to include green spaces and gardens in their designs.

Some explore vertical gardens and hydroponics

Other approaches in Kigali include vertical farms, where vegetables and fruits such as strawberries are grown in stackable plastic containers.

Christian Irakoze co-founded a local company, Eza Neza or “grow well,” that sets up vertical farms in the city and described them as scalable. The AP visited two of them at local homes and another that provides stocks to a grocery store. One grows 600 plants in vertical rows stretching about 50 meters (yards) along a perimeter wall.

Irakoze described his work as “a different way of thinking about farming, from traditional large-scale upcountry farming to something smaller, modular, and that anyone can really do.”

Through the use of locally available inputs such as manure and volcanic sediment in place of soil, Irakoze said farming should be adapted to lessen outside impacts.

“We really have to find ways to find our own solutions, whether through inputs like fertilizers or seeds. Some of these global events are always a reminder that we should definitely have some alternatives,” he said.

Elsewhere in Kigali, a group of young agronomists are training farmers to adopt technologies such as hydroponics to maximize productivity, using water instead of soil.

“The population is increasing, yet our land is not increasing. We make sure that we find solutions that can help farmers to overcome that, and then they produce more,” said one of the agronomists, Richard Bucyana.

Bucyana agreed that solutions such as Rwanda’s help to buffer from global events.

“African governments should start thinking how they can be self-sustainable,” he said.

Detained Aid Worker Joseph Figueira Martin Freed in Central African Republic

This family handout provided by Georges Martin shows his brother Joseph Figueira Martin playing with a sloth at the ecological park in Manaus, Brazil, Sept. 10, 2023. (Georges Martin via AP, File)

By WILSON MCMAKIN

6:35 PM EDT, April 7, 2026

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Detained aid worker Joseph Figueira Martin, who had been held in the Central African Republic for nearly two years, was freed Tuesday, his family told The Associated Press.

His brother said that “the rumor is real and he should land in Lisbon in a couple of hours.”

Figueira Martin, a dual Belgian-Portuguese citizen and consultant for the American aid organization FHI 360, was arrested in May 2024, according to the Central African Republic prosecutor’s office, over allegations of spying, being in communication with armed groups to plot a coup, and jeopardizing national security.

He was arrested in Zemio, a town in the country’s southeast that has been plagued by fighting between ethnic militias and anti-government rebels for over a decade.

Figueiro Martin was held in a military prison and had previously started a hunger strike to protest the conditions of his detention.

The government Tuesday has not yet confirmed his release or commented on the status of his legal case.

While arrests of foreign aid workers in the Central African Republic are rare, the country is tightening its grip over aid organizations operating in areas where the military is fighting armed groups. Following Figueira Martin’s arrest, authorities warned foreign NGO workers against participating in activities that could jeopardize national security, or face judicial proceedings.

Central African Republic has been in conflict since 2013, when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power and forced then-president François Bozizé from office. Mostly Christian militias fought back. A 2019 peace deal helped slow the fighting but six of the 14 armed groups that signed later left the agreement.

The Russian mercenary group Wagner is also present in Central African Republic to hold off armed rebel groups and keep in power President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who has been in office since 2016.

Iran Declares 'Historic Victory' Over US, Says Enemy Forced to Accept its Proposal

Wednesday, 08 April 2026 12:30 AM

Iran has declared a "historic and crushing defeat" of the United States and the Israeli regime after 40 days of war, announcing that Washington has been forced to accept a 10-point Iranian proposal that includes a permanent ceasefire, the lifting of all sanctions, and the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region.

In a statement addressed to the "noble, great, and heroic nation of Iran," the Supreme National Security Council said the enemy had suffered an undeniable defeat and now saw "no way forward but to submit to the will of the great nation of Iran and the honorable Axis of Resistance."

The announcement comes on Day 40 of the US-Israeli war of aggression on Iran, which began with the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and top-ranking commanders on February 28.

According to the statement, the United States has agreed to a 10-point proposal that fundamentally commits Washington to:

No new aggression against Iran

Continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz

Acceptance of enrichment

Removal of all primary sanctions

Removal of all secondary sanctions

Termination of all UN Security Council resolutions

Termination of all Board of Governors resolutions

Payment of compensation to Iran

Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region

Cessation of war on all fronts, including against the heroic Islamic Resistance of Lebanon

"Iran has achieved a great victory and has forced criminal America to accept its own 10-point proposal," the statement read.

The statement by the top security body described the past 40 days as one of the "heaviest combined battles in history," in which Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and occupied Palestine inflicted blows that "the historical memory of the world will never forget."

"Iran and the Resistance have almost completely destroyed the American military machine in the region," it stated. "They have inflicted crushing and deep blows on the vast infrastructure and capabilities that the enemy had built and deployed around the region over many years for this war against Iran."

The statement added that within the occupied territories, Resistance forces had dealt "devastating and crushing blows to the enemy's forces, infrastructure, facilities, and assets."

It further stated that the United States understood as early as 10 days into the war that it could not win.

"Not only did none of the enemy's main objectives materialize, but the enemy realized from about 10 days after the start of the war that it would have no ability to win this war," the statement said. "For this reason, through various channels and methods, the enemy began efforts to establish contact with Iran and request a ceasefire."

The top security body further said the enemy had initially imagined a quick military victory, believing Iran's missile and drone capabilities would be "quickly extinguished," and noted that the "vile global Zionism" had convinced the "ignorant President of the United States" that the war would finish Iran.

While declaring victory, the top security body also urged continued vigilance.

"We congratulate all the people of Iran on this victory," the statement read, "and emphasize that until the details of this victory are finalized, there remains a need for the resilience and prudence of officials and the preservation of unity and solidarity among the people of Iran."

The Iranian announcement came hours after Trump said he had agreed to a two-week suspension of bombing and attacks on Iran, subject to Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he would "suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks" — a decision he described as a "double-sided CEASEFIRE."

Trump said the suspension is "subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz."

Earlier on Tuesday, he had warned that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran failed to meet his demands, an inflammatory war rhetoric that triggered backlash worldwide.

Many condemned the bluster as genocidal and said it amounts to a horrendous war crime.

Pope Leo XIV called the threat "truly unacceptable," while US lawmakers decried Trump's rhetoric as "pure evil," with many of them calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil, has been effectively blocked by Iran since the US and Israel launched their unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran on February 28.

Iranian officials had categorically stated that the strategic waterway will not be reopened unless its demands are met, which include the permanent cessation of US-Israeli attacks.

In line with the directive of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and the approval of the Supreme National Security Council, and given Iran and the resistance's upper hand on the battlefield, the enemy's inability to carry out its threats despite all its claims, and the official acceptance of all the legitimate demands of the Iranian people, it has been decided that negotiations will be held in Islamabad to finalize the details.

This will take place within a maximum of 15 days, so that the details of Iran's victory on the battlefield may also be solidified in political negotiations.

The negotiations will begin on Friday in Islamabad. Iran will allocate two weeks for these negotiations and the timeframe may be extended by mutual agreement of the two sides.

The top security body said it is essential that during this period, complete national unity is maintained and victory celebrations continue with strength.

These negotiations, it asserted, are a national negotiation and an extension of the battlefield, so all people and political groups must trust and support this process, which is under the supervision of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. 

"If the enemy's surrender on the battlefield is transformed into a decisive political achievement in the negotiations, we will celebrate this great historic victory together. Otherwise, we will fight side by side on the battlefield until all the demands of the Iranian people are met," the statement noted. 

"Our hands are on the trigger, and the moment the slightest mistake is made by the enemy, it will be answered with full force."

US-Israeli Aggression on Iran: What Happened on 39th Day of the Imposed War

Tuesday, 07 April 2026 10:44 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Thirty-eight days into the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began with the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and top-ranking commanders, the military aggression continues to target civilian, educational, and industrial infrastructure across the country.

Iran's Minister of Education reported that, since the war of aggression was launched on February 28, at least 60 teachers and 250 students have been martyred.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the roar of US-Israeli fighter jets and multiple explosions echoed across various Iranian cities, including Tehran. Among the strikes, a historic synagogue in Tehran's Jewish community was destroyed in a pre-dawn US-Israeli air raid, while several highways and railway lines sustained serious damage.

US President Donald Trump escalated his inflammatory war rhetoric, warning that "a whole civilization will die" in Iran.

At the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran, while Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-backed UN Security Council resolution aimed at opening the Strait of Hormuz to US and allied vessels.

Despite the war, Iran's oil revenues surged by 37 percent in March, outpacing regional neighbors, according to reports.

Key developments from Day 39 of the imposed war:

Iran's Minister of Education announced that, to date, 60 teachers and 250 students have been martyred in attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime. He added that 210 teachers and students have been hospitalized due to injuries.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the sound of fighter jets and multiple explosions was heard across Tehran, Isfahan, Alborz, Karaj, Qom, West Azerbaijan, Bushehr, Khorasan Razavi, Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Fars, Kermanshah, Bandar Abbas, and East Azerbaijan, with the enemy hitting civilian targets.

A historic synagogue belonging to the Jewish community in Tehran was destroyed in a pre-dawn airstrike carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime.

Iranian officials reported damage to crucial infrastructure, including several bridges and a vital highway, following a series of US-Israeli airstrikes in different parts of Iran.

US-Israeli strikes hit Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure, citing international law prohibitions.

In a new inflammatory war rhetoric on his social media page that triggered massive backlash, Trump threatened to annihilate "Iranian civilization."

Iranians formed human chains around the country's power plants and bridges — a grassroots effort underscoring national resilience in the face of threats.

Pope Leo XIV said Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilization was "truly unacceptable" and that any attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked Trump to extend his deadline for Tehran by another two weeks "to allow diplomacy to run its course."

CNN quoted a source as saying that Trump's recent abusive remarks stem from his strategic failure in southern Isfahan, carried out in coordination with Netanyahu. The source added that the escalation of Trump's insults toward the Iranian people is a sign that he has lost control of the war effort.

The Washington Post reported that War Secretary Pete Hegseth is feeding wrong information regarding the developments in the war to Trump.

The New York Times reported that two Iranian officials outlined a 10-point proposal including guarantees against renewed attacks on Iran, an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the lifting of all sanctions. In exchange, Iran would lift its practical blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and collect roughly $2 million per ship — shared with Oman — using its portion to rebuild infrastructure damaged by US and Israeli attacks. It wasn’t confirmed by the Iranian side, though.

Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution prepared by Bahrain that called for states to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

CBS reported, citing CENTCOM, that at least 373 US military personnel were wounded and 13 killed during Iranian operations.

The IMF Chief warned of global inflation amid the war against Iran. The ongoing war is expected to drive higher inflation and slower economic growth worldwide, with long-lasting effects even if hostilities cease today, the IMF said.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump may authorize strikes on Iranian infrastructure Tuesday night, though ongoing negotiations could alter that plan. Republicans remain concerned about rising gasoline prices affecting the midterm elections in November.

The Wall Street Journal also stated that mediators have warned that if the US strikes nuclear and other civilian infrastructure, Tehran will retaliate against energy facilities in Israel and Persian Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Reuters reported that Iran's oil revenues in March were the highest in the region despite the war, with a 37% increase. Oman saw a 26% rise and Saudi Arabia 4.3%, while the UAE's dipped by 2.6% as price surges offset lower volumes.

Politico reported that Trump's deputy, JD Vance, is prepared to join direct talks with Iran if negotiations led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner advance sufficiently.

Iran has rejected a proposal for a temporary ceasefire, stating that it would give the US and Israel time to regroup and launch further attacks, and citing past ceasefire violations in Gaza and Lebanon, reports said.

Iran urged Saudi Arabia and the UAE to prevent their territories from being used to attack Iran, emphasizing Iran's right to take all necessary measures, including self-defense.

Axios reported that Trump may postpone attacks if concrete progress on a potential deal is evident.

Ten major UAE companies have seen their stock values drop between 2% and 35% since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran began.

Yasmin Ansari, an Iranian-American Congresswoman, submitted motions to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump and initiate impeachment proceedings against the Secretary of War, citing war crimes threats against Iranian infrastructure.

In response to escalating threats, Saudi authorities shut the bridge connecting the kingdom to Bahrain.

Three people were killed and two police officers were injured in an exchange of gunfire near the Israeli consulate building in Istanbul, Turkey.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated France's opposition to any attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Iran amid US threats, warning against stepping into a "vicious cycle."

'Ultimate Surrender': Pakistani Media Says Trump Backed Down to Iran After 40 Days

Wednesday, 08 April 2026 4:06 AM

US President Donald Trump

Pakistani news networks have described Donald Trump's announcement of a two-week suspension in the American attacks on Iran as the American president's ultimate surrender to the Islamic Republic.

The networks provided the coverage on Wednesday, moments after Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he had agreed to the suspension, subject to Tehran's reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, calling the decision a "double-sided CEASEFIRE."

Iran, on its part, declared a "historic and crushing defeat" of the US and the Israeli regime after 40 days of war, announcing that Washington has been forced to accept a 10-point Iranian proposal that includes a permanent ceasefire, the lifting of all sanctions, and the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region.

In a statement, the Supreme National Security Council said the enemy had suffered an undeniable defeat and now saw "no way forward but to submit to the will of the great nation of Iran and the honorable Axis of Resistance."

Broadcasts across the networks in Pakistan noted that Trump ultimately chose to surrender to Iran and realized that he could not pressure a civilized nation through threats.

Suno TV said the US and the Israeli regime now have no choice but to accept the Islamic Republic’s pivotal role in the West Asia region and the control it exercises over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

92 News, citing defense and political experts, reported that all of the US president’s calculations regarding Iran had proven to be wrong.

It added that, contrary to the wishes of Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who goaded Washington into joining the aggression on February 28, the Iranian people stood alongside the country's Islamic establishment and Armed Forces, something that awarded the Islamic Republic with the upper hand in the face of the aggressors.

Samaa News also reported that the day marked a victory for the Islamic Republic, as Trump had been forced to accept Iran’s demands, and the Israeli regime had no option but to retreat.

Pakistan played the central role in the cessation of US-Israeli aggression against Iran by mediating between Tehran and Washington in the past few weeks.

The announcement of a two-week truce followed at least 99 waves of decisive retaliatory strikes by Iran against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets across the region.

It also led to the Islamic Republic's closing the Strait of Hormuz to its adversaries and their allies, a move that sent shockwaves throughout global energy and commodity markets.

After Trump's announcement, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted on behalf of the Islamic Republic's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) that Iran would cease defensive strikes if unprovoked attacks targeting the country were halted.

Araghchi also thanked Islamabad for its efforts aimed at ending the situation that had arisen out of the unprovoked aggression.