The United Nations (UN) Security Council yesterday convened to discuss the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now facing trial in New York on drug-related charges, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern that the US action could further destabilise Venezuela, warning of a possible escalation of instability in the country. Meanwhile, during his first court appearance, Maduro pleaded not guilty, telling the judge that he remains the president of Venezuela and is not guilty of anything that is mentioned. His wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a plea of not guilty.

For more on this,  Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Political Science & International Relations Analyst and the Director for the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University.

The United Nations (UN) Security Council yesterday convened to discuss the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro, who is now facing trial in New York on drug-related charges, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism.
UN Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres has expressed concern that the US action could further destabilise Venezuela, warning of a possible escalation of instability in the country. Meanwhile, during his first court appearance, Maduro pleaded not guilty, telling the judge that he remains the president of Venezuela and is not guilty of anything that is mentioned. His wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a plea of not guilty.
For more on this, &nbsp;Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Political Science &amp; International Relations Analyst and the Director for the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University.

Africa Rise & Shine

Rise & Shine

UN Security Council meets after US capture of Venezuela's President

We turn now to West Africa, where political uncertainty, shifting alliances and policy changes continue to shape the region. In Burkina Faso, supporters have rallied in Ouagadougou following reports of a thwarted coup attempt, highlighting ongoing instability in the Sahel. At the same time, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are asserting a more defiant stance internationally, including retaliatory travel restrictions against U.S. nationals. Meanwhile, Guinea's Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory, even as ECOWAS warns against prolonged military-led transitions elsewhere in the region. To unpack these developments, is Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga.


POSSIBLE QUESTIONS
* Let's start in Burkina Faso - supporters have taken to the streets in Ouagadougou following reports of an attempted coup; what does this tell us about the current balance of power and public sentiment in the country?

* More broadly in the Sahel, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger appear increasingly aligned, both politically and militarily; how significant is this bloc, and how might it reshape regional security dynamics?

* These same countries have also imposed retaliatory travel bans on U.S. nationals - what message are they sending to Western powers, and how could this affect diplomatic and economic relations?

* Turning to Guinea, the Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory; does this ruling settle questions of legitimacy, or are deeper political challenges still unresolved?

* ECOWAS has rejected the transition process in Guinea-Bissau and warned of possible sanctions; is the regional body losing influence, or is it recalibrating its approach to military-led governments?

* How do these repeated tensions between ECOWAS and transitional authorities affect regional integration and collective security in West Africa?

* Beyond politics, Cape Verde has ended visa-on-arrival access for travellers from 96 countries - what are the possible economic and diplomatic implications of this decision for a tourism-dependent economy?

* Ghana is being positioned as a leader in modernising short-sea shipping in West Africa; why is this development important for regional trade and economic integration?

* Finally, Togo has expanded its nuclear safety framework through new international accords - how significant is this step, and what does it signal about the region's engagement with global governance standards?

We turn now to West Africa, where political uncertainty, shifting alliances and policy changes continue to shape the region. In Burkina Faso, supporters have rallied in Ouagadougou following reports of a thwarted coup attempt, highlighting ongoing instability in the Sahel. At the same time, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are asserting a more defiant stance internationally, including retaliatory travel restrictions against U.S. nationals. Meanwhile, Guinea's Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory, even as ECOWAS warns against prolonged military-led transitions elsewhere in the region. To unpack these developments, is Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga.
 POSSIBLE QUESTIONS * Let's start in Burkina Faso - supporters have taken to the streets in Ouagadougou following reports of an attempted coup; what does this tell us about the current balance of power and public sentiment in the country?
* More broadly in the Sahel, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger appear increasingly aligned, both politically and militarily; how significant is this bloc, and how might it reshape regional security dynamics?
* These same countries have also imposed retaliatory travel bans on U.S. nationals - what message are they sending to Western powers, and how could this affect diplomatic and economic relations?
* Turning to Guinea, the Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory; does this ruling settle questions of legitimacy, or are deeper political challenges still unresolved?
* ECOWAS has rejected the transition process in Guinea-Bissau and warned of possible sanctions; is the regional body losing influence, or is it recalibrating its approach to military-led governments?
* How do these repeated tensions between ECOWAS and transitional authorities affect regional integration and collective security in West Africa?
* Beyond politics, Cape Verde has ended visa-on-arrival access for travellers from 96 countries - what are the possible economic and diplomatic implications of this decision for a tourism-dependent economy?
* Ghana is being positioned as a leader in modernising short-sea shipping in West Africa; why is this development important for regional trade and economic integration?
* Finally, Togo has expanded its nuclear safety framework through new international accords - how significant is this step, and what does it signal about the region's engagement with global governance standards?

West Africa wrap with Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga

The Black Lawyers Association in South Africa  has thrown its weight behind Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi's call for mandatory lifestyle audits for all prosecutors.

 The association says the move is critical to protecting the integrity of South Africa's justice system, particularly in light of serious concerns raised about the National Prosecuting Authority during the Zondo Commission into State Capture.

Channel Africa's economics reporter innocent Semosa has more.

The Black Lawyers Association in South Africa &nbsp;has thrown its weight behind Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi's call for mandatory lifestyle audits for all prosecutors.
&nbsp;The association says the move is critical to protecting the integrity of South Africa's justice system, particularly in light of serious concerns raised about the National Prosecuting Authority during the Zondo Commission into State Capture.
Channel Africa's economics reporter innocent Semosa has more.

BLA supports mandatory lifestyle audits for all Prosecutors

Israeli Foreign Minister (FM) Gideon Sara is in Somaliland, 10 days after Israel formally recognised the self-declared republic as an independent and sovereign state. Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the visit, describing it as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The ministry says Israel's official engagement with Somaliland, conducted without Somalia's consent, is illegal and null and void, and has called on international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, to uphold and support Somalia's territorial integrity. 

For more on this is Dr Seife Tadelle Kidane, a Director of the Centre for Governance and Intra Africa Trade Studies (CGIATS) and The Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) Associate Researcher at the University of Johannesburg.

Israeli Foreign Minister (FM) Gideon Sara is in Somaliland, 10 days after Israel formally recognised the self-declared republic as an independent and sovereign state. Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the visit, describing it as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ministry says Israel's official engagement with Somaliland, conducted without Somalia's consent, is illegal and null and void, and has called on international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, to uphold and support Somalia's territorial integrity.&nbsp;
For more on this is Dr Seife Tadelle Kidane, a Director of the Centre for Governance and Intra Africa Trade Studies (CGIATS) and The Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) Associate Researcher at the University of Johannesburg.

UN Security Council meets after US capture of Venezuela's President

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