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Sudan Peace Talks Yield Aid Routes Amid Army Boycott

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Humanitarian aid is set to flow into Sudan through two newly established routes after peace talks in Switzerland concluded with a partial agreement.

The discussions, which took place over ten days in Geneva, were mediated by the United States and involved representatives from countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

The mediators, collectively known as the “Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group,” secured agreements to open two key routes for aid delivery.

One route will pass through the Adre border crossing with Chad into Darfur, while the other will follow the Dabbah Road from Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Additional progress was made towards opening a third route via the Sennar Junction.

These efforts are aimed at alleviating the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where millions face famine and disease due to ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in the displacement of over 10.7 million people and tens of thousands of deaths.

Despite the progress in securing aid routes, the absence of the Sudanese army from the Geneva talks was a significant obstacle.

US Sudan envoy Tom Perriello expressed hope that the agreements would generate momentum for further progress but acknowledged the challenges ahead. He emphasized that the crisis in Sudan is so severe that multiple rounds of negotiations may be necessary to address the humanitarian needs adequately.

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Kaduna: Juji residents cry out over abandoned bridge

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Residents of the Juji community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have raised fresh concerns over the abandonment of a bridge project linking the town to Ungwan Gimbiya, warning that the situation has worsened with the onset of the rainy season.

The bridge, which has remained incomplete for several years, is now severely affected by erosion and stagnant floodwaters, leaving it nearly impassable and posing serious risks to residents.

Speaking with reporters, locals described how heavy rainfall often renders the route unusable, disrupting daily life.

“Each time it rains, children can’t get to school, and many parents are unable to leave for work,” a resident said. “We are cut off completely. The waterlogged path is dangerous to cross.”

Community members say the abandoned infrastructure has left them stranded and exposed, especially schoolchildren and traders who rely on the route.

They are calling on the Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna State Roads Agency, KADRA, to urgently resume and complete the project.

“This is no longer a minor complaint, it’s affecting our survival,” one resident added.

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Nigeria has regressed to electoral autocracy – LPPMC

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The Liberal Progressive & Patriotic Members Congress, LPPMC, has observed with dismay that Nigeria has regressed to electoral autocracy and needs constitutional disobedience to reset the system.

In a communiqué issued by the National Coordinator of LPPMC, Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, on behalf of 21 other leaders, the Congress stressed the need for an immediate biometric audit of INEC’s voter register, blockchain-based voting systems to prevent tampering, and live streaming of all results collation.

The meeting stated that when courts legitimize electoral heists, democracy becomes tyranny, and resolved to pursue a constitutional amendment to punish judicial officers who subvert electoral justice and impose a 90-day limit for election petitions.

The communiqué stated that 25 years of democracy have not addressed northern marginalization and called for constitutional recognition of power rotation between regions and religions.

On grassroots mobilization, LPPMC says it would launch “Democracy Literacy Campaigns” in all 774 LGAs, assuring that it would reserve 40% of leadership slots for women and youth (per gender policy debates).

LPPMC said, “The 2023 elections showed rigging is now institutionalized. We must act now or lose Nigeria completely.”

It alleged that Labour Party’s hijacking proves the need for new safeguards against political predators and called for the formation of a 37-state Coalition for Electoral Integrity by July 1.

It gave INEC an ultimatum to clean the voter register by August 30 and commence mass voter education by September 12.

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Apo mechanic village traders to shut shops for President Tinubu’s visit, project commissioning

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Traders, mechanics, and shop owners in Abuja’s Apo Mechanic Village said they will temporarily close their businesses on Friday, June 13, to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This is as he commissions a major road project in the area. This is contained in a statement signed by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant, Public Communications and Social Media on Thursday.

According to him, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has  announced that the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II — from Ring Road I (RRI) Junction to Wasa Junction — will be officially commissioned by President Tinubu at 2:30pm.

As part of the arrangements, the Apo-Wasa road will be closed to vehicular movement from 11:00am to 4:00pm to ensure a smooth ceremony and adequate security, the statement added.

He said motorists are advised to use alternative routes during this period.

He said, “Also, traders, mechanics and other shop owners in the Apo Mechanic Village have offered to close their shops tomorrow, to enable them give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a rousing welcome, and participate in the commissioning of the road project.”

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