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Succes Masra has been detained over the alleged incitement of protests that have resulted in the deaths of dozens. The former prime minister has been an outspoken opponent of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.Chad’s former prime minister, Succes Masra, was arrested on Friday for allegedly inciting hatred that resulted in the deaths of dozens earlier this week.

While Masra’s party said he was “kidnapped” by the judicial police on Friday morning, public prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye said that Chad’s former premier was being investigated on charges that included incitement of hatred and revolt, complicity in murder and the desecration of graves.This alleged involvement incited the population against a community residing in the same locality. Messages were circulated, notably on social networks, calling on the population to arm themselves against other citizens,” the prosecutor said.

Meanwhile, Masra’s opposition Transformers party said in a statement that their leader was “kidnapped” in his residence and expressed “deep concern over this brutal action carried out outside any known judicial procedures and in blatant violation of the civil and political rights guaranteed by the constitution.

Succes Masra has been detained over the alleged incitement of protests that have resulted in the deaths of dozens. The former prime minister has been an outspoken opponent of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.

Public Prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye said Masra was being investigated on charges that included incitement of hatred and revoltImage: Joris Bolomey/AFP/Getty Images

Chad’s former prime minister, Succes Masra, was arrested on Friday for allegedly inciting hatred that resulted in the deaths of dozens earlier this week.

While Masra’s party said he was “kidnapped” by the judicial police on Friday morning, public prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye said that Chad’s former premier was being investigated on charges that included incitement of hatred and revolt, complicity in murder and the desecration of graves.

Masra formerly served as premier under President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno (pictured) [FILE: August 11, 2023]Image: Denis Sassou Gueipeur/AFP/Getty Images

What else did the prosecutor say about Masra’s arrest?

The prosecutor said investigations by the judicial police pointed to Masra’s involvement in a clash that killed 42 people on Wednesday in the southwest province of Logone Occidental, mostly women and children.

“This alleged involvement incited the population against a community residing in the same locality. Messages were circulated, notably on social networks, calling on the population to arm themselves against other citizens,” the prosecutor said.

Meanwhile, Masra’s opposition Transformers party said in a statement that their leader was “kidnapped” in his residence and expressed “deep concern over this brutal action carried out outside any known judicial procedures and in blatant violation of the civil and political rights guaranteed by the constitution.”

Most of Chad’s territory is located within the sparsely populated Sahara desert and the transitional Sahel regionImage: Aurelie Bazzara-Kibangula/AFP/Getty Images

What is the political crisis in Chad?

In 2022, Masra went into exile after the military government suspended his party and six others in a clampdown on civil unrest over President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s decision to extend his rule by two more years. More than 60 people were killed in the unrest, which the government said was as “an attempted coup.”

Following his return to Chad, Masra was appointed prime minister in January 2024 in an effort to appease the opposition, four months before the presidential election.

Masra, who served as Chad prime minister from January to May 2024, faced off against Deby in presidential elections a year ago.

One of Deby’s most vociferous opponents, he won 18.5% of the vote while the incumbent secured 61.3%.

But Masra cried foul, alleging electoral fraud.

While Muslims are predominant in the vast Sahara desert and the arid Sahel region in Chad’s north and center, the far south of the country is largely Christian and animist. Masra belongs to the Ngambay subgroup of the Sara people who traditionally inhabit southern Chad and among whom the former prime minister enjoys widespread support.

Number’ of Russian demands were unacceptable, Ukraine says
Trump says he will meet Putin ‘as soon as we can set it up’
Pope Leo offers Vatican as venue for Russia-Ukraine talks

Turkey’s foreign minister has confirmed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a large-scale prisoner swap as a result of today’s peace talks.

Hakan Fidan posted on X to say the swap, which will involve 1,000 Ukrainians and 1,000 Russians, is a “confidence-building measure”.

He also said both sides said they would agree to share, in writing, the “conditions that would make it possible to reach a ceasefire”.

Fidan described the negotiations as an “important day for world peace”.
Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul have finished after less than two hours. Keir Starmer said Moscow’s approach is “unacceptable”, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Putin of being scared to meet him.

After Rustem Umerov spoke to reporters in Istanbul, Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi took over questions.

He reiterates that, during talks today, the Russian delegation “voiced a number of things which we deem unacceptable”.

“We have a long experience of all kinds of talks with the Russians. Believe me, since 2014, there were many rounds,” he says, referring to talks between Kyiv and Moscow following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

“So I would say that the Ukrainian delegation knows how to handle all the things that might be voiced from that side.”

Tykhyi says the Ukrainian delegation had a “clear agenda” to secure a ceasefire at talks.

“This is logical because if you want to have serious negotiations, you need to have guns silent,” he says. 

Meanwhile, in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has been speaking about the war and peace talks.

He’s also confirmed “I am going back home” despite calls for him to join the Ukraine-Russia talks in Turkey.

But he also said he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin “as soon as we can set it up”.

“I think it’s time for us to just do it,” he told reporters in Abu Dhabi, on the last leg of a three-nation tour of the Middle East.

“I said if I don’t go, I guarantee Putin’s not going… we’re going to get it done, we’ve got to get it done.”

Yesterday, when Vladimir Putin didn’t travel to Turkey, Trump said: “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together.”

He also said on Thursday of Putin’s no-show: “Why would he go if I’m not going?”

Pope Leo XIV has proposed the Vatican as a venue for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine after discussions in Istanbul failed to bear fruit, according to the Vatican’s secretary of state.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin described the outcome of the Turkey talks as “tragic”.

“It’s all tragic because we hoped that a process would begin, perhaps slowly, but with a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Instead, we are back to square one,” he said at an event organised by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Rome.

If necessary, the Pope will “provide the Vatican, the Holy See, for a direct meeting between the two sides”, he added.

keyword #Ukraine#-Russia# agreed to large-scale #prisoner swap, #Turkey’s foreign minister says

Multiple injuries were reported at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Berlin commemorating the Nakba and criticizing Israel on Thursday. Police and politicians have condemned the violence.

Multiple injuries were reported at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Berlin commemorating the Nakba and criticizing Israel on Thursday. Police and politicians have condemned the violence.

Berlin politicians condemned violence directed at police during a protest in the German capital

Several protesters and police officers sustained injuries during violent confrontations at a pro-Palestinian demonstration marking Nakba Day in Berlin on Thursday.

According to police, who made over 50 arrests, approximately 1,100 people took part in the demonstration in the Berlin district of Kreuzberg in remembrance of the Nakba and protesting against Israel’s continuing military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Nakba means “catastrophe” in Arabic and refers to the forced displacement or fleeing of Palestinians during the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 after Israel’s founding. About 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes in the years before and after the proclamation of the State of Israel.

Some 1,200 Israelis — around 800 civilians — were killed and another 250 abducted in the attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israel’s military response has seen over 53,000 Palestinians — mainly women and children — killed, according to health authorities in Hamas-led Gaza Strip, whose casualty counts do not differentiate between militants and civilians but are regarded as reliable by international organizations, and much of the territory laid to waste.

President Trump said India has made an offer to drop tariffs on US goods as part of ongoing trade negotiations.
United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday that India had offered a trade deal that proposed almost “no tariffs” on US goods, as the South Asian nation seeks to avert higher import and export costs.

India disputed Trump’s claim. But New Delhi is looking to clinch a trade deal with the US within the 90-day pause announced by Trump on April 9, on so called reciprocal tariffs for major trading partners. On May 8, the White House secured a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, two days after India inked a similar pact with it.

The US president said the tariff India places on US goods is “so high” that it prevents much business from taking place between the two nations. The White House has long criticized India’s high tariffs, including 70% on autos, 20% on some networking equipment, 80% on rice imports. It also has chastised India for its non-tariff trade barriers, including burdensome regulatory requirements for importers.

A zero tariff — if that’s in fact what India is offering — would be a welcome change for US companies looking to export their goods to the world’s most populous country.

“(India) have actually told us, I assume you too, (Treasury Secretary) Scott (Bessent)… that there will be no tariff, right? Would you say that’s a difference? They’re the highest, and now they’re saying no tariff,” Trump said.

Jaishankar told reporters the trade deal “has to work for both countries.”

“That would be our expectation from the trade deal. And until that is done. I think any judgment on it would be premature,” he said.

Chief fire officer gives statement after three dead in fire at former Bicester RAF site

Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer has given an emotional statement in front of press at the scene of a fire which claimed the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public at a former RAF base in Bicester.

A fire broke out yesterday evening (Thursday 15 May) at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire, with witnesses reporting loud explosions and thick black smoke billowing from the site.

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the fire, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.

London Fire Brigade has confirmed that one of those who lost their lives is a London Leading Firefighter/Sub Officer, who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.provide further information when we can.

“We were called to the scene at 18:39 yesterday, and at the height of the incident we had ten fire engines tackling the fire. We remain on site with a reduced presence and the fire is under control.

“Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues affected at this time. I am immensely proud and grateful of the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services’ personnel. Thank you.”

Four crews remain at the scene as the blaze is now under control. Officers remained at the entrance of the former RAF base on Friday, and a fire engine and ambulance could be seen leaving the area while another police vehicle entered the site.

Members of the public have been leaving flowers at the scene, in memory of those firefighters who gave their lives tackling the blaze.

Notably, Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales’ special role which she will perform in her upcoming visit with the future King.A renowned royal editor, Rebecca English took to Instagram, sharing details related to William and Catherine’s next public appearance.

She wrote, “The Prince and The Princess of Wales, Sponsor HMS Glasgow, will attend the ship’s naming ceremony in Scotland on May 22.”

“During the visit, the Princess will take part in naming the ship by releasing a bottle of whisky which will be broken against the ship’s hull.”

For the unversed, Kate, the future Queen was appointed as Sponsor of HMS Glasgow in June 2021.Prince William and Princess Kate are set to make headlines as the royal couple’s new major tour to Glasgow has been confirmed.

Notably, Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales’ special role which she will perform in her upcoming visit with the future King.

Prince William and Princess Kate are set to make headlines as the royal couple’s new major tour to Glasgow has been confirmed.

Notably, Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales’ special role which she will perform in her upcoming visit with the future King.A renowned royal editor, Rebecca English took to Instagram, sharing details related to William and Catherine’s next public appearance.

She wrote, “The Prince and The Princess of Wales, Sponsor HMS Glasgow, will attend the ship’s naming ceremony in Scotland on May 22.”

“During the visit, the Princess will take part in naming the ship by releasing a bottle of whisky which will be broken against the ship’s hull.”

For the unversed, Kate, the future Queen was appointed as Sponsor of HMS Glasgow in June 2021.Prince William and Princess Kate are set to make headlines as the royal couple’s new major tour to Glasgow has been confirmed.

Notably, Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales’ special role which she will perform in her upcoming visit with the future King.

Ncuti Gatwa withdraws as Eurovision 2025 spokesperson for final”
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has been replaced as the Eurovision 2025 spokesperson due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The 32-year-old actor was due to read out the UK jury votes at the grand final on Saturday but has now been replaced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

A BBC statement from Thursday evening said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.”

It continued: “However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2’s very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the jury result live from the UK.”
The BBC has not given any more information on the reason for Gatwa’s withdrawal.

In previous years the UK spokesperson role has been taken on by Catherine Tate, Amanda Holden and AJ Odudu.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “I love Eurovision and it’s a privilege to be part of 2025’s grand final.

“What an honour it is to announce the UK’s jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!”

The announcement from the BBC about Gatwa came during the second Eurovision semi-final, in which UK entry Remember Monday performed.

Lauren Byrne, Charlotte Steele and Holly-Anne Hull performed What The Hell Just Happened, but were safe from elimination due to the UK’s automatic qualification in the competition.

Jets beat the Stars 4-0 to force Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinal series

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — — Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves and the Winnipeg Jets beat the Dallas Stars 4-0 on Thursday night to force a sixth game in the Western Conference semifinal series.

With Edmonton awaiting the winner in the conference final, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets avoided elimination to send the series back to Dallas for Game 6 on Saturday night.

“We knew this wasn’t going to be easy,” Stars forward Matt Duchene said. “We knew they weren’t going to roll over on us. We’re going to Dallas here and see if we can end it.”

Nikolaj Ehlers had two goals and Mark Scheifele and Vladislav Namestnikov also scored to back Hellebuyck in his second shutout of the playoffs.

Jake Oettinger stopped 31 shots for Dallas. Stars captain Jamie Benn sucker-punched Scheifele during a late scrum, with Benn given a misconduct penalty and possibly facing a suspension for Game 6.

“They’re going to have a big pushback the next game, so we’ve got to make sure our details are right and we bring it,” Hellebuyck said. “Our backs are against the wall and it’s time to play Jet hockey.”

Scheifele opened the scoring at 6:17 of the second period with a shot that deflected off two Dallas players. Scheifele’s wrist shot from the right side hit Wyatt Johnston’s stick, then struck Thomas Harley skate in front of the net.

Tyler Seguin missed a chance to tie it when hit the left post on a close-range shot with 3:19 left in the second. The Jets got a late power play in the period when Mason Marchment was called for holding Ehlers, but Oettinger thwarted the best scoring chance when Gabriel Vilardi’s shot hit the goalie in the back after he got turned around on a wide scramble.

Ehlers made it 2-0 on a two-man advantage at 2:20 of the third, beating Oettinger in close from the right side. Dallas’ Alexander Petrovic and Esa Lindell were called for tripping penalties in an 11-second span.

Vladislav Namestnikov scored on another power with 7:53 left, firing a wrist shot from the slot over Oettinger.

Ehlers had a short-handed empty-netter in the final minute.

“We don’t want to be done playing hockey and today showed that,” Ehlers said. “We’ve just got to take that to the next game.”

Scheifele also had an assist, and Kyle Connor and Neal Pionk each had two assists to help the Jets improve to 6-1 at home this postseason. They are 0-5 on the road.

“We haven’t played well on the road at all this playoff, so no better time than now to start,” Lowry said.