The Social Democrats have filed a formal complaint against the Swedish Government Offices with the Parliamentary Ombudsman, citing an extraordinary delay in the registration of sensitive national security documents. The issue concerns a damage assessment linked to confidential documents forgotten by National Security Adviser Henrik Landerholm at a conference center. The Government Offices reportedly failed to register the assessment for 673 days only doing so after inquiries from Dagens Nyheter brought the matter to light. Heléne Björklund, a Member of Parliament for the Social Democrats, expressed serious concerns about the handling of the incident. “The Government Offices are not…
Author: Ohene Anochie
Ohene Anochie
Senior Reporter with AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
Foreign ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) convened on Sunday in Ouagadougou to finalize preparations for their official withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are set to exit the regional bloc on Tuesday, January 28. During the meeting, the ministers emphasized a unified approach to negotiations with ECOWAS, aiming for peaceful coexistence. They underscored the importance of presenting the AES as a cohesive entity in future discussions with the bloc. The decision to leave ECOWAS follows strained relations between the three nations and the regional body. Tensions…
Every year, the northernmost town of Skagen in Denmark becomes the epicenter of an invigorating tradition: the Winter Swimming Festival. This four-day event, founded in 2012 by Rita Eeg, has grown into a popular celebration, attracting both locals and visitors from across Europe to plunge into the icy waters. Winter swimming, which combines the thrill of cold immersion with health benefits, has gained significant popularity in Denmark. Many participants credit the activity with fostering resilience, boosting vitality, and strengthening their connection with nature. The festival, now a staple of Skagen’s winter calendar, has transformed the town into a…
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to press the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its leading member, Saudi Arabia, to reduce global crude oil prices. “Bring Down Oil Prices to End the War” During his address, Trump emphasized the urgency of lowering oil prices, linking it to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. “I’m going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil. You’ve got to bring it down,” Trump stated. “Frankly, I’m surprised they didn’t do it before the election. If the price…
South Sudanese authorities have announced a 30-day restriction on social media platforms, effective from midnight on Thursday. The move comes in response to alarming content depicting violence against South Sudanese citizens in neighboring Sudan. Addressing Public Safety Concerns The National Communication Authority (NCA) issued directives to telecommunications providers, stating that the measure is essential for safeguarding public safety and mental well-being. “The ban could be lifted as soon as the situation stabilizes,” the NCA assured. “The materials being shared violate local laws and pose a serious threat to public order.” The restriction may be extended up to 90 days…
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in collaboration with basketball legend Tony Parker, hosted the Invest in DRC event in Paris on January 21, 2025. This high-profile forum aimed to address the challenges facing the nation while highlighting its vast potential as an investment hub. Presidential Backing and Global Appeal Endorsed by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, the event sought to attract French and international investors, reshaping perceptions of the DRC on the global stage. The presence of Tony Parker, a global sports icon, added significant star power and emphasized the country’s ambition to leverage international partnerships for economic transformation.…
China has launched its first heterogeneous humanoid robot training centre in Shanghai’s Pudong District, marking a significant step forward in robotics innovation. Dubbed the Humanoid Robot Kylin Training Ground, the facility is poised to revolutionize robotics by integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. A Hub for Advanced Robotics Training Currently capable of training over 100 humanoid robots, the centre plans to expand its capacity to accommodate 1,000 robots by 2027. In collaboration with local robotics firms, the facility aims to build a robust dataset of 10 million high-quality physical data entries by 2025. This data will…
Three military-ruled nations in Africa’s Sahel region—Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali—have announced the creation of a 5,000-strong unified force to combat the persistent jihadist violence plaguing their territories. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Niger’s Defense Minister Salifou Mody. A Unified Front Against Common Threats The newly established “unified force” will bring together personnel and resources from the three nations, including aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities. Minister Mody revealed during a televised interview that the force is “nearly ready” and expected to be operational within weeks. “In this common space, our forces will be able to intervene together,”…
In the early hours of Monday, 90 Palestinian prisoners were greeted with jubilant celebrations in the West Bank city of Beitunia following their release from an Israeli prison. Crowds gathered with fireworks, whistles, and chants of “God is great” to welcome the freed detainees. Part of Ceasefire Agreement The release is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a potential step toward ending 15 months of conflict. The truce remains fragile, and its longevity is uncertain. This release, which began around 11:15 a.m. local time, saw buses carrying the prisoners depart after 1 a.m., greeted by…
Finance Minister Eelco Heinen has proposed that banks be allowed to share customer information to strengthen anti-money laundering efforts, despite concerns over privacy. In a discussion document presented to parliament on Monday, Heinen outlined his vision for the financial sector, focusing on combating financial crime, reducing bureaucracy, and fostering competition in the savings market. Tackling Money Laundering Current laws prohibit banks from sharing client data due to privacy regulations. However, Heinen argued that the existing system is both costly and inefficient. “The discussion about privacy is at odds with tracing criminal money and keeping the financial system clean,” he…
