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Swaziland marks 50 years of independence amid chaotic protests. 14 April 2018. Via @Osuta_Yusuf. Police fired rubber bullets at protesters in Swaziland on Friday while they marched against worsening living conditions and the cost of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the absolute monarchy. More than 2 000 people took to the streets to take part in a rare demonstration organised by Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) in the administrative capital Mbabane. One protester was injured in the thigh when police fired rubber bullets at the crowd angered by celebrations marking independence from Britain in 1968 that coincide with the birthday of King Mswati III. Police tussled with protesters, some of whom burnt tyres and blocked roads, as they made their way to the prime minister’s office to deliver a petition. Some marchers attempted to tear down the gates at the PM’s office and force their way inside but were blocked by police. Regional media have claimed that Swaziland’s government had purchased a fleet of luxury BMWs for the occasion, something that officials have denied. The Times of Swaziland daily reported that chief justice Bheki Maphalala had instructed judges to contribute at least $165 each to the festivities. “Our hospitals have run out of medicine. Of course, ordinary citizens can’t afford to go to Asia or Europe to get proper medical care,” said TUCOSWA official Muzi Mhlanga. “Authorities have instructed the pensions fund and the provident fund to contribute millions of our hard-earned money to fund the celebrations.” TUCOSWA said that civil servants would receive no pay hike to meet the increasing cost of living while senior ministers received increases of almost one third. Friday’s march was significant for Swaziland where dissent is stifled and mass protests are rare. King Mswati III took the throne of the tiny southern African kingdom in April 1986 and has ruled for more than 31 years.

Swaziland marks 50 years of independence amid chaotic protests . 14 April 2018. Via @Osuta_Yusuf Police fired rubber bullets at protesters in Swaziland on Friday while they marched against worsening living conditions and the cost of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the absolute monarchy. More than 2 000 people took to the streets to take part in a rare demonstration organised by Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) in the administrative capital Mbabane. One protester was injured in the thigh when police fired rubber bullets at the crowd angered by celebrations marking independence from Britain in 1968 that coincide with the birthday of King Mswati III. Police tussled with protesters, some of whom burnt tyres and blocked roads, as they made their way to the prime minister’s office to deliver a petition. Some marchers attempted to tear down the gates at the PM’s office and force their way inside but were blocked by police. Regional media have c...

Nine arrested after fatal Nigeria bank robbery, attack. RT @Osuta_Yusuf / Via Osuta Yusuf blog / AFP / REUTERS. 14 April 2018. Nine people have been arrested after 15 people were killed when armed men attacked two banks and a police station in central Nigeria, police said on Friday. The gang struck in broad daylight in a busy commercial district in Offa, Kwara state, on April 6, opening fire indiscriminately as they made off with the looted cash. Federal police spokesman Jimoh Moshood said the arrests were made during “massive raids” in Offa and the southwest, which saw a shoot-out between officers and suspects. Those detained include the alleged mastermind of the attack, he added. Two pistols, ammunition and mobile phones belonging to some of the victims were recovered, he said. Nigeria’s government is facing a number of security threats across the country, including gang violence which has been linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in northern states.

Nine arrested after fatal Nigeria bank robbery, attack . RT @Osuta_Yusuf / Via Osuta Yusuf blog / AFP / REUTERS. 14 April 2018. Nine people have been arrested after 15 people were killed when armed men attacked two banks and a police station in central Nigeria, police said on Friday. The gang struck in broad daylight in a busy commercial district in Offa, Kwara state, on April 6, opening fire indiscriminately as they made off with the looted cash. Federal police spokesman Jimoh Moshood said the arrests were made during “massive raids” in Offa and the southwest, which saw a shoot-out between officers and suspects. Those detained include the alleged mastermind of the attack, he added. Two pistols, ammunition and mobile phones belonging to some of the victims were recovered, he said. Nigeria’s government is facing a number of security threats across the country, including gang violence which has been linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in northern states. ...

Amnesty International lauds strides by Africa to scrap death penalty. 14 April 2018. RT @Osuta_Yusuf. International rights organization, Amnesty International, has hailed the progress made by countries in sub-Saharan Africa to abolish the death penalty as a form of punishment. 20 sub-Saharan countries have since 1981 abolished the death penalty. Guinea in 2017 became the 20th state in the region to abolish the death penalty for all crimes. Amnesty International’s Secretary General Salil Shetty described the progress made in sub-Saharan Africa as a ‘beacon of hope’. “The progress in sub-Saharan Africa reinforced its position as a beacon of hope for abolition. The leadership of countries in this region gives fresh hope that the abolition of the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment is within reach.” Burkina Faso and Chad took steps to repeal the death penalty with new or proposed laws while Kenya abolished the mandatory death penalty for murder. The organization recorded a drop in the number of executing countries across sub-Saharan Africa, from five in 2016 to two in 2017, with only South Sudan and Somalia known to have carried out executions. Nigeria according to the rights group, put to death at least 600 people between 2015 and 2016 with over 2,200 people currently on death row. “People suspected of terrorism are often sentenced to death and that is disturbing. And the work we do is to say that the death penalty is against human rights and that some sentences are degrading and outdated,” Kine Fatim Diop of Amnesty International’s West Africa office told Africanews. Botswana and Sudan resumed executions in 2018, but Amnesty says the move should not overshadow the positive steps being taken by other countries across the region “With governments in the region continuing to take steps to reduce and repeal the death penalty well into 2018, the isolation of the world’s remaining executing countries could not be starker,” Shetty said. The Gambia has also signed an international treaty committing the country not to carry out executions and moving to abolish the death penalty. President Adama Barrow established an official temporary ban on executions in February 2018.

Amnesty International lauds strides by Africa to scrap death penalty . 14 April 2018. RT @Osuta_Yusuf International rights organization, Amnesty International, has hailed the progress made by countries in sub-Saharan Africa to abolish the death penalty as a form of punishment. 20 sub-Saharan countries have since 1981 abolished the death penalty. Guinea in 2017 became the 20th state in the region to abolish the death penalty for all crimes. Amnesty International’s Secretary General Salil Shetty described the progress made in sub-Saharan Africa as a ‘beacon of hope’. “The progress in sub-Saharan Africa reinforced its position as a beacon of hope for abolition. The leadership of countries in this region gives fresh hope that the abolition of the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment is within reach.” Burkina Faso and Chad took steps to repeal the death penalty with new or proposed laws while Kenya abolished the mandatory death penalty for murder. The organization reco...

SOUTH AFRICA LAYS WINNIE MANDELA TO REST. 14 April 2018. Via REUTERS. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Africa lays to rest anti-apartheid icon and Nelson Mandela’s former wife Winnie Mandela with full state honours at a stadium funeral in Soweto on Saturday. Tens of thousands of mourners burst into loud cheers as the casket carrying her remains was wheeled into the stadium, less than two kilometres from her home. The casket draped with the multi-coloured South African flag was placed in the middle of the 37,500-seater stadium in front of a stage, decked in white and yellow flowers. Mourners dressed in the colours of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), as well those of the radical opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), sang “there’s no-one like Winnie”, an adapted popular liberation struggle song. The ceremony concludes 10 days of national mourning during which time thousands of South Africans have paid tribute to the “Mother of the Nation” at her Soweto home and elsewhere. Winnie Mandela, who died in Johannesburg aged 81 on April 2 after a long illness, has been celebrated for helping keep Nelson Mandela’s dream of a non-racial South Africa alive while he was behind bars for 27 years. “She was one of the most profound leaders of the ANC,” said 53-year-old mourner Brian Magqaza. “She fought from beginning to the end. Go well Mama.” EFF supporter Mufunwa Muhadi, 31, said “Mama fought for our freedom. It is important to honour her and continue the fight”. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took office two months ago, is leading the mourners at the pre-burial service in Soweto’s Orlando stadium. Former South African presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki are also attending the funeral. Mourners booed when the presence of scandal-tainted Zuma was publicly acknowledged. Foreign dignitaries at the funeral include the leaders of Namibia, Swaziland and the Republic of Congo, as well as American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson. “She is truly the mother of South Africa,” Jackson told journalists on Friday. The township of Soweto is hugely symbolic in South Africa as it became a crucible of black resistance against white minority rule, which ended with elections in 1994. Winnie Mandela’s husband became the first black president of democratic South Africa, but she refused to follow many other struggle-era politicians who moved from townships like Soweto to formerly white-only suburbs after the end of apartheid. Instead she remained embedded in the community where she met Nelson Mandela at a bus stop in 1957. After the formal service, Winnie Mandela’s body will be buried 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Soweto, at a privately run graveyard in Johannesburg’s upmarket Fourways suburb where two of her great-grand children are also buried. The funeral closes the final chapter in the history of a woman who was exalted for her fearless defiance of apartheid rule but also implicated in violence and corruption in later life. In 1991, she was convicted for kidnapping and being an accessory in the assault of a 14-year-old boy and was more generally accused of overseeing violence in black townships. In 2003 she was found guilty of fraud. But her controversial reputation has been largely brushed aside in the wake of her death with tributes to her bravery, independence and integrity dominating public commemorations. The United Nations staged a special memorial sitting at its New York headquarters on Friday to mark her passing. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described her as “an international symbol of resistance”. South Africa’s communications minister Nomvula Mokonyane told AFP that Winnie should not only be remembered for “mistakes or the casualties of the struggle”. In old age, Winnie Mandela emerged as a respected elder who was feted as a living reminder of her late husband — and of the long and celebrated struggle against apartheid. Most of her 38-year marriage to Nelson was spent apart, leaving her to raise their two daughters alone as she kept his political dream alive. But when Nelson Mandela died in 2013, it emerged he had left Winnie nothing in his will. On Saturday, a 21-gun salute will be fired and a full honour guard is expected to escort Winnie’s remains to her final resting place.

SOUTH AFRICA LAYS WINNIE MANDELA TO REST. 14 April 2018. Via REUTERS. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Africa lays to rest anti-apartheid icon and Nelson Mandela’s former wife Winnie Mandela with full state honours at a stadium funeral in Soweto on Saturday. Tens of thousands of mourners burst into loud cheers as the casket carrying her remains was wheeled into the stadium, less than two kilometres from her home. The casket draped with the multi-coloured South African flag was placed in the middle of the 37,500-seater stadium in front of a stage, decked in white and yellow flowers. Mourners dressed in the colours of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), as well those of the radical opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), sang “there’s no-one like Winnie”, an adapted popular liberation struggle song. The ceremony concludes 10 days of national mou...

6 Simple Things Every Men Could Do To Win Her Heart. I share this for those in LOVE. 13 April 2018. Let’s be honest here. Women tend to be more emotional than men. And that’s just general knowledge at this point. When in relationships, it’s the women who tend to attach a lot of emotions to simple gestures and words. Men don’t typically get emotionally attached to things – and that can often be a source of potential conflict between the two genders. When a girl thinks that something is a big deal, and a man doesn’t, then she might believe that he’s just not as into the relationship as she is. And that’s why the both of you need to always be operating on the same emotional wavelength in your relationship. You just have to understand that you need to put in the extra effort as the man in your relationship. You need to be the one who tries to meet her halfway. You need to understand her needs and you really need to try your best to meet them. If not, then you risk eventually losing her in the long run and you definitely don’t want that. And don’t worry. You don’t have to be doing any grand gestures like you see in those romantic comedies that she forces you to watch. You don’t even have to be breaking your bank account to prove your love for her. All it really takes is consistency and stability – and these are things that you can accomplish by doing little gestures every day. You just have to make sure that you practice good habits in a relationship. And over time, these little efforts that you put into your love are going to pay off big time. You just have to be able to trust in the grind of love – trust the process. Love is continually built every day that you’re together and you can’t afford to take it for granted if you don’t want to lose it. So if you’re feeling a little lost and misguided, don’t worry. That is exactly what this article is for. Sometimes, romanticism and intimacy doesn’t come as naturally to some men as it does to others. And it’s always okay to turn to the internet for a little help. The fact that you’re here reading this now is a good sign. It shows initiative. It shows your willingness to learn. So here are a few things that you really need to keep in mind if you want to win over her heart every single day: 1. Be as sweet and as charming as possible to the important people in her life. You are an important person to her. But she also has other people in her life who are important to her. And it’s very important to her that the people who are closest to her heart are actually able to get along. So always try to make an effort to be sweet and kind to the people she loves the most. Show her that you are willing to do your part to integrate yourself into her world. 2. Always try to pay attention to the details. The devil is in the details, as they say. Always make sure to take notice of the little things – because even though they might seem like nothing to you, they mean a lot to her. For instance, if she changes her hair style, take notice of it. Compliment her on it. It’s going to go a long way. 3. Check up on her whenever you’ve been apart for a substantial period of time. Let her know that you’re thinking of her even when you’re not together. It’s going to make her feel extra good and special inside to know that she has a man who is always thinking of her. Show her that she is important to you by letting her know that she is always on your mind. 4. Show her your gratitude for the things that she does for you and the relationship. Always make her feel like she adds value to your life. Never let her efforts go unnoticed. Show her that you appreciate her presence in your life and that you don’t take anything that she does for granted. Show her that you don’t take this relationship for granted. 5. Always reassure her that you have her back. Let her know that she can always count on you to be there for her whenever she needs you. Give her the courage to take a few risks in life because she can be secure in the knowledge that you will be there to catch her if she falls. 6. Give her the absolute warmest smile whenever you see her. A smile can go a really long way in winning over a girl’s heart. With a genuinely warm smile, you are telling her that you are able to find happiness and comfort in her presence. You are letting her know that her mere existence in your life is enough to bring you joy and contentment. So smile at her whenever you can. Bring positivity into her life the same way that she does with yours. Talk to me

6 Simple Things Every Men Could Do To Win Her Heart . I share this for those in LOVE. 13 April 2018. Let’s be honest here. Women tend to be more emotional than men. And that’s just general knowledge at this point. When in relationships, it’s the women who tend to attach a lot of emotions to simple gestures and words. Men don’t typically get emotionally attached to things – and that can often be a source of potential conflict between the two genders. When a girl thinks that something is a big deal, and a man doesn’t, then she might believe that he’s just not as into the relationship as she is. And that’s why the both of you need to always be operating on the same emotional wavelength in your relationship. You just have to understand that you need to put in the extra effort as the man in your relationship. You need to be the one who tries to meet her halfway. You need to understand her needs and you really need to try your best to meet ...

Musevenis assistant loses Shs450 million in bogus gold deal. KAMPALA- Detectives have arrested the former National Resistance Movement Kampala City mayoral aspirant on allegations of conning a Senior Presidential Assistant in Charge of Diaspora Issues of over Shs450 million in a fake gold deal. Muhammad Kasule, the proprietor of Blue Diamond Corporation, allegedly conned Ms Florence Kiremerwa and her US business partner, Mr Richard Richards, of the said money after promising to deliver to them two kilogrammes of gold. Mr Vicent Ssekatte, the spokesman of police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations, confirmed the arrest of Kasule. “A complaint was made to us and we have arrested Kasule on charges of obtaining money by false pretence and uttering false documents and forgery,” Mr Ssekatte said on Tuesday. It is alleged that Kasule promised Ms Kiremerwa and Mr Richards to sell them gold at US$50,000 (Shs150m) mid last year. Mr Richards, reportedly wired US$48,000 (Shs175 million) to Ms Kiremerwa’s bank account. She also reportedly transferred the money to Kasule’s account in KCB main branch in Kampala City. Mr Ssekatte said Kasule didn’t deliver the gold. “He told Richards to travel back to US and convinced him that he would send the consignment. When Richards went back to the US, Kasule started dealing with him directly,” he said. The suspect allegedly told Mr Richards that he had 50 kgms of gold in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and then demanded $107,759 (Shs 394 million). The suspect is said to have sent him documents to prove that the gold was available. Mr Richards reportedly wired the money to the suspect’s bank account. After getting the money, Kasule allegedly stopped communicating to Mr Richards. Ms Kiremerwa detected the scam and reported to police. According to police, the mobile phone numbers that the suspect had given to his victims were found out to belong to other people. They tracked one line which led them to a one Edson Kasyata, who denied any dealings with the suspect. Kasule’s company was also found to be unregistered. Mr Ssekatte said on verification, the documents he gave to the victims were also found out to be forged. “For more than nine months he has been in hiding. Detectives have been looking for him until they got a tip off and arrested him on Monday,” he said. Recently, the police warned foreigners who travel to Uganda to buy gold of conmen after an increase in scams reported to the police. The police said most of victims are from Middle East, Europe and the US. abagala@ug.nationmedia.com

Musevenis assistant loses Shs450 million in bogus gold deal . KAMPALA- Detectives have arrested the former National Resistance Movement Kampala City mayoral aspirant on allegations of conning a Senior Presidential Assistant in Charge of Diaspora Issues of over Shs450 million in a fake gold deal. Muhammad Kasule, the proprietor of Blue Diamond Corporation, allegedly conned Ms Florence Kiremerwa and her US business partner, Mr Richard Richards, of the said money after promising to deliver to them two kilogrammes of gold. Mr Vicent Ssekatte, the spokesman of police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations, confirmed the arrest of Kasule. “A complaint was made to us and we have arrested Kasule on charges of obtaining money by false pretence and uttering false documents and forgery,” Mr Ssekatte said on Tuesday. It is alleged that Kasule promised Ms Kiremerwa and Mr Richards to sell them gold at US$50,000 (Shs150m) mid last year. Mr Richards, reportedly wired US$48,000...

European Commission may slap Google with a serious fine over Android. 13 April 2018. SHARE. Via @Osuta_Yusuf. Over the past several years, Google has faced three antitrust cases by the European Commission regarding Google Shopping, AdSense, and Android’s dominance in the smartphone market. The Commission’s ruling regarding Android will likely arrive in the next several months, slapping Google with a possible multi-billion dollar fine. But rivals and market watchers believe fines and regulations won’t make a significant difference. Outside Apple’s iPhone, Google’s Android is the dominant operating system in the smartphone market. It’s typically unaltered packing first-party apps such as Google Maps, Gmail, Google Search and so on, peppered with apps developed internally by smartphone makers. Typically, any “customization” involved relies on visual tweaks to the overall interface and special “launchers” that change the appearance of the home screen and app drawer. Device makers have attempted to offer smartphones with altered, “forked” versions on Android. Amazon made such an attempt with its failed Fire Phone in 2014: A 3D-enabled phone powered by a modified version of Android the company calls Fire OS. It’s the same platform Amazon uses for its Kindle Fire-branded tablets, Fire TV, Echo, Echo Dot, and more. Meanwhile, Samsung’s use of Tizen initially seemed the end of Android on its smartphones, but the company still uses Google’s operating system on its Galaxy devices. That said, there is no real alternative to Android. Even more, Google commands 90 percent of the European search market and provides revenue sharing payments to smartphone makers who pre-install Google Search. Individuals siding with the European Commission claim the company provides strong incentives, too, leaving smartphone makers unable to promote alternatives to Google’s apps. Anything distributed outside Google Play could be considered as untrustworthy by users. That’s because Android’s app-related problem spans years. In the early days, smartphone makers were altering Android to distinguish their products against competitors. Meanwhile, third-party app stores not governed by Google or device manufacturers lured in device owners. The resulting malware epidemic seemingly pushed customers to prefer “pure” Android builds and Google Play apps. The only exception is Amazon’s Android apps store, which still must be side-loaded on Android devices. Seemingly to keep the “pure” theme intact, Google pushes smartphone makers to install the Chrome browser and other first-party apps if Google Play is present. But smartphone makers still have an option to install their own stores and apps, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Apps store on Galaxy-class smartphones. Obviously, Google isn’t completely banning third-party apps from Android, but the European Commission still seems to think that some type of regulation is in order. But European Commission sources claim that it can’t simply order Google to change its Android business under European law. If anything, the Commission can slap Google with a fine and make suggestions: Stop enforcing first-party app installation and stop paying device makers for installing Google Search. Will that make a difference in the overall Android picture? Probably not. “Android is utterly dominant,” CCS Insight’s Geoff Blaber told Reuters. “Whatever the ruling, manufacturers are heavily reliant [on Android] so nothing is going to change dramatically.”

European Commission may slap Google with a serious fine over Android . 13 April 2018. SHARE. Via @Osuta_Yusuf. Over the past several years, Google has faced three antitrust cases by the European Commission regarding Google Shopping , AdSense, and Android’s dominance in the smartphone market. The Commission’s ruling regarding Android will likely arrive in the next several months, slapping Google with a possible multi-billion dollar fine. But rivals and market watchers believe fines and regulations won’t make a significant difference. Outside Apple’s iPhone, Google’s Android is the dominant operating system in the smartphone market. It’s typically unaltered packing first-party apps such as Google Maps, Gmail, Google Search and so on, peppered with apps developed internally by smartphone makers. Typically, any “customization” involved relies on visual tweaks to the overall interface and special “...

targeted defense ministry. Rebels have stepped up missile attacks agianst Saudi targets. 12 April 2018. Auto published Via Bloomberg and Osuta Yusuf web. ______________________________________________________________________ Saudi Arabia said it intercepted ballistic missiles and shot down drones sent from Yemen, in the latest attack by pro-Iranian rebels that showed improved military capabilities more than three years into the conflict. One missile was intercepted over Riyadh, with loud blasts heard in the night sky above the Saudi capital on Wednesday. Two other missiles were intercepted over the southern areas of Jazan and Najran, authorities said. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen said it also downed a drone targeting an airport in the southwestern province of Abha and another in Jazan. The missiles were fired just hours after President Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. would strike Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose forces are backed by Russia and Iran, over a suspected chemical weapons attack. The State Department said the Houthi attacks on Saudi population centers were “fueled by the Iranian regime’s dangerous proliferation of weapons and destabilizing activities in the region.” “It’s hard to see the timing of the latest Houthi strike on Saudi Arabia as purely coincidental,” said Hani Sabra, founder of Advisory, a New York-based consultancy. The attack is probably an Iranian message to embarrass Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is wrapping up a foreign tour to world capitals and has repeatedly accused Iran of seeking to destabilize the kingdom, he said. The Houthis have been aiming their ballistic missiles at major Saudi cities and targets more regularly in the past few months than any other period in the three-year war. The kingdom and its allies accuse Iran of arming the Houthis, a charge Tehran denies. Iranian Message? “The Houthis have indeed been stepping up their attacks on their northern neighbor, but with regional tension sharply escalating, particularly as a result of recent Syria-related developments, Iran, through the Houthis, probably wanted to send Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a message,” Sabra said. A missile fired in December was aimed at the main royal palace during a cabinet session headed by King Salman. Last month, Saudi defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh and other cities by the Houthis, the biggest such barrage since the war began in March 2015. The Houthis, who have repeatedly targeted the kingdom in retaliation for its offensive inside Yemen, said Wednesday’s attack on Riyadh was directed at the defense ministry. Increasing Risks “The Houthis’ capabilities have improved -- with outside assistance -- over the course of the conflict, and it is reasonable to expect that they will continue to do so for the duration of the conflict,” said Allison Wood, an analyst with Control Risks. And while Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s best defense systems, the risk of a missile or a drone hitting targets “at some point” will increase with more regular attacks, he said. Saudi Arabia and its allies have been able to recover areas in southern Yemen from the Houthis, but the rebels still control the capital Sana’a and territories in the north. The conflict has caused a humanitarian disaster with thousands of civilian deaths, disease, hunger and displacement.

targeted defense ministry. Rebels have stepped up missile attacks agianst Saudi targets. 12 April 2018. Auto published Via Bloomberg and Osuta Yusuf web. ______________________________________________________________________ Saudi Arabia said it intercepted ballistic missiles and shot down drones sent from Yemen, in the latest attack by pro-Iranian rebels that showed improved military capabilities more than three years into the conflict. One missile was intercepted over Riyadh, with loud blasts heard in the night sky above the Saudi capital on Wednesday. Two other missiles were intercepted over the southern areas of Jazan and Najran, authorities said. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen said it also downed a drone targeting an airport in the southwestern province of Abha and another in Jazan. The missiles were fired just hours after President Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. would strike Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose forces are backed by Rus...

Zuckerberg apologizes, promises reform as senators grill him over Facebooks failings. 11 April 2018. Via REUTERS. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sat down before lawmakers on April 10, and apologized, explained and defended the tech giant amid controversies over data privacy. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg endured an hours-long grilling by dozens of U.S. senators Tuesday during which he repeatedly apologized and promised privacy reforms but also pointedly defended his company against the threat of new legislation. Zuckerberg invoked Facebook’s unlikely journey — from a tiny start-up he co-founded in his Harvard dorm room 14 years ago to a social media behemoth — in explaining Facebook’s frequent privacy missteps and its failure to spot and defeat Russia’s aggressive campaign to manipulate American voters in 2016 and beyond. Senators repeatedly challenged Zuckerberg’s explanations in the wide-ranging hearing, a rare joint session before two Senate panels — the Commerce and Judiciary committees — with 42 senators questioning the Facebook executive. Keep Reading “If Facebook and other online companies will not or cannot fix these privacy invasions, then we will,” said Sen. Bill Nelson (Fla.), the highest-ranking Democrat on the Commerce Committee. But for more than four hours, there was no flash point or loss of composure for Zuckerberg, who was appearing in his first congressional hearing after avoiding such scrutiny for years. His steadiness in the face of tough questioning helped quell the air of crisis that surrounded not just Facebook but also Silicon Valley in general, where collecting user data is essential to many businesses. 1:01 Zuckerberg has a lot of things to ‘follow up’ on after Hill hearing 0:00 / 1:01 Here are all the times the Facebook CEO said he would "follow up" on a question or request during a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committee (Melissa Macaya/The Washington Post) Facebook’s stock price, sagging since last month’s revelations about how the political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly gained access to personal information on 87 million Facebook users, rose during his testimony to end up 4.5 percent for the day, outperforming a generally strong market. Still, the issues raised in the hearing strike at deep problems for one of the most highflying technology companies. Gallup found in a poll released this week that 43 percent of Americans are “very concerned” about Facebook’s invasions of privacy — an increase of 13 percentage points since 2011, when Gallup conducted a similar poll. Zuckerberg, who traded his trademark T-shirt and hoodie for the standard Capitol Hill garb of a dark suit and tie, had holed up with advisers in Washington over the weekend to prepare for the hearing. His tone was one of practiced and patient contrition as he described the company’s recent failings and efforts to remedy them. “It’s clear now that we didn’t do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm as well,” Zuckerberg said. “And that goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy.” Zuckerberg took responsibility for the missteps. “We didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake. And it was my mistake, and I’m sorry. I started Facebook, I run it, and I’m responsible for what happens here.” Yet there was a broader context to the hearing, coming amid rising complaints about how a range of leading tech companies profit from virtually unfettered access to user data — something increasingly restricted in Europe and elsewhere in the world. In other comments, Zuckerberg singled out Facebook’s inability to identify and combat Russian disinformation efforts as one of his “biggest regrets” and added, “One of my top priorities in 2018 is getting this right.” The scene in Washington as Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg faces Congress for the first time View Photos After years of sending his deputies in his place, the chief executive testifies on Capitol Hill. He also confirmed for the second time since February that Facebook officials have been interviewed by investigators for special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who have been looking into Russia’s role in influencing the 2016 election. The exchanges between the 33-year-old billionaire and lawmakers were often tense. But Zuckerberg also caused spectators to laugh when he turned down an opportunity for a break, saying he could keep answering questions for 15 more minutes before stopping. Zuckerberg’s acknowledgments of responsibility punctuated an extraordinary shift in tone for him and the company. He has strained in recent weeks to convince lawmakers, users and regulators that Facebook is determined to deliver meaningful change after repeated privacy controversies. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has its own hearing scheduled for Wednesday morning. Several senators asked for detailed answers about how private, third-party companies gained access to personal data on tens of millions of Americans. Others questioned whether the very business model of Facebook — which makes money by selling online advertisements based on what it learns about users on the platform — was flawed. “Mr. Zuckerberg, in many ways, you and the company that you’ve created, the story you’ve created, represent the American Dream,” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Commerce Committee. “Many are incredibly inspired by what you’ve done. At the same time, you have an obligation, and it’s up to you, to ensure that dream doesn’t become a privacy nightmare.” In one sharp exchange, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) asked Zuckerberg whether he agreed with a 2016 memo written by Facebook Vice President Andrew Bosworth, a longtime Zuckerberg deputy. In the memo, Bosworth appeared to suggest that bad outcomes — including bullying and even death — were unfortunate but inevitable side effects of the company’s mission to connect the world. At first, Zuckerberg tried to sidestep the question, saying that most people at the company didn’t agree with the memo. Graham shot back, saying, “If somebody who said this worked for me, I’d fire him.” Zuckerberg replied that he believes it’s important to create a work environment where people feel free to speak their minds. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said later in the hearing, “We’ve seen the apology tours before. . . . I don’t see how you can change your business model unless there are different rules of the road.” Facebook’s recent controversies have generated a rare level of bipartisan consensus about the power of social media to twist public discourse and jeopardize the functioning of democracies. Many lawmakers — Republicans and Democrats — are calling for new legislation, fines or greater regulation. In one of the most contentious exchanges of the afternoon, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) accused Facebook of a “pervasive pattern of political bias” against conservatives. Zuckerberg disputed the allegation, saying he worked to prevent such bias despite acknowledging that Silicon Valley was “an extremely left-leaning place.” Another pointed exchange took place when Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) asked Zuckerberg what hotel he stayed at Monday night and the names of anyone he messaged this week. Zuckerberg, appearing amused by the question, declined to answer. Durbin shot back, “I think that may be what this is all about: your right to privacy, the limits of your right to privacy and how much you give away in modern America in the name of quote, ‘connecting people around the world.’ ” The air of expectation around the hearing was remarkable, even by the standards of televised Capitol Hill political theater. Spectators lined up along the walls of the Hart Senate Office Building hours in advance, snaking from the 138-seat hearing room on the second floor. To account for the expanded roster of members attending the hearing — amounting to almost half the Senate — congressional staffers added an extra table to the dais. One attendee arrived dressed as a Russian troll — in a scout-like uniform with fake troll hair and a scarf resembling a Russian flag. Three others in the crowd rose before Zuckerberg entered to protest. Wearing neon-colored, oversize glasses that read “stop spying,” they displayed poster boards — labeled Code Pink — with slogans like“stop corporate spying” and “protect our privacy” and “Like us on Facebook.” Outside, on the Capitol’s lawn, 100 life-size cutouts of Zuckerberg sported T-shirts reading, “fix fakebook” — the work of an advocacy group, Avaaz, calling attention to how fake accounts spread disinformation on the social network. Tech News Email Alerts Breaking news about technology and tech companies. Sign up Facebook has been reeling since the November 2016 election, during which phony news reports spread widely on its platform and Russian operatives mounted an ambitious campaign to divide American voters, damage Democrat Hillary Clinton and bolster the chances of Republican Donald Trump. Facebook appeared to be recovering from those controversies until last month’s revelations about Cambridge Analytica. Facebook last week acknowledged a separate problem in which “malicious actors” were able to identify and collect data on Facebook users on such a massive scale that most of the company’s 2.2 billion users were affected. As the company has mobilized to quell rising political opposition, Facebook also has wrestled government investigations in the United States and Europe. The Federal Trade Commission is investigating potential violations of a 2011 consent decree over privacy policy at Facebook that could lead to record fines for the company. Follow The Post’s tech blog, The Switch, where technology and policy connect. Comments Craig Timberg is a national technology reporter for The Washington Post. Since joining The Post in 1998, he has been a reporter, editor and foreign correspondent, and he contributed to The Post’s Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the National Security Agency. Follow @craigtimberg Tony Romm is a technology policy reporter at The Washington Post. He has spent more than eight years covering the ways that tech companies like Apple, Facebook and Google navigate the corridors of government -- and the regulations that sometimes result. Follow @tonyromm Elizabeth Dwoskin has been reporting from Silicon Valley since 2013. She was the Wall Street Journal's first full-time beat reporter covering big data and artificial intelligence. In 2016, she joined The Washington Post as Silicon Valley correspondent, becoming the paper's eyes and ears in the region and in the wider world of tech. Follow @lizzadwoskin Paid Promoted Stories Celebrities at the Airport in the 1970s: The Photos Esquire Getting Around the Obstacles to Multi-Factor Authentication in Today’s Access Environment CSO Online Looking back on ayear full of trhill and adventures as Trip 360 completes a year The Adventure Beat How to Make a Strong First Impression GROCO CPAs & Advisors Recommended by Most Read 1 Zuckerberg apologizes, promises reform as senators grill him over Facebook’s failings 2 Transcript of Mark Zuckerberg’s Senate hearing 3 Trump executive order strengthens work requirements for neediest Americans 4 Xi vs Trump: Who has the better hand in potential trade war? 5 Analysis ‘Your user agreement sucks’: Mark Zuckerberg’s Senate grilling, in 10 key moments The story must be told. 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Zuckerberg apologizes, promises reform as senators grill him over Facebooks failings. 11 April 2018. Via REUTERS. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sat down before lawmakers on April 10, and apologized, explained and defended the tech giant amid controversies over data privacy. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg endured an hours-long grilling by dozens of U.S. senators Tuesday during which he repeatedly apologized and promised privacy reforms but also pointedly defended his company against the threat of new legislation. Zuckerberg invoked Facebook’s unlikely journey — from a tiny start-up he co-founded in his Harvard dorm room 14 years ago to a social media behemoth — in explaining Facebook’s frequent privacy missteps and its failure to spot and defeat Russia’s aggressive campaign to manipulate American voters in 2016 and beyond. Senators repeatedly challenged Zuckerberg’s explanations in the wide-ranging hearing, a rare joint session before two...

MTN, UCC defend selves over hacking MPs simcard. 10 March 2018. Automatically published from @Dailymonitor, to @OsutaYusuf. _________________________________________________________________ In his application, MP Mwine Mpaka accuses MTN of hacking into his mobile money account and extorting more than Shs40 million from his contacts Western Youth Member of Parliament, Mwine Mpaka accuses MTN of hacking into his mobile money account and extorting more than Shs40 million from his contacts. FILE PHOTO BY AGENCIES IN SUMMARY MTN says it pays over Shs350 billion to URA annually and therefore, government shouldn't be put at a risk of losing such sums of cash.UCC says they tried to strike an outside court settlement as provided for under section 45 of the UCC act with the applicant in vain. Telecom giant MTN Uganda and Uganda Communications Commissions (UCC) have defended themselves against accusations of hacking into the mobile money account of Mwine Mpaka, the Western Youth Member of Parliament. The legislator took the Telecom Company and regulator to the High Court Civil Division on April 05, 2018. In his application, Mpaka accuses MTN of hacking into his mobile money account and extorting more than Shs40 million from his contacts. In the same application, Mpaka accuses Uganda Communications Commission and Bank of Uganda of failing to regulate communication and Mobile Money transactions respectively, which exposes mobile money users to fraudsters. In his application, Mpaka wants UCC not to renew MTN's license because of the alleged irregularities. He also wants the company to pay for the damage caused under his name. On Monday, MTN filed its defence against the application through its lawyer, Yona Tumusingize before the High Court Civil Division Deputy Registrar, Joy Kabagye. In his submission, Tumusingize objected to Mpaka's application on grounds that MTN has a number of customers who cannot suffer because of an incident, which happened to a single person. He argued that MTN has over 11.5million clients, 5million of whom are registered mobile money users and over 1,200 employees and cannot risk losing their jobs because of a single incident. Above all, Tumusingize told Court that MTN company pays over Shs350 billion to Uganda Revenue Authority annually in form of tax, arguing that government shouldn't be put at a risk of losing such sums of cash. "While the rights of the applicant have to be looked at, these so far also have to be considered bearing in mind the balance of inconvenience," Tumusingyize told court. The UCC Lawyer, Abdul Salaam Waiswa also told court that they tried to strike an outside court settlement as provided for under section 45 of the UCC act with the applicant in vain. "The Commission wrote to the applicant seeking to settle the matters outside court, but he never replied the letter," he said. Kabagye adjourned court to April 11, 2018 to allow Waiswa to summarize the UCC defense. Bank of Uganda will also present its defence on the same date. Two MTN employees believed to have hacked into the mobile money accounts of Mpaka, lands minister Persis Namuganza and agriculture state minister Christopher Kibazanga are standing trial at Buganda road Court. They are Nasser Kigenyi and Henry Magembe.

MTN, UCC defend selves over hacking MP's simcard . 10 March 2018. Automatically published from @Dailymonitor, to @OsutaYusuf. _________________________________________________________________ In his application, MP Mwine Mpaka accuses MTN of hacking into his mobile money account and extorting more than Shs40 million from his contacts Western Youth Member of Parliament, Mwine Mpaka accuses MTN of hacking into his mobile money account and extorting more than Shs40 million from his contacts. FILE PHOTO BY AGENCIES IN SUMMARY MTN says it pays over Shs350 billion to URA annually and therefore, government shouldn't be put at a risk of losing such sums of cash.UCC says they tried to strike an outside court settlement as provided for under section 45 of the UCC act with the applicant in vain. Telecom giant MTN Uganda and Uganda Communications Commissions (UCC) have defended themselves against accusations of hacking into the mobile money account of Mwine ...

Somalia parliament speaker resigns ahead of motion against him - lawmaker. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Automatically published Via REUTERS. 9 April 2018. The speaker of Somalia’s parliament, Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, has resigned ahead of a confidence motion against him, a lawmaker said, ending weeks of political tension. “We were in the parliament house this morning ready for the motion against the speaker. Then the deputy speaker came in and read a resignation letter from the speaker,” lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow told Reuters. The Constitutional Affairs of Somalia, Abdirahman Hosh Jibril, tweeted the news. We applauded and his resignation was accepted as per the constitution. That is the end of the political crisis. “We applauded and his resignation was accepted as per the constitution. That is the end of the political crisis.” Jawari had earlier defied calls to resign, saying ‘I do not work for them, I am not going to resign’. The crisis, which was fuelled by accusations of abuse of power and obstruction of constitutional reform against Jawari, put the executive and legislature at loggerheads for weeks. Jawari had held his position since August 2012 and has clashed with other lawmakers, including over a decision to withdraw an impeachment motion against the then president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in 2015. Somalia has been in a state of lawlessness since the early 1990s, when dictator Mohammed Siad Barre was toppled by warlords. It has also had to contend with al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab which carries out frequent attacks in Mogadishu and other regions, in a campaign to topple the government.

Somalia parliament speaker resigns ahead of motion against him - lawmaker . ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Automatically published Via REUTERS. 9 April 2018. The speaker of Somalia’s parliament, Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, has resigned ahead of a confidence motion against him, a lawmaker said, ending weeks of political tension. “We were in the parliament house this morning ready for the motion against the speaker. Then the deputy speaker came in and read a resignation letter from the speaker,” lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow told Reuters. The Constitutional Affairs of Somalia, Abdirahman Hosh Jibril, tweeted the news. We applauded and his resignation was accepted as per the constitution. That is the end of the political crisis. “We applauded and his resignation was accepted as per the constitution. That is the end of the political crisis.” Jawari had earlier defied calls to resign, saying ‘I do not work for them,...

Sierra Leone president sets up cross party committee to address post election violence. 9 April 2018. Auto Applet run from Osuta Yusuf website. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Efforts to reconcile the newly elected Sierra Leone president, Julius Maada Bio and losing candidate Samura Kamara intensified over the weekend, amidst reports of clashes between the two main political parties. On Saturday, members of the Kamara’s All People’s Congress Party (APC) including the presidential candidate, his running mate and the secretary general of the party paid a courtesy visit to president Bio at his Juba Residence in Freetown. At the end of the meeting which addressed political violence and intimidation, the office of the president released a statement saying Bio had initiated a cross party committee to address political violence. President Julius Maada Bio has instructed the cross party committee to work in concert with the Sierra Leone police to investigate all complaints of violence and intimidation. According to the statement, the committee will comprise the leadership of both APC and Bio’s Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). ‘‘President Julius Maada Bio has instructed the cross party committee to work in concert with the Sierra Leone police to investigate all complaints of violence and intimidation, and to ensure that the law is applied with full force against anyone found culpable,’‘ read part of the statement. On Sunday, Bio and Kamara, together with their wives, attended the same church service, as part of efforts to strengthen the reconciliation between the two parties following the March 31 presidential runoff election. Following the announcement of results announcing Bio as winner of the election, violence erupted among supporters of the SLPP and APC. The areas that were affected included Kenema,Makeni and Freetown where people sustained serious injuries. There were also reports of confrontation of security forces in which many civilians and police officers were seriously injured . The National Grand Coalition (NGC),which came third party in the March 7th election (first round) called on the leadership of both parties to take immediate steps to call their supporters to order. Before the Saturday meeting, the secretary general of APC, Osman Yansanneh complained that their supporters had come under attack and that efforts to get the SLPP chairman to rein in his supporters had been fruitless until the Saturday meeting was granted.

Sierra Leone president sets up cross party committee to address post election violence . 9 April 2018. Auto Applet run from Osuta Yusuf website. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Efforts to reconcile the newly elected Sierra Leone president, Julius Maada Bio and losing candidate Samura Kamara intensified over the weekend, amidst reports of clashes between the two main political parties. On Saturday, members of the Kamara’s All People’s Congress Party (APC) including the presidential candidate, his running mate and the secretary general of the party paid a courtesy visit to president Bio at his Juba Residence in Freetown. At the end of the meeting which addressed political violence and intimidation, the office of the president released a statement saying Bio had initiated a cross party committee to address political violence. President Julius Maada Bio has instructed the cross party committee...

Ghost Squad Hackers or by the abbreviation "GSH" is a politically motivated hacktivist team led by the administrative de facto leader known as "s1ege". The groups prime intent and focus is embedded on anti-governmental/organization cyber protests within current involvements of media speculation and real life happenings in 2016 to present.[1][2] In Jan. 2016, GSH started its very first attacks by the defacing of Ethiopian government websites in response to the killing of nearly 500 students and activists by Ethiopian Security Forces during protests that became extremely violent in the latter part of 2015 and then sparked again in August–October 2016 Ethiopian protests.[3] They then went on to target Donald Trump with Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks in protest of what they saw as racist comments made towards Mexicans and refugees.[4] The group gained more notoriety after having successfully leaked data of the Israeli Defense Force on April 7, 2016. This was the day #OpIsrael was launched along with Anonymous, leaking the Database of Israel Defense Forceposting thousands of IDF soldiers, boarder patrol, and Israeli Air Forcepersonnel information online.[5] On April 23, 2016 GSH targeted the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan by taking their websites down in the protest of racism while Anonymous vs. KKKprotests were happening in the state of Georgia, U.S.A.[6] Ghost Squad Hackersdid the same however, in a turn of events taking down Black Lives Matter's official website after claiming the organization fueled further racism. After encountering further opposition and confrontation between Anonymous activists and BLMgroup that led to GSH shutting down Black Lives Matter's website over 100 times.[7] Word was quick to spread as GSH and Anonymous were both put in spot light by the TV Series Mr. Robot in an article published online.[8] GSH and Anonymous worked in correlation together when "Operation Icarus" was first launched in February 2016.[9] The op was aimed at attacking the central banking system which the attackers accused the banks with corruption and wanted to raise public awareness. This attack sparked the invitation of more hacking teams and affiliations of Anonymous to focus their attention towards that of the Central Banks in direct regards of further scrutiny and cyber attacks. Ghost Squad Hacker's leader 's1ege' claimed responsibility for the attacks which were carried out on the Bank of England email server and dozens of other banking websites including the New York Stock Exchange, Bank of France, Bank of Greece, Bank of Jordanand the Bank of South Korea, among others. "s1ege" went on to state that they want to "start an online revolution" to retaliate against the "elite banking cartels putting the world in a perpetual state of chaos."[10] Notoriety of the group continued to escalate as the heat was turned up during the month of June, 2016. After censoring of media coverage in regards to OpIsrael, OpSilence was initiated targeting mainstream media outlets such as CNN and Fox News.[11] A data dump was later leaked after hacking the United States Military personnel files and releasing information on close to 2,437 army personnel.[12] The information contained in the link was uploaded to an onion link on the dark web along with a paste-bin link which contained credit card numbers and personal information on U.S. Army personnel. July 19, 2016 the sub domain of Baton Rouge City government website was hacked twice in one day by GSH after previously making news after attack towards both the KKK and BLM.[13]These attacks however were targeting the City of Baton Rouge, Louisiana in protest against police brutality in which a city native Alton Sterling was shot and killed by Baton Rouge police officers on the 5th earlier that month. The Baton Rouge website was defaced along with a picture of Alton Sterling with a message that read, "Being black is not a crime! This is for the shooting of Alton Sterling, just because he's black does not mean he is a bad guy. You will pay. We are the justice. We are Ghost Squad Hackers. /R.I.P. Alton Sterling." Later in the same month GSH took over the official Twitter account of Afghanistan's Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah in an effort to raise awareness against corruption and alleged drug deals between Afghanistanand the U.S.[14] They also targeted the Afghan Public Credit Registry websiteby defacing it which also further allowed them access to several social media accounts including Dr. Abdullah's in which they tweeted, "Afghanistan Gov Hacked by GhostSquadHackers #CheifExecutiveOfficer Can you hear me now? twitter.com/afgexecutive. We found an exploit in the government server and pulled every login we could. We have more also but Dr. Abdullah was not using phone restriction and 2FA was not enabled," a member of GSH stated. The attacks on the Afghan governmentcontinued relentlessly on the first of September after prior targeting of Afghanistan's Chief Executive Twitteraccount, GSH further assaulted the government by defacing twelve websites in one day all of which were affiliated with the Afghan government.[15] This included the Afghanistan's Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations, and the Afghan Attorney General's Office. Further assaults continued in hopes of raising awareness for Palestine as part of OpSilence and OpIsrael after shutting down the Israeli Prime Minister and the Bank of Israel. [1] The groups focus in 2017 shifted slightly towards targeting ISIS and removing them off the internet and social mediacompletely. A multitude of accounts from Facebook, Twitter, and Telegramalike were hacked and added to an extensive list of ISIS removed. Further efforts by GSH later revealed bomb instructions and plans to be carried out by ISIS.[16] A guide was also published as an Anonymous move to help enlist the talent of other hackers in hopes to further the attack on ISIS. The influence of Ghost Squad Hacker's achievements have made a large impact on the modern day fine grey line that borders that of activists and hackers alike, helping to raise awareness towards both corporate and governmental injustices.

Ghost Squad Hackers or by the abbreviation " GSH " is a politically motivated hacktivist team led by the administrative de facto leader known as "s1ege". The groups prime intent and focus is embedded on anti-governmental/organization cyber protests within current involvements of media speculation and real life happenings in 2016 to present. [1] [2] In Jan. 2016, GSH started its very first attacks by the defacing of Ethiopian government websites in response to the killing of nearly 500 students and activists by Ethiopian Security Forces during protests that became extremely violent in the latter part of 2015 and then sparked again in August–October 2016 Ethiopian protests . [3] They then went on to target Donald Trump with Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks in protest of what they saw as racist comments made towards Mexicans and refugees. [4] The group gained more notoriety after having succes...

Mark Zuckerberg admits Facebook scans the contents of ALL your private Messenger texts in the latest blow to the scandal hit firm. Latest From Osuta Yusuf blog via REUTERS. April 2018. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Facebook checks messages to ensure they are in line with community standardsZuckerberg confirmed the policy of scanning texts during a podcast interview It sparked further privacy concerns in the wake of Cambridge Analytica scandal The consulting firm bought data from 50 million unsuspecting Facebook users Facebook scans the contents of messages that people send each other on its Messenger app blocking any that contravene its guidelines, it has emerged. The scandal-hit firm, still reeling from revelations surrounding Cambridge Analytica, checks images and texts to ensure they are in line with its community standards. While the intentions behind the practice may be well-meaning, the news is likely to add to users' concerns over what the social network knows about them. It follows revelations that the Trump-affiliated consulting firm obtained data on at least 50 million unsuspecting Facebook users. This information was used to target voters in the US, based on psychological profiling, with political adverts spreading disinformation. Facebook is also facing criticism for collecting years of data on call and text histories from Android users. Mark Zuckerberg, pictured here in July 2017, has admitted Facebook scans the contents of messages that people send each other on its Messenger app blocking any that contravene its guidelines CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the policy during a podcast interview with Vox's editor at large, Ezra Klein. Zuckerberg told his host a story about receiving a phone call from staff at his Mountain View firm. He was informed that their systems had blocked attempts to send sensational Messenger instant messages about ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. About the experience, the 33-year-old billionaire said: 'In that case, our systems detect what’s going on. 'We stop those messages from going through.' The news has been met with mixed reactions on social media, with a number of users expressing concern. Messenger says that it doesn’t use data from messages it has scanned for the purposes of advertising, according to reports in Bloomberg. The company told the website that it uses the same tools to prevent abuse in messages that are in place across Facebook as a whole. Messenger says that it doesn’t use data from messages it has scanned for the purposes of advertising, but that is likely to be of little comfort in the current climate, with privacy at the forefront of many Facebook user's minds (stock image) Users are able to flag posts or messages that they feel are in violation of the site's house rules. This will either cause one of the social network's community operations team to manually review the content, or automated systems can also make decisions. 'For example, on Messenger, when you send a photo, our automated systems scan it using photo matching technology to detect known child exploitation imagery or when you send a link, we scan it for malware or viruses,' a Facebook Messenger spokeswoman said in a statement. 'Facebook designed these automated tools so we can rapidly stop abusive behaviour on our platform.' But that is likely to be of little comfort in the current climate, with privacy at the forefront of many Facebook user's minds. One Twitter user, Kevin Chastain, claims to have experienced Messenger texts being used to target advertising, tweeting: 'So I was messaging my wife about dinner tonight mentioned a particular place on Facebook messenger and then opened up Facebook about to see an ad for that restaurant. 'Tell me they aren’t in on every convo I have. Scary!' WHAT HAS FACEBOOK DONE TO ADDRESS PRIVACY CONCERNS? Facebook is giving its privacy tools a makeover as it reels from criticisms over its data practices and faces tighter European regulations in the coming months. The changes won't affect Facebook's privacy policies or the types of data it gathers about its users. But the company hopes its 2.2 billion users will have an easier time navigating its complex and often confusing privacy and security settings. Facebook is giving its privacy tools a makeover as it reels from criticisms over its data practices and faces tighter European regulations in the coming months. This image shows how the settings will appear before (left) and after (right) the redesign Facebook says it's trying to make the controls easier to find and to give users a simpler way to access and download the data it collects on them. The announcement follows revelations that Trump-affiliated consulting firm got data on millions of unsuspecting Facebook users. Facebook is also facing criticism for collecting years of data on call and text histories from Android users. In a written statement, Erin Egan, vice president and chief privacy officer, policy, and Ashlie Beringer, vice president and deputy general counsel, said: 'Last week showed how much more work we need to do to enforce our policies and help people understand how Facebook works and the choices they have over their data. This image shows a redesign of Facebook's privacy tools. The changes won't affect Facebook's privacy policies or the types of data it gathers on users, but the company hopes users will have an easier time navigating its complex settings menus. Among the changes, Facebook is making data settings and tools easier to find, is introducing a new privacy shortcuts menu, and is adding tools to find, download and delete your Facebook data 'We’ve heard loud and clear that privacy settings and other important tools are too hard to find and that we must do more to keep people informed. 'We’re taking additional steps in the coming weeks to put people more in control of their privacy. 'Most of these updates have been in the works for some time, but the events of the past several days underscore their importance.' Among the changes, Facebook is making data settings and tools easier to find, is introducing a new privacy shortcuts menu, and is adding tools to find, download and delete your Facebook data. Zuckerberg admits Facebook made 'mistakes' on user data. Zuckerberg took out full-page adverts in nine major US and British newspapers in late March to apologise for the Cambridge Analytica scandal. In the ads, the Facebook founder vowed to clamp down on allowing third parties access to data which can be sold on. The ads, done in simple black text against a plain white background, were headlined: 'We have a responsibility to protect your information. If we can't, we don't deserve it.' 'You may have heard about a quiz app built by a university researcher that leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014,' the apology begins. 'This was a breach of trust, and I'm sorry we didn't do more at the time. We're now taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again.' 'We've already stopped apps like this from getting so much information. Now we're limiting the data apps get when you sign in using Facebook.' 'We're also investigating every single app that had access to large amounts of data before we fixed this. We expect there are others. And when we find them, we will ban them and tell everyone affected.' Facebook says that it uses the same tools to prevent abuse in Messenger app (pictured) messages that are in place across the social network as a whole Zuckerberg admits Facebook made 'mistakes' on user data. 'Finally, we'll remind you which apps you've given access to your information - so you can shut off the ones you don't want anymore.' 'Thank you for believing in this community. I promise to do better for you.' The apology was formally signed off by the Facebook chief. The Facebook data scandal deepened after users found the social network had harvested information including call logs and text messages. Some users discovered the firm had been storing complete logs of incoming and outgoing calls and text messages. Others reported that data such as contacts in their address books, social events in their calendars and even friends' birthdays had been stored. One user, Dylan McKay, reported that from October 2016 to July 2017 his logs contained 'the data of every [mobile] call I've made, including time and duration' and 'data about every text message I've received or sent'. Rather than delete an account entirely, the social media site encourages people to 'deactivate' their profile as this leaves all personal data on its servers. However, when users request to permanently delete their accounts, the site suggests: 'You may want to download a copy of your info from Facebook.' Emma Kennedy tweeted that she had found that Facebook had recorded 'every single phone number in my contacts. Facebook is also facing criticism for collecting years of data on call and text histories from Android users. Facebook user Dylan McKay revealed Facebook logged every mobile call he'd ever made 'They had every single social event I went to, a list of all my friends and their birthdays, and a list of every text I've sent' 'They have plundered my phone. They have phone numbers of people who aren’t on Facebook. They have phone numbers of household names who, I’m sure, would be furious to know their phone numbers are accessible. I’m appalled.' A Facebook spokesman said: 'The first time you sign in on your phone to a messaging or social app, it's a widely used practice to begin by uploading your phone contacts. 'Contact uploading is optional. People are expressly asked if they want to give permission to upload their contacts from their phone – it's explained right there in the apps when you get started. 'People can delete previously uploaded information at any time and can find all the information available to them in their account and activity log from our Download Your Information tool.' The company says an opt-out for uploading contacts is available and users can delete all uploaded contacts by turning off the continuous uploading setting in Facebook's Messenger app. All previously uploaded contacts are deleted when a user permanently removes their profile. Contacts will also no longer continue to be uploaded.

Mark Zuckerberg admits Facebook scans the contents of ALL your private Messenger texts in the latest blow to the scandal hit firm . Latest From Osuta Yusuf blog via REUTERS. April 2018. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Facebook checks messages to ensure they are in line with community standards Zuckerberg confirmed the policy of scanning texts during a podcast interview It sparked further privacy concerns in the wake of Cambridge Analytica scandal The consulting firm bought data from 50 million unsuspecting Facebook users Facebook scans the contents of messages that people send each other on its Messenger app blocking any that contravene its guidelines, it has emerged. The scandal-hit firm, still reeling from revelations surrounding Cambridge Analytica, checks images and texts to ensure they are in line with its community standards. While the intentions behind the practice may ...

HERE COMES THE MIGHTIER MARTIN LUTHER KING. CELEBRITIES REFLECT ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY. 4 April 2018. Auto Applet run, from #Osuta_Yusuf blog. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A half century after Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s death, celebrities have been remembering him and reflecting on how much progress has been made in racial equality in the decades since his assassination. “The fact that I’m walking this carpet starring in a movie, that’s the impact he had on my life,” said Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson. “There has been progress. Humanity is a very interesting prospect in itself. Humanity marches forward and somehow pulls itself back a little bit. I guess so we can keep marching forward,” said actress Phylicia Rashad. The fact that I'm walking this carpet starring in a movie, that's the impact he had on my life. Television host and musician Nick Cannon quoted King himself. “He said it the best: we’ve come so far, but boy, do we have a long way to go. And, you know, I think it’s an honor. I mean he’s probably one of the greatest spirits to ever touch this planet for so many different reasons. Just as his ability to communicate with all his giant heart. But then, ultimately, just his connection. And I feel like that’s, you know, that’s felt still to this day “, Cannon said. For producer and mother of Beyonce, Tina Knowles “What Martin Luther King means to me? Well he’s our hero. He’s one of our great heroes. Just an amazing man and a great legacy.” A Baptist pastor and civil rights activist, King worked to end legal segregation of blacks in the United States. He gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the August 1963 March on Washington, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at age 35 – the youngest man to have received the award. King, 39, was shot on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968.

HERE COMES THE MIGHTIER MARTIN LUTHER KING. CELEBRITIES REFLECT ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY. 4 April 2018. Auto Applet run, from #Osuta_Yusuf blog. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A half century after Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s death, celebrities have been remembering him and reflecting on how much progress has been made in racial equality in the decades since his assassination. “The fact that I’m walking this carpet starring in a movie, that’s the impact he had on my life,” said Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson. “There has been progress. Humanity is a very interesting prospect in itself. Humanity marches forward and somehow pulls itself back a little bit. I guess so we can keep marching forward,” said actress Phylicia Rashad. The fact that I'm walking this carpet starring in a movie, that's the impact he had on my life. Telev...

ISIS claims responsibility for deadly attack on Christian family in Pakistan. 3 April 2018. Auto Trigger from Foxnew. ISIS claimed responsibility for the killing in Pakistan. In a separate development, U.S. and UK soldiers killed in Syria were on a mission to capture an ISIS member. Lucas Tomlinson has the details. The Islamic State group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for murdering four Christian family members in southwestern Pakistan a day after Easter celebrations. The militant group issued a statement saying ISIS fighters on Monday opened fire on the group of Christians traveling in the city of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province, killing four, Reuters reported. The Christian family was traveling to the city, which is known for its large Christian community. The family set off to visit their relatives, but their vehicle was intercepted by the militants who then shot them. “It appears to have been a targeted attack,” Moazzam Jah Ansari, a provincial police official, told Reuters. “It was an act of terrorism.” The terror attack came just a day after Christians around the world celebrated Easter on Sunday. The Pakistani Christian community, the second largest minority group in the country, consists of over 2 million people. Baluchistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is known for violence against minority groups, mostly perpetrated by Sunni Islamist groups linked to the Taliban, al Qaeda and Islamic State. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing of a packed Christian Church in southwestern Pakistan in December, just a week before Christmas, killing at least 9 and wounding over 50. It was the first time the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a church bombing, though a number of Christian churches were attacked over the recent years. “There were nearly 400 people inside the church, but the attackers couldn’t get inside the services,” provincial police chief Moazzam Jah told Reuters. “We killed one of them, and the other one exploded himself after police wounded him,” he said.

ISIS claims responsibility for deadly attack on Christian family in Pakistan . 3 April 2018. Auto Trigger from Foxnew. ISIS claimed responsibility for the killing in Pakistan. In a separate development, U.S. and UK soldiers killed in Syria were on a mission to capture an ISIS member. Lucas Tomlinson has the details. The Islamic State group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for murdering four Christian family members in southwestern Pakistan a day after Easter celebrations. The militant group issued a statement saying ISIS fighters on Monday opened fire on the group of Christians traveling in the city of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province, killing four, Reuters reported. The Christian family was traveling to the city, which is known for its large Christian community. The family set off to visit their relatives, but their vehicle was intercepted by the militants who then shot them. “It appears to have been a targeted attack,” Moazzam Jah Ansari, a ...

SIERRA LEONE WITH SHORT-SIGHTED DEMOCRACY LIKE OF UGANDA. Sierra Leone army denies plot to assassinate opposition chief, Maada Bio. 3 April 2018. Via REUTERS. Sierra Leone government through the Ministry of Defense (MOD) has slammed a top opposition figure for suggesting that there was a plan to assassinate leader of the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Julius Maada Bio. In a press statement issued on Monday, April 2, the Office of the Chief of Defense Staff said it was deeply concerned about the “very serious allegations,” made by National Secretary General of the SLPP, Umaru Napolean Koroma. “The Ministry of Defense strongly condemns and takes exception to these dangerous and misleading allegations that have the tendency to undermine the integrity of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and also the peace and security of Sierra Leone,” the statement signed by army chief B. Sesay added. Koroma in a press conference at the Radisson Blu hotel said the Armed Forces had an active plan to assassinate the presidential candidate of the SLPP, Brigadier Julius Maada Bio. The politician, citing ‘credible sources’ added that six top army officers had been ‘recruited’ to carry out the assassination with the blessing of the military top brass, specifically Gen. Taluva, Deputy Chief of Defense Staff and Defense Minister, Paolo Conteh. According to a SLPP’s tabulation distributed to reporters, Maada Bio took 54.11 percent of votes in the run-off with Kamara garnering 45.89 percent. Maada Bio, who briefly ruled the West African nation as head of a military junta in 1996, eked out a narrow victory in the first round on March 7 with 43.3 percent of the votes compared to 42.7 for Kamara. The largely peaceful election process has come as a relief for the country of 7 million people, which endured a brutal, diamond-fuelled civil war in the 1990s. But the winner will face pressure to revive a moribund economy that has been ravaged in recent years by low prices for its main export, iron ore, and an Ebola outbreak. The run-off was delayed several days due to a complaint of fraud lodged by a member of the APC. A court injunction was lifted a day before the polls were due to take place last Tuesday, forcing the elections commission to push back the vote.

Sierra Leone army denies plot to assassinate opposition chief, Maada Bio . 3 April 2018. Via REUTERS. Sierra Leone government through the Ministry of Defense (MOD) has slammed a top opposition figure for suggesting that there was a plan to assassinate leader of the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Julius Maada Bio. In a press statement issued on Monday, April 2, the Office of the Chief of Defense Staff said it was deeply concerned about the “very serious allegations,” made by National Secretary General of the SLPP, Umaru Napolean Koroma. “The Ministry of Defense strongly condemns and takes exception to these dangerous and misleading allegations that have the tendency to undermine the integrity of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and also the peace and security of Sierra Leone,” the statement signed by army chief B. Sesay added. Koroma in a press conference at the Radisson Blu hotel said the Armed Forces had an active ...

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed receives global congratulations. 3 April 2018. Via REUTERS. Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister, continues to receive messages of congratulations from his peers in Africa and from the global community. Leaders in the East Africa region took the lead with Somalia’s Mohammed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta issuing tweets hours after Abiy was sworn in on Monday, April 2. Both leaders expressed their continued commitment to work with Ethiopia in areas of mutual cooperation. A.U. President and Rwanda president Paul Kagame congratulated Abiy on March 28 when he was announced as new leader. As chairman of the AU on behalf of other African leaders wanted to express our solidarity with the Ethiopian people & their leaders as they continue to find from within and among themselves solutions to the recent political problems they faced! Kagame said in a tweet. The African Union (A.U.) which is headquartered in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, issued a statement in addition to a tweet by Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat who was part of the ceremony. The statement read in part: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, congratulates Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali on his confirmation as the new Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, following the resignation of his predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn. He welcomes the peaceful and smooth nature of the transition, which is a demonstration of political maturity. The United States embassy in Addis Ababa whiles congratulating the new Premier said it was ready to deepen democratic and economic cooperation but reiterated its hope that the February 16 state of emergency be lifted. The Chinese new outlet, Xinhua, also reports that the Sudanese government had extended its felicitations with Abiy for his elevation to Prime Minister. United Kingdom Foreign Affairs chef, Boris Johnson alse tweeted his congratulatory message. Ethiopia has a new Prime Minister. Another peaceful transition of power in Africa. Congratulations to PM Abiy Ahmed. You can count on the support of the European Union,” said Neven Mimica, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development.

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed receives global congratulations . 3 April 2018. Via REUTERS. Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister, continues to receive messages of congratulations from his peers in Africa and from the global community. Leaders in the East Africa region took the lead with Somalia’s Mohammed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta issuing tweets hours after Abiy was sworn in on Monday, April 2. Both leaders expressed their continued commitment to work with Ethiopia in areas of mutual cooperation. A.U. President and Rwanda president Paul Kagame congratulated Abiy on March 28 when he was announced as new leader. As chairman of the AU on behalf of other African leaders wanted to express our solidarity with the Ethiopian people & their leaders as they continue to find from within and among themselves solutions to the recent political problems they faced! Kagame said in a tweet. The African Union (A.U.) which is headquartered in the ...

Somalia speaker of parliament refuses to resign amid political crisis. 3 April 2018. Auto Trigger run from Osuta Yusuf blog. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “They are asking me to resign, but I am not going to resign, I do not work for them,” the words of a defiant Mohamed Osman Jawari, Somalia’s Speaker of Parliament. Confusion has rocked the lower legislative chamber for the past weeks. The crisis has seen the house divided between supporters of the speaker on one hand and those of the Prime Minister, Ali Hassan Khaire. Speaker Jawari has been accused by elected officials of abuse of power and obstruction of constitutional reform. He has, however, survived a motion of no-confidence. There has been a rise of power struggle in the legislature. Ministers do not go to their offices because they are too much involved in this conflict, the deputies are also paralyzed by these struggles, with the public services not functioning well. This crisis has previously led to a heavy deployment of security personnel in and around the Assembly. The speaker of parliament called this move an “attempted coup.” A new motion of no confidence was suspended after President Farmaajo intervened. MP Mohamed Mohamud who supports the speaker bemoans the negative effect of the crisis on the country. “This dispute in parliament has a negative impact on the country, because there are internal struggles between the supreme branches of government such as parliament and the executive causing more insecurity. “There has been a rise of power struggle in the legislature. Ministers do not go to their offices because they are too much involved in this conflict, the deputies are also paralyzed by these struggles, with the public services not functioning well,” he said. The Upper House of Parliament has tried to mediate in the impasse, the biggest political crisis since the government took office a little over a year ago. President Farmaajo has had to postpone several meetings and foreign travels to try and end this crisis. The African Union, United Nations and other partners have voiced grave concern and also called for calm.

Somalia speaker of parliament refuses to resign amid political crisis . 3 April 2018. Auto Trigger run from Osuta Yusuf blog. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “They are asking me to resign, but I am not going to resign, I do not work for them,” the words of a defiant Mohamed Osman Jawari, Somalia’s Speaker of Parliament. Confusion has rocked the lower legislative chamber for the past weeks. The crisis has seen the house divided between supporters of the speaker on one hand and those of the Prime Minister, Ali Hassan Khaire. Speaker Jawari has been accused by elected officials of abuse of power and obstruction of constitutional reform. He has, however, survived a motion of no-confidence. There has been a rise of power struggle in the legislature. Ministers do not go to their offices because they are too much involved in this conflict, the deputies are also paralyzed by thes...