Politics

South Korean Police Raid Presidential Office Amid Martial Law Scandal

Published

3 days ago

December 11, 2024

South Korean Police Raid Presidential Office Amid Martial Law Scandal

South Korean police have raided the presidential office in connection with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law last week. This move follows the mounting political crisis surrounding the president and his allies, who are now facing charges of insurrection. Several key figures, including Yoon’s associates, have been placed under travel bans.

The former Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who took responsibility for the martial law attempt, has reportedly attempted suicide while in custody, according to a Justice Ministry official. Despite the controversy, President Yoon has apologized for the declaration but has rejected calls for his resignation.

A vote to impeach Yoon last weekend failed after members of his ruling party boycotted it. However, opposition lawmakers have vowed to hold weekly impeachment votes until he steps down. North Korean state media has condemned the martial law attempt, calling it an “insane” move by a “fascist dictator.”

Unprecedented Raid on Presidential Office

Local reports indicate that the police did not inform the president’s security team about the raid in advance. This marks the first time since December 2019 that a presidential office has been searched. During that raid, prosecutors did not enter the office grounds but received materials from the staff, as per protocol.

The current raid’s scale will depend on whether officers are searching the office or simply retrieving documents. President Yoon is now under investigation by police, prosecutors, and anti-corruption officials. An independent investigation into his martial law attempt has been secured by opposition lawmakers.

Yoon faces accusations of treason, a crime for which he does not have immunity as president. Investigators have suggested they will arrest him if sufficient evidence emerges. The political chaos has led to ongoing protests, with demonstrators demanding his resignation.

Raids Target Martial Law Records

Details of the raids have emerged, with 18 investigators reportedly sent to the presidential office to seize records related to a cabinet meeting held the night of the martial law declaration. Yoon, listed among the suspects in the search warrant, was not in the office during the raids. Investigators have also visited the National Police Agency, Seoul Metropolitan Police, and National Assembly Police Guards to gather more evidence on the events surrounding the martial law attempt.

Unclear Leadership in South Korea

Since the chaotic events of last Tuesday, it remains uncertain how much authority President Yoon still holds. The head of Yoon’s party, Han Dong-hoon, has stated that Yoon will no longer participate in state affairs until his departure is arranged, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo managing government affairs in the meantime. A roadmap for Yoon’s early exit is expected to be finalized by Saturday.

Despite these developments, the Defense Ministry confirmed that Yoon still has control over the armed forces, allowing him to make decisions on foreign policy and national security matters.

North Korea Condemns Yoon’s Actions

North Korea has also weighed in on the martial law attempt, labeling it an “insane act” and likening it to a coup d’état reminiscent of South Korea’s past military dictatorship. North Korean state media condemned Yoon’s actions, calling them an attempt to establish a “fascist dictatorship.”

Ongoing Turmoil and Investigations

The political landscape in South Korea remains volatile, with protests continuing and calls for Yoon’s resignation intensifying. Although an impeachment vote failed last Saturday due to a boycott by Yoon’s ruling party, opposition members plan to push for a new vote this Saturday.

Authorities have imposed travel bans on Yoon and other key figures, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned after taking responsibility for the martial law attempt. Investigators are continuing their inquiries, and the head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials has expressed intent to seek Yoon’s arrest if sufficient evidence is found.

Parliamentary Probe Underway

The Speaker of the National Assembly, opposition politician Woon Woo-shik, has initiated a parliamentary investigation into Yoon’s actions, which will include obtaining testimony from the president. A special committee will oversee the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.

Former Defense Minister’s Suicide Attempt

In another development, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide while in detention. He is said to have tried to take his life late last night but was discovered in time. Kim, who resigned following the martial law attempt, has been placed under guard but is reportedly in stable health.

Ongoing Searches and Uncertain Future

During the raids, which also targeted the National Police Agency and other offices, Yoon was not present at the presidential office. The situation continues to evolve, with further investigations expected into the failed martial law attempt and the political fallout that follows.

Politics

Ooni of Ife Praises Buhari’s Post-Presidency Well-being and Legacy

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ooni of Ife Praises Buhari’s Post-Presidency Well-being and Legacy

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for his contributions to Nigeria during his time in office, describing him as a vibrant and rejuvenated elder statesman in retirement.

The monarch shared these sentiments during a two-day courtesy visit to Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, where they engaged in discussions on Nigeria’s development and the nation’s future.

Reflecting on the former President’s post-presidency life, Oba Ogunwusi remarked, “He’s 30 years younger right now. When you see him, you’ll be amazed at how relaxed, vibrant, and full of life he is. He looks remarkably younger than his age, and God has truly blessed him with renewed good health.”

The Ooni expressed optimism about Buhari’s well-being and lauded his resilience and dedication during his leadership. He also noted that Buhari’s unique experience as both a former military and civilian leader, coupled with his strong support in the northern region, positions him as an influential figure who could provide valuable guidance to the current administration.

The visit, according to a statement released by the monarch’s palace, was an opportunity for a meaningful exchange between the revered traditional leader and the former President, underscoring their shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

Politics

Zamfara Youths Commend Tinubu Over Yazid Danfulani Appointment*

Published

6 days ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Zamfara Youths Commend Tinubu Over Yazid Danfulani Appointment

Youths in Zamfara State have commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Yazid Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative.

The Zamfara Good Governance Forum (ZGF), led by Comrade Abdulsamad Yakubu, described Danfulani’s appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the region’s development.

Yakubu said Danfulani played a pivotal role in President Tinubu’s campaign, mobilising massive youth support and ensuring a resounding victory for the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that his expertise in the solid minerals sector, particularly in gold mining, is expected to drive the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative forward.

The Zamfara Good Governance Forum expressed confidence that Danfulani’s appointment will have a positive impact on the solid minerals sector in Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara State, which is richly endowed with mineral resources, including gold.

“We wish to express our heartfelt commendation to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the appointment of Yazid Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative,” Yakubu said.

“Yazid Danfulani’s appointment is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to the development of Northern Nigeria. As a great mobilizer, he played a pivotal role in President Tinubu’s campaign, galvanising massive youth support and ensuring a resounding victory for the party’s presidential candidate.

“The Zamfara Good Governance Forum believes that this appointment is a well-deserved recognition of Danfulani’s contributions to the region’s development. His expertise in the solid minerals sector, particularly in gold mining, will undoubtedly be an asset in driving the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative forward.

“As the Executive Secretary, Danfulani will oversee the implementation of the initiative, which aims to formalize and regulate the artisanal gold mining sector in Nigeria. This initiative has the potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce illegal mining activities in the region.

“The Zamfara Good Governance Forum is confident that Danfulani’s appointment will have a positive impact on the solid minerals sector in Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara State, which is richly endowed with mineral resources, including gold ².”

Politics

Namibians elect Nandi-Ndaitwah as first female president

Published

1 week ago

December 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Namibians elect Nandi-Ndaitwah as first female president

Namibian Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) party has been elected the first female president of the Southern African country.

Namibia’s electoral commission on Tuesday announced Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah as the winner of the election that was held on November 27.

The announcement of the result was delayed until Tuesday as voting was extended in some places due to technical glitches and ballot paper shortages.

According to the result by the electoral commission, Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, polled 57 per cent of the votes, surpassing the 50 per cent requirement to win. Her challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party, came second with roughly 26 per cent of votes.

In the National Assembly election, Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah-led SWAPO won a majority of seats, 51 of the 96, while the IPC won 20 seats.

“The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah said after being declared president-elect on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the IPC has vowed to challenge the election’s outcome in court, describing the process as “deeply flawed.”

Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory now extends SWAPO’s 34-year rule in Namibia since it led the country to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.