标签： Jamaica

KISUMU, Kenya — Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in western Kenya on Saturday to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, a revered political figure whose death has left the nation in profound grief. The massive turnout in Kisumu, Odinga’s political stronghold, marked the climax of a week-long mourning period that has already claimed at least five lives. As his coffin arrived by helicopter at the city stadium, the crowd erupted in emotional chants of “Baba” (father) and “We are orphans,” reflecting the deep connection Odinga had with his supporters. Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday in India from a suspected heart attack, sparking nationwide sorrow, particularly among the Luo community, which he championed. Despite the overwhelming crowd, the event in Kisumu was relatively orderly compared to earlier ceremonies in Nairobi, where security forces resorted to lethal measures to control surging crowds. A medical source reported that 74 people were treated for fainting and dehydration at the stadium. Odinga’s legacy as a key architect of Kenya’s multi-party democracy and the 2010 constitution remains undisputed, though his death leaves a leadership vacuum in the opposition. His pragmatic alliances, including a recent deal with President William Ruto, had alienated some young voters. As Kenya prepares for potentially turbulent elections in 2027, the future of Odinga’s political movement remains uncertain.

PARIS, France — Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to begin his prison sentence on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former head of state from an EU country to be incarcerated. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in late September for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy to secure illegal campaign funding from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi during his 2007 presidential bid. Despite appealing the verdict and decrying it as an “injustice,” Sarkozy will be held at La Sante prison in Paris. In a defiant statement following his conviction, Sarkozy declared, “If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison — but with my head held high.” This makes him the first French leader to face imprisonment since Philippe Petain, the Nazi-collaborating head of the Vichy regime, who was jailed after World War II. Sarkozy is expected to be placed in solitary confinement, occupying a nine-square-meter cell to minimize interaction with other inmates and prevent unauthorized photography. The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, emphasized the “exceptional gravity” of the offenses, ordering his incarceration even as he appeals. Sarkozy’s legal team is likely to seek his release immediately, but the court retains the authority to deny it if there are concerns about evidence tampering or witness intimidation. If released, he could be placed under judicial supervision or house arrest with an ankle tag. Sarkozy’s legal troubles have mounted since his 2012 re-election loss, including a prior graft conviction. In the Libyan case, prosecutors alleged that his aides struck a deal with Kadhafi in 2005 to fund his campaign, with promises to restore Kadhafi’s international image. However, the court acquitted Sarkozy of charges related to embezzlement, corruption, and illicit campaign financing. Despite losing his Legion of Honour distinction, Sarkozy retains some support on the French right, with his son Louis Sarkozy urging supporters to rally outside their family home. The case has also sparked controversy, with the presiding judge receiving death threats, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn such actions as “unacceptable.” La Sante prison has housed notable figures, including Venezuelan militant Carlos the Jackal and French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found dead in his cell in 2022.

The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two key figures linked to Haiti’s escalating gang violence. Dimitri Herard, a former Haitian police officer and head of the National Palace’s general security unit, and Kempes Sanon, leader of the Bel Air gang, were targeted for their roles in supporting the Viv Ansanm gang coalition. OFAC accused Viv Ansanm of perpetuating violence, extortion, and terrorism, which have destabilized Haiti. Herard, previously imprisoned for his alleged involvement in the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse, escaped custody in 2024 and has since collaborated with Viv Ansanm, providing training and firearms to gang leaders. Sanon, meanwhile, has been instrumental in consolidating the coalition’s power through civilian killings, extortion, and kidnappings. The sanctions, enacted under Executive Order 13224, freeze all US-based assets of the designated individuals and prohibit transactions involving their property. OFAC also warned that foreign financial institutions engaging with these individuals risk secondary sanctions. The move underscores the US commitment to holding accountable those who endanger Haitian citizens and destabilize the nation.

In a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had proposed major concessions to ease the strained relations. However, Trump dismissed these overtures with sharp criticism, stating that Maduro’s actions were driven by fear of U.S. retaliation. This comes alongside reports of a new U.S. military strike targeting a drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, which allegedly left survivors onboard. The vessel, described by Trump as a ‘drug-carrying submarine,’ is part of a broader U.S. campaign against narcotics trafficking in the region. Washington has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has deployed significant military assets, including stealth warplanes and naval ships, to combat the issue. Maduro, meanwhile, has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a regime change, a claim that has fueled further tensions. The U.S. has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean since September, targeting at least six vessels, mostly speedboats, allegedly linked to drug smuggling. While the U.S. claims its operations are dealing a decisive blow to drug trafficking, experts have raised concerns about the legality of summary killings, even if the targets are confirmed drug smugglers. The campaign has also drawn in neighboring countries, with Trinidad and Tobago investigating whether its citizens were killed in a recent strike, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressing concerns about Colombian casualties. Amid these developments, Trump has hinted at expanding U.S. military operations to include land targets, while the head of U.S. Southern Command announced his unexpected retirement, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, the Shadow Minister of Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs for Jamaica’s People’s National Party (PNP), has called on Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his role as chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), to convene member states and formulate a cohesive regional response to recent reports of US military strikes in Caribbean waters. These strikes have reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, including two Trinidadians, and the detention of two individuals of undisclosed nationality by the US Army. Scott-Mottley expressed profound concern, warning that such actions undermine the sovereignty of the region and jeopardize the safety of its citizens.

She emphasized that Caricom has consistently advocated for the Caribbean to be recognized as a Zone of Peace, a principle rooted in peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law. The senator criticized the alleged use of armed drones and lethal force in Caribbean waters, describing it as a blatant violation of these principles. She highlighted the growing unease among fisherfolk and coastal communities across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, who fear being misidentified or caught in the crossfire of military operations.

Scott-Mottley stressed that the Caribbean’s waters are vital for livelihoods and commerce and must not be transformed into a battleground. She urged Prime Minister Holness to uphold the region’s legacy of diplomacy and non-alignment by engaging with Caricom leaders to reaffirm the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and to ensure full respect for international legal norms, including the right to life, due process, and state sovereignty.

In her concluding remarks, Scott-Mottley warned against normalizing extrajudicial actions in Caribbean waters, calling for unity among Caricom member states to safeguard the principles of peace, sovereignty, and international law.