Hundreds leave to join Mexico migrant caravan headed for US
By Jose Torres
MEXICO (Reuters) – A caravan of at least hundreds of migrants left from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula on Sunday, heading for the U.S. southern border.
The smaller caravan plans to join a larger one that left six days ago and is currently stopped about 25 miles (40 km) north in the town of Huixtla.
Organizers said the first had swelled to some 7,000 people while the government in the southern Chiapas state said it estimated the group at 3,500 people.
Many migrants are fleeing poverty and political instability in their homelands, hailing from Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and especially Honduras and Venezuela, according to a Reuters witness.
“I think 3.4 months is too long to wait to get a humanitarian visa, to be able to travel through Mexican territory,” said Selma Alvarez from Venezuela. “Because we are at the mercy of coyotes, of criminals, it is good that we accompany each other in the caravan, it seems safer to me.”
Alvarez added that the group was impatient to get to the U.S. border and start the process to enter the U.S. with appointments secured via a U.S. government app, CBP One, and request asylum.
Gunmen kill at least 20 and burned houses in pre-dawn attack in Cameroon- local official
YAOUNDE (Reuters) – Gunmen opened fire on people as they slept in a town in western Cameroon in the early hours of Monday, leaving at least 20 dead, a local government official said.
Residents said they suspected the attack was meant to disrupt celebrations marking the 41st anniversary of Paul Biya becoming Cameroon’s president that were due to take place in Mamfe and other centres on Monday.
Separatists in minority English-speaking parts of Cameroon have been fighting to carve out an independent state called Ambazonia since 2017.
Armed groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and killings in the North West and South West regions of the predominantly French-speaking African country.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack.
Burned house photo, Mamfe, Cameroon, Monday, Nov.6,2023. Photo : KOUAM JOEL HONORE
The gunmen struck before dawn and set houses ablaze, Viang Mekala, the administrative head of the surrounding Manyu division in South West region, said.
Seven people were in hospital and security forces were searching the area, Mekala told Reuters. “The situation is under control and the population should not panic,” he said.
Residents said several senior politicians had come to celebrate the anniversary in the town which is less than 50 km (30 miles) from the border with Nigeria.
Reporting by Amindeh Blaise Atabong; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Andrew Heavens
US Foreign Secretary Blinken meets Turkish FM for tough Israel-Gaza talks
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a grueling Middle East diplomatic tour on Monday in Turkey after only limited success in efforts to forge a regional consensus on how best to ease civilian suffering in Gaza as Israel intensifies its war against Hamas.
In the Turkish capital, Ankara, Blinken met with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan following a frantic weekend of travel that took him from Israel to Jordan, the occupied West Bank, Cyprus and Iraq, to build support for the Biden administration’s proposal for “humanitarian pauses” to Israel’s relentless military campaign in Gaza.
“All of this is a work in progress,” Blinken said before leaving Turkey. “We don’t obviously agree on everything, but there are common views on some of the imperatives of the moment that we’re working on together.”
Blinken’s shuttle diplomacy came as Israeli troops surrounded Gaza City and cut off the northern part of the besieged Hamas-ruled territory. Troops are expected to enter the city Monday or Tuesday and are likely to face militants fighting street by street using a vast network of tunnels. Casualties will likely rise on both sides in the month-old war, which has already killed more than 10,000 Palestinians according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The top U.S. diplomat hopes that pauses in the war would allow for a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of hostages captured by Hamas during the militants’ deadly Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians — while also preventing the conflict from spreading regionally.
“We’ve engaged the Israelis on steps that they can take to minimize civilian casualties,” Blinken said before leaving Ankara. “We’re working, as I said, very aggressively on getting more humanitarian assistance into Gaza.”
People clash with anti riot Turkish police officers during a pro Palestine protest outside U.S.-Turkish Incirlik military air base in Adana, southern Turkey, Sunday, Nov.5,2023. Pro-Islamic Turkish NGO IHH called for people to drive their vehicles in a convoy of demonstrators to gather and protest at U.S.-Turkish Incirlink military air base to show their solidarity with the Palestinians. Photo: Mehmet Sancakzade/AP
“We are very focused on the hostages held by Hamas, including the Americans, and we are doing everything possible to bring them home,” he added.
State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, said in a statement both Blinken and Fidan “emphasized the importance of the longstanding U.S.-Turkish cooperation as NATO Allies and Euro-Atlantic security priorities including Sweden’s NATO accession.”
As the Blinken-Fidan meeting got underway, dozens of protesters from an Islamist group waved Turkish and Palestinian flags and held up anti-U.S. and anti-Israel placards outside the Foreign Ministry. Police earlier in the day dispersed a group of students marching toward the ministry chanting “murderer Blinken, get out of Turkey!”
Blinken tweets his meeting with Turkey foreign minister and write on his wall Secretary Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan sit in chairs during a meeting. There is a round table with small U.S. and Turkish flags in between them. There is also a Turkish flag behind them.
Spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan about preventing the spread of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the need to protect civilians and increase humanitarian assistance. Also discussed Sweden’s NATO accession and the importance of our partnership in addressing global challenges. pic.twitter.com/MwWBxTMBbG
Also Monday, about 150 people rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, carrying a large banner that read: “No to genocide!”
It was the second day of protests denouncing Blinken’s visit. On Sunday, pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with Turkish riot police outside the U.S.-Turkish Incirlik military air base in the southern city of Adana. Police fired tear gas and water cannon as the demonstrators tried to cross fields to enter the base.
American forces in the region face a surge of attacks by Iranian-allied militias in Iraq and elsewhere. U.S. forces shot down another one-way attack drone Sunday that was targeting American and coalition troops near their base in neighboring Syria, a U.S. official said. From Baghdad Blinken traveled to Turkey.
The Biden administration, while remaining the strongest backer of Israel’s military response to Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7, is increasingly seeking to use its influence with Israel to try to temper the effect of Israel’s weeks of complete siege and near round-the-clock air, ground and sea assaults in Gaza, home to 2.3 million civilians.
Arab states are resisting American suggestions that they play a larger role in resolving the crisis, expressing outrage at the civilian toll of the Israeli military operations and believing Gaza to be a problem largely of Israel’s own making.
___
Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
Indonesia officially becomes FATF’s 40th member, President Jokowi tweet
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has officially become the 40th permanent member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) announced on Monday.
“I would like to convey good news as a result of the negotiations in Paris last October. Thank God, Indonesia was accepted by acclamation as the 40th permanent member of FATF,” he stated at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.
Kabar baik datang dari Paris, Prancis: Indonesia diterima secara aklamasi sebagai anggota tetap ke-40 Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Keputusan tersebut diambil oleh pihak FATF setelah perundingan di Paris akhir Oktober.
FATF is an international organization focused on global efforts to eradicate criminal acts of money laundering, terrorism financing, and funding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The president noted that Indonesia’s FATF membership is important to increase positive perceptions of the Indonesian financial system.
Increasing positive perceptions of Indonesia’s financial system will encourage confidence and trust in the business and investment climate in the country, he remarked.
“It is very important to increase positive perceptions towards the Indonesian financial system. It will help to boost confidence and trust in our business and investment climate, Jokowi remarked.
The head of state also lauded the National Coordinating Committee for the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering and other stakeholders for their hard work and commitment to realize Indonesia’s goal of becoming an FATF official member.
“We hope that this will be the first step towards better governance of Indonesia’s anti-money laundering regime and prevention of terrorist financing,” the president stated.
According to the official website of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), by joining as a permanent member of the FATF, Indonesia will be able to make a broad contribution to determine global strategic policies related to Anti-Money Laundering and Prevention of the Financing of Terrorism (APUPPT) that can further emphasize Indonesia’s position as a country with integrity and capable of actively contributing to the international arena.
FATF’s History
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established in 1989 by the G7 to examine and develop measures to combat money laundering. It originally included the G7 countries, the European Commission and eight other countries. Click here to see the Economic Declaration from the G7 Summit in July 1989.
The FATF was given responsibility to examine money laundering techniques and trends, review the action already taken at a national or international level, and to set out measures needed to combat money laundering. In 2001, the FATF expanded its mandate to also combat terrorist financing.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Work, Standards & Methods
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) leads global action to tackle money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing.
The FATF researches how money is laundered and terrorism is funded, promotes global standards to mitigate the risks, and assesses whether countries are taking effective action.
The methods used to launder the proceeds of criminal activities and to finance illicit activities are in constant evolution. As the international financial sector implements the FATF standards, criminals must find alternative ways to launder their dirty money.
The FATF carries out research into evolving methods and trends to assist countries in identifying, assessing and understanding their money laundering and terrorist financing risks. Once these risks are properly understood, countries will be able to implement more effective measures to mitigate the risks.
FATF mutual evaluations are in-depth country reports analysing the implementation and effectiveness of measures to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing. The reports are peer reviews, where members from different countries assess another country. Mutual evaluations provide an in-depth description and analysis of a country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing system, as well as focused recommendations to further strengthen its system.
During a mutual evaluation, the assessed country must demonstrate that it has an effective framework to protect the financial system from abuse.
Thailand to waive visas for India and Taiwan to boost tourism
Chinese, Kazakh tourists already granted temporary visa waiver, Visa exemption meant to boost tourist arrivals, premier says
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand will waive visa requirements for arrivals from India and Taiwan from next month to May 2024, a government official said on Tuesday, in a bid to draw in more tourists as high season approaches.
Thailand in September scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists, the country’s top pre-pandemic tourism market with 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019.
From January to October 29, there were 22 million visitors to Thailand, generating 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion), according to the latest government data.
“Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days,” spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said.
India has been Thailand’s fourth largest source market for tourism so far this year with about 1.2 million arrivals after Malaysia, China and South Korea.
Inbound tourism from India showed signs of growth as more airlines and hospitality chains targeted that market.
Thailand is targeting about 28 million arrivals this year, with the new government hoping the travel sector can offset continued weak exports that have constrained economic growth.
September scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists, the country’s top pre-coronavirus-pandemic tourism market with 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019.
“Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days,” government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said.
India has been Thailand’s fourth largest source market for tourism so far this year with about 1.2 million arrivals after Malaysia, China and South Korea.
Travellers from Malaysia has topped the list of tourists this year at more than 3 million, followed by Chinese — the largest group of visitors to Thailand before the Covid-19 pandemic — at 2.65 million, according to the latest figures from the TAT.
Pressure mounts on Australia to call for Gaza ceasefire, Greens boycott question time after labor rejects ceasefire call on Gaza
CANBERRA (AAP) – Pressure is mounting for the Australian government to call for a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as the civilian death toll mounts.
Today in Australia Parliament the Labor Government again refused to support a call from the Greens for an immediate ceasefire to protect innocent civilians in Gaza amid a soaring civilian death toll.
In Question Time today the Greens asked Labor to back the United Nations call for a ceasefire, following Labor’s refusal, all Australian Greens Senators exited in protest.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi is Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and led the call for a ceasefire and subsequent boycott of Question Time today:
“We are witnessing the State of Israel’s horrific war crimes in Gaza, with almost ten thousand massacred including more than 4000 children. The Australian Government must back the United Nations call for an immediate ceasefire.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi says the federal government continues to shield Israel from accountability. Photo : Mick Tsikas/AAP
“Today the Australian Greens left Question Time in protest because, like millions of Australians, we have been shocked, horrified and angered by the massacre of innocent people in Gaza. It is unacceptable that the Labor government refuses to push for a ceasefire in the face of these atrocities.
“Millions are marching around the world for peace in Palestine but our Government is failing to listen and act. Today, we proudly brought the people’s protest into Parliament so that Labor can no longer ignore the call for an immediate ceasefire.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry condemned the walkout.
“They pose as pacifists but they know that a ceasefire will hand victory to Hamas and encourage more jihadism in the West,” co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said.
Federal ministers have consistently called for Israel to act within the confines of international law while reaffirming its right to defend itself.
Foreign ministers from Qatar, Saudi, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have lobbied US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire.
Pope Francis also urged a ceasefire, branding the situation in Gaza as “very grave”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out any ceasefire until hostages were returned.
The federal government is continuing to assist 79 people in Gaza after 25 citizens and family members were able to make it out through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.
Most have since returned to Australia.
No departures from Gaza have been possible in recent days, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman confirmed after reports the Rafah crossing had been shut again.
“Australia is supporting international efforts to keep the Rafah border crossing open for humanitarian purposes, including the passage of civilians,” the spokesman said in a statement.
The Israeli army has surrounded Gaza’s main city as its invasion of the strip in search of Hamas militants continues.
Hamas, which is deemed a terrorist organization by the Australian government, killed more than 1400 Israelis and took more than 240 hostages in an attack on October 7.
The Palestinian death toll from Israel’s retaliatory strikes, which have hit refugee camps and ambulances, is nearing 10,000, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry.
Israel says 31 of its soldiers have been killed.
Palestinian human rights groups have launched legal action seeking records of weapons exports granted by Defence Minister Richard Marles since October 7.
“We are seeing the makings of a genocide unfold in front of our eyes,” Al Mezan Centre director Issam Younis said of the events in Gaza.
If Australia was “selling Israel the means to commit that genocide”, it would breach Australia’s international obligations and its arms export laws, he said.
There is “credible public information” Australian goods and technology might be being used to abate genocide specifically against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, the groups said in an affidavit seen by AAP.
Australia has approved 322 defence exports to Israel over the past six years but such exports weren’t lethal in nature and included items such as radios, body armour, software, vehicle parts and sporting equipment, defence officials have said.
Ravindra Jadeja credits Virat Kohli for gritty hundred on tough wicket
KOLKATTA (ICC) – Ravindra Jadeja heaped praise on Virat Kohli for his record-breaking ton in Kolkata on Sunday that laid the foundation for India’s huge win.
Jadeja praised Kohli for his record 49th ODI hundred, a feat that saw him match Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record, pointing out how he navigated the team through a tricky phase in the afternoon on a slow, turning wicket at the Eden Gardens.
“In the afternoon, there was turn and it was slow, so batters couldn’t hit well,” Jadeja said at the post-match press conference.
“But credit to Virat and the middle-order batters who handled their spinners, it was very good.
“I would say this is special for him as well because of the way the wicket was in the afternoon. At one time it felt like 260-270 is also fine and at that time, rotating the strike and taking boundaries, I think that must have been very challenging.
“So, especially when the team was struggling to get a run, both their spinners were bowling well, and at such a time to rotate the strike, to take boundaries, and to get a score of above 300 and be not out – that is a very big achievement and a very big effort from him,” Jadeja concluded.
Ravindra Jadeja picked up a 5-wicket haul and hit a crucial 29 against South Africa in Kolkata (Reuters Photo)
The middle overs saw South Africa’s spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi bring down the run rate after Rohit Sharma got India off to a flier. Maharaj’s dismissal of Shubman Gill with a delivery that turned square gave a hint of the challenge awaiting the Indian batters.
But an unflustered Kohli, with solid support from Shreyas Iyer, carried India through the tricky phase. The Proteas head coach Rob Walters also agreed that his side conceded way more than what he would’ve wanted and averted any blame on the pitch itself.
“I think it would be very short-sighted and unfair of me to blame the pitch,” Walters said after the game while addressing the media.
“One side gets 320, and we get bowled out for 80. That doesn’t sound right, does it?
“So, to be fair, as I said, 320 was too much on that pitch. I think we’ll all reflect on that and say that that was probably 70 or 80 too many. But on the other side, I think India were excellent. And I wouldn’t blame the pitch on that part.”
Meanwhile, Jadeja revealed that the decision to bat first was made to challenge the batting on a slow pitch and to see how the bowlers would adapt to dew later in the evening.
“After winning toss, we were trying to challenge ourselves. Because if we had bowled in the afternoon, we might not have scored so many runs.
“As I said, the ball was stopping a lot, and there was no bounce. And the turn was increasing. It was continuously turning.
“So, it was a challenge for us to take first batting and in the second innings if the dew comes, how can we bowl with the dew? Because if such a situation comes in the knockout stage, we should know how to handle that situation. That was the only reason.”
India went to the top of the points table with the whopping win, their eighth on the trot, while South Africa, who have also made the semi-finals, will hope to take learnings away from the game ahead of the knockout phase.
Blinken meets Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank in the latest stop on his diplomat push on the Israel-Hamas war
BY MATTHEW LEE
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken brought his diplomatic push on the Israel-Hamas war to the occupied West Bank on Sunday, meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Biden administration’s latest effort to ease civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip and start to sketch out a post-conflict scenario for the territory.
On a stop not announced in advance, Blinken traveled to Ramallah in an armored motorcade and under tight security. His visit came just hours after Israeli planes struck a refugee camp in Gaza, killing at least 40 people according to health officials there.
Despite the secrecy and the U.S. State Department’s refusal to confirm the trip until after Blinken had left the West Bank, Palestinians turned out to protest U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza as word of his arrival leaked. Demonstrators held signs showing dripping blood and with messages that included, “Blinken blood is on your hands.”
A senior American official traveling with Blinken stressed what the official said was the U.S. commitment to pressing Israel to protect civilians in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid supplies and rein in and punish surging violence by extremist Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Blinken also told Abbas that the U.S. was pushing Israel to fully restore suspended tax remittance transfers to the Palestinian Authority. Those funds were partially unblocked last week, but the Palestinians want the whole amount. In addition, Blinken said the U.S. envisions the Palestinian Authority as “playing a central role” in any post-Hamas administration in Gaza, according to the official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to detail private discussions.
But Abbas said the Palestinian Authority would only assume power in Gaza as part of a “comprehensive political solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to the Palestinians’ official WAFA news agency. Abbas condemned Israel’s bombardment of Gaza as a “genocidal war” and urged Blinken “to immediately stop them from committing such crimes,” the agency reported.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is greeted by PLO Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh as he arrives to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at the Muqata in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, November 5, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/Pool
He called for an immediate cession of the war, and the delivery of humanitarian aid and fuel, and the restoration of water and electricity in Gaza. The Palestinian leader said “military and security solutions” would not bring security to Israel, and insisted that “security and peace” would be achieved only through ending Israel’s occupation and establishing a Palestinian state on the pre-1967 Mideast war borders with east Jerusalem its capital, according to the Palestinian news agency’s account of the meeting.
Earlier, the U.S. State Department said Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the resumption of essential services in Gaza and made clear that Palestinians must not be forcibly displaced.
The meeting with Abbas, whose Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority has not been a factor in Gaza since Hamas took it over by force in 2007, came at the start of Blinken’s third day of his latest Mideast mission, his second since the surprise Hamas attack against Israel on Oct. 7. Blinken visited Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday before meeting in Jordan with Arab ministers Saturday.
At each stop, Blinken has offered firm U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself but also stressed that it must adhere to the laws of war, protect civilians and increase humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza. To do that, as well as to ease the flow of foreigners fleeing Gaza, he has made the case that Israel should implement rolling humanitarian pauses to its airstrikes and ground operations, something that Netanyahu has thus far flatly rejected.
The Arab foreign ministers with whom Blinken met in Amman – from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates – issued the same demand. But Blinken said the U.S. would not push for one.
U.S. officials believe that Netanyahu may soften his opposition if he can be convinced that it is in Israel’s strategic interests to ease the plight of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The soaring death toll among Palestinians — more than 9,700, according to officials of Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry — has sparked growing international anger, with tens of thousands from Washington to Berlin taking to the streets over the weekend to demand an immediate cease-fire.
Arab states are resisting American suggestions that they play a larger role in resolving crisis, expressing outrage at the civilian toll of the Israeli military operations but believing Gaza to be a problem largely of Israel’s own making.
American Bodybuilder Derek Lunsford Wins Mr Olympia 2023 and Canadian Jennifer Dorie Wins 2023 Bikini Olympia
FLORIDA (DT) – Derek Lunsford clinched the title of 2023 Mr. Olympia on Saturday. The event took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Hosted by the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB), the annual competition returns to Orlando for just the fourth time.
Mr. Olympia pre-judging will be held Friday evening, which will also feature the Ms. Olympia finals. The competition’s most well-known event, Mr. Olympia, which began in 1965, will finish up Saturday evening. Arnold Schwarzenegger is perhaps the most famous winner, taking home seven titles in 10 years. However, he’s just short of the record for most wins; that goes to Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney, who have eight victories each.
Mr. Olympia shared a post on its official Twitter handle congratulating Mr. Lunsford to Become new Mr. Olympia 2023. They write, Mr. Lunsford, your life will never be the same. — Congratulations to the new Mr. Olympia, just the 18th man to win the title.
@dereklunsford7
#MrOlympia
Repost from @DanSolomon100 • Mr. Lunsford, your life will never be the same. — Congratulations to the new Mr. Olympia, just the 18th man to win the title. @dereklunsford7#MrOlympia
Iran’s Hadi Choopan, known as “The Persian Wolf,” is looking to defend his title for last year, when he defeated two-time champion Mamdouh Elssbiay (aka “Big Ramy”) of Egypt. Elssbiay said recently he will not compete this year due to a variety of injuries.
Tonio Burton’s strong performance landed him in eighth place, and Regan Grimes claimed the ninth spot. Charles Griffen rounded out the top ten, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication present at the event.
Mr. Olympia 2023 Winner List
Place
Name
1.
Derek Lunsford
2.
Hadi Choopan
3.
Samson Dauda
4.
Brandon Curry
5.
Andrew Jacked
Mr. Olympia 2023 prize money
As per a report published by Generation Iron, the prize breakdown for Mr Olympia 2023 competition is as follows:
Derek Lunsford claimed the top spot and earned prize money $400,000. Hadi Choopan was awarded $150,000. Samson Dauda, who finished third, received a prize of $100,000. The fourth place was earned by Brandon Curry. He took home $40,000. The fifth place was secured by Andrew Jacked. He has received $35,000.
Let’s talk about the 2023 Bikini Olympia winner
Canadian Bodybuilder Jennifer Dorie Wins 2023 Bikini Olympia. Almost 50 athletes were in the prejudging round of the 2023 Bikini Olympia. That field was reduced to just the top 10 by the evening finals at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The two athletes many fans were talking about were defending champion Maureen Blanquisco and three-time champion Ashley Kaltwasser, who appeared to be in the running for a fourth Olympia win a decade after her first.
The stage was set, and the top 10 walked on that stage on Saturday night, Nov. 4, 2023, to pose for a shot at becoming an Olympia champion. Jennifer Dorie ascended the throne again to become a two-time Bikini Olympia champion in her sixth Olympia appearance.
2021 Bikini Olympia champion Dorie and defending champion Blanquisco were the center of the final callout. After the Men’s Physique and Classic Physique finals, the top 10 Bikini competitors came back for individual posing routines before the award ceremony, which featured all four previous champions in the top five.
UN peacekeepers have departed a rebel stronghold in northern Mali early as violence increases
BY BABA AHMED
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — United Nations peacekeepers on Tuesday withdrew from a rebel stronghold in northern Mali weeks earlier than planned because of growing insecurity, leaving the town in the hands of ethnic Tuareg separatists.
Underscoring the uptick in violence, at least two peacekeepers were wounded en route to the largest U.N. base in Gao.
“The peacekeepers’ convoy that left Kidal this morning was the victim of two improvised explosive device attacks,” Myriam Dessables, head of communications for the U.N. mission known as MINUSMA, told The Associated Press.
MINUSMA has now left eight of its 13 bases after Mali’s junta earlier this year ordered the 15,000-strong mission to leave the West African country, claiming it had failed in its mission in trying to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency.
“The conditions for the departure of all these bases were extremely difficult and trying, for a variety of reasons — all completely beyond the mission’s control — including the deterioration of the security situation and the resulting multiple threats to peacekeepers,” MINUSMA said in a statement confirming the latest departure.
About 850 U.N. peacekeepers had been based in Kidal along with 150 other mission personnel.
FILE – United Nation forces patrol the streets of Timbuktu, Mali, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. Mali’s military regime is struggling to fight growing violence in the West African nation’s hard-hit northern region. That’s after a peace deal signed several years ago with rebels appeared to have collapsed and as the United Nations peacekeepers who helped fight jihadi groups begin to leave. Attacks in northern Mali have more than doubled since U.N. peacekeepers completed the first phase of their withdrawal in Aug. 2023, after a decade of fighting Islamic extremists, resulting in more than 150 deaths. (AP Photo/Moulaye Sayah, File)
An employee with MINUSMA told AP that the peacekeepers left Kidal in convoys after Mali’s military junta refused to authorize flights to repatriate U.N. equipment and civilian personnel.
The employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to journalists, said the former MINUSMA base and the town’s airport were now under rebel control.
“I see residents of the town returning to the base to take away scrap metal and other objects left behind by the peacekeepers,” a resident of Kidal, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, told the AP.
Mali’s junta, which overthrew the democratically elected president in 2021, has sought to distance the country from international partners. Former colonizer France, another partner in the fight against extremists, pulled out its military forces in 2022.
Peacekeepers serving with the UN’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) wear face masks while on patrol. Photo : MINUSMA/Harandane Dicko
Violence is again spiking between ethnic Tuareg rebels and Mali’s military, prompting the U.N. to move up its departure once planned for mid-November.
“The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He calls on the Malian authorities to take urgent steps to apprehend and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice”, said Stéphane Dujarric, the UN Spokesman.
Analysts say the violence signals the breakdown of a 2015 peace agreement signed between the government and the rebels. That deal was signed after Tuareg rebels drove security forces out of northern Mali in 2012 as they sought to create an independent state they call Azawad.
