NewsBytes

World's oldest president seeks to extend rule as Cameroon holds election

Cameroonians began voting on Sunday in a presidential election where incumbent Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler at 92, is widely expected to extend his 43-year grip on power despite an energised opposition pushing for change. His opponents include former government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma, 76, who has galvanised large crowds demanding an end to Biya's long tenure and drawn endorsements from a platform of some opposition parties and civic groups. However, analysts say that Biya, in power since 1982, is likely to be reelected given his firm control of state machinery and the fragmented nature of an opposition field of nine candidates. Biya's critics are still hoping he can be ousted after decades of economic stagnation and tensions in the Central African nation of 30 million people, an oil and cocoa producer. "This election comes at a time when the whole nation aspires for change," Tchiroma said after voting in his hometown of Garoua in the North region. He urged voters to remain vigilant and make sure that the results announced by the constitutional council reflect the result from ballot boxes.

Palestinians journey back home as aid convoys start to enter Gaza

A ceasefire in the war in Gaza was holding for the third day on Sunday as aid agencies worked to rush in more desperately needed aid to the besieged territory under the truce deal. Preparations were also underway for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.  US President Donald Trump, who pushed to clinch the ceasefire deal, is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday morning. He will meet with families of hostages and speak at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, according to a schedule released by the White House. Trump will then continue on to Egypt, where the office of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has said he will co-chair a “peace summit” on Monday with attendance by regional and international leaders. Gaza's Hamas-run Interior Ministry has deployed thousands of police in areas the Israeli military withdrew from after the ceasefire took effect. Armed policemen were seen on Gaza City streets and in southern Gaza on Saturday, providing a sense of security to the local population. The police also provided security for aid trucks driving through areas not controlled by the Israeli military, according to residents.

India to host UN troop contributing countries' chiefs conclave

Delegates from countries that contribute troops to the UN peacekeeping missions across the globe are set to gather in Delhi for a key conclave to be hosted by India from October 14-16, officials said on Sunday. The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries' (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave will see the participation of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations (USG, DPO), Jean Pierre Lacroix, the defence ministry said in a statement. The UNTCC serves as a vital forum to address operational challenges, evolving threats, interoperability, inclusivity in decision-making and the role of technology and training in strengthening UN peacekeeping. Delegations from countries that contribute troops to UN peacekeeping missions across the globe are expected to arrive here on October 13, it said. The Indian Army will host the conclave from October 14-16, bringing together senior military leadership from 32 nations that play a pivotal role in UN peacekeeping operations, the statement said. The conclave reflects the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), the officials said.

Attempted coup is underway in Madagascar, says country's president

An attempted coup is underway in the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, the country's president said on Sunday. A statement from President Andry Rajoelina's office said it “wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force” has been “initiated.” The statement did not immediately identify who was attempting to overthrow the government, but members of the armed forces joined youth-led protests against Rajoelina on Saturday.  The protests against service failures and alleged government corruption and nepotism have been going on since September 25.