News
‘Sudan must pay US embassy attack victims’
Sudan is required to pay punitive damages to some of the victims of the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania carried out by al-Qaeda, the US Supreme Court has ruled.
More than 200 people died and thousands were injured in the attacks.
Sudan was accused of giving al-Qaeda and its leader Osama Bin Laden technical and financial support.
The Supreme Court ruling applies to US nationals, embassy employees and contractors.
The ruling comes at a time when Sudan’s new government is pushing to be removed from the US’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The unanimous decision by the Supreme Court means that about $800m (£650m) out of the more than $4bn that was awarded in punitive damages in 2011 has been reinstated, Christopher Curran, who was representing Sudan, is quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying.
Nine years ago, the judge in the Federal District Court in Washington said that Sudan should pay roughly $6bn in compensation as well as the $4bn in punitive damages, the New York Times reports.
In 2017, Sudan successfully challenged the ruling on the punitive damages arguing that they were awarded under a 2008 amendment to a law that could not be applied to something that happened 20 years earlier.
The Supreme Court decided on Monday that Congress had said it was possible for it to be used retrospectively.
“As always, Sudan expresses sympathy for the victims of the acts of terrorism at issue, but reaffirms that it was not involved in any wrongdoing in connection with those acts,” Mr Curran said.
The case of punitive damages for Kenyans and other nationals who were not directly employed by the embassies, as well as non-US relatives of any of those injured or killed in the attacks, was referred back to a lower court.
Matthew McGill, who was representing some of the victims, said: “We are hopeful that this soon will lead Sudan to reach a just and equitable resolution with its victims.”
The $6bn compensation was not in dispute in this case and in February it was reported that Sudan was in negotiations over the sum to be paid.
At that time, Sudan had agreed to compensate the families of 17 US sailors who died when their ship, the USS Cole, was bombed by al-Qaeda at a port in Yemen in 2000. -BBC
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
News
Speaker joins Ugandan Parliament’s inaugural sitting
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, was among distinguished African leaders who witnessed the Inaugural Sitting of the 5th Session of Uganda’s 11th Parliament yesterday.
The event, presided over by Uganda’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Anita Anette Among, marked the beginning of the final legislative session before the country heads to the polls to elect new lawmakers.
Speakers and presiding officers from Namibia, Congo, East African Legislatures, Kenya’s Senate, South Sudan, and the Leader of the West Africa bloc of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) also attended the session.
In accordance with Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, President Yoweri Museveni delivered the State of the Nation Address, highlighting his government’s achievements.
Using pictorial evidence and videos, he showcased progress in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, and efforts to ensure food security.
The President also emphasized advancements in healthcare, including research initiatives and improved service delivery.
He further noted groundbreaking innovations in science and technology, such as the production and export of the Kirra electric cars.
President Museveni thanked Parliament for supporting government initiatives and pledged more developmental projects, including additional roads across constituencies. As Uganda prepares for elections, he expressed confidence in his National Resistance Movement’s performance while wishing all political parties well.
Following the address, Parliament is set to commence debates next week before receiving the President again for the budget presentation.
Speaker Among commended the President for his support to the legislature and urged Members of Parliament to uphold patriotism and dedicated service.
Bagbin Calls for African Unity
At a dinner hosted for visiting delegations, Rt. Hon. Bagbin, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), urged Uganda to remain committed to African unity and socio-economic development.
The event reinforced the spirit of Pan-African cooperation as nations strengthen parliamentary ties for continental progress.
