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Lim Kimya, a former member of Cambodia’s National Assembly and a prominent figure in the now-exiled opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was shot dead on Tuesday evening in Bangkok, Thailand. The 74-year-old was attacked shortly after arriving in the city on a bus from Siem Reap, traveling with his French wife and Cambodian uncle.
The CNRP expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident, labeling it a “brutal and inhumane shooting.” Lim, who held dual Cambodian and French citizenship had continued to live in Cambodia even as many opposition politicians fled the country due to increasing threats from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) under former Prime Minister Hun Sen. In 2017, the CNRP was dissolved by the Cambodian Supreme Court, which led to a ban on its political activities.
In its statement, the CNRP condemned Lim Kimya’s killing as an “assassination” and described it as a serious threat to political freedom. The party called for Thai authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the murder.
Thai authorities are actively searching for the gunman who reportedly escaped on a motorbike after the shooting. Human rights organizations have joined the call for a comprehensive investigation. Human Rights Watch’s Asia Director, Elaine Pearson, noted that this “cold-blooded killing” sends a chilling message to Cambodian political activists that safety is not guaranteed, even in exile.
Phil Robertson, director of the Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates (AHRLA) stated that the murder exhibits “all the hallmarks of a political assassination.” He warned that this act of violence could severely intimidate the many Cambodian opposition figures, NGO activists and human rights defenders seeking refuge in Thailand from ongoing political repression in Cambodia, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father in August 2023.
The recent transfer of over 170 death row inmates from Kinshasa to a high-security prison in Angenga has sparked mixed reactions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The announcement made by Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, highlighted that the convicts primarily aged between 18 and 35 have been found guilty of armed robbery and are identified locally as “Kulunas” or “urban bandits.” This operation has raised significant concerns regarding human rights and the judicial process.
While some locals, like Goma resident Fiston Kakule, have expressed support for the government’s decision viewing it as a necessary step to curb urban crime and restore public safety. Human rights activist Espoir Muhinuka emphasized the risks of extrajudicial actions and insisted on the importance of adhering to judicial practices to prevent wrongful convictions and executions. He pointed out that underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment and social exclusion should be addressed in tandem with tackling urban gang violence.
Historically, the DRC has had a complicated relationship with capital punishment. Although the death penalty was abolished in 1981, it was reinstated in 2006. The last known execution occurred in 2003 and since then while there have been significant legal changes and military-related death sentences announced none have reportedly been carried out.
The situation remains tense as the Congolese government navigates the balance between maintaining security and upholding human rights, reflecting broader societal challenges that contribute to crime.
Resident District Commissioner for Lwengo district Mr. Turyabagyenyi Emmanuel Kateera has revealed that Christmas and New Year festivals in the district were peaceful and successful.
Turyabagyenyi disclosed this through a message he extended to the people of Lwengo district appreciating them for their willingness to cooperate with the district security team to maintain peace and security by selecting patriotic village vigilantes.
He said Uganda Police Force is thin on the ground and as the district security committee resolved to recruit village vigilantes to guard their own people and property that has successfully made police service delivery more effective.
He commended the entire district local leadership for being patriotic leaders with vision of enhancing team work that will encourage people to work harder and increase their household income which will minimize some cases of insecurity usually caused by poverty.
Turyabagyenyi revealed that in the new year 2025 all sub county extension workers must ensure they take services closer to the needy communities whom they expected to serve instead of the people travelling long distances to the district headquarters for consultation.
He appealed to all the people to effectively participate in all government funded programs to increase value in their household income so that all people get into the money economy to fight and eradicate poverty in Lwengo district.
A dramatic six-hour standoff in South Korea has compelled police to call off an attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. The military and Yoon’s security officers formed a human barricade and used vehicles to block the arrest team’s access.
Yoon is under investigation for abusing his power and allegedly inciting an insurrection by attempting to impose martial law in early December. This led to a political crisis, resulting in his impeachment by an opposition-led parliament and suspension from office. A Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for him after he failed to respond to three summons for questioning.
The situation escalated early Friday morning with police vans converging around Yoon’s residence in central Seoul. An initial arrest team of 20 quickly grew to about 150 officers but they remained outnumbered by Yoon’s security and military personnel. Despite half the arrest team gaining entry, they were locked in a standoff and unable to proceed.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) declared that the arrest was “practically impossible,” citing concerns for the team’s safety and Yoon’s refusal to comply with the legal process. Yoon’s supporters celebrated and chanted in front of the presidential residence upon hearing of the suspension.
Investigators have until January 6 to execute the arrest warrant before it expires. This raises the possibility of renewed attempts although logistics may prove challenging due to anticipated crowds. The CIO has opened a criminal case against Yoon’s security chief and deputy summoning them for questioning.
Yoon’s legal team is contesting the warrant arguing that investigators lack the authority to detain him. The political turmoil in South Korea continues marked by wide rifts in parliament and ongoing protests. Since the martial law attempt on December 3, the opposition has intensified calls for accountability leading to Yoon’s impeachment on December 14.
On Friday morning, prosecutors also indicted army chief Park An-su and special forces commander Kwak Jong-geun on insurrection charges related to the martial law declaration. Both are set to face trial while in prison.
Police in the Rwizi region have arrested 290 individuals during the festive season, according to SP Samson Kasasira, the regional police spokesperson.
Among those in custody are 266 men, 17 women, and seven male juveniles.
Kasasira said the region also recorded four murder cases, one case of aggravated defilement and one kidnapping incident all of which remain under investigation.
Kasasira revealed that many of the suspects had been detained before December 31.
He confirmed that case files for the suspects would be forwarded to the state attorney for review and for necessary action to be taken.
Kasasira also highlighted the police’s commitment to enhancing community policing in the New Year aiming to strengthen security and foster cooperation with residents.
Joy Kyomugisha, 80, a resident of Akengyeya Cell in Akengyeya Parish, Kyampangara Sub-county, Kazo District is urgently seeking assistance from church leaders, government officials and other kind-hearted individuals due to her dire circumstances. She lacks shelter, food and other basic necessities.
Kyomugisha has three sons who have left her to fend for herself, leaving her in a situation that compels her to reach out for help. Currently, she is living with her 14-year-old grandchild.
Speaking to Kazo FM, Kyomugisha expressed the hardships she has faced for a long time due to lack of a stable housing facility.
Lawrence Bamanya, the chairman of LC1 for Akengyeya Cell, confirms that Kyomugisha is a genuine resident of the area and appeals to government leaders to provide her with the assistance she desperately needs.
Rev. Francis Onone Odeke of Emmanuel Akengyeya Church of Uganda condemns the troubling trend of children abandoning their parents and disregarding their needs. He urged the community members to take responsibility for the elders.
Any assistance to Kyomugisha can be channeled through 0786470724 in the names of Amon Tumwijukye.
Over 40 people have survived an accident involving a bus belonging to Freedom bus company Registration number UBJ 256S. This occurred in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at approximately 4:00 a.m in Kiruhura Town Council, along the Rushere-Ibanda Road, between Nyakasharara and Kiruhura trading centers in Kiruhura District.
The bus was headed to Ibanda when it encountered a cow on the road. In an attempt to avoid the cow, the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to veer off the road into a ditch.
The driver sustained minor injuries while six passengers also sustained minor injuries.
ASP John Wako, the Officer in Charge of Kiruhura district has confirmed that no deaths were registered but has discouraged natives from grazing on the roadside if accidents of this nature are to be averted.
Multiple air raids have been conducted by Israel to hit significant sites in Yemen including the capital’s airport, a military base and a power station. This is according to reports from both Israeli and Houthi sources.
Air strikes focused on the airport in Sanaa and the adjacent Al-Dailami military base as well as a power facility in Hodeidah, a key port city. The attacks have been as “Israeli aggression.”
Strikes targeted one of the control towers at Sanaa airport leading to disruptions in air traffic operations.
There has not been any immediate response from the Israeli military concerning the airstrikes. The attacks come on the heels of a provocative incident in which Yemen launched a ballistic missile and two drones toward Israel a day before the attack.
The escalation follows a recent Houthi missile attack on Saturday that struck Tel Aviv, injuring 16 individuals. This incident drew a stern response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who indicated that he had ordered the destruction of Houthi infrastructure in retaliation.
As tensions in the region continue to simmer, the exchange of strikes and threats underscores the ongoing conflict and geopolitical complexities involving Israel, the Houthis and Yemen.
Police in Kigezi region have confirmed death of three people in separate accidents in Rukungiri and Kanungu districts on Christmas day.
The police spokesperson for the Kigezi police region, Elly Maate reported that one of the victims was Gilbert Bidodo, a boda boda rider who tragically died after being struck by a vehicle registered as UFU 567 B at Buyanja trading center, situated near the Buyanja SACCO head office in Rukungiri. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and is currently at large. The abandoned vehicle has been taken to the police for inspection to assess its roadworthiness.
In another incident at Mizimera in Kihiihi Town Council, two lives were claimed in a collision involving two vehicles. Maate identified the vehicles as a blue Mitsubishi Canter registration number UBN 507J and a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with the registration UGF 470U ridden by 45-year-old Christopher Byabasheija.
The police spokesperson indicated that the accident occurred when Byabasheija, a resident of Rutare Cell in Karangara Parish, Kanungu District reportedly collided with the back of the stationary Mitsubishi Canter. Byabasheija died at the scene, while his passenger, 39-year-old Kenneth Tusiime from Nyakabingo Cell in Karangara Parish succumbed to his injuries shortly after the accident.
The bodies of the deceased were transported to Kihiihi Health Centre IV Mortuary for post-mortem examinations. Both the Mitsubishi Canter and the motorcycle have been towed to Kihiihi Police Station, pending further inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles.
These tragic incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially during busy holiday periods. The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these accidents in hopes of improving safety measures for all road users.
The Member of Parliament for Kashari North in Mbarara district has called on the public to assess the achievements of their current leaders ahead of election season. Bataringaya made the remarks while at St. Joseph’s Rubindi Catholic Parish where he attended Christmas mass.
He pointed out several developments in the Kashari North constituency including but not limited to extension of clean water, notable improvements to public institutions in sectors of health, education and religious. He argued that these initiatives have significantly contributed to the socio-economic transformation of local communities, warranting appreciation from the constituents.
The legislator also appealed to all current and prospective political leaders to refrain from using divisive and derogatory language during their campaigns. He stressed the importance of fostering a respectful and constructive political environment which he believes will help the electorate make informed decisions in selecting responsible leaders capable of spearheading development.
As the year draws to a close, Bataringaya encouraged the public to adopt a mindset oriented towards economic transformation in the upcoming year. He urged community members to engage fully with government programs aimed at social and economic development including the Parish Development Model (PDM), to enhance their household incomes.
Rev. Fr. Julius Caesar Kamukama, the curate for Rubindi Parish who was also the main celebrant in the Holy sacrifice of mass encouraged parents to provide proper care and guidance to their children. He highlighted the necessity of nurturing both the physical and spiritual growth of the youth to ensure they become responsible citizens who contribute to stability and progress in the community.
As the election season approaches, the call for reflection and constructive dialogue from leaders like Bataringaya illustrates the importance of mindful political engagement and the collective responsibility of the electorate in shaping their future.
