Happy Easter to all!

Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest news and trends that shape our world. In this edition of Diaspora Watch, we bring you exclusive stories that will keep you engaged and informed.

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A shocking video has sparked outrage among the diaspora community, revealing Chinese nationals bribing Nigerian police officers. This incident raises serious concerns about corruption and the integrity of law enforcement in Nigeria. We examine the incident and the reactions of the diaspora group that condemned this corrupt practice.

The US government has warned its citizens traveling to Zambia about the country’s new cybersecurity law, cautioning them on its implications. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly considering closing US embassies and consulates worldwide, potentially reassessing US foreign policy and diplomatic efforts.

In tragic news, a devastating incident in Australia has resulted in the loss of five lives and two people still missing over the Easter weekend. We report on the details of the tragedy and the response of the authorities.

In groundbreaking news, scientists have discovered a new colour, dubbed ‘Olo’, opening up new possibilities for research and understanding of the world around us. However, human activities are taking a devastating toll on the natural world, with over 1,000 species threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and other human activities.

A US court has ruled that Google has illegally dominated online ad tech markets, with significant implications for the future of online advertising and the tech industry. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has also demanded reparations for Haiti, citing 200 years of injustice, in an effort to address historical injustices and promote development in the region.

In other news, Grenada and Qatar have signed a historic air services agreement, expected to boost tourism and economic cooperation between the two countries. A measles outbreak in the US has reached alarming levels, with experts warning of further spread.

We also explore the true story of Appomattox, a pivotal moment in American history, and the devastating impact of an airstrike that destroyed the last functioning hospital in Gaza City. Additionally, we celebrate the love story of Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux, a Nigerian-Tanzanian couple who are making waves with their intercultural marriage, highlighting the power of love to transcend borders and cultures.

Get the inside scoop on global issues, inspiring stories, and more. Read the 43rd edition of Diaspora Watch today and stay ahead of the curve!

Vatican Announces Funeral Details for Pope Francis

The Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday that the funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world.

The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio* and the Valedictio, traditional rites that mark the start of the Novemdiales—nine days of mourning and liturgies offered for the repose of the late pontiff’s soul.

Following the funeral, Pope Francis’ body will be carried into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.

Preparations will begin earlier in the week. On Wednesday, April 23, the coffin bearing the Pope’s body will be moved from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful will be invited to pay their respects.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation, beginning at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.

The procession, according to the Holy See Press Office, “will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs.” It will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square before entering the Vatican Basilica through the central door.

At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will lead a Liturgy of the Word. Public visitation to the body of the Roman Pontiff will begin immediately afterward.

U.S.easserts COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory, Pointing to Wuhan Lab and Suppression of Alternative Views

The U.S. government, particularly under former President Donald Trump, has reiterated claims that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a laboratory leak in Wuhan, China. The assertion—still documented on the official White House website—has reignited debate over the true origins of the virus, even years after its global outbreak.

Trump’s Early Accusations and Ongoing Belief

From the early stages of the pandemic, President Trump was vocal in asserting that the novel coronavirus likely escaped from a Chinese lab. Despite facing criticism and pushback from public health officials, media outlets, and international experts, Trump maintained that his administration’s suspicions were valid. He has since pointed to emerging evidence and shifting narratives as vindication of his original stance.

Alleged Suppression of the Lab Leak Theory

According to the Trump administration, the scientific consensus dismissing the lab leak theory was not purely objective. The White House specifically cited *The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2*, a scientific paper that strongly favored a natural origin for the virus. This publication, which was widely used by health authorities and media to discredit alternative theories, was allegedly influenced by Dr. Anthony Fauci and others in an attempt to guide public perception.

Scientific and Circumstantial Claims Behind the Theory

In outlining its rationale, the administration presented several points that it claimed supported the lab leak hypothesis:

Unnatural Viral Traits: Officials argued that the virus exhibits biological features not typically found in nature, suggesting possible laboratory manipulation.

-Single Point of Introduction: Unlike previous pandemics that saw multiple spillover events from animals to humans, data reportedly shows that all COVID-19 cases trace back to a single human introduction—potentially supporting the idea of a lab-related incident.

Location of the Outbreak

Wuhan is home to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), China’s leading SARS research facility. The lab is known for conducting **gain-of-function research**—a controversial method of enhancing viruses to study their behavior, often under scrutiny for safety concerns.

– Illness Among Lab Staff

According to U.S. intelligence and administration reports, several WIV researchers fell ill with COVID-like symptoms in the fall of 2019, before the virus was officially detected at the Wuhan seafood market.

-Lack of Conclusive Natural Evidence

“By nearly all scientific measures, if there were evidence of a natural origin, it would have surfaced by now,” the U.S. report stated, further questioning why no definitive animal host has been identified.

Global and Political Implications

The renewed focus on the lab leak theory comes at a time of rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. Trade relations between the two powers remain strained, with each country imposing steep tariffs on the other—145% by China and 245% by the United States—affecting billions in bilateral trade.

These allegations are likely to fuel further diplomatic friction, especially as both nations continue to shape global narratives around COVID-19’s origins and handling.

China’s Response and Silence

As of the time of this report, the Chinese government has not issued a formal response to the Trump administration’s renewed claims. Beijing has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the virus most likely emerged from natural sources and dismissing accusations as politically motivated.

Ongoing Global Toll

According to Worldometer, COVID-19 has infected over 704 million people worldwide, with more than seven million deaths recorded. The first confirmed cases of the virus were traced back to China in late 2019, before spreading rapidly across the globe.

The Search for Answers Continues

Despite ongoing investigations by international organizations and national intelligence agencies, the origin of COVID-19 remains officially inconclusive. While the lab leak theory gains renewed attention, many scientists continue to advocate for a comprehensive and transparent investigation—one that examines all plausible scenarios without political interference.