Diaspora Watch Newspaper is pleased to announce the release of its 96th Edition, a compelling and comprehensive publication that brings readers in the diaspora and beyond closer to the stories shaping nations, communities, and the global landscape.

Leading this week’s edition is an emotional and widely attended farewell to renowned medical professional and community leader, Dr. Jude Onyegbado, whose funeral drew tributes from family members, political figures, and international dignitaries.

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In our lead story, “Peter Obi, US County Executive, Family Pay Tributes as Dr. Jude Onyegbado Is Laid to Rest,” readers will gain insight into the life, legacy, and enduring impact of a man whose contributions transcended borders.

The edition also provides extensive coverage of significant geopolitical and policy developments across the globe. From South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa unveils a far-reaching migration enforcement strategy aimed at addressing growing concerns over illegal immigration and border security. The policy shift is expected to have implications across the African continent and beyond.

In the Middle East, tensions continue to escalate as Iran launches a fresh barrage of missiles against Israel while pledging a sustained campaign of attacks. The newspaper examines the implications of the latest developments on regional stability and international diplomacy. Complementing this report is coverage of renewed violence in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes reportedly struck Beirut, resulting in fatalities despite an already fragile ceasefire arrangement.

On the economic front, readers will find an in-depth report on the continued expansion of Dangote Refinery and its growing influence across Africa’s energy sector. The development underscores the increasing role of African-owned industrial enterprises in driving regional economic transformation and energy security.

The publication also explores ongoing diplomatic efforts in Eastern Europe, where Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a direct meeting with Vladimir Putin while proposing a ceasefire aimed at creating a pathway toward peace amid the prolonged conflict.

Humanitarian concerns receive significant attention as Diaspora Watch reports on the tragic deaths of 49 migrants who reportedly succumbed to thirst after their transport vehicle broke down in the Niger Desert, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by migrants undertaking perilous journeys across Africa.

In the United States, the newspaper analyzes the passage of a landmark $70 billion immigration enforcement bill by the Senate, marking a major legislative victory for President Donald Trump and signaling potential changes in America’s immigration landscape.

On the Back Page, readers will discover a groundbreaking scientific breakthrough as researchers unveil an artificial intelligence-designed vaccine that could help protect humanity against future pandemics. The report explores how emerging technologies are transforming medical research and accelerating global preparedness for future health threats.

As always, Diaspora Watch Newspaper remains committed to delivering credible journalism, insightful analysis, and impactful stories that connect the African diaspora with developments at home and around the world.

The 96th Edition is now available to readers worldwide.

Russia Restricts Putin Surveillance Over AI Fears

Russian security services have reportedly shut down parts of a surveillance system protecting President Vladimir Putin following concerns that advanced artificial intelligence-powered intelligence tools could expose vulnerabilities in state security infrastructure.

According to a Financial Times report, the decision came after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggered heightened global scrutiny over the use of AI-enabled surveillance systems in intelligence operations.

The report said Russian authorities became alarmed that similar technologies allegedly used in Iran—where Israeli intelligence is believed to have exploited traffic-camera networks and AI systems to track movements and identify high-level meetings—could also be used to compromise Russia’s own surveillance architecture.

As a result, engineers are said to have temporarily disabled and later isolated sections of Putin’s personal security camera network from the internet in order to prevent possible external exploitation.

Officials reportedly feared that systems originally designed for domestic monitoring could be repurposed by foreign intelligence agencies as data-rich entry points into state security operations.

The concerns were linked to intelligence activities surrounding the Iran operation, in which Israeli operatives were said to have analysed large volumes of traffic-camera footage and other visual data to monitor movements in the lead-up to the February 28 assassination in Tehran.

The episode, first reported in March, has intensified debate within global intelligence communities over the growing weaponisation of surveillance infrastructure, particularly systems powered by artificial intelligence.

At the centre of this shift are emerging AI-driven security firms such as Israeli startups Airis and Conntour, which are developing tools capable of processing vast streams of fragmented video data from multiple sources.

Airis, which has raised about $60m from investors including PSG Equity and TLV Partners, reportedly builds systems that integrate footage from traffic cameras, drones, and body-worn devices into unified intelligence platforms capable of real-time analysis and querying.

Trade Disruptions, Inflation Threaten Caribbean Growth — Barnett

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has raised fresh concerns over worsening global economic headwinds, warning that disruptions in international trade, energy markets and supply chains are deepening inflationary pressures and threatening food security across the region.

Speaking at the opening of the 62nd Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) held at CARICOM Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana, the Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett, said member states must brace for continued volatility in the global economy while strengthening internal resilience mechanisms.

Dr. Barnett noted that overlapping global crises were reshaping geopolitical and economic relations, with developing regions such as the Caribbean bearing a disproportionate burden of rising costs.

She said disruptions in global energy and supply chains had already triggered instability in financial markets, pushing inflation higher and weakening the medium-term global economic outlook.

Citing projections from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the CARICOM chief warned of a possible decline in global merchandise trade volumes this year, adding that small island and developing economies face sharper exposure to rising fuel, food and fertilizer prices.

According to her, these pressures were not only worsening inflation but also undermining food security and increasing external vulnerabilities across CARICOM member states.

“Our resilience is being tested, and safeguarding our trade and economic development agenda requires strategic, coordinated and focused efforts,” Dr. Barnett said, stressing that decisions taken at the COTED meeting would have far-reaching consequences for citizens, businesses, young people and the self-employed across the Community.

The high-level meeting, which brings together trade and economic ministers from across the Caribbean, is expected to deliberate on key issues affecting the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), external trade negotiations, and the region’s broader development agenda.

Dr. Barnett said a preliminary assessment of the CSME—CARICOM’s central integration framework—shows the need for stronger implementation of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to ensure greater resilience in the face of global disruptions.

She emphasised that Article 164 of the Treaty, which provides special provisions for temporary tariff protections and market access to support local industries in Less Developed Countries, remains critical to the survival and competitiveness of regional manufacturing sectors.

Commending the CARICOM Development Fund, she noted ongoing support programmes aimed at strengthening industries benefiting from Article 164 protections, describing them as essential to sustaining production and improving regional competitiveness.

The Secretary-General also highlighted progress on the development of a CARICOM Digital Trade Policy, describing it as a strategic shift to position the region within an increasingly digital and interconnected global economy.

On external relations, Dr. Barnett disclosed that CARICOM is nearing completion of negotiations to expand its Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement with Colombia, urging ministers at the COTED meeting to provide strategic guidance to finalise the deal.

She also referenced the implications of the United States’ “America First” trade policy, noting that CARICOM technical teams and an Expert Working Group had been engaging with the Office of the United States Trade Representative to prepare for future discussions on the bloc’s trading relationship with Washington.

According to her, the multilateral trading system had been under strain even before current global tensions, citing a fractured dispute settlement mechanism, stalled rule-making processes, and weak compliance monitoring systems within the World Trade Organization (WTO).