US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States has carried out a “large scale” strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating that the operation was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement.
According to Trump, Maduro and his wife have been “captured and flown out of the country”.
The Venezuelan government has confirmed that Maduro and his wife are missing, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanding “proof of life”.
The strikes, which began around 2 a.m. local time, targeted multiple locations across northern Venezuela, including the capital city of Caracas.
Reports indicate that at least seven explosions were heard, and low-flying aircraft were seen in various parts of the city.
The US has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging the 2024 presidential election.
Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has denied these allegations, claiming that the US is attempting to take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.
The operation is reportedly part of Operation Southern Spear, a US military campaign targeting alleged criminal networks in Venezuela.
The US has deployed significant military assets to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.
Venezuelan opposition sources suggest that Maduro’s capture may be a “negotiated exit” with the US.
However, the Venezuelan government has denounced the military aggression, declaring a state of emergency and vowing to resist.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Maduro and his wife will face charges related to narcoterrorism in the US.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US.
Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to provide further details on the operation.
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Expressions of unbridled power don’t come blunter than abducting a sitting president from his capital in the dead of night.
President Donald Trump has shown in a 74-word social media post that he can act decisively, suddenly and perhaps recklessly, in pursuit of his varied and varying foreign policy goals, with little regard for precedent, consequence or it seems, international law.
The operation to take Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their heavily guarded location in Caracas to – presumably – face the American court system, does follow a predictable albeit extreme pattern for what the US calls a fugitive, with a $50 million bounty on his head.
But there is a grave exception here: Maduro is a head of state, whose nation is prey to various ongoing US political objectives. Whatever the indictments say, this will always feel political.
Successive White Houses have wanted to remove Venezuela’s left-leaning, yet autocratic and at times violent, regime – whether for fighting drug trafficking, or for their oil, or for regional alignment.
The second Trump term promoted an end to Maduro’s role as kingpin of a vast regional narco-trafficking network as key to its rationale. But they ran into a paradox when suggesting Maduro just leave power: He could not be both the kingpin and a man who could walk out on his role at the drop of a hat.
The evidence that Maduro was top of the regional tree was also not as substantial as the White House would have hoped. Yes, Venezuela undoubtedly permitted drug trafficking from its airspace and shores, with the top, global cocaine producer Colombia just over the border. But Mexico and Colombia’s cartels were bigger players – yet seemed to attract less US military focus.
Deep in the heart of this action lies Washington’s wider ambitions for greater control of its near-abroad, for what they have termed an updated Monroe Doctrine.
A pliant Venezuela is better for US hydrocarbon markets, but most importantly provides a place to which millions of Venezuelans currently seeking refuge in the United States can return.
But as it stands, what comes next is not clear – or whether there is an immediate successor, willing to stomach the same risk of abduction. It also remains to be seen this ignites anti-American fury, or ushers in days of celebration at the end of a dictatorship that has mismanaged Venezuelans’ economy into freefall.
Maduro’s departure is a win for Trump, but chaos or collapse after him would be a cascading loss. The plan for “what next” is more important than the staggering display of US might over Caracas’ skies on early Saturday morning.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Open up prayer for all governmental leaders and their institutions so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation.” —1 Timothy 2:2
The year 2025 continues to be a year where the country and the world is losing many of its greats – forming what we call the Bad. It is also the year many disastrous and Downright Ugly things have happened, right along there with the Good. Among those we have lost in 2025 are relatives, nationals, and international icons. While this week we outline the Downright Uglies of 2025, a section is reserved for the Bad. Losing loved ones or icons are Bad and unbearable experiences.
This week, as the year draws to its twilight, the Mayombo clan weeps again; this time with the loss of our brother, cousin, uncle, and friend, Ronald Mtisunge Mbekeani; he is the second from the clan to breathe his last. Earlier this year, we lost Rogers Zamachetcha Mbekeani.
From the international scene, former New York Congressman Charles Wrangle passed away this year. Others are musician Marianne Faithful, Brandon Clackson (husband to TV personality Kelly Clackson), Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Dean, a song writer and married to the singer for 60 years, died early in 2025. Phil Robertson, Ruth Buzzi, Uche Ujeh, David Lynch, and Diego Jota were all lost to us in 2025.
Three very gruesome killings took place in 2025. These include the slaying by gunshot of a Republican Party activist, an actor/director and his wife, and Hanukkah celebrants in Australia.
On September 10, 2025, an assassin gunned down, Charles James Kirk. He was an American right-wing political activist, entrepreneur, and media personality. He co-founded the conservative student organization Turning Point USA in 2012, and was a member of the Republican Party, and a highly influential figure in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) Movement. The assassination took place while Kirk was speaking at an outdoor campus debate at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Twenty-two year old Tyler James Robinson, from Washington, Utah later surrendered to Police.
Acclaimed director, producer, screenwriter and actor Rob Reiner and wife Michele Reiner (née Singer), were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home on December 14, 2025. Their son Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The cause of death was from knife wounds.
The shocking headline read: At least 15 killed in mass shooting at Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The assassins turned out to be a pair of father-and-son duo who used two “basic” improvised explosive devices that were found at the scene of the slaying. Among the dead was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event.
This killing took Australians by surprise as mass shootings are rare in Australia. It also took place during the annual Jewish festivity and celebration of Chanukah by the Sea, an event celebrating the start of Hanukkah. Meanwhile,Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday called the shooting a “targeted attack against Jewish Australians” and a “terrorist incident.”
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” Albanese said in a statement posted on social media. “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear. We will eradicate it.”
Turning to the US, let us continue to seek God’s face and pray, especially for President Donald Trump. The American leader is a gifted, highly admired gifted, and skillful communication professional. Let us pray that in 2026 President Trump uses his skills to bring global and national unity and peace beyond measure – in Europe, in the Middle East, in Latin America, and everywhere.
Let us pray that he uses his communication skills to bring an end to divisive, corrosive hatred, and racism. Let us pray, praising the LORD our God, that President Trump will bring about lasting respect for the rule of law and order within and even outside the USA.
Lastly, as the USA marches toward its celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Independence, let us pray that Mr. Trump will genuinely lead America to be the loveable country this land of the brave and free, land of opportunity continues to be the true bulwark of democracy it has been all these years. Let us pray, believe, and hold to be true that with God’s Mighty Hand, this President of the United States can do it.
Yes, he can, by God’s grace!
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The Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) recent decision to cancel the tender award intended for Masters Security Services, Iringa Security Services, and Kamu Guard Services raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and the integrity of procurement processes in Malawi.
The hard truth is that this cancellation is not justifiable and appears to be a reaction driven by political pressure rather than a sound business or ethical rationale.
The hard truth is that these companies have demonstrated operational excellence and delivered high standards of security services long before this tender. Masters Security Services, owned by Alfred Gangata, has a proven track record that commands respect.
To suggest that there is any conflict of interest simply because Mr. Gangata is associated with the government is to undermine the very principles of business and governance.
The question must be asked: Does holding a political office or affiliation automatically disqualify one from running a legitimate and successful business?
The hard truth is that conflating political involvement with corruption or malpractice in business is a dangerous precedent that threatens entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The hard truth is that these firms have been repeatedly successful in winning tenders from MRA and other government agencies in the past, reflecting the quality and reliability of their services. So, what has suddenly changed to warrant the cancellation of this tender? The absence of an official explanation from MRA only fuels speculation and mistrust among the public and stakeholders.
The hard truth is that transparency is paramount in public procurement, and withholding reasons for such a significant reversal undermines public confidence in the institution.
The hard truth is that the backlash from political factions such as the MCP’s wing, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), and others should not dictate the course of business decisions.
If MRA’s leadership bowed to such pressure, it raises questions about the independence and resilience of public institutions in the face of political interference. Should public entities be swayed by political clout rather than objective evaluation criteria? The answer is an emphatic no.
The hard truth is that the cancellation, coming after an initial notice of intention to award the contracts, disrupts the operations of these companies and places their employees and clients in uncertain positions. Security services are essential for the protection of assets and people, and any disruption can have ripple effects on safety and trust.
The hard truth is that such abrupt reversals without clear justification reflect poor governance and disrespect for contractual processes.
Furthermore, the hard truth is that the MRA Commissioner General Felix Tambulasi’s letter to Masters Security Services, while formally communicating the cancellation, conspicuously lacks any explanation.
This omission is critical. How can stakeholders assess the legitimacy of this decision without understanding the reasons? Is this a fair practice? Is this in line with procurement laws and principles of natural justice? These questions demand answers.
The hard truth is that allegations of conflict of interest should be handled transparently and with due process.
If there were genuine concerns, MRA should have conducted a thorough investigation and communicated findings openly rather than cancelling the tender abruptly. This would preserve public trust and uphold the rule of law.
The hard truth is that politics should not be a barrier to business success. Malawi, like many nations, benefits when capable individuals contribute to both governance and economic development.
The notion that one cannot hold political influence and run a legitimate business simultaneously is not only unfair but also counterproductive.
The hard truth is that this incident sends a chilling message to other business owners who may have political affiliations or backgrounds.
It risks discouraging investments and entrepreneurship, which are crucial for Malawi’s growth and development. Should Malawi’s business environment be hostage to political rivalries and vendettas? The answer must be a resolute no.
The hard truth is that the cancellation of the tender by MRA, without transparent justification and seemingly influenced by political pressure, undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and good governance. It is an injustice to Masters Security Services, Iringa Security Services, and Kamu Guard Services, who have proven their capability and reliability over time.
Malawi’s institutions must uphold integrity and resist undue political influence to foster a healthy business environment and safeguard public trust.
So, the critical questions remain: Why was the tender cancelled without explanation? Was political interference more important than merit and service quality? How can Malawi build a fair and transparent procurement system if decisions are reversed without accountability? These are questions every Malawian should ponder as we strive for a just and equitable society.
Feedback:+265992082424
Email: jonesgadama@gmail.com
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As the curtain falls on the 2025 TNM Super League season, the debate over who deserves the prestigious Player of the Season award is gathering momentum with Chikumbutso Salima and Blessings Singini emerging as two of the strongest contenders.
Chikumbutso Salima enjoyed a memorable season after finishing as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals.
His impressive tally made him the most lethal forward in the 2025 campaign and placed him firmly at the centre of the individual awards conversation.
Turning out for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Salima was not just about goals. He delivered consistent match winning performances, contributed assists at crucial moments and collected several Player of the Match awards along the way.
His ability to influence games week in and week out highlighted his importance to Bullets’ title challenge.
Salima’s all round attacking contribution played a major role in helping Big Bullets finish the season in second position. Beyond the statistics, his creativity and movement in attack made him one of the most feared players in the league.
On the other hand, Mighty Wanderers forward Blessings Singini may not have matched Salima’s goal tally but his impact on his team’s success cannot be overlooked.
Singini scored eight goals in the 2025 TNM Super League based on the latest available match reports, many of which came at decisive moments.
Singini’s biggest argument lies in his contribution to team success. His goals and overall influence helped Wanderers to win the league and playing a key role in their campaign and underlining his value to the Nomads.
While official assist statistics for Singini are less documented, his ability to step up in big matches and deliver when it mattered most strengthened his case as a genuine contender for the top individual honour.
The Player of the Season award is not decided on goals alone. Factors such as consistency, match influence, leadership and contribution to team performance all come into play.
In this regard, both Salima and Singini tick important boxes, albeit in different ways.Salima stands out for his superior numbers, all round attacking play and individual accolades collected during the season.
Salima have tipped him as a front runner due to his goals, assists and consistent influence for Bullets.
However, Singini’s role in helping his team mount a strong league challenge carries significant weight.
While Salima guided Bullets to a second place finish, Singini’s contribution to Wanderers’ overall campaign gives him a compelling case of his own.
Ultimately, the 2025 Player of the Season race reflects the beauty of football debates goals versus impact, numbers versus moments and individual brilliance versus team success. Whether voters prioritise Salima’s 15 goals and all round excellence or Singini’s decisive role in Wanderers’ season, both players have done enough to deserve a place in the conversation.
As the final verdict awaits, one thing is clear,the 2025 TNM Super League was richer for the presence of Chikumbutso Salima and Blessings Singini, two players who defined the season in their own unique ways.
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LILONGWE–(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) has been forced to reschedule the hosting of the 2nd edition of the Malawi Para-Games to until further notice due to the bad weather and persistent rain which the country is currently experiencing.
MPC was expected to host the games on 3rd January 2026 at the Bingu National Stadium in the Capital, Lilongwe where over 150 athletes living with disabilities from the three regions, Northern, Central and Southern were anticipated to compete.
The body’s President James Chiutsi stated,”We regret to inform you that the games, initially scheduled for January 3rd, have been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
“The decision was made after a careful consideration of safely issues and consultation with stakeholders”. explains Chiutsi.
The Weather forecast indicates that the current conditions are likely to persist until January 11, and it would be challenging for the athletes to do their training and compete safely.
MPC further said, the safety and accessibility of spectators and other stakeholders cannot be guaranteed.
For this Malawi Paralympic Committe is working to identify a new date for the games and will advise as soon as possible.
The road networks especially in the Northern corridor has been damaged due to the heavy rains being experienced in the country.
The athletes will compete in the following sports: athletics, para-powerlifting, and sitting volleyball.
The committee also announced a demonstration sport activity by young athletes below the age of ten, performing under the Before Sport After Sport initiative that the MPC rolled out in October this year.
According to MPC President James Chiutsi, the games aim to recruit new athletes and provide an opportunity for experienced athletes to participate without going through regional qualifiers.
Top athletes who participated in the regional games in Namibia and the Paralympic Games in Paris will automatically qualify for the national team.
“The games will also be used to select athletes for the national teams that will participate in the regional games in Mozambique next year and the Para-Games in Los Angeles in 2028,” said Chiutsi.
The committee has disclosed that it has received MK20 million in support from the Malawi government for the games.
K2 Transformers has also offered accommodation and logistics support.
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