The prime minister’s official spokesman said Starmer’s mood this morning was “upbeat” and “confident” as he gave an address to No 10 staff amid the fallout over the Peter Mandelson scandal.

Downing Street communications chief Tim Allan has announced he will stand down to allow “a new No 10 team to be built” after chief of staff Morgan McSweeney quit on Sunday.

Asked if Starmer was going to resign today, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “No.”

He added: “The prime minister is concentrating on the job in hand. He is getting on with the job of delivering change across the country.”

Asked about reports going into the weekend that Starmer had been remorseful and wavering over his political future, he said: “That is not the prime minister who appeared in front of staff this morning.

“It is very clear that he remains determined to tackle the job in hand.”

The prime minister is confident he has the unanimous support of the Cabinet, the spokesman said.

Starmer told staff at Downing Street on Monday morning that they must “go forward from here” and prove that politics can be a “force for good.”

The prime minister is expected to address a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) amid anger over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite knowing that the peer’s links with Jeffrey Epstein continued after the financier’s conviction for child sex offences.

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Rubio described the meeting as a continuation of progress made during talks in Geneva and throughout the past week.

He stressed that Washington’s goal extends beyond halting hostilities, saying the United States wants to help ensure Ukraine “never again” faces an invasion and is positioned for lasting economic growth.

“This is comprehensive. It’s not just about the terms that end the fighting; it’s about the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity,” Rubio said, noting that negotiations remain complex with “many moving parts,” including input from Russia.

He confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow later this week for further discussions.

Despite the challenges, Rubio said the talks reflected shared determination to pursue both peace and a secure future for Ukraine.

Umerov echoed that sentiment, expressing gratitude for U.S. support and highlighting the constructive nature of the ongoing dialogue.

“We are grateful to the American people and American leadership,” he said. “Our objective is a prosperous, strong Ukraine. We discussed all the issues important to our people, and the United States was extremely supportive. After successful talks in Geneva, today we continued that progress.”

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The government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in the area of security.

The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, disclosed this during a meeting with his Nigerian counterpart, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, in Berlin, as both nations marked 65 years of diplomatic relations.

According to a statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Senior Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to Tuggar, Nigeria and Germany renewed their commitment to deepening cooperation under the framework of the Nigeria–Germany Bi-National Commission.

He said Germany praised Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in combating terrorism, describing the country as a valued and reliable partner for the European Union in the fight against radical Islamist extremism.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Lake Chad Basin and its continued cooperation with regional and international partners to counter violent extremism.

“Germany reaffirms its commitment to supporting Nigeria through capacity building, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance aimed at restoring peace and development in affected regions,” the statement added.

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To many African youths, Ibrahim Traore, who is popularly called “IB”, represents something rare in modern African politics. He is seen as a leader who defies Western dominance, takes decisive action, and speaks the language of sovereignty. His reception in Russia was more than a diplomatic gesture; in fact, it was a symbol of Africa’s shifting allegiances and growing disillusionment with democracy as practised under Western influence.

The Crisis of Democracy in Africa has been going on for decades. The West has presented democracy as the only legitimate path for African nations. But then, across the continent, democratic governance has often been marred by corruption, inefficiency, and neocolonial exploitation.

In Nigeria, for example, many believe that the country’s most enduring infrastructures, like roads, bridges, and refineries, were built during military rule but that since the return to democracy in 1999, the country has struggled with systemic corruption, worsening insecurity, and a failure to deliver basic services. The question then arises, if democracy was supposed to bring development, why do so many Africans feel left behind? Why are they suddenly celebrating a coup d’état if democracy has done better?

Burkina Faso under Ibrahim offers a stark contrast. In just two years, his government has made giant strides in combating jihadist threats, which is something France has failed to do despite years of its democratic presence. By expelling French troops and partnering with Russia, Ibrahim has not only improved security but also ignited a sense of national pride amongst his people and the entire African continent. His rejection of Western hypocrisy and his commitment to African self-determination is something that resonates deeply with a generation tired of empty promises.

To understand rise of African Defiance and why it unsettles the West, we must revisit Africa’s colonial past. France is one of the most brutal colonisers, which maintained control over its former colonies long after independence through economic and military dominance. The CFA franc, a colonial-era currency, still forces African nations to keep half their reserves in the French Treasury, effectively handing Paris control over their economies. French corporations dominate key sectors, while military bases ensure political compliance.

The U.S., even though they are less colonial, she has propped up dictators who serve her interests (like Mobutu in Zaire) while using institutions like the IMF and World Bank to keep Africa in eternal debt. When Africans elected leaders like Patrice Lumumba, who sought true independence, they were overthrown or assassinated. Democracy, as promoted by the West, was only acceptable if it produced zombie regimes.

Traoré’s Burkina Faso, alongside Mali, Niger, and the Central African Republic, is now challenging this system. By turning to Russia for security and China for infrastructure, these nations are asserting their right to choose their own partners. The West’s response? Accusations of “authoritarianism” and warnings about “Russian exploitation.” Yet, where was this concern when France controlled Burkina Faso’s gold mines or when the U.S. conducted drone strikes that killed civilians?

This debate is not just about military rule versus democracy. It is about governance that delivers. Traoré’s popularity stems from his ability to act decisively where democratic governments have failed. But military rule carries real risks like suppression of dissent, human rights abuses, and the lack of long-term stability. The challenge for Africa is not to romanticise authoritarianism but to demand systems that are both effective and accountable.

Or maybe, the solution lies in reimagining democracy itself, one that prioritises African interests over foreign agendas, a total crackdown on corruption, and one that empowers leaders who genuinely serve their people. Traoré’s rise is a symptom of a deeper frustration: the failure of Western-style democracy to meet Africa’s needs.

The hero’s welcome Traoré received in Moscow is a wake-up call. Africa is no longer willing to accept Western dominance disguised as democracy. If the West wants influence, it must offer real partnership, not exploitation. I foresee more African nations following Burkina Faso’s lead, seeking alliances with countries like Russia who treat them as equals rather than subordinates.

The question is no longer “Is military rule better than democracy?” but rather: “Why should Africa remain loyal to systems that have failed it for so long?

…Daniel writes this piece from Moscow, Russia

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The JDPC’ Badagry Deanery Executives who spoke with our reporter after the election of the new Pope said that God has bestowed a leader on the Church.

JDPC’ is the social arm of the Church with mandate to carry out social, humanitarian and enlightenment services to the public.

JDPC’ Badagry Deanery Chairman, Mr Onyema Onyekakeye, said that the choice of Pope Leo XIV was in conformity with laid down tradition.

Onyekakeye said that it had absolutely nothing to do with President Donald Trump or any other external influence or person.

Similarly, JDPC’s St. Peter and Paul Parish, Tedi Ojo Lagos State Chairman, Mr Joe Ahanna, said that the faithful were in gratitude to God for the enthronement of a new pope over the Church and the world.

“The Catholic Church is the most disciplined and organised institution in the world.

“It has her laid down ways of doing things and critical decisions like the selection of a new Pope follow strictly known procedures and subjected to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“We welcome and pray for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he leads the flock to divine transformation,” he said.

NAN reports that 133 Cardinal-electors returned to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday to elect a new pope after the first ballot on Wednesday failed to produce a new pope.

The emergence of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, ended weeks of meticulously selection process of a Pope and its characterised suspense.

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The leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics appeared on the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Thursday.

He was elected by the secret meeting of cardinals, known as the conclave, in the Sistine Chapel, having secured votes from two-thirds of the eligible electors.

The successful election was indicated by white smoke billowing from a chimney set up on the chapel and the peal of bells from St Peter’s BASILICA.

Pope Leo XIV succeeds Francis, who died on Easter Monday.

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We don’t yet know who has been selected, but it will become clear when they emerge on the balcony of the Sistine Chapel, likely within the hour.

The electing cardinals have now chosen a new pope and things will move pretty swiftly now.

Now that white smoke has appeared, the new pontiff will normally appear on the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square in the next hour.

The new pope is now being led to a small room next to the Sistine Chapel where he will put on the white papal robes.

The senior cardinal will soon confirm the decision with the words “Habemus Papam” – Latin for “we have a Pope” – and introduce the new pontiff by his chosen papal name.

Meanwhile huge cheers bellow from the crowd as the white smoke rises, everyone is running forward to see it.

People are jumping up with joy while some are praying to the sky.

The bells are ringing so loudly it’s reverberating around St Peter’s Square as people cheer and scream with joy.

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This development comes after their first ballot on Wednesday failed to produce a new pope.

Godono, who spoke in an interview with our reporter described the process as “flawless” as the cardinals decisions were being directed by the Holy Spirit.

The Lagos archdiocesan communications director spoke on the process, saying that after the first ballot, no Pope was elected and that the trend had been for centuries.

“Today May 8, the Cardinal-electors will return this morning to continue with voting until a Pope is elected.

“The Cardinals are expected to two rounds of votes this morning and two more in the evening if we do not have a Pope elected in this morning session.

“Black smoke emanated from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel yesterday evening, indicating no new pope was elected during the first round of voting.

“One hundred and thirty-three red-robed cardinals from around the world have filed into the Sistine Chapel to the strains of a choir backed by organ music, and the doors were sealed behind them.

“The papal conclave — a centuries-old tradition to elect a new head of the Catholic Church,” he said.

He said that the announcement of a new pope will be made with white smoke billowing from the Apostolic Palace. Soon after, the new pope will emerge onto the balcony to greet his flock.

The cardinal electors faced a stark choice to select a pope who would follow in the footsteps of late Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who would guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.

It was reported that the meticulously selection process has kept the world in suspense for weeks after the demise of Pope Francis.

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The cardinals are to decide on the exact time of the burial of the late head of the Catholic Church, which usually takes place four to six days after death.

Although it has been customary for a deceased pope to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis is expected to be laid to rest outside the Vatican in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of his favourite places.

Heads of state and government from all over the world are expected to attend the funeral.

Francis’ body is currently still in the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse, his residence in the Vatican.

The body is then likely to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday where the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their last respects, according to the Vatican.

Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, died on Easter Monday at 7:35 (0535 GMT) following a stroke, according to the Vatican.

As spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit, and the first to be named after St. Francis of Assisi, a medieval monk who lived in poverty.

Leaders from around the world paid tribute to Francis following his death, praising him for his humility and compassion.

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Dziwisz served the Polish pope for several decades until his death.

According to the 85-year-old Dziwisz on Wednesday, One does not come down from the cross of Christ. Never. This is what Saint John Paul II teaches us.

Francis’ German predecessor, Benedict XVI, unexpectedly resigned in 2013 and then lived reclusively in the Vatican until his death at the end of 2022.

Dziwisz had sharply criticised the move at the time.

There is now speculation that Francis, 88, will step down due to his illness.

However John Paul II (1920-2005), Francis’s predecessor, did not take such a step even after the assassination attempt on him in 1981, nor in his final years, which were marked by serious illness.”

Dziwisz noted that he was confident that Francis would follow suit.

According to him, he will lead the Church as long as God wills, remaining firmly connected to the cross without taking a step back.

”In his final years, John Paul II was treated several times at the Gemelli Hospital, where Francis has been undergoing treatment for double pneumonia since February 14.

”The Polish pope was heavily marked by his illnesses and advanced age, but he served to the end from the bedroom of his apartment in the Apostolic Palace.

”Pope Francis is doing the same from Gemelli.”

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