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Chad Cuts-off Social Messaging Apps and BBC Amid Political and Economic Tension

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Chad Cuts-off Social Messaging Apps and BBC Amid Political and Economic Tension

Social media and messaging platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Viber have been blocked in Chad, a move advocacy groups have linked to the tense political situation in the country.

From as early as Mar. 28, users started reporting a shutdown, according to the organization Internet Without Borders (IWB). The internet censorship watchdog, the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), also confirmed network measurement data showed the BBC’s news website was blocked.

The cutoff comes after a national conference, boycotted by the opposition, recommended constitutional changes that could extend president Idriss Deby’s rule until 2033. Deby has ruled over the Central African nation since 1990. Legislative elections, due in 2015, have also been pushed behind several times. A largely semi-desert nation plagued by instability, Chad’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports. But the plunge in commodity prices has pushed the government to impose cuts in spending that has roiled the nation in strikes and protests.

“Unfortunately, the Chadian regime is used to shutting down telecommunications, [the] internet in particular, whenever there are demonstrations or public expression of people’s discontent towards the government,” says Julie Owono, the executive director of IWB. Owono said the government might have instituted the blackout after videos of clashes within president Deby’s own Zaghawa clan were shared on WhatsApp. Authorities also didn’t respond to IWB’s request on why they blocked the BBC’s online site.

The current shutdown comes just days after advocacy groups submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council detailing evidence of breaching freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to privacy. The violations included the January internet blackout ahead of demonstrations organized by civil society organizations, besides the eight-month social media cutoff following controversial elections in 2016. IWB estimates all these blackouts combined cost the Chadian economy €18 million ($22.1 million).

Yet Chad is hardly the only African government shutting down the internet or blocking messaging apps: nine African countries did so last year ahead of elections, political protests or national exams.

Source: Quartz

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MUSIC

CKay Tops The List Of RIAA Best-Selling Nigerian Artists

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CKay tops the list of RIAA best-selling Nigerian artists | fab.ng

Nigerian pop music continues to make waves globally, particularly in the United States, where Afrobeats artists achieve groundbreaking commercial milestones.

At the forefront of this success is CKay, who leads as one of the best-selling Nigerian artists in the U.S. His viral hit, Love Nwantiti, has sold over 8 million units, earning its place as the most certified Nigerian song in the country.

The 2021 TikTok sensation is now on track to become the first diamond-certified Afrobeats record, solidifying its historic impact.

Following closely, Wizkid maintains a strong position as one of Nigeria’s most successful exports. His hit single, Essence, featuring Tems and Justin Bieber, has surpassed 4 million units in sales.

With eight RIAA certifications, Wizkid is the most certified Nigerian artist in the U.S. This feat highlights his consistent ability to captivate international audiences.

Meanwhile, Rema has secured third place with over 5 million units sold, driven by his global anthem Calm Down.

The record-breaking track, certified six times platinum by the RIAA, became the first African song to surpass 1 billion streams in the U.S.

It also achieved a peak position of No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest for any Nigerian song, and spent an impressive 52 weeks on the chart.

Notably, Calm Down was the first African track to dominate Billboard’s radio chart.

Other Nigerian stars continue to shine as well. Tems became the first Nigerian artist to debut on the Billboard Hot 100, while Burna Boy holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by a Nigerian act.

Similarly, Davido made history with Fall, the first Nigerian song to earn an RIAA Gold certification.

These remarkable achievements highlight the undeniable global influence of Afrobeats and showcase the extraordinary talent of Nigerian artists with CKay making waves as one of the best-selling Nigerian artists in the U.S.

Check out more music updates here.

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NEWS

UK Tightens Financial Requirements For 2025 Visa Applicants

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UK tightens financial requirements for 2025 visa applicants | fa.ng

The United Kingdom has introduced updated financial requirements for visa applicants in 2025, citing rising living costs and inflation as the primary reasons for the changes. These adjustments impact students, workers, tourists, and families planning to visit or reside in the UK.

For students, the financial thresholds for living expenses have been significantly raised. Those studying in London must now demonstrate a minimum of £1,400 per month for living costs, an increase from £1,334 in 2024.

Students outside London need to prove £1,100 per month, up from the previous £1,023. These amounts must cover a nine-month period, accompanied by proof of the first year’s course fees.

The UK Home Office has emphasized that applicants’ bank statements must show the required funds consistently over a 28-day period, with the records dated no more than 31 days before the application submission.

Visa fees have also risen across various categories. The standard student visa fee for applications made outside the UK has increased from £490 to £510. Visitors face higher costs as well, with six-month visas now priced at £120, up from £115.

Long-term visit visas have seen steeper hikes, such as the two-year visa fee rising from £400 to £420. Priority visa processing fees have jumped from £500 to £550.

Work visa requirements vary by category. Applicants for the Skilled Worker Visa must show proof of £1,270 unless their employer provides a certification of financial support.

Global Talent Visa applicants remain exempt from specific financial thresholds but must demonstrate they can afford their initial living costs.

Similarly, Health and Care Worker Visa applicants are exempt if their employer sponsors them.

Tourists are now required to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses during their stay. For longer visits, stricter financial scrutiny applies.

Family visa applicants must meet higher income thresholds in 2025, with partners or spouses required to prove a combined annual income of at least £29,000.

Additional costs include £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child. Applicants can offset these requirements with savings, provided they submit valid documentation.

Certain exceptions apply, such as for individuals receiving disability or carer benefits and those with British or Irish children living in the UK. Human rights considerations may also influence application outcomes.

These revised guidelines reflect the UK government’s focus on ensuring that visa applicants can sustain themselves financially while living in the country.

Applicants should carefully review these updates and prepare accordingly.

Check out more news updates here.

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MUSIC

Davido To Headline UK Stadium Concert Alongside 50 Cent & Mary J Blige

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Davido to headline UK stadium concert | fab.ng

Davido, one of Africa’s most successful music exports, will headline the highly anticipated 2025 concert alongside global icons 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige.

Known for his chart-topping hits, Davido has earned multiple awards and packed arenas worldwide, solidifying his position as a global superstar.

His success continues to grow, and on July 3, 2025, he will reach another career milestone. This is when he headlines the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the United Kingdom.

This concert will be a significant moment for the Nigerian singer, as it marks his first headline stadium show in the UK.

Although Davido has sold out several arenas, including the iconic O2 Arena, this stadium performance represents an exciting leap in his career.

He will share the stage with American rap legend 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige, a nine-time Grammy winner. Both artists bring over two decades of global success to the event.

The concert, presented by Iconic, is part of their ongoing series of headline shows that feature an impressive lineup of artists from various genres.

 

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A post shared by Davido (@davido)

These performances provide fans with a unique live music experience. Also, it will be celebrating different eras of music while showcasing the talents of diverse, influential artists.

As a four-time Grammy nominee, Davido’s international appeal is undeniable. Fan favourites will fill the concert because of his extensive collection of hit singles.

Additionally, in March 2025, he will release his much-anticipated fifth album, 5ive, which is expected to add even more excitement to his setlist.

This performance will not only reinforce Davido’s status as a global music icon but also solidify his place alongside other legendary artists like 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige.

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