*Morning News: Tuesday 18 February 2025* *Headlines* *War Vets Threats Shake Mnangagwa* *...As Under Fire President Shoots Down 2030 Agenda ... Dismisses 2030sts As ‘Mafikizolo’* *...Could Mnangagwa Be Employing Time Buying Tactics To Neutralise Geza Revolution* *“Report Him to ZRP”: ED’s Response To Questions About Wicknell's Spending Angers Zimbabweans* *Singing For Supper, Breakfast & lunch: Chivayo Wades Into Zanu PF Factional Wars, Says Mnangagwa Doing "Exceptionally Well"* *Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Watershed Regions* *OK Zimbabwe Begins Restocking Amid Economic Challenges* *WestProp, Sharpe Win High Court Gag Order Against Kukurigo* *Private Investigator Chidawa To Further Languish In Jail As Defence Case Drags On In Theft Case* *UN Seeks $6 Billion To Ease Hunger Catastrophe In Africa* *Russia, US officials To Meet in Saudi Arabia For Ukraine Talks* *Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: Barca Seal Nervy Win To Go Top Of La Liga* *Neymar 'Rediscovering Joy' Back At Boyhood-club Santos* *Zimbabwe Forced To move Benin Tie To Durban* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *War Vets Threats Shake Mnangagwa* President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Monday forced to address the press amid intensifying power struggles within Zanu PF, as he seeks to amend the constitution to allow himself a third term— an effort that has sparked widespread opposition within his party. Mnangagwa summoned reporters to State House following a series of public addresses by the outspoken Zanu PF Central Committee member and war veteran, Blessed Geza. Geza has now directly challenged Mnangagwa’s authority, even hinting at the possibility of a coup should the president continue allowing his loyalists to push the narrative that he will rule beyond 2028. In his press briefing, Mnangagwa sought to downplay the internal discord, repeating that he would step down at the end of his constitutional term in 2028. However, he acknowledged that serious factionalism was threatening the party’s stability, attributing the divisions to "people within Zanu PF who are not Zanu PF.” “At the end of my two terms, the party will have elections and choose a new leader,” he said, attempting to quell rising tensions. Geza, who has become one of the ruling party’s most vocal internal critics, has emerged as a significant thorn in Mnangagwa’s side, openly questioning his leadership and grip on power. In recent months, he has escalated his attacks, publicly demanding for Mnangagwa’s resignation. Geza has accused Mnangagwa of betraying the ideals of the liberation struggle, mismanaging the country, and using state institutions to suppress dissent within Zanu PF. His latest remarks come amid growing factionalism in the ruling party, with tensions escalating between Mnangagwa’sloyalists and those sympathetic to his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. On Sunday, Geza dismissed speculation that he had been arrested or gone into hiding, instead suggesting that his next move was imminent. “We are ready to bring change, and no amount of threats and lies will derail the struggle. The signal is coming,” he declared. Speaking to ZimEye on Saturday, Geza laughed off reports that he was on the run from Mnangagwa’s security forces. “Is this how a person who is on the run appears?” he quipped. He further suggested that it was Mnangagwa’s camp that was feeling the pressure. “They are the ones preparing to set off,” he said ominously. Pressed on his next steps, Geza hinted at an imminent development. “Any time from now, I think in the next two days… do not be alarmed at all. We are on top of the situation, 100 percent,” he said, implying a major announcement or action from his movement. The factional battles within Zanu PF trace back to the 2017 military coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa, with the crucial backing of Chiwenga and the military, ascended to power. However, cracks between the two men soon began to show, as Mnangagwa sought to consolidate power at the expense of his deputy and the military elite. Chiwenga, a former army general who played a pivotal role in installing Mnangagwa, has long harbored presidential ambitions. His faction—comprising military-aligned officials and war veterans—has been quietly pushing back against Mnangagwa’s attempts to entrench his rule beyond 2028. Geza’s outspoken defiance has placed him at the center of this struggle, effectively serving as the face of the anti-Mnangagwa resistance within Zanu PF. *...As Under Fire President Shoots Down 2030 Agenda ... Dismisses 2030sts As ‘Mafikizolo’* PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has shot down calls within the ruling party Zanu PF for him to extend his rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, insisting he will step down and not seek re-election. ZANU PF is currently divided, with one faction advocating for the suspension of the 2028 elections to enable Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030, while another faction insists on adhering to the constitutionally stipulated two-term limit. A faction believed to be backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is opposing the extension of Mnangagwa’s term limit. Government ministers have been vying for Mnangagwa to extend his rule beyond 2028, under the guise of “completing his projects”. Addressing editors from mainstream media outlets in Harare, Mnangagwa took a swipe at a section of supporters in Zanu PF who do not abide by the ethos of the party. “I have my two terms, and these terms are very definite and I am so democratic, when they come to an end I will step aside and my party will elect a successor. That is clear as day. “I think those who really are Zanu PF at the heart go by the rules in decorum of Zanu PF. We have other people who are in Zanu PF in themselves are not Zanu PF but they dress in the Zanu PF regalia. So we must always see when people talk and they see to which camp they belong as they open their mouths,” said Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa added that he will step down after completing his 2 terms. Mnangagwa has publicly insisted that he will not stand in the next elections, despite a resolution from Zanu PF to push for the amendment of the constitution. However, the sincerity of his public declaration is under scrutiny, as he has not rebuked or cracked down on the 2030 proponents within Zanu PF. Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, said Mnangagwa’s declaration reeks of a public stunt. “Does he plan to cause any amendments to the Constitution? If his parliamentary super-majority changes the Constitution to extend his term, will he “comply”? This face-saving, word-twisting approbation and reprobation simply doesn’t cut it,” said Mahere. *...Could Mnangagwa Be Employing Time Buying Tactics To Neutralise Geza Revolution* This statement by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa declaring that he will not extend his term beyond 2028 appears less a firm commitment to constitutional adherence and more a strategic decoy aimed at defusing immediate political pressure. A closer analysis suggests several underlying dynamics at play. First, the announcement seems timed to placate a vocal segment of the war veterans, the GEZA REVOLUTION, whose calls for his resignation letter have grown increasingly insistent. By publicly stating that his tenure is fixed, President Mnangagwa seeks to create a narrative of adherence to constitutional limits. However, this move could be interpreted as a temporary measure designed to ease external pressures while 2030ists (probably including him) internally regroups. This pronouncement is a strategy to buy time. The repeated emphasis on not overstaying his term masks a broader tactical recalibration. Behind closed doors, there are strong indications that his inner circle or “foot soldiers” has been instructed to continue advancing this agenda. This suggests that while the rhetoric emphasizes term limitations, the operative strategy might focus on maintaining or even expanding this agenda through less transparent means. Furthermore, dismissing or downplaying the veterans’ demands in public statements could be interpreted as an attempt to isolate dissenting voices on a formal platform, while silently shifting political power structures to ensure that pressure points are neutralized. In this sense, the statement acts as a dual purpose tool l but publicly, it reassures certain constituencies and international onlookers regarding a commitment to term limits, and privately, it allows the 2030ists to consolidate the constitutional amendment plan in a potentially reconfigured political landscape. In conclusion, while President Mnangagwa’s statement nominally addresses concerns over an extended term, the evidence suggests it may be more of a tactical façade. The alignment of this announcement with ongoing internal communications urging his supporters to “pursue the agenda” hints at a calculated effort to leverage apparent concessions while safeguarding long-term political control. If you look closely, on the headlines, ZANU PF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS SAIL THROUGH. This shows inconsistency between the President’s message and the status quo, why is ZANU PF moving ahead with an amendment that the beneficiary is not interested in? This facade, therefore, appears designed less to HUKU-WING people and more to delay confrontation with war veterans and other political adversaries, providing the 2030ists with critical time to regroup and strategise. If sincere, the President should just read the riot Act against all those moving forward with this idea because this will just work as his strategy that when the plan fails, he will entirely throw his lieutenants under the bus, but if the plan succeeds he again will come and say, I AM A CONSTITUTIONALIST, I WILL ABIDE BY WHAT THE “NEW CONSTITUTION” will be saying, that is going beyond 2028. Unfortunately, Zimbabweans are now clever to see through such chicanery. *“Report Him to ZRP”: ED’s Response To Questions About Wicknell's Spending Angers Zimbabweans* President Mnangagwa has been forced to address his relationship with flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Speaking at State House in Harare on Monday during an interactive session with journalists from State-owned media, Mnangagwa also addressed growing calls by Zanu PF for him to extend his term beyond 2028. When asked if Chivayo was his ‘front’, the President playfully patted himself and quipped, “Ah my front. Do you see him? I don’t see him,” drawing laughter from the journalists. Chivayo has been on a high-profile gifting spree, handing out luxury cars, cash, and other goodies to individuals he claims supported Mnangagwa’s re-election in 2023. However, the President dismissed suggestions that he was bankrolling Chivayo’s activities. “So find out first where I get the money to give Chivayo to give to people rather than wasting my time about somebody using his money. So you can’t bother me about somebody who’s philanthropic,” he added. *‘Report Him to ZRP’: Mnangagwa Tells Businessman’s Critics* He also mentioned that if Chivayo were a criminal, he would have instructed the police to take action. Mnangagwa urged anyone who has been robbed by Chivayo to report it to the police. “Deno anga achiba kuda taituma mapurisa. Kana kune anenge abirwa please report.” he said. Interestingly, in June last year, Wicknell Chivayo trended after bragging that he had captured President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the system in a leaked audio. In the audio, Chivayo gloated that he had a tight grip on the system and was now its blue-eyed boy, getting all important contracts. He revealed that the President now considers him a son. *Singing For Supper, Breakfast & lunch: Chivayo Wades Into Zanu PF Factional Wars, Says Mnangagwa Doing "Exceptionally Well* Controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo has backed the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutionally stipulated two-term limit, inserting himself into the ruling party’s ongoing factional battles, which show no signs of abating. The push to extend Mnangagwa’s rule has deepened divisions within the ruling party, with two factions emerging at loggerheads. One faction, loyal to Mnangagwa, is advocating for the suspension of the 2028 elections to allow him to remain in power until 2030. Meanwhile, another faction, believed to be aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, is pushing for adherence to the constitutional term limits. Chivayo, a beneficiary of controversial government deals, has apparently chosen a side in the factional dispute, praising Mnangagwa for having done “exceptionally well”. “This development in the USA got me deeply reflecting on our beloved Country, where H. E. President Mnangagwa has demonstrated remarkable leadership. In my opinion, when a leader is delivering exceptional results, their presidency should not be cut short, especially if the people overwhelmingly support his continued leadership. Even the opposition in Zimbabwe, despite being fragmanted, recently agreed to this concept. “I personally believe that progress must take precedence over procedural constraints created by a Constitution. Most will say I’m singing for my supper and yes indeed, without a shadow of doubt, I will also sing for breakfast and lunch too. “In my view, a performing President like President E.D must be allowed to complete his vision for the nation. The will of the people should always be at the core of democracy. As we have seen in the U.S.A, policy inconsistencies caused by frequent leadership changes disrupt national progress,” said Chivayo in a post on his social media posts. Mnangagwa has, on numerous occasions, publicly rejected the idea of a term extension. On Monday, he told several state media editors that he would not seek to remain in office beyond 2028. However, a section of veterans of the liberation struggle, led by Blessed Geza, has accused Mnangagwa of insincerity. They have demanded his resignation, accusing him of presiding over widespread corruption. Political commentator Youngerson Matete avers that Chivayo’s support for the term extension is motivated by a desire to facilitate questionable deals and corruption. “You are criminal Chikurubhi bound, so it is normal that you will support the mutilation of our constitution to allow Mnangagwa to stay not because he is delivering but because you keep looting our tax and get his protection but the day of reckoning is coming Chigananda,” said Matete. Activist Setfree Mafukidze said Mnangagwa’s clique should not hold the country to ransom by desecrating the constitution. “Our national constitution should not and will not be tempered with to suit ED, we came up with this constitution in 2013 and there is a reason we all supported a maximum of 2 terms per President, we all wanted to avoid exactly what ED is doing today. “There is no one man who can run the country forever which is why even President Mugabe was removed from power through a coup by ED and his colleagues. “Our country is not a playground and this agenda will fail dismally, it will be a disaster if ED persists on this route,it will backfire spectacularly. We are not going to allow failed leadership to continue, it won’t happen,” said Mafukidze. *NewZW* *Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Watershed Regions* Several regions along the country’s main watershed, including Matabeleland North, the Midlands, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, and Manicaland, are expected to experience heavy rainfall today, according to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD). The department has warned residents in these areas to brace for possible thunderstorms and heavy downpours. The morning conditions in these regions will be partly cloudy and mild. However, as the day progresses, the weather is expected to shift to mostly cloudy and warm, with scattered thunderstorms likely in several places. Other provinces across the country will also begin the day with partly cloudy and mild conditions, gradually warming up in the afternoon. Isolated thundershowers are expected in these areas as the day advances. Yesterday, the Mashonaland provinces, Harare Metropolitan, Midlands, and northern parts of Manicaland experienced a similar weather pattern. The morning started with partly cloudy and mild conditions, accompanied by isolated light rain in some areas. By the afternoon, the cloud cover increased, leading to warm conditions with scattered thunderstorms. Heavy rain was reported in some places, reflecting the ongoing unstable weather conditions. The western regions, including areas influenced by moisture from Botswana, started the day with mostly cloudy skies and mild conditions. Light rains were observed in the morning, followed by a transition to partly cloudy and warm weather in the afternoon. Scattered thundershowers developed later in the day. The MSD has also reported significant rainfall figures from the previous day, with Agritex Nyamweda receiving 70mm, Lusulu Tsetse Control recording 55mm, and Gwanda measuring 47mm. Southern areas, including Masvingo and parts of Manicaland, experienced only light showers due to a cool, moist airflow. The department has urged the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions, as the likelihood of heavy rains and thunderstorms remains high in several parts of the country. Residents are advised to stay indoors where possible during storms and avoid crossing flooded rivers or streams. *OK Zimbabwe Begins Restocking Amid Economic Challenges* Troubled retailer OK Zimbabwe has begun restocking its outlets following weeks of empty shelves that led to the closure of several stores. The company has been struggling with macroeconomic challenges, particularly exchange rate volatility, which has affected operations. Last week, OK Zimbabwe, along with other retailers, presented their concerns to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce. They cited high taxation, exchange rate fluctuations, power cuts, and increased informal trading as key challenges leading to store closures. In a trading update on Monday, OK Zimbabwe said it had secured support from suppliers and financial institutions to help restock its shops. “The business has begun restocking the operating units with support from supplier partners as well as financial institutions that continue to assist with short-term funding structures,” the retailer said. To improve stock availability, the company has adopted new procurement models, including structured stock supply arrangements with third-party suppliers. It is also working to rebuild relationships with both local and foreign suppliers. OK Zimbabwe expressed confidence that normal stocking levels would be restored before the close of the current financial year. However, it stressed that the stability of the exchange rate remains crucial for the formal retail sector’s survival. The company welcomed the recently announced 2025 Monetary Policy Statement, which introduced some flexibility to the foreign exchange market. “However, there is a need for absolute clarity on the roadmap towards a fully market-determined exchange rate system,” OK Zimbabwe said. The retailer believes a more liberalized exchange rate system will enhance the competitiveness of the formal retail sector, which continues to struggle against informal traders. *WestProp, Sharpe Win High Court Gag Order Against Kukurigo* Property tycoon Kenneth Sharpe has obtained a High Court injunction against WhatsApp news platform Kukurigo to stop publication of “derogatory” and “defamatory” news stories and videos. The court order came just days after the arrest of a man for allegedly extorting Sharpe, and a police announcement that Kukurigo publisher Edmund Kudzayi is wanted for the same charges. Sharpe through his company WestProp and Kudzayi representing Kukurigo entered into a business arrangement whose terms were not disclosed in court, but they had a falling out. In March last year, Sharpe and Kudzayi signed a Mutual Settlement Agreement for Work Done and the latter was subsequently paid US$24,344. The agreement in part obligated Kudzayi not to make statements that could be construed as critical or derogatory towards WestProp or its representatives, according to Sharpe’s lawyers. But in January this year, Kudzayi is accused of publishing through Kukurigo a video “which damaged our client’s reputation by creating a narrative that questions their integrity and financial stability.” To stop further publications, Sharpe approached the High Court last week on an urgent basis. An unopposed order was granted by Justice Regis Dembure. The order says Kukurigo, Kudzayi “and all persons acting on their behalf be and are hereby interdicted and prohibited from publishing, producing, or disseminating any content that is defamatory or derogatory towards the applicants” WestProp Holdings and Sharpe. Kudzayi accuses Sharpe of criminalising a commercial dispute following the arrest of his business associate Nominate Chazwe for extortion and has vowed to fight the charges. *ZimLive* *Private Investigator Chidawa To Further Languish In Jail As Defence Case Drags On In Theft Case* A former cop, Tafadzwa Chidawa will further languish in jail after he was remanded in custody while his defence case is dragging on. Chidawa, popularly known as Kedha is currently locked up after his bail was cancelled for failing to appear in court for over a year. He is jointly charged with Paradza Passmore Matubu, Perseverance Chisango, Malvern Mutanda, and Francis Takura on US$20,000 fraud allegations. Mutanda is still on the run and Takura is serving 36 years imprisonment for robberies. The State alleges that the suspects stole US$20,000 from one Melody Matanhire sometime in 2020. On Monday, Chidawa took it to the witness stand to defend himself arguing that he knows nothing about the case. Chidawa told regional magistrate Vongai Guwuriri that it is shocking that his particulars including his police officer identification cards were found in Takura’s car. Chidawa told Muchuchuti that he only knows Takura as his former colleague at ZRP. Takura also exonerated Chidawa accusing the police of planting the documents in his car. “I was arrested in the Central Business District but police drove my car to Highlands police station and I only signed a seizure for the vehicle because when they searched my car they did not find anything. “The complainant ( Matanhire) was also tried for the same offence (theft) and she was sentenced. “I never took US$20,000 which belongs to Matanhire, I don’t know her and there is no proof to show that I met her,” he said. He also told the court that Matanhire lied to her husband of 21 years that the money was stolen when she was spending the money with her boyfriend. According to the State papers, Matanhire was in a relationship with Mutanda. The court heard that on an unknown date in 2020, Matanhire told Mutanda that she had US$100,000 soiled money which needed some cleaning. Mutanda allegedly told her that the process required US$20,000 in clean notes. “On August 27 2020, pursuant to the misrepresentation she advised Mutanda that she had managed to secure US$20 000, she then made arrangements with Mutanda to proceed to Blue Ridge Lodge where they were going to clean the money. “Unbeknown to her Mutanda hatched a plan with Chidawa, Takura, Paradzai Matubu and Perseverance Chisango to steal from Melody.” The court heard that Matanharire handed over the money to Mutanda who then put it in a cooler box for the cleaning process to commence. All other accomplices allegedly entered the lodge masquerading as police officers and manhandled Mutanda and took away the cooler box which had the money and they went away. The hearing continues on Wednesday. Takudzwa Jambawu is prosecuting. *NewZW* *UN Seeks $6 Billion To Ease Hunger Catastrophe In Africa* U.N. officials on Monday asked for $6 billion for Sudan this year from donors to help ease what they called the world's worst ever hunger catastrophe and the mass displacement of people brought on by civil war. The U.N. appeal represents a rise of more than 40% from last year's for Sudan at a time when aid budgets around the world are under strain, partly due to a pause in funding announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last month that has affected life-saving programs across the globe. The U.N. says the funds are necessary because the impact of the 22-month war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - that has already displaced a fifth of its population and stoked severe hunger among around half its population - looks set to worsen. World Food Programme chief Cindy McCain, speaking via video to a room full of diplomats in Geneva, said: "Sudan is now the epicentre of the world's largest and most severe hunger crisis ever." She did not provide figures but Sudan's total population currently stands at about 48 million people. Among previous world famines, the Bengal Famine of 1943 claimed between 2 million and 3 million lives, according to several estimates, while millions are believed to have died in the Great Chinese Famine of 1959-61. Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations in Sudan, including displacement camps in Darfur, a U.N. statement said, and this was set to worsen with continued fighting and the collapse of basic services. "This is a humanitarian crisis that is truly unprecedented in its scale and its gravity and it demands a response unprecedented in scale and intent," U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said. One of the famine-stricken camps was attacked by the RSF last week as the paramilitary group tries to tighten its grip on its Darfur stronghold. While some aid agencies say they have received waivers from Washington to provide aid in Sudan, uncertainty remains on the extent of coverage for providing famine relief. The U.N. plan aims to reach nearly 21 million people within the country, making it the most ambitious humanitarian response so far for 2025, and requires $4.2 billion - the rest being for those displaced by the conflict. *Reuters* *Russia, US officials to meet in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine talks* The United States and Russia have confirmed that their top delegates will meet in Saudi Arabia this week to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, in a move that has sparked concern among European leaders left out of the US-led effort. Senior US and Russian officials will hold talks in Riyadh on Tuesday in an effort to lay the groundwork for peace talks, the US Department of State and the Kremlin confirmed on Monday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to President Vladimir Putin, were due to travel to the Saudi capital, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. They will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, the State Department said. The confirmation comes just days after US President Donald Trump said he and Putin had agreed in a phone call to begin negotiations to end the war, which will hit the three-year mark later this month. Trump’s push for bilateral talks with Moscow has raised alarm about what place Ukraine and its European allies would have at the negotiating table. Meanwhile, European leaders were due to meet in Paris to discuss their response to Washington’s shocking policy shift on Ukraine, which has seen Kyiv and its European allies sidelined. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe’s security was at a “turning point”. “Yes, it is about Ukraine – but it is also about us,” she said as she arrived at the emergency meeting. “We need an urgency mindset. We need a surge in defence. And we need both of them now.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he would urge European leaders in Paris to “immediately” boost Europe’s defences, warning they do not match Russia’s. “We will not be able to effectively help Ukraine if we do not immediately take practical steps regarding our own defence capabilities,” Tusk told reporters before flying to Paris. “If Europe, and that’s the case today, is not able to counter Russia’s military potential, then we must catch up immediately.” Trump has announced that he intends to talk “peace in Ukraine” directly with Putin, who unleashed a full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine three years ago. US officials confirmed over the weekend that they do not expect Europe to be involved. Al Jazeera’s Natacha Butler, reporting from Paris, said there was “a real sense of urgency” among European leaders gathered in the French capital. “It has become clear that the transatlantic partnership is no longer strong at all,” Butler said. “They see the US has already stepped away and they are very scared that what is agreed between Trump and Putin could have an impact on the future of Europe’s security.” Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, has suggested that Moscow is happy with Trump’s approach, stating that discussions on European participation in talks on a settlement in Ukraine would be premature. Lavrov also said he saw no reason for Europeans to take part in ceasefire talks, accusing them of wanting to “continue war” in Ukraine. “I don’t know what they would do at the negotiating table,” he said during a news conference in Moscow. “If they are going to sit at the negotiating table with the aim of continuing war, then why invite them there?” Before the informal summit in France, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said European leaders will discuss how to prevent a peace negotiation from ending up rewarding Russian aggression. “A war of aggression cannot be rewarded. We cannot encourage others to launch wars of aggression,” he said in an interview with the Onda Cero radio station. “Today I’m convinced Putin will keep attacking and bombing Ukraine, so I do not see peace on the horizon at the moment.” High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas last week warned Trump against “any deal behind” the backs of Ukraine or Europe and accused him of “appeasement”. *Aljazeera* *Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: Barca Seal Nervy Win To Go Top Of La Liga* Barcelona saw out a nervy win against Rayo Vallecano to return to the top of La Liga for the first time since December. Robert Lewandowski's first-half penalty was enough for Barca to leapfrog title rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, after both capital clubs dropped points in 1-1 draws on Saturday. The Poland striker rolled his spot-kick in off the post - his 20th league goal of the season - after the hosts were awarded a contentious penalty following a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Rayo midfielder Pathe Ciss was penalised for pulling down Inigo Martinez in the box, though the Barcelona centre-back was never close to getting to the ball ahead of goalkeeper Augusto Batalla. The visitors were incensed when they were denied a penalty following a similar incident, this time Ciss going to ground. The controversy continued as Rayo thought they had equalised when Jorge de Frutos latched on to a through ball and finished past Wojciech Szczesny, but striker Randy Nteka - standing in an offside position - was judged to have interfered with Martinez's ability to make a tackle. Barcelona spurned several chances to score in the second half, and were fortunate not to concede a late equaliser when De Frutos headed over following a Rayo counter-attack. Hansi Flick's side go top of the table with 51 points, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, and one point above Atletico, with 14 games left to play. *BBC* *Neymar 'Rediscovering Joy' Back At Boyhood-club Santos* Neymar says Santos are helping him to "rediscover joy" after returning to his boyhood club on a short-term contract. The 33-year-old ended a 16-month goal drought when coolly converting from the penalty spot in Santos' 3-1 win against Agua Santa on Sunday. "I'm happy to be playing again. I feel I'm improving," said Neymar, who completed a return to Santos after Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent following an injury-hit spell with the club. He added: "Obviously I'm not going to be 100% physically, it's only my fourth game but I'm getting better and better. "I was anxious to score and wanted to dedicate this to the fans and my family." Al-Hilal paid £77.6m to sign Neymar from Paris St-Germain in August 2023 but a knee injury restricted him to just seven appearances. Neymar made his senior debut for Santos aged 17 in 2009, scoring 136 goals and laying on 64 assists in 225 matches during his initial spell with the club. The Brazil forward further established himself as one of the world's best footballers after joining Barcelona for £48.6m in 2013. He won eight trophies during his time at the Nou Camp, including the Champions League and two La Liga titles before joining Paris St-Germain for a world-record fee of £200m in 2017. He picked up a further 13 trophies in Paris but fell out of favour with manager Luis Enrique and sought a new challenge in Saudi Arabia. Shortly after the switch, Neymar overtook Pele to become Brazil's all-time leading male goalscorer with 78 goals, but has not played for his country since his initial knee injury in October 2023. Neymar said he had been "wishing for this moment to come true for a long time" when announcing his return to Santos on deal which runs until 30 June. "We're helping each other, Santos are helping me, they've opened doors for me to rediscover soccer, to rediscover joy," he said. "I didn't want to sign a long contract because I didn't know how I was going to come back. I didn't know how I was going to feel during these months. Let's enjoy these moments, it's the start of a great era for Santos." *BBC* *Zimbabwe Forced To move Benin Tie To Durban* The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has revealed that it has been forced to move their Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifier against Benin to Durban. “Originally, ZIFA had planned to host this fixture in Polokwane; however, following its allocation to Bafana Bafana in January, alternative venues had to be considered,” the the statement said. "Johannesburg’s approved stadiums were unavailable due to rugby and other events, while Cape Town Stadium is undergoing pitch renovations.” The match will now take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. The details are: Date: Thursday, 20 March 2025 Kick-off: 18:00hrs Entrance Fee (Rest of Ground): R50 Zimbabwe are not allowed to host matches at home because CAF say their facilities are dodgy.