*Zim Current Affairs News: Saturday 01 March 2025* *Headlines* *War Veterans Association Faction Calls On Mnangagwa To Step Down* *'You Have Failed, Step Down’- War Veterans Reiterate Calls For Mnangagwa’s Exit* *War Vets In Fierce Anti-Mnangagwa Push: ‘We Will Lead ED Onslaught’* *AMH Owner Trevor Ncube Demands A Day In Court As His Journalist Is Denied Bail* *’l Am Stronger,’ Says Incarcerated AMH Journalist Blessed Mhlanga* *U.S Condemns Arrest, Bail Denial Of AMH Journalist Blessed Mhlanga* *...As Lawyers Set To Appeal Mhlanga's Bail Denial* *Zanu PF Ideology To be Integrated Into ECD Curriculum* *Pope Suffers Breathing ‘Crisis’ – Vatican* *Zimbabwe Spends US$1.6 Billion On Used Car Imports* *Tshabangu Wins Temporary Court Ruling To Keep His Senatorial Seat* *Woman Kills Hubby Over Infidelity* *Kenya Will Wait To Draw Down $1.5 Bln UAE Loan, Finance Minister Says* *Trump & Zelenskiy Clash, Leaving Ukraine Exposed In War With Russia* *Named After Van Basten: Asensio Shining At Villa* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *War Veterans Association Faction Calls On Mnangagwa To Step Down* A faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation, despite having over three years remaining in his second and final term, reports NewsDay. The faction’s leader, Andrease Mathibela, said at a press conference in Harare on Friday that they had consulted with Zimbabwean citizens, who agreed that Mnangagwa should step down. Said Mathibela: Maybe our presser today is the last. We want to address the elephant in the room as quickly as possible. It may be in a week or two, the pressure will be on. Mathibela also said the association fully supported Geza, whom they had sent to the front, describing him as “our rabble-rouser.” He said: So obviously, the government is not serious about addressing the crisis (that) it has created itself. So, when we look, as citizens of this country, when we look at any crisis, we ask: What is the root cause? Then we deal with the root cause. I am here, on behalf of all veterans and members of the public, ordinary people. We were quiet, while all these other noise makers were trying to be relevant. Guess what? We were busy consulting. Just like what we did during the liberation struggle. We were working with the masses. We were working with the chiefs. We were working with the mass media, spirit mediums, I would say. And they have told us, that all veterans, you put your government there, sort it out. Mathibela asserted that the masses had expressed the need to hold the government they put in power accountable and demand that Mnangagwa step down. He said: That is the challenge they have given us. They say you put this government, you sort it out. And very true, we will definitely sort it out. I am happy that the nation, at large, which is the suffocating victims of this crisis, has said ‘We will go with you veterans, every step of the way’. They have told us, in no uncertain circumstances, that this time around, we must lead the onslaught, where the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe must step down immediately. And we are in agreement. We have reasons which we can explain throughout the night, until the following morning. Mathibela also dismissed the US$1.5 million and housing promises made to war veterans by Paul Tungwarara, an investment advisor to Mnangagwa. He mocked these promises, referring to the houses as “Tungwararas,” and questioned why only war veterans were expected to benefit, while others who contributed to putting Mnangagwa in power were left out. *'You Have Failed, Step Down’- War Veterans Reiterate Calls For Mnangagwa’s Exit* VETERANS of the country’s liberation struggle, who are backing their fellow bush war combatant, Blessed Runesu Geza, now wanted by police on a litany of charges, have once again called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down immediately, accusing him of failure. This follows recent demands by Geza, a vocal critic of Mnangagwa and Zanu PF Central Committee member, who insisted that the President must resign due to his poor leadership. Geza is currently in hiding after police launched a manhunt for him over four criminal charges, including undermining the authority of the President and inciting public violence. Speaking at a press conference Friday, Ethan Mathibela, chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), stated that Mnangagwa has failed to address widespread corruption, which has led to the country’s economic crisis, among other issues. “The nation at large, which is suffering due to this crisis, has told us they will stand with us war veterans every step of the way. They have made it clear that we must lead the charge in ensuring that the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe steps down immediately, and we are in agreement,” said Mathibela. “We have countless reasons to justify this. Among them, he has failed to tackle corruption, which has severely impacted ordinary citizens and crippled our economy. “He has also failed to curb tribalism; he could be the architect of it. These are some of the reasons why people who once respected this government have now reached a decision, Mr. President, you have failed, and therefore, you must step down! “We put you in power, and we can remove you. It’s very straightforward. I am speaking on behalf of the majority of citizens who have been pressuring us for far too long,” Mathibela said. The war veterans have vowed to embark on massive protests to force Mnangagwa’s resignation. This comes at a time when there are two distinct factions in the ruling Zanu PF party with one loyal to Mnangagwa advocating for the suspension of the 2028 elections to allow him to remain in power until 2030 and the other, believed to be aligned to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, pushing for adherence to the constitutional term limits. *War Vets In Fierce Anti-Mnangagwa Push: ‘We Will Lead ED Onslaught’* A faction of the war veterans says it will 'lead the onslaught' against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, ratcheting up the tension in the ruling Zanu PF party. "Maybe our presser today is the last. We want to address the elephant in the room as quickly as posssible. It may be in a week or two, the pressure will be on," the leader of a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veteran Association faction, Andrease Mathibela told a Press conference in Harare on Friday. This development comes hot on the heels of outspoken war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza’s condemnation of Mnangagwa’s leadership, where he declared that the Zanu PF leader was “not fit to run this country”. Matyhibela said the association had consulted with citizens of Zimbabwe who had agreed that Mnangagwa ought to step down. He also said the association was behind Geza, who it had sent at the front and described him as “our rabble-rouser”. Mnangagwa is facing growing discontent among Zimbabweans frustrated with the country’s economic woes. Mathibela accused Mnangagwa of failing to tame corruption which was bleeding the economy, resulting in poverty among ordinary people. The war veteran leader gave Mnangagwa a two-week ultimatum, threatening that the people would go into the streets in protest against poor governance. “So obviously, the government is not serious about addressing the crisis (that) it has created itself,” Mathibela said. “So, when we look, as citizens of this country, when we look at any crisis, we ask: What is the root cause? Then we deal with the root cause. “I am here, on behalf of all veterans and members of the public, ordinary people. We were quiet, while all these other noise makers were trying to be relevant. Guess what? We were busy consulting.” Added Mathibela: “Just like what we did during the liberation struggle. We were working with the masses. We were working with the chiefs. We were working with the mass media, spirit mediums, I would say. And they have told us, that all veterans, you put your government there, sort it out.” “That is the challenge they have given us. They say you put this government, you sort it out. And very true, we will definitely sort it out. I am happy that the nation, at large, which is the suffocating victims of this crisis, has said ‘We will go with you veterans, every step of the way’. “They have told us, in no uncertain circumstances, that this time around, we must lead the onslaught, where the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe must step down immediately. “And we are in agreement. We have reasons which we can explain throughout the night, until the following morning.” Mathibela said Mnangagwa and his government are not comfortable with the discontent among war veterans, hence the attempt to silence them with trinkets. He said war veterans aligned to his faction would boycott the planned interface with Mnangagwa. “Why suddenly now?” Mathibela asked. “People are panicking, offering war veterans US$1,5 million and the Tungwarara houses. “We call those small houses Tungwararas because it’s a mockery. “Why us alone? What about the people who put you into power?” *Newsday* *AMH Owner Trevor Ncube Demands A Day In Court As His Journalist Is Denied Bail* ALPHA Media Holdings (AMH) publisher, Trevor Ncube has challenged the police to arrest him arguing that his reporter, Blessed Mhlanga who is currently languishing in jail after he was denied bail by a Harare magistrate is not a publisher. Ncube, who is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s former advisor, was responding to questions by journalists at Harare Magistrates Court where he had come in solidarity with Mhlanga. Mhlanga was arrested Monday after handing himself over to the police. He is accused of publishing messages which incite violence following his interviews with outspoken war veteran, Blessed Runesu Geza, who demanded that President Mnangagwa should step down. Ncube said Mhlanga is not the owner of AMH television channel, Heart and Soul as such deserved freedom. “Blessed is not AMH. He’s just a journalist practicing his profession, which is constitutionally protected, just like you guys are doing here, broadcasting to the public at home. “You can’t be accused of inciting the public for broadcasting what I’m saying right now. “I am the one who should be brought before the courts, not the journalists who transmit the information. So, I’m disappointed in that regard, but this is the reality that we are in right now,” Ncube said. The media entrepreneur said he was disappointed that Mhlanga was denied bail, pointing to selective application of the law and also accused the court of failing to appreciate that there should be freedom of the press. He also accused Mnangagwa of controlling the judiciary, noting that the President literally owns the courts. “I think fundamentally important is the fact that there wasn’t any indication that the court realises that you’re dealing with freedom of expression and press freedom, and that Blessed did not say any of the stuff that he is alleged to have said. “Unfortunately, President Mnangagwa owns the courts. They have said they own the military; they own the police, they will do as they please. We will continue; I mean, I’m sure the lawyers will do what is right, but what we saw happening today is not fair; It is not justice, and our Constitution does not support what has just taken place here,” Ncube said. Mhlanga was denied bail by Harare Magistrate Farai Gwitima, who ruled that he was likely to interfere with witnesses who are his subordinates. The magistrate also said his release will jeopardise peace in Zimbabwe, among other reasons. His lawyer Chris Mhike said he will be filing an appeal at the High Court as soon as possible. Mhlanga will be back in court March 14 for routine remand. *’l Am Stronger,’ Says Incarcerated AMH Journalist Blessed Mhlanga* ALPHA Media Holdings (AMH) journalist, Blessed Mhlanga, who is currently in remand prison awaiting trial in a case he is accused of transmitting information inciting violence has said his incarceration has made him stronger. His arrest Monday followed his recent interviews with his namesake, Blessed Runesu Geza, a firebrand war veteran currently challenging Mnangagwa’s presidency. Geza is in hiding. In a handwritten statement penned from his prison cell, Mhlanga who heads AMH’s television channel, Heart and Soul, said he will take the lead in fighting for freedom of expression in Zimbabwe. This Friday, he was denied bail by a Harare magistrate, who ruled that he was likely to interfere with investigations and reoffend. Below is his full statement: Over the last few days, I have learnt my lesson. I have learnt that freedom is free. It comes at a cost and sometimes a painful one. I have learnt that free speech, free talk is not free and, therefore, we must never stop at anything to achieve it. It must be achieved in our generation, not the next. It is clear to me that without acting we won’t achieve anything so act we must. I will take the lead; therefore, I have instructed my lawyers to take action. I have learnt that justice is a myth but just a tool used by those in power to entrench self. At law school Munyaradzi Gwisai told me that you can never understand law fully unless you understand its origins. I fully agree, save to add that you will never fully understand it until it’s applied to you unjustly and with impunity by the social elites. There is a mile of difference between writing about injustice and experiencing it. My friends and I now have the benefit of it both. L Madhuku says law is law coz its law. Just or unjust. My experience teaches me that an unjust law is no law. Dear friends, prison is meant to break you. It is meant to change you. I have learnt quite to the contrary. Prison makes you more resolute. I am stronger and I identify more with you ever than before. They say when you are arrested you are alone. That’s not true. I was never alone; your voices were with me. I stood proud in the dark hours, my wife, my family were with me. I thank you. To those behind my persecution, including prosecution aiding and abetting injustice, I wish to say the sun will set. It won’t last forever. I am and I remain Dhara B. *U.S Condemns Arrest, Bail Denial Of AMH Journalist Blessed Mhlanga* THE United States U.S embassy in Zimbabwe has strongly condemned the arrest of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga urging authorities to respect the fundamental rights to press freedom. Mhlanga was arrested Monday on allegations of transmission of information that incites violence or causes damage to property and is being charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23. poster He was denied bail Friday as the magistrate said there is a chance that he would interfere with witnesses and jeopardize the investigation. In a statement Friday, the U.S embassy said all journalists should be entitled to constitutional protections, including the right to bail and freedom of speech. “Constitutional rights to bail and free speech, should apply to all journalists,” the U.S embassy said Charges against Mhlanga emanated from interviews he allegedly had with Blessed Geza, a ruling Zanu PF party war veteran and a staunch opponent of the Mnangagwa 2030 agenda. The police are actively looking for Geza to respond to charges of incitement, undermining the President’s authority, and theft. Geza called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign from office immediately citing misrule. The ruling Zanu PF party is currently divided into two factions, one loyal to Mnangagwa, which advocates for suspending the 2028 elections to extend his rule until 2030, and another, reportedly aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, which supports adhering to constitutional term limits. *NewZW* *...As Lawyers Set To Appeal Mhlanga's Bail Denial* Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga is set to appeal his Friday bail denial by Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima who remanded to scribe in custody to 14 March 2025. Mhlanga is accused of transmitting information that incites violence following interviews with Blessed Geza, a war veteran currently challenging Mnangagwa’s presidency. Geza went into hiding after the police issued a statement stating that he is facing arrest for inciting public violence among other charges. On Friday, Gwitima turned down his bail application ruling that the prominent journalist was likely to reoffend and interfere with witnesses who include his juniors at work. The magistrate also said releasing Mhlanga will result in civil unrest and jeopardise peace in Zimbabwe. “What is an issue is not that the applicant gathered and disseminated information. It is that information which he gathered which was intended to incite public violence,” the magistrate said. “If granted bail, he is likely to interfere. Of critical importance some of the witnesses have not been recorded hence his release will jeopardize investigations. “What clearly emerges is that disseminated messages will incite violence. Any interpretation to the contrary will be incorrect. “Accordingly, the release of the accused will put the nation in unrest and undermine peace and security. “In the circumstances, it is the court’s finding that the state has managed to give compelling reasons justifying the continued detention of the accused person. Accordingly, bail is denied,” the magistrate ruled. Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike said they are not happy with the ruling. Mhike said an appeal will be filed at the High Court. “We had really hoped for a positive outcome. While we accept the decision, we must make it clear that we strongly disagree with the conclusion and the determination made by the court. “Accordingly, we have been instructed to appeal this decision as soon as possible,” Mhike said in an interview with journalists after the ruling. AMH publisher, Trevor Ncube, who attended court in solidarity with his senior employee, said he is the one who should be in the dock instead. He also accused President Mnangagwa of capturing the courts adding that Mhlanga’s situation was a sad time for Zimbabwean media. “Blessed is not AMH. He’s just a journalist practising his profession, which is constitutionally protected, just like you guys are doing here, broadcasting to the public at home. “You can’t be accused of inciting the public for broadcasting what I’m saying right now. “I am the one who should be brought before the courts, not the journalists who transmit the information. So, I’m disappointed in that regard, but this is reality that we are in right now,” Ncube said. Meanwhile, in a hand written letter from his prison cell, Mhlanga said his intimidation shall come to pass adding that his arrest has bolstered him to do more. “There is a mile of difference between writing about injustice and experiencing it. My friends and I now have the benefit of it both. L Madhuku says law is law coz its law. Just or unjust. My experience teaches me that an unjust law is no law. “Dear friends, prison is meant to break you. It is meant to change you. I have learnt quite to the contrary. Prison makes you more resolute. I am stronger and I identify more with you than ever before. “They say when you are arrested, you are alone. That’s not true. I was never alone, your voices were with me. I stood proud in dark hours. My wife, my family were with me. I thank you. “To those behind my persecution, including prosecution aiding and baking injustice, I wish to say the sun will set. It won’t last forever,” he said. *ZimLive* *Zanu PF Ideology To be Integrated Into ECD Curriculum* Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, has called for the integration of ideology training into the Early Childhood Development (ECD) curriculum, to cultivate a strong sense of national consciousness in Zimbabweans from a young age, reported CITE. Speaking during a training session for councillors and local authority staff from Matabeleland North at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology in Bulawayo on Friday, Garwe asserted that ideological education should begin at the earliest stages of a child’s development. He said: We want you to go as far down as even the ECDs in terms of an ECD-based curriculum so that our children or our grandchildren will grow up knowing the nature, the structure, and the architecture of their heritage, which is Zimbabwe. The training is currently focused on councillors and local government staff, but Garwe said that it will soon be extended to universities and other government institutions. Garwe rejected claims that the Herbert Chitepo ideology training programme is just ZANU PF propaganda. He argued that it is a national programme focused on promoting Zimbabwe’s heritage-based education. Said Garwe: Let me start by correcting some narratives that I came across this morning when I arrived here. The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology is not a party-based organisation, it’s a government organisation, even though its consummation was through the ruling party in the 70s during the war. It is now a government institution which is assisting our universities in ensuring that we drive heritage-based education to Zimbabweans. That is the principal responsibility of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology. Ideology has no political face. Ideology carries a national face, the face of Zimbabwe. This is a national programme, which we must give all the due respect that they deserve. They are driving a national programme as guided by the President of Zimbabwe. The councillors’ training programme was attended by representatives from ZANU PF, CCC, and a councillor from the MDC party led by Douglas Mwonzora. Said Garwe: I know the politics that we inherited in the past dispensation was that of hate. A councillor from CCC is a brother or sister to me. I must not be ashamed to be seen dining and wining with the councillors or MPs from opposition parties. Similarly, councillors and MPs from opposition parties must not be afraid of talking and dining and wining with their colleagues from ZANU PF. I think we are all Zimbabweans above all. Critics argue that the school promotes the ideology of the ruling ZANU PF party, raising concerns about mixing party politics with government affairs. There has been backlash over the requirement for local government officials, including mayors and councillors, to attend training at the school. Questions have also been raised about whether it’s right to use taxpayer money to fund training programmes that critics believe are more about promoting party propaganda than improving public service. *Pope Suffers Breathing ‘Crisis’ – Vatican* Pope Francis, who is hospitalised with pneumonia, experienced a breathing “crisis” on Friday that led to vomiting. However, he was given air and responded well, the Vatican reported. The 88-year-old “presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm which… led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory picture”, the Vatican said in a statement. “The Holy Father promptly underwent bronchoaspiration and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response on gas exchange.” It further said, “The Holy Father remained alert and oriented at all times.” Pope Francis has been in hospital for two weeks. *Zimbabwe Spends US$1.6 Billion On Used Car Imports* Zimbabwe has spent a staggering US$1.6 billion on importing second-hand vehicles over the past six years, a trend that underscores the urgent need to revive the local automotive industry. Speaking at a meeting with a South African business delegation led by the Association of the African Automobile Manufacturers (AAAM) on Wednesday, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu highlighted the financial and economic costs of the continued reliance on used car imports. “For the last six years, we have spent US$1.6 billion on second-hand vehicles,” Ndlovu said. “Not to mention the jobs that we have exported. The majority of those are pre-owned vehicles, most of which last less than three years in the country.” Zimbabwe has long struggled with a weak domestic vehicle manufacturing industry, forcing many consumers to rely on second-hand imports, mainly from Japan, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. While these vehicles offer an affordable transport solution for many, they often come with short lifespans due to their age and high mileage, leading to increased maintenance costs for owners. Ndlovu emphasized that the revival of the country’s iron and steel sector could provide a foundation for increased local vehicle production. “With our iron and steel sector taking shape, we believe we can re-localise a significant portion of automotive manufacturing,” he said. Zimbabwe’s vehicle manufacturing industry, once spearheaded by companies like Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries, has suffered due to economic challenges, inconsistent policies, and a lack of investment. However, recent developments in the steel industry, particularly the resuscitation of the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (ZISCO), could provide the raw materials needed to rebuild local car assembly plants. The government has been pushing for policies that encourage local vehicle assembly and manufacturing, including offering incentives for investors in the sector. However, challenges such as high production costs, limited access to foreign currency, and competition from cheaper imported vehicles remain key obstacles. The AAAM delegation’s visit is expected to explore opportunities for collaboration between Zimbabwe and South African automakers to boost local production. Regional partnerships could play a crucial role in reducing reliance on imports and creating jobs within the country. *Tshabangu Wins Temporary Court Ruling To Keep His Senatorial Seat* Judge President Justice Mary Zimba-Dube on Thursday ordered the CCC not to recall expelled self-imposed interim secretary-general Senator Sengezo Tshabangu from Parliament until his High Court application challenging his dismissal is heard. Tshabangu approached the High Court seeking an order to prevent his recall, naming his party, the Speaker of Parliament, and the President of the Senate as the first, second, and third respondents, respectively. In the interdict matter, Justice Zimba-Dube recorded an undertaking from the first respondent (CCC) not to recall Tshabangu or undermine case number HCH 830/25, which pertains to Tshabangu’s court case against his expulsion. The Speaker of Parliament’s lawyers acknowledged the order. In the declaratory matter, the respondents must file their opposing papers by Tuesday, 4 March 2025, while the applicants must submit their answering affidavit and heads of argument by Monday, 10 March 2025. The case is scheduled for a hearing on Thursday, 13 March 2025. Tshabangu has cited Sesel Zvidzai, Concillia Chinanzvavana, Gilbert Kadogora, Shepherd Mushonga, and the CCC as the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth respondents, respectively. These people were members of the disciplinary committee that expelled him. This interim order ensures that Tshabangu will retain his parliamentary seat while his legal challenge progresses. *Pindula* *Woman Kills Hubby Over Infidelity* Tragedy rocked Mabvuku community in Harare after a woman allegedly stabbed her 43-year-old husband following accusations of infidelity. When the ZBC News crew arrived at the scene of the crime, the body of the deceased, Duncan Chiwaya had just been taken by the police and relatives were left cleaning blood stains in the house. A visibly distraught mother, Janet Dumbu, was at a loss for words after the death of her son Chiwaya. “I knew nothing about their marital problems and I was only shocked to be called to see my son lying in a pool of blood, with my daughter-in-law beside the body,” she said. A neighbour, Ellen Luundi, who was playing the role of an aunt in the couple’s marriage, confirmed the two had been having problems. “They have been having problems. The wife accused Chiwaya of infidelity. Last week she had packed her bags with the intention of quitting the marriage and I helped them reconcile. Then I woke up to see missed calls from the husband, and when I tried to call back it was too late, a child was at my door knocking to tell me about this tragic event,” she said. The incident has left the neighbourhood shell-shocked. “This is painful, why do people kill each other when they have problems in marriage?” a community member asked. “It is better to walk out of a toxic marriage than killing each other, I am pained by the loss,” another community member said. Chiwaya, who was employed by the Women’s University in Africa, has left behind a three-year-old child, whom he had with his wife. As the community struggles to come to terms with the loss of life in such a manner, the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help when relationships turn sour. Police are yet to confirm the incident. *ZBC* *Kenya Will Wait To Draw Down $1.5 Bln UAE Loan, Finance Minister Says* Kenya will wait to draw cash from a $1.5 billion privately placed bond in the United Arab Emirates so that it can fit into its budget plans for this financial year, Finance Minister John Mbadi said on Friday. The East African nation has struggled with a surge in debt service costs in recent years following a borrowing spree and is seeking to put its financing on a more solid footing while talks are already underway with the International Monetary Fund over a new lending programme once the current one expires in April. "The reason why we have not done it is that we have to do it within our fiscal framework," Mbadi told Reuters, in reference to tapping cash from the UAE loan. Kenya has also raised $1.5 billion in a new 10-year dollar bond this week to manage upcoming maturities. By the end of June, Mbadi added, the government is expecting more than $950 million in funding from other external sources, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Italy and Germany. "We are still holding out to see exactly how much budget gap we will still have from the external finances before we draw the (UAE) money," said Mbadi, speaking by phone from Nairobi. The country's fiscal year runs from July 1 till June 30. Kenya's move to borrow from the UAE marks a new source of funding, after China scaled back its lending to Africa and a surge in Eurobond yields hindered frontier issuers. Kenyan President William Ruto has also moved to strengthen trade ties with the UAE since taking office in October 2022. The UAE lending, agreed last year, has an 8.25% interest rate and will be repaid in $500 million instalments in 2032, 2034 and 2036, Mbadi said. "We can use it partly for liability management, partly for budgetary support, or exclusively for budgetary support," he said. The government will use $900 million of the $1.5 billion bond issued this week to buy back a 2027-maturing Eurobond, Mbadi said, and will use the balance to retire syndicated loans that are falling due later this year. *Reuters* *Trump & Zelenskiy Clash, Leaving Ukraine Exposed In War With Russia* Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's meeting with Donald Trump ended in disaster on Friday, after the two leaders clashed in an extraordinary exchange before the world's media at the White House over the war with Russia. Zelenskiy had seen the meeting in the Oval Office as an opportunity to convince the United States not to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Instead U.S. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance laid into Zelenskiy, saying he showed disrespect, driving relations with Kyiv's most important wartime ally to a new low. The Ukrainian leader was told to leave, a U.S. official said. An agreement between Ukraine and the United States to jointly develop Ukraine's rich natural resources, which Kyiv and its European allies had hoped would usher in better relations, was left unsigned and in limbo. European leaders leapt to Zelenskiy's defense. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz said "we must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war." Zelenskiy spoke by telephone with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU Council President Antonio Costa, an official in the Ukrainian delegation in Washington told Reuters. Britain is due to host a meeting of Europe's leaders and Zelenskiy on Sunday to discuss a security backstop to any peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. Trump has lurched toward Russia since taking over as president, shocking traditional allies in Europe and beyond and leaving Ukraine increasingly vulnerable. Friday's outburst was the most public display of that shift. The already-tense meeting blew up when Vance stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve the biggest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Zelenskiy, his arms folded, countered that Putin could not be trusted and noted that Vance had never visited Ukraine. "What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?" Zelenskiy asked after recounting failed diplomatic efforts with Russia. "I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that's going to end the destruction of your country," Vance shot back. Zelenskiy openly challenged Trump over his softer approach toward Putin, urging him to "make no compromises with a killer." Trump, whose team said he and Vance were "standing up for Americans," quickly took to Truth Social after the meeting to accuse Zelenskiy of disrespecting the United States. "I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved," he wrote, using an alternative spelling of the leader's name. "He can come back when he is ready for Peace." Trump later told reporters as he left the White House for a weekend at his Florida home that Zelenskiy needs to realize he is losing the war. "What he's got to say is, 'I want to make peace.' He doesn’t have to stand there and say 'Putin this, Putin that,' all negative things. He’s got to say, 'I want to make peace.' I don't want to fight a war anymore," Trump said. Zelenskiy, asked during an interview by Fox News if his relationship with Trump could be salvaged after Friday's eruption, said, "Yes of course" and appeared to express some regret, adding "I'm sorry for this." The head of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, posted a statement on Telegram affirming that his troops stood by Zelenskiy and that Ukraine's strength was in its unity. Anxious Ukrainians following from afar largely rallied around their leader but fretted about the prospects of continuing flows of U.S. military aid that the country has relied on. In Congress, reaction from Trump's Republican Party was mixed, while Democrats lambasted his handling of the meeting. The Ukrainian leader conducted the meeting in his non-native English, and as it progressed he was drowned out by Trump and Vance. "You're not in a good position. You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards," Trump said. "I'm not playing cards, I'm very serious, Mr. President," Zelenskiy said. "You're playing cards. You're gambling with the lives of millions of people, you're gambling with World War Three," the U.S. president continued. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev appeared to revel in the spectacle, writing on Telegram that the Ukrainian leader had received a "brutal dressing down." After the talks, Trump directed two top aides to tell Zelenskiy it was time to leave, even as attendants were preparing to serve lunch to the delegations, according to a White House official. The Ukrainians were instructed to depart despite their desire to continue the talks, the official added. The falling-out meant that Ukraine and the United States failed to sign a much-vaunted minerals deal that Kyiv hoped would spur Trump to back Ukraine's war effort and potentially win support from Republicans in Congress for a new round of aid. Trump is not interested in revisiting the minerals deal at the moment, a senior White House official told Reuters on Friday evening. The clash also undermined efforts by European leaders to convince Trump to provide security guarantees for Ukraine even if he has refused to deploy U.S. soldiers on Ukrainian soil to maintain peace. Such guarantees are seen as crucial to deter Russia from future aggression. Trump instead threatened to withdraw U.S. support from Ukraine. "You're either going to make a deal, or we're out, and if we're out, you'll fight it out. I don't think it's going to be pretty," Trump told Zelenskiy. "Once we sign that deal, you're in a much better position. But you're not acting at all thankful, and that's not a nice thing. I'll be honest. That's not a nice thing." Trump stressed that Putin wants to make a deal. Vance also interjected that it was disrespectful of Zelenskiy to come to the Oval Office to litigate his position, a point Trump agreed with. "You didn't say thank you," Vance said. Zelenskiy, raising his voice, responded: "I said a lot of times thank you to American people." Zelenskiy, who won billions of dollars of U.S. weaponry and moral support from the Biden administration, is facing a sharply different attitude from Trump. Trump wants to quickly wind down the three-year war, improve ties with Russia and recoup money spent to support Ukraine. "I hope I'm going to be remembered as a peacemaker," Trump said. Earlier, Trump told Zelenskiy that his soldiers have been unbelievably brave and that the United States wants to see an end to the fighting and the money put to "different kinds of use like rebuilding." Ukraine has rapidly expanded its defense industry production but remains heavily reliant on foreign military assistance, while also struggling to replenish manpower as it battles a much larger foe. While Ukraine repelled Russia's invasion from the outskirts of Kyiv and recaptured swathes of territory in 2022, Russia still controls around a fifth of Ukraine and has been slowly taking ground since a failed Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023. Kyiv's troops hold a chunk of land in Russia's western Kursk region after a 2024 incursion. Trump has engaged in a long-distance feud with Zelenskiy in recent weeks, criticizing his handling of the war, calling him a "dictator" and urging him to agree to the minerals deal. He subsequently distanced himself from the "dictator" remark. *Reuters* *Named After Van Basten: Asensio Shining At Villa* As deadline day signings go, Aston Villa's capture of Marco Asensio looks set to be among the best of them. The Spain international has enjoyed a career laden with trophy victories, from multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid to winning the French league with Paris St-Germain. With his double against Cardiff in the FA Cup on Friday night - which sent Villa into the quarter-finals - he is keeping himself on course to add to silverware in England to his collection as well. His impact since joining Villa on loan from PSG has been telling as his two goals took him to four in all competitions. "I'm very happy with the team-mates, with the staff, they give me a lot of conf