Nigerian police have charged Anthony Joshua's driver with dangerous driving after a fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Meanwhile, researchers in Malawi have uncovered what is believed to be the world's oldest cremation pyre containing adult remains, shedding light on ancient funerary practices. In a separate development, the United States has pledged $2 billion in aid, but experts express concerns over the political strings attached to the funding.

Fatal Crash in Nigeria
On December 29, 2023, a tragic accident occurred on a highway linking Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria, involving Anthony Joshua, the former world heavyweight boxing champion. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, faces charges including causing death by dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without a valid license. The crash happened when the Lexus SUV, traveling at high speed, hit a stationary lorry after a tire burst while attempting to overtake. Joshua and his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, along with strength coach, Sina Ghami, were in the vehicle. Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries. Kayode is scheduled to appear in court on January 20, 2024.

Ancient Cremation Pyre Discovery
In northern Malawi, archaeologists have discovered a cremation pyre estimated to be around 9,500 years old, containing the remains of an adult woman. This finding, located at the foot of Mount Hora, is significant as it represents the oldest confirmed intentional cremation in Africa. Excavations revealed 170 human bone fragments and layers of ash, indicating complex funerary practices among ancient hunter-gatherer communities. Researchers suggest that certain bones may have been removed for ritualistic purposes, and the site appears to have been used for burials over thousands of years. The discovery is published in the journal Science Advances.

US Aid Controversy
The US recently announced a $2 billion aid pledge, which has been met with skepticism from humanitarian experts. The funding is tied to conditions set by the US State Department, which mandates that the aid be managed through a pooled fund and directed to 17 priority countries, many of which align with US political interests. Critics argue that this approach undermines the UN's humanitarian mission and could limit the flexibility needed to respond to emerging crises. Experts warn that the amount pledged is significantly less than previous contributions, raising concerns about its overall impact on global humanitarian efforts.

Wrap-up
The tragic events surrounding Anthony Joshua's driver highlight the dangers of high-speed driving in Nigeria, while the ancient cremation pyre discovery in Malawi opens new avenues for understanding early human societies. Concurrently, the US aid pledge, though substantial, raises questions about the politicization of humanitarian assistance and its implications for global crisis response.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team