Nigerian police have charged the driver of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua with causing death by dangerous driving after a fatal crash that resulted in two fatalities. 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. Additionally, the United States has announced a $2 billion aid package with stringent conditions that may reshape the humanitarian landscape.

Fatal Crash Involving Anthony Joshua's Driver
On December 29, 2023, Nigerian police arrested Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, who was driving Joshua and his team when their vehicle crashed on a busy highway linking Lagos and Ibadan. The crash occurred after a tire burst while attempting to overtake another vehicle, causing the Lexus SUV to collide with a stationary lorry. Both Joshua's personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, died at the scene. Kayode faces multiple charges, including driving without a valid license, and is scheduled to appear in court on January 20, 2024. Joshua and Kayode survived with minor injuries and were taken to a medical facility for observation.

Ancient Cremation Pyre Discovered in Malawi
Archaeologists have discovered a cremation pyre in northern Malawi that dates back approximately 9,500 years, making it the oldest known pyre containing adult remains. The excavation revealed 170 human bone fragments from an adult woman, along with layers of ash and charcoal. Researchers believe the pyre was associated with funerary rituals of ancient hunter-gatherers. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that body parts may have been removed as tokens or for reburial, indicating a complex understanding of death and memory among early human societies. The site has yielded evidence of multiple campfires, suggesting it served both as a burial site and a living space.

US Aid Package Raises Concerns
The United States recently pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid, but experts warn that the conditions attached to the funding could undermine the flexibility and effectiveness of the UN's humanitarian efforts. The US State Department has mandated that the funds be distributed through a pooled fund under the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, limiting direct aid to individual agencies. Additionally, the aid is earmarked for 17 priority countries, excluding regions experiencing severe humanitarian crises like Afghanistan and Yemen. Critics argue that such stipulations reflect Washington's political priorities and could diminish the UN's ability to respond to emerging crises effectively.

Wrap-up
The tragic incident involving Anthony Joshua's driver highlights ongoing issues of road safety in Nigeria, while the discovery of an ancient cremation pyre offers valuable insights into early human practices surrounding death. Concurrently, the US's conditional aid package raises significant concerns about the future of global humanitarian assistance, potentially shifting the balance of power within the UN system.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team