Nick Donovan
@nickpdonovan.bsky.social
Corruption, conflict finance, investigative journalist. Winner of Fetisov journalism prize.
Pinned
Nick Donovan
@nickpdonovan.bsky.social
· Jul 14
Got an enemy? Hire a killer
In South Africa, contract murders are spreading from gangland into wider society
www.economist.com
Got a problem? Kill them. Thread on two cases from my Economist article on assassinations in South Africa: 1, a corruption case which domino-like, has just led to the suspension of the police minister; 2, a cop killing which may reveal a military death squad.
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www.economist.com/middle-east-...
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www.economist.com/middle-east-...
Such bellicosity shouldn’t pass without note:
China's consul general in Osaka said of comments on Taiwan from Japan’s new PM: if a "filthy neck sticks itself in uninvited, we will cut it off without a moment's hesitation. Are you prepared for that?"
Per FT.
China's consul general in Osaka said of comments on Taiwan from Japan’s new PM: if a "filthy neck sticks itself in uninvited, we will cut it off without a moment's hesitation. Are you prepared for that?"
Per FT.
November 13, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Such bellicosity shouldn’t pass without note:
China's consul general in Osaka said of comments on Taiwan from Japan’s new PM: if a "filthy neck sticks itself in uninvited, we will cut it off without a moment's hesitation. Are you prepared for that?"
Per FT.
China's consul general in Osaka said of comments on Taiwan from Japan’s new PM: if a "filthy neck sticks itself in uninvited, we will cut it off without a moment's hesitation. Are you prepared for that?"
Per FT.
Reposted by Nick Donovan
'Joyous' by contemporary UK printmaker Sarah Morgan #WomensArt
November 9, 2025 at 6:11 AM
'Joyous' by contemporary UK printmaker Sarah Morgan #WomensArt
Reposted by Nick Donovan
Totally surreal Mad Max shit. This is Russian forces entering Pokrovsk on the E50 highway under cover of fog. 🎥 Video from Telegram.
How are they able to do this? In large part because of their manpower advantage. Read @fabricedeprez.bsky.social’s story about that here: www.ft.com/content/ebdf...
How are they able to do this? In large part because of their manpower advantage. Read @fabricedeprez.bsky.social’s story about that here: www.ft.com/content/ebdf...
November 11, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Totally surreal Mad Max shit. This is Russian forces entering Pokrovsk on the E50 highway under cover of fog. 🎥 Video from Telegram.
How are they able to do this? In large part because of their manpower advantage. Read @fabricedeprez.bsky.social’s story about that here: www.ft.com/content/ebdf...
How are they able to do this? In large part because of their manpower advantage. Read @fabricedeprez.bsky.social’s story about that here: www.ft.com/content/ebdf...
Reposted by Nick Donovan
In honor of the Richard Burton's 100th birthday this week, we look back at “The Spy Who Came In From the Cold,” a role that offered him the rare chance to underplay his brash persona. crookedmarquee.com/richard-burt...
November 10, 2025 at 5:36 PM
In honor of the Richard Burton's 100th birthday this week, we look back at “The Spy Who Came In From the Cold,” a role that offered him the rare chance to underplay his brash persona. crookedmarquee.com/richard-burt...
Reposted by Nick Donovan
On 11 November, 1965, Rhodesia announced its Unilateral Declaration of Independence and its break with Britain. For the global far right in the 1960s-70s, Rhodesia became a cause celebre, seen as on the frontline (alongside apartheid South Africa) against communism and multi-racial democracy.
November 11, 2023 at 4:04 AM
On 11 November, 1965, Rhodesia announced its Unilateral Declaration of Independence and its break with Britain. For the global far right in the 1960s-70s, Rhodesia became a cause celebre, seen as on the frontline (alongside apartheid South Africa) against communism and multi-racial democracy.
Reposted by Nick Donovan
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
Reposted by Nick Donovan
The missing piece of the puzzle is: who, or what, pays GSSG to supply the mercenaries?
If you know the answer please contact me securely. donovannick - AT - protonmail - com
signal: nickpdonovan.01
Read more in this investigation by The Sentry:
thesentry.org/reports/suda...
10/10
If you know the answer please contact me securely. donovannick - AT - protonmail - com
signal: nickpdonovan.01
Read more in this investigation by The Sentry:
thesentry.org/reports/suda...
10/10
Sudan Mercenaries Linked to Business Partner of Top UAE Bureaucrat - The Sentry
November 2025 Download the full alert As the war in Sudan rages on and the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) killings of civilians in the western city El Fasher continues, reports have emerged of Colombian ...
thesentry.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The missing piece of the puzzle is: who, or what, pays GSSG to supply the mercenaries?
If you know the answer please contact me securely. donovannick - AT - protonmail - com
signal: nickpdonovan.01
Read more in this investigation by The Sentry:
thesentry.org/reports/suda...
10/10
If you know the answer please contact me securely. donovannick - AT - protonmail - com
signal: nickpdonovan.01
Read more in this investigation by The Sentry:
thesentry.org/reports/suda...
10/10
Reposted by Nick Donovan
UN Security Council members should investigate and, if appropriate, freeze the bank accounts of these UAE, Colombian and Panamanian companies - to interrupt the 'mercenarismo' worsening the situation in Sudan.
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November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
UN Security Council members should investigate and, if appropriate, freeze the bank accounts of these UAE, Colombian and Panamanian companies - to interrupt the 'mercenarismo' worsening the situation in Sudan.
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Reposted by Nick Donovan
The mercenaries appear to be paid offshore. Contracts signed by Colombian recruits authorize GSSG to transfer their salaries to a Panamanian company, Global Staffing, whose director is Oliveros.
See this video by Noticias Caracol at 6mins30
www.noticiascaracol.com/informes-esp...
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See this video by Noticias Caracol at 6mins30
www.noticiascaracol.com/informes-esp...
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https://www.noticiascaracol.com/informes-especiales/el-coronel-retirado-que-estaria-tras-de-reclutamiento-de-mercenarios-colombianos-en-guerra-de-sudan-rg10
t.co
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The mercenaries appear to be paid offshore. Contracts signed by Colombian recruits authorize GSSG to transfer their salaries to a Panamanian company, Global Staffing, whose director is Oliveros.
See this video by Noticias Caracol at 6mins30
www.noticiascaracol.com/informes-esp...
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See this video by Noticias Caracol at 6mins30
www.noticiascaracol.com/informes-esp...
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Reposted by Nick Donovan
To recruit Colombians GSSG partnered with Colombian firm A4SI, reportedly controlled by former Colombian Colonel Álvaro Quijano, who used to work as a foreign legionary in the UAE military. A4SI is owned by Quijano's wife Claudia Oliveros.
Pic: Quijano, via La Silla Vacía
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Pic: Quijano, via La Silla Vacía
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November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
To recruit Colombians GSSG partnered with Colombian firm A4SI, reportedly controlled by former Colombian Colonel Álvaro Quijano, who used to work as a foreign legionary in the UAE military. A4SI is owned by Quijano's wife Claudia Oliveros.
Pic: Quijano, via La Silla Vacía
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Pic: Quijano, via La Silla Vacía
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Reposted by Nick Donovan
Also in Arabic: the relationship between Alzaabi (owner of GSSG, who provides the Colombian mercenaries to the RSF) and Al Humairi (secretary general of the UAE Presidential Court).
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November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Also in Arabic: the relationship between Alzaabi (owner of GSSG, who provides the Colombian mercenaries to the RSF) and Al Humairi (secretary general of the UAE Presidential Court).
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Reposted by Nick Donovan
Alzaabi and Al Humairi have a close business relationship. Al Humairi currently owns 75% of an IT firm, Securetech, while Alzaabi owns 12.5%. Until 2023, Al Humairi also owned 75% of large security guard firm, Securiguard Middle East, while Alzaabi owned 12.5%.
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November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Alzaabi and Al Humairi have a close business relationship. Al Humairi currently owns 75% of an IT firm, Securetech, while Alzaabi owns 12.5%. Until 2023, Al Humairi also owned 75% of large security guard firm, Securiguard Middle East, while Alzaabi owned 12.5%.
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Reposted by Nick Donovan
The Presidential Court supports the UAE's leader, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ), and is chaired by Vice President, MBZ's brother, Sheikh Mansour. The NYT reports that Sheikh Mansour plays "a central role" in arming the RSF.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/29/w...
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www.nytimes.com/2025/06/29/w...
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The Sheikh Who Conquered Soccer and Coddles Warlords
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The Presidential Court supports the UAE's leader, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ), and is chaired by Vice President, MBZ's brother, Sheikh Mansour. The NYT reports that Sheikh Mansour plays "a central role" in arming the RSF.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/29/w...
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www.nytimes.com/2025/06/29/w...
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Reposted by Nick Donovan
The Sentry (@thesentryorg.bsky.social ) can reveal Alzaabi is the business partner of Ahmed Mohamed Al Humairi, the longstanding secretary-general of the UAE's Presidential Court (formerly the Ministry of Presidential Affairs or Diwan).
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November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The Sentry (@thesentryorg.bsky.social ) can reveal Alzaabi is the business partner of Ahmed Mohamed Al Humairi, the longstanding secretary-general of the UAE's Presidential Court (formerly the Ministry of Presidential Affairs or Diwan).
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Reposted by Nick Donovan
Colombian mercenaries are reportedly deployed by UAE-based Global Security Services Group, 100% owned by Mohamed Hamdan Alzaabi. Leaked contracts show GSSG making Colombian recruits sign non-disclosure agreements.
Credit to Santiago Rodríguez Álvarez who broke the story for La Silla Vacía.
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Credit to Santiago Rodríguez Álvarez who broke the story for La Silla Vacía.
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November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Colombian mercenaries are reportedly deployed by UAE-based Global Security Services Group, 100% owned by Mohamed Hamdan Alzaabi. Leaked contracts show GSSG making Colombian recruits sign non-disclosure agreements.
Credit to Santiago Rodríguez Álvarez who broke the story for La Silla Vacía.
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Credit to Santiago Rodríguez Álvarez who broke the story for La Silla Vacía.
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Reposted by Nick Donovan
New: The Emirati businessman supplying Colombian mercenaries to Sudan's RSF militia is the business partner of the UAE's top bureaucrat, equivalent to US White House Chief of Staff.
Video: Colombian mercs firing mortars in El Fasher, via La Silla Vacía.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
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Video: Colombian mercs firing mortars in El Fasher, via La Silla Vacía.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
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November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
New: The Emirati businessman supplying Colombian mercenaries to Sudan's RSF militia is the business partner of the UAE's top bureaucrat, equivalent to US White House Chief of Staff.
Video: Colombian mercs firing mortars in El Fasher, via La Silla Vacía.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
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Video: Colombian mercs firing mortars in El Fasher, via La Silla Vacía.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
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New: The Emirati businessman supplying Colombian mercenaries to Sudan's RSF militia is the business partner of the UAE's top bureaucrat, equivalent to US White House Chief of Staff.
Video: Colombian mercs firing mortars in El Fasher, via La Silla Vacía.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
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Video: Colombian mercs firing mortars in El Fasher, via La Silla Vacía.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
1/
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
New: The Emirati businessman supplying Colombian mercenaries to Sudan's RSF militia is the business partner of the UAE's top bureaucrat, equivalent to US White House Chief of Staff.
Video: Colombian mercs firing mortars in El Fasher, via La Silla Vacía.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
1/
Video: Colombian mercs firing mortars in El Fasher, via La Silla Vacía.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
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Great list. More book advice:
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, also start from chapter 2 or 3 and pop back.
The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth, start off by reading aloud until you get into the swing of the made up language.
Clockwork Orange, dive right in droog, pref with a beer & a deckchair in the sun.
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, also start from chapter 2 or 3 and pop back.
The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth, start off by reading aloud until you get into the swing of the made up language.
Clockwork Orange, dive right in droog, pref with a beer & a deckchair in the sun.
12. People who want you to thrive will offer help and advice. If advice is all they offer, it's probably shit.
13. If that chick don't wanna know, forget her.
14. If you want to read Ulysses, start on Chapter 4 (meeting Leopold Bloom) and revisit the earlier chapters once you've found your feet.
13. If that chick don't wanna know, forget her.
14. If you want to read Ulysses, start on Chapter 4 (meeting Leopold Bloom) and revisit the earlier chapters once you've found your feet.
November 5, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Great list. More book advice:
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, also start from chapter 2 or 3 and pop back.
The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth, start off by reading aloud until you get into the swing of the made up language.
Clockwork Orange, dive right in droog, pref with a beer & a deckchair in the sun.
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, also start from chapter 2 or 3 and pop back.
The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth, start off by reading aloud until you get into the swing of the made up language.
Clockwork Orange, dive right in droog, pref with a beer & a deckchair in the sun.
Reposted by Nick Donovan
Dan is right. This is extremely good from @geoffmulgan.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/geoffmul...
A lot of very important points in a short post
A lot of very important points in a short post
Hollowed out: can the centre hold?
Can the centre hold and resist the far right?
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Dan is right. This is extremely good from @geoffmulgan.bsky.social
Reposted by Nick Donovan
open.substack.com/pub/geoffmul...
A lot of very important points in a short post
A lot of very important points in a short post
Hollowed out: can the centre hold?
Can the centre hold and resist the far right?
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:58 PM
open.substack.com/pub/geoffmul...
A lot of very important points in a short post
A lot of very important points in a short post
Reposted by Nick Donovan
This FT account of pure thuggishness of Trump representatives posing as diplomats has not appeared in US media anywhere, but is being widely circulated and reported in media in Europe, the UK and the Asia Pacific area. Be sure to read it all.
November 3, 2025 at 2:40 PM
This FT account of pure thuggishness of Trump representatives posing as diplomats has not appeared in US media anywhere, but is being widely circulated and reported in media in Europe, the UK and the Asia Pacific area. Be sure to read it all.
Reposted by Nick Donovan
I missed this last week. The new English index of income deprivation includes UC working households who are on low-incomes AFTER HOUSING COSTS.
This is a big deal technically & means we now have a hyper local measure of LIVING STANDARDS not just incomes.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
This is a big deal technically & means we now have a hyper local measure of LIVING STANDARDS not just incomes.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Almost all children in 73 areas of England live in low-income households
New official measures show levelling up attempts have failed to shift high levels of deprivation
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:57 AM
I missed this last week. The new English index of income deprivation includes UC working households who are on low-incomes AFTER HOUSING COSTS.
This is a big deal technically & means we now have a hyper local measure of LIVING STANDARDS not just incomes.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
This is a big deal technically & means we now have a hyper local measure of LIVING STANDARDS not just incomes.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Nick Donovan
Last night I watched over 100 pelicans feed just off the coast after sunset. Here's one of them. 17 frames taken from a sequence of 44 over 2.5 seconds. Incredible dinosaurs!!! 🪶
October 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Last night I watched over 100 pelicans feed just off the coast after sunset. Here's one of them. 17 frames taken from a sequence of 44 over 2.5 seconds. Incredible dinosaurs!!! 🪶
Reposted by Nick Donovan
Reposted by Nick Donovan
Wrote about Seth Neblett’s new book on the women of Parliament-Funkadelic, whose names we should all know, for the @nashvillescene.com
Seth Neblett Charts a Course Through P-Funk’s Female History
With ‘Mothership Connected,’ the son of Mallia Franklin gives the women of Parliament-Funkadelic a long-overdue spotlight
www.nashvillescene.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Wrote about Seth Neblett’s new book on the women of Parliament-Funkadelic, whose names we should all know, for the @nashvillescene.com