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Category: Foreign

  • Scholz to consult German state premiers on irregular migration

    Scholz to consult German state premiers on irregular migration

    Migration

    Berlin, June 20, 2024 (dpa/NAN) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz would discuss the problems arising from irregular migration with the leaders of the country’s state governments in Berlin on Thursday.

    The premiers would first meet for separate talks at midday, before meeting Scholz later in the afternoon.

    The states led by the conservative CDU/CSU parties are primarily pushing for asylum procedures to be carried out in third countries outside the European Union.

    Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has had this idea examined by experts on the subject, many of whom are skeptical.

    The results are to be discussed at the meeting on Thursday.

    The meeting is also likely to focus on the chancellor’s support in lifting a ban on deporting serious criminals from Afghanistan and Syria.

    The problem is that Afghanistan is ruled by the hardline Taliban and Syria by the dictator Bashar al-Assad.

    Both regimes have gruesome records of serious human rights abuses. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/EAL
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Depressed German tourist arrested after violent outbursts

    Depressed German tourist arrested after violent outbursts

    Arrest

    Jakarta, June 20, 2024 (dpa/NAN) A German citizen has been arrested on the Indonesian resort island of Bali after a string of assaults and property damage, fuelled by depression over family turmoil back home, police said.

    Police said the suspect, 37, has been in Bali for the past seven months seeking solace from his parents’ divorce and his father’s subsequent death.

    He is accused of slapping a motorcyclist on June 12, causing minor injuries to the woman.

    He reportedly later vandalised a villa in the popular resort area of Kuta on Saturday, where he also allegedly threatened an employee with a knife.

    He’s admitted to being depressed due to his parents’ divorce and his father’s passing,’’ Kuta police chief I Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina told reporters.

    “We plan to conduct a psychological evaluation and further investigation.’’

    Ketut said the German had also shoplifted a beverage from a mini market prior to these incidents.

    He also resisted arrest, throwing stones at officers before being subdued.

    Police said the man was facing charges of assault, property damage, and making threats, offences punishable up to 10 years in prison under Indonesian law. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/EAL
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

     

  • Acceptable Hajj: Cleric preaches forgiveness among pilgrims 

    Forgiveness
    By Muhammad Lawal
    Makkah, June 20, 2024 (NAN) An Islamic cleric, Malam Usman Sani-Zaga, has urged pilgrims who performed this year’s Hajj to forgive one another to earn Allah’s favour.
    He stated this in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during a morning enlightenment programme for the pilgrims on Thursday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the enlightenment was meant to further strengthen the faith of believers especially after performing one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj.
    The cleric identified forgiveness to one another as fundamental to earning Allah’s mercy and favour, adding: “God Almighty is ever forgiven and He is the one who accepts from us.
    “One of the signs that your pilgrimage is accepted, is for you to follow it with good deeds.
    “After completing your Hajj, then turn to your Lord with good deeds, praise Him and glorify Him and seek for His forgiveness.
    “The first supplication (du’a) of a pilgrim whenever he/she meets his/her fellow pilgrim colleague should be, may God Almighty accept our Hajj and make us among those who will repeat the Hajj next year and in subsequent years.”‘
    Sani-Zaga observed that it had become a tradition, whenever pilgrims completed Hajj rites their minds would not be thinking of anything rather going back hone.
    He, therefore, encouraged them to be patient as all arrangements had been concluded towards their airlift back home by the concerned authorities.
    The cleric stressed the need for each pilgrim to perform farewell circumunbilation (Dawafil Wadah) in view of its importance, assuring that it was an instruction from Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).
    He quoted the Prophet as saying: “Whoever completes his/her Hajj rites should perform Dawafil Wadah.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KLM/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Nigerian pilgrim returns lost $800, other currencies in Makkah

    Pilgrim

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Makkah (Saudi Arabia), June 19, 2024 (NAN) Malam Abba Limawa, 52, a Nigerian pilgrim from Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has returned 10,500 Russian rubles, 800 dollars and 690 Saudi Riyals, he found, to the authority in Makkah.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Limawa, handed over the different currencies to the Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi during the post-Afarat conference, held on Wednesday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    The pilgrims explained that he found the money inside a waist bag, while on his way to pray at the Masjid Haram (Mosque).

    ” Initially, I wanted to ignore the waist bag and moved to the Mosque, but on a second thought, I said it might belong to a Nigerian, especially some of our old women.

    “So, I decided to pick it, and I proceeded to the mosque. When I returned to my accommodation, I opened the bag and discovered that there is no Nigerian currency and no any sign that it belonged to a Nigerian.

    ” Immediately, I approached one of the officials of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, narrated the story and presented the money to him.

    ” From there, he commended me for showing an exemplary character and honesty and told me that he will handover the money to the NAHCON, to ensure that the owner gets his or her money,” he said.

    Responding, Arabi commended Limawa for being honest and projecting the image of Nigeria positively at the international arena.

    Earlier, in his presentation on the outcome of the just concluded Hajj ritual, the NAHCON boss explained that the aim of the post-Afarat conference was to review what had transpired.

    “This will enable us to have a sincere post-mortem of what we did at the battle field and improve on the success recorded.”

    Arabi disclosed that Saudi government had released the time-table and timeline for the 2025 Hajj operation on Tuesday.

    ” Perhaps by Thursday we will have known what they allocate (Hajj slots allocation) to each nation of the world, how the visas will commence.

    ” But interestingly for the first time, they (Saudi authority) have opened the e-portal as from Tuesday.”

    He, therefore, called on the States Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Tour Operators and all other stakeholders to take notes of the development.

    Also, the Head of Aviation of NAHCON, Malam Goni Sanda, said that three flights carrying pilgrims from Kebbi, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will take off to Nigeria on June 22. (NAN)

    SSI/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Adequate healthcare, crucial to support survivors of sexual violence – UN

    Adequate healthcare, crucial to support survivors of sexual violence – UN

    Violence

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations on Wednesday commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, highlighting the vital role hospital’s play in helping survivors heal.

    The UN General Assembly, in June 2015, proclaimed June 19 each year as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict,  in order to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence.

    Also, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his message to mark the Day, reiterated that protecting healthcare facilities was a “fundamental tenet” of international humanitarian law, which governed the conduct of war.

    “But attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities, and the targeting of healthcare workers, can severely limit access to medical care and psychosocial support for survivors,” he said.

    He also highlighted the long-term impact on women and girls, as well as men and boys.

    “Women and girls who experience sexual violence may become pregnant from rape and require immediate sexual and reproductive healthcare.

    “Men and boys may be at risk of increased isolation if they cannot access appropriate care.”

    The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), in a separate message, emphasised the devastating impacts of sexual violence, particularly in conflicts, noting that the voices of women and girl survivors “remain mutated” in decisions on peace and security or humanitarian assistance, isolating them from solutions.

    “Life-saving gender-based violence services, which address the needs, rights and wishes of survivors, continue to be insufficient across countries engaged in conflicts,” the agency said.

    “Survivors as well as women and girls more generally, must be engaged as leaders of humanitarian-response programming, as they are best placed to create solutions for the challenges they face,” UNFPA added, calling for greater funding for protection and support programmes.

    Sexual violence in conflicts is a war crime and perpetrators must be held to account, the sexual and reproductive health agency said.

    Few cases of conflict-related sexual violence are reported and even fewer investigated or prosecuted.

    “Sexual violence destroys lives and violates human rights. It must not be ‘normalised’ as something that is destined to happen, something that cannot be stopped.

    “We must work together to end this horror, not allow it to endlessly repeat,’’ Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, said.

    Civilians, especially vulnerable groups, are under increased threat of sexual violence and other abuses globally amid a multiplication of wars and crises that have forced a record 117 million people to flee their homes and communities.

    Attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities, and their use for military purposes have further deprived survivors of critical services, posing challenges for safe reporting and response.

    “Hospitals and other healthcare facilities should be beacons of safety and healing for all those injured in conflict, including the survivors of sexual violence.

    “On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, let us pledge to eliminate this scourge, stand in solidarity with survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting hospitals and healthcare facilities during conflict,” Guterres said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that June 19 also marks the adoption in 2008 of Security Council resolution 1820 Security Council resolution, which condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peace.

    In New York, a special event was hosted by the offices of the UN special envoys on children and armed conflict and on sexual violence in conflict, along with the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN.

    Discussions focused on attacks against healthcare in conflict-affected areas, with nations reiterating their commitment to addressing conflict-related sexual violence and supporting survivors through a dedicated trust fund.

    A microsite was also produced, featuring key messages and important resources alongside a virtual exhibition on a survivor’s journey. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CIA/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • S/Africa: Don optimistic about GNU creating better opportunities

    S/Africa: Don optimistic about GNU creating better opportunities 

    South Africa

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A South Africa-based Professor. Abiodun Salawu, has expressed optimism that the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the country would  work to create better opportunities for people and reduce unemployment among youths.

    Salawu, Director of Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) and Professor in the Department of Communication, North-West University, South Africa,  spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

    The professor of media studies spoke on the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term as South Africa’s President and  formation of the GNU.

    South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa being sworn in for a second term on June 19, 2024.

    Ramaphosa’s party, African National Congress (ANC) said the formation of the GNU was rooted in its shared commitment to uphold the constitution, promote non-racialism, and ensure social justice and equity for all South Africans.

    Parties that officially signed the Statement of Intent to participate in the GNU include the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA) which is South Africa’s second largest party, Inkatha Freedom Party, GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance.

    According to ANC, this collaboration represents 273 seats in the National Assembly.

    In his inauguration speech on Wednesday, in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the formation of the GNU was a moment of profound significance.

    He said it was “the beginning of a new era”.

    Salawu, in his assessment, said that going by the various parties and their leaders, Ramaphosa was the best for the role, given the circumstance and despite his imperfections.

    “In 30 years of democracy, this was the first time ANC fell low and it was apparent that they couldn’t go alone this time after losing parliamentary majority”.

    Salawu said Ramaphosa had a vast capacity for consultations.

    This, he said,  had gotten him criticisms many times but would help him thrive in the GNU.

    “He doesn’t take decisions abrasively without bringing other parties into consideration so we should be able to run through this without having to experience very difficult challenges.”

    Salawu, however, said his concern was that the parties had different ideologies, policies and personalities which could create tensions over time.

    He urged the GNU parties not to be too rigid, extreme and combative with their positions for the sake of the country.

    “There is a large number of people who do not believe ANC and DA can work together.

    “When you look at that, you’ll want to expect that the parties will be careful and employ a lot of political tact and maturity to make the GNU work,” Salawu said.

    Meanwhile, in attendance at Ramaphosa’s inauguration were dignitaries including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, King Mswati III of Eswatini, among others.

    Speaking on bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria, Salawu said continued collaboration between both countries would be of great benefit to the continent.

    According to him, what it requires is a matter of mutual respect between both countries and mutual respect for citizens.

    “Nigerians in South Africa should be treated with dignity and vice-versa.

    “Both countries should not see each other as competitors in order to enjoy good diplomatic relations,” Salawu said. (NAN)

    OMB/CHOM/SOA

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

     

  • Social protection can douse economic crisis – IPCR DG

    Social protection can douse economic crisis – IPCR DG

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Dr Joseph Ochogwu, the Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has described social protection as a policy instrument with the potency to douse socio-economic crisis in the country.

    Ochogwu made the description on Wednesday in Abuja at a conference on “Social Protection and Economic Uncertainties in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Societies”.

    The conference was organised by  Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa, a knowledge platform for research on conflicts, political violence, and peacebuilding in the sub-region.

    The director-general of IPCR said since 2015, social protection “has become an important policy instrument used by the Federal Government” to tackle inequality nationwide.

    “We have studied some strategic conflict assessments of Nigeria and several other studies which have identified poverty and unemployment as the major drivers of conflict across the country,” he said.

    He added that there is a wide gap between policies and their actual implementation.

    “We have embarked on this conference journey because we believe that we will go further to showcase social protection as a policy that requires much more empirical information to inform policy and practice.

    “There is no doubt that there are obvious gaps in the implementation of social protection, depending on the population category we are targeting alongside,” he said.

    In her remarks, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, reiterated the global body’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

    “Our work in this country reflects our dedication to supporting the most vulnerable, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

    “We strive to ensure that these children receive the protection, education, healthcare, and nutrition they need through government-led social protection systems.

    “We must address the pressing issue of economic uncertainty in fragile and conflict-affected societies and support the government in defining social protection measures relevant to the needs of the citizens; the financial hardships families face in such regions exacerbate the already daunting challenges,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) 

    SAF/YEE

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    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Chinese investment promotes Namibia’s econ. dev’t-  Minister

    Chinese investment promotes Namibia’s econ. dev’t-  Minister
    Investment
    Windhoek, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Namibia’s mining industry is one of the largest contributors to the country’s economy, with Chinese investment playing a significant role in the development of the uranium mining sector.
    Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, said this at a press conference held in Windhoek the capital of Namibia.
    In 2023, the mining sector contributed up to 14.4 per cent of Namibia’s gross domestic product, Alweendo said.
    He said that Chinese investment has been instrumental in establishing Namibia as one of the world’s largest producers of uranium.
    Alweendo said, A“I am honored to be here today to recognise the Rossing uranium mine, the longest-operating and largest open-pit uranium mine in the world, with more than 40 years of operation.
     “I hope you will continue to operate for another 40 years.”
    In 2019, Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto officially handed over Rossing to China National Uranium Corporation Limited (CNUC) that holds 68.62 per cent of its equity.
    The CNUC released a report at the conference, detailing the company’s actions and contributions over the past year toward Namibia’s economic, environmental and social sustainable development.
    Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, expressed optimism about Chinese investments in the southern African country in the future, saying that more Chinese enterprises are expected to seek investment opportunities in Namibia this year.
    ”Chinese investment aligns with the interests of both countries and their peoples, and bilateral cooperation has promising prospects,” he said.  (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/BRM
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    Edited by Ummul Idris/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • German Vice-Chancellor backs deporting terrorists

    German Vice-Chancellor backs deporting terrorists

    Terrorists

    Berlin, June 19, 2024 (dpa/NAN) German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has spoken out in favour of deporting suspected terrorists and dangerous individuals who had immigrated to the country.

    However, Habeck, a member of the Green Party, said that anyone convicted of a serious crime such as murder should not enjoy a right to asylum in Germany even as they trample the country’s laws and order.

    That could mean sending people back to countries considered unsafe, even if they potentially faced persecution there.

    “In plain language, this means that someone like the perpetrator of the police murderer must be convicted, must serve his sentence and can then be deported and should be deported,” Habeck said.

    Those remarks referred to a recent violent attack in the German city of Mannheim, where a knife wielding migrant killed a policeman.

    Habeck noted that the Interior Ministry was looking closely at what was possible with regard to the deportation of serious criminals.

    Interior Ministers from all 16 German States are meeting now in Berlin to discuss the immigration policy.

    This includes the controversial proposals to allow the deportation of serious criminals and people deemed Islamist extremists to countries including Syria and Afghanistan. (dpa/ Nan) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/BRM

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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

     

  • UN urges enhanced protection of healthcare, relief workers in Somalia

    Protection
    Mogadishu, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) The United Nations in Somalia has called for greater protection for healthcare professionals and humanitarian workers who provide critical services to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in the country.
    In a statement issued to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict that falls on Wednesday, the UN said attacks against healthcare and humanitarian workers are on the rise in Somalia.
    James Swan, the UN secretary-general’s acting special representative for Somalia, said although many of these incidents go underreported but women and girls in the country continue to be exposed to many forms of sexual violence.
    “The sexual violence are higher in the areas affected most by conflict and insecurity.
    “As the health professionals operate in those areas, they often risk their own lives,” Swan said in a statement in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
    According to the World Health Organisation’s surveillance system in Somalia, at least 10 healthcare workers were injured in attacks launched by non-state actors on healthcare facilities between January 2023 and May 31, 2024.
    It added that the figures are believed to be significantly underreported.
    “I pay tribute to the health workers who assist survivors in the aftermath of rape and other forms of sexual violence.
    “And I call for enhanced protection of all those who dispense critical care to those in need,” Swan added.
    Since 2015, the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict has been observed annually on June 19.
    The event marks the UN Security Council’s adoption of a resolution recognising sexual violence as a weapon of war and a threat to international peace and security. (www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/EAL
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    Edited by Ummul Idris/Ekemini Ladejobi