Connect with us

Culture

Israel bans easy entry for Ethiopian Christians this Easter

Published

on

Israel has reportedly placed a ban on Ethiopian Christians to control the influx of pilgrimages at the coming Easter celebration.

Local media reports travel and tour companies have received a letter from Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority stating that any Ethiopian traveller who wants to visit Israel will need to contact the authority personally and receive permission to enter.

Tourists from other countries do not have to follow this same protocol; tour companies can generally submit a group application for tourists travelling as a group.

The authority’s letter noted that the move was out of concern that “these tourists will not head back” due to the ongoing civil war in their country, according to local media reports.

Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority said the policy was necessary because in the past Ethiopian tourists have overstayed.

The head of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association is quoted by the Times of Israel as saying it was “severely discriminatory” as it only applied to Ethiopians.

A spokesperson for Ethiopia’s foreign ministry says that he was not aware of the decision by Israel.

Ethiopia’s tourism sector has also been hit hard by the fighting, as many of the country’s most-celebrated destinations are unreachable.

One tour operator in Addis Ababa, which works with counterparts in Israel to arrange the pilgrimages, says that the decision was bad news for his business already suffering from the war and pandemic-related restrictions.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Culture

Algeria accuses renowned Singer Cheb Khaled of spying for Morocco

Published

on

Algerian authorities have accused renowned musician, singer and songwriter, Cheb Khaled, of spying for neighbours Morocco as another wave of hostilities brew between the two countries.

Founder of Algerian news outlet, Algeria Par, Al Abdou Semmar, disclosed on his YouTube channel that the military court in Blida, Algeria, hd reportedly forwarded a dossier to the court of Bir Mourad Rais in Algiers, containing serious allegations against the famous artist.

“Cheb Khaled has been friends with Moroccan monarch Mohammed VI for several years,” the journalist said, claiming that Algerian judicial authorities seek to charge Khaled in an alleged espionage case for Morocco.

Semmar further claimed investigations by his news channel has revealed that the singer is suspected and accused of complicity in espionage activities with the Bennacer brothers.

“This refers to the brothers Toufik and Boualem Bennacer, sons of the later General Larbi Bennacer,” the journalist said.

He added that Khaled also faces accusations of “transmitting sensitive information classified as ‘defense secret’ in Algeria to Moroccan authorities.”

“Based in Luxembourg, Cheb Khaled is now wanted by Algerian justice, which wishes to hear him, charge him, and put him on trial,” the journalist said.

He explained that such claims and accusations have come amid the Algerian regime’s hostility towards any party with close ties with Morocco.

“This is not the first time Algeria has arrested individuals and accused them of espionage for Morocco. The latest arrests took place earlier this week in Oran and Sidi Bel Abbès, and involved two Moroccan nationals,’ he said.

Khaled has close ties with Morocco, having performed numerous times in the North African country, where he has millions of Moroccan fans and frequently shares statements expressing his love and passion for Morocco,, referring to it as his second country.

In 2013, he obtained Moroccan citizenship under a royal decree, an act that has repeatedly put him at the heart of controversies among those sharing hostility towards Morocco.

Continue Reading

Culture

Tyla shines again as Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show stages comeback

Published

on

South Africa’s Grammy Award-winning music star, Tyla, has continued to shine on the international scene following another scintillating performance at the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show first comeback show after a six-year hiatus.

The show, which was held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York, featured Tyla performing alongside Cher and Lisa from Blackpink. The “Water” crooner stole the show in a dazzling silver and gold lingerie ensemble, complemented with white feathered wings.

A post on the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show website said when she was announced to perform at the show, Tyla explained she had always been captivated by the show and was excited to be performing at the show.

“Now, I’m thrilled to be performing on this nostalgic and legendary stage. What’s even more exciting is the celebration of diversity, showcasing a broader range of beauty, which makes this moment truly special,” she had reportedly said.

Fondly called the “Pride of Joburg” and the “Goddess of Water”, she explained she did not hesitate for a second to perform and was honoured that she was considered to do so.

Tyla also shone at the pre-show event as she stunned in a pink dress while speaking to the media beforehand.

In what proved to be a standout moment for all South Africans, legendary supermodel, Candice Swanepoel, joined Tyla during her performance as she made a return to the runway alongside other global supermodels such as Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid.

Continue Reading

EDITOR’S PICK

Politics16 hours ago

US requests probe into murders of two Mozambique opposition figures

The United States administration denounced the weekend deaths of two Mozambique opposition members, demanding a prompt and comprehensive inquiry ahead...

Uncategorized19 hours ago

Sudanese army reports first RSF commander defection

Sudan’s army announced on Sunday that a Rapid Support Forces commander had defected with some of his troops, the first...

Uncategorized19 hours ago

Opposition demonstrators, police clash in Mozambique after contentious election

Police in Mozambique fired teargas and bullets at protesters in Maputo on Monday, following the shooting of two opposition party...

Sports1 day ago

South Africa succumbs to New Zealand in T20 World Cup final

After a fairytale run to the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, South Africa succumbed to New...

Culture1 day ago

Algeria accuses renowned Singer Cheb Khaled of spying for Morocco

Algerian authorities have accused renowned musician, singer and songwriter, Cheb Khaled, of spying for neighbours Morocco as another wave of...

Tech1 day ago

Rwanda’s e-mobiility startup IZI expands electric bus fleet after getting grant from Green Fund

Rwanda’s e-mobility startup, IZI, has announced the delivery of five electric buses to Kigali, the country’s capital city, after obtaining...

Metro1 day ago

Zambia: President Hichilema sacks three Constitutional Court judges

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has finally sacked three Constitutional Court judges whom he had earlier placed on suspension. The affected...

Musings From Abroad2 days ago

In 6 months, Nigerians spent over $2.38 million on medical tourism

According to a recent report, Nigerians spent over $2.38 million on international healthcare services between January and June 2024. The...

Metro2 days ago

Nigeria confirms supplying 24-hr power to Togo, Benin, Niger

Despite its inability to provide steady electricity for Nigerians amid regular collapse of the national grid, Nigeria’s electricity regulatory body,...

VenturesNow2 days ago

Egypt reduces 2040 renewable energy target to 40%, prioritises natural gas

Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi announced on Sunday that Egypt had reduced its 2040 renewable energy target down from a previous...

Trending