Metro

UN says ISIS becoming weaker in Africa but African countries know better

Published

3 years ago

April 6, 2022

A new report released by the United Nations Security Council has revealed that the threat of ISIS terror group and its several affiliates in African countries are becoming weaker, as more fighters are being killed or have deserted the groups.

In the report, the UN credited the decline to the “deaths of leading ISIS terrorists and the desertion of thousands of fighters from the group,” with the belief that this has left it in a “weakened” position.

The report which was released on Tuesday, was compiled by the UN body’s Counter-terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (Cted), after meetings with more than 50 representatives of African civil society organisations in 15 member states, according to the Council.

“The report was conducted to increase understanding of the impact of ISIS-affiliated groups in Africa and identify gaps in the way nations are tackling them.

“Roundtable participants emphasised that ISIS-affiliated groups were currently in a crucial period.

“The relatively recent deaths of Abu Musab Al Barnawi of ISWAP (IS West Africa Province), Abubakar Shekau of Boko Haram and Adnan Abu Walid Al Sahrawi of ISGS (IS in the Greater Sahara), and the desertion of thousands of individuals from the groups’ ranks, signalled a possible weakening of ISIS-affiliated groups in parts of Africa,” the report said.

However, the African nations that are at the receiving end of the terrorists incursions, especially countries like Nigeria, Niger Republic, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso and others in the Sahel region, have other stories to tell.

With ISIS suffering territorial losses in Syria and Iraq, it has moved into Africa and made the continent a huge target, establishing branches in several nations.

A number of ISIS and their affiliated groups in Africa have continued to launch deadly and co-ordinated attacks, capturing strategic territories, massively recruiting followers using anti-government propaganda, conscripting child soldiers and abducting women and girls in the process.

The frequency of ISIS attacks on the continent has led to serious casualties across the continent with the people facing unprecedented terrorist threats.

Related Topics:Featured ISIS Terrorism United Nations

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Metro

ZESCO says Zambians can enjoy improved power supply but offers condition

Published

10 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

State-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) has assured Zambians of improved power supply spanning seven-hour daily, depending on the approval of its emergency tariff adjustment by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

ZESCO, which is Zambia’s largest power company producing about 80% of the electricity consumed in the country, made the commitment during a public hearing held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Monday.

In his address, Victor Mapani, ZESCO’s Managing Director, stated that the proposed tariff increase would allow the company to raise $15 million monthly to import 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

“ZESCO’s ultimate goal is to add 788 MW of power to the 400 MW it currently imports from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe,” Mapani said.

Also speaking at the forum, Mark O’Donnell, representing the Business Coalition Task Office, noted that ZESCO’s tariffs were more affordable than diesel generators, which many households and businesses had resorted to due to Zambia’s energy challenges.

He emphasized the coalition’s support for the tariff hike but urged ZESCO to ensure efficient use of resources.

Ashu Sagar, President of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), raised concerns about ZESCO’s inconsistent load-shedding schedule, which he said had disrupted production planning and increased costs in the manufacturing sector.

On his part, ERB Board Chairperson, James Banda, announced that the board would make an independent decision on ZESCO tariff adjustment request on Thursday, devoid of political influence.

Metro

All the choices we have made are for sustainable, inclusive growth— Tinubu

Published

15 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that all the choices his administration has made since assuming office 17 months ago have been made to stop the country’s decline and put it on a path to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Tinubu, who made the assertion at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was encouraging that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth for the first and second quarters of 2024 was positive, giving credence to his reforms and policies.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, noted that it was gladdening that inflation was on a downward trend, and the foreign exchange market was stabilising, with encouraging investment signals.

“We are continuing with innovative reform measures: digitisation of revenue collection and government services, consumer credit system to boost manufacturing and enable access to goods and services,” Tinubu said in his address to the audience.

“Our reforms include removing punitive subsidies to the economy. Revenue bleeding has reduced, and the three tiers of government are receiving higher allocations, which enable more support to vulnerable populations.

“Social investment spending is increasing, the minimum wage has increased, student loans are available, and interventions to support NANO, MSME, farming, fishing, and the livestock sector have increased.

“Our collective vision for Nigeria’s future is anchored on strengthening our institutions and nurturing a pervasive culture of accountability,” he said.

He added that his government was committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost transparency and efficiency and cultivate strategic partnerships to pave the way for sustainable development.