Connect with us

Musings From Abroad

US calls for ‘thorough’ investigation into death of Egyptian researcher, Ayman Hadhoud

Published

on

The US States Department has called for a “thorough, transparent, and credible” investigation into the death of Egyptian economic researcher Ayman Hadhoud.

Ayman Hadhoud was a well-known liberal economist in Egypt, who was researching some politically delicate topics in Egypt before he disappeared into the custody of the country’s security forces in early February.

According to official records, Ayman Mohamed Ali Hadhoud died on 5 March, but his body was not handed over to relatives till 9 April

The State Department spokesperson Ned Price made the call in a briefing on Monday while also stressing that the US is disturbed over Hadboud’s death.

“We are deeply disturbed by reports surrounding the death and custody of Egyptian researcher Ayman Hadhoud and allegations of his torture while in detention,”

“The circumstances of his detention and his treatment and of his death we think require a thorough, transparent and credible investigation without delay,” he said.

Politically motivated arrests are common in the North African country. Last month, the state released 41 political prisoners from pre-trial detention, according to a politician-turned-negotiator, in a country where many more remain behind bars.

Rights groups say tens of thousands of Islamists and liberal dissidents have been detained over recent years and many have been denied due process or been subjected to abuse or poor prison conditions.

The United States under the Biden administration has been friends with Egypt but the US in January withheld $130 million of military aid over human rights concerns. It is therefore not unlikely that Hadhoud’s death could provoke actions from Washington.

 

Continue Reading
1 Comment

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Musings From Abroad

After initial evaluation, IMF raises Ethiopia’s international reserves target

Published

on

In order to make it easier to pay for future hard currency expenses, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased Ethiopia’s aim for net international reserves, the Fund announced.

After implementing a number of reforms, including floating its birr currency, the East African country was granted a $3.4 billion, four-year financing program by the IMF in July. Additionally, a new initiative to restart its debt restructuring is underway.

“An increase in near-term target is warranted by Ethiopia’s vulnerabilities and heightened uncertainty around the outlook,” the IMF said in a report published late on Monday.

An overachievement of the August target for net international reserves was caused by increased gold exports and lower-than-expected amounts of hard currency sales by the central bank through auctions, according to the IMF.

According to the Fund, net overseas reserves were $1.3 billion in mid-August, more than twice the $630 million projection.

To help build a buffer for the nation to settle maturing letters of credit for gasoline imports issued before the start of reforms, it increased the end-June 2025 target by $300 million to $400 million.

The IMF stated that although the official and black market rates converged as a result of the birr currency’s launch, market activity increased more slowly than anticipated, resulting in a sustained unmet demand for dollars.

According to the Fund, Ethiopia intends to agree with its bilateral creditors by the end of the year, and then “as soon as is feasible” with its Eurobond investors.

According to bondholders, the government was disregarding the fact that Ethiopia is dealing with a liquidity problem rather than an insolvency one when it suggested a haircut, or decrease in the principal amount, of 18% in a recent investor presentation.

“The authorities are making good faith efforts to agree terms with Eurobond holders,” the IMF said.

Between 2024 and 2029, Ethiopia’s national debt is expected to rise steadily by a total of 58.7 billion USD (+178.09%). The national debt is predicted to reach 91.7 billion USD in 2029, marking a new peak after ten years of continuous growth. Notably, throughout the previous few years, the national debt has been steadily rising.

Continue Reading

Musings From Abroad

Prince William visits South Africa, meets President Ramaphosa

Published

on

Following a nature walk in Table Mountain National Park with rangers and conservationists, Prince William of Britain, on his visit to South Africa, met with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The Prince of Wales is in South Africa for four days to attend the annual Earthshot Prize awards event. In addition, he will attend a global wildlife meeting and participate in other climate-related events.

William and Ramaphosa were seen shaking hands and sharing pleasantries in video footage released by Ramaphosa’s office at the beginning of their meeting.

“The visit is indicative of the strong ties the United Kingdom, including the Royal Family, share with South Africa, and also another step towards the deepening of these historic ties,” South Africa’s presidency said in a statement.

According to the presidency, South Africa is happy to host this year’s Earthshot Prizes since it brings attention to the effects of environmental degradation and climate change in Africa.

Established in 2020, the prize seeks to identify technologies to address climate change and other environmental concerns. Five winners will get one million pounds ($1.3 million) apiece to support their projects.

Continue Reading

EDITOR’S PICK

Metro20 hours ago

Nigeria gets backing of West African countries in bid to join UN security council

Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council has been boosted by the backing of several...

Culture2 days ago

Ghanaian TikToker’s longest eating marathon attempt blocked by GWR

An attempt by a popular Ghanaian TikToker, Clementina Nkrumah, also known as Afua Nash, to break the record for the...

Metro2 days ago

Zambia: Tonse Alliance names Lungu as presidential candidate for 2026 election

A newly formed political group, the Tonse Alliance (TA), has announced the endorsement of former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, as...

Tech2 days ago

Morocco’s retail-tech startup Chari partners with Orange to digitise retailers

Morocco’s retail-tech startup, Chari, has entered into partnership with telecoms giant, Orange Maroc, to boost the digital transformation of Moroccan...

Sports2 days ago

CAF announces 50% increase in prize money for 2024 Women’s Champions League

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a 50 per cent increase in prize money for the 2024 Women’s...

Metro2 days ago

‘We appreciate your patience, but you must endure more’, FG tells Nigerians

The Nigerian government says it appreciates the endurance of Nigerians in the face of excruciating hardship and poverty in the...

Tech3 days ago

MTN Nigeria set to acquire two more licences for its fintech

Nigeria’s largest telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria, is on the verge of obtaining two licences that will enable it expand its...

Metro3 days ago

Zambia seeks global support to boost sustainable housing

The Zambian government has called for support from the international community to help it in developing sustainable human settlement initiatives,...

Culture3 days ago

Ghanaians kick as President Akufo-Addo unveils ‘self-honouring’ statue

A decision by outgoing Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, to unveil what has been described as a “self-honouring” statue outside a...

Metro3 days ago

Nigeria, Rwanda sign MoU to boost trade, investment

Nigeria and Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two countries....

Trending