Metro

Guinean junta suspends political coalition, NFDC, after days of protests

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2022

An order by the ruling military junta in Guinea has suspended a major collective, National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (NFDC) that has been protesting against it.

According to document signed by Mory Condé, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, “the de facto grouping known as the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution is dissolved” and “this order (…) takes effect from the date of its signature.”

“Their modus operandi is structured by violent actions during banned demonstrations, attacks against individuals who do not share their ideology, and targeted actions against the forces of order.

“This de facto grouping (…) provokes armed demonstrations on public roads and places, having the actions of a fighting group and private militias,” it continued.

This collective “endangering national unity, public peace and living together, is not on the list of NGOs in Guinea, nor on the list of association collectives (…) and even less in the directory of NGOs approved in the Republic of Guinea”, adds Mr. Condé.

Meanwhile communications officer of the group, Abdoulaye Oumou Sow said the group is not bothered by the suspension.

“We do not comment on this order of the minister, we do not feel concerned,”

A fresh call for protest by the coalition against the ruling junta was reported on Tuesday, after government’s delay to demands for “credible dialogue” on the transition to civilian rule.

The decision to suspend the pressure group has been criticized by the opposition. Cellou Dalein Diallo, who is the main Guinean opponent under former president Alpha Conde, condemned the decision, and rated it “a blow to freedom, justice, democracy and peace” on social networks.

The proposed three years transition period announced by the Colonel Mamady Doumbouya led junta has been widely criticized.

Metro

Zambia: Expert warns of food security threat due to climate change

Published

5 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A prominent Zambian climate-smart agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has warned of a collapse of the county’s agricultural sector with a potential threat to food security due to the worsening impact of climate change.

Bulaya, who bared his mind in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Friday, warned that ignoring the crisis could lead to severe disruptions in the country’s food supply and economy.

“Unless concerted efforts are made, the country will continue facing dire consequences from climate change,” the expert noted.

He lamented a growing trend of farmers relocating to regions experiencing above-normal rainfall, such as the northern block, as they struggle with losses caused by climate variability.

Bulaya emphasized that the once-reliable rainfall areas like North-Western Zambia are now experiencing lower precipitation, as seen during the 2023/2024 farming season and cautioned that poor farming practices, which had already strained the Southern region, could lead to similar challenges in other parts of the country if proactive measures were not implemented.

Metro

Outrage over murder of Nigerian beaten to death by South Africans inside estate security office

Published

10 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian community, under the auspices of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has raised the alarm over the murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, who was beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate.

According to the association, Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on Saturday, December 7, while driving to his residence in Midrand Protea Estate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President-General of NICASA, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

Onyekwelu stated that information available to the association noted that after attempting to pass through, Chukwunta was met with resistance by the assailants, prompting him to seek help at the security office of the estate.

“At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound,” the PG said.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu also confirmed that the case was reported to the police by Chukwunta’s partner at the Midrand Police Station and was registered under file number 262/12/2024.

The NICASA President said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

“The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu however, expressed disappointment at the proceedings, wondering why three of the suspects were released on bail and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.