Metro

Thousands displaced as fighting resumes in Somaliland

Published

2 years ago

February 22, 2023

Tens of thousands have fled Somaliland to neighbouring Ethiopia as fighting resumed on Tuesday in the disputed town of Las Anod in the self-declared republic situated in northern Somalia, according to a government statement on Wednesday.

Though the number of casualties from the latest clashes is not yet ascertained, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Crescent say more than 150 people have been killed and over 600 wounded in the violence which began on February 6th.

A Somaliland’s government press release stated that the new round of fighting was sparked when elders in the Dhulbahante clan reportedly issued a declaration stating that they no longer considered themselves part of Somaliland and that Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions, preferring to be governed by Somalia.

“Fighting then erupted between Somalland’s army and militias loyal to Somalia and more than 60,000 Somalis, mainly women and children, have fled to Ethiopia’s Somali region,” the statement said.

“The latest clashes began hours after clan leaders in Sool region, where Las Anod is located, issued a statement pledging to support the unity and integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. They urged the authorities in Somaliland to withdraw their forces from the region,” the government said.

“In order to prevent the implementation of peace and ceasefire efforts, armed groups have launched a major military offensive on Somaliland National Armed Forces bases in Las Anod and the forces have fought back,” it added.

The local UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in its statement that more than 185,000 people fled the violence in Las Anod, saying nearly all of the, 89 percent, women and children.

Somaliland, a former British territory, declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, but so far, has not been recognised by the international community.

The region with around 4.5 million inhabitants, has since remained poor and isolated, enjoying relative stability until the recent clashes between government forces and local militias.

Related Topics:Featured Fighting Refugees Somalia Somaliland

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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.