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

Catholic bishops in Zambia decry ‘shrinking democratic space’, hounding of opposition parties

Published

19 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has decried what it describes as a shrinking and deteriorating democratic environment, marked by the arrests and prolonged detention of opposition leaders.

In a letter signed and issued by all 11 Catholic Bishops in Zambia in Lusaka on Sunday, the clerics lamented that at least six opposition leaders were currently facing charges linked to their political activities, highlighting what they termed as a significant restriction of democratic freedoms.

“We are gravely concerned by the shrinking democratic space in the country. For example, about six or more opposition leaders are facing the law simply because of their participation in political activism,” the letter stated.

The Catholic Bishops called on the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to ensure fairness in the political landscape.

“We urge the government to tolerate divergent views and promote democracy in the country,” they said.

The Bishops also condemned the prolonged detention of political figures, journalists, and other individuals without trial, asserting that such practices undermine democratic principles.

“Of concern is the detention of individuals, journalists, and opposition political leaders for expressing their views on governance issues,” the letter read.

The pastoral letter also criticized the UPND government for its use of derogatory language against the Church, referencing UPND Secretary-General Batuke Imenda’s labelling of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda as “Lucifer.”

“The Church expected Mr. Imenda to apologize for his remarks, as they were not only an insult to Archbishop Banda but to the entire Catholic Church,” the Bishops emphasized.

The letter further condemned the deployment of police officers to the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, viewing it as a form of intimidation.

Metro

Nigerian economy to grow in leaps and bounds in 2025, VP Shettima predicts

Published

23 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has predicted that the country’s economy will grow in leaps and bounds in 2025 due to the reforms put in place by President Bola Tinubu.

Shettima, who made the projection at a retreat organized for presidential aides in Abuja, gave reasons for his optimism, citing economic improvements recorded so far, including crude oil production reaching 1.8 million barrels per day.

Shettima emphasized that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, the nation’s economy was on the path to growth due to Tinubu’s policies and determination to transform the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“President Bola Tinubu is determined to change the fortunes of the nation. We all want to bequeath to the younger generation a united and progressive country,” Shettima said.

He emphasized that though the Nigerian economy is facing challenges, the current government is doing everything possible to turn things around.

“Yes, the economy has faced and is still facing challenges, but we have turned the corner. As of now, we are producing 1.8 million barrels of oil per day. The economy is on an upward trajectory, and I believe that in the new year, the economy will grow in leaps and bounds.”

“The country is greater than all of us. I urge you all to work as a team and as a family.”