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HRW calls for stiffer sanctions on Sudanese leaders for crimes against humanity

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The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the United States and United Nations to apply additional sanctions on Sudanese warring leaders, as well as those “responsible for the atrocities and crimes against humanity” in Darfur.

The New York-based rights group, which made the call on Friday, described the “atrocities” being committed in the country since clashes broke out April between the army loyal to Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, as unacceptable and evidence of “scorched-earth attacks.”

In a news release issued by Tirana Hassan, Executive Director at Human Rights Watch, the group called on Washington to impose targeted sanctions to “ensure that the U.N. Security Council finally acts to protect civilians and to hold those responsible for the atrocities to account.”

The HRW said that at least seven villages and towns had been almost completely burned to the ground or destroyed in West Darfur alone, including Habilla Kanari, Mejmere, Misterei, Molle, Murnei, Gokor and Sirba.

“The world should not stand by as town after town in West Darfur is burned to the ground, sending tens of thousands of civilians fleeing for their lives,” Hassan said.

“In Sudan’s western Darfur region, the scene of genocidal war in the early 2000s, the conflict has morphed into ethnic violence, with RSF and allied Arab militias targeting African communities,” she said.

“Some 260,000 people have fled Darfur into neighboring Chad after fighters and militias stormed a number of cities and towns, burning houses and driving out residents.”

The call by the group is also coming days after Amnesty International accused both warring parties of “committing extensive war crimes, including deliberate killings of civilians and mass sexual assault.”

The AI report had noted that the RSF abducted 24 women and girls, some as young as 12, and held them “for several days during which they were raped by several RSF members.”

Only in June, the US had imposed sanctions against four key companies either linked to or owned by the warring factions, and also placed visa restrictions on the army and RSF officials, as well as on leaders from the former government led by Omar al-Bashir.

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Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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