Metro

Over 10 million people displaced by Sudan war— IOM

Published

3 months ago

July 20, 2024

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that as the world’s worst displacement crisis worsens in Sudan, almost 10 million, which is about 20% of the country’s population, have been forced from their homes since the conflict there started.

This is the most recent alarming estimate from the nation in East Africa, which has been destroyed by fighting that started in April 2023. The majority of the nation, around 50 million people, are now in need of humanitarian help and half of them are experiencing starvation as a result of the war.

According to a bimonthly report from the IOM, since the start of the conflict, over 2.2 million people have fled to foreign nations and about 7.8 million have sought safety within the nation. Previous conflicts in the country have already resulted in the displacement of an additional 2.8 million people.

When fighting broke out between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital city of Khartoum last year, it soon spread to the west throughout Darfur, with the RSF seizing control of most of the major cities.

Some UN experts have argued that the main cause of migration from Darfur—where it is impossible to provide aid—is now hunger rather than conflict.

“All refugees I met said the reason why they fled Sudan was hunger,” said World Health Organisation country director Dr. Shible Sahbani to reporters after visiting refugees from Darfur, the source of half of the displaced population, in Chad.

“A woman who just reached Adré reported that all food they used to produce locally in Darfur was taken by the fighters,” he added.

More than 150,000 people were displaced from Sennar state as the RSF extended its reach in the southeast of the nation in recent weeks, according to the IOM. Many of these individuals were relocated for the second or third time following RSF attacks on houses and marketplaces in the state’s minor towns and villages.

The RSF blames the activities of rogue actors and disputes that it has harmed civilians.

RSF forces have conducted incursions in Gedaref state, home to 668,000 people who are facing heavy rains and no shelter. This state is currently hosting a large number of displaced persons.

Human Rights Watch issued a warning last week about the risk of the RSF expanding into the Gedaref for the 40,000 Ethiopian refugees, most of whom are Tigrayans, who are alleged by the RSF to be fighting alongside the army.

Metro

Incarcerated ex-Zambian defence minister in serious health crisis

Published

9 hours ago

October 30, 2024

Isaac Dachen

There are fears for the life of former Zambian Defence Minister, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence, as he is reportedly experiencing severe health issues which has prompted his legal team to seek court permission for urgent medical treatment in South Africa.

The bail application filed by State Counsel, Bonaventure Mutale, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC), detailed Mwamba’s condition as having visibly swollen thighs and legs, suggesting that his current medication may be ineffective.

Mwamba, who is being held at Mwembeshi Correctional Facility, according to Zambia Monitor, was sentenced on October 10 by Magistrate Standford Ngobola on charges of conflict of interest and possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The Magistrate had previously denied his bail request, citing insufficient grounds but in the affidavit filed with the High Court, Mutale recounted his October 28 visit to Mwembeshi, where he noted the facility’s limited medical resources, staffed only by a clinical officer.

Mutable said he observed swelling in Mwamba’s lower body, reportedly necessitating specialist treatment abroad.

Mwamba’s defence also maintained that his appeal has merit, citing unresolved legal questions and a lack of evidence directly linking him to the alleged crimes.

The defence also argued that Mwamba’s five-year sentence is excessive for a first-time offender.

They highlighted potential delays in the High Court’s appeal process, suggesting that Mwamba could serve a substantial part of his sentence before the appeal is heard.

The legal team also asserted that he posed no flight risk and that his release on bail would not prejudice the State.

Mwamba’s appeal also included eight grounds, contending the trial court overlooked evidence that he had declared his interest, noting the case was previously closed after investigation.

His appeal further argued the magistrate erroneously dismissed his written declaration of interest under Section 28(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act.

Metro

Biden calls Tinubu, thanks him for release of Binance executive

Published

13 hours ago

October 30, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, on Tuesday evening, placed a call to his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Tinubu, where he expressed his gratitude to Nigeria for releasing the Binance Head of Financial Crimes Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, who had been detained in Nigeria since February and later charged alongside his company, Binance, with laundering $35.4million, and tax evasion.

In the 30-minute phone call, Biden also thanked Tinubu for dropping all the charges against Gambaryan, who is an American citizen.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, who revealed this while briefing State House Correspondents on the 30-minute voice call between both leaders, said Biden also pledged the US will partner and collaborate with West Africa in numerous sectors especially in regards to security in West Africa.

“I have been directed by Mr President to brief you with regards to his phone call with US President Joseph Biden at about 4 pm today,” Tuggar said.

“The two leaders exchanged pleasantries and President Biden proceeded to thank President Tinubu for his partnership and for Nigeria’s partnership, and in particular, for the collaboration between the two countries with regards to…the release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company that we’re all aware of.

“The two leaders also discussed the issue of the permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.

“President Biden, once again, assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa having two permanent seats.

“He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance,” he added.

He confirmed that Gambaryan has already left Nigeria after eight months of detention, and has reunited with his family.

Gambaryan, a senior Binance executive was detained in Nigeria in early 2024 during a crackdown on cryptocurrency activity by the Nigerian government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had
filed money laundering charges against him, which Binance and Gambaryan denied complicity.

However, his extended detention drew international attention, as his health reportedly deteriorated while held at Kuje Prison with US diplomats and lawmakers pushing for his release, emphasising both his declining health and the need for transparent proceedings.

Despite repeated bail applications, he remained in custody for nearly eight months, raising diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Nigeria but last week, an Abuja Federal High Court had discharged Gambaryan from the money laundering charges.