Culture

Two Algerians arrested over alleged murder of Swiss tourist

Published

2 months ago

October 23, 2024

Algerian authorities have arrested two men in connection with the brutal murder of a Swiss tourist who was killed on October 11 while sitting at a cafe in the southern Algerian town of Djanet, a popular desert tourism destination.

The female tourist was reportedly attacked with a knife and had her throat slit by an assailant. She was rushed to a local hospital, but later died from her severe injuries.

According to local Algerian media reports, two suspects who were arrested following the attack have been identified as men from northern Algeria who had arrived in Djanet about six months ago and were dressed in the style of Tuareg nomads.

An online platform which reported on the incident, said the murder occurred on the terrace of the Cafe Skaner in central Djanet, next to the local tourism office.

“The victim was part of a group of five Swiss tourists visiting the area. The other four members of her group have since been evacuated back to Switzerland with assistance from the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

In a statement, the Swiss ministry confirmed it was aware of the violent death of a Swiss citizen on October 11 in the south-east of Algeria, but gave no further details out of respect for the victim’s privacy.

Though Algerian authorities have not yet issued any public comments on the killing, a source familiar with the situation told the French newspaper, Liberation, that “for the moment, it is completely hushed up. Nothing is coming out, even on social networks. On the ground, the watchword is radio silence. Everyone is complying.”

An Algerian diplomat said the murder could deal a significant blow to Algeria’s efforts to boost tourism in the Sahara desert region. Djanet, near the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, only opened to tourism in 2022 after years of being off-limits due to security concerns.

The town has since become a popular destination, attracting thousands of domestic and foreign visitors with direct flights from Paris.

An investigation into the murder is reportedly underway and security has been tightened around Djanet, including increased military checkpoints and it remains to be seen how Algerian officials will address this high-profile case and whether this will impact the country’s ambitious plans to grow its nascent tourism industry, the platform said.

Related Topics:Algeria Arrest Featured Murder Swiss Tourist

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Culture

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.

Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”