Metro

Morocco/Spain deaths: African migrants deserve same treatment as Ukraine refugees – Kenya

Published

2 years ago

June 30, 2022

Kenya has condemned the treatment of migrants in the deadly accident that killed and injured dozens last week in Melilla, at the border of Morocco and Spain.

At least eighteen Africans and dozens were injured in the attempt to scale the border fence. According to an official report by Morocco in a statement on Friday, the casualties occurred when a “stampede” of people tried to climb the iron fence that separates Melilla and Morocco.

Kenya made its position on the ugly incident at the UN Security Council on Wednesday when its representative was briefing a media stake-out after it had requested an AOB (any other business) session to discuss the incident.

The East African giant through its Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr Martin Kimani, considered the incident as reminder that African refugees are still treated differently in Europe despite countries signing global refugee laws.

“We have observed the Security Council and its members show great concern about the fate of refugees from other conflicts. The latest and most dramatic instance being the result of the war in Ukraine. We believe that Africans fleeing the wars and insecurity in their countries deserve equal levels of regard.

“As we have done before, Kenya strongly condemns the mistreatment of all migrants and refugees wherever they may be. We reiterate our call for the promotion and protection of the rights of the people of African descent by all countries, without exception.” Kimani said.

The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, on Monday blamed the death of over 20 African migrants at the Morocco/Melillah border while trying to cross to Europe, on a “Mafia” trafficking syndicate.

According to Statista, African immigration is mostly characterized by movements within the continent itself. More than half of African migrants migrate across African countries, while around one of every four migrants has Europe as a destination region.

Metro

Zambian govt successfully repatriates trafficked toddler from Mozambique

Published

6 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian government has announced the successful repatriation of a one-year-eight-month-old child who was trafficked to Mozambique.

Making the announcement at a media briefing held at the Ministry’s head office in Lusaka on Friday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Angela Kawandami, expressed relief and joy at the child’s return, following the abduction from Lundazi District in October 2023.

Kawandami revealed that the case was reported to Lundazi Police Station on October 28, 2023, and following intense investigation, the child was trailed to a house in a care facility in Tete, Mozambique, before being repatriated.

Kawandami emphasized government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, citing the Children’s Code Act of 2022 and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2008 as essential tools in combating child trafficking.

“These laws mandate the state and relevant actors to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of children, especially those at risk of trafficking,” she said.

She further highlighted the role of Zambia’s National Referral Mechanism in ensuring a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to trafficking cases.

“Through effective collaboration between the Ministries of Community Development and Social Services, Home Affairs and Internal Security, the Zambia Police Service’s Anti-Human Trafficking Department, and Interpol, the child was returned safely after a year of continuous efforts,” she narrated.

She urged the public to remain vigilance and report suspected trafficking cases, noting the increasing threat of human trafficking.

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Director for Anti-Human Trafficking in the Ministry of Home Affairs Boris Mulengu, praised the strong cooperation between Zambia and Mozambique, stressing the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in combating trafficking.

Meanwhile, the child’s mother expressed heartfelt gratitude for her child’s safe return, acknowledging the emotional toll the abduction had caused.

She thanked the government and all involved agencies for their unwavering dedication to reuniting her with her child.

Metro

Finland-based Nigerians in panic as authorities search for Simon Ekpa’s sponsors

Published

10 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Some Nigerians based in Finland have been thrown into panic mode following the arrest and detention of the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRIGE), Simon Ekpa, who was arrested on Thursday by Finnish authorities on terror-related charges.

Ekpa was arrested alongside four other individuals by Finnish authorities on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.

The dissident had made himself infamous by using the social media to promote violent activities in southeastern Nigeria, including attacks and murder of civilians and security personnel.

According to some Nigerians in European country, following the arrest of the separatist leader and the four individuals suspected to be sponsors of his group known as IPOB-AutoPilots, the police have begun a manhunt for other sponsors, thus creating panic in the Nigerian community and those who may have had dealings with the agitator.

Several sources who spoke to journalists, said Nigerians in the European country are afraid of commenting on the arrest of Ekpa over fear of being attacked.

A Nigerian community leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said that the Igbo community in the was gravely affected by the violent acts of the secessionist group.

“Everyone is afraid to speak about Ekpa’s arrest. The key people in Finland and the Igbo community at large are not ready to lend their voices either,” he said.

He added that some persons were being accused of reporting Ekpa to the police and were being threatened.

“A particular person they accused now, they’re after him. This happened before he (Ekpa) was even remanded; what will happen when they imprison him? Everyone is afraid. These people are very deadly.”

Another Nigerian who spoke acknowledged that there was serious tension among Nigerians in the country.

“People don’t want to speak about Ekpa for fear of being hunted by his followers. We believe that they will hunt whoever comes out to talk about their leader. But the Finnish Government is trying to get rid of the situation.”