Metro

Malian govt accuses Algeria of meddling as it ends peace deal with separatists

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2024

A day after it called off a 2015 peace agreement with Tuareg separatist rebels, Mali’s junta accused mediator Algeria of meddling in its internal affairs and issued an order to form a committee to arrange national peace and reconciliation talks.

The junta’s proclamation described the composition of a committee and the measures it should take to prepare for negotiations, seemingly in an attempt to create a new internal peace process. It did not specify which groups it wished to include in the debate or provide a timeline.

The latest initiative, according to Tuareg rebel spokesperson, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, was a “staged event” involving organisations that were already allied, he told journalists on Saturday.

“We think it’s a show, a waste of time, and a waste of state resources,” he said.

In a statement, an alliance of Tuareg rebel groups accepted that the 2015 peace agreement had come to an end and urged its members to reevaluate and revise their goals in light of the new circumstances.

The Tuaregs and the government of Bamako signed a peace agreement in 2015, but since then, insurgencies that have expanded to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger have killed thousands of civilians, allegedly spearheaded by terrorist organisations affiliated with the Islamic State and al Qaeda.

Since the military seized control in two coups in 2020 and 2021, allied with Russian mercenary group, Wagner, and drove out French forces and the United Nations peacekeeping mission, the Tuareg peace deal has been under increasing strain.

The conflict-torn nation of West Africa faces more instability as a result of the decision to terminate the so-called Algiers deal. Algeria, which borders Mali by more than 1,300 kilometres, stated that the decision would endanger the whole region.

Metro

Disability rights group says Cyber Security Act protects politicians more than vulnerable citizens

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

In Kasama, the Disability Inclusion-Friendly Barn Development Foundation, dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, says the Cyber Security Act primarily benefits politicians rather than ordinary citizens, particularly those with disabilities.

Amos Chileshe, the Chief Executive Director of the organisation, conveyed these concerns in an interview with Zambia Monitor.

Chileshe emphasized the Foundation’s focus on child welfare, including screening and assessment programmes tailored to children with disabilities.

He highlighted the alarming prevalence of cyberbullying targeting this vulnerable demographic, often overlooked by mainstream media.

“Despite our efforts to provide counseling and support services,” Chileshe lamented, “many instances of cyberbullying against individuals with disabilities remain unaddressed, unlike cases involving public figures.”

He underscored the disparity in media coverage, noting the tendency to portray persons with disabilities negatively, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, perpetuating stigma and shame, particularly in rural areas.

Calling for the safeguarding of individuals with disabilities online, Chileshe urged authorities to take decisive action against cyberbullying, stating its detrimental impact on their well-being.

Regarding media freedoms, Chileshe advocated for unrestricted licensing of media outlets to ensure comprehensive nationwide coverage.

“Media freedom is essential for democracy, development, and human rights.

“When people are denied the freedom to express themselves, constructive criticism becomes impossible, hindering progress and accountability,” he said.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

Metro

Nigerian govt denies bribery allegation by Binance CEO

Published

8 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Nigerian government has countered allegations by the CEO of cryptocurrency exchange giant, Binance, Richard Teng, that some government officials demanded a $150m bribe to settle the ongoing criminal charge filed against the firm.

In a publication carried by by the New York Times on Tuesday, Teng had alleged that unknown persons made the bribe demand to Binance officials shortly after they held a meeting with Nigerian lawmakers on January 8.

In the article, Teng accused the unidentified individuals of acting on behalf of government officials to demand $150m in cryptocurrency to resolve the tax evasion and money laundering case against the company and its officials.

Teng also claimed that the purported agent demanded “a significant payment in cryptocurrency to be paid in secret within 48 hours to make the issues go away.”

But in a statement on Wednesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as blackmail aimed at tarnishing the image of the country.

The Minister further dismissed the claims as “baseless and part of a wider attempt by Binance to evade accountability for alleged criminal activities.”

The minister noted that ongoing investigations against Binance in Nigeria centred on allegations of money laundering, terrorism financing, and illegal trading activities facilitated through its platform, stressing that it would not succumb to blackmail or coercion.

“This claim by Binance CEO lacks an iota of substance. It is nothing but a diversionary tactic and an attempted act of blackmail by a company desperate to obfuscate the grievous criminal charges it is facing in Nigeria,” Idris said.

“They lack any evidence and are merely a diversionary tactic employed by Binance to deflect attention from the serious charges it faces in the country.

“We would like to remind Binance that it will not clear its name in Nigeria by resorting to fictional claims and mudslinging media campaigns. The only way to resolve its issues will be by submitting itself to unobstructed investigation and judicial due process.

“The Nigerian government, therefore, pledged to address the legal issues surrounding Binance operations in the country.

“The government of Nigeria will continue to act within its laws and international norms and will not succumb to any form of blackmail from any entity, local or foreign,” the Minister added.