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Africa has become the second-largest recipient of credit from India as the country is making efforts to catch up with China in growing its impact in the resource-rich continent, as per a new report.

42 African nations have till now received about $32 billion or 38% of all credit extended by India in the last decade, just a few percentage points below its neighbours, Harsha Bangari, the managing director of India’s Export-Import Bank said as per a Bloomberg report.

Bangari further said that the funding is an instrument of India's “economic diplomacy.” She then added that India has also opened up 195 project-based lines of credit worth about $12 billion across Africa, which is three times the number it has in its own region in the last decade.

“Africa has made good use of credit lines,” extended for projects that include health care, infrastructure, agriculture and irrigation and India is seeing a steady increase in demand, she said.

India, despite its recent efforts to engage with nations in Africa, the world's second-largest continent, has lagged behind its bigger and wealthier neighbours.

While China’s loans to Africa have plunged since 2016, overall in the 10 years to 2020, it promised $134.6 billion to African nations, as per data from Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center. That's almost 11 times more than what India has offered, according to Bloomberg reports.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-train-mishap-centre-compromised-on-safety-claims-congress-612293">Odisha train mishap: Centre compromised on safety, claims Congress</a>

<h2>Indian government's efforts to push for deeper ties with Africa</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has pushed for more significant engagement with the world's second-largest continent, Africa, encouraging both economic and diplomatic ties.

India is looking at the opportunity to expand deeper into the continent as Africa is currently dealing with the economic fallout of the Covid pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

In the last nine years, 18 of the 25 new Indian embassies or consulates were in Africa. In February, India hosted 48 African countries at the Voice of Global South summit.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister has also been advocating the country as a representative of the Global South and employing platforms like its presidency of the Group of 20 nations to draw attention to the debt crises in developing economies. &nbsp;

“We are trying to think 25 years from now,” India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in a speech on June 28.&nbsp;

“And ask ourselves where are we likely to be in 2047 and what should we be doing now to prepare for it,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Africa has become the second-largest recipient of credit from India as the country is making efforts to catch up with China in growing its impact in the resource-rich continent, as per a new report.

Africa has become the second-largest recipient of credit from India as the country is making efforts to catch up with China in growing its impact in the resource-rich continent, as per a new report. 42 African nations have till now received about $32 billion or 38% of all credit extended by India in the last decade, just a few percentage points below its neighbours, Harsha Bangari, the managing director of India’s Export-Import Bank said as per a Bloomberg report. Bangari further said that the funding is an instrument of India's “economic diplomacy.” She then added that India has also opened up 195 project-based lines of credit worth about $12 billion across Africa, which is three times the number it has in its own region in the last decade. “Africa has made good use of credit lines,” extended for projects that include health care, infrastructure, agriculture and irrigation and India is seeing a steady increase in demand, she said. India, despite its recent efforts to engage with nations in Africa, the world's second-largest continent, has lagged behind its bigger and wealthier neighbours. While China’s loans to Africa have plunged since 2016, overall in the 10 years to 2020, it promised $134.6 billion to African nations, as per data from Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center. That's almost 11 times more than what India has offered, according to Bloomberg reports. Also read: Odisha train mishap: Centre compromised on safety, claims Congress Indian government's efforts to push for deeper ties with Africa Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has pushed for more significant engagement with the world's second-largest continent, Africa, encouraging both economic and diplomatic ties. India is looking at the opportunity to expand deeper into the continent as Africa is currently dealing with the economic fallout of the Covid pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine. In the last nine years, 18 of the 25 new Indian embassies or consulates were in Africa. In February, India hosted 48 African countries at the Voice of Global South summit. The Indian Prime Minister has also been advocating the country as a representative of the Global South and employing platforms like its presidency of the Group of 20 nations to draw attention to the debt crises in developing economies. “We are trying to think 25 years from now,” India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in a speech on June 28. “And ask ourselves where are we likely to be in 2047 and what should we be doing now to prepare for it,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India boosts Africa lending to counter China in expanding its influence in world’s second-largest continent

A group of armed officers dressed in plain clothes assigned to protect South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile were seen dragging a man out of his car and stomping on his head until he was motionless. The incident was caught on camera and has since been widely shared online, sparking outrage and drawing attention to the country’s problem with police brutality.&nbsp;

The deputy president’s office on Tuesday (July 4) confirmed that the officers involved were part of the security team protecting Mashatile. A statement by Mashatile’s office said the incident happened in Johannesburg over the weekend and that he “abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians.”

What do we know about the incident?

The video posted on Twitter shows some officers dressed in suits,&nbsp;holding rifles, and dragging a man out of his car. Subsequently, the officers went on to kick and stomp on him till he was lying on his back motionless. They&nbsp;were also seen kicking a man who was holding his arms over his head to protest himself.&nbsp;

The footage shows some seven officers were involved, with at least three of them kicking and stomping on the men while two others were seen holding their rifles. A third man was also seen on the side of the road near the victims but it was not immediately clear if he was beaten or not.&nbsp; 
 
TRIGGER WARNING: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised.&nbsp;WION is not responsible for the content of the video.&nbsp;

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These are apparently VIP protection cops…happened in JHB. <a href="https://t.co/fgSNNpyK7s">pic.twitter.com/fgSNNpyK7s</a>
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abramjee/status/1675907501471019032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The video also shows a woman briefly stepping out of the vehicle, from which the man had presumably been dragged out, holding her hands above her head during the incident. The officers then proceeded to drive away in two SUVs.&nbsp;

The video of the alleged assault was shot by a person sitting in another car who was not involved and posted it on the microblogging platform.&nbsp;

The country's&nbsp;Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said the department has launched a probe into 3,407 complaints of unlawful assault by police officers in the 2021-2022 financial year. This would amount to nearly 10 complaints per day.&nbsp;

South Africa’s ‘blue light brigade’

According to reports, officers involved in the beating belonged to South Africa’s infamous “blue light brigade” which has a reputation for using unnecessary force.&nbsp;

The unit’s officers have also previously been criticised for driving down highways at high speed and using force against drivers who do not immediately recognise the small blue lights and sirens of their vehicles and move out of the way, reported the Associated Press. 
 
The officers of this unit are also tasked with protecting South African politicians and other VIPs. 
 
The investigation so far 
 
Amid public outcry over the incident, IPID which deals with cases of misconduct by police launched an investigation into the alleged assault of the driver of the car and passengers by the officers.&nbsp;

In an update, on Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that they have successfully traced the victims of this incident and will take their statements as a part of the probe.&nbsp;

“The police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal processes,” said the national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.&nbsp;

This comes after the South African police had said that it “distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video” as it does not align with its values and code of conduct.&nbsp;

“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner,” said South Africa’s national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.&nbsp;

He added, “Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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A group of armed officers dressed in plain clothes assigned to protect South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile were seen dragging a man out of his car and stomping on his head until he was motionless.

A group of armed officers dressed in plain clothes assigned to protect South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile were seen dragging a man out of his car and stomping on his head until he was motionless. The incident was caught on camera and has since been widely shared online, sparking outrage and drawing attention to the country’s problem with police brutality. The deputy president’s office on Tuesday (July 4) confirmed that the officers involved were part of the security team protecting Mashatile. A statement by Mashatile’s office said the incident happened in Johannesburg over the weekend and that he “abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians.” What do we know about the incident? The video posted on Twitter shows some officers dressed in suits, holding rifles, and dragging a man out of his car. Subsequently, the officers went on to kick and stomp on him till he was lying on his back motionless. They were also seen kicking a man who was holding his arms over his head to protest himself. The footage shows some seven officers were involved, with at least three of them kicking and stomping on the men while two others were seen holding their rifles. A third man was also seen on the side of the road near the victims but it was not immediately clear if he was beaten or not. TRIGGER WARNING: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. These are apparently VIP protection cops…happened in JHB. pic.twitter.com/fgSNNpyK7s — Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 3, 2023 × The video also shows a woman briefly stepping out of the vehicle, from which the man had presumably been dragged out, holding her hands above her head during the incident. The officers then proceeded to drive away in two SUVs. The video of the alleged assault was shot by a person sitting in another car who was not involved and posted it on the microblogging platform. The country's Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said the department has launched a probe into 3,407 complaints of unlawful assault by police officers in the 2021-2022 financial year. This would amount to nearly 10 complaints per day. South Africa’s ‘blue light brigade’ According to reports, officers involved in the beating belonged to South Africa’s infamous “blue light brigade” which has a reputation for using unnecessary force. The unit’s officers have also previously been criticised for driving down highways at high speed and using force against drivers who do not immediately recognise the small blue lights and sirens of their vehicles and move out of the way, reported the Associated Press. The officers of this unit are also tasked with protecting South African politicians and other VIPs. The investigation so far Amid public outcry over the incident, IPID which deals with cases of misconduct by police launched an investigation into the alleged assault of the driver of the car and passengers by the officers. In an update, on Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that they have successfully traced the victims of this incident and will take their statements as a part of the probe. “The police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal processes,” said the national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. This comes after the South African police had said that it “distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video” as it does not align with its values and code of conduct. “Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner,” said South Africa’s national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. He added, “Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Video of South African deputy president’s security stomping on man sparks outrage, probe underway

Youths in Tunisia protests over killing of local resident by migrants 

Legal & medical standards defined by the WHO aim to improve access to safe abortion. Abortion conversation in Africa going the opposite direction to the US.

Is Africa becoming liberal with abortions?

South Africa is hosting the BRICS Sherpa meeting from July 4th to July 6th in Durban, with the expansion of the grouping as a key agenda.

South Africa to host BRICS Sherpa meeting with expansion as the agenda

Kenyan firms are facing a dollar shortage, hindering their expansion capacity and impacting revenues.

Kenyan firms struggle with dollar shortage

Young women in Morocco are reviving the centuries-old art of Nawa and bringing an inclusive energy to the spiritual music repertoire, which gained global recognition as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2019.

Women in Morocco revive centuries-old Nawa art and change fashion industry

A woman was killed in Sierra Leone by the police who reportedly fired shots and tear gas at the main opposition party headquarters in the capital Freetown while they were awaiting the results of the recently-concluded elections. The victim was later identified as a nurse and party volunteer who was reported to be severely wounded, on Sunday.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened on Sunday?</h2>

The West African nation recently conducted its presidential election where incumbent President Julius Maada Bio, was reelected on Tuesday. However, the count has been disputed by the opposition.&nbsp;

The incident took place, on Sunday, the opposition’s presidential candidate Samura Kamara of All People’s Congress (APC)&nbsp;in a series of tweets said that his party headquarters has been surrounded by the military and live bullets had been fired at his office.&nbsp;

“I have been barricaded in my APC party headquarters during my live press conference. Live bullets and teargas fired at my offices by government forces,” said the APC presidential candidate.&nbsp; 
 
“People laying on the floor and the military has surrounded the building,” said Kamara, in a separate tweet. He added, “Live bullets fired at my private office at the Party headquarters. This is an assassination attempt.”

The party HQ in the capital city of Freetown was reportedly surrounded by police officers and the presidential guard during a post-election press conference. Kamara also said that “foreign journalists trapped in my office.”

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Live from my party office. People laying on the floor and the military has surrounded the building. Live bullets fired at my private office at the Part headquarters. This is an assassination attempt. <a href="https://twitter.com/UKinSierraLeone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKinSierraLeone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_AfricanUnion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbFreetown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USEmbFreetown</a> Live shots at my door. Foreign… <a href="https://t.co/ad21VISNiA">pic.twitter.com/ad21VISNiA</a>
— SamuraKamara2023 (@samurakamara201) <a href="https://twitter.com/samurakamara201/status/1673045382668902402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Reuters, on Sunday, also reported that one woman was found severely wounded around the neck area and was found without a pulse. The news agency also said&nbsp;that the window of the room she was found in, had a “shattered hole the size of a fist.”

According to media reports, around 200 members of the security forces blocked access to the APC’s HQ in Freetown.

“We were just here on a press conference, then the next thing we knew we started hearing firing, and our whole office is surrounded by police and army,” said party spokesperson, Sidi Yaya Tunis, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>She 'died a hero': Victim's son on&nbsp;party volunteer's&nbsp;death</h2>

The woman was later identified as 64-year-old Hawa Dumbuya, who was a nurse and party volunteer, was found to be shot in the head, reported the Guardian.

Dumbuya’s 26-year-old son, Ibrahim Conceh, said that his mother “died a hero for me,” as quoted by the British media report.&nbsp;

He added, “She died for a righteous cause. Until her last breath, she was administering care for injured people. I want the international community to find the killer or the person who ordered such a barbaric act. I want justice.”

According to the Guardian, the 26-year-old who is also a law student has been unable to retrieve his mother’s body since it was taken to the mortuary by police and&nbsp;wishes to bury it in accordance with the Islamic tradition.&nbsp;

“I don’t know the games they are playing,” said Conceh, as quoted by the British media report, adding that he also doesn’t understand “why they want to hold her body.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A woman was killed in Sierra Leone by the police who reportedly fired shots and tear gas at the main opposition party headquarters in the capital Freetown while they were awaiting the results of the recently-concluded elections.

A woman was killed in Sierra Leone by the police who reportedly fired shots and tear gas at the main opposition party headquarters in the capital Freetown while they were awaiting the results of the recently-concluded elections. The victim was later identified as a nurse and party volunteer who was reported to be severely wounded, on Sunday. What happened on Sunday? The West African nation recently conducted its presidential election where incumbent President Julius Maada Bio, was reelected on Tuesday. However, the count has been disputed by the opposition. The incident took place, on Sunday, the opposition’s presidential candidate Samura Kamara of All People’s Congress (APC) in a series of tweets said that his party headquarters has been surrounded by the military and live bullets had been fired at his office. “I have been barricaded in my APC party headquarters during my live press conference. Live bullets and teargas fired at my offices by government forces,” said the APC presidential candidate. “People laying on the floor and the military has surrounded the building,” said Kamara, in a separate tweet. He added, “Live bullets fired at my private office at the Party headquarters. This is an assassination attempt.” The party HQ in the capital city of Freetown was reportedly surrounded by police officers and the presidential guard during a post-election press conference. Kamara also said that “foreign journalists trapped in my office.” Live from my party office. People laying on the floor and the military has surrounded the building. Live bullets fired at my private office at the Part headquarters. This is an assassination attempt. @UKinSierraLeone @_AfricanUnion @USEmbFreetown Live shots at my door. Foreign… pic.twitter.com/ad21VISNiA — SamuraKamara2023 (@samurakamara201) June 25, 2023 × Reuters, on Sunday, also reported that one woman was found severely wounded around the neck area and was found without a pulse. The news agency also said that the window of the room she was found in, had a “shattered hole the size of a fist.” According to media reports, around 200 members of the security forces blocked access to the APC’s HQ in Freetown. “We were just here on a press conference, then the next thing we knew we started hearing firing, and our whole office is surrounded by police and army,” said party spokesperson, Sidi Yaya Tunis, as quoted by Reuters. She 'died a hero': Victim's son on party volunteer's death The woman was later identified as 64-year-old Hawa Dumbuya, who was a nurse and party volunteer, was found to be shot in the head, reported the Guardian. Dumbuya’s 26-year-old son, Ibrahim Conceh, said that his mother “died a hero for me,” as quoted by the British media report. He added, “She died for a righteous cause. Until her last breath, she was administering care for injured people. I want the international community to find the killer or the person who ordered such a barbaric act. I want justice.” According to the Guardian, the 26-year-old who is also a law student has been unable to retrieve his mother’s body since it was taken to the mortuary by police and wishes to bury it in accordance with the Islamic tradition. “I don’t know the games they are playing,” said Conceh, as quoted by the British media report, adding that he also doesn’t understand “why they want to hold her body.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sierra Leone elections: Woman killed after police fired shots at opposition party HQ

As the pandemic becomes a thing of the past, various cultural events and activities have resumed in various African countries. On one hand, Morocco resumed its musical festival, 'Nau-Wa'; on the other hand, Kenya's World Rally Championship made a successful comeback.

Events galore in Morocco, Kenya: Concerts, safari rallies mark return

Africa lacks a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council — a situation that will likely remain for a long time. There are growing calls for the African Union to be included in international forums, not only the UNSC but also the G7 and G20 groups of nations. But, does membership in informal multi-lateral clubs offer Africa a useful alternative voice on global decisions?

Modi, Scholz bat for Africa in G20

A total of 350&nbsp;migrants were rescued from&nbsp;five separate vessels, on Thursday (June 22), near Spain’s Canary Islands, said officials, as per news agency AFP. This comes a day after more than 30 migrants were feared dead after their inflatable dinghy sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the Canary Islands on the same route, said two migrant charities.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened on Thursday?</h2>

Officials in the Canary Islands on Thursday said that night emergency services had assisted 114 migrants in two separate boats, as per Reuters. They also said that a total of 53 people were taken to Lanzarote, another Spanish island, while 61 migrants, including a baby and his mother, were taken to a hospital in Gran Canaria.

Images and videos from the rescue operations show some migrants covered in red blankets arriving at the Arguineguin port in Gran Canaria as the rescue workers help people including children disembark.&nbsp;

According to the emergency services, on Thursday morning, a third boat was spotted by the coast guard with some 54 people on board who were also taken to Lanzarote. Later in the&nbsp;day, another boat with 59 migrants, including three children, on board arrived in Arguineguin, reported Reuters citing TV footage.&nbsp;

<h2>More than 30 feared dead after dinghy carrying 60 sinks</h2>

This comes a day after Walking Borders and Alarm Phone, as per BBC, said that the dinghy was carrying around 60 people. According to Spanish authorities, emergency services found the bodies of a minor and a man and rescued 24 other people, however, it was not immediately clear how many people were on board.&nbsp;

According to BBC, Helena Maleno Garzon&nbsp;from NGO Walking Borders, said that 39 people, including four women and a baby, had drowned. Meanwhile, Alarm Phone said 35 people were missing. As per reports, the boat sank about 160 kilometres off the coast of Gran Canaria on Wednesday.&nbsp; 
 
Spanish rescue service ship, the Guardamar Calliope, said that the boat was only an hour’s sail away but they did not aid the boat since Moroccan officials had reported dispatching a patrol boat that arrived on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

It was 10 hours after the dinghy was first spotted by a Spanish rescue plane, reported the news agency. The incident has since sparked criticism from migration-focused organisations. The Spanish Maritime Rescue received a distress call on Tuesday evening and promptly dispatched a plane from the Canary Islands to locate the boat.&nbsp;

However, Moroccan authorities took charge of the rescue operation, and a merchant ship in the vicinity also responded to the alert, eventually assisting in rescuing the 24 survivors. The Canary Islands have witnessed a sharp increase in migrants this month.&nbsp;

The Spanish archipelago’s migration lawyer Loueila Mint El Mamy said, “Numbers were falling so far this year, but there was an increase this month that surprised everybody. Only in June, close to 2,000 people have arrived,” as per Reuters.&nbsp;

According to data from the United Nations International Organisation for Migration, at least 559 people, including children, died in 2022 on the route typically used by migrants from sub-Saharan Africa to reach the Canary Islands.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A total of 350 migrants were rescued from five separate vessels, on Thursday (June 22), near Spain’s Canary Islands, said officials, as per news agency AFP. This comes a day after more than 30 migrants were feared dead after their inflatable dinghy sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the Canary Islands on the same route, said two migrant charities.

A total of 350 migrants were rescued from five separate vessels, on Thursday (June 22), near Spain’s Canary Islands, said officials, as per news agency AFP. This comes a day after more than 30 migrants were feared dead after their inflatable dinghy sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the Canary Islands on the same route, said two migrant charities. What happened on Thursday? Officials in the Canary Islands on Thursday said that night emergency services had assisted 114 migrants in two separate boats, as per Reuters. They also said that a total of 53 people were taken to Lanzarote, another Spanish island, while 61 migrants, including a baby and his mother, were taken to a hospital in Gran Canaria. Images and videos from the rescue operations show some migrants covered in red blankets arriving at the Arguineguin port in Gran Canaria as the rescue workers help people including children disembark. According to the emergency services, on Thursday morning, a third boat was spotted by the coast guard with some 54 people on board who were also taken to Lanzarote. Later in the day, another boat with 59 migrants, including three children, on board arrived in Arguineguin, reported Reuters citing TV footage. More than 30 feared dead after dinghy carrying 60 sinks This comes a day after Walking Borders and Alarm Phone, as per BBC, said that the dinghy was carrying around 60 people. According to Spanish authorities, emergency services found the bodies of a minor and a man and rescued 24 other people, however, it was not immediately clear how many people were on board. According to BBC, Helena Maleno Garzon from NGO Walking Borders, said that 39 people, including four women and a baby, had drowned. Meanwhile, Alarm Phone said 35 people were missing. As per reports, the boat sank about 160 kilometres off the coast of Gran Canaria on Wednesday. Spanish rescue service ship, the Guardamar Calliope, said that the boat was only an hour’s sail away but they did not aid the boat since Moroccan officials had reported dispatching a patrol boat that arrived on Wednesday morning. It was 10 hours after the dinghy was first spotted by a Spanish rescue plane, reported the news agency. The incident has since sparked criticism from migration-focused organisations. The Spanish Maritime Rescue received a distress call on Tuesday evening and promptly dispatched a plane from the Canary Islands to locate the boat. However, Moroccan authorities took charge of the rescue operation, and a merchant ship in the vicinity also responded to the alert, eventually assisting in rescuing the 24 survivors. The Canary Islands have witnessed a sharp increase in migrants this month. The Spanish archipelago’s migration lawyer Loueila Mint El Mamy said, “Numbers were falling so far this year, but there was an increase this month that surprised everybody. Only in June, close to 2,000 people have arrived,” as per Reuters. According to data from the United Nations International Organisation for Migration, at least 559 people, including children, died in 2022 on the route typically used by migrants from sub-Saharan Africa to reach the Canary Islands. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Five boats with over 300 migrants rescued near Spain’s Canary Islands in a day

Gambia will make it mandatory for all pharmaceutical products from India to be inspected and tested prior to shipment from July 1, according to Gambian government documents reviewed by Reuters, the first known restrictions on national exports following the deaths of dozens of children linked to Indian-made cough syrups.

The new rule highlights how governments are reassessing their reliance on India's $42 billion pharmaceutical industry since the contamination came to light last year. India's industry supplies nearly half of the pharmaceuticals used in Africa. In April, India’s government said its officials had held meetings in Africa to ensure its drug exports did not suffer after at least 70 children died in Gambia after ingesting the cough syrup last year.

Gambia's latest move is to "address issues related to substandard and falsified (counterfeit) medicines entering the country", the executive director of its Medicines Control Agency (MCA), Markieu Janneh Kaira, wrote in a letter to India's drug controller general, Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, dated June 15. The letter said that the MCA had appointed Quntrol Laboratories, an independent inspection and testing company for pharmaceuticals based in Mumbai, to issue a so-called Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) for all shipments from India.

"Quntrol shall conduct document verification, physical inspection of the consignment and sampling, for laboratory testing for each shipment", the letter said. "If conformity is established at all levels, Quntrol shall issue the mandatory CRIA document. If conformity is not established with regards to the quality of the product, the shipment will be quarantined or seized by the MCA and the necessary regulatory actions shall be taken."

Janneh Kaira told Reuters the rule "applies to India for now only". Since June 1, India has made tests mandatory for all cough syrups before they are exported.

Raghuvanshi did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

With 2.5 million people, Gambia is one of Africa’s smallest and poorest countries. The World Bank is funding a testing laboratory in Gambia but it is not yet finished. The letter said Quntrol would send samples for testing to "one of the analytical laboratories approved by MCA". It did not say if the laboratory would be based in India or elsewhere. At least 70 children, most of them under the age of 5, died in Gambia last year due to acute kidney injury that doctors have linked to adulterated cough syrups from India. The World Health Organization said last year that the India-made cough syrups contained lethal toxins ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol – commonly used in car brake fluid and other products not fit for human consumption. These ingredients can be used by unscrupulous actors as a substitute for propylene glycol, which is a key base of syrupy medicines – because they can cost less than half the price – manufacturing experts say.

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Gambia will make it mandatory for all pharmaceutical products from India to be inspected and tested prior to shipment from July 1, according to Gambian government documents reviewed by Reuters, the first known restrictions on national exports following the deaths of dozens of children linked to Indian-made cough syrups.

Gambia will make it mandatory for all pharmaceutical products from India to be inspected and tested prior to shipment from July 1, according to Gambian government documents reviewed by Reuters, the first known restrictions on national exports following the deaths of dozens of children linked to Indian-made cough syrups. The new rule highlights how governments are reassessing their reliance on India's $42 billion pharmaceutical industry since the contamination came to light last year. India's industry supplies nearly half of the pharmaceuticals used in Africa. In April, India’s government said its officials had held meetings in Africa to ensure its drug exports did not suffer after at least 70 children died in Gambia after ingesting the cough syrup last year. Gambia's latest move is to "address issues related to substandard and falsified (counterfeit) medicines entering the country", the executive director of its Medicines Control Agency (MCA), Markieu Janneh Kaira, wrote in a letter to India's drug controller general, Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, dated June 15. The letter said that the MCA had appointed Quntrol Laboratories, an independent inspection and testing company for pharmaceuticals based in Mumbai, to issue a so-called Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) for all shipments from India. "Quntrol shall conduct document verification, physical inspection of the consignment and sampling, for laboratory testing for each shipment", the letter said. "If conformity is established at all levels, Quntrol shall issue the mandatory CRIA document. If conformity is not established with regards to the quality of the product, the shipment will be quarantined or seized by the MCA and the necessary regulatory actions shall be taken." Janneh Kaira told Reuters the rule "applies to India for now only". Since June 1, India has made tests mandatory for all cough syrups before they are exported. Raghuvanshi did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. With 2.5 million people, Gambia is one of Africa’s smallest and poorest countries. The World Bank is funding a testing laboratory in Gambia but it is not yet finished. The letter said Quntrol would send samples for testing to "one of the analytical laboratories approved by MCA". It did not say if the laboratory would be based in India or elsewhere. At least 70 children, most of them under the age of 5, died in Gambia last year due to acute kidney injury that doctors have linked to adulterated cough syrups from India. The World Health Organization said last year that the India-made cough syrups contained lethal toxins ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol – commonly used in car brake fluid and other products not fit for human consumption. These ingredients can be used by unscrupulous actors as a substitute for propylene glycol, which is a key base of syrupy medicines – because they can cost less than half the price – manufacturing experts say. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gambia tightens rules for Indian drugs after cough syrup deaths: Letter

Malians voted in a referendum on a new constitution that expands the president's role and military. The West African nation is ruled by military officers, who seized power in a 2020 coup, followed by another coup nine months later that removed the interim civilian government at the time. Back then, the prime minister and the president were to steer the country towards new elections.

Junta holds referendum

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. 
 
This week, the African leaders spoke as the world listened. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in Kyiv and St. Petersburg, the leaders from the world's second most populous continent pitched their peace plan to end the raging war between Russia and Ukraine now in its 17th month. It finally culminated into a verbally explosive blame-game between Kyiv and Moscow but the message has become clear: Africa's geo-economic credence gives it a rare heft unique to the continent.&nbsp;

Far away from Kyiv and St Petersburg, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the leaders of G20 nations to include African Union — a bloc of 55 nations of Africa&nbsp;— in the crucial diplomatic grouping.

Read this and more, in The Capitals this week.

<h2>New Delhi</h2>

<h2><img alt="India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d817402c-a640-4ddf-870c-f31e885a3d03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T185217.852.png" /></h2>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in New Delhi | Reuters

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon all G20 nations for the African Union be given full, permanent membership of the diplomatic group at its upcoming summit in India.

The move demonstrated India's commitment to strengthening Africa's representation and partnership in shaping global affairs.

<h2>Kyiv</h2>

<img alt="Ramaphosa Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5cbef54a-c953-4c40-a3d4-21976c6eacd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T183210.231.png" />

Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa | Reuters photo for representation

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa presented a 10-point peace plan of the African Peace Mission during his visit to Kyiv this week.

As the main points, Ramaphosa emphasised that the war must be settled, and peace has to be achieved through diplomatic means as soon as possible. Ukraine's President Zelensky later responded, however, that talks with Moscow are possible only after a full withdrawal of Russian troops.

<h2>Cairo</h2>

<img alt="Egypt President Sisi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8037291e-f2ab-4545-8b16-2c668ca1fc31" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T183527.299.png" />

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi | Reuters

From Egyptian capital Cairo, a formal application to be the part of five-member BRICS bloc of emerging economies became a major geo-economic moment of significance.&nbsp;

BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The development comes after Cairo joined the BRICS bank to help the crisis-hit Egypt reduce dependence on US dollars.

Egypt has become the latest entrant to shed the US currency in trade with several member states of the BRICS economic bloc.

<h2>Jerusalem</h2>

<img alt="Jerusalem Netanyahu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83c4ef31-3c6b-4825-99e7-c858898c5e8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T184134.023.png" />

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a hearing on corruption charges at Jerusalem's District Court, in Jerusalem | Reuters image for representation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial entered a momentous stage this week when the former prime minister and current Opposition leader Yair Lapid testified against Netanyahu.

Lapid was called as a witness to speak about his time as finance minister in 2013-2014, when he was approached by both Netanyahu and billionaire Arnon Milchan about the idea of extending the duration of the tax break given to returning Israelis who have lived abroad, from 10 years to 20.

Netanyahu’s trial began three years ago, and according to the current schedule is slated to last for another five years, although various reports have said that the extensive witness list could be trimmed, potentially shortening the trial by a couple of years.

<h2>Pyongyang</h2>

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia in this undated photo | Reuters image for representation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week vowed to "hold hands" with Russian President Vladimir Putin and bolster strategic cooperation.&nbsp;

Kim made the pledge in a message to Putin marking Russia's national day, defending his decision to invade Ukraine and displaying "full support and solidarity." An isolated communist dictatorship, North Korea has sought to forge closer ties with the Kremlin and backed Moscow after it invaded Ukraine last year.

<h2>Kabul</h2>

<img alt="A Taliban guard posted at a checkpoint in Kabul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e09bd45c-84a4-42a8-80bd-38066b5a31ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T184606.897.png" />

A Taliban guard posted at a checkpoint in Kabul | Reuters

A United Nations report this week further decreased the chances of Kabul's Taliban regime to have any form of international legitimacy.&nbsp;

The UN report vindicated the skepticism that was widely expressed when the US withdrawal from Afghanistan pushed Taliban back to power.&nbsp;

That Kabul will end up nurturing the sanctuaries of terrorism, either directly or indirectly.&nbsp;

It said that the connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities.

That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. This week, the African leaders spoke as the world listened. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in Kyiv and St.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. This week, the African leaders spoke as the world listened. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in Kyiv and St. Petersburg, the leaders from the world's second most populous continent pitched their peace plan to end the raging war between Russia and Ukraine now in its 17th month. It finally culminated into a verbally explosive blame-game between Kyiv and Moscow but the message has become clear: Africa's geo-economic credence gives it a rare heft unique to the continent. Far away from Kyiv and St Petersburg, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the leaders of G20 nations to include African Union — a bloc of 55 nations of Africa — in the crucial diplomatic grouping. Read this and more, in The Capitals this week. New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in New Delhi | Reuters India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon all G20 nations for the African Union be given full, permanent membership of the diplomatic group at its upcoming summit in India. The move demonstrated India's commitment to strengthening Africa's representation and partnership in shaping global affairs. Kyiv Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa | Reuters photo for representation South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa presented a 10-point peace plan of the African Peace Mission during his visit to Kyiv this week. As the main points, Ramaphosa emphasised that the war must be settled, and peace has to be achieved through diplomatic means as soon as possible. Ukraine's President Zelensky later responded, however, that talks with Moscow are possible only after a full withdrawal of Russian troops. Cairo Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi | Reuters From Egyptian capital Cairo, a formal application to be the part of five-member BRICS bloc of emerging economies became a major geo-economic moment of significance. BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The development comes after Cairo joined the BRICS bank to help the crisis-hit Egypt reduce dependence on US dollars. Egypt has become the latest entrant to shed the US currency in trade with several member states of the BRICS economic bloc. Jerusalem Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a hearing on corruption charges at Jerusalem's District Court, in Jerusalem | Reuters image for representation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial entered a momentous stage this week when the former prime minister and current Opposition leader Yair Lapid testified against Netanyahu. Lapid was called as a witness to speak about his time as finance minister in 2013-2014, when he was approached by both Netanyahu and billionaire Arnon Milchan about the idea of extending the duration of the tax break given to returning Israelis who have lived abroad, from 10 years to 20. Netanyahu’s trial began three years ago, and according to the current schedule is slated to last for another five years, although various reports have said that the extensive witness list could be trimmed, potentially shortening the trial by a couple of years. Pyongyang North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia in this undated photo | Reuters image for representation North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week vowed to "hold hands" with Russian President Vladimir Putin and bolster strategic cooperation. Kim made the pledge in a message to Putin marking Russia's national day, defending his decision to invade Ukraine and displaying "full support and solidarity." An isolated communist dictatorship, North Korea has sought to forge closer ties with the Kremlin and backed Moscow after it invaded Ukraine last year. Kabul A Taliban guard posted at a checkpoint in Kabul | Reuters A United Nations report this week further decreased the chances of Kabul's Taliban regime to have any form of international legitimacy. The UN report vindicated the skepticism that was widely expressed when the US withdrawal from Afghanistan pushed Taliban back to power. That Kabul will end up nurturing the sanctuaries of terrorism, either directly or indirectly. It said that the connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities. That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

The Capitals: Pretoria, New Delhi lead Africa's ascent in global diplomacy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a significant move to amplify Africa's representation on the global stage and shape the future of international affairs. According to sources, PM Modi has written to his G20 counterparts, proposing the African Union's full membership at the upcoming Delhi Summit of G20, as requested by the African Union.

<h2>Advocacy for a just, inclusive global architecture</h2>

Prime Minister Modi has taken a leading role in championing this proposal, demonstrating his strong support and advocacy for it, the sources said adding PM believes that granting full membership to the African Union in the G20 would be a step towards establishing a more just, fair, inclusive, and representative global architecture and governance.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stoltenberg-expected-to-be-asked-to-extend-another-term-as-nato-chief-amid-replacement-challenges-605543">Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges</a>

PM Modi particularly emphasises the importance of amplifying the voice of countries from the Global South, especially African nations, on international platforms.

<h2>Prioritising African countries in G20 agenda</h2>

As part of India's G20 Presidency, Prime Minister Modi has been dedicated to incorporating the priorities of African countries into the G20 agenda.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-calls-on-nawaz-sharif-to-become-pakistan-pm-again-lead-election-campaign-605527">Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign</a>

India and Africa share deep historical and cultural ties, making them natural partners. During a recent address at the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on 'India-Africa Growth Partnership' in New Delhi, Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal highlighted the influence of Mahatma Gandhi's principles of truth and non-violence, which originated in South Africa, as well as the legacy carried forward by Nelson Mandela.

<h2>Promoting Africa's global rise</h2>

Minister Goyal stressed that India strongly believes in the global significance of Africa's rise and is actively working to achieve this ambition in an accelerated manner.&nbsp;

India aims to become the voice of the Global South, representing their interests at multilateral forums. The minister emphasised the need to create a powerful collective voice from the Global South to shape global geopolitics and ensure equitable and inclusive growth.

<h2>India's support for Africa</h2>

Goyal reiterated that India is a true friend and ally to Africa, providing support during times of need. India assisted African nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the provision of medicines, vaccines, and other essential equipment.&nbsp;India's actions reflect the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, considering the world as one family.

Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy

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Overall, Prime Minister Modi's proposal to grant the African Union full membership in the G20 demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening Africa's representation and partnership in shaping global affairs.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a significant move to amplify Africa's representation on the global stage and shape the future of international affairs.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a significant move to amplify Africa's representation on the global stage and shape the future of international affairs. According to sources, PM Modi has written to his G20 counterparts, proposing the African Union's full membership at the upcoming Delhi Summit of G20, as requested by the African Union. Advocacy for a just, inclusive global architecture Prime Minister Modi has taken a leading role in championing this proposal, demonstrating his strong support and advocacy for it, the sources said adding PM believes that granting full membership to the African Union in the G20 would be a step towards establishing a more just, fair, inclusive, and representative global architecture and governance. Also Read | Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges PM Modi particularly emphasises the importance of amplifying the voice of countries from the Global South, especially African nations, on international platforms. Prioritising African countries in G20 agenda As part of India's G20 Presidency, Prime Minister Modi has been dedicated to incorporating the priorities of African countries into the G20 agenda. Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign India and Africa share deep historical and cultural ties, making them natural partners. During a recent address at the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on 'India-Africa Growth Partnership' in New Delhi, Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal highlighted the influence of Mahatma Gandhi's principles of truth and non-violence, which originated in South Africa, as well as the legacy carried forward by Nelson Mandela. Promoting Africa's global rise Minister Goyal stressed that India strongly believes in the global significance of Africa's rise and is actively working to achieve this ambition in an accelerated manner. India aims to become the voice of the Global South, representing their interests at multilateral forums. The minister emphasised the need to create a powerful collective voice from the Global South to shape global geopolitics and ensure equitable and inclusive growth. India's support for Africa Goyal reiterated that India is a true friend and ally to Africa, providing support during times of need. India assisted African nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the provision of medicines, vaccines, and other essential equipment. India's actions reflect the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, considering the world as one family. Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy × Overall, Prime Minister Modi's proposal to grant the African Union full membership in the G20 demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening Africa's representation and partnership in shaping global affairs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Indian PM Modi proposes African Union’s full membership at New Delhi G20 Summit

Russian forces launched a series of drone and missile attacks on Kyiv shortly after a delegation of African leaders arrived in the Ukrainian capital to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky. The delegation of African leaders is seeking to mediate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Blasts heard in Kyiv as African peace mission visits Ukrainian capital

Explosions rock Kyiv as African delegation arrives in Ukraine to begin peace mission

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday as they reviewed progress in their bilateral cooperation, anchored in historical and strong people-to-people ties. Modi also thanked him for the relocation of 12 cheetahs to India earlier this year, according to a statement.

Indian PM discusses cooperation in BRICS with South African Prez during telephone conversation

Indian PM Modi, South African President speak on  phone, discuss bilateral ties, Ukraine

Sandesara brothers, currently on the run from the Indian government on charges of multiple frauds are having a party in Nigeria. A recent report by Bloomberg highlights that the African nation has become a safe haven for the fugitives who have the full backing of newly-elected President Boa Tinubu.

Sandesara brothers, currently on the run from the Indian government on charges of multiple frauds are having a party in Nigeria. A recent report by Bloomberg highlights that the African nation has become a safe haven for the fugitives who have the full backing of newly-elected President Boa Tinubu. Nitin and Chetan Sandesara left India in 2017 and deny allegations of cheating, saying they are the victims of political persecution. However, it matters little now as the brothers are flourishing in the country. Nigeria has refused India's requests to extradite them saying the allegations "appeared to be political in nature". Having ventured into the oil industry almost 20 years ago, the brothers are currently the state's partner in multi-billion dollar oil projects. Last year, the Nigerian government celebrated the discovery of as many as 1 billion barrels of oil in the country’s arid northeast, almost 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) away from the crude-rich Niger Delta. The Sandesara brothers and their companies will be pumping out this oil - giving further incentive to the Nigerian government to shield them from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. WATCH | South Africa calls for extradition of Gupta brothers × According to the publication, the group’s subsidiaries — Sterling Oil Exploration & Production Co. and Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd. at the moment, pump about 50,000 barrels of crude a day in the delta. The Sandesara family is also the top exporter of oil from Nigeria while contributing two per cent to the Nigerian government’s revenue. With the likes of Shell and ExxonMobil Corp retreating from the West African country, the Sandesara brothers have only strengthened their hold over the bureaucracy. $1.7 billion fraud by Sandesara brothers India's Enforcement Directorate, during the investigation found that several companies promoted by the Sandesara brothers, had fraudulently obtained credit facilities worth billions from various banks, which subsequently turned into Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). India's premier investigation agency CBI told the Supreme Court last year that the group owed $1.71 billion to public lenders such as State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Union bank of India Also read | ED files chargesheet against Sterling Biotech director The probe revealed that the brothers set up more than 300 shell and benami companies in India and abroad to divert and misuse loan funds, manipulate balance sheets and fudging other documents to inflate turnovers and insider shares trading. The Sandesaras reportedly controlled these shell and benami companies through dummy directors, who were shown as employees of various companies of the Sterling Group (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sandesara brothers: Wanted in India, flourishing with state-backed support in Nigeria

South Africa is the latest country in the African continent to fall prey to Cholera, a disease that has killed thousands over the past two years. The disease has been declared as a global threat by the World Health Body.

Cholera reaches South Africa | World of Africa

Police and protesters in Senegal clashed for a second day which resulted in death of one more person on Friday (June 2). The protests and clashes have erupted after sentencing of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko. The violence is one of the deadliest in recent memory.

Nine people died in clashes between police and Sonko supporters on Thursday after he was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of corrupting youth. The opposition says the verdict, which could prevent Sonko from running in elections next year, was politically motivated.

Crowds of protesters in face covers, some with spades, set tires and debris alight. They squared up to the police in various districts of Dakar, capital of Senegal.&nbsp;

Watch | Senegal: Riots break out in Dakar, violence erupts at central university campus

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Supermarkets, shops, banks and even police stations have been attacked by mobs.

Similar scenes were reported in other parts of the country on Friday. Interior ministry spokesperson Maham Ka said another person was killed in the southern town of Cap Skirring, where protesters targeted a gendarmerie, bringing the death toll up to 10.

Riot police and soldiers have been deployed to control the mobs. They have cracked down using tear gas, which wafted through the Senegalese capital on Friday. Loud bangs rang out in several neighbourhoods.

<h2>Social media restricted</h2>

Restrictions have been put on several social media and messaging platforms in order to limit online communication.

Thursday and Friday's riots were the latest bout in months of violence in Senegal, long considered one of West Africa's strongest democracies, sparked by Sonko's court case as well as concerns that President Macky Sall will try to bypass a two-term limit and run again in February elections.

Sall has neither confirmed nor denied this.

The violence has been condemned by the United Nations, the African Union and West Africa's main regional bloc. France, the former colonial power in Africa, has urged restraint and dialogue.

Amnesty International has meanwhile called on the government to investigate Thursday's deaths and avoid using force disproportionately.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Police and protesters in Senegal clashed for a second day which resulted in death of one more person on Friday (June 2). The protests and clashes have erupted after sentencing of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko.

Police and protesters in Senegal clashed for a second day which resulted in death of one more person on Friday (June 2). The protests and clashes have erupted after sentencing of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko. The violence is one of the deadliest in recent memory. Nine people died in clashes between police and Sonko supporters on Thursday after he was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of corrupting youth. The opposition says the verdict, which could prevent Sonko from running in elections next year, was politically motivated. Crowds of protesters in face covers, some with spades, set tires and debris alight. They squared up to the police in various districts of Dakar, capital of Senegal. Watch | Senegal: Riots break out in Dakar, violence erupts at central university campus × Supermarkets, shops, banks and even police stations have been attacked by mobs. Similar scenes were reported in other parts of the country on Friday. Interior ministry spokesperson Maham Ka said another person was killed in the southern town of Cap Skirring, where protesters targeted a gendarmerie, bringing the death toll up to 10. Riot police and soldiers have been deployed to control the mobs. They have cracked down using tear gas, which wafted through the Senegalese capital on Friday. Loud bangs rang out in several neighbourhoods. Social media restricted Restrictions have been put on several social media and messaging platforms in order to limit online communication. Thursday and Friday's riots were the latest bout in months of violence in Senegal, long considered one of West Africa's strongest democracies, sparked by Sonko's court case as well as concerns that President Macky Sall will try to bypass a two-term limit and run again in February elections. Sall has neither confirmed nor denied this. The violence has been condemned by the United Nations, the African Union and West Africa's main regional bloc. France, the former colonial power in Africa, has urged restraint and dialogue. Amnesty International has meanwhile called on the government to investigate Thursday's deaths and avoid using force disproportionately. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Senegal: Death toll rises to 10 as clashes continue

India and China have unleashed their hunger for Russian oil, sending import levels skyrocketing to unprecedented levels. the oil-hungry Asian giants are gobbling up discounted supplies, leaving West Asia and Africa in the dust. A Reuters report suggests India, has taken its hunger for Russian oil to the next level. It has bought a jaw dropping record of 66.7 million barrels in may alone!

India's oil purchase from Russia breaches new high

Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August 23, the country’s president announced on Wednesday (May 31). The southern African country, which has a history of violent and disputed elections, summoned the United States deputy ambassador over a series of tweets which called for a peaceful election.&nbsp;

<h2>Zimbabwe gears up for national elections</h2>

The announcement of the dates was made by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa through a government gazette, on Wednesday, which also set the date October 2 as a potential presidential runoff vote. Mnangagwa, who was elected president in 2018, replaced his predecessor Robert Mugabe who led the country for nearly four decades.&nbsp;

Mugabe was ousted in 2017 after a military coup. The 80-year-old incumbent is already facing allegations of violence and intimidation from the opposition, while human rights groups have said that the Zimbabwe president is silencing criticism. Mnangagwa took office in 2018 following the general election a year after the coup.

In addition to the presidential election, the country will also vote for the 300-seat parliament and close to 2,000 local council positions. The southern African nation has only had two leaders since it gained independence in 1980.&nbsp;

Notably, Mnangagwa was a close ally of Mugabe and has attempted to present himself as a reformer. However, he has been accused of being more repressive than his predecessor who he helped remove from power.&nbsp;

In the upcoming election, Mnangagwa will compete with the 45-year-old lawyer and pastor Nelson Chamisa, party leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The announcement of the election also comes amid the ongoing parliamentary debates over electoral reforms.&nbsp;

As per reports, Chamisa narrowly lost to Mnangagwa, in 2018 while his claims of election rigging were dismissed by the country’s Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, political analysts have said that the failure to implement electoral reforms may lead Zimbabwe up for another disputed election, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The southern African nation is also in the midst of an economic crisis which has been attributed to Mugabe’s leadership. The opposition parties have reportedly also blamed the current government for corruption and economic mismanagement while Mnangagwa defending his ZANU-PF-led government blamed Western sanctions for the country’s financial and economic woes.&nbsp;

<h2>US deputy ambassador summoned by Zimbabwe's foreign ministry</h2>

The election announcement came a day after Zimbabwe’s foreign ministry summoned the US Deputy Ambassador Elaine French, for a meeting with the country’s foreign affairs acting permanent secretary Rofina Chikava for “election-related social media posts bordering on activism and meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs,” reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The US embassy, took to Twitter, on May 26 posted an image and called for Zimbabweans to “Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard.” The foreign ministry said the tweet was against diplomatic protocols. However, US Embassy spokeswoman Meg Riggs said that they stand by their message of calling for peace during the election season and called the process a part of a “functioning democracy.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August 23, the country’s president announced on Wednesday (May 31). The southern African country, which has a history of violent and disputed elections, summoned the United States deputy ambassador over a series of tweets which called for a peaceful election.

Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August 23, the country’s president announced on Wednesday (May 31). The southern African country, which has a history of violent and disputed elections, summoned the United States deputy ambassador over a series of tweets which called for a peaceful election. Zimbabwe gears up for national elections The announcement of the dates was made by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa through a government gazette, on Wednesday, which also set the date October 2 as a potential presidential runoff vote. Mnangagwa, who was elected president in 2018, replaced his predecessor Robert Mugabe who led the country for nearly four decades. Mugabe was ousted in 2017 after a military coup. The 80-year-old incumbent is already facing allegations of violence and intimidation from the opposition, while human rights groups have said that the Zimbabwe president is silencing criticism. Mnangagwa took office in 2018 following the general election a year after the coup. In addition to the presidential election, the country will also vote for the 300-seat parliament and close to 2,000 local council positions. The southern African nation has only had two leaders since it gained independence in 1980. Notably, Mnangagwa was a close ally of Mugabe and has attempted to present himself as a reformer. However, he has been accused of being more repressive than his predecessor who he helped remove from power. In the upcoming election, Mnangagwa will compete with the 45-year-old lawyer and pastor Nelson Chamisa, party leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The announcement of the election also comes amid the ongoing parliamentary debates over electoral reforms. As per reports, Chamisa narrowly lost to Mnangagwa, in 2018 while his claims of election rigging were dismissed by the country’s Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, political analysts have said that the failure to implement electoral reforms may lead Zimbabwe up for another disputed election, reported Reuters. The southern African nation is also in the midst of an economic crisis which has been attributed to Mugabe’s leadership. The opposition parties have reportedly also blamed the current government for corruption and economic mismanagement while Mnangagwa defending his ZANU-PF-led government blamed Western sanctions for the country’s financial and economic woes. US deputy ambassador summoned by Zimbabwe's foreign ministry The election announcement came a day after Zimbabwe’s foreign ministry summoned the US Deputy Ambassador Elaine French, for a meeting with the country’s foreign affairs acting permanent secretary Rofina Chikava for “election-related social media posts bordering on activism and meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs,” reported the Associated Press. The US embassy, took to Twitter, on May 26 posted an image and called for Zimbabweans to “Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard.” The foreign ministry said the tweet was against diplomatic protocols. However, US Embassy spokeswoman Meg Riggs said that they stand by their message of calling for peace during the election season and called the process a part of a “functioning democracy.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zimbabwe to hold general elections in August; summons US ambassador over ‘meddling’ tweets

Today on World No Tobacco Day, our next report gives you a glimpse of the growing tobacco crisis in Africa.

2023: World No Tobacco Day

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is in the midst of a visit to Africa, on Tuesday (May 30) accused the West of “supporting genocide” in Kyiv over its backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan. Lavrov claims that because of it, “everything Russian” would be destroyed in east Ukraine and Crimea.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, top Ukrainian presidential aid in a recent interview said Kyiv is&nbsp;no longer interested in a ceasefire and&nbsp;Zelensky’s peace plan is the only way to end Russia’s war.

<h2>What did Lavrov say?</h2>

The Russian foreign minister during a press conference with his Burundian counterpart said, “The conclusion is very simple - the West directly supports genocide.” This comes as Moscow has long accused the West of what it calls Ukrainian persecution of Russian language speakers in the eastern Donbas region and elsewhere.

The peace plan proposed&nbsp;by Zelensky late last year calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory including the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow&nbsp;annexed in 2014. In the context of the recent drone attacks in Moscow, Lavrov also accused the West of directly helping Kyiv conduct such “terrorist” strikes by providing it with military equipment.&nbsp;

“The statement of the West that the weapons it is supplying (to Ukraine) must not be used against the territory of the Russian Federation is just another lie,” said the Russian foreign minister. Notably, Moscow has also claimed that US-provided armoured vehicles were used during the border incursion in Russia’s Belgorod&nbsp;earlier this month.&nbsp;

US Army General Mark Milley, addressing Moscow’s accusations of pro-Ukrainian militia using armoured vehicles to carry out the border incursion, said Washington has long asked Kyiv not to use US-provided military equipment for attacks inside Russian territory.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia blames the West for Kyiv's 'reckless'&nbsp;drone attacks on Moscow</h2>

The Russian foreign ministry in a statement, on Tuesday, blamed Western support of&nbsp;Ukraine and said that it was “pushing” Kyiv towards “increasingly reckless” behaviour in reference to the recent drone attacks in Moscow. They also went on to say that these attacks are designed to spread “panic”.&nbsp;

“Western support for the Kyiv regime is pushing the Ukrainian leadership towards increasingly reckless acts, including terrorism”. Russia has also said that it intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and said there were no deaths but two injuries were reported. Moscow said that it has launched a probe into the incident.&nbsp;

Russian lawmaker Maxim Ivanov called it the most serious assault on Moscow since the Nazis, saying no citizen could now avoid “the new reality”. Meanwhile, Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv’s involvement in the attack.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine’s peace plan the only way to end conflict: Zelensky’s aide</h2>

In an interview with Reuters, chief diplomatic adviser Ihor Zhovkva said that Ukraine is no longer interested in a ceasefire and said that Zelensky’s peace plan is the only way to end Russia’s war. Zhovkva also said that the time for mediation efforts has passed.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian presidential aid also pushed back on multiple peace plans pitched by China, Brazil, the Vatican and South Africa over the past couple of months and told Reuters, “There cannot be a Brazilian peace plan, a Chinese peace plan, a South African peace plan when you are talking about the war in Ukraine”.&nbsp;

He also spoke about how Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan received an extremely positive reaction&nbsp;at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Japan, earlier this month, which was also attended by Zelensky. “Not a single formula (point) had any concerns from the (G7) countries,” said Zhovkva, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

The presidential aide also said Ukraine wants G7 leaders to help bring as many Global South leaders as possible to a Ukraine-proposed ‘peace summit’ this summer. Japan, which currently holds the G7 presidency&nbsp;also invited leaders from the so-called Global South to Hiroshima for talks including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is in the midst of a visit to Africa, on Tuesday (May 30) accused the West of “supporting genocide” in Kyiv over its backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is in the midst of a visit to Africa, on Tuesday (May 30) accused the West of “supporting genocide” in Kyiv over its backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan. Lavrov claims that because of it, “everything Russian” would be destroyed in east Ukraine and Crimea. Meanwhile, top Ukrainian presidential aid in a recent interview said Kyiv is no longer interested in a ceasefire and Zelensky’s peace plan is the only way to end Russia’s war. What did Lavrov say? The Russian foreign minister during a press conference with his Burundian counterpart said, “The conclusion is very simple - the West directly supports genocide.” This comes as Moscow has long accused the West of what it calls Ukrainian persecution of Russian language speakers in the eastern Donbas region and elsewhere. The peace plan proposed by Zelensky late last year calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory including the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014. In the context of the recent drone attacks in Moscow, Lavrov also accused the West of directly helping Kyiv conduct such “terrorist” strikes by providing it with military equipment. “The statement of the West that the weapons it is supplying (to Ukraine) must not be used against the territory of the Russian Federation is just another lie,” said the Russian foreign minister. Notably, Moscow has also claimed that US-provided armoured vehicles were used during the border incursion in Russia’s Belgorod earlier this month. US Army General Mark Milley, addressing Moscow’s accusations of pro-Ukrainian militia using armoured vehicles to carry out the border incursion, said Washington has long asked Kyiv not to use US-provided military equipment for attacks inside Russian territory. Russia blames the West for Kyiv's 'reckless' drone attacks on Moscow The Russian foreign ministry in a statement, on Tuesday, blamed Western support of Ukraine and said that it was “pushing” Kyiv towards “increasingly reckless” behaviour in reference to the recent drone attacks in Moscow. They also went on to say that these attacks are designed to spread “panic”. “Western support for the Kyiv regime is pushing the Ukrainian leadership towards increasingly reckless acts, including terrorism”. Russia has also said that it intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and said there were no deaths but two injuries were reported. Moscow said that it has launched a probe into the incident. Russian lawmaker Maxim Ivanov called it the most serious assault on Moscow since the Nazis, saying no citizen could now avoid “the new reality”. Meanwhile, Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv’s involvement in the attack. Ukraine’s peace plan the only way to end conflict: Zelensky’s aide In an interview with Reuters, chief diplomatic adviser Ihor Zhovkva said that Ukraine is no longer interested in a ceasefire and said that Zelensky’s peace plan is the only way to end Russia’s war. Zhovkva also said that the time for mediation efforts has passed. The Ukrainian presidential aid also pushed back on multiple peace plans pitched by China, Brazil, the Vatican and South Africa over the past couple of months and told Reuters, “There cannot be a Brazilian peace plan, a Chinese peace plan, a South African peace plan when you are talking about the war in Ukraine”. He also spoke about how Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan received an extremely positive reaction at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Japan, earlier this month, which was also attended by Zelensky. “Not a single formula (point) had any concerns from the (G7) countries,” said Zhovkva, as per Reuters. The presidential aide also said Ukraine wants G7 leaders to help bring as many Global South leaders as possible to a Ukraine-proposed ‘peace summit’ this summer. Japan, which currently holds the G7 presidency also invited leaders from the so-called Global South to Hiroshima for talks including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘West directly supports genocide’ in Ukraine: Russia's Lavrov on Zelensky's peace plan

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has signed one of the world's toughest anti-LGBTQ laws that includes the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality. The move has drawn Western condemnation and risks sanctions from eight donors.

Africa: Uganda enacts tough anti-LGBTQ law, move draws western condemnation

Perils faced by the LGBTQ community in Africa

In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment.&nbsp;

<h2>Who are the Maasai people?</h2>

The pastoralist Maasai is said to be among one of the most vibrant indigenous societies on the continent who have lived and managed alongside other native communities for more than two centuries now in the Great Rift Valley located in Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The herders are known for their beaded jewellery and plaid shawls draped over their shoulders and wrapped around their waists.&nbsp;

They live in the Ngorongoro district after British colonial authorities in 1951 declared the Serengeti area a national park and relocated the communities within its borders. Since then, living in small clusters of bomas (traditional Maasai houses), the nearly 7,000 semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group of people are being forced to relive the woeful echoes of their colonial past.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous attempts at ‘forced’ evictions</h2>

The Tanzanian government plans to displace about 150,000 pastoralists for its conservation initiatives in two areas in the Ngorongoro district &nbsp;– Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), reported Human Rights Watch (HRW). However, it was not even close to the first time that it has moved to do so.&nbsp;

According to Joseph Oleshangay, a lawyer with the Tanzania-based Legal and Human Rights Centre,&nbsp;the government has made multiple attempts to push the Maasai people out of their lands since 2003. In 2017, government security forces allegedly burned 185 Maasai houses, a move which has been dubbed as a forced act of eviction by rights groups.&nbsp;

At the time, the government had claimed that the houses in question had been built inside the park, a claim which was also upheld in an East African court. Another incident of violence took place last year when the people from the Maasai community in Loliondo protested against the police&nbsp;demarcating 1,500 square kilometres for the “game reserve”.&nbsp;

A report by The Guardian, citing eyewitnesses, said that the police opened fire, stole cattle, and destroyed property.&nbsp;

As per the HRW, security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained 10 community leaders and even fired teargas and rubber bullets. This clash also led to the death of one police officer and left over 30 Maasai, women, children, and older people&nbsp;injured, while thousands fled to Kenya.&nbsp;

Speaking about the incident to Bloomberg, a man who was only referred to as ‘K’, recalled that some 200 police, military and park rangers faced off against around 500 locals at the village office. According to K, while officials were trying to push past the crowd, shots were fired. Meanwhile, the local men pulled out their wooden bows from their backs and unleashed a number&nbsp;of arrows which hit an officer in the eye, who later died.&nbsp;

K said the officials had responded by firing into the crowd when he suddenly fell and was wounded by a gunshot before he passed out into the nearby forest. He has since fled Ololosokwan and had been living across the border in Kenya.

<h2>So-called quieter approach&nbsp;</h2>

This also came after the government opted for a quieter approach to the relocation, as per rights groups. In 2021, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which manages the land, issued a 30-day eviction notice to 45 people in the area, which was in addition to 166 others who were identified as illegal “immigrants”.&nbsp;

The agency also ordered the destruction of over 100 homes, churches, schools, medical dispensaries, police stations, and administrative offices within the 30-day period claiming that they had been built without permits, reported The Guardian. The orders were suspended following protests from locals who say that the structures had been there for decades now.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
A report by HRW,&nbsp;citing residents, said that since February 2022, the government had begun downsizing essential services in the area. This included health, education, and emergency services after the officials had grounded Flying Medical Services, while the area’s main hospital was downsized to a dispensary from a staff of 64 to two.&nbsp; 
 
The Ngorongoro district authorities, in March 2022, sent two notices seen by The Guardian to six public schools ordering them to transfer some 200 million Tanzanian shillings ($ 84,744) in COVID-19 relief funds to the Handeni resettlement site.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the local media reported that some 500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been moved to Msomera village in Handeni district, which is hundreds of kilometres away, since the beginning of the relocation back on June 16, 2022. Rights groups have alleged that this downsizing directly hinders the community’s ability to live there.&nbsp;

This was after the land demarcation exercise which&nbsp;restricted people’s access to water sources, and grazing sites, and even cut through some of the houses, reported HRW. “The government is trying to suffocate the communities and make the situation uncomfortable for them,” said human rights lawyer, Denis Moses Oleshangai, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, William Ole Seki, a Maasai elder spoke to the United Kingdom-based newspaper and spoke about how the government has banned imports of building materials into the area, the region’s only hospital was under threat of closure, and two villages to the north which had no water for weeks.&nbsp;

Experts from the United Nations have called on the Tanzania government to halt forced evictions and relocation and urged them to work towards conservation with the local community. It is not just the locals, as officials from the European Union, UN, and international non-governmental organisations have also accused the government of pushing the Maasai off their lands.&nbsp;

<h2>What is all of this for?</h2>

Last year, Tanzania’s tourism ministry decided to convert 1,500 square kilometres around Ololosokwan from a “game-controlled area,” where residents are permitted to live, farm and graze livestock, to a “game reserve,” reported Bloomberg. The so-called game reserve would be turned into a wildlife habitat as well as used for safari tourism and people with the right licence can also hunt.

The price of the game reserve is being paid by the Maasai who as per the locals, UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament,&nbsp;have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and beatings, in addition to the aforementioned hindrances to their livelihoods. Notably, the plans for the so-called game reserve have been in the works for three decades now.&nbsp;

According to the UN, 82,000 Maasai risk being pushed out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo reported Bloomberg. However, Tanzania’s Natural Resources and tourism ministry has asserted that Ololosokwan “has no settlements.”&nbsp;

Addressing the conservation efforts the government has alleged that the Maasai and their herds are expanding and now represent a threat to conservation in Ngorongoro and the wider Serengeti ecosystem.&nbsp;

The national park is home to several endangered species including the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and cheetah. However, the Maasai assert that they live harmoniously with wildlife, which scientists have agreed with as nearly 300 researchers from around the world signed an open letter and called for a halt to eviction efforts.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, rights groups have said Tanzania is pushing Maasai out of the region in a bid to expand its lucrative tourism sector supposedly under the guise of conservation efforts. “It’s all about money. Dirty money,” Ole Seki told The Guardian.&nbsp;

In 2019, the tourism sector brought in $6.6 billion and made up 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to an analysis by HRW, satellite images of the region show in July 2022 about 90 homesteads and animal enclosures were burned within the demarcated area.&nbsp;

<h2>The UAE connection</h2>

A report by Bloomberg alleges that in 1992, the Ngorongoro district council granted a 10-year hunting permit to a man named Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Ali for areas including Ololosokwan and five other villages. He is currently said to be the chairman and owner of the Al Ali Group, a major property developer in the United Arab Emirates.

Citing the findings of a Tanzanian investigative reporter who has since been arrested, the media report says that millions of dollars in donations were also made from Dubai’s royal family to Tanzania’s ruling party. However, the UAE government has since denied these allegations and said it was “committed to preserving the rights of indigenous peoples”.&nbsp;

Maasai delegation to meet European leaders&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) said that a high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives will meet European governments, EU institutions and NGOs like Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), in May, for what they have described as the government’s “brutal campaign against Maasai in Tanzania.”&nbsp; 
 
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In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment.

In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment. Who are the Maasai people? The pastoralist Maasai is said to be among one of the most vibrant indigenous societies on the continent who have lived and managed alongside other native communities for more than two centuries now in the Great Rift Valley located in Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The herders are known for their beaded jewellery and plaid shawls draped over their shoulders and wrapped around their waists. They live in the Ngorongoro district after British colonial authorities in 1951 declared the Serengeti area a national park and relocated the communities within its borders. Since then, living in small clusters of bomas (traditional Maasai houses), the nearly 7,000 semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group of people are being forced to relive the woeful echoes of their colonial past. Previous attempts at ‘forced’ evictions The Tanzanian government plans to displace about 150,000 pastoralists for its conservation initiatives in two areas in the Ngorongoro district – Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), reported Human Rights Watch (HRW). However, it was not even close to the first time that it has moved to do so. According to Joseph Oleshangay, a lawyer with the Tanzania-based Legal and Human Rights Centre, the government has made multiple attempts to push the Maasai people out of their lands since 2003. In 2017, government security forces allegedly burned 185 Maasai houses, a move which has been dubbed as a forced act of eviction by rights groups. At the time, the government had claimed that the houses in question had been built inside the park, a claim which was also upheld in an East African court. Another incident of violence took place last year when the people from the Maasai community in Loliondo protested against the police demarcating 1,500 square kilometres for the “game reserve”. A report by The Guardian, citing eyewitnesses, said that the police opened fire, stole cattle, and destroyed property. As per the HRW, security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained 10 community leaders and even fired teargas and rubber bullets. This clash also led to the death of one police officer and left over 30 Maasai, women, children, and older people injured, while thousands fled to Kenya. Speaking about the incident to Bloomberg, a man who was only referred to as ‘K’, recalled that some 200 police, military and park rangers faced off against around 500 locals at the village office. According to K, while officials were trying to push past the crowd, shots were fired. Meanwhile, the local men pulled out their wooden bows from their backs and unleashed a number of arrows which hit an officer in the eye, who later died. K said the officials had responded by firing into the crowd when he suddenly fell and was wounded by a gunshot before he passed out into the nearby forest. He has since fled Ololosokwan and had been living across the border in Kenya. So-called quieter approach This also came after the government opted for a quieter approach to the relocation, as per rights groups. In 2021, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which manages the land, issued a 30-day eviction notice to 45 people in the area, which was in addition to 166 others who were identified as illegal “immigrants”. The agency also ordered the destruction of over 100 homes, churches, schools, medical dispensaries, police stations, and administrative offices within the 30-day period claiming that they had been built without permits, reported The Guardian. The orders were suspended following protests from locals who say that the structures had been there for decades now. A report by HRW, citing residents, said that since February 2022, the government had begun downsizing essential services in the area. This included health, education, and emergency services after the officials had grounded Flying Medical Services, while the area’s main hospital was downsized to a dispensary from a staff of 64 to two. The Ngorongoro district authorities, in March 2022, sent two notices seen by The Guardian to six public schools ordering them to transfer some 200 million Tanzanian shillings ($ 84,744) in COVID-19 relief funds to the Handeni resettlement site. Earlier this year, the local media reported that some 500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been moved to Msomera village in Handeni district, which is hundreds of kilometres away, since the beginning of the relocation back on June 16, 2022. Rights groups have alleged that this downsizing directly hinders the community’s ability to live there. This was after the land demarcation exercise which restricted people’s access to water sources, and grazing sites, and even cut through some of the houses, reported HRW. “The government is trying to suffocate the communities and make the situation uncomfortable for them,” said human rights lawyer, Denis Moses Oleshangai, as quoted by The Guardian. Earlier this year, William Ole Seki, a Maasai elder spoke to the United Kingdom-based newspaper and spoke about how the government has banned imports of building materials into the area, the region’s only hospital was under threat of closure, and two villages to the north which had no water for weeks. Experts from the United Nations have called on the Tanzania government to halt forced evictions and relocation and urged them to work towards conservation with the local community. It is not just the locals, as officials from the European Union, UN, and international non-governmental organisations have also accused the government of pushing the Maasai off their lands. What is all of this for? Last year, Tanzania’s tourism ministry decided to convert 1,500 square kilometres around Ololosokwan from a “game-controlled area,” where residents are permitted to live, farm and graze livestock, to a “game reserve,” reported Bloomberg. The so-called game reserve would be turned into a wildlife habitat as well as used for safari tourism and people with the right licence can also hunt. The price of the game reserve is being paid by the Maasai who as per the locals, UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament, have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and beatings, in addition to the aforementioned hindrances to their livelihoods. Notably, the plans for the so-called game reserve have been in the works for three decades now. According to the UN, 82,000 Maasai risk being pushed out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo reported Bloomberg. However, Tanzania’s Natural Resources and tourism ministry has asserted that Ololosokwan “has no settlements.” Addressing the conservation efforts the government has alleged that the Maasai and their herds are expanding and now represent a threat to conservation in Ngorongoro and the wider Serengeti ecosystem. The national park is home to several endangered species including the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and cheetah. However, the Maasai assert that they live harmoniously with wildlife, which scientists have agreed with as nearly 300 researchers from around the world signed an open letter and called for a halt to eviction efforts. Meanwhile, rights groups have said Tanzania is pushing Maasai out of the region in a bid to expand its lucrative tourism sector supposedly under the guise of conservation efforts. “It’s all about money. Dirty money,” Ole Seki told The Guardian. In 2019, the tourism sector brought in $6.6 billion and made up 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to an analysis by HRW, satellite images of the region show in July 2022 about 90 homesteads and animal enclosures were burned within the demarcated area. The UAE connection A report by Bloomberg alleges that in 1992, the Ngorongoro district council granted a 10-year hunting permit to a man named Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Ali for areas including Ololosokwan and five other villages. He is currently said to be the chairman and owner of the Al Ali Group, a major property developer in the United Arab Emirates. Citing the findings of a Tanzanian investigative reporter who has since been arrested, the media report says that millions of dollars in donations were also made from Dubai’s royal family to Tanzania’s ruling party. However, the UAE government has since denied these allegations and said it was “committed to preserving the rights of indigenous peoples”. Maasai delegation to meet European leaders Earlier this week, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) said that a high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives will meet European governments, EU institutions and NGOs like Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), in May, for what they have described as the government’s “brutal campaign against Maasai in Tanzania.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How Tanzania’s Maasai are being 'forcefully relocated' for a 'game reserve'

Horn of Africa faces the worst drought in 40 years. aid agencies back the UN's $7 billion appeal for devastating crisis.

UN seeks $7 billion to avert Horn of Africa crisis

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