Monthly Archives: February 2024

Foreign, News

King Charles diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announces

Leave a comment

King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and is already receiving treatment that will prevent him from undertaking public duties for the immediate future, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Although no further details about what type of cancer he has are being released at this stage, Buckingham Palace said it was not prostate cancer. It was discovered when the 75-year-old monarch recently underwent treatment at the London Clinic for a benign enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace said the king “remains wholly positive about his treatment”.

He began regular outpatient treatments on Monday, and although he has been forced to postpone public-facing engagements, he will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork, his red boxes and private meetings.

The king personally informed both his sons, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, of his diagnosis, as well as his three siblings, the Princess Royal, Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of York.

Prince Harry had spoken with his father about his cancer diagnosis and would be travelling to the UK to see him in the coming days, the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed. It is believed he will travel alone with Meghan staying in the US with the couple’s two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “During the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.

“Throughout this period, his majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. The king is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

“His majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

The king returned to London from Sandringham on Monday morning to begin treatment as an outpatient.

It is understood there are no plans to appoint counsellors of state, who can be appointed to stand in if the monarch is incapacitated. At present, these include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew no longer to be called on as non-working royals.

It is expected that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through. It is also expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the prime minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact.

He was last seen in public at Sandringham in Norfolk on Sunday, where he attended a church service with the queen, which was the first time he had been seen since he was discharged from the London Clinic. He smiled and waved to wellwishers as he walked to St Mary Magdalene church in the village.

Charles apologised for the medical decision to postpone his forthcoming public duties after his cancer diagnosis. A palace spokesperson said: “Regrettably, a number of the king’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.”

It is understood details of the king’s diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. The palace said the queen would continue with a full programme of public duties.

The postponement of his public-facing engagements comes as Catherine, Princess of Wales, recovers at home after planned abdominal surgery, also at the London Clinic. She has determined to keep her medical details private, although her condition was said to be non-cancerous.

But with her also out of action – she is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter – it presents problems for the monarchy, which is significantly diminished in the number of working royals because of the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Kensington Palace announced earlier on Monday that the Prince of Wales, who took time off while his wife was in hospital, would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London air ambulance in the evening.

The announcement brought a stream of messages from wellwishers.

The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, reacted to the news by tweeting: “Wishing his majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”

The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, wished the king “all the very best for his recovery”.

He tweeted: “On behalf of the Labour party, I wish his majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.”

Joe Biden said he was “concerned” about the king and planned to call him later. He told reporters: “I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing.” The US president, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, later tweeted: “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. [My wife] Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.”

Former US president Donald Trump wrote on social media : “He is a wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery!”

The Commons speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, told MPs: “I know the whole house will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with his majesty the king following the news announcement this evening.

“Our thoughts are, of course, with his majesty and his family, and we’d all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight’s news.”

Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, posted on X: “The Liberal Democrats join the rest of the nation in wishing a full and quick recovery to His Majesty.”

Former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss also sent their best wishes. Johnson posted on X: “The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery.”

Truss posted: “Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King!”

Scottish first minister, Humza Yousaf, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty the king and I hope for a speedy recovery and return to public life. My thoughts are also with Her Majesty the queen and other members of the royal family at what I know will be a worrying time.”

Mark Drakeford , the first minister of Wales, wished him a “full and swift recovery”. In a post on X, he said: “I’m saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening. I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan.”

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arriving to attend a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham on Sunday. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA

Northern Ireland’s first minister, Michelle O’Neill, wished him a speedy recovery. “I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,” she posted on X.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson posted: “Sending His Majesty the King every good wish as he commences his treatment. We pray for a full and speedy recovery.”

The king has largely enjoyed good health throughout his life. The first signs of any significant concern came with Buckingham Palace’s surprise announcement on 17 January that he had sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. The palace stressed that his condition was benign and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure.

Charles had checked in to the London Clinic on Friday 26 January, and was discharged three days later on Monday 29 January, the same day that Kate was also discharged. The queen told wellwishers at an engagement at a Maggie’s cancer support centre at the Royal Free hospital in London on Wednesday that Charles was “getting on, doing his best.”

He was said to be personally keen to share details of his benign prostate diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves checked.

News

Bepong Chief commends Police for professional handling of chaos at his palace

Leave a comment

he Chief of Kwahu Bepong in the Eastern region Nana Nyarko Bawuah II has commended the Ghana Police Service for their professionalism in the handling of the incident involving a murder suspect at his palace.

According to the chief, but for the professional conduct of the police personnel the situation could have escalated and gotten out of control.

“The youth stormed this palace determined to lynch the suspect here. They were throwing everything they could get into the palace when the police prevented them from attacking the suspect. In fact it was the women among them who were supplying the stones for the men to throw in here.

“But the police were so professional with their approach to the incident. They showed that they were well trained, they shielded the suspect from any attack. In fact the angry youth didn’t realized when the police took the suspect from the palace. And when they realized he was no longer at the palace they turned their anger at the police attack them and their motorbikes and others,” the chief made the remarks when the Eastern regional Minster Seth Kwame Acheampong visited the troubled area today.

Meanwhile, more than 40 people have been arrested and are being prosecuted by the police following the incident.

The violence erupted following the alleged rape and murder of a 45-year-old woman, Akua Kyerewaa, by a 23-year-old ex-convict, Kwasi Tenkorang.

 

Source: Starr News

News, Politics, Topstory

Mahama is trustworthy; he’s the leader Ghana needs now – Sammy Gyamfi

Leave a comment

The National Communication Officer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has touted the credentials of the party’s 2024 flag bearer, John Mahama, saying he can be trusted to save the country’s economy when voted to power.

Speaking on Dwaboase on TV XYZ, the NDC spokesman urged Ghanaians to reject NPP’s flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at the polls and vote Mr Mahama to power since he has been tried, tested and showed Ghanaians his capabilities.

Sammy Gyamfi said as the country’s economy keeps worsening each day, it is a leader who Ghanaians can trust like John Mahama who deserves to be voted for as the country is at a crossroad.

Making reference to some of the promises Bawumia made to Ghanaians but has failed to deliver after 7 years of governance, he said John Mahama can be trusted unlike his main contender who pledged to fix the economy but ended up destroying the country’s finances.

“Our country is in a ditch; we are in a deep hole. The decision of voters on 7th December will determine the future of this country. Clearly, the two main contenders are H.E John Mahama and Bawuliar. But who can you trust?…Can you trust Bawumia who stood at Cape Coast and promised them a new airport yet a block has not been laid for the project?” he quizzed in Akan.

He went on, “can you trust Bawumia who said no community in Ghana will have a water and toilet challenges in 18 months of NPP’s governance; can you trust Bawumia who said he had arrested the dollar and given the keys to the IGP and yet the dollar has gone up over Ghs 12.00?; can you trust Bawumia who said Ghana’s economy under the NPP will be moved from taxation to production and yet has slapped us with over 50 taxes?”

Sammy Gyamfi believes John Mahama has the solutions to the hardship, frustration and high cost of living the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia administration has slapped on Ghanaians.

Survey

Sammy Gyamfi’s comment comes at a time a new poll by Global InfoAnalytics projected NDC’s  John Dramani Mahama as the leading figure trusted to address the nation’s foremost challenge, the economy.

With 54% of respondents favouring him over his rivals, the poll underscored Mahama’s strong position in the electoral landscape.

The poll, conducted in December 2023 sampled over 6,200 voters across the country.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who is the flag bearer of the NPP was seen as the most capable economic steward by 26% of those surveyed, while Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen (AKK) secured the confidence of 8%. The remaining 12% of respondents placed their trust in other candidates, illustrating the diverse opinions among the Ghanaian electorate.

The survey also offers a detailed insight into party-specific trust dynamics. Within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), an overwhelming 93% of voters expressed their trust in Mahama, showcasing a solid base of support.

Conversely, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) displayed a more divided stance, with 64% backing Bawumia but a notable 36% diverging towards other candidates, indicating potential fractures within the party’s support base.

Floating voters, often seen as pivotal in swinging election outcomes, predominantly trust Mahama, with 50% favouring him over Bawumia (19%) and Kyerematen (11%).

Similarly, among voters who withheld their party allegiance, Mahama led with 34%, suggesting his cross-party appeal extends beyond traditional NDC supporters.

Alan Kyerematen found considerable favour among supporters of smaller parties, with 38% trusting him the most. This indicates his potential to draw significant votes from beyond the major party lines, adding an unpredictable element to the race.

 

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Politics

Dormaa East MP urges DCEs and MPs to collaborate to drive development

Leave a comment

The Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, Mr. Paul Twum Barimah, has admonished District Chief Executives (DCEs) as well as his fellow legislators to steer clear of actions that may undermine each other’s work at the local level.

This admonishment comes in the wake of President Akufo-Addo’s decision to dismiss some 24 DCEs, a decision alleged to be influenced by fallout from the recent parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and strained relationships between DCEs and MPs.

In a media interview after his acclamation as the NPP parliamentary candidate for Dormaa East, Mr. Twum Barimah highlighted the importance of cooperation and collaboration over competition, citing his productive collaboration with his DCE as instrumental in driving progress for the constituency.

He narrated his collaborative efforts with the Dormaa East DCE and charged other lawmakers to emulate the same.

“Immediately I was sworn in as a Member of Parliament, what I said was that I am a partner and an agent of development to my assembly. So the point is, I don’t expect my assembly or my DCE to bring a document to Accra and be chasing it. It is my duty to chase any document that he brings to Accra. It is my duty to talk to Amoako-Atta (Roads Minister) on roads. It is my duty to talk to Agyeman Manu on health because he has no access to them in Parliament. I do. So we have the collaboration that his job ends at identifying the challenges, dropping the letter, and I, Apraku, will take over and follow up. That collaboration has kept us going.”

Mr. Twum Barimah attributed the constituency’s development successes to such collaborative efforts, stressing that all actions taken by both himself and the DCE are aimed at advancing the welfare of the people of Dormaa East.

Regarding the selection process for the party’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, Twum Barimah expressed confidence in the leadership’s ability to choose wisely, ensuring unity and strength for the party’s “Breaking the 8” agenda.

 

Source: Citi News

News, Topstory

We’ll resist EC’s attempt to abandon indelible ink – Minority Leader

Leave a comment

The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has criticised the Electoral Commission (EC)’s decision to abandon the use of indelible ink in the upcoming elections, citing significant risks for the country.

Dr. Ato Forson expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of this decision, warning that it could lead to chaos at polling stations across the country. He urged for the decision to be reversed immediately.

Addressing Parliament at the commencement of the fourth session of the eighth Parliament, Dr. Ato Forson stressed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs would vehemently oppose the EC’s move.

He argued that the use of indelible ink is vital for ensuring the integrity of elections, as it provides a visible and transparent means of verifying voters in addition to biometric verification.

The former Deputy Finance Minister emphasized that indelible ink has long been recognized as a reliable method for preventing multiple voting, as it clearly marks individuals who have already cast their ballots.

Dr. Ato Forson stressed the importance of upholding established electoral practices to safeguard the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.

“The EC claims that doing away with indelible ink in Ghana’s electoral process forms part of its measures to improve the electoral process and ensure a robust identification system.”

“The truth of the matter is that the use of indelible ink in our electoral process does no harm to the conduct of free and fair elections in Ghana.”

“In fact, indelible ink adds another layer to the integrity of elections by ensuring that voters are visibly, transparently, and physically verified in addition to biometric verification.”

He has issued a firm warning to the Electoral Commission (EC), stating that they will not support any proposal to alter the scheduled date for the 2024 elections.

Dr. Ato Forson, insisted that there are more urgent issues requiring the EC’s immediate attention than considering a change in the election date.

According to him, the EC should prioritise the preparation of the 2024 election calendar and focus its efforts on addressing essential matters rather than diverting attention to what he termed as “unnecessary issues.”

However, Dr. Ato Forson indicated that the Minority’s stance might be reconsidered if the EC undertakes substantial and meaningful reforms following the conclusion of the 2024 elections.

“Rt. Hon. Speaker, again with general elections on the horizon, the Electoral Commission and those behind it have announced their intention to change the date for this year’s general election from December to November.”

“Let me say it here and now that the NDC Minority Caucus in Parliament will not support any such change at this time.” “This is because there are more pertinent and pressing issues that require the immediate attention of the Electoral Commission than a change of date for general elections,” Dr Ato Forson said.

 

Source: Myjoyonline.com

News, Politics

New Standing Orders require MPs to recite National Pledge and undergo roll call

Leave a comment

Beginning from Tuesday, February 6, parliamentary sessions will kick off with the recitation of the National Pledge, signifying the implementation of the new standing orders.

This significant amendment in the new standing orders mandates heads of institutions to personally appear before Parliament to address inquiries pertaining to their agencies, a departure from the previous protocol where Ministers of State could represent them during questioning.

Under this updated framework, Members of Parliament will undergo a roll call and engage in reciting the national pledge at the commencement of proceedings.

Ahmed Ibrahim, the First Deputy Minority Whip in Parliament, shed light on the revisions, underlining that autonomous bodies such as the Electoral Commission, CHRAJ boss, BoG governor, NCCE, and the Auditor General will now undergo scrutiny similar to ministers on the parliamentary floor.

“Independent bodies like the Electoral Commission, the CHRAJ boss, the BoG governor, NCCE, and the Auditor General will be subject to questioning just like ministers on the Floor, and the method of responding to questions on the Floor has also been outlined in the new Standing Orders.

“Previously, if the EC was invited, it could argue it had no audience on the Floor, and if the Common Fund administrator was required to attend, it would typically need the Minister’s presence. However, this is no longer the case.

“The administrator can now appear and be interrogated by a committee, responding to inquiries accordingly. The procedure for answering questions has been incorporated into the new Standing Orders.”

 

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Africa

Kenyan cult leader charged with 191 murders.

Leave a comment

A cult leader in Kenya has been charged with murder after more than 400 bodies were found buried in shallow graves in a remote forest in the east of the country.

Survivors and victims’ families have said Paul Mackenzie urged followers to fast in order to “go see Jesus”.

He and 29 others pleaded not guilty in a court in the coastal town of Malindi.

Mackenzie has already been charged with committing acts of terror, child cruelty and torture, which he denied.

Police and prosecutors allege that apart from starvation, some victims may have been strangled, suffocated or beaten to death using blunt objects.

The 30 accused have been charged with murdering 191 people.

“I’m still scared of him,” one survivor told the BBC when asked what she would say to Mackenzie if she ever met him.

“I don’t want to ever meet him,” said the 29-year-old mother of four.

Neema – not her real name – had been a follower of the Good News International Church in Malindi until it was closed down in 2019.

When she heard that its leader had moved to Shakahola, the forest about 70km (43 miles) west of the town, together with other members of the church, she followed him there in 2022.

Shakahola is sparsely populated and now under 24-hour police guard. The authorities have declared it a crime scene and access is forbidden.

Initially, the worshippers would travel there and return home. But from late 2022, the followers claim, they were not allowed to leave.

Neema was two months pregnant with her fourth child when she went to the forest for the last time. She said she was held against her will there and women were repeatedly raped by the guards.

“The preaching stopped,” she said. “They said we’re now done with teachings we only wait to meet Jesus.”

At first, those in the forest would be given half a cup of tea and a slice of bread in the morning.

That was it for the day.

But after some time, Neema said they were told there would be no more food or water.

“We’d sneak into the bush and pick wild berries to feed on when the guards took breaks to have their meals,” she added.

They would also scoop water from the ground and drink from their hands.

When it all became unbearable, she plotted with two of her friends to escape. It was not easy to hatch a plan as it was forbidden to chat in groups. They were required to stay silent.

They waited for the guards to take their usual meal break, closed the door to their mud-walled hut, made a hole in the rear wall and ran.

“We were weak,” Neema said.

But the desperation to escape pushed them on.

Luckily, when they got to the main road, they met a motorist who took them to hospital.

Hundreds were not as lucky – including many children.

They were the first group identified for fasting until they “went to sleep”, according to survivors.

Women were to follow them.

Sixty-five-year-old Changawa Mangi is a village elder in Shakahola.

He said he had met Mackenzie when he went to buy land there saying he wanted to farm.

“We welcomed him.”

Over time, the residents started noticing that Mackenzie would host many people.

It was then that they found out that he ran a church, but that did not bother them.

If anything, their presence boosted local businesses as the church’s followers shopped there.

But that suddenly ended. Mackenzie’s followers stopped going to the village shops. Then the early warning signs started appearing.

Mr Mangi said three teenagers went to his house seeking help.

They looked emaciated. So, he fed them.

“For the first three days, one of them had a running stomach, and what came out looked like soil,” Mr Mangi said.

The community leader alerted his superiors in government, but three was a slow reaction.

Young men from the village came up with a plan to storm the area on their motorbikes. But they were met with hostility, repulsed by the guards and had two motorbikes set on fire.

It became clear they could only gain access under police escort.

But word was slowly getting out.

Francis Wanje, a 59-year-old high school teacher from Mombasa, had heard that his daughter and her family may have moved to the forest and went to investigate.

He informed the police but said they did not act right away.

What he saw at Shakahola shocked him.

He was too late to rescue some of his grandchildren, but he found his nine-year-old grandson.

“He told me he saw [his siblings] die, he saw them being starved by their parents and that is a story he will never forget. He will never forget! He knew he would be next but he was lucky he was rescued,” Mr Wanje told the BBC.

The boy’s mother – Mr Wanje’s daughter – and her husband are still missing. He also rescued another child he found there.

Mr Mangi also helped with the rescue efforts.

“Some people were frail – looking like they’d die within hours,” he said.

Some were stronger but refused to be helped. They asked Mr Mangi: “Why are you disturbing us when we want to go see Jesus? Won’t you also die one day?”

When Stephen Mwiti, a 45-year-old father of six, heard about the rescue he thought he might find out what had happened to his children, who his wife had taken to the forest.

He showed a picture of the family to some of those rescued.

They positively identified his children by name and gave him the crushing news. “They said, ‘your children are no more. They were starved to death.'”

They told Mr Mwiti that the children – Jacob, Lillian and Angelina – had been buried in a mass grave with around seven others.

Hellen and Samwel were still alive when the two survivors were rescued but were on the fourth day of fasting so they suspected they would have died by the time they spoke to the distraught father.

A sixth child, who was born in Shakahola, had also died.

Neema, the woman who escaped, said mothers would be urged not to breastfeed their babies so that they would also “go to Jesus”.

The cult preached against modern medicine and urged members not to vaccinate children.

Mackenzie and his alleged associates have been in police custody since last April when he surrendered to the authorities following the discovery of bodies in the forest.

They denied forcing anyone to starve. At one point, Mackenzie complained to the court that police had denied him food while he was being held.

A BBC analysis of Mackenzie’s sermons on video do not show him directly ordering people to fast, but there are many references to followers sacrificing what they hold dear, including their lives.

But when it comes to the more than 400 bodies in the morgue only 39 have been matched with families through DNA testing.

Other relatives are still enduring an agonising wait

As for justice, “it can’t bring back my family”, said Mr Mwiti.

 

Source : BBC

Foreign

Spanish farmers take to the roads, joining wave of protests in Europe.

Leave a comment

Farmers in Spain have joined their European counterparts in staging protests across the country.

Like farmers elsewhere, they demand more flexibility from the European Union, tighter controls on the produce of non-EU countries and more help from their government.

In several regions, they blocked roads and caused severe disruption to motorists.

A large demonstration in central Madrid is planned for later this month.

On Tuesday, farmers took to the streets of agricultural areas in Spain’s northern interior, driving tractors in convoys, beeping horns, waving Spanish flags and brandishing placards.

They also protested in the north-eastern region of Catalonia, the southern region of Andalusia and Extremadura in the west.

Spain’s farmers have similar grievances to their counterparts in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and other countries that have been protesting recently.

They say that regulations which form part of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), along with high fuel and energy costs, make it difficult for them to make a profit.

“The costs, when it comes to producing wheat and barley, are very high,” said Esteban, a cereal farmer who preferred not to give his surname who was protesting in Aranda de Duero. “You’ve got to pay for fertiliser, pesticides, fuel – it’s killing us. We have to pay very high prices and yet we sell at low prices.”

Protesting French farmers accused Spanish producers of undercutting them by not fully observing EU rules. Last week, French former minister Ségolène Royal triggered controversy by claiming that Spanish organic tomatoes were “false organic”. Amid an angry backlash from the Spanish food and farming industry, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez invited Ms Royal to try a Spanish tomato.

However, Spain’s agricultural sector in turn levels similar criticism at non-EU countries, such as its southern neighbour, Morocco, which it claims is not subject to the same environmental and sanitary regulations as European producers, allowing it to sell cheaper produce.

“We have to undergo a lot of controls, a lot of sanitary regulations which products from [non-EU countries] are not subject to,” said Estrella Pérez, who farms livestock and cereal.

“We just want a future for farming and right now, we don’t see it.”

The plight of Spanish farmers has been compounded by drought. Many areas of the country have not seen normal levels of rain in recent months which is affecting harvests. Spain is the world’s biggest olive oil producer, but prices have been pushed up by low production. Last week, Catalonia declared a state of emergency due to a three-year drought, the longest on record.

Elsewhere, Italian farmers have been gathering from north to south for a week, also protesting against EU regulations and red tape. They are planning to converge on Rome at the end of this week.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has backed them, saying that the EU’s Green Deal will hit farmers’ lives disproportionately. But farmers are also concerned about government plans to end tax subsidies for the agricultural sector.

On Tuesday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced she wants to withdraw a plan to slash the use of pesticides, describing it as “a symbol of polarisation”.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo welcomed the announcement, saying it was “crucial we keep our farmers on board to a more sustainable future of farming, as part of our determination to get the Green Deal done”.

 

Source : BBC

Africa

Senegal parliament delays election until December.

Leave a comment

Senegal’s parliament voted Monday to delay the West African nation’s presidential election until Dec. 15 in a chaotic voting process that took place after opposition lawmakers were forcefully removed from the chambers as they debated President Macky Sall’s earlier decision to delay the crucial election.

Security forces stormed the legislative building and forcefully removed several opposition lawmakers who were trying to block the voting process on the unprecedented delay of the presidential election initially scheduled for Feb. 25. The adopted bill extends Sall’s tenure — which was due to end on April 2 — until a new election.

Authorities on Monday restricted mobile internet access amid growing protests by opposition supporters against the delay.

On Monday, two opposition parties filed a court petition challenging the election delay. It was not clear what would become of their request for Senegal’s Constitutional Council to direct “the continuation of the electoral process.”

Analysts say the crisis in Senegal is putting one of Africa’s most stable democracies to the test at a time when the region is struggling with a recent surge in coups.

Sall — who in July said he would not seek a third term in office — had cited an electoral dispute between the parliament and the judiciary regarding the candidacies as reason for the postponement but opposition leaders and candidates rejected the move, calling it a “coup.”

The African Union urged the government to organize the election “as soon as possible” and called on everyone involved “to resolve any political dispute through consultation, understanding and civilized dialogue.”

“We will not accept a constitutional coup in this country. It is up to the people to come out and liberate themselves,” said Guy Marius Sagna, an activist and opposition lawmaker, who was among the protesters.

The private Walf television network, whose signal was cut off as they broadcast the protests on Sunday, said their broadcasting license has been revoked.

The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy said mobile internet services were cut Monday “due to the dissemination of several hateful and subversive messages relayed on social networks in the context of threats and disturbances to public order.”

“The government’s abrupt shutdown of internet access via mobile data and Walf TV’s broadcasting … constitutes a blatant assault on the right to freedom of expression and press rights protected by Senegal’s constitution,” Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa said in a statement.

Sall had said the dispute between the judiciary and parliament over the disqualification of some candidates and the reported dual-nationality of some qualified candidates has resulted in a “sufficiently serious and confusing situation.”

Political tensions have run high in Senegal for at least a year. Authorities also cut internet access from cellphones in June 2023 when supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko clashed with security forces. Sonko is one of two opposition leaders whom election authorities disqualified from the final list of presidential candidates this month.

Sall’s decision to postpone the election “reflects a sharp democratic decline” in Senegal, said Mucahid Durmaz, a senior analyst at global risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft.

“The growing democracy deficit not only threatens to tarnish Senegal’s reputation as a beacon of democratic stability in the region but also emboldens anti-democratic practices in West Africa,” said Durmaz.

 

Source :Africanews

Lifestyle

Alcohol shortage hits Tanzania’s spice islands.

Leave a comment

The spice islands of Zanzibar are facing a shortage of alcohol which threatens the tourism sector of one of Africa’s top travel destinations. 

Tourism generates about 90% of the Tanzanian archipelago’s foreign revenue. 

Prices of beer have shot up by almost 100% after the supply chain was disrupted by a sudden change of importers. 

The islands’ tourism minister resigned recently citing poor work conditions.

However, some have linked his resignation to the issues with alcohol supplies.

Known for their stunning sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage, the Indian Ocean islands are popular with tourists from around the world. 

Last year, Zanzibar was ranked among the 10 best travel destinations in Africa by several tour magazines. 

But hoteliers now warn that the problems over alcohol supply might make the island lose its tourism shine.

Several tourist hotels along the Matemwa beaches in the north of Zanzibar’s main island are only serving soft drinks and people in that area say they have to go to the main city, Stone Town, for alcohol. 

Mr Mshenga’s business selling beer and sea food has been badly hit.

“We are running short of beer at my bar, and I just have a stock of soft drinks,” he told the BBC. “The government has to take action. It is the high season now, it is very hot and these tourists need joy, they need cold beer on these beaches.” 

An American tourist, who did not want to be named, said: “I love Zanzibar and its beaches. The people are amazing and only challenge I feel now is I can’t get hard liquor. I want to have spirits or even whisky but nothing is found in the hotel – they instead advised me to order it from Stone Town.” 

The local manufacture of alcohol is banned in Zanzibar, whose population is largely Muslim.

Most of the alcohol sold on the islands comes from mainland Tanzania, while some is imported from South Africa. 

The initial shortage early this year began when the Zanzibar Liquor Control Board (ZLCB) delayed renewed permits for the three established importers – One Stop, Scotch Store, and ZMMI. 

It is not clear why the licences of the three firms, which had supplied alcohol to the island for more than two decades, were not renewed. 

For alcohol importers to get licensed, they must be Zanzibari-born residents with a clean tax record, a warehouse, and a delivery vehicle.

Additionally, importers must also pay a $12,000 (£10,000) annual fee to the regulatory board. 

Last month, ZLCB granted licences to three new companies – Kifaru, Bevko and Zanzi Imports – but hoteliers say they are still struggling to meet the demand.

The new firms are reportedly entangled in a lengthy vetting process amid reports that some non-Zanzibaris are involved in the operations of the companies in contravention of the law.

The situation has been complicated further after the three previous licence holders filed appeals, asking the government to renew their liquor import permits. 

Zanzibar’s liquor stores are struggling to keep shelves stocked.

“There is an alcohol shortage in Zanzibar and we’ve already informed authorities about the tourism sector’s situation,” Rahim Mbarouk, chairman of the Zanzibar Tourism Investment Association, told the BBC. 

The price of beer has gone up from 2,500 shillings ($1; £0.80) to 5,000 shillings, according to Neema Meena, a frequent traveller to Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania. 

Some popular alcohol brands, like Safari, are said to be completely unavailable. 

“This shortage hits hard,” Frank John Kahamu, secretary at the Amani Alcohol Merchants Union, told privately-owned The Citizen website. 

Mr Kahamu said more than 3,000 workers could lose their jobs if the situation continued. 

“We can’t keep paying wages with empty shelves.”

ZLCB chairperson Juma Chum declined to respond when the BBC reached out for comment. 

But Issa Mahfoudh Haji, a senior official in the Ministry of State responsible for the ZLCB, told state media: “We have heard about the complaints and we need to find details about the controversy.”

Simai Mohammed Said resigned as tourism minister last week, citing “unfavourable and disruptive working conditions”.

His resignation has been linked to a recent press conference where he publicly accused the ZLCB of mismanaging the liquor industry. 

“If we fail to plan, including having enough stock of alcoholic beverages, we frustrate our visitors,” he said, according to state media.

But while swearing in the new tourism minister on Thursday, Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi suggested Mr Said had a conflict of interest. 

Reports link one of Mr Said’s relatives to one company whose licence was not renewed.

“If you have a bar, and you find out authorities have not given access to alcohol to your bar, then be transparent and tell the public that there is conflict of interest,” President Mwinyi said, referring to Mr Said.

The BBC has approached Mr Said for comment. 

The crisis comes amid soaring tourist arrivals in the semi-autonomous Tanzanian islands. 

They witnessed a 16% surge in international visitors last year, welcoming a record more than 630,000 tourists, according to the annual tourism report. 

The tourist upsurge was due to significant increases of arrivals from India and Russia, the report said.

Source : BBC

Sports

Manchester City came from a goal down to beat Brentford and move second of Epl table .

Leave a comment

Manchester City moved menacingly into second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool, as Phil Foden’s hat-trick was the catalyst for a convincing win at Brentford.

The hosts actually took the lead through Neal Maupay’s breakaway goal in the 21st minute, but it took a heroic performance from Bees keeper Mark Flekken to keep the reigning champions at bay with a string of stunning saves until Foden struck in first-half stoppage time.

Foden’s goal gave City the added momentum they needed and he grabbed his second eight minutes after the break when he stole in behind Brentford’s defence to glance Kevin de Bruyne’s cross beyond the exposed Flekken.

Brentford, despite being dominated, had fleeting chances to level, especially when Ivan Toney volleyed over from close range, but City were vastly superior and wrapped up the win 20 minutes from time when Foden took Erling Haaland’s pass in his stride to steer the ball past Flekken.

Manchester City may have taken until the closing moments of the first half to finally beat the outstanding Flekken, but it was no more than they deserved for peppering the Brentford goal with shots before making the breakthrough.

With Haaland still working his way back from a foot injury and not quite his usual deadly self, Foden assumed the goalscoring responsibilities with the second senior hat-trick of his career, after scoring three in the 6-3 derby win over Manchester United in October 2022.

And this was an ominous City performance, not only as they close in on top spot but also with the sight of world-class duo Haaland and De Bruyne starting a game together for the first time since the opening night of the league season at Burnley back in August.

This is traditionally the time of year when City hit top form and the statistics are starting to hint at another charge, with this their seventh successive win since claiming the Club World Cup with victory over Fluminense in late December.

City can go now top with victory over Everton at Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime as their presence starts to loom even larger over the Premier League title race.

Brentford offered their usual mix of energy and defiance but were ultimately no match for Manchester City.

There is certainly no shame in that for Thomas Frank’s team, and until the dying seconds of the first half, when Ethan Pinnock’s misdirected header found Foden, Brentford were harbouring hopes of an unlikely victory thanks to Maupay’s calm finish after collecting a long goal-kick from Flekken.

And this was thanks, above all, to a virtuoso performance from Flekken, who was magnificent as City rained in 17 shots, 10 on target, in that first 45 minutes alone.

Flekken saved twice from Julian Alvarez, blocked Haaland with his feet and also kept out Kyle Walker, Josko Gvardiol, De Bruyne and Foden before the latter finally pierced the barrier.

There was only one winner after that but there were pluses for Brentford, including a goal in a fifth successive game for striker Maupay, who continues his rebirth after a desperate struggle at Everton where he scored only one goal in 32 appearances, including 14 starts.

In the end however, City – and Foden in particular – were just too good.

Source :BBC

Crime, Sports

Footballer Dani Alves’s rape trial begins in Spain.

Leave a comment

Former Barcelona and Brazil football player Dani Alves has gone on trial in Spain accused of raping a woman in a nightclub. 

The 40-year-old has been in prison without bail for more than a year since the alleged incident took place in December 2022. 

Mr Alves could face up 12 years in prison if found guilty.

He first denied having met his accuser, but later said they had had consensual sex. His trial ends on Wednesday. 

More than 30 people, including Dani Alves and his estranged wife, are expected to testify.

The Barcelona court on Monday denied his request to suspend the trial so that he could be given more time to prepare – rejecting his claim that he had suffered a trial by media. 

Mr Alves’s accuser was among those to give evidence on the first day of the trial – speaking from behind a screen to protect her identity. 

She alleges he lured her into a toilet in the VIP section of a nightclub in Barcelona, and then forced her to have sex with him.

The woman’s cousin and a friend, who were both with her on the night of the alleged assault, also testified on Monday. They said that Mr Alves had groped and flirted with them earlier in the evening. 

They also said the woman had initially been unwilling to make a complaint because she feared she would not be believed. 

In Spain, a claim of rape is investigated under the general accusation of sexual assault, and convictions can lead to prison sentences of four to 15 years.

The public prosecutor in the case is seeking a nine-year jail term for Mr Alves, and for him to pay damages of €150,000 (£128,000) to the woman. 

His mother, Lucia Alves – who was at the court on Monday alongside her son – could face prosecution herself after she named her son’s accuser in a social media post before the trial.

That was after a court had ruled that the woman could not be identified for her protection. 

Mr Alves was formally charged in August and a court later decided that there was enough evidence to send him to trial.

Repeated requests for him to be released on bail have been denied because the courts considered the Brazilian national a flight risk. 

Dani Alves is one of the most decorated footballers in history and has played for a host of top clubs including Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain. 

He made more than 400 appearances for Barcelona, winning six league titles and three Champions Leagues across two spells, and was also part of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.

His most recent club, Mexican side Pumas UNAM, terminated the Brazilian’s contract with immediate effect in January 2023.

Source :BBC