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Record-Breaking Refugee Team Set for 2024 Paris Olympics including Africans: A Beacon of Hope Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire May 5, 2024 ​ The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has proudly announced the selection of its largest ever Refugee Olympic Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This groundbreaking team is composed of 36 athletes from 11 countries who will participate in 12 sports, representing a poignant message of hope and inclusion to the world’s 100 million displaced individuals. The athletes, originating from diverse nations including several African countries, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Cuba, were chosen based on their sporting performance, refugee status in host nations, and a balanced representation of sports and gender. The 2024 team, which includes 23 men and 13 women from three continents, is set to compete under its own emblem featuring a heart, symbolizing the core Olympic values of unity and peace. IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the emotional and symbolic significance of the team, noting that it serves as a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of the global refugee crisis. The participation of the Refugee Team, which has grown from its inception in the 2016 Rio Olympics, aims to draw attention to the plight of displaced persons and foster a spirit of global solidarity. As the Paris Olympics draw near, the presence of the Refugee Olympic Team will not only showcase athletic excellence but also champion the cause of refugees worldwide, echoing the resilience and courage of those forced to flee their homes. The team’s journey from past Olympics in Rio and Tokyo to Paris represents a continuing commitment by the IOC to support displaced athletes and use sport as a bridge to overcome adversity. This participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics underlines the profound impact of sports in uniting people, promoting peace, and inspiring hope across the globe. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

The Xtra Historic Moment: From Nightlife Enthusiast to Total Football Legend Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Jul 4, 2024 Every day, XtrAfrica highlights a memorable football journey. Today’s spotlight is on Ruud Krol, whose transformation from a nightlife enthusiast to a pivotal figure in Rinus Michels' legendary 'Total Football' . Credit:FIFA Ruud Krol, a key figure in the legendary Dutch "Total Football" team of the 1970s, has a fascinating story that transcends his on-field brilliance. Known initially for his nightlife escapades, Krol's journey to becoming a disciplined and inspiring leader under the guidance of Rinus Michels is both intriguing and motivational. In this interview, Krol shares his experiences, insights, and reflections on his career, the Dutch national team, and the enduring legacy of Total Football . God gave us two ears and one mouth,” you once warned Pim van Dord. How did that transition happen? “Rinus Michels found it amusing. The ungovernable partygoer had become an inspiring preacher.” Tell us about your nightlife during your early days with Ajax. "The night before games, while my teammates were in bed, I would be out in Amsterdam’s trendiest nightspots, dressed in silk shirts, double-breasted jackets, and velvet pants. Eventually, Michels' patience ran out. One evening, he sent a staff member to retrieve me from a discotheque. The encounter resulted in a classic Krol response: ‘Would your wife like to dance?’ Everyone laughed, but Michels didn't find it funny. Despite this, he knew my potential and saw I could be central to the team’s success.” How did your playing style contribute to the team? “My primary position was on the left side of the defense, but I often ventured into midfield, the wing, and even the opposition’s box. I would slalom past opponents like Ingemar Stenmark and deliver precise long passes like Roger Staubach. My powerful shots even left Johan Cruyff awestruck. Michels’ patience paid off as I eventually settled down, got married, and focused more on my game. My partnership with Wim Suurbier, nicknamed ‘Snabbel and Babbel,’ became legendary.” You were quite superstitious and wore the No. 5 shirt for Ajax. How did you feel about wearing No. 12 at the 1974 World Cup, and how did Johan Cruyff get his preferred No. 14? “It was our first World Cup since 1938. We didn’t know how it worked. They did it alphabetically, and I ended up with No. 12. I wanted No. 5, the shirt I wore for Ajax and made my Netherlands debut in. By 1978, I knew how it worked and made sure I got No. 5 in Argentina. Cruyff, as the captain, found out about the alphabetical order and secured No. 14.” Was there ever any tension between Ajax and Feyenoord players on international duty? “No, never. When we played against each other, yes, but on the national team, there was no tension. Under Fadrhonc and Michels, there was always respect between us and for our top coaches.” How did you handle the pressure going into the 1974 World Cup? “We felt no pressure because the World Cup was new to us. We hadn’t been since 1938. Our pre-tournament performances weren't great, but when Michels joined us permanently, things improved. A 4-1 friendly win over Argentina boosted our confidence significantly.” What do you remember about Johan Cruyff's famous turn against Sweden? “There was a huge reaction, but for us, it was normal. We’d seen him do it before, but it was the first time on a big international stage.” How did it feel to score your first World Cup goal against Argentina? “That wasn’t my first World Cup goal. My first was an own-goal against Bulgaria! (laughs) The tension was high, but it was ‘our’ weather, which I think gave us an advantage.” Brazil were the defending champions. What was the mindset going into that game? “We loved Brazilian football. Playing against the world champions was like a final. It was a tough game, but we were motivated and won, though it could have gone either way.” What are your thoughts on the final against Germany? “We were a better team than Germany, but in football, a weaker team can win. We were unlucky with the penalty decision in the first half and Maier’s inspired form in the second.” Is it true some Ajax players tried to recruit West German Horst Blankenburg? “That was just newspaper talk. We had good central defenders. Our only issue was left-back, which is why Michels put me there.” The Dutch team kept five clean sheets in seven matches in 1974. Do you think the team’s defensive ability is underrated? “Yes, we were very strong defensively, thanks to Michels. His philosophy was that if you could attack, you could defend, and vice versa.” What was the reception like when you returned to the Netherlands after the World Cup? “The reception was amazing. We weren’t world champions, but the reception was truly exceptional, something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” What do you think about playing every minute possible at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups? “It’s a fantastic statistic, but I’d prefer to have played less and won a gold medal! (laughs) But it’s exceptional.” Do you consider yourself among the top long-range passers in football history? “Yes, especially considering the heavier ball back then. Cruyff always encouraged me, and Michels had me practice a lot.” What do you think of Michels as a coach? “He was brilliant. He took our football to the highest level, always pushing us to move the ball forward and work hard in training.” What are your thoughts on Johan Cruyff as a player? “Extraordinary. He was Michels’ right-hand man on the field, with unbelievable skills and intelligence. He ranks up there with Pele and Maradona.” What do you think of the legacy of ‘Total Football’? “‘Total Football’ was revolutionary. Everyone talks about it even now. It’s a testament to Michels’ philosophy and the team’s execution.” Where do you think the Dutch side of the 1970s ranks among the greatest teams in international football history? “I think we were the greatest of the 1970s. We were unlucky, but we were definitely the best team of that era.” Ruud Krol's journey from a nightlife enthusiast to a pivotal figure in the "Total Football" revolution is a testament to his talent and the visionary guidance of Rinus Michels. Krol's reflections provide a unique insight into one of football's most celebrated eras, highlighting the discipline, skill, and teamwork that defined the Dutch national team of the 1970s. His story continues to inspire and captivate football fans around the world. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Rwanda's National Carrier Declines UK Proposal for Migrant Removal Flights, Citing Brand Concerns Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Apr 11, 2024 ​ Rwanda air staff In a move highlighting the complexities of international asylum agreements, RwandAir, the national airline of Rwanda, has rejected an offer from the United Kingdom to conduct flights aimed at removing migrants under a new asylum deal. This decision was made amidst apprehensions that participating in such an operation might tarnish the airline's reputation. Despite this setback, the refusal by the airline, a state-owned entity of Rwanda, has not hindered the progression of the UK's asylum strategy. The UK government's approach involves a comprehensive plan to manage irregular migration, with the anticipated "Safety of Rwanda Bill" playing a central role. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed confidence in the bill's ability to address legal challenges and facilitate the commencement of removal flights. Expected to receive final endorsement shortly, this legislation paves the way for a collaborative framework involving multiple operators for the execution of removal flights. In an unexpected twist, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) emerges as a pivotal participant in the asylum program. This partnership raises the possibility of utilizing military aircraft for deportations if commercial agreements falter. The Home Office, maintaining confidentiality regarding specific partnerships, acknowledges the MoD's significant role in the logistical aspects of migrant removals. The decision by RwandAir underscores the sensitivities and potential repercussions for carriers involved in such operations. Previous instances, such as the withdrawal of Mallorca-based Privilege Style from a similar agreement due to activist pressure, illustrate the challenges faced by airlines in balancing business operations with socio-political considerations. With the first removal flights to Rwanda anticipated in the coming months, the UK government may have to rely on its military resources as a contingency plan. This development emphasizes the multifaceted nature of implementing asylum policies, involving not just legal and political dimensions, but also the engagement of various stakeholders, including commercial and military aviation sectors. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Itamar Einhorn wins Stage 2 and leads Tour du Rwanda 2024 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Feb 19, 2024 ​ Itamar Einhorn celebrating after winning Stage 2 and taking yellow jersey in Kibeho Stage 2 of Tour du Rwanda 2024 saw Itamar Einhorn, the Israeli cyclist from Israel Premier Tech, claim the yellow jersey after a thrilling sprint finish in Kibeho on Monday, February 19. He beat William Junior Lecerf and Pepijn Reinderink of Soudal Quick-Step, and Javier Serrano Rodriguez of Team Polti Kometa, to win the stage that covered 129.4 km in three hours, 17 minutes and 31 seconds. Itamar became the first Israeli to win a stage in Tour du Rwanda, and he is also the reigning Israel National Road champion. Merhawi Kudus of Team Eritrea, who is aiming for his second Tour du Rwanda title after winning in 2019, finished among the top 10. Stay tuned for more updates. Media provided by [ MSN ] More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

The alleged Opposition candidate Frank Habineza Concedes Defeat in Rwandan Elections Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 19, 2024 Frank Habineza, opposition leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda Kigali, Rwanda - Frank Habineza, the opposition leader and presidential candidate of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), has gracefully conceded defeat following the election held on Monday, July 15. Habineza expressed deep gratitude to the voters who supported him. Incumbent President Paul Kagame secured a landslide victory, receiving 99% of the total votes, which amounted to over seven million ballots. Habineza garnered 38,301 votes, placing him a distant second, followed by Phillipe Mpayimana with 22,753 votes, according to preliminary reports. "Dear Rwandans, I deeply appreciate all those who voted for me as president and for voting for the Democratic Green Party in the Rwandan Parliament. We will continue to strive for the betterment of our country and participatory democracy," said Habineza in his concession speech. This was his second bid for the presidency, having previously run in 2017, also losing to Kagame. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has indicated that the final election results will be officially announced no later than July 27, with 21.06% of the ballots yet to be counted. Public Reaction and Future Prospects Following his concession, Frank Habineza has received widespread praise from Rwandans for his sportsmanship and commitment to the democratic process. Many have encouraged him to continue contributing his ideas for the country's benefit. His decision not to contest the election process has also been commended, highlighting his respect for the democratic system and his dedication to Rwanda's progress. Observers have noted that the overwhelming victory of President Kagame was expected, given his long-standing influence and the exclusion of several credible opposition candidates from the electoral process. This exclusion has been a point of contention , with critics arguing that it contributed to the unbalanced outcome of the election. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

President Akufo-Addo Lauds IMF Support Amid Positive Shifts Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 18, 2024 ​ IMF boss to meet Akufo-Addo Ghana's partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), initiated in July 2022, has borne fruit, marking a significant turnaround in the nation's economic fortunes. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in discussions with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, highlighted the positive outcomes of this collaboration, including a steady decline in inflation, reduced interest rates, and a stable currency. These indicators not only reflect the current state of economic stability but also lay a strong foundation for sustained growth and prosperity. The collaboration is anchored in a three-year plan under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), totaling approximately US$3 billion, aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, achieving debt sustainability, and fostering an inclusive economic recovery. The plan encompasses fiscal consolidation, inflation control, and the implementation of structural reforms to enhance the economy's resilience to external shocks and internal vulnerabilities. President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to the agreed reforms, stressing the importance of steady progress towards the overarching goal of rapid development and prosperity for its citizens. He praised the IMF for its understanding and support, emphasizing Ghana's unique journey as a trailblazer in Africa's post-colonial development narrative. Meanwhile, Georgieva commended the Ghanaian government for its swift progress in debt restructuring, reflecting the productive nature of the Ghana-IMF partnership. In a related event highlighting Ghana's forward-looking stance, the country hosted an AI conference in collaboration with the IMF, themed "AI as a Catalyst to Transform Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa." This gathering underscores Ghana's commitment to leveraging technological innovations to drive economic transformation, showcasing its role as a model for resilience and innovation in the region. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Uganda Refinery Project: Clarifications on previous misleading claims Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 30, 2024 ​ Museveni orders renewal of refinery project Understanding the Real Progress and Challenges Ahead In a recent unfolding surrounding the Uganda Refinery Project, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has stepped forward to address and correct certain inaccuracies reported in an article by the New Vision Newspaper on March 28th, 2024. The article, titled "MUSEVENI ORDERS RENEWAL OF REFINERY CONTRACT," suggested that the Albertine Graben Energy Consortium (AGEC) had successfully met all the required milestones as per the Project Framework Agreement (PFA) and was moving towards the Final Investment Decision (FID) with confidence. However, the Ministry wishes to shed light on the actual situation, stating that AGEC did not meet several crucial deliverables within the stipulated deadlines, leading to the termination of the agreement on June 30th, 2023. This development underscores the complexities and stringent requirements involved in such a significant national project. Key Areas of Concern: Financial Commitments: AGEC did not secure commitment letters from lenders for the full amount of required debt before reaching the FID. Equity Investment: There were no signed commitment letters from equity investors, raising concerns about the financial robustness of the project. Environmental and Social Oversight: The crucial Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) remains incomplete, delaying further project milestones. Project Pricing and Viability: The absence of a submitted lump sum turnkey price for the project and the execution of a Commercial Viability Assessment (CVA) are significant red flags. Advisory and Procurement: The procurement of a qualified financial advisor and other procedural requirements were not met, indicating gaps in project management and oversight. Moving Forward: The Ministry encourages AGEC to engage with the new investor group to explore possible participation under a new arrangement . This approach aims to inject fresh momentum into the project, ensuring that it aligns with Uganda's energy sector goals and provides tangible benefits to the Ugandan people. The Uganda Refinery Project is a cornerstone of the nation's energy infrastructure development strategy. While challenges remain, the government's commitment to transparency, due diligence, and strategic partnerships is unwavering. Stakeholders are urged to rely on official communications for accurate updates and to support the collaborative effort towards energy self-sufficiency. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Asylum Seekers in UK Fear Attending Home Office Meetings Amid Rwanda Deportation Threats Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 15, 2024 ​ Nura says that each time she goes to sign in she's terrified of being detained for Rwanda deportation Asylum seekers in the UK are increasingly fearful of attending Home Office meetings due to the threat of deportation to Rwanda. After speaking to several individuals who now dread these routine appointments, with some even contemplating skipping them altogether. Kidus, a 30-year-old from Eritrea, arrived in the UK in June 2022 on a small boat with about two dozen other people. Despite government plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda being announced at that time , he never believed it would happen to him. Recently, however, he received a letter indicating he was being considered for removal, making the threat feel real. Kidus recounts that before leaving France, people smugglers assured him the policy wouldn't affect him. But his fears were heightened when a friend, also from Eritrea and who traveled on the same boat, was detained during a routine Home Office appointment in Liverpool. "If I didn't go there, I know they'll drop my case," he tells us, concerned his asylum application will be cancelled. "But if I go I know they will detain me. So, I'm just confused what I'm going to do." A document from Home Office officials reveals that only 2,143 of the 5,700 asylum seekers Rwanda has agreed to accept regularly attend check-ins and can be located for detention. If individuals like Kidus stop attending, they will join the 3,557 migrants currently missing. Kidus lives in a shared house paid for by the Home Office, making it difficult for him to disappear and increasing his fear of being detained at any time. This constant fear has disrupted his life, causing him to stop attending college and always carry the phone numbers of legal firms. "I'm always just frightened here. So, they might come at night or day and I'm always thinking that they'll come and they'll take me to detention. I'm not feeling safe here," he says. Kidus's friend, Nahom, 26, is currently held in a detention center near London, along with about 40 other asylum seekers who have been told they will be sent to Rwanda. Nahom describes the center as a nightmare and feels increasingly desperate about his situation. "It's like a nightmare, it's like a prison and I don't like it here. I'm really stressed and panicked about the situation," Nahom tells us from the site almost 100 miles away. "They can send my body, but not me alive," he says. "I'm just giving up." In west London, Nura, a woman in her 20s, has decided to continue attending her Home Office meetings despite the risks. She fears being kicked out of her taxpayer-funded hotel if she misses these appointments. The stories of Kidus, Nahom, and Nura highlight the growing fear and uncertainty among asylum seekers in the UK as they face the possibility of deportation to Rwanda. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

US Family Baffled by Son's Link to Failed Congolese Coup; seek release Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 7, 2024 Rebecca Higbee the mother of Tyler Thompson, points to her son and his friend Marcel during his 21st birthday with his family on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in West Jordan, Utah. Utah resident Tyler Thompson, 21, has been detained in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a failed coup attempt last month. His family says they have "zero idea" how he became involved. Thompson, on his first international trip with friend Marcel Malanga, was caught in the aftermath of a coup led by Marcel's father, Christian Malanga, a former DRC politician. The coup attempt on May 19 resulted in the occupation of the Palais de la Nation by heavily armed men. Fifty suspects, including three Americans, were detained . Six people, including Christian Malanga, were killed during the incident. Videos show Thompson being assaulted by Congolese security forces. His family has not heard from him since, and US consular officials have been denied access. Thompson's stepmother, Miranda Thompson, expressed disbelief and concern for his health, describing him as "incredibly kind and generous" and unlikely to participate in a coup willingly. The family has launched a campaign urging public pressure on US officials to secure Thompson's release. The US State Department confirmed it has requested access to detained US citizens but has not yet received it. "We just want to know that he's OK and healthy," said Miranda Thompson. "Any parent would want that." More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

NGO Files Complaint and Seeks Investigation into Deaths of French Personnel During Rwanda Genocide Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Apr 10, 2024 ​ Current Rwandan President Paul kagame on left and late President Juvenal Habyarimana Three decades since the harrowing Rwanda genocide that claimed over 800,000 lives, new efforts are underway to shed light on the unsolved deaths of two French officers and a civilian during the initial days of the 1994 crisis. Survie, a French NGO committed to fostering improved Franco-African relations, alongside family members of the deceased, has officially filed a complaint demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities of military police personnel Rene Maier, Alain Didot, and Didot's spouse, Gilda, in Kigali, Rwanda's capital. This legal move by Survie aims to unravel the intricacies and assign accountability for the tragic demise of the two gendarmes and a gendarme's wife under enigmatic conditions. The subsequent downing of Habyarimana's aircraft above Kigali was the catalyst for the ensuing mass slaughter, primarily of Tutsis and moderate Hutus, from April to July 1994. Exactly three decades on, "this complaint aims to establish responsibilities in the death of two French gendarmes and the wife of one of them in Kigali [...] in circumstances that remain mysterious," Survie said in a statement . It claimed a French intelligence note that year suggested; "The three French nationals could have been eliminated after they were witnesses" of the 6 April, 1994 assassination of Hutu president Juvenal Habyarimana. The grim sequence of events saw the Didot couple's lives claimed just two days post-Habyarimana's assassination, on April 8, 1994. Alain Didot, who served as a radio technician, had been stationed in Rwanda since 1992 to offer counsel to the Rwandan army and enhance the security of the French embassy's communications systems. Through this complaint, Survie and the grieving families seek not only justice but also clarity on the roles and experiences of French nationals in the tragic unfolding of the Rwanda genocide. The case reopens critical discussions about international involvement and the shadows cast by unresolved deaths amidst one of the 20th century's darkest chapters. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

International Women's Day, 2024 - Kenya appears in the Misogynistic Minority Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 8, 2024 ​ women attending women's daay Celebration in East Africa In a world where strides toward gender equality are increasingly recognized and supported, a concerning minority still harbors misogynistic views that threaten the progress made in empowering women and girls. Despite national surveys revealing overwhelming majorities in favor of gender equality across the globe, from over 90% support in nations like Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, to around 55% in countries such as Kenya, Russia, and South Korea, this minority remains a significant barrier. This group, often viewing women as lesser than men, not only denies women autonomy over their lives and bodies but also seeks to limit their political, social, and economic freedoms. The behavior of such individuals ranges from ridicule and intimidation to outright physical abuse, undermining the fundamental principles of gender equality enshrined in pivotal international documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Misogynists' dismissal of gender equality laws and policies, which form a core part of many regional treaties and national frameworks, poses a challenge to achieving a world where women have equal rights and opportunities. Addressing this issue requires not only legal and policy reforms but also a cultural shift to dismantle deeply ingrained misogynistic attitudes. The fight for gender equality traces its roots back to centuries of women's oppression under male-dominated structures through laws, physical force, and societal norms. Historically, women were largely confined to roles within the household, reliant on fathers and husbands for decisions, and often married off at young ages with limited personal freedom. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Iranian Asylum Seeker in UK Faces Deportation to Rwanda, Shares Harrowing Journey and Fears Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 8, 2024 ​ In December 2022, Roozbeh, a 34-year-old civil engineer from Iran, sought refuge in the United Kingdom after converting from Islam to Christianity—a decision that put his life at risk under his home country's regime. However, instead of finding permanent sanctuary, he received a notice of intent to deport him to Rwanda, sparking new fears of detention and possible extradition back to Iran. Roozbeh's escape from Iran was fraught with peril. After crossing into Turkey, he was clandestinely transported across multiple borders, crammed into lorries where the distinction between day and night blurred during his three-week journey to France. The smugglers, communicating in English, Turkish, and Kurdish, coerced the group to wade deep into the sea and board water-logged dinghies under the guise of reaching a "safe country." Upon arrival in the UK, Roozbeh was rescued by a Border Force boat, a moment of profound relief marked by the simple provision of hats and gloves that mitigated the biting cold. Initially processed and sent to Liverpool, he found a semblance of peace and community support, volunteering with local charities where even the English staff expressed anxiety over the UK's deportation policies to Rwanda. Unfamiliar with Rwanda and disconnected from global news for years, Roozbeh was shocked to learn that it could be his next destination. His research revealed troubling diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Iran, intensifying his fears of being sent back to the very dangers he had fled. This looming threat disrupts the safety he has experienced in the UK, where local friends have even offered him places to hide. Roozbeh is now caught in a haunting limbo, required to report bi-weekly as he awaits an asylum interview that has yet to be scheduled. His story underscores the paradox faced by many asylum seekers in the UK: rescued from perilous journeys only to face the prospect of deportation to countries where their safety cannot be assured. Despite the UK's attempt to use Rwanda as a deterrent for dangerous crossings , for Roozbeh and many like him, the risk of staying put in their home countries is often far worse than the treacherous paths they embark on in search of safety. This policy, he argues, only delays the death they tried so desperately to escape. In Roozbeh's words, "Why did you not just leave us to die in the Channel if your plan was to send us to Rwanda? By sending us there you are just delaying that death." His plea highlights a desperate hope for a chance to live freely, away from the nightmares that now follow him into his waking hours. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024