Angola’s Richest Woman, Isabel dos Santos, Loses High Court Battle Over Frozen Assets

Angola's Richest Woman, Isabel Dos Santos, Loses High Court Battle Over Frozen Assets

Isabel dos Santos, an Angolan billionaire who has been widely regarded as Africa’s wealthiest woman, has suffered a legal setback in the High Court as her attempt to prevent the freezing of her assets has been unsuccessful.

Dos Santos, the daughter of a former Angolan president, is facing a lawsuit from telecoms company Unitel, which is seeking damages amounting to $733 million (£580 million) related to financial decisions she made while serving as a director of the firm.

The case against Dos Santos has been marred by allegations of corruption and exploitation of resources during her involvement with major Angolan companies. Leaked documents obtained by the BBC have implicated her in accumulating her fortune through illicit means.

Dos Santos has vehemently denied the allegations, attributing them to a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by the current Angolan government. She has dismissed the claims as baseless and insisted that they were founded on fabricated documents and false information.

Unitel, in its claim against Dos Santos, focuses on loans granted in 2012 and 2013 totalling around $400 million to a company called Unitel International Holdings (UIH), which is owned and controlled by Dos Santos. The telecoms company alleges that the loans were made at below-market rates and without adequate security, primarily benefiting Dos Santos herself.

Dos Santos has countered Unitel’s allegations, asserting that the loans to UIH were approved by the board and shareholders of Unitel and were made in good faith.

The High Court ruling grants a freezing order in favour of Unitel, and while the specific terms of the order will be determined in a subsequent hearing, it has been reported that Dos Santos’ assets include properties in the United Kingdom valued at up to £33.5 million ($42 million), as well as properties worth $95 million in Monaco and Dubai.

The ongoing legal battle adds to the challenges faced by Dos Santos, who has previously been listed as Africa’s wealthiest woman with an estimated fortune of $2 billion. However, her assets are currently under dispute in multiple jurisdictions, leading to her exclusion from Forbes’ rankings of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Dos Santos’ case represents a high-profile clash between powerful figures in Angola’s political and business spheres, and its outcome is anticipated with keen interest both within the country and internationally.

 

Source: BBC

Sentencing Date Adjourned for South African Woman Found Guilty of Murdering Her Three Daughters

Sentencing Date Adjourned For South African Woman Found Guilty Of Murdering Her Three Daughters

The sentencing date for 41-year-old South African woman, Lauren Dickason, who was convicted of murdering her three daughters in September 2020, has been delayed until next year, according to reports from New Zealand media.

Dickason was found guilty in August for the murder of her two-year-old twins, Maya and Karla, and her six-year-old daughter, Liane, at their family home in Timaru, New Zealand. Initially scheduled for December 19, her sentencing date has been adjourned without a specific date set, as reported by The Press.

Although the sentencing has been postponed, Dickason’s case will appear in court again in February. During her five-week-long trial, her mental health was extensively examined, and she was ultimately found guilty of three counts of murder by 11 out of the 12 jurors.

Lauren Dickason, a former medical doctor from Pretoria, arrived in New Zealand with her husband Graham and their three children on August 28, 2020. However, tragedy struck on September 16 when she smothered her three young children to death.

Dickason admitted to the killings but pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and infanticide, with her defence presenting expert witnesses and testimonies from those close to her in support of her plea.

The prosecution in the trial aimed to establish that Dickason acted with intent. Throughout the proceedings, her challenging journey to motherhood, including 17 rounds of IVF and the loss of a baby, played a significant role in the defence’s arguments.

While Dickason has garnered a growing number of supporters, particularly women from around the world who have sent messages of hope and support, her contact with them has been restricted. Currently held at the Hillmorton mental health hospital, Dickason was reportedly barred from sending or receiving letters, according to her supporters and reports from Stuff.NZ.

The adjournment of the sentencing date prolongs the legal proceedings surrounding this tragic case, leaving many awaiting the final outcome and the justice that will be served.

 

Source: Independent Online SA

Germany Donates €10 Million to WFP to Provide Nutritious Meals to School Children in Sierra Leone

Germany Donates €10 Million To Wfp To Provide Nutritious Meals To School Children In Sierra Leone

The Federal Republic of Germany has pledged a generous donation of €10 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support the provision of nutritious meals to primary school children in the Karene district of northern Sierra Leone. This significant contribution aims to improve food security, boost local food production, and stimulate the economy while enhancing the well-being of vulnerable children.

Under the German-funded home-grown school meals program, WFP will supply diverse and safe meals to approximately 25,300 pre and primary school children in 115 schools from 2024 to 2028. The meals will be prepared using locally produced food sourced from 8,000 smallholder farmers. By connecting farmers to schools and promoting local agricultural communities, particularly women, the project will create demand for nutritious and diverse food, shorten value chains, and strengthen food systems.

Sierra Leone has been a crucial focus for WFP’s school feeding initiatives, providing meals to 238,000 students across five districts. With this new contribution, the home-grown school feeding program will expand to cover 53,000 pupils, marking a 22 percent increase in early 2024.

Jens Kraus-Massé, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sierra Leone, emphasized the significance of this contribution, stating, “This contribution shows the commitment of Germany to improving food security in Sierra Leone in line with the Government’s ‘Feed Salone’ initiative.”

Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, expressed his gratitude for the timely funding, highlighting its crucial role in realizing the President’s vision for human capital development. The government of Sierra Leone has prioritized home-grown school feeding as a key component of its National School Feeding Policy, recognizing its potential to induce social and economic development within communities.

Yvonne Forsen, WFP’s Representative and Country Director in Sierra Leone, expressed delight at Germany’s commitment to transforming the lives of vulnerable populations in Sierra Leone. She reaffirmed WFP’s dedication to partnering with organizations to enhance food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and the local economy in the country.

Additionally, in alignment with the Sierra Leonean government’s efforts to address the global climate crisis, a portion of the German funding will be allocated to constructing environmentally friendly kitchens and storerooms, as well as fuel-efficient stoves to reduce the use of firewood.

The United Nations World Food Programme, known as the largest humanitarian organization globally, strives to save lives during emergencies and employs food assistance to establish a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflicts, disasters, and the impacts of climate change.

 

Source: World Food Programme

European Court of Justice Rules UEFA and FIFA Violated EU Law in Super League Case

European Court Of Justice Rules Uefa And Fifa Violated Eu Law In Super League Case

In a groundbreaking ruling on Thursday, the European Court of Justice declared that UEFA and FIFA contravened EU law by obstructing the establishment of a Super League, potentially heralding a transformation in the governance of football.

The decision by the EU’s highest court follows the threat posed by European soccer clubs to form a breakaway league, which sparked widespread outrage among passionate fans. UEFA had issued sanctions as a deterrent, leading to the withdrawal of nine clubs from the proposed project.

According to the ruling, FIFA and UEFA abused their dominant position by prohibiting clubs from participating in a European Super League (ESL). However, the court did not render a verdict specifically on the ESL project itself, leaving its fate undetermined.

UEFA, which has organized pan-European competitions for nearly seven decades, perceives the ESL as a significant threat to the highly lucrative Champions League, in which teams qualify based on merit.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, and nine other prominent European clubs had announced the formation of the closed ESL in April 2021. However, the venture collapsed within 48 hours due to widespread protests from fans, governments, and players, compelling Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid to withdraw.

Sports development company A22, established to assist in creating the ESL, argued that UEFA and FIFA held a monopoly position that violated the European Union’s Competition and Free Movement Law.

“We have won the right to compete. The UEFA-monopoly is over. Football is free,” declared A22 CEO Bernd Reichart.

Reichart added, “Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction and free to determine their own futures,” emphasizing the significance of the court’s decision.

UEFA responded by clarifying that the ruling did not signify an endorsement or validation of the Super League. The organization stated that it had addressed a deficiency highlighted within its own framework and expressed confidence in the compliance of its new rules with relevant European laws and regulations.

FIFA has yet to provide a response to the ruling.

The court’s judgment emphasized that FIFA and UEFA must adhere to competition rules and respect freedom of movement, underscoring that their regulations pertaining to approval, control, and sanctions constituted unwarranted constraints on the freedom to provide services.

The ruling does not imply automatic approval for a competition like the Super League project. The court refrained from offering a verdict on the specific project, focusing instead on FIFA and UEFA’s regulations in general.

Following the collapse of the ESL plan, only three clubs persisted with their involvement, but Juventus withdrew earlier this year after the resignation of its former chairman, Andrea Agnelli, a key figure behind the project, and its board in November 2022.

Real Madrid and Barcelona remained determined to proceed with the competition, prompting the ESL to bring their case before a Spanish court, which sought guidance from the European Court in Luxembourg. The Spanish court will now assess the ruling and apply its responses to the facts of the case.

LaLiga, the top professional league in Spain, stated, “Today, more than ever, we reiterate that the ‘Super League’ is a selfish and elitist model.”

Additionally, Belgian soccer club Royal Antwerp challenged UEFA’s rules on homegrown players, and the court determined that these rules could be contrary to EU law.

Simultaneously, the International Skating Union failed in its attempt to overturn an EU antitrust order that prohibited penalizing speed skaters for participating in new, lucrative events.

 

Source: France24

President Ali Holds Talks with UK Minister to Address Guyana-Venezuela Border Dispute

President Ali Holds Talks With Uk Minister To Address Guyana Venezuela Border Dispute

President Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana recently met with David Rutley, the United Kingdom’s Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), to discuss the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. The meeting, held on Monday, was part of the UK’s efforts to support Guyana in maintaining its sovereignty over the mineral-rich Essequibo region, which Venezuela also claims.

The Essequibo region constitutes approximately two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and is home to a significant portion of its population, with 125,000 citizens residing there among Guyana’s total population of 800,000.

A government statement released after the talks highlighted that the discussions focused on strengthening the relationship between the UK and Guyana, particularly in the areas of sustainable economic development and security. Although the statement did not provide further details, it mentioned the presence of Robert Tinline, the FCDO’s Americas Director, and Jane Miller, the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Guyana, at the meeting. Additionally, Prime Minister retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd were also in attendance.

Last week, David Cameron, the British Foreign Secretary, expressed his support for Guyana’s sovereignty over the disputed region. In a message posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Cameron welcomed Venezuela’s statement during the border talks held between Caracas and Georgetown in St Vincent. The statement from Venezuela indicated its commitment to refrain from using force, and Cameron viewed this as a positive step towards de-escalation.

The ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has been a longstanding issue, and both countries have sought international support to resolve the matter peacefully. The involvement of the UK, as a historic ally of Guyana, demonstrates the international community’s interest in ensuring a fair and peaceful resolution to the dispute. President Ali’s meeting with UK Minister David Rutley signifies the continued diplomatic efforts to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and promote stability in the region.

As discussions progress, it remains to be seen how these diplomatic efforts and international support will contribute to resolving the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.

Source:  Caribbean Times

Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act Challenged in Constitutional Court

Uganda's Anti Homosexuality Act Challenged In Constitutional Court

Uganda’s controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act, which has sparked global outrage and condemnation, is now being challenged in the country’s Constitutional Court. The law, enacted in May, imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment and even the death penalty, for individuals found guilty of engaging in homosexual acts.

Rights groups and activists have petitioned the court, arguing that the law violates the principles of equality and human dignity. The legislation has faced significant international backlash, with the World Bank halting new loans to Uganda and the United States imposing visa restrictions on key officials in response to the enactment of the law.

The Ugandan government, however, is defending the law, asserting that it is necessary to protect traditional family values. The law, known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act, includes provisions for the death penalty in cases deemed “aggravated,” such as engaging in gay sex with a minor or when one partner is infected with a life-threatening illness like HIV.

The law was overwhelmingly approved by lawmakers in parliament and subsequently signed into effect by President Yoweri Museveni. In August, a 20-year-old individual became the first to be charged with “aggravated homosexuality” under the law, accused of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a 41-year-old. The case was expected to be heard in the High Court due to its classification as a capital offense.

Uganda has not carried out an execution since 2005, but the law’s severe penalties have raised concerns about human rights abuses. According to recent reports by rights groups, over 300 instances of human rights abuses against LGBTQ+ individuals have been documented in Uganda in the first eight months of this year. These abuses include beatings, torture, arrests, and forced evictions from homes.

In response to the legislation and its human rights record, the United States has announced that Ugandan goods will no longer receive preferential access to its markets starting next year. Despite international pressure, the Ugandan government remains defiant, emphasizing that it will not yield to foreign influence.

It is important to note that many Ugandans hold socially conservative views and support the legislation. The issue of homosexuality remains highly sensitive in the country, with divergent opinions reflecting cultural, religious, and traditional beliefs.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling on the challenge to the Anti-Homosexuality Act will have significant implications for the protection of human rights and the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. The case highlights the ongoing struggle between traditional values and human rights, both within the country and on the global stage.

 

Source: BBC

South Africa Threatens Citizens Fighting for Israel with Prosecution

South Africa Threatens Citizens Fighting For Israel With Prosecution

South Africans fighting for Israel in Gaza could face prosecution at home, the government warned Monday, as President Cyril Ramaphosa once again denounced the conflict in the Palestinian territory as “genocide.”

The South African foreign ministry expressed grave concern over reports that some South African nationals have joined the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to fight in Gaza or are considering doing so. The ministry stated that such actions could potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, making them liable for prosecution in South Africa.

According to the ministry, South Africans must obtain prior government approval to legally fight in Israel. Naturalized citizens are also at risk of having their South African nationality revoked for engaging in a war that the country does not support or agree with.

The war in Gaza erupted when the strip’s Islamist rulers, Hamas, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7. Official Israeli figures indicate that around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, were killed, with another 250 abducted. Gaza’s Health Ministry claims that Israel’s military response has resulted in the deaths of over 19,400 people, primarily women and children, and the destruction of vast areas.

South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, often drawing parallels between it and the country’s own struggle against apartheid. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party strongly condemns Israel’s response to the Hamas attacks and has recalled all its diplomats from the country.

During a press conference with representatives of pro-Palestinian groups in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa denounced the “genocidal onslaught and slaughter of the people of Palestine.”

The South African government’s warning serves as a deterrent to its citizens considering involvement in the conflict in Gaza. By emphasizing the potential legal repercussions and the country’s stance on the matter, South Africa aims to dissuade its citizens from participating in a war it does not endorse.

Maltese-Flagged Bulk Carrier Hijacked by Somali Pirates Raises Concerns of Houthi Alliance

Film Fall Preview

A Maltese-flagged bulk carrier, MV Ruen, has been hijacked by Somali pirates and is currently heading towards Yemen, sparking fears of a potential collaboration between the pirates and Houthi rebels. The vessel was en-route from Singapore to Gemlik in Turkey when it was boarded by pirates in the Arabian Sea on Thursday.

The distress signal sent by MV Ruen to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations portal indicated that six individuals had boarded the ship off the Yemeni island of Socotra. Maritime experts are deeply concerned about the chosen route of the seven-year-old carrier, seeing it as a possible indication of Somali pirates working in conjunction with Houthi rebels. The Houthi rebels have been targeting shipping routes to express their opposition to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

While Somali piracy has been an ongoing issue along the east coast of Africa, the involvement of the Houthis represents a relatively new development. On November 19, Houthi rebels executed a commando raid on the MV Galaxy Leader, a Japanese-operated cargo vessel. The MV Galaxy Leader has been held near Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeida ever since. Notably, the vessel’s investors included Abraham “Rami” Ungar, an Israeli tycoon.

“The recent series of unlawful attacks poses a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea. The UK remains steadfast in countering these attacks to safeguard the unhindered flow of global trade,” stated Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary.

In response to the escalating number of Houthi attacks originating from Yemeni ports, the United States has announced plans to expand its maritime protection force. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to reveal the deployment of the force, tentatively named Operation Prosperity Guardian, during his visit to the region.

This development comes as major shipping companies, including Hapag-Lloyd of Germany and Danish shipping giant Maersk, have decided to suspend their shipping operations into the Red Sea until further notice. These companies have exerted pressure on President Joe Biden to take action against the Houthi militants.

The international community is increasingly concerned about the hijacking of the MV Ruen and the potential cooperation between Somali pirates and Houthi rebels. Efforts are being made to protect maritime security and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade in the Red Sea region.

 

Source: The Telegraph

Ethiopia Launches Ambitious Plan to Boost Exports to China

Ethiopia Launches Ambitious Plan To Boost Exports To China

In a bid to strengthen bilateral trade ties and capitalize on the growing demand in the Chinese market, Ethiopia has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly increase its exports to China. The move comes as part of the Ethiopian government’s broader strategy to diversify its export destinations and foster economic growth.

Ethiopia, known for its rich agricultural resources and emerging industrial sector, sees China as a key market for its products. The plan aims to tap into China’s vast consumer base and take advantage of the country’s increasing appetite for quality goods and commodities.

Under the new initiative, Ethiopian authorities are focusing on expanding the export of various products, including coffee, tea, textiles, leather goods, horticultural products, and manufactured goods. The government plans to leverage existing trade agreements between the two nations and explore new avenues to facilitate smoother trade flows.

To achieve this goal, Ethiopia intends to enhance its trade infrastructure, streamline export processes, and promote investment in key sectors. Efforts are underway to improve logistics and transport networks, ensuring efficient movement of goods from Ethiopia to China. Additionally, the government is actively encouraging partnerships between Ethiopian and Chinese businesses to foster collaboration and boost trade.

Ethiopia’s prime location as a gateway to Africa and its preferential access to global markets through trade agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), provide a competitive advantage for the country. The government aims to leverage these factors to attract more foreign direct investment and expand its manufacturing capacity, ultimately increasing the volume and value of exports to China.

Chinese investors have been increasingly interested in Ethiopia in recent years, drawn by its favourable investment climate and the government’s commitment to economic reforms. Chinese companies have already made significant investments in sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure development, and renewable energy.

The Ethiopian government recognizes the need for targeted marketing and promotional campaigns to raise awareness about the country’s export potential among Chinese consumers and businesses. It plans to organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums to showcase Ethiopian products and facilitate direct engagement between exporters and potential buyers in China.

Ethiopia’s push to increase exports to China aligns with its broader economic vision of becoming a middle-income country by 2025. By diversifying its export markets and expanding trade partnerships, Ethiopia aims to create employment opportunities, foster technological transfer, and boost foreign exchange earnings.

However, challenges remain on the path to achieving these goals. Infrastructure limitations, bureaucratic hurdles, and the need for capacity-building are among the key obstacles that need to be addressed. The government is actively working to overcome these challenges by implementing reforms aimed at improving the business environment and enhancing the ease of doing business.

As Ethiopia sets its sights on boosting exports to China, all eyes are on the progress it makes in implementing its strategic plan. With concerted efforts, increased investments, and effective promotion of its products, Ethiopia has the potential to unlock new opportunities in the Chinese market, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and development.

 

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Kenya Disassociates Itself from Congolese Opposition Figure’s Alliance with Rebels, Causing Diplomatic Tensions

Kenya Disassociates Itself From Congolese Opposition Figure's Alliance With Rebels, Causing Diplomatic Tensions

Kenya has declared its strong disassociation from a Congolese opposition figure who formed an alliance with rebels in Nairobi, leading to a diplomatic dispute with Kinshasa. The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that it would conduct an investigation into the political-military alliance, prompting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to recall its ambassador in protest.

The alliance, known as the Congo River Alliance, was launched on Friday and includes various DRC politicians and groups, including the M23 rebels who have seized territory in the eastern part of the country, as well as Corneille Nangaa, a former DRC election commission chief.

In response to this development, the DRC recalled its ambassadors to Kenya and Tanzania for consultations on Saturday. The recall of the envoy to Tanzania was due to Tanzania hosting the headquarters of the East African Community bloc, to which the DRC also belongs.

Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, issued a statement stating that Kenya was aware that some DRC nationals had made statements during a press conference in Kenya that were “inimical to the constitutional order of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” He emphasized that Kenya strongly distances itself from any activities or statements that could harm the peace and security of the friendly nation of the DRC and that an investigation has been initiated.

The investigation aims to identify the individuals responsible for the statements and assess the extent to which their remarks fall outside the realm of constitutionally protected speech, according to the minister.

The formation of the Congo River Alliance, as described by Nangaa, aims to unite various Congolese armed groups, militias, and social and political organizations. This development raises concerns in a region plagued by long-standing insecurity fuelled by ethnic rivalries and resource conflicts.

The diplomatic tensions come at a time of escalating security concerns ahead of the DRC’s presidential elections scheduled for December 20. The country has been grappling with civil strife for decades. M23 rebels, which had been dormant for several years, resurfaced in late 2021 and seized control of large parts of the eastern province of North Kivu. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of approximately seven million Congolese within their own country.

Human Rights Watch estimates that over 1.5 million Congolese in conflict-affected areas will be unable to vote in the upcoming elections, while millions of internally displaced people will face similar challenges.

Nangaa justified the formation of the new alliance by stating that the state is too weak to ensure order in the impoverished and war-torn country, emphasizing the need for a new movement to fill the void.

The government’s spokesman, Patrick Muyaya, accused Nangaa of being “unpatriotic” and engaging in “subversive activities.”

Expressing extreme concern, Bintou Keita, the head of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in the DRC, called on all political actors to operate within the framework of the Constitution, respect human rights, and uphold the rule of law.

As the diplomatic row unfolds and tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how the situation will impact the fragile stability of the region and the upcoming elections in the DRC.

 

Source: Aljazeera