On the second day of the United Nations General Assembly, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda delivered a powerful speech denouncing the injustices imposed on innocent people in conflicts worldwide. Kagame highlighted the migration crisis as an example, where refugees embark on perilous journeys each year in search of a better future.

During his address, President Kagame expressed Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with partners, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to find lasting solutions to the migration crisis. He drew from Rwanda’s own experience, referencing the tragic events of the 1994 genocide that displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Kagame emphasized that Rwanda’s solidarity with refugees stems from their determination to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy they endured three decades ago.

“The tragedy inflicted on us nearly thirty years ago compels us to stand with those who suffer today. Rwanda remains determined to work with its partners, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to contribute to the search for a lasting solution. Our solidarity is rooted in our commitment never to allow a repetition of the tragedy that was inflicted on us nearly thirty years ago,” stated President Kagame.

The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly has been marked by ongoing discussions surrounding the war in Ukraine. Major powers have sought support from emerging countries against Russia, potentially overshadowing other critical global issues, including the climate crisis.

While geopolitical tensions persist, President Kagame’s address served as a reminder of the urgent need to prioritize humanitarian concerns, such as the migration crisis. By highlighting the importance of international solidarity and collective efforts, he urged the global community to address the underlying causes of displacement and work towards lasting solutions.

As the United Nations General Assembly continues its debates, the call for unity and cooperation to address pressing global challenges remains crucial. President Kagame’s words resonate as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect innocent lives and prevent the recurrence of past tragedies.

Hundreds of Nigerians gathered in Lagos on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation into the untimely death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as MohBad, an upcoming singer and rapper who had made waves in the country’s Afrobeats scene. The 27-year-old artist, known for hits like “Feel Good,” passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday, leaving the cause of his death shrouded in speculation.

The news of MohBad’s demise has sparked outrage and grief across Nigeria, with social media platforms flooded with expressions of indignation. Many have raised concerns about the alleged harassment faced by the artist from influential figures within the music industry.

“I’m mentally drained. I feel so sad that someone could be bullied to this extent, leading to the loss of their life,” expressed Mama J., a fashion designer, reflecting the sentiments of many Nigerians seeking justice for MohBad.

In response to public outcry, the national police in Lagos State, the economic and cultural hub of Nigeria, announced on Monday that a dedicated team would be formed to conduct a “fair and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding MohBad’s death.

The tragic incident has drawn attention to the issue of untimely deaths in the music industry and the need for accountability. Artists and creatives have come forward to express their concerns and call for collective action.

“Nobody deserves to die at 27 now, nobody deserves to die an untimely death, nobody deserves to die without knowing what killed them, nobody deserves to die that way. It’s wrong, and it’s something that everybody should be concerned about,” stated Eltee Skahillz, an Afrobeat star, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

MohBad’s career took off in 2019 when he signed with the prominent record label led by renowned rapper Naira Marley, one of Nigeria’s leading performers. However, the two artists went their separate ways in 2022 following disagreements.

In the aftermath of MohBad’s tragic passing, fans and supporters online have accused the rapper’s former team of having a connection to his death. An online petition demanding justice has garnered over 250,000 signatures, reflecting the widespread outcry and demand for a thorough investigation.

As Nigerians unite to seek answers and justice for MohBad, the music industry faces a moment of reckoning, highlighting the importance of ensuring the well-being and safety of artists. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it holds the potential to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the young artist’s untimely demise and provide closure for his grieving fans and loved ones.

Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, is facing challenges in implementing a sustainability drive necessary for its cocoa beans to meet new European Union (EU) standards, according to sources with knowledge of the process. The EU regulations, set to take effect around the end of 2024, aim to curb the import of commodities associated with deforestation, requiring companies to prove that their goods were not grown on deforested land after 2020.

As Ivory Coast accounts for approximately 70% of its annual cocoa bean exports to the EU, the successful adoption of sustainability measures is crucial for the country’s continued access to the EU cocoa market. In response, Ivory Coast launched a national sustainable cocoa strategy (SNCD) in March to align its cocoa production with EU requirements. However, concerns have arisen about the pace of progress since then.

EU officials have expressed apprehensions about Ivory Coast’s sustainability efforts, citing uncertainties in the traceability and certification system, as well as doubts about the effectiveness of government policies related to forest protection and combating child labor. Failure to meet the EU’s sustainability deadline could result in Ivory Coast being classified in a risk category, subjecting cocoa operators and traders to additional checks and potential bottlenecks.

In response to these concerns, Ivory Coast’s cocoa regulator, the Cocoa Coffee Council (CCC), has stated that the country remains on track to meet the requirements. CCC director Yves Brahima Kone affirmed that Ivory Coast’s sustainability, traceability, and certification system are nearing completion and are expected to be fully implemented by 2024.

One key element of Ivory Coast’s sustainability plans is the introduction of an electronic card system to track cocoa beans from plantations to export ports, confirming their origin and assisting farmers in receiving the state-guaranteed price. However, approximately half of the 1 million cards still need to be distributed to farmers, and the CCC must also implement the certification system to document the precise origin of each cocoa batch, as mandated by the EU.

The Ivorian government estimates that the implementation of these sustainability measures will cost around 421 billion CFA francs (approximately $692 million) and has sought funding from donors, the cocoa industry, and chocolate companies to cover part of this expense. An official from the agriculture ministry acknowledged that limited financial resources have hindered the implementation process.

The outcome of Ivory Coast’s efforts to meet EU sustainability standards will have significant implications for the country’s cocoa industry and its access to the EU market, which remains a vital destination for its cocoa exports.

Source: Reuters

Former Borussia Dortmund striker, Anthony Modeste, has made a surprising move to Egyptian and African champions Al-Ahly, just one year after his signing with the German club. Modeste was initially brought to Dortmund with high expectations, seen as a potential replacement for the prolific Erling Haaland.

The French forward’s journey to Dortmund began when he was signed to fill in for Sebastien Haller, who had been diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumour. Haller’s arrival at Dortmund was itself a replacement for Erling Haaland, who had moved on to become a goal-scoring sensation at Manchester City.

However, Modeste’s time with Borussia Dortmund did not live up to expectations. In the 2022-2023 Bundesliga season, the 35-year-old striker managed to score only two goals in 19 appearances. One of those goals came in a dramatic last-minute equaliser that secured a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in October.

Al-Ahly, the reigning champions of Egypt and Africa, have now signed Anthony Modeste to a one-year contract, with the possibility of an extension “according to the terms that were agreed,” as stated by the club on its official website.

Modeste could make his debut for Al-Ahly as early as next Friday when the team faces Algerian side USM Alger in the African Super Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia. Following that, the Egyptian League is set to kick off just three days later.

This unexpected move has created significant intrigue in the footballing world, with fans and pundits eager to see how Modeste’s talents will contribute to Al-Ahly’s continued success and whether his time with the Egyptian champions will be more fruitful than his brief stint in Germany.

Source: Reuters

AL ABRAQ, Libya (September 12, 2023) – Medical aid supplies have arrived at Al Abraq airport in Libya to assist with the aftermath of severe flooding that has ravaged the eastern city of Derna. Dams burst during a powerful storm, causing extensive damage and loss of life in the region.

The medical aid, which includes essential supplies and equipment, was dispatched by the municipalities of Tripoli and Misrata, in addition to contributions from local businessmen. This collaborative effort aims to provide much-needed relief to the affected areas and support the communities grappling with the devastating consequences of the flooding.

According to the Red Cross, an estimated 10,000 people are feared to be missing in various parts of Libya due to the widespread floods. The situation is particularly dire in the city of Derna, where approximately a quarter of the city has been submerged. Tragically, at least 1,000 bodies have already been recovered in Derna alone, and authorities anticipate that the final death toll could be even higher.

Storm Daniel, which struck the region, compounded the challenges faced by Libya, a nation already grappling with over a decade of conflict and instability. The storm intensified existing vulnerabilities, leading to catastrophic flooding in multiple areas across the country.

The humanitarian response to this crisis is vital in providing immediate assistance to those affected by the floods and addressing the urgent medical needs of the population. As aid continues to arrive at Al Abraq airport and other affected regions, efforts are underway to support and rebuild communities impacted by this devastating natural disaster.

The people of Libya, along with international organizations and partners, are working tirelessly to provide relief and support to those affected by the floods. The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but with concerted efforts, hope remains for the affected communities to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normalcy.

Source: Reuters