The Val-de-Marne Assize Court in France handed down sentences on Wednesday, following an appeal, to four Nigerian individuals involved in aggravated pimping and human trafficking. The defendants were found guilty of forcing young Nigerian girls into prostitution as part of an organized gang operating in the Bois de Vincennes. The court delivered sentences ranging from eight to 18 years’ imprisonment.

The president of the court, Pascale Pérard, emphasized the gravity of the charges and the inhumane treatment endured by the young victims at the hands of the defendants for financial gain. The sentences mirror those previously imposed by the Paris Assize Court in July 2020, where the defendants received prison terms of 10, 13, 15, and 19 years. The public prosecutor in Creteil had requested prison sentences ranging from nine to 18 years.

Omos Wiseborn, described by the prosecution as actively involved in the organization of the trafficking network, received the maximum sentence of 18 years’ imprisonment. However, his lawyer, Caroline Thévenin, argued that the sentence was overly severe, as Wiseborn was not at the top of the criminal hierarchy.

Dennis Brown and Blessing Ubi were sentenced to 12 and 15 years, respectively, for their role in harboring young girls, coercing them into prostitution, and profiting from their earnings. Their initial sentences were 13 and 15 years, respectively.

Emmanuel Aiwansosa, who was charged with performing a forced abortion on one of the victims and aggravated procuring, had his sentence reduced to eight years’ imprisonment from the initial ten-year term.

Catherine Delanoë Daoud, the lawyer representing one of the victims, expressed that the decision did not come as a surprise to her client, who had bravely shared her traumatic experience of a forced abortion during the trial.

The four Nigerians had been on trial since September 19 for their involvement in recruiting young girls, including minors, from Nigeria by making false promises of employment or educational opportunities. They organized their dangerous journey to France, where the victims were subsequently coerced into working as prostitutes in the Bois de Vincennes.

Throughout the trial, the defendants admitted to the charges but attempted to downplay their level of involvement. They expressed remorse and apologized to the victims, who had courageously recounted their harrowing experiences to the court.

The sentencing sends a strong message against human trafficking and exploitation, highlighting the commitment of the French authorities to combatting these heinous crimes and seeking justice for the victims involved.

 

Source: Africa News

British authorities have apprehended an individual as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a woman who is believed to have tragically lost her life while attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat. The UK’s National Crime Agency announced the arrest on Wednesday.

The detainee is a 21-year-old Sudanese man who was taken into custody in the southern English port city of Dover. He is being held on charges of illegal entry and facilitating illegal immigration. It is suspected that he was piloting a boat that reached British waters on Tuesday.

The arrest followed the discovery of a woman’s body on a local beach in the French town of Blériot-Plage, near Calais, on Tuesday. Authorities in Calais identified the victim as a 24-year-old Eritrean migrant, who is believed to have fallen from a boat while attempting to cross the English Channel.

The Pas-de-Calais regional administration confirmed that French authorities are leading the investigation into the woman’s death, with support from British law enforcement agencies.

Craig Turner, the deputy director of the National Crime Agency, stated that both countries are collaborating closely “to identify those responsible for this tragic death.”

Under the Conservative government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the UK has adopted a more stringent approach towards individuals arriving in the country through unauthorized means, particularly in the case of small boats crossing the perilous English Channel. In 2022, over 45,000 people arrived in Britain by boat from northern France, a significant increase from 28,000 in 2021 and 8,500 in 2020.

Since the beginning of this year, close to 24,000 migrants have arrived on British shores via small boats, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by irregular migration routes.

The investigation into the woman’s death underscores the pressing need for international cooperation and concerted efforts to address the underlying factors driving such perilous journeys, while also ensuring the safety and security of those seeking refuge or a better life.

 

Source: Africa News

The Rwanda Business Alliance was officially launched last week in the United Kingdom, with the goal of fostering closer ties between the Rwandan and UK business communities. The Rwanda High Commission in the UK issued a statement highlighting the alliance’s inaugural event, which took place at the Rwandan High Commission in London. The event aimed to connect investors with investment opportunities and facilitate connections between buyers and suppliers of goods and services.

According to the statement, the Rwanda Business Alliance operates under the umbrella of the British African Business Alliance, which seeks to foster connections between African businesses and professionals and UK investors interested in Africa.

During the launch, Johnston Busingye, the Rwandan High Commissioner to the UK, lauded the alliance and its leadership for establishing the first community-organized business forum focused on Rwanda in the UK. He pledged the High Commission’s support in promoting the alliance and facilitating lasting connections between the UK and Rwandan business communities.

Busingye encouraged investors to explore Rwanda, highlighting its conducive business environment, incentives for foreign investment, and its status as a hub for proof-of-concept initiatives.

Several participants who already conduct business in Rwanda shared positive experiences, emphasizing the ease of doing business, transparency, and access to services and support.

Network Director of the Rwanda Business Alliance, Michaelle Kubwimana, expressed enthusiasm for shaping the future of business and making a difference through collaboration. She emphasized that the networking event was just the beginning for the alliance.

Representatives from RwandAir, the national airline of Rwanda, were also present at the launch. They informed guests about the upcoming increase in flight frequency from four to six direct flights per week between London and Kigali, starting in November 2023. RwandAir representatives also discussed the potential for cargo transportation services.

The Rwanda Business Alliance primarily consists of Rwandan-owned businesses in the UK or businesses operating in Rwanda. Its main objective is to connect members with UK businesses interested in doing business in Africa or expanding their operations on the continent.

The alliance plans to organize a series of networking events to facilitate these connections, with the inaugural event held at Rwanda House, the Rwandan High Commission in London. The Rwanda Business Alliance aims to serve as a catalyst for increased trade and investment between Rwanda and the UK, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and driving economic growth.

A group of around two dozen people gathered at Niamey’s airport on Monday to welcome Kemi Seba, a Franco-Beninese activist renowned for his outspoken criticism of France’s colonial legacy in West Africa. Seba, who leads the Urgence Panafricaniste movement, is expected to hold rallies in support of Niger’s military authorities.

Seba’s visit coincides with France’s announcement that it will withdraw its forces and envoy from Niger before the year’s end, despite initially pledging to retain its ambassador in the Sahel country. This move has sparked discussions and debates about France’s role in the region.

“It is crucial for the people of Niger to understand that while France appears to be willing to leave, it is actually a strategy on their part to buy time,” expressed Seba, who serves as the President of the NGO Urgences Panafricanistes. “The people of Niger have called for the prompt departure of the French army, but Macron, in his colonial arrogance, claims that the French army will leave by the end of the year, as if it were his decision to determine when the colonizers should pack up and leave.”

Seba also directed strong words towards the regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), which has threatened military intervention in Niger. He criticized the ECOWAS leaders for persistently posing a threat to Niger, seeking to attack the country and impose inhumane sanctions on its population.

“The leaders of ECOWAS want to continue to intimidate Niger, aiming to commit a crime against humanity by imposing harsh sanctions on the people. We must unite and mobilize because the war is ongoing. It is an economic war, a suffocation war, and we must stand together to resist. That is why we have come to stand by your side and remind you that Niger is not alone,” Seba asserted.

With approximately 1,500 troops stationed in Niger, France’s decision to withdraw its forces signals the country’s increasing isolation in West Africa, according to experts. The development raises questions about the future dynamics and relationships in the region.

Kemi Seba’s presence in Niger highlights the continuing dialogue and activism surrounding France’s colonial history and its current involvement in African nations. His visit is anticipated to amplify discussions regarding Niger’s military authorities and the country’s path forward as it navigates changing regional dynamics.

Egypt’s National Election Authority announced on Monday that the country will hold a presidential vote from December 10 to 12, 2023. The winner of the election will be declared on December 18, and the final results will be officially published no later than January 16, 2024.

Walid Hassan Hamza, Chairman of Egypt’s National Election Authority, confirmed the schedule for the upcoming presidential election. While President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has not yet formally announced his candidacy, he is widely expected to seek and secure reelection.

Experts had anticipated that President Sisi would advance the 2024 election to address potential challenges stemming from an anticipated shift to a flexible exchange rate. Such a move could exacerbate existing economic tensions in the country.

Egypt is currently grappling with an economic crisis marked by soaring inflation in recent months and a significant devaluation of the currency since March 2022. The government has maintained a fixed exchange rate since earlier this year.

President Sisi, aged 68, has been in power since 2014, when he was first elected. He won a second term in 2018, defeating one of his own political allies. In 2019, constitutional amendments were implemented, allowing him to run for a third term and extending the presidential term from four to six years. These changes potentially enable President Sisi to remain in power until 2030 if he emerges victorious in the upcoming election.

The presidential election in Egypt takes place against the backdrop of significant economic challenges. The outcome of the election will be closely watched as the country seeks to address its economic crisis and navigate the path forward under President Sisi’s leadership.

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.