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

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

UK Immigration Minister Resigns Over Rwanda Asylum Transfer Legislation

Cabinet Meeting At Downing Street In London

In a significant development, UK Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has resigned over the government’s proposed legislation regarding the Rwanda asylum transfer scheme. Jenrick stated that the new law “does not go far enough” in providing sufficient safeguards for the success of the policy. The government’s plan to transfer certain asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced extensive legal challenges since its announcement in April 2022. Despite the UK Supreme Court ruling the scheme unlawful, successive Home Secretaries have attempted to push it forward.

Jenrick, who serves within the Home Office, expressed his inability to support the latest draft bill through the legislative process, citing the need for stronger protections to prevent ongoing legal challenges that could hinder the scheme and undermine its intended deterrent effect. His resignation letter emphasised the high stakes involved in addressing illegal migration to the UK effectively.

Previously, Jenrick had publicly pledged to take any necessary measures to tackle illegal migration, including the possibility of withdrawing from the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Some hardliner lawmakers within the Conservative Party, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, have advocated for the UK’s departure from the ECHR, arguing that it hampers the Rwanda policy.

The government’s newly unveiled legislation did not withdraw the UK from the ECHR but included a crucial caveat. Home Secretary James Cleverley acknowledged on the first page of the bill that he could not guarantee its compatibility with Convention rights. The bill also disallowed specific sections of the UK Human Rights Act, which incorporates ECHR rights into domestic law. Furthermore, a clause asserted the bill’s sovereignty and its independence from key international law instruments, including the ECHR and the Refugee Convention.

The opposition Labour Party strongly criticised the legislation, highlighting that this is the third draft presented by the government. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the government as being in a state of “total chaos” and called for a focus on combating criminal gangs involved in smuggling people into the UK.

Legal experts, including Professor Mark Elliot of the University of Cambridge, have also voiced criticism. Elliot argued that the bill is “hypocritical” as it assumes Rwanda’s compliance with international law obligations to treat asylum seekers humanely while allowing the UK to potentially breach its own obligations.

The Rwandan government issued a warning to the UK, threatening to withdraw from the partnership if the UK fails to adhere to international law. Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta emphasised that without lawful behaviour by the UK, Rwanda would not be able to continue the Migration and Economic Development Partnership.

The next step for the bill is its debate in parliament during the “second reading” stage, where UK lawmakers will discuss its merits and potential implications.

 

Source: CNN

Rishi Sunak Stands Firm on Immigration Reduction Goals, Despite Manifesto Setback

Rishi Sunak Stands Firm On Immigration Reduction Goals, Despite Manifesto Setback

In a recent interview conducted at the Nissan plant, Chancellor Rishi Sunak declined to apologize for the government’s inability to fulfil the 2019 Tory manifesto pledge of reducing immigration. However, he reiterated his belief that current immigration levels were excessively high.

Expressing his stance, Sunak stated, “I’m very clear that the levels of migration are too high, and they’ve got to come down to more sustainable levels. I’ve been clear about that.” While he acknowledged the Office for National Statistics’ recent affirmation that migration rates were slowing, he emphasized the need for further progress.

Highlighting his commitment to addressing the issue, Sunak pointed out the stringent policy he announced in May. This measure aimed to restrict the number of dependents accompanying students entering the country, representing the most rigorous action taken in a long time to curtail legal migration. He assured the public that additional actions would be taken if the system continued to be exploited.

However, when questioned about his support for the reported proposals put forth by Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, such as implementing a higher minimum salary threshold for work visa recipients and enforcing a cap on NHS work visas, Sunak evaded a direct response. Instead, he reiterated his previous statements, refraining from providing a clear stance on the proposed measures.

Despite the government’s failure to honour the immigration reduction promise outlined in the 2019 Tory manifesto, Rishi Sunak remains resolute in his commitment to decreasing migration levels. As the debate surrounding immigration policy continues, the Chancellor’s refusal to endorse specific measures leaves room for speculation on the government’s future approach.

 

Source: The Guardian

Nigerians Granted Right to Bring Claims Against Shell in UK

Nigerians Granted Right To Bring Claims Against Shell In Uk

In a ground-breaking decision, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has ruled that Nigerian citizens can bring legal claims against oil giant Shell in British courts. This landmark judgment opens the door for individuals and communities affected by Shell’s operations in Nigeria to seek justice and compensation on foreign soil.

The case stems from allegations of serious human rights abuses and environmental damage caused by Shell’s activities in the Niger Delta region. For decades, local communities have claimed that the company’s oil exploration and extraction operations have resulted in devastating consequences, including pollution, destruction of farmlands, and health issues among residents.

Until now, Nigerian plaintiffs faced significant barriers when attempting to hold Shell accountable. The multinational corporation argued that the claims should be heard in Nigerian courts, where the legal process is often slow, expensive, and susceptible to corruption. This ruling, however, paves the way for affected Nigerians to pursue justice in the UK, where they can benefit from a more robust legal framework.

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for similar cases involving multinational corporations operating in developing countries. It establishes an important precedent, emphasizing the responsibility of companies for the actions of their subsidiaries overseas. The ruling also recognizes the right of individuals and communities to access justice in countries where the corporation is headquartered and where its decisions are made.

Human rights groups and environmental activists have hailed the judgment as a significant victory for global justice. They argue that it will help level the playing field for communities that have long been marginalized and lack the resources to challenge powerful corporations. By allowing Nigerian plaintiffs to bring their claims before UK courts, the decision sends a strong message that companies must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of the jurisdiction in which they operate.

However, some critics express concerns about the potential flood of lawsuits that may follow this ruling. They argue that it could burden UK courts with a large number of cases and create a precedent that companies may find discouraging for future investments in developing nations. Nevertheless, proponents of the ruling contend that it strikes a necessary balance between corporate accountability and access to justice for affected communities.

Shell, one of the world’s largest oil companies, has faced numerous allegations of misconduct and environmental damage in Nigeria over the years. The company has previously settled some cases out of court, but this ruling signifies a significant shift in the legal landscape. It signals a new era where multinational corporations can be held accountable for their actions in their home countries, even when the harm occurs thousands of miles away.

As Nigerians celebrate this ground-breaking ruling, attention now turns to the practicalities of how affected communities can navigate the UK legal system. Legal experts anticipate an influx of claims against Shell and other companies operating in similar contexts. Ultimately, this ruling highlights the growing recognition that corporate responsibility extends beyond national borders and underscores the need for stronger mechanisms to address human rights abuses and environmental harm caused by multinational corporations.

 

Source: The Guardian

UK Supreme Court Rejects Contentious Rwanda Migrant Policy, Dealing Blow to Prime Minister Sunak

Uk Supreme Court Rejects Contentious Rwanda Migrant Policy, Dealing Blow To Prime Minister Sunak

The UK Supreme Court rejected the government’s controversial plan to send migrants to Rwanda. The court upheld a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal, declaring the policy unlawful and incompatible with the country’s international obligations.

The five-judge panel unanimously agreed with the lower court’s assessment that sending migrants to Rwanda would expose them to a real risk of ill-treatment. The judges concurred with concerns that Rwanda could forcibly return asylum seekers and refugees to their countries of origin, where they might face persecution.

The rejected plan, signed as a deal with Rwanda in April of last year, aimed to establish interim centre’s in Rwanda for undocumented migrants. The initiative sought to address the issue of “illegal” immigration via small boats crossing the English Channel, which the ruling Conservative party considered a pressing concern ahead of the next general election.

The Supreme Court’s decision effectively nullifies the agreement with Rwanda and leaves Prime Minister Sunak’s immigration agenda in disarray. The ruling is also expected to deepen divisions within the Conservative Party between right-wing lawmakers advocating for more assertive measures and moderates seeking a balanced approach.

While acknowledging that the outcome was not desired, Sunak assured that the government had been working on a new treaty with Rwanda, taking into account the court’s judgment. He expressed readiness to revise domestic laws and reconsider international relationships if obstacles persist.

Critics of the Rwanda plan have denounced it as cruel, costly, and difficult to implement. The Rwandan government expressed disagreement with the ruling, asserting that it is a safe third country for migrants.

The UK government contends that the policy is vital to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel from France using unsafe vessels. Although the number of migrants making the journey has decreased this year compared to previous years, it still falls short of Sunak’s commitment to “stop the boats.”

The government argues that reducing both regular and irregular immigration is necessary to alleviate pressure on government-funded services, including healthcare and housing for asylum seekers. The current backlog of asylum cases in the UK stands at 122,585, down 12 percent from the record high in February. Meanwhile, net migration, the difference between people leaving and arriving in the country, reached a record 606,000 last year.

Given the limitations imposed by the Supreme Court’s ruling, the government may explore alternative agreements with other countries to address the issue of “illegal” arrivals. Newly-appointed Interior Minister James Cleverly suggested that other European nations were inclined to follow the UK’s approach.

The decision is likely to reignite calls from right-wing politicians, such as former Interior Minister Suella Braverman, for the UK to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). However, Sunak has thus far refrained from endorsing such a drastic move. Braverman criticized Sunak’s immigration policies, accusing him of betrayal and lacking the necessary resolve.

Deputy Chairman of the Tory party, Lee Anderson, called for defying the laws and immediately deporting migrants upon arrival. He characterized the court ruling as a dark day for the British people and urged the government to proceed with sending migrants to Rwanda.

The main opposition party, Labour, capitalized on the ruling, criticizing Sunak’s perceived lack of a serious plan to address dangerous boat crossings. Labour’s senior MP Yvette Cooper described the plan as unworkable and excessively costly, highlighting the government’s failure to formulate a robust and practical policy.

Migrant advocates welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, viewing it as a victory for the rights of individuals seeking safety and protection. The Refugee Council expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of men, women, and children fleeing persecution.

 

Source: ABC News

South Africa’s Electricity Woes Drive UK Investment in Renewable Energy

In a surprising twist, South Africa’s unreliable electricity supply is attracting significant foreign investment in renewable energy, with the United Kingdom emerging as the leading foreign investor in the sector. The UK’s trade envoy for South Africa and Mauritius, Andrew Selous, recently highlighted the country’s commitment to renewable energy in an interview in Cape Town. Selous emphasized that the challenges faced by South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, are driving UK commercial and industrial investment into renewable energy in South Africa.

One prominent example of UK investment in renewable energy is through companies like Globaleq, which currently operates two wind farms and six solar farms with a total capacity of 384MW. These projects support approximately 1,300 jobs and are set to expand further. British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution, owns a majority stake of 70% in Globaleq.

Additionally, the UK’s Solar Century is actively involved in developing, building, owning, and operating solar power plants, including battery storage facilities. Gridworks, another UK company, is contributing to the expansion of the electricity grid capacity in South Africa.

The most significant UK investor in South Africa, according to Selous, is Hive Energy. Hive Energy is constructing a £5-billion green ammonia production plant in the Coega special economic development zone in the Eastern Cape. This facility aims to provide green energy for the maritime shipping industry, which has a substantial carbon footprint. Selous highlighted the potential collaboration between South Africa, which possesses 80% of the world’s platinum group metals, and the UK’s ITM company, which specializes in electrolyzers for hydrogen production. Such a partnership could leverage the expertise of both countries to produce hydrogen and foster a mutually beneficial relationship.

Selous also spoke about Rolls Royce’s ambition to establish South Africa as a hub for its plans to build small modular nuclear reactors across sub-Saharan Africa. This project holds the potential to create numerous jobs and bring technical expertise to the region.

Furthermore, several British companies, including Rio Tinto, are investing in renewable energy to power their operations. Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining companies, is allocating approximately $500 million to renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, to sustain its operations in South Africa.

Selous emphasized the importance of the UK’s trade relationship with South Africa, recognizing it as the most significant trading partnership with Africa. The combined trade between the two countries amounts to R258 billion annually, accounting for a quarter of the UK’s total trade with the entire African continent. UK investment in South Africa stands at R512 billion, representing half of the UK’s total investment in Africa.

Beyond renewable energy, Selous highlighted the active presence of British businesses in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town. Companies like Capita have created thousands of jobs and are expanding their operations, fostering economic growth and providing employment opportunities for young South Africans.

Selous acknowledged the challenges faced by South Africa, such as frequent power outages and infrastructure constraints, including railway and harbor bottlenecks. However, he emphasized the need for a strong government-business partnership and private sector investment to address these issues effectively. Selous expressed his optimism about South Africa’s potential to become a regional global energy superpower, given its abundant natural resources, including ample sunshine, wind, and coastal areas suitable for floating wind and tidal energy generation.

The UK government is also playing a significant role in South Africa’s energy transition through its joint financing, along with other countries, of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). This initiative supports South Africa’s transition away from coal-fired power generation by investing in renewable energy and ensuring a just transition for coal miners and their communities.

Selous concluded by expressing his confidence in the enduring strength and significance of the trade and investment relationship between the UK and South Africa. He revealed that the UK had invited President Ramaphosa to give the keynote address at its African investment summit, underscoring the commitment to fostering economic ties between the two countries.

As South Africa moves forward with its green economy journey, Selous encouraged greater investment in renewables to avoid potential carbon border adjustment mechanisms and to create a sustainable future. He emphasized that time is of the essence, and urgency is required to attract investors and ensure the success of these initiatives.

With a shared vision for a greener future, the partnership between the UK and South Africa is poised to bring about positive change, economic growth, and job creation in both countries for years to come.

 

Source: Daily Maverick SA