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Biden, Ruto urge global lenders to ease debt burden
Deutsche Welle
23 May 2024, 17:14
Image: Susan Walsh/AP Photo/picture alliance
Kenyan President William Ruto is the first African leader to make a state visit to Washington since 2008. He and Joe Biden are set to announce a slew of new US investments in the East African country.
Kenyan President William Ruto and US President Joe Biden will call on major economies to reduce the debt burden crushing developing countries on Thursday.
Ruto's three-day trip to Washington is the first state visit to the US by an African leader in more than 15 years.
The Kenyan president said on Wednesday that his talks with Biden would focus on "how we can have a fairer international financial system where all countries are treated equally."
Leaders hail Nairobi-Washington Vision
The two leaders are set to announce a plan called the Nairobi-Washington Vision.
It calls on creditor nations to reduce financing barriers for developing countries that have high debt burdens, and to offer debt relief where necessary.
Ruto and Biden will also call on multilateral banks to offer better financing terms.
It comes as the US attempts to position itself as a more favorable economic partner to African countries than China.
"Together we will call to the international community to come together around these elements to support high-ambition countries with high-ambition financial support," the White House said in a fact sheet ahead of the announcement on Thursday.
Fresh US investment in Kenya
The White House has announced $250 million (€230.6 million) in grants for the World Bank's International Development Association to assist poorer countries facing crises.
Biden will also announce a slew of investments in Kenya specifically, including a $180 million loan to Acorn Holdings to develop affordable student housing and a $10 million loan to Kentegra Biotechnology to build a new plant for organic pesticide ingredients.
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BSF Reports: / Muslims, Not Hindus, Flocked to India from Bangladesh After August
According to the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), more Muslims, not Hindus, have illegally entered India from Bangladesh since August last year. The number of Bangladeshi nationals caught attempting to cross the border illegally between August and the third week of December has been higher among Muslims.
The BSF reports that, compared to the previous two years, there has been a slight increase in the number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in 2024, though the overall increase between August and December has not been significant.
Key Statistics from the BSF Report: (August to December 24, 2024)
Total illegal immigrants caught: 716 Bangladeshi citizens
Hindus: 301
Muslims: 415
Comparison with previous years:
2023: 203 Hindus and 449 Muslims caught
2022: 114 Hindus and 298 Muslims caught
Reason for illegal immigration: Many Bangladeshis are attempting illegal entry due to visa restrictions or other needs (business, family, etc.).
This information comes from the BSF’s South Bengal border division.
Several BSF officers told the BBC that a small number of Hindu Bangladeshis, who were caught trying to cross illegally, stated during initial questioning that they left Bangladesh due to “persecution” and “violence” against Hindus.
The statistics obtained by the BBC, though from the South Bengal border division, reflect similar trends across the entire India-Bangladesh border, according to BSF officials.
Analysts were somewhat surprised by this, as for some time, Hindu nationalist organizations in India have been framing the narrative that many Hindus are fleeing Bangladesh due to alleged “persecution” and “violence.”
However, the data from the South Bengal border division reveals that between August and December 24 of the past year, 716 Bangladeshi citizens were caught by Indian border guards while attempting to illegally cross. Among them, 301 were Hindus and 415 were Muslims. Officials also noted that the overall pattern of immigration did not change significantly when compared to the full-year statistics.
The number of both Hindu and overall illegal immigrants has slightly increased, according to BSF sources, but the trend remains consistent across the India-Bangladesh border.
From the statistics of illegal immigrants caught between August and December in the previous two years, it appears that in 2023, 203 Hindus and 449 Muslims were caught at the South Bengal border, while in 2022, 114 Hindus and 298 Muslims were detained.
Since August, BSF sources report that only a very small number of Hindu illegal immigrants have cited “persecution or fear of persecution” as the reason for fleeing Bangladesh. These individuals make up only 1 to 2 percent of the detained immigrants.
A senior BSF official mentioned that, “Since August, the Indian High Commission has been issuing very few visas to Bangladeshis. However, many Bangladeshis still come to India for business, family, or other purposes, and this continues legally. Due to increased visa restrictions, some people may be attempting to enter illegally and are getting caught.”
The official added, “There are no gaps in our surveillance, and the number of border guards has been increased across the entire India-Bangladesh border. No additional guards have been brought in from other areas; the local battalion headquarters' guards are now being assigned to border duty.”
(Source: BBC Bengali)
Pakistani Girls from Dawoodi Bohra community Continue to Grapple with Secretive Practice of FGM: Report
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a prevalent yet largely unacknowledged practice among Pakistan's Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shia Muslim sect primarily originating from Gujarat, with estimates indicating that 75 per cent to 85 per cent of Dawoodi Bohra women in Pakistan undergo FGM, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
The FGM is often performed in private homes by older women using unsterilised tools and without anaesthesia, or by medical professionals in urban centres like Karachi. With an estimated 1,00,000 Dawoodi Bohras in Pakistan, the practic continues in secrecy.
According to the report, despite FGM receiving international attention in parts of Africa, most Pakistanis are unaware of its prevalence within their own borders. Lack of silence, public scrutiny or legal action allows the practice to persist unchecked.
Comprehensive national data on FGM in Pakistan is nonexistent, and within the Dawoodi Bohra community, the procedure is referred to as "circumcision" rather than "mutilation."
Girls often undergo the procedure at a young age.
Mariam, a 27-year-old survivor, recalls undergoing FGM at the age of seven and still grapples with its impact.
Mariam said as quoted by Al Jazeera, "When you question an authority, you are shown the way out. I feel like something is missing inside me. It's as if something has been taken away, and that has turned into a negative part of my body."
In 2016, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the global leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, reaffirmed support for the practice, describing it as beneficial for the body and soul. He emphasised that female circumcision, or khatna, should be performed discreetly.
Saifuddin had said, "It must be done... if it is a woman, it must be discreet."
Citing the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey of 2017-18, Al Jazeera reported that 28 per cent of the country's women aged 15- 49 have experienced physical violence, and 6 per cent have faced sexual violence.
Additionally, 34 per cent of women who have ever been married have endured spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence.
Despite these alarming statistics, Pakistan has no specific legislation criminalising FGM.
While existing laws under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), such as Sections 328A (child cruelty), 333 (amputation or dismemberment), and 337F (causing lacerations), could be applied, no known prosecutions have occurred, according to the report.
Domestic violence and child protection laws address physical harm but fail to include FGM. Although the government acknowledged the issue in a 2006 National Plan of Action, no steps have been taken to eradicate the practice.
As per the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in Pakistan, mainly in Karachi, the Bohra community has the practice of FGM but this practice takes place secretly with Bohri girls when they are just seven years old.
It is reported that these are not only Pakistani Bohri girls who suffer through this agony but young British girls of Pakistani origin are brought by their Bohri parents to Pakistan for a couple of weeks to carry out the FGM procedure. The practice is also found in Muslim communities near the Iran-Pakistan border.
It is claimed that nearly "90 per cent of Bohra girls are forced to undergo female genital mutilation." If 90 per cent of girls in the community go through this, the Institute for Social Justice (ISJ) Pakistan believes that (as given the size of the community in Karachi) every year about 1000 girls undergo the practice of FGM, as reported Al Jazeera.
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is practised. FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15.
FGM has no health benefits, and it harms girls and women in many ways. The practice involves removing and injuring healthy and normal female genital tissue, interfering with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies. It can lead to immediate health risks, as well as a variety of long-term complications affecting women's physical, mental and sexual health and well-being throughout the life course. All forms of FGM are associated with increased health risk in the short- and long-term. (ANI)
Pakistan Hikes Petrol, Diesel Prices Amid Public Outcry over Inflation
The Pakistan government on Tuesday (local time) announced an increase in the price of high-speed diesel by PKR 2.96 per litre and an increase in the price of petrol by 56 Pakistan paisas per litre, ARY News reported.
The updated prices for petrol and high-speed diesel are now set at PKR 252.66 per litre and PKR 258.34 per litre, respectively. According to ARY News, these adjustments are part of regular revisions influenced by international market trends and local economic conditions.
This marks the second increase in petrol and diesel prices within a month, as per ARY News. ARY News further reported that the Pakistani government has failed to reduce the petroleum levy, which has significantly contributed to the rise in petroleum prices. Over the past month and a half, petroleum prices have risen by PKR 12.14 per litre.
In November, opposition parties in Pakistan severely criticised the central government for increasing petroleum prices, arguing that it would further burden inflation-hit citizens, Geo News reported.
Displeasure over the government's decision was expressed by several leading opposition parties, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami.
According to Geo News, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman strongly condemned the recent increase in petroleum prices, calling it "shameful." The JI leader criticised the government for its inability to provide relief to the general public or the industrial sector.
Hafiz Naeem highlighted that while international prices are decreasing, Pakistan is experiencing price hikes. He further urged the government not to "take out its frustration over PIA's privatisation failures" on the public by increasing fuel prices.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national airline carrier, has been undergoing a bidding process due to inefficiencies and other issues that have resulted in major losses to Pakistan's national exchequer. (ANI)
13 Soldiers Killed in Armed Attacks, BLA and BLF Claim Responsibility
Two Baloch "pro-independence" armed groups—the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)—say they carried out separate attacks on Pakistani military forces in Mastung, Kech, and Awaran districts of Balochistan.
They claim the attacks left at least thirteen soldiers dead and several others injured.
In a media statement, Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the BLA, said the group carried out an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in the Gwarkop area of Kech district on Monday.
"BLA fighters carried out a remote-controlled IED attack on the occupying army at Jamuk around 12 noon. As a result, all five personnel in the vehicle were eliminated on the spot, and the vehicle was completely destroyed," the statement read.
Later the same day, the BLA reportedly targeted Pakistani security forces and what it called members of so-called "death squads" advancing for an operation in the Splinji area of Mastung. According to Jeeyand Baloch, the attack inflicted casualties on the advancing forces.
"The Baloch Liberation Army accepts responsibility for these attacks," Jeeyand Baloch added.
Meanwhile, Major Gwahram Baloch, spokesperson for the BLF, said the group carried out a series of strikes in Awaran and Kech. He claimed the attacks killed at least eight soldiers and left several others injured.
The first ambush took place on 30 December in Bent Rahi Sham, Awaran. BLF Fighters reportedly used "modern and automatic weapons" against a convoy entering mountainous terrain, allegedly killing five soldiers on the spot.
A second clash took place at Kandhar Dap when Pakistani forces attempted to encircle BLF fighters following the ambush. Major Gwahram Baloch said three more soldiers were killed, and several others were wounded, forcing many troops to retreat.
The BLF also claimed responsibility for an earlier attack on 28 December, alleging it targeted a central military camp in Turbat city, Kech district. The group said it used heavy weaponry during a night operation, causing what it described as "significant casualties and material damage."
Both the BLA and BLF reiterated they would continue attacks until their stated aim of Balochistan's independence is achieved. The BLF said it has modernized its strategies for contemporary warfare, citing specialized units such as an intelligence wing, a Sniper Tactical Team, and the Qurban Unit.
Major Gwahram Baloch added that the group plans to release video footage of the Awaran attack soon.
Pakistani authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the claims made by the BLA and BLF.
Gold Prices Surge to Two-Week High, Reasons Revealed
Gold prices have climbed to their highest levels in two weeks, with spot gold rising 1% on Thursday, January 2, to $2,649.73 per ounce, the highest since December 18. US gold futures also advanced by 0.8% to $2,663.20 per ounce, according to reports from Khaleej Times.
Market experts attribute this rally to heightened demand for gold as a safe-haven investment amid declining US Treasury bond prices. The Federal Reserve's dovish stance on interest rates and concerns surrounding new tariff policies under President Donald Trump's administration have further supported the upward momentum.
The falling value of US 10-year Treasury bonds has enhanced gold’s appeal to investors, as gold, unlike bonds, does not yield interest income.
Economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions have also played a significant role in driving demand for the precious metal. In 2024, factors such as central bank gold purchases, reduced interest rates, and global tensions fueled a 27% annual surge in gold prices, reaching record highs.
Analysts predict that, after early-year profit-taking, gold prices will continue their upward trajectory, potentially reaching $3,000 per ounce by 2025.
Other precious metals have also experienced gains. Silver prices jumped 2.1% to $29.48 per ounce, while platinum and palladium rose 2.1% and 1.3%, trading at $922.85 and $922.40 per ounce, respectively.
The ongoing trend underscores the growing appeal of precious metals as reliable assets during times of financial and political uncertainty.
Thousands Evacuate over Volcanic Eruption Fears in Ethiopia
Authorities have begun to evacuate residents in northeastern Ethiopia after a volcano showed signs of potentially dangerous activity , officials said Friday.
Civilians from the Afar region were relocated to temporary shelters, according to the state-owned Fana Broadcasting, which quoted a regional administrator in the area.
Shiferaw Teklemariam, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, said it was premature to describe the activity as an eruption, adding that authorities were exercising caution.
"The community; some are already leaving those areas. We are also preparing to do it in a well-organized manner. It [moving the community] will be done based on predictions," he told Reuters.
Officials warn of possible volcanic eruption
The Ethiopian Geological Institute shared a video on its Facebook page showing what appeared to be dust and smoke rising from the long-dormant volcano of Mount Dofen.
However, not all triggers of volcanic activity lead to full-blown eruptions.
Region prone to earthquakes and tremors
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake, which occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles), hit Ethiopia on Saturday, according to the US Geological Survey and the German Research Center for Geosciences.
The same area also saw a magnitude 5.5 quake on Friday, said the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center.
Dozens of earthquakes and tremors have been recorded in the area in recent months.
Gifted Flat Sparks Controversy: / Tulip Siddiq Under Scrutiny Over London Property
Tulip Siddiq, a minister in the UK’s ruling Labour Party, received a free flat in London from a businessman reportedly connected to individuals close to her aunt Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina is the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
On Friday, January 3, Financial Times published a report based on information from UK land registration documents.
Tulip Siddiq currently serves as the Economic Secretary to the UK Treasury, tasked with combating corruption in the financial sector. She is the daughter of Sheikh Rehana, sister of Sheikh Hasina, the president of Bangladesh’s Awami League.
According to the UK land registry, the flat in question is located near King’s Cross in London and was gifted to Siddiq in 2004. The property was purchased in 2001 for £195,000 (approximately 29.4 million Bangladeshi Taka at the current exchange rate). While the current value of the flat is not specified, a similar property in the same building sold for £650,000 (approximately 97.9 million Bangladeshi Taka) in August last year.
An individual familiar with the matter told Financial Times that the flat's owner, property businessman Abdul Motalef, gifted the property to Siddiq as a token of gratitude for financial support provided by her parents during his time of need.
Abdul Motalef now resides in southeast London. According to voter registration records, another individual named Mujibul Islam resides at Motalef’s address. Mujibul’s father served as a Member of Parliament for Bangladesh’s Awami League from 2014 to 2024.
Motalef admitted to Financial Times that he had purchased the King’s Cross flat but declined to comment on what happened to it afterward.
A spokesperson for Tulip Siddiq dismissed claims linking the Awami League to the flat as "false."
Previously, Tulip Siddiq was questioned by UK Cabinet Office officials over allegations that £400 million was embezzled from Bangladesh’s nuclear power project. Siddiq has denied these allegations.
