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DR Congo Crisis:
UN Confirms at Least 700 Dead Amid Escalating Violence
International Desk, Rtv News
01 Feb 2025, 10:08
Photo: Moses Sawasawa/AP Photo/picture alliance
SADC leaders pledged commitment at crisis talks in Zimbabwe as M23 rebels advance on Bukavu, just days after seizing Goma. The UN says at least 700 people have been killed since Sunday.
The M23 rebel group was advancing towards another city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a UN expert said on Friday, just days after seizing the key eastern city of Goma.
Bukavu is the capital of South Kivu province and home to hundreds of thousands of people.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels entered Goma, the capital of North Kivu and the largest city in eastern Congo, on Monday.
Large parts of the city are now under rebel control in what's considered the worst escalation of a long-running conflict in more than a decade.
UN expert says M23 not far from Bukavu
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said that M23 fighters and Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) were around 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Bukavu and were moving towards a major airport, north of the city.
Rwanda denies backing the rebels, but the UN has made repeated calls for Kigali to withdraw forces from DRC and bring an end to support for the group.
The UN meanwhile said that 700 people have been killed and another 2,800 injured since the latest escalation.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of looking to exploit the region's mineral wealth. Rwanda denies this and says its primary objective is to eradicate a group composed of Hutu militants formed in the wake of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
SADC leaders pledge 'unwavering commitment'
Leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held crisis talks in Zimbabwe on Friday.
The regional bloc reaffirmed its "solidarity and unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
SADC leaders called for an immediate joint summit of SADC and the East African Community (EAC) of which Rwanda and the DRC are members.
The summit condemned the deadly attacks on the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) regional intervention force.
The SADC mission began deploying troops in DRC in December 2023 after Kinshasa sought support under the bloc's mutual defense pact.
(Source: DW)
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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.
11 Injured in Clashes as Karachi Police Attempt to Disperse Protests Against Parachinar Killings
At least 11 people, including six cops, were injured on Tuesday as the Karachi police attempted to disperse sit-ins across the city against the recent killings in Parachinar, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram District.
The religiopolitical Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) had given a country-wide call of protests to express solidarity with the people of Parachinar, who have also been staging a sit-in since December 20 against the law and order situation as well as road closures.
The demonstrators are protesting the ongoing violence in Kurram as well as an incident where two people were killed and later decapitated after being waylaid on their way towards Parachinar in the district's Bagan area.
Speaking to Dawn.com, MWM spokesperson Syed Ali Ahmer Zaidi alleged that the police resorted to tear gas shelling and baton-charge at "10 places — including Abbas Town, Power House and Kamran Chowrangi" — and got the roads cleared.
However, he added, the sit-ins at three locations were continuing, namely at Numaish Chowrangi, Ancholi and Rizvia Society. He criticised what he called "state tyranny against peaceful protesters".
Violence also erupted on main National Highway in Malir where police and protesters clashed, resulting in injuries to several policemen and protesters.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said that four injured people, including one in critical condition with a bullet wound to the head, were brought to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre from Malir.
She said three policemen from Malir with injuries caused by hard and blunt instruments were also brought. The police surgeon further said that three policemen were injured in clashes with the protesters at Numaish Chowrangi, two constables and the Pak Colony station house officer, and were also brought for treatment.
Dr Summaiya said one person with a gunshot injury on his left arm was brought from Numaish Chowrangi to Civil Hospital Karachi.
Malir Superintendent of Police (SP) Saeed Rind told Dawn.com that the protesters blocked the highway at Malir-15 at night. He said when the police took action to get the highway vacated; the protestors who were armed allegedly resorted to "straight firing", resulting in bullet injuries to two policemen.
He said the police resorted to tear gas shelling and dispersed the protesters who fled towards the streets. The Malir SP refuted charges of the protesters that the police resorted to firing on them, saying that only tear gas shelling was used.
Meanwhile, the MWM spokesperson in a statement said that the "police resorted to straight firing on participants of the sit-in in Malir, resulting in bullet injuries to nine persons including two in critical condition."
The spokesperson said they would not be deterred by bullets and threats and a large number of people had again started gathering at Numaish Chowrangi while an emergent meeting of the MWM was underway to chalk out future course of action.
MWM Information Secretary Asif Safvi condemned the alleged heavy firing and shelling by police and security forces on protesters at Numaish Chowrangi. He also condemned alleged violence on senior religious scholar Allama Hassan Zafar Naqvi by paramilitary forces, "who failed to open the roads in Parachinar".
Safvi maintained that the protest "will continue in any case".
"The Sindh government has used force. We will fight state oppression," he said. He added that dozens of protesters were injured by police brutality at Numaish Chowrangi and condemned the arrest of Allama Naqvi.
"The government and some black sheep are conspiring to create communal riots in the city," he said. "Banned sectarian groups are being given free rein on the streets as part of a conspiracy to suppress the demands of the public."
He called on the Sindh government to stop brutality against innocent civilians, adding that protesting is the right of every citizen.
He also called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari to take notice of the "state oppression" by the Sindh government.
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.
