IGIHE

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  • French footballer trapped in Qatar to sue emir’s brother

    French footballer trapped in Qatar to sue emir’s brother

    {French footballer Zahir Belounis plans to sue the brother of Qatar’s ruling emir after being forced to remain in the Gulf state for 17 months and losing up to €150,000 in pay, his lawyer said Tuesday.}

    Belounis was not able to leave the 2022 World Cup host nation due to a pay dispute with his al Jaish football club, whose chairman, Sheikh Joaan Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmad al-Thani, is the ruling emir’s brother.

    The footballer was only able to return to France in late November after obtaining an exit visa, which is usually granted only by employers in Qatar under its controversial kafala, or sponsorship, system.

    To obtain the authorisation to leave, Belounis had to sign a letter back-dated to February announcing his sacking and forego a contract that was due to run until June 2015, thereby losing out on up to €150,000 ($200,000) in remuneration.

    The French-Algerian footballer, 33, initially moved to Qatar in 2007 to sign for second-division al Jaish and was even granted Qatari citizenship, enabling him to represent the country in the 2011 World Military Cup in Brazil.

    But the club stopped paying his wages in 2012 and Belounis decided to file a legal action in February, after which Belounis said he was “blackmailed”.

    Belounis’s lawyer, Frank Berton, said a suit will be filed in Paris for fraud, inhuman working conditions and extortion.

    Others named in the suit would include Gamaan al Hamad, the president of Qatar’s Military Sport Association, he said.

    Qatar and Saudi Arabia are the only Gulf states that continue to require an exit visa from foreign employees who want to leave the country.

    Human Rights Watch has denounced the kafala system as abusive.

    (FRANCE 24 with AFP)

  • Hezbollah says one of its leaders killed near Beirut

    Hezbollah says one of its leaders killed near Beirut

    {{Hussein al-Laqis, who was killed on Tuesday night, was prominent figure in Hezbollah; official statement says that ‘Israel automatically held responsible for the crime.’}}

    The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Wednesday that one of its commanders has been “assassinated” outside of his home in southern Beirut. It blamed Israel for his killing, something an official there quickly denied.

    A statement issued by the group said Hussein al-Laqis was killed as he returned home from work around midnight. It did not say how he died.

    Lebanese security officials said assailants opened fire on al-Laqis with an assault rifle while he was in his car. He was in the parking lot of the residential building where he lived, in the Hadath neighborhood, some two miles (three kilometers) southwest of Beirut, they said.

    He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died early Wednesday from his wounds, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

    The Lebanese state news agency later published a photograph of al-Laqis, a man who appeared to be in his mid-40s, with neatly cut black hair and a graying close-cropped beard, wearing beige-and-khaki military clothing.

    The statement accused Israel of being responsible for the killing. It said Israel tried to kill him several times, but had failed.

    “The Israeli enemy is naturally directly to blame,” the statement said. “This enemy must shoulder complete responsibility and repercussions for this ugly crime and its repeated targeting of leaders and cadres of the resistance.”

    Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor denied Israeli involvement.

    “Israel has nothing to do with this incident,” Palmor said. “These automatic accusations are an innate reflex with Hezbollah. They don’t need evidence, they don’t need facts, they just blame anything on Israel.”

    AP

  • Rusizi: Mayor suspected to build a house on the remains of the victims of the 1994 Genocide

    Rusizi: Mayor suspected to build a house on the remains of the victims of the 1994 Genocide

    {The Mayor of Rusizi District in Western Province is suspected of constructing a house on the pit where the remains of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis were buried.}

    Area residents said there may be remains in the plot where the house is being constructed.

    President of Ibuka in Rusizi District, Charter Nkurunziza told Imvaho Nshya that investigations showed that four people were murdered in this place where a fence had been established during the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.

    Meanwhile, the Mayor explained that although people have said, during information gathering, that three people were killed in this plot, at the time of raising foundation, his workers have found one body and they buried him in collaboration with local leaders.

    According to the same paper there were two other victims that were already buried.

    However what is not understood is how some say four people were murdered at the place while others confirmed three.

    In an Interview with Imvaho Nshya the Mayor said “I don’t know where others came from and I can confirm that there is no remain under the foundation of the house that I am constructing”

    The information gathered say that people massacred in this plot are people who fled the 1994 genocide against Tutsis from elsewhere.

    “When a body was found during the construction of the foundation of the building, the question of other bodies we are talking about, we organized community work to try to find them. We have seen nothing, “Evelyne Kantarama, Executive Secretary of the Cell Ruganda told the press

  • Court allows Obama’s Kenyan uncle to stay in the US

    Court allows Obama’s Kenyan uncle to stay in the US

    {Onyango “Omar” Obama, an uncle to US President Barack Obama, has been allowed to stay in the country by an immigration court during a deportation hearing on Tuesday.}

    US Immigration Judge Leonard Shapiro allowed Onyango, 69, to stay in the US and avoid deportation to Kenya saying that he meets the criteria for obtaining a Green Card.

    The judge in his ruling said he believed Mr Onyango was a gentleman, a good neighbour and dutifully paid his taxes.

    Judge Shapiro said that he was applying a law that entitles immigrants who are “out of status” to become permanent residents if they arrived in the US before 1972, maintained continuous residence and are of good moral character.

    Mr Onyango has been living in the US for the last 50 years having arrived in the country in 1963. He had been ordered deported in 1992 but defied the order and remained in the country.

    ARRESTED FOR DRUNKEN DRIVING

    He remained undetected until he was arrested for drunken driving in 2011 in the city of Framingham just west of Boston.

    After the arrest, his immigration status became public with details of his deportation orders surfacing.

    He was arraigned in court for the drunken driving arrest but a judge continued the case for one year without a finding, saying the charge would be dismissed if Onyango did not get arrested again during that time; a programme he successfully completed.

    When asked in the immigration court if he had family in the US, Onyango said, “I do have a nephew. Barack Obama, he’s the President of the United States.”

    Mr Onyango is now eligible to apply for permanent residence which will grant him the right to legally work in the US and travel outside the country.

    In May 2010, Onyango’s sister Zeituni Onyango was granted asylum in the US after claiming that she would be in danger if she was deported to Kenya.

    Daily Nation

  • Sen. Romeo Dallaire apologizes after crashing car on Parliament Hill

    Sen. Romeo Dallaire apologizes after crashing car on Parliament Hill

    OTTAWA – {A high-profile Liberal senator apologized to his colleagues Tuesday afternoon, saying he fell asleep at the wheel seconds before crashing his car on Parliament Hill.}

    Sen. Romeo Dallaire said he was simply exhausted from weeks of meetings, and high emotions over the approaching 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, as well as the suicides of three Canadian soldiers in the course of one week.

    Around 10 a.m. Tuesday, his BMW crashed into a light pole outside the East Block. The impact created enough force to deploy airbags, the Ottawa Citizen’s Glen McGregor reported.

    Dallaire told his colleagues he was physically fine from the crash. He said he thought he had enough energy to make it to work Tuesday, but realized he was more tired than he believed. “I simply ran out of steam,” Dallaire said.

    Sgt. Karen Zytynsky said an RCMP investigation into the accident is pending and that no decision has been made about whether the senator will be charged.

    In an interview with CBC after the accident, Dallaire said he is mad at himself for putting the lives of others at risks and is “pissed off” that he’s become “tired and weak.”

    He said he will be taking a taxi to work until he feels safe to drive, but did not like the suggestion that he take it easy.

    “It hurts less when I’m busy, so that’s the quandary,” Dallaire said.

    Dallaire was the general commanding United Nations peacekeeping troops during the Rwandan genocide. His memoir, “Shake Hands with the Devil,” details the atrocities he witnessed and his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.

    Dallaire is regularly asked to comment on world events, and has been in high demand for interviews and comments recently over the anniversary. He told the Senate that because of the anniversary he was reliving the events from Rwanda on a daily basis.

    Dallaire told the Senate he hoped his falling asleep at the wheel didn’t bring any more dishonour to the chamber.

    He received an ovation from both sides of the aisle as he finished, with senators walking over to his desk to talk with him, shake his hand, and pat him on the shoulder.

    canada.com

  • Special Envoy Feingold’s Travel to Europe and Rwanda

    Special Envoy Feingold’s Travel to Europe and Rwanda

    {Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) Russell D. Feingold will travel to Kigali and Paris to meet with government representatives and Great Lakes heads of state this week. }

    He intends to discuss next steps in the implementation of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework, including the possibility of a regional mediated dialogue aimed at resolving the root causes of conflict in the region.

    The United States stands ready to support the region in launching such a dialogue and advancing the Framework peace process.

    {{U.S Department of State}}

  • Nigeria crisis: Boko Haram attack Maiduguri airbase

    Nigeria crisis: Boko Haram attack Maiduguri airbase

    {Boko Haram insurgents have attacked a military airbase in north-eastern Nigeria, destroying two helicopters, the authorities say.}

    Eyewitnesses say hundreds of militants attacked several areas of the city of Maiduguri, starting early on Monday.

    A 24-hour curfew has been imposed in Maiduguri. Its civilian airport was also briefly closed.

    A BBC correspondent says the large-scale, co-ordinated attack is a big setback for the Nigerian military.

    Thousands of people have been killed since 2009, when Boko Haram launched its campaign to install Islamic law.

    In May, a state of emergency was declared in Borno state, of which Maiduguri is the capital, as well as two neighbouring states, while there has been a massive military deployment to the worst-affected areas.

    BBC

  • Umushyikirano to discuss the Rwandan Spirit as foundation for sustainable development

    Umushyikirano to discuss the Rwandan Spirit as foundation for sustainable development

    {On 6 and 7 December 2013, President Paul Kagame will chair the 11th Annual National Dialogue Council commonly known as Umushyikirano attended by over 1000 of participants from public and private institutions as well as civil society and Rwandans who live abroad.
    }

    This year’s discussions will focus on the status of the national development-to date and the journey to self-seliance, increased productivity and private sector growth, and “Ndi Umunyarwanda” program.

    Speaking on the outcomes of Umushyikirano, Minister of Local Government James Musoni said that “the opinions and recommendations of Rwandans on the suggested topics will significantly improve the understanding of specific obstacles and allow for implementation of more focused orientation and actions”.

    Last year’s National Dialogue Council, which centred on aiming for self-reliance, had 23 recommendations.

    As part of efforts to achieve self reliance, the 2011 Umushyikirano resolved to set up the Agaciro Development Fund. To date, this has received contributions from Rwandan citizens at all levels, including civil servants, the business community, and Friends of Rwanda. The 11th Umushyikirano will be an opportunity to thank Rwandans for their contributions and outline plans to sustain this home-grown initiative.

    The meeting will also discuss priority programs needed to develop the appropriate skills, attitudes and competencies that will allow Rwandans – especially the youth – to become more productive and competitive.

    As the country prepares to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is an opportune time to discuss the state of unity and reconciliation following nearly two decades of ongoing national and community initiatives to unite and reconcile Rwandans.

    The 11th Umushyikirano will provide a platform for the public to express their views in the context of the “Ndi Umunyarwanda” programme, a frank dialogue aimed at airing constructive ideas to enhance the nation’s healing process and continue to shape the Rwandan society and identity.

    The National Dialogue Council is provided for in Article 168 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 4th June 2003 as amended to date. It takes place every year and is chaired by His Excellency the President of the Republic.

    It brings together the President of the Republic and representatives of Rwandan society and their friends as may be determined by the President of the Republic to debate issues relating to the state of the nation, the state of local government and national unity.

  • Nelson Mandela’s grandson faces assault charges

    Nelson Mandela’s grandson faces assault charges

    {South Africa will charge one of Nelson Mandela’s grandsons with assault and brandishing a gun at another man, a prosecutor’s official said on Sunday, in a further embarrassment for the anti-apartheid hero’s large and fractious family.}

    Mandla Mandela is due to appear in court on Friday, Luxolo Tyali, a spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority, told Reuters. “The NPA has decided to prosecute him and summons have been issued,” Tyali said.

    South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper said the younger Mandela was reported to have drawn a gun on a 44-year-old teacher whose vehicle had collided with one driven by a guest of Mandla
    Mandela’s.

    The teacher later had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain, the newspaper said. A spokesman for the younger Mandela has said the incident never happened and the accusation was “pure fabrication”.

    Tyali spelled out the charges facing Mandla Mandela but declined to give details of the incident.

    Mandla Mandela made headlines earlier this year when a judge ordered him to return the remains of three of Nelson Mandela’s children – including those of his father – from a memorial centre dedicated to his grandfather where he had moved them two years ago.

    Mandla had been sued by more than a dozen of Mandela’s relatives who wanted the remains returned. Mandla said as the local head of the family, it was within his rights to bury the remains on his property.

    Former president Nelson Mandela, 95, spent nearly three months in hospital this year for a lung infection that left him in critical condition. He has been receiving care at his Johannesburg home since early September.

    ndtv.com

  • Logarusic in Tanzania to seal Simba move

    Logarusic in Tanzania to seal Simba move

    {The Croat tactician is expected to sign a six-month contract with the Msimbazi Reds, who are in fourth position behind their arch-rivals Young Africans}

    Simba Sports Club’s new Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic jetted into Dar es Salaam on Sunday and confidently promised supporters of the Msimbazi Street club an outstanding performance in the top flight league.

    The former Kenya Premier League side Gor Mahia’s head coach arrived in the morning, a day after Azam FC unveiled Cameroonian Marius Omog as their new coach replacing Briton Stewart Hall.

    Logarusic (51), said he is ready to seal a deal with Simba who sacked veteran Abdallah ‘King’ Kibaden and his assistant Jamhuri Kihwelo Julio a few weeks after the Mainland Premier League first leg wound up due to unsatisfactory performance.

    The Croat is expected to sign a six-month contract with the Msimbazi Reds who are in fourth position behind their archrivals Young Africans, who are in the pilot’s seat, Azam and league debutants Mbeya City who are in second and third positions respectively.

    “My role is to establish a competent team that plays quick attacking game. I believe the Simba squad will change technically and be able to challenge the league title and qualify for the Caf Champions League,” Logarusic told Daily News.