Mitchell highlighted a glaring contradiction in the UNHCR’s position, as the agency expressed reservations about the UK’s proposal to relocate migrants to Rwanda, citing safety concerns.
Simultaneously, the UNHCR has been actively involved in sending immigrants from Libya to the same destination.
The British Parliament recently passed a law affirming Rwanda as a safe country for hosting the transfer of immigrants who have illegally entered the United Kingdom.
This decision is a crucial component of the UK government’s strategy to curb illegal entries into the country by sea. However, the policy has encountered opposition from various UN agencies, including the UNHCR.
During an interview with AFP, Mitchell expressed his astonishment at the UNHCR’s stance, stating that he was genuinely surprised that the UNHCR strongly opposes Britain’s plan to send people to Rwanda, claiming it is not safe.
Mitchell underscored the significance of the British program in combating human trafficking in the English Channel, emphasizing the vulnerability of individuals subjected to dangerous journeys. He stated, “Many people, tragically, have lost their lives being smuggled through what is the largest and busiest navigational route in the world to enter the UK illegally.
The Secretary of State found it perplexing that the UNHCR criticized the British initiative while simultaneously participating in a similar action.
He said that it seems illogical that the UNHCR opposes Britain sending people to what they deem an unsafe country when their actions, like sending individuals to Rwanda, contradict that viewpoint.
In March 2023, Rwanda welcomed the 13th batch of 150 asylum seekers from Libya, directed to the Gashora transit camp, which serves as a temporary residence for refugees and migrants from Libya. The UNHCR spokesperson clarified that the camp serves as a transit location for specific reasons.
Featuring 10 cabins, including two executive suites and two deluxe cabins, the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga provides guests with a comfortable and luxurious experience. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar, plunge pool, jacuzzi, and various outdoor spaces, allowing guests to relax while enjoying breathtaking vistas.
Craig Erasmus, Vice President Operations Sub Saharan Africa for Fairmont and Mantis, describes the experience as an extraordinary blend of luxury, exploration, and conservation against the backdrop of Lake Kivu’s beauty and ecological significance. The houseboat aligns with Mantis, Accor’s conservation and sustainability brand, reflecting a commitment to environmental value and community development.
The two-night/three-day itinerary offers an all-inclusive package with opportunities to add unique experiences, such as gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park or encountering chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park. Other activities include excursions to local fishing communities, exploring hiking trails, kayaking in pristine waters, and bird watching.
Guests can also explore smaller islands in Lake Kivu, including Napoleon Island, Teddy Bear Island, Monkey Island, and Peace Island. Stephane Castell, Regional Manager for Mantis Rwanda, expresses excitement that travelers can now witness mountain gorillas and chimpanzees without enduring long road trips. Additionally, the connection to other Mantis properties in the region allows guests to further explore Rwanda’s diverse offerings.
Mantis, a leading conservation-focused hotel group, offers curated hotels, eco-lodges, and waterway experiences worldwide. With a commitment to responsible tourism, conservation, and adventure, Mantis creates unique travel experiences that respect the environment and local communities. Part of Accor, Mantis stands out for its exceptional destinations and experiences that defy expectations and leave a lasting impression on guests.
Diaa Rashwan said in a statement that since Oct. 21, 4,057 humanitarian aid trucks have been sent from Egypt to the besieged Palestinian enclave via the Rafah border crossing.
This includes 3,866 tons of medical supplies, 22,799 tons of food, 13,936 tons of water, 5,073 tons of other relief materials, 2,678 tons of fuel, besides 48 ambulances and 222 tents and pieces of tarpaulins.
“Egypt is continuing its intense efforts to ensure the constant entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” the Egyptian official said.
The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been the only lifeline to provide the enclave with relief supplies, donated by Egypt and other countries as well as local and international organizations.
Gaza has been under massive Israeli siege and bombardment since Oct. 7, which has killed so far over 18,600 Palestinians and wounded 50,594 others, Gaza’s Health Ministry stated on Wednesday.
The Israeli escalation came in retaliation for an attack by the Gaza-ruling Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) that killed about 1,200 in Israel, with Hamas taking more than 200 as hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Egypt has worked with Qatar and the United States to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that lasted for one week, from Nov. 24 to Nov. 30, during which the two sides swapped detainees. Fighting resumed shortly after the collapse of the truce.
William Fayia Sellu, inspector general of the Sierra Leonean police, told a press conference Tuesday that the suspects include former President Ernest Bai Koroma, 50 currently serving military officers, and five dismissed military officers, among others.
Sellu said the former president has been granted bail with specific confinement at his residence in Freetown, while the remaining 79 suspects are in custody at the criminal investigations department.
The inspector general urged the public to provide useful information leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects still on the run.
On Nov. 26, some armed individuals attacked a military barracks, a prison, and other locations in Freetown, leaving more than 20 people killed in what the government said later was a failed attempted coup.
The training on Police techniques and methodologies for scuba diving in low visibility condition and emergency response, was facilitated by Carabinieri Scuba trainers
The pass-out held on the shores of Lake Kivu was characterized with exercise demonstrations on emergency rescue of a drowning person and recovery of a missing object.
Trainees used advanced search techniques, methods and hydrostatic lifting flask, a special lifting tool, to retrieve a heavy object from 21 metres deep.
The Commanding Officer for Police Marine unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Elias Mwesigye, thanked the trainers for the energy and commitment that made the course a success.
He also commended the trainees for the discipline and urged them to continuously practice what they have learnt to hone their skills and to deliver marine services professionally.
Meta conducted a pilot program with eligible Kenyan content creators, and as a result, Ruto conveyed positive news for the creative community. He mentioned that Meta has committed to supporting creators in Kenya by expanding monetization opportunities, allowing more individuals to make a living through their passion.
The move positions Kenya alongside Egypt and South Africa, the only two African countries participating in the Facebook Creator program.
Egypt and South Africa have been the sole countries on the continent where Facebook content creators could monetize their audience or content. Facebook, a widely used social networking app, connects users globally through private chats, photo and video sharing, and profile updates, redefining relationships in the digital age.
The compensation for Facebook content creators in Africa, including Kenya, ranges from Sh1,200 ($8) to Sh3,000 ($20) per 1,000 views. This is influenced by the underdeveloped marketing industry in most African countries compared to more developed countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, and the UK, resulting in a lower average CPM.
To provide context, Egypt ranks 10th globally in Facebook usage, with 42 million users in 2023, while South Africa holds the 20th position with over 20 million users. Content creators, particularly micro-influencers with one to ten thousand followers, can potentially earn between Sh92,000 ($600) to Sh200,000 ($1,300) monthly.
Monetizing Facebook accounts not only offers a passive income source but also fosters stronger relationships with fans and followers through entertaining and high-value content. However, certain minimum requirements on Facebook pages or profiles must be met before earning through in-stream ads for video-on-demand and live videos.
As for Rwanda, the options for content monetization are currently provided by YouTube, Google, Twitter, and TikTok. For Facebook and Instagram users in Rwanda, the process involves collaborating with individuals in countries offering such options, creating American profiles, and fulfilling requirements for earning money. This practice extends to interactions, where the number of followers influences potential earnings through advertising partnerships.
Social media platforms, such as Instagram, also offer additional avenues for financial support, such as the purchase of a ‘Badge’ during live broadcasts. This badge system provides users with a way to support content creators they appreciate.
During his presidential campaign in Bukavu on December 8, 2023, Tshisekedi accused President Kagame of attacking the eastern part of the DRC through the M23 armed group, going as far as comparing him to Hitler and suggesting a similar fate awaits him.
Four days after Tshisekedi’s comments, Minister Tomlinson, discussing the government’s plan to combat illegal immigration, including sending migrants to Rwanda, responded to a question about the DRC President’s statements during an interview with a Sky News reporter.
Tomlinson noted the diverse interpretations people have but emphasized that Tshisekedi’s characterization of Kagame was inappropriate, stating, “There are various ways to express concerns, and that is not one of them that I am familiar with. It does not align with our country’s stance.”
Congolese leaders recently celebrated the British Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate the plan to send migrants to Kigali.
Patrick Muyaya, the spokesperson for the RDC Government, on November 15, 2023, claimed that Rwanda does not respect human rights and should not accept immigrants from the UK.
He expressed gratitude for the Supreme Court’s decision and questioned how a country with alleged human rights violations could welcome refugees.
Tomlinson continued to assert that Rwanda upholds human rights and meets international obligations, highlighting its reputation for doing so.
He was appointed a week ago to lead efforts against illegal immigration, succeeding Robert Jenrick, who resigned from the position.
The RDC government has long accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group during clashes with the Congolese Army.
However, Rwanda denies these allegations and accuses Kinshasa of collaboration with FDLR, a terrorist outfit formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, launched the ‘Commonwealth Climate Finance Essentials E-learning Course’ at an event on 11 December 2023 in Dubai during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The course builds on the extensive experience of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub.
The hub has helped 17 small and vulnerable states in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to access more than US$322 million in climate finance for projects to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Government officials and experts can use the course to better understand complex areas, such as the climate finance landscape, the compliance requirements set by major funders, the financial requisites for accessing funding and the specific needs of vulnerable groups.
Crucially, the course introduces officials to the core elements needed to write a successful application for securing climate finance for projects. It also unpacks the use of innovative tools, such as earth observation data, to improve project rationale and navigate red tape.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, leaders urged developed countries to fully deliver on their commitment to providing US$100 billion every year in climate finance to help developing nations address challenges posed by climate change.
However, access to funding remains a barrier. Some small island developing states report spending two to three years to develop a climate project proposal. This is followed by another year of legal and implementation arrangements before governments receive funds and can start projects.
Speaking at the event, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “Despite contributing least to the problem, small and vulnerable states are bearing the biggest burden. Increasingly frequent and extreme weather events are causing widespread destruction to livelihoods and infrastructure – and destroying economies.
“While the international community is stepping in to provide support, it’s not enough. Small and vulnerable states also need to navigate the demanding conditions necessary for accessing available climate funds.
“The Commonwealth’s e-learning course is a significant step towards helping government officials better understand the complex structures of multi-billion-dollar funds and access the finance they need.”
During the event, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for Climate Change, drew attention to the capacity challenges faced by developing countries in accessing climate finance on time.
He specifically pointed to the prolonged approval process, citing instances where Bangladesh had to wait nearly nine years to receive funds after submitting project applications.
Mr Chowdhury said: “The course is a great tool. All the good practices from the Commonwealth are brought together and are now available in the form of e-learning. It will help with building that capacity that is so very essential.”
Through this course, he added, countries equipped with the necessary capacity would not only have priority in accessing funds, but also ensure support reaches those most in need.
Orlando Habet, Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, endorsed the new course.
He said: “Climate finance is critical for small island developing states and least developed countries. We have been told that the process of finding finance takes too long. This course will assist us to cut down on that time.”
The minister also thanked the Commonwealth Secretariat for deploying a national climate finance adviser to Belize. He added that the adviser has been assisting his country in securing funding to implement the national climate plans.
The course is part of a package of resources developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat to support its 56 member countries in tackling the global climate crisis.
In December, the situation in the DRC’s North Kivu province worsened, heightening the risk of a direct military confrontation between the two countries, potentially involving Burundi, as stated by Keita, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for the DRC, during a briefing to the Security Council.
Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda are currently at a critical point, with a significant risk of military escalation despite ongoing regional and international efforts to ease tensions, according to Keita. The UN secretary-general’s latest report to the Security Council highlights increased cross-border incidents and mutual accusations of supporting armed groups in eastern DRC.
Rwanda denies the allegations and accuses the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR, a terrorist group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In the south of the North Kivu province, security, humanitarian, and human rights conditions have deteriorated due to hostilities between the DRC military and the M23 rebel movement.
At the request of the DRC government, the mandate of the East African Community Force has not been extended beyond Dec. 8 and the force has begun its withdrawal. At the same time, the Southern African Development Community is preparing for the deployment in the coming weeks of a new force in the DRC.
Keita emphasized the importance of continuous investment by the Congolese government in regional, national, and local political processes for conflict resolution in the east, alongside the reform of the Congolese security sector and the implementation of a disarmament and community reintegration program.
The ongoing insecurity has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with over 6.3 million internally displaced people in the DRC, and more than 500,000 people fleeing their homes since October.
Cholera and measles outbreaks, along with alarming levels of gender-based violence, have further worsened the situation.
Keita urged donors to provide the necessary resources, emphasizing that as of November, the UN humanitarian response plan for the DRC for 2023 remained significantly underfunded.
With the planned drawdown and withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, Keita highlighted the critical juncture in relations between the United Nations and the DRC, particularly in the lead-up to presidential, national, provincial, and local elections.
She stressed the need to consider the complex security, humanitarian, and regional tensions in redefining the partnership between the UN and the DRC.
Keita and DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula signed a Joint Disengagement Plan on Nov. 21, outlining the initiation of the mission’s drawdown by the end of 2023 following extensive consultations between the DRC government and the UN peacekeeping mission known as MONUSCO.
