World News - .geographical media - RSS

Millions at risk in Somalia as attacks on aid workers escalate

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:43:49 GMT

Thursday, November 06, 2008

An escalation of attacks on aid workers and human rights defenders in southern and central Somalia is putting at least 3 million Somalis at even greater risk of malnutrition and disease. Many organizations have suspended programmes and withdrawn staff.

At least 40 humanitarian and human rights workers have been killed so far this year, as highlighted in Fatal Insecurity: Attacks on Aid Workers and HRDs in Somalia, a new report by Amnesty International.

This is at a time when Somalia is in the middle of a humanitarian emergency, with the UN estimating that around 3.25 million Somalis – 43 percent of the population – will require food aid until the end of 2008.

The restrictions on the freedom of humanitarian agencies to deliver emergency humanitarian services – food, shelter and essential medical services – form one of the leading factors contributing to widespread malnutrition and death from starvation or preventable diseases throughout the area.

One humanitarian worker said: "We are not able to start new programmes because our staff can't go in. There is acute malnutrition in Mogadishu, but we're not able to respond quickly enough, we have to work by remote control, and quality suffers."

"These killings, abductions and threats mean that workers and rights defenders no longer enjoy the limited protection they previously held, based on their status in the community as impartial distributors of food and emergency services, or as advocates of peace and human rights," said David Copeman, Amnesty International's Somalia Campaigner.

Many Mogadishu-based human rights defenders and other civil society members have this year been forced to flee Somalia for the first time since the end of the government of former President Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

Attacks continue, with UN staff killed by bombing attacks on 29 October, the targeted killing of an UNICEF engineer in the central town of Hudur on 19 October and a women's rights activist killed in Guriel on 25 October.

Where the identity of the attackers is known, the majority of killings have been attributed to members of armed opposition groups, including al-Shabab militias, and the various Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS)-affiliated militias (often also called Islamic Courts).

The remaining killings were attributed to criminal gangs, or in a smaller number of cases, to militias associated with the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) or to the Ethiopian military. Most recent killings have been carried out by one or more gunmen, almost always described as between 15 and 25 years old. Threats are issued by phone, in leaflets and by word of mouth.

Amnesty International is calling on all parties to the conflict in Somalia to stop these illegal attacks on humanitarian workers and civil society.

"International leaders must establish a mechanism, such as an International Commission of Inquiry, to investigate these killings, kidnappings and beatings and bring those responsible to justice," said David Copeman.

"Donor governments and the UN must also increase their efforts to ensure a transparent and clearly demonstrated distinction between apolitical emergency humanitarian relief, and any political or development activities assisting TFG or the peace process."

Amnesty International

French section of MSF forced to leave Niger

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:26:15 GMT

Thursday, October 30, 2008

MSF calls on the Niger Government, UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP) to take action in Maradi and ensure that malnourished children receive treatment to the extent.

On July 18, 2008, the Niger government terminated, suddenly and without explanation, the medical and nutritional activities of the French section of MSF in the Maradi region. This decision has had grave consequences on mortality among young children.

Over the last three months, MSF has made every effort to determine the reasons for this suspension, clarify its medical work and redefine, with the Niger authorities, the modes of its intervention. On October 21, in Niamey, in the face of the government's refusal to authorize MSF to resume its activities, MSF called on the President of the Republic to arbitrate. We have received only silence in response. The French section of MSF has thus chosen to take formal note of the government's position that "MSF leave".

The cessation of MSF's activities has occurred at the most difficult time of year for young children — between the harvests, when malnutrition rises, and the height of the malaria season. On the suspension date, more than 3,000 children were undergoing treatment and 500 new children were admitted into the program weekly.

In addition, the latest nutritional survey, conducted in June 2008 by the government and UNICEF, estimated the number of children in the Maradi region suffering from acute malnutrition at between 35,000 and 67,000. These official statistics contradict the Nigerien government's publicly stated reasons for its decision to suspend the organization's activities in Maradi.

"Maradi is one of the regions in Niger most affected by malnutrition," explains Dr. Christophe Fournier, President of the MSF International Council. "Since MSF's activities in southern Maradi were halted, and despite an increase in admissions into other health centers and MSF projects in the surrounding areas, thousands of children are not receiving treatment.

"Given significant advances in the field of malnutrition that now allows childhood malnutrition to be prevented and treated on a large scale, it is shocking that a government, after having allowed innovative programs to be established, would ignore the needs of thousands of children."

The departure of the French section of MSF comes at a time when efforts to make progress in the fight against malnutrition are more possible — and necessary — than ever. Malnutrition is a preventable and treatable condition that must be recognized as a public health priority.

Countries affected by malnutrition, like Niger, and international organizations have been slow to acknowledge the real possibilities offered by new, ready-to-use nutritional products. The United Nations does not recommend a specific approach for the major areas affected by malnutrition and mortality, such as Maradi, and limits the use of effective foods to the most severely undernourished children. Last, international funding for malnutrition remains sorely inadequate.

MSF calls on the government, UNICEF and the World Food Program to take swift action in Maradi so that malnourished children receive treatment and on donors to establish an international policy and treatment approaches adapted to the major areas affected by malnutrition.

Médecins Sans Frontières has been working in Niger since 2001 and operates malnutrition treatment programs in the Zinder, Maradi and Tahoua regions. Between early 2008 and mid-September, a total of 61,051 children suffering from acute malnutrition were admitted into MSF feeding centers. In collaboration with health authorities, Médecins Sans Frontières also provides epidemic response in Niger, treating patients and carrying out vaccination campaigns. In 2008, it responded to measles, meningitis and cholera epidemics. The MSF teams in Niger total 1,537 staff, including 1,468 Nigeriens.

Médecins Sans Frontières

GUINEA: Strike suspended, health workers back on job

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:20:56 GMT

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Some government health employees returned to work on 18 September after the Federation of Health Workers Union announced the temporary suspension of its most recent 10-day strike.

The union's secretary general, Pierrette Tolno, told IRIN that though President Lansana Conte agreed to union demands on 17 September, the suspension is only temporary as the union waits to see if the government will give the country's more than 7,000 public health employees a bigger share of the 2009 budget, "A signature is one thing and the application of the statute is another."

According to the government's Guinean Press Agency, there were 10 deaths at Conakry's Donka Hospital during the most recent 10-day strike, which followed an earlier strike August 2008 that had been temporarily called off.

Some of the union's demands include salary increases, school stipends, 18-months' back pay that the union says the government owes 625 workers, and uniforms.

Tolno told IRIN the union is carefully watching government budget talks. "The real work starts now to respect deadlines." Tolno says the government is expected to back up its promises with money in the 2009 budget, which is to be decided during budget talks scheduled to begin 25 September.

Health workers reporting back to the country's largest hospital, Ignace Deen Hospital, found mostly empty waiting rooms.

A doctor in the hospital's neurology department, Oumar Sylla, said his first day back at work was mostly quiet, "This morning, we donned our white coats again. But as this was the first day following our strike, I only had three consultations during the eight-hour workday. Normally, we have about 20 per day."

An anaesthesiologist at the capital's Donka Hospital, Toure Aminata, said she and her colleagues also returned to their jobs, "We arrived early this morning and reported to our departments. Right now I am preparing a patient for a surgical procedure."

Soriba Bangoura, the parent of a hospital patient, said the President's signing was overdue.

"It was time for him to sign the [contested] statute because if not, we were going to have more deaths in our hospital. Poor patients who were not cared for, who could not go to private clinics because they did not have the money, were forced to go home to die in their homes." said Bangoura
Union-led strikes during early 2007 in Guinea shuttered businesses and claimed more than 100 lives. Protesters’ demands included relief from rising food and fuel prices, better work conditions and the departure of the ailing President Lansana Conte, who has ruled for 24 years since seizing power militarily in 1984.

Recently, youths on the outskirts of the capital took to the streets to protest months-long electricity blackouts, which was a main grievance during the deadly 2007 strikes.

IRIN

Bajaha, others join Scorpions

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:28:08 GMT

« previous

1 of 2

Friday, June 13, 2008

The Scorpions camp at Sea View has been boosted up with the arrival of goalkeeper Musa Bahaja, ahead of Gambia’s next match in the combined qualifiers for the 2010 World and African Nations Cup finals against Algeria, on Saturday.

Belgian coach, Paul Put, had to settle for local keeper in Robert Badjie, after the Sweden-based goalie failed to turn up for the Scorpions first two matches against Liberia and Senegal.

Finland-based defender Paco Corr, who was serving a two-match suspension has also joined the camp together with three other players who were banned for the same number of matches.

Having watched their colleagues from the sideline during the past two matches, defender Lamin Conateh and strikers Assan Jatta and Ousman Jallow will all be available for selection in tomorrow’s must-win fixture at the Independence Stadium.

The Scorpions will, however, be without their rocky full-back, Pa Saikou Kujabi, who will be serving a one-match suspension after receiving his second yellow card in Scorpions 0-0 draw match against the Terenga Lions on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Algerian team have breezed into Banjul last evening, from Algiers, for Saturday’s cracker which will be officiated by a Malian referee.

The Northerners, who arrived on board a special flight, are expected to fly back home shortly after the crunch fixture, to commence preparations for the return leg, six days later.

The Gambia currently lie third with two points in a group that is currently led by Senegal with four points. Algeria are second with three points, while Liberia , who will host Senegal on Sunday, lie at the bottom, with one point.

Author: by Nanama Keita

Fans Urged to Remain Calm Ahead of Crunch Game

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:35:04 GMT

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Following a fine imposed on The Gambia resulting in the suspension of its key player during the Gambia/ Algeria game last year, the President of the Gambia Football Association Seedy MB Kinteh has made a strong appeal to fans to comfort themselves and avoid a repeat of the same incident between the two sides. The Scorpions take on Algeria in group 6 of the World and African Cup qualifiers on Saturday.

The Gambia was subject to a financial sanction of USD 10,000.00 by the CAF Disciplinary Board for the unsporting behaviour of supporters, as well as the offensive behaviour of some of our players, during preliminaries of the 26th African Cup of Nations, Ghana 2008 qualifiers against Algeria played at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

He said, “This is going to be a watch match for both CAF and FIFA and if the same incident occurs during Saturday’s game we have to dance to the tune of the football authorities”

He added that as part of the Sunday’s match the Referee will arrive from Mali and his assistants will come from Morocco, Angola and Mali. The Referee Inspector will come from Benin. These officials will start arriving in Banjul on Friday for the game.

The GFA prexy welcomed the return of the players who were facing suspension from CAF describing their presence as a plus to the team in terms of scoring goals .

“ I think we need more goals and the teams are ready for the match and will rectify their mistakes from the last games. We expect to see more goals this time around as I know how important the is to us,” he pointed.

He informed Pointsports that Musa Bajaha and Abdoulie Corr were expected yesterday in Banjul and will be joining

Author: By Sainabou Kujabi

Source: Picture: Seedy Kinteh (President of The Gambia Football Association)

Corinthia ex-GM’s persona non grata welcomed

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:49:26 GMT

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

More than a score of jubilant staff at the Corinthia Atlantic Atlantic Hotel have welcomed a persona non grata declared on disgraced Sylvian Chauvet, a Frenchman, who was the general manager of the hotel.

Our reporter who was at the hotel last week Thursday afternoon shortly before the departure of Mr Chauvet, observed that staff booed and humiliated the embattled Frenchman as he drove out of the hotel to the airport. “They were holding placards some of which which read: Monkey Go Home!”, our reporter explained.

They accused Mr Chauvet of “barbaric” treatment of staff at the hotel and praised the government for the timely intervention.

Some of the staff who spoke to the Daily Observer on condition of anonymity, said Mr Chauvet was the most “unreasonable and heartless” manager in the history of the hotel.

According to Kebba Demba, a senior butler who has been working at the hotel for 32 years, he has never met a “wicked manager” like Mr Chauvet. Mr Demba told the Daily Observer that the first thing the French did since he took charge of the hotel was the sacking of most experienced and dedicated permanent staff of 60 and 150 seasonal staff. He said this harsh action was followed with numerous suspension of staff, whom he accused of theft.

Salifu Jammeh, a driver who has been working at the hotel for at least 24 years, said he was humiliated and demoted to a porter, after he had refused to be the ex-manager’s informant. He said Mr Chauvet used to subject them to routine threats and abuses. He said the Frenchman also deprived them their right to perform religious prayers.

Sulayman Jawo, a restaurant manager, thanked President Jammeh and his government for relieving them of the cruelty and mistreatment in the iron hands of the ex-manager. Mr Jawo alleged that the axed GM has no regard for the authorities and they have lodged several complains at the office of the Ombudsman, the Labour Union, Tourism Development Area (TDA), th Department of State for Tourism and Culture, Gambia Worker’s Confederation and the National Assembly. He said all these efforts proved nothing until when they wrote to the Office of the President, which ended the inhumanity.

The hotel staff appealed to the authorities to always investigate their complains and act fairly.

This reporter tried to get the reaction of Mr Chauvet, while leaving the hotel premises, but the Frenchman retorted: “I have no time to respond to any question as the time is running out for me to leave the country.”

Author: by Sheriff Barry

Ken pardoned, warned

Fri, 16 May 2008 03:48:23 GMT

Friday, May 16, 2008

Hawk’s Ken Malamin Jammeh has had his indefinite suspension lifted with immediate effect, Observer Sports can reveal. The former Under 20 captain is now free to take part in all the future football matches following a presidential directive, a press release from the Gambia Football Association revealed.

The midfielder was reported to have violently and excessively slapped central referee Mawdo Jallow during Hawks first-round 2-0 defeat to Gambia Armed Forces on March 3.

That uncalled-for action forced the disciplinary committee of The Gambia Football Association to bar the player from taking part in all local and international football matches.

“Following a presidential directive, I am to inform you of the nullification of the indefinite suspension of Mr Ken Malamin Jammeh of your club for his violent and excessive brutal attack on the central referee, Mawdo Jallow, during your first round league match against Armed Forces FC which was played at the Serrekunda East Community field,” the Football Association says in a press release sent to the player’s Banjul club, Hawks FC.

“Mr Ken Malamin Jammeh is now free to take part in all the future matches of your club. You are forewarn to be in your best behaviour at all times and to refrain from such a violent and an unsporting behaviour,” the release concluded.

Author: by Nnama Keita

MRC sued

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:12:52 GMT

Thursday, April 17, 2008

The protracted case involving Momodou Jarju, vice President of the MRC Worker’s Union and Alieu Faal, chief shop steward of the MRC worker’s union, on Wednesday resumed at the court, before Justice Yeboah of the Banjul High court.

The first plaintiff Momodou Jarju, continued his evidence in chief.

Continuing his evidence in chief, Momodou Jarju said he did not have any warning letter from the Management of MRC before he was fired. He revealed that, he was the Vice Chairman of the MRC Worker’s Union for some time and he played many important roles in that capacity. Mr Jarju admitted he once attended a meeting where it was said that no food shall be brought to the ward.

Mr Jarju described terminations of his services by the management of MRC as unjustifiable. Jarju added that he has never at any time disregarded the orders of the MRC management.

During cross examination by the defence counsel, Bola Carrol, Mr Momodou Jarju maintained that, he has never placed any press article at Radio Gambia in contraventions of the MRC staff conduct. He added that he had never wrote anything contained in exhibit A “the termination letter” of his services at the MRC.

According to Jarju, he was together with the chairman of the MRC worker’s union the day he was accused of taking food to the MRC ward.

Further responding to defense counsel’s comment, if it was because of he (Mr Jarju) and his co-accused’s active role in the MRC industrial strike which led to their sacking and the subsequent suspension of some members of the worker’s union, Momodou Jarju said he did not play any active role in that said strike.

Author: by Sanna Jawara

Ken’s GFA Suspension – Someone Agrees!

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:15:54 GMT

Monday, April 14, 2008

Editor,

Hello there Observer. In regards to the suspension Ken received from GFA, to me it is a massive decision for the future of the game in The Gambia. This will serve as a point to any player wishing to act in such menace again. Slapping a referee!!!! It is the worst scene I have ever heard of in the whole world of football that I watch and read. Come on GFA! That is what we want to see. Discipline.

Mohammed Ceesay , UK

Editor’s Note:

Thanks Mr. Ceesay. I was beginning to feel lonely in my support of the GFA’s actions. Now I am not alone!

Author: DO

Justice and mercy

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:14:46 GMT

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Discipline is a pre-requisite for harmony as it propagates tolerance and understanding. When a society is wanting in discipline, it is in effect, at a state of war with itself. Confusion, unrest, banditry, and all sorts of destabilizing situations, are what such a society stands to gain. The result is uncertainty for its subsequent generations. This is why we are very much particular about the subject.

Our concern is evident of the number of times we have attempted to address the issue here on this column. This time it is the case of the Gambian defender in trouble with the laws of his profession.

We might not be football pundits, but we know that it takes a set of participants to make a football game. As we have constantly put it all along, and as it is for every other trade, without a core of disciplined players, the football industry is doomed. The same thing is true for all the other stakeholders in the game. This does not in anyway exclude the referees and the other officials we tend to overlook.

The impulsive act by the young man, by slapping a referee in the pitch of play, was despicable and punishable. And from what we gather since the incident occurred, the view of every football follower is that there should be some form of harsh punishment for such deeds.

However, the idea behind punishing an offender is to correct them. The manner of punishment determines the effectiveness of the intent. For all we know, the accused is currently under an indefinite suspension, which means that he can be pardoned even as we go to press. But it also means that he can be forgotten about. And the implication is that his carrier will be damaged. That will certainly be in no one’s interest.

NO MERCY!

The young Daily Observer editorial writer has had his say, but the elderly Editor-in-Chief’s much more stern view is that the offence of slapping a referee is so gross that a life-time ban would be in order! Readers are free to respond!

Author: DO