Morocco And Israel Sign Agreement To Boost Trade

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February 22, 2022

Morocco And Israel have signed an Agreement to boost trade and investment cooperation between the countries, even as Countries Seek To Quadruple Trade Exchange.

On Monday, Moroccan Ryad Mezzour signed a deal with Israeli Orna Barbivai.

Ryad Mezzour said that the two countries demonstrate their desire to promote a dynamic and innovative bilateral economic cooperation in the fields of trade, finance and investment as well as innovation and technology.”

The current level of commercial exchange between the North African Kingdom and Israel amounts at 13 million dollars. The two nations are seeking to quadruple this annual trade.

The agreements will deepen the partnership between the countries’ private sectors and allow for the exchange of expertise in the field of innovation. Moroccan minister also pointed to sectors with “strong investment potential”, including agribusiness, automotives or renewable energy.

On the other hand, Barbivai said the agreement signed was only the beginning, stating that Israel recognizes Morocco’s strategic geopolitical ability with Africa and Europe, adding that cooperation in this matter will open more markets to industry, export and import in any aspect.

Her stay in Morocco marks Israel’s third official visit to the country since the nations re-established diplomatic ties in late December 2020. Since then, trade between Israel and North African and Middle Eastern countries has increased.

More agreements over taxation and customs cooperation are still “under negotiation” between Morocco and Israel.

Libya’s Embattled PM Says Replacing Him Could Trigger War

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Zoe Maven

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February 22, 2022

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Libya’s embattled prime minister is warning that the appointment of a new interim government could trigger further war and chaos in a Mediterranean country.

He was referring to ongoing efforts by the House of Representatives to confirm a new government chaired by Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashaga.

Addressing Libyans late Monday, Prime Minister Abdul Hamdi Dbeibah reiterated his plans to hand over power only to an elected government while outlining a likely plan to hold elections in June.

The east-based parliament earlier this month named Bashaga, a powerful former interior minister from the western city of Misrata, to form a new interim government. Bashagha’s appointment was part of a roadmap set elections within the next 14 months.

In his eight-page speech, Dbeibah said he engaged in negotiations with his rivals to avert the current stalemate, but his efforts failed. He accused one rival, commander Khalifa Hifter, of inflaming “political chaos” in the country.

Dbeibah proposed a four-point roadmap to a simultaneous parliamentary vote and a referendum on constitutional amendments late in June, to be followed by a presidential election after the new parliament crafts a permanent constitution.

The presidential vote was originally planned for Dec. 24, but it was postponed over disputes between rival factions on laws governing the elections and controversial presidential hopefuls. Lawmakers have argued that the mandate of Dbeibah’s government ended on Dec. 24.

In an attempt to court Libyans tired of war and chaos, Dbeibah appealed for what he called “a true national movement” to push for elections.

Hadrian’s Wall Under Threat On 1900th Birthday

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Angel Gimalo

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February 22, 2022

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For almost two millennia, it has withstood man and beast. But, as it celebrates its 1,900th anniversary this year, archaeologists fear it may be facing its most dangerous foe: climate change.

Hadrian’s Wall, Located In Northern England, Is A Roman Fortification Stretching From Coast To Coast.

It served as a marker of the north-westerly frontier of the Roman Empire.

Archaeologist Bill Griffiths says it is a striking example of the longevity of structures built by the Romans.

Hadrian’s Wall and its surroundings have long been a rich area of discovery for archaeologists.

Many Artefacts And Treasures Have Been Pristinely Preserved In The Compost Swamps That Dominate The Landscape.

But climate change has caused these peat bogs to shrink back and dry up.

A well, for example, was hidden underground 30 years ago, but the shrinking bog has left the well exposed in the open air, and vulnerable to complete destruction.

Archaeologists Are All Too Aware That Uncovering Valuable Roman Treasures From This Site Has Become A Race Against Time.

So, while the world considers how climate change will affect our future, Hadrian’s Wall shows the impact it is already having on our past.

Russia Orders Troops Into Eastern Ukraine

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Zoe Maven

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February 22, 2022

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into two rebel-held regions in eastern Ukraine, after recognising them as independent states.

Footage released overnight appeared to show Russian military vehicles heading towards the Ukrainian border with Russia claimimg the troops would be “peacekeeping” in the breakaway regions, which it has backed since 2014. But the US said calling them peacekeepers was a ploy and accused Russia of creating a pretext for war.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s president said his country was not afraid of anything or anyone. In a late-night televised address to the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky called for “clear and effective actions of support” from Ukraine’s international allies.

Several countries, including the UK, are considering introducing new sanctions against Russia in response to the move.

Fears over an invasion have been rising in recent months, as Russia has massed some 150,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders, according to US estimates.

At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield dismissed Russia’s claims that troops would be taking on a “peacekeeping” role, saying: “We know what they really are.”

Russia has been backing a bloody armed rebellion in eastern Ukraine for the past eight years. In an hour-long address on Monday, Mr Putin said Ukraine was an integral part of his country’s history, and described eastern Ukraine as “ancient Russian lands”.

Western powers have rallied behind Ukraine, promising harsh sanctions against Russia if it invades – though it is not yet clear how effective this move could be.

UN Expert In Sudan To Verify Rights Violations After Coup

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Zoe Maven

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February 22, 2022

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A U.N. human rights expert was in Sudan on Monday to verify allegations of human rights violations after an October military coup plunged the country into turmoil and triggered nearly-daily street protests.

Adama Dieng, the U.N.’s expert on human rights in Sudan, arrived in the capital of Khartoum, a month after Sudan’s authorities asked for the postponement of his visit, according to the U.N. Human Rights Council.

Dieng was a U.N. special adviser on the prevention of genocide and served as an investigator for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. He was appointed in November to monitor the human rights situation in Sudan after the Oct. 25 military coup.

Dieng met Monday with acting Justice Minister Mohamed Saeed al-Hilu. He will also meet with other government officials, activists and civil society groups.

His mission is to verify allegations of human rights abuses during protests that have been taking place since the takeover, said Gomaa al-Wakil, head of the human rights department at the Justice Ministry.

The takeover has upended Sudan’s transition to democratic rule after three decades of repression and international isolation under autocratic President Omar al-Bashir.

The African nation has been on a fragile path to democracy since a popular uprising forced the military to remove al-Bashir and his Islamist government in April 2019.

Sudan has been politically paralyzed since the coup, with near-daily street protests.

Mali Approves New Charter Allowing A Five-Year Transition

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Zoe Maven

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February 22, 2022

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Mali’s lawmakers have voted on a plan allowing the transitional government to rule for up to five years in line with a proposal by the authorities.

On Thursday, the ECOWAS mediator for Mali will lead a mission on a timetable for elections.

In line with a proposal by the transitional government, 120 members of Mali’s 121-seat interim parliament voted to adopt the bill during a session exclusively dedicated to”the examination of the draft law on the revision of the transition charter.”

The new charter comes after regional sanctions hit the country in January over delayed elections. This delay contributed to worsen an already souring relation with France which eventually decided to withdraw troops from Mali.

If the new charter does not mention on what date a future presidential election might be held, it says serving president Kornel Goïta will not be allowed to participate in the next elections.

After staging a coup in August 2020, Mali’s rulers initially promised to organise a vote in February 2022.

But citing security concerns last December, the government proposed staying in power for much longer.

The chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States, president Nana Akufo-Addo said during the AU-EU Summit that a one-year transition could be deemed acceptable.

On Monday, the ECOWAS commission announced its mediator for Mali would lead a mission on Thursday on a timetable for elections.

Egypt Prepares To Host The UN Climate Change Summit

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Zoe Maven

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February 22, 2022

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The United States and Egypt have launched a joint work group to prepare for the next U.N. climate change summit which the Middle Eastern country will host in November.

U.S. envoy John Kerry said the group’s main task is working on the COP27 conference in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, adding that Egypt has already taken many steps in the preparation for the summit.

He spoke at a news conference in Cairo along with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry. Neither official took questions from reporters.

Kerry said other world tensions, including the ongoing Ukraine crisis, “… does not change the reality of what is happening every day with respect to our climate. That is a national, international threat for all of us.”

Kerry, who landed in the Egyptian capital on Sunday, is also scheduled to speak at the American University in Cairo on the future of international climate action in the lead up to COP27, the State Department said.

The American envoy said that the U.S. was also working with the Egyptian government on its own transition to have a clean energy future.

Kerry, who was a secretary of state in the Obama administration, was referring to conflicts in the Middle East and probably Egypt’s human rights record, which draws criticism from the U.S. and other western governments.

In June, Kerry announced an increase in the U.S. funding to help Egypt convert to solar energy and move away from fossil fuels, a major source of energy in the country of over 100 million people.

In recent years, the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has taken steps to convert to renewables, seizing advantage of the country’s optimal solar and wind conditions for energy harvesting.

Energy And Power Company Partner To Explore Offshore Wind Projects In India

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Angel Gimalo

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February 22, 2022

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German energy company RWE and Indian power company Tata Power have partnered to explore the joint development of offshore wind projects in India.

According to RWE, India’s large coastline makes it an attractive market for offshore wind, and the MoU signed between the two companies will help exploit this market to reach India’s target of 30GW of offshore wind installations by 2030.

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO Wind Offshore of RWE Renewables, explains: “India has excellent wind resources, which can help to meet the country’s increasing energy demands. If clear regulations and an effective tender scheme are in place, we expect India’s offshore wind industry will gain a real momentum. RWE wants to be part of this development.”

Utermöhlen added: “With Tata Power, we have an outstanding and experienced partner at our side which is deeply rooted locally and shares our ambition to drive the growth of offshore wind in India. Combined with RWE’s 20 years’ track record in developing, constructing and operating offshore wind projects, we are well placed to supply green energy from offshore wind as competitively as possible for the Indian society.”

As part of the collaboration, RWE and Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited will conduct technical and commercial site assessments, as well as evaluate the Indian offshore wind supply chain to identify local strengths and areas for development.

Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Power, said: “RWE is our ideal partner to support Tata Power’s plans to enhance and grow offshore wind business based on its global expertise in running and operating offshore wind projects. In view of the Indian Government’s heightened focus on offshore wind farms to address the country’s expanding electricity demands, the collaboration becomes even more significant.”

Gold mining site blast reportedly kills 59 in Burkina Faso

By

Zoe Maven

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February 22, 2022

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A strong explosion near a gold mining site in southwestern Burkina Faso killed 59 people and injured more than 100 others Monday.

According to the national broadcaster and witnesses, the explosion was believed to have been caused by chemicals used to treat gold that were stocked at the site.

The first blast reportedly happened around 2 p.m., with more explosions following as people ran for their lives while provisional toll was provided by regional authorities following the blast in the village of Gbomblora.

Burkina Faso is the fastest-growing gold producer in Africa and currently the fifth largest on the continent, with gold being the country’s most important export. The industry employs about 1.5 million people and was worth about $2 billion in 2019.

Small gold mines like Gbomblora have grown in recent years, with some 800 across the country. Much of the gold is being smuggled into neighboring Togo, Benin, Niger and Ghana, according to the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies.

The small-scale mines are also reportedly used by jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State, which have staged attacks in the country since 2016.

The groups reportedly raise funds by taxing miners, and also use the mine sites for recruiting fighters and seeking refuge.

Mining experts say the small-scale mines have fewer regulations than industrial ones and thus can be more dangerous.

Marcena Hunter, senior analyst at Global Initiative, a Swiss-based think tank said the limited regulation of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector contributes to increased risks that can be very dangerous, including the use of explosives which are often smuggled into the country and used illegally.

Australia’s Largest Coal-Fired Plant To Shut, 7 Years Earlier Than Planned

By

Angel Gimalo

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February 22, 2022

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Australian energy company, Origin, has notified the Australian Energy Market Operator of its plans to retire the Eraring coal power station in August 2025, seven years earlier than planned.

Eraring is a 2880MW black coal plant on the shores of Lake Macquarie and became operational in 1984.

According to Origin CEO Frank Calabria, the move reflects the changing nature of the national electricity market, transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Furthermore, an early closure will remove a large portion of the Origin’s Scope 1 emissions.

“Australia’s energy market today is very different to the one when Eraring was brought online in the early 1980s, and the reality is the economics of coal-fired power stations are being put under increasing, unsustainable pressure by cleaner and lower-cost generation, including solar, wind and batteries,” said Calabria.

As renewables and storage become more cost-competitive, Origin is looking to incorporate them more in combination with their peaking power stations, ultimately ensuring a more economical cost of energy.

Origin plans to invest AUS$240 million (USD$173 million) into restoration and rehabilitation of the site, a plan that includes the installation of a 700MW battery, as well as additional renewable and storage capacity, including a potential expansion of the Shoalhaven pumped hydro scheme, located on the South Coast region of New South Wales, Australia.

Origin also plans to re-skill employees and offer career support and redeployment into new roles, where possible.