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Sudanese Refugees Hiding in Ethiopian Forest

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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Thousands of Sudanese refugees are dwelling in a forest near Ethiopia’s border with Sudan after surviving attacks by local militias on United Nations-run refugee camps.

The refugees fled In May after gunmen and bandits repeatedly stormed the camps to steal supplies, rape women, kidnap people for ransom and terrify civilians.

Al Jazeera reports that at least 7,000 people left the camps and some 3,000 are still in the forest where they live alongside “wild animals” like hyenas, scorpions and snakes. this according to a statement by some refugees.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said about 1,000 people left the camps.

Sudanese Open Arms As Grim Conditions Await Ethiopian Refugees

“We want to get out of the borderlands of Ethiopia and we want to leave Ethiopia altogether,” said Montasser*, a community leader among the Sudanese refugees in the forest.

“We refuse to be put in any other camp here in Ethiopia.”

Sudan is the world’s largest displacement crisis – more than 10 million people have fled since a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into war in April 2023.

More than 53,000 people came to Ethiopia, and about 8,500 of them were settled in UN-administered camps at Awlala and Kumer in the Amhara region.

Ethiopian government forces are fighting the Fano armed group in Amhara, with the refugee camps in the heart of the conflict and the refugees saying the camps are attacked often by “bandits and militias”.

Rwanda Govt.  Seeks Not to Refund £270M Paid BY UK

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The Rwandan government has hinted that it won’t reimburse more than $300 million it has received from the United Kingdom since 2022 for a deal to deport asylum seekers deemed to have arrived illegally in the UK to the East African nation.

A Rwandan government spokesperson on Tuesday, said that its migrant deal with the UK did not include any “clause regarding reimbursement” after the newly-elected British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said that he would scrap the controversial agreement.

“Within the agreement there was no clause regarding reimbursement… it never stated that the money would be refunded,” spokesperson Alain Mukuralinda said in a video posted by state-owned Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.

Asylum-Seekers: Rwanda Respond to UK’s Decision to End Scheme

“We had an agreement. Both parties signed, it became an international agreement, we start implementing it, then after that you want out … best of luck,” Mukuralinda said.

The UK has given Rwanda £240 million (around $307 million) so far as part of the deal, according to a fact sheet published by the British government in April this year.

Speaking at his first press conference as prime minister on Saturday, Starmer said he was “not prepared to continue” with the controversial deal to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, calling the scheme a “gimmick” and denying that the bill acted as a deterrent.

The controversial plan was first announced in April 2022 by the Conservative government at the time under Prime Minister Boris Johnson but faced a series of political and legal challenges as lawmakers and activists sought to scupper the legislation on human rights grounds.

After the bill was passed in April this year, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed the plan was introduced “to deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs who exploit them.”

The bill was condemned at the time by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi who said the arrangement sought to “shift responsibility for refugee protection, undermining international cooperation and setting a worrying global precedent.”

Amnesty International UK also called the plan “a stain on this country’s moral reputation” that “takes a hatchet to international legal protections for some of the most vulnerable people in the world.”

Asylum-Seekers: Rwanda Respond to UK’s Decision to End Scheme

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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Rwanda’s government says it is aware of the United Kingdom’s intention to terminate its plan to deport asylum-seekers to the East African country.

In a statement late Monday, the office of the Rwandan government spokesman said the deal had been initiated by the UK “to address the crisis of irregular migration affecting the UK — a problem of the UK, not Rwanda.”

This is the first time Rwandan authorities are officially commenting on plans by the UK’s new Labour Party government to cancel the scheme, which drew criticism from human rights watchdogs and others as cruel and inhumane.

UK Allows Govt. To Start Sending Asylum Seekers To Rwanda

It was not clear if Rwandan authorities were reacting to press reports or had been given official notification of plans to terminate the agreement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in his first news conference Saturday that the Rwanda deportation plan “was dead and buried before it started.”

Starmer denounced it as a “gimmick,” though it’s unclear what he will do differently as a record number of people have come ashore in the first six months of the year.

The Rwanda deportation plan once was billed as a solution that would deter migrants from risking their lives on a journey that could end with their deportation to East Africa. So far, it has cost the UK government hundreds of millions of dollars without taking flight.

The Rwandan statement said the government “has fully upheld its side of the agreement, including with regard to finances.”

FX Market: Nigerian Naira Loses N22 in Two Days

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The naira continued its depreciation streak against the dollar in the foreign exchange market, despite a surge in FX transaction turnover.

FMDQ data showed the naira weakened to N1532.58 against the dollar on Tuesday from N1523.85 traded the previous day.

This represents N8.73 depreciation against the dollar compared to the N1523.85 traded on Monday.

The development comes despite the increase in foreign currency transaction turnover to $188.19 million on Tuesday from $133.46 million the previous day.

Similarly, at the parallel foreign exchange market, the naira depreciated to N1540 on Tuesday from N1530.

Further analysis showed that from last Friday to Tuesday, the naira lost N22.91 and N15 at both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets, respectively, despite the rise in Nigeria’s external reserves to $34.66 billion as of June 4, 2024.

Law Makers Seek Suspension of Samoa Agreement

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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Amid the controversy trailing the Samoa Agreement, 88 members of the House of Representatives have moved a motion urging the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the contentious accord until all the clauses are addressed and spelt out.

The Samoa Agreement which earlier signed by the Federal Government with the European Union, received heavy backlash with many frowning upon what they thought was the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, LGBT, rights.

In moving the motion on Tuesday, a member of the House, Aliyu Madaki, drew attention to the clause which highlights “gender equality” and described it as a Trojan horse which could violate the morals of the country.

CSO Raises Alarm Over LGBTQ Agreement

The House also mandated its relevant committees to investigate controversial provisions of the agreement.

However, at a press conference on Saturday, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, alongside his counterpart in the Ministry of Information, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria won’t enter into an agreement that was antithetical to the Constitution as well as the religious and cultural sensibilities of the heterogeneous people of the country.

Bagudu added that Nigeria signed the agreement to boost food security and inclusive economic development, amongst other objectives.

Pres. Tinubu Announces New Ministry of Livestock Development

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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President Bola Tinubu has announced the creation of a Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

This is coming amid the lingering crisis between farmers and herders across the country.

The president earlier in September 2023, announced plans to secure land for ranches and livestock production.

Stakeholders Seek Review Of National Livestock Plan

Stating that the measure was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to resolve the longstanding farmer-herder crisis.

Details later…

National Digital Economy Bill Scales First Reading

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The National Digital Economy and e-Governance bill has scaled through its first reading at the House of Representatives.

The bill, which was sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology, Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, aims to provide a legal framework for the development and regulation of the digital economy.

Olajide, representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency of Oyo State at the National Assembly expressed his excitement at the milestone achieved with the first reading of the bill.

According to him, the passage of the bill will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

“This bill is a crucial step towards harnessing the potential of our digital economy and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global digital landscape,” Olajide said.

Tinubu Accelerates Digital Sector Investment Permits

He disclosed that the committee would go on a nationwide consultation process, engaging with stakeholders, industry experts, and the general public to gather input and feedback on the bill.

“This consultation process will ensure that the bill reflects the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians and that we create a digital economy that works for everyone,” Olajide added.

The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the digital economy, promote digital literacy and skills development, enhance cybersecurity, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

The lawmaker, who noted that with the first reading, the bill would still go through scrutiny and debate before its passage into law, urged industry stakeholders to support the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards unlocking Nigeria’s digital potential.

Food Security: Nigerian Govt. Suspends Food Imports Duty

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities as it stepped up efforts to tackle rising inflation which had impoverished many Nigerians.

The government also expressed its decision to collaborate with states to expand land cultivation across the country.

Also, the government suspended duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders.

Among other things, the latest directive is expected to reduce demand for forex by food importers. In 2023, Nigerians spent $2.13bn to import food items from foreign countries.

The quarterly statistics of the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that the country exported large amounts of food from foreign countries despite being touted as the food basket of Africa.

The high food import bill is a concern for the government. The country has a large agricultural sector, and there have been efforts to boost local production to reduce the dependence on food imports. However, factors such as inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and climate change have hindered progress in the sector.

The government had earlier ruled out the importation of food as part of strategies to address the high costs of foodstuffs and the economic hardship troubling the country.

Speaking at the press conference held in Abuja, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said that 150 days of duty-free imports would be valid for commodities including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

The initiative which is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan would also enable the Federal Government to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000MT of maize.

The minister explained that the imported food commodities in their semi-processed state would target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.

Nigeria, Others Most Hit by High Food Inflation

The minister stated that in addition to the importation by the private sector, the “Federal Government will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize. The imported food commodities in their semi-processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.”

Kyari explained that the advancement plan was an initiative of President Bola Tinubu to bring about food security and economic stability to Nigeria.

He noted that over the past several months, “we have all been witnesses to the escalating cost of food items in all parts of the country. There is virtually no food item that has not had its price raised to a level higher than what a good many Nigerians can afford.”

The minister stated that the affordability crisis in our food security system had been indexed by the data from the National Bureau of Statistics which by the last count, had put food inflation at 40.66 per cent.

FG To Construct 3 Legacy Super Highway Projects

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The Federal government has revealed plans to construct three legacy projects Superhighways from Sokoto state to Badagry which is expected to pass through Kwara and Niger States to boost the socio-economic lives of Nigerians within the axis.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi who disclosed this in Ilorin the Kwara State capital during a Stakeholders engagement which include the Kwara State deputy governor, Kayode Alabi, Niger State governor, Umar Bago and others said Kebbi State has the highest length of 258km, followed by Kwara State with 188km while Niger state has 120km.

Umahi Summons Contractor Over Ekiti Road Projects

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, the idea behind the projects was conceived about 48 years ago by the past administrations but was abandoned, assuring that the present administration will accomplish all the legacy projects, saying the projects will be a catalyst for the Nation’s development as road infrastructure according to him is key in commerce, tourism and education.

The minister also maintained that all the ongoing new and inherited projects will be  properly funded with timely due date of completion

Umahi maintained that the investment in infrastructure will help address current challenges in the country.

Zimbabwe’s Retail Sector Faces Uncertainty

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0
(FILES) In this file photo taken on September 7, 2018 Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa answers questions during a press conference to announce ministers of his new cabinet at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe. - Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has landed back in Harare, state television said on January 22, 2019, after he cut short a foreign tour over nationwide protests that were met with a brutal security crackdown. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images

Zimbabwe’s formal retail and wholesale trade sector is grappling with an uncertain future as it faces mounting pressure from an influx of informal traders.

This competitive strain is exacerbated by the high costs of doing business in Zimbabwe, including numerous taxes, levies, and utility expenses.

Formal retailers have voiced their concerns about several constraints impacting their viability, with the unfair competition from informal traders being a primary issue. These informal traders, often referred to as tuckshops, typically operate outside the regulatory framework, avoiding taxes and trading exclusively in U.S dollars.

Zimbabwe Unveils New Currency

The retail sector’s struggles come at a time when consumers’ spending power has been significantly diminished due to persistent high inflation and economic instability. The presence of informal traders, who do not adhere to statutory regulations and offer lower prices, has created a challenging environment for formal businesses, leading many to downsize or even close shop.

An executive from a leading wholesaler, with branches nationwide, painted a bleak picture of the future for Zimbabwe’s retail and wholesale sector. “The environment is difficult for formal operators. Informal traders can avoid certain costs and regulations, making it tough for formal businesses to compete. This puts the future of formal retailers and wholesalers in a precarious position,” he said.

Adding to the industry’s woes is the proliferation of fake products and tampering with measures and weights of goods sold in the market. The executive noted, “There is a reason why regulations exist – to create standardization, protect consumers, and ensure fair competition. If these are not adhered to, the sustainability of the market is questionable.”

The challenges have prompted some formal retailers to rethink their strategies. OK Zimbabwe, one of the largest retail chains in the country, has implemented a 10-year recovery plan to address these issues. Despite a 15% increase in volume in the first quarter of 2024, the retail group reported a 10% decrease in customer count, highlighting the uphill battle they face.

Equities research firms have also noted the difficulties, with one stating, “OK Zimbabwe faces significant challenges in returning to profitability and regaining market share.”

The impact of informal trading is not only felt by individual businesses but also by the government’s tax revenues. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) reported a decline in corporate tax contributions, attributing it to the rise of the informal sector, which now controls more than 60% of economic activities in the country. Corporate tax contributions to total collections dropped from 19% in 2020 to 10% in 2023.

In response to these challenges, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube introduced new taxes in the 2024 national budget to bolster revenues. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has initiated efforts to formalize the operations of informal traders. President Denford Mutashu of CZR acknowledged the significant impact of informal traders on formal businesses and stressed the need for a level playing field.

“We have engaged with various authorities, including the Treasury, Zimra, banks, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, to address the challenges and expectations of informal traders regarding formalization and the fiscalization drive,” Mutashu said. He emphasized the importance of creating a more suitable presumptive taxation model for these traders, who currently find the fiscalization process costly and cumbersome.

The growing competition from informal traders has led to significant changes in the retail landscape, with some large registered retailers downsizing or closing operations. Mutashu highlighted the urgent need for policy measures that reflect the current market dynamics and ensure fair competition for all players.

As Zimbabwe’s retail sector navigates these turbulent times, the push for formalization and regulatory adjustments will be crucial in determining its future viability and sustainability.

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