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Central African Republic at a critical juncture, warns Pillay
GENEVA – The Central African Republic is now at a critical juncture, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay warned on Monday, amid renewed fighting and the flight of ex-Séléka and Muslim civilians towards the north of the country.
Since 21 January, clashes between anti-Balaka and ex-Séléka supported by armed Muslim civilians in the Bangui neighbourhoods of PK5, PK11, PK12 and PK13, have resulted in several casualties. Mobs went on a rampage, looting shops, homes and mosques in Muslim areas of these neighbourhoods. The fighting has also forced ex-Séléka and Muslim civilians to flee towards the town of Damara, some 65 km north of Bangui.
“I welcome the appointment of Catherine Samba-Panza as the Head of State of the Transition and her repeated calls for an end to violence. However the security and human rights situation has further deteriorated over the past few days. Muslim civilians are now extremely vulnerable. Many are being pushed out of the country, alongside ex-Séléka, and are now fleeing, mostly towards the Chadian border,” Pillay said.
Serious incidents of violence have also been reported beyond Bangui as ex-Séléka and Muslim civilians flee the country.
Despite the presence of African peacekeeping troops in Bouar, clashes were reported between remaining ex-Séléka and anti-Balaka, supported by former national army (ex-FACA) soldiers, on January 20 and 21. Several civilians and ex-Séléka fighters were reportedly killed. The town is deserted and anti-Balaka have allegedly threatened international organisations that are sheltering the Muslim relatives of their staff.
Following the death of their commander in Bouar, a group of ex-Séléka allegedly fled with Muslim civilians in some twenty vehicles and a group of them entered the town of Bocaranga on 21 January. They reportedly fired on the population, killing at least 10 people and injuring many others. Growing numbers of local civilians are reported to be leaving Bocaranga, where ex-Séléka groups from other prefectures are reportedly regrouping on their way to Chad.
In the nearby town of Baoro, anti-Balaka reportedly attacked Muslim civilians on January 22, killing at least 80 people and injuring several hundreds. Close to 4,000 houses were also allegedly burned.
“I am also deeply concerned about the proliferation of armed groups and the explosion of common criminality which are making the situation even more chaotic and dangerous,” Pillay said.
“We simply cannot let the social fabric of this country be torn apart. I call as a matter of utmost urgency upon the international community to strengthen peacekeeping efforts. There is a need to urgently restore security not only in Bangui but also in other parts of the country. Many lives are at stake,” Pillay said.
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.
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