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ActionAid Comments on COP28
ActionAid Comments on COP28
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid welcomes the operationalisation of the Loss and damage fund at COP28 as an imperfect but important first step toward addressing climate impacts, Teresa Anderson, ActionAid International’s Climate Justice Global Lead, said.
“After 28 rounds of climate talks, the world’s governments have finally agreed to help people whose lives have been devastated by climate disasters. It’s a small ask. But a big moment. With the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund, the world is finally saying “We are in this together”.
“For the communities being pushed deeper into poverty with every disaster that destroys their homes and floods their crops, this moment in Dubai offers hope.”
“The UAE’s contribution of USD100 million is welcome, both for its solid cash and for the pressure it puts on the world’s biggest polluters to also step up and recognise their responsibility for decades of pollution.
“So far the contributions from rich countries have been far less than their fair share, considering they have been polluting for decades.”
“Today’s agreement is an important step but still very much the bare minimum, the story doesn’t end here. Today’s funding announcements have got the ball rolling, and we still need to see more rich countries making real announcements here at COP, to really fill the Fund. And with climate disasters likely to escalate year on year, the need for Loss and Damage Fund financing will only continue to grow. The good news is, we have the means to help if we have the will.”
Brandon Wu, ActionAid USA’s Director of Policy and Campaigns and a civil society observer at the Loss & Damage Transitional Committee meetings this year, said: “This is an imperfect but important step towards filling the massive gap of support that communities in developing countries need to recover and rebuild from climate impacts. The Loss & Damage Fund has some deep flaws because of developed countries prioritizing their own agendas over the needs of impacted communities in poorer countries, even as those same developed countries appear reluctant to put in money at the scale that is needed. The struggle will continue beyond COP28 as the specifics of the Fund must be implemented in a way that is as responsive and accountable to communities as possible, and rich countries must pay up to fix what they have broken.”
“In addition, the conditions that the World Bank accepted in order to host the Loss & Damage Fund show that the Bank is not a fit-for-purpose host institution. However, now that the World Bank has become the agreed host – over strident civil society objections – it must quickly demonstrate that it can meet these conditions, many of which may require significant policy changes within the Bank’s ponderous bureaucracy. We will be watching very carefully to ensure the needed reforms happen promptly. If they do not, the L&D Fund must be moved out of the World Bank immediately.
End
ActionAid Comments on COP28
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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