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Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts

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Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts

Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts

By: Michael Mike, Abuja

The eight-nation Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi, India last week has emphasised that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for “sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist act.” 

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval chaired the dialogue, which was attended by his counterparts from. Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. 

India hosted the dialogue to firm up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking

following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.

Afghan representatives were not invited, while Pakistan and China declined to attend the meet, with Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf last week calling India a “spoiler” and not a “peacemaker” in Afghanistan. 

The Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan called for support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan. 

It called for collective cooperation against the menace of radicalisation, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking. 

It stated that the dialogue on Afghanistan has condemned in strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed firm commitment to combat terrorism. 

At the meeting, humanitarian assistance was sought for Afghanistan in an unimpeded, direct and assured manner. 

It should be ensured that fundamental rights of women, children and minority communities in Afghanistan are not violated, the declaration mentioned. 

Participants at the Delhi dialogue discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, its regional and global ramifications, the declaration informed. 

The Delhi declaration also stated that Wednesday’s NSA-level meet talked about the need to form an open and truly inclusive government in Afghanistan. 

The eight-nation meet, hosted by India, stressed on the importance of inclusion of all sections in the administrative and political structure imperative for successful reconciliation in Afghanistan, the said declaration also mentioned.

“The recent developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for the people of that country but also for its neighbours and the region,” NSA Ajit Doval  said at the eight-nation dialogue. 

Chairing the meet, Doval in his opening remarks said it is time to have close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries on the Afghan situation. 

NSA Doval also said, “We all have been keenly watching developments in Afghanistan.” He said developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for people of that country but also for its neighbours. 

Ajit Doval said he is confident “our deliberations will contribute to help Afghan people and enhance our collective security”. 

Doval added that this is a time for close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination amongst the nations on Afghanistan.

Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan, said: “As we have a long border with Afghanistan, the current situation creates extra risk and possibilities for drug trafficking, terrorism. The situation on Tajik-Afghan borders remains complicated.” 

Also Read: NIGERIANS SHOULD SHOW COMPASSION TO WAR VETERANS –…

Mahmudzoda also said, “We, as the neighbouring country are ready to participate in all programs that can help the people of Afghanistan.” 

Iran calls for inclusive government

Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary, National Security Council, Iran, said: “There’s a crisis of migration, refugees in Afghanistan and the solution can come with the formation of an inclusive government, and participation of all ethnic groups. Hoping to come up with a mechanism to resolve it.” 

Shamkhani said it is unfortunate that today, Afghanistan is involved in terrorism, poverty and misery. He said that “issues of multilateral dimensions, the issues which have already destroyed Afghanistan” would be discussed. 

“I am very much proud and happy of the fact that the meetings in Tehran have continued and we are able to consult each other in order to resolve the crisis,” he added. 

Afghans should be extended help: Kyrgyzstan official

Marat M Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, said it is a very difficult situation in our region and all over the world. Talking about “terrorist organisations in Afghanistan”, he said, “With joint efforts, help should be extended to the Afghans.” 

Multilateral meetings help talk challenges, threat, says Russian NSA

Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, at the meeting on Wednesday said: “Multilateral meetings help in discussing issues linked to the development situation in Afghanistan, counter challenges, threats emanating from the country, and establish long lasting peace.” 

Joint effort can restore peace: Uzbekistan

“To restore peace in Afghanistan and in the region altogether, we have to find a collective solution. It is possible only through joint efforts,” Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of Security Council of Uzbekistan, said at the dialogue hosted by India. 

Turkmenistan speaks on establishment of peace

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to find out a solution to resolve current issues in Afghanistan, and establish peace in the region,” Charymyrat Amanov, Secretary, Security Council of Turkmenistan said at the NSA-level meet on Afghanistan. 

Kazakhstan says it’s time to take concrete actions

Stability issue of Afghanistan demands efforts of the whole international community, Karim Massimov, Chairman, Kazakhstan National Security Committee, said, adding that it is highly important to begin taking concrete actions. 

Speaking at a regional security dialogue on Afghanistan hosted by India, Massimov said there is a need to increase humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

“We are concerned about the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. The social and economic situation of Afghans is deteriorating and the country is facing a humanitarian crisis; necessary to increase humanitarian assistance,” he said. 

“With the Taliban movement coming into power the situation inside the country remains complicated. There are many obstacles to forming an effective government. The terrorist organisations are intensifying activities,” he noted. 

PM Modi meets NSAs 

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the officials who attended the NSA-level meet in Delhi.

The participants of the meeting thanked India for holding the Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi and agreed to hold the next round in 2022.

Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts

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Israeli Envoy Alleges Iran Behind Global

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Israeli Envoy Alleges Iran Behind Global

By: Michael Mike

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has alleged that Iran is at the centre of global terrorism and political unrest, insisting that without a change in the present Iranian political leadership there may be no peace in Middle East and part of Africa.

Speaking in Abuja during the screening of the documentary “We Will Dance Again” directed by Yariv Mozer, shown to commemorate the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, noted that: “The source of this war and the source of the instability is Iran. Iran is responsible and Iran is the backer of Hamas.. Iran is the backer of Hezbollah, Hutus and all the instability in the Middle East.”

He further alleged that: “They are pumping millions of dollars, billions of dollars, expertise, weapons in order to disabilise the entire region. They know what they are doing,. Iran has also made attempt to disabilize Africa and West Africa and they are beginning their action also in Nigeria.

“Iran under a radical leader is a regime that is sponsoring terror, destruction and mysteries for millions not least for the Iranian people, and the quicker that the world takes action against Iran to remove the leadership and change the leadership the quicker the world will be a better place.

He said: “The world needs to stand together against terrorism . Terrorism in Israel will not stop in Israel. We have seen radical terrorism here in Nigeria like in Israel.

“We have learnt that when it starts in Israel it never finishes there. Countries that face terrorism needs to work together, United to stop it, because I promise you the terrorists are all working together, terrorists do not recognize borders, they do not recognize the states or any other thing.

“So we all need to come together, share our expertise and work together to stop terrorism.

“Israel is ready to share and work togehwr with anybody who wants to tackle and stop trrrorism.”

Freeman said: “Israel’s demand is very clear that the world understands terrorism, Nigeria has been the victim of terrorism, the particularly extremist terrorism and we will need to stand together, side by side all those countries who are fighting against terrorism to ensure that the world is a better place.

“We need to ensure that Hamas can never carry attack like we just saw again. I will say that what we just saw was one place that was attacked, we hadn’t looked at the villages and communities, we didn’t look at the other 900 people who were murdered and their children in their bedroom, killed and burnt alive, and raped.”

He noted that the ideology of Hamas has shown that there won’t be peace in the Middle East unless they are wiped off.

“Hamas is dedicated to the destruction of Israel and want the death of every Jew, that is the words of Hamas.

Anybody wants to see peace in the Middle East, Hamas must be destroyed.
There cannot be peace while Hamas is still existing.”

The envoy added that: “In 2005, Israel left the Gaza Strip, we withdrew all of our soldiers, all of our Jewish citizens, all of the communities, settlement. Since 2005 there haven’t been single Israeli inside the Gaza Strip, when we left there, we left communities, buildings, agriculture settlements, opportunities for people and for Palestinians in Gaza, to build a better future.

“But in 2007, when they elected Hamas and Hamas came into power, since then they have ran a brutal dictatorship and taken all international aids and used it to build terrorism, tunnels and build weapons, if the aids is going to the people, they have impoverished their own people, they created a dynamics where they cannot live, they cannot have decent lifestyle. So if anybody is responsible for what happens it is Hamas.

“Israel has stated clearly we want to have peace with our neighbours. The Palestinians say if you withdraw you will have peace. We withdrew and we received rockets and terrorism. So it is not a reality, the death of any innocent is an absolute tragedy.

“The death of an Israeli or Palestinian child is the same tragedy, the mother mourns, the father mourns, it doesn’t matter. The question is who would we put the blame on for those deaths.

“The Israeli death is clear Hamas murdered in cold bold. In Gaza Israel is doing all it can to avoid civilian casualties.

“Civilian casualties resulted in the fact that Hamas has imbedded itself inside civilian infrastructure, in Gaza. Hamas are inside the hospitals, they are inside the schools, the mosque. They use everything that they can as a structure.

“Hamas unfortunately comes from a wicked ideology that none of us can understand. Every death in Gaza is the fault of Hamas.

“On Oct. 6, there was a cease fire. We weren’t near. Hamas were the ones who started this, and launched this and we will make sure that jHamas will never be able to do that again.”

Israeli Envoy Alleges Iran Behind Global

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UK Foreign Secretary Arrives Nigeria in First Trip to Africa

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UK Foreign Secretary Arrives Nigeria in First Trip to Africa

By: Michael Mike

United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy has arrived Nigeria in what is his first trip to the African continent

A statement signed on Sunday by the Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer | Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Ndidiamaka Eze disclosed that: “Committing to a fresh approach to Africa that works productively from Morocco to Madagascar, the Foreign Secretary will announce the start of a five-month consultation process, to ensure African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the UK’s new approach to the continent.  

“Accommodating the diverse needs and ambitions of 54 countries, the consultation will guarantee the UK’s relationships across Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership.”

 Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on his visit, that:  “Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25% of the world’s population by 2050.   

“Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long term growth rather than short term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent. I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.  

“Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria and beyond. This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.”  

The Foreign Secretary is expected to advocate for further collaboration on mutual growth via the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, signed earlier this year. This partnership is the key vehicle for driving trade and market access between the UK and Nigeria and plays a vital role in the UK’s growth mission.  

He will also advocate for further trade and climate collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in high level meetings with President Tinubu, Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador. Yusuf Tuggar and Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.  

The statement said: “Building on President Tinubu’s macro-economic reforms, the Foreign Secretary will announce a diverse Technical Assistance package to the Nigerian Ministry of Finance, offering British expertise from the Bank of England, HMRC and others to help continue to modernise and diversify the Nigerian economy.”

The statement added that: “Catalysing reform across Nigeria will create further opportunities within the flourishing Nigerian economy for British businesses – generating growth, jobs and incomes for Brits and Nigerians.”

UK Foreign Secretary Arrives Nigeria in First Trip to Africa

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Israel’s New Displacement Order: Aid Organisations Warn of Escalation of Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

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Israel’s New Displacement Order: Aid Organisations Warn of Escalation of Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

By: Michael Mike

Aid organisations have warned of dramatic escalation of humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza following Israel issuance of new mass displacement orders to Palestinian occupying in part of the war-torn city.

A statement on Wednesday signed by a conglomerate of aid organisations including ActionAid, Action for Humanity, CARE International, Danish Refugee Council (DRC), DanChurchAid (DCA), Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS), HelpAge International, Humanity & Inclusion/ Handicap International (HI), Islamic Relief
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), Médecins du Monde France, Spain and Switzerland, Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA), Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
Oxfam, Plan International, Premiere Urgence Internationale, Save the Children, Terre des Hommes Italia, The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and War Child warned that Israel’s new displacement orders in northern Gaza threaten to force civilians into ever-shrinking areas and endanger aid operations.

The statement read that: “On 6 October 2024, Israel issued new mass displacement orders targeting the remaining Palestinians of the northern Gaza Strip, ordering them to leave to the south. This move will worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the north and has prevented international and national humanitarian organisations from carrying out already very limited life-saving aid operations. The new orders have obstructed humanitarian actors from providing necessities such as health services, clean water, food and nutrition services, taking away the remaining lifelines for the civilian population.”

It added that: “Nowhere in Gaza is safe for civilians. Given the severity of the needs, humanitarian actors must be able to distribute aid and continue their work, without threat of displacement or military operations. The undersigned aid organisations urge all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to protect civilians and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access at all times.”

The statement added that: “The UN estimates 400,000 people remain in the north. On Sunday, Israel ordered residents to flee through dangerous routes to already overcrowded areas such as Al-Mawasi in the south. These areas remain insecure with active fighting and routine airstrikes, despite being unilaterally designated by Israel as a “humanitarian zone”. Given the short notice to move and the large population in the affected area, many are likely to remain, increasing the risk of further civilian casualties.

“The undersigned aid organisations demand the protection of all civilians in line with international humanitarian law and are particularly concerned about children, pregnant women with complications or at advanced stages of pregnancy and other people who are sick, older people, persons with disabilities, or are otherwise unable to leave. The new orders impact Palestinians living close to the Netzarim corridor. Further reports indicate that Israel intends to expand the Netzarim corridor to reinforce the separation between the north and south, effectively preventing people from returning north and further restricting aid flow to a population already enduring catastrophic levels of hunger.

“Civilians who do not leave the area do not lose their right to protection. Under international humanitarian law, Israel is defined as the occupying power and a party to the conflict. Both roles carry obligations to guarantee the protection of the civilian population and facilitate their unhindered access to humanitarian aid.

According to the statement, Paula Gaviria Betancur, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons has said that “Israel is seeking to permanently alter the composition of Gaza’s population with ever-expanding evacuation orders and widespread and systematic attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure”, in violation of IHL.

The aid organisations call for a permanent ceasefire, the protection of civilians and a scale up of humanitarian aid.

The aid organisations noted that the forcible transfer of Palestinian civilians in Gaza is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and does not amount to a permissible evacuation, adding that relocation areas have not provided safety, adequate shelter or essential services, and there has also been no guarantee that displaced populations will be able to return once hostilities end.

Israel’s New Displacement Order: Aid Organisations Warn of Escalation of Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

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