The ever-raging conflicts are fuelling Africa’s refugee crises, piling pressure on the hosts. Whereas foreign assistance such as India’s rice donation to Burkina Faso projects the contribution of international partners, it raises concerns over Africa’s dependency. If a continent with approximately 65% of the world’s arable land and abundant water and sunshine, is incapable of feeding its refugee population appropriately, it suggests that the available natural resources are being underutilised or mismanaged.

This mismanagement, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), manifests in the persistent conflict over resources, like in the Horn of Africa, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Northern Nigeria, which displaces millions from their homes, dispossessing them of their assets. These events disrupt the agricultural value chain and claim a substantial chunk of the national budget, denying other pressing needs, particularly humanitarian response, of much-needed support.

“Conflict removes able-bodied men from agricultural production and, incidentally, places an extra work burden on women. It also diverts resources, directly and indirectly, from more productive and socially beneficial uses, and tests the willingness of the international community to provide assistance,” notes FAO, highlighting the equally disruptive role of other human-induced situations like drought and population booms and natural hazards, which channel resources away from development activities.

The pressure from foreign aid withdrawal should compel African countries to think more critically about models that are tailored for their local context, those that foster self-sustenance. And indeed, some, like Uganda, are transitioning to an alternative approach: development financing , which requires local government units to assume the role of providing social services to the refugees. However, such shifts are not devoid of limitations, especially with little or no support from stakeholders, most importantly, the refugee and host populations whose commitment contributes significantly to the prospect of peaceful coexistence.

“…the immediate challenge is to shift from a mindset focused on care and maintenance to one promoting development solutions to displacement. More specifically, there needs to be a move to sustainable interventions focused on economic inclusion and the promotion of self-reliance,” analysts urge.

With the biggest portion of Africa’s humanitarian sector foreign-funded, it’s time for the continent to pursue a comprehensive and integrated refugee policy that ensures proper utilisation of its vast natural resources, ensuring equitable distribution. The new framework must align with the African Union’s aspirations, such as fostering unity, and address long-standing issues, especially the inclusion of refugees in national development and self-reliance. The existing frameworks, like the 1969 OAU Convention, need reform. The new framework should capture the shifting dynamics, “including its definition of a refugee, in light of today’s Africa,” writes expert J O Moses Okello, emphasising the need to represent the actual realities.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance, through the National Coordination for the Fight Against Fraud (CNLF), handed over 3,255 counterfeit March 8 fabrics to the Ministry of Family and Solidarity on March 9, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The fabrics were seized during anti-fraud operations in Bobo-Dioulasso and are valued at over 3.5 million CFA francs. Instead of destroying the counterfeit goods, authorities decided to donate them to vulnerable and internally displaced women. Finance Minister Aboubakar Nacanabo, therefore, transferred the fabrics to Family and Solidarity Minister Lt.-Col. Passowendé Pélagie Kabré for distribution to those in need.

ALT President holds talks with UNHCR on refugee protection

The President of Burkina Faso’s Transitional Legislative Assembly, Ousmane Bougouma, met a UNHCR delegation in Ouagadougou on March 9, 2026, led by Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Ruven Menkdiwela and Regional Director for West and Central Africa Abdouraouf Gnon-Kondé. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation between UNHCR and Burkinabe authorities to improve protection for refugees, internally displaced persons, stateless people and host communities. Menkdiwela praised the role of parliament in adopting laws that protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and thanked the Legislative Assembly for its commitment to supporting people in need.

Ghana National Day: Foreign Affairs officials attend

Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré and Deputy Minister Bêbgnasgan Stella Eldine Kabré joined the Ghanaian community in Ouagadougou on March 6 to celebrate Ghana’s 69th Independence Day. The event highlighted the long-standing ties between the two neighbouring countries, which share deep historical, cultural and economic links. Officials also welcomed the outcomes of the 13th Joint Cooperation Commission, where seven legal agreements were signed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Burkina Faso PM meets Moroccan ambassador on cooperation

Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo met Moroccan Ambassador Youssef Slaoui in Ouagadougou on March 10, 2026, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation . Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between Burkina Faso and Morocco, building on South-South cooperation. They also highlighted the 5th Joint Commission held in December 2025, which marked 60 years of diplomatic relations and led to the signing of 14 agreements in sectors including agriculture, vocational training, trade and security.

Economic governance records 79% implementation from 2021–2025

Burkina Faso’s Economy and Finance Minister Aboubakar Nacanabo chaired the 2026 review of the Economic Governance Sectoral Dialogue Framework in Ouagadougou on March 10. The meeting assessed progress under the 2021–2025 action plan, which recorded a 79% implementation rate despite security and economic challenges. Authorities also reported over 13 trillion CFA francs in domestic revenue mobilisation, surpassing forecasts, and highlighted the country’s removal from the FATF grey list as a key reform milestone.

At the centre of Ramaphosa’s criticism is the selective nature of the US refugee offer. The Trump administration has cut back broader refugee admissions while creating an exception for Afrikaners, a group historically associated with South Africa ’s former apartheid-era ruling minority and still, on average, far wealthier than Black South Africans. Ramaphosa said the policy is a racialised view of South Africa and urged Trump to “see the truth of the situation.”

Ramaphosa also described a tense Oval Office meeting in 2025, saying Trump dimmed the lights and played a video he claimed proved “white genocide”,  an encounter Ramaphosa called a “spectacle” and an “ambush.”

The White House has defended Trump’s stance as humanitarian, saying he is highlighting “harrowing stories of Afrikaners” and will “continue to speak the truth about these injustices.”

Trump has publicly targeted South Africa since returning to office in 2025, including through an executive action accusing Pretoria of mistreating Afrikaners and citing the country’s expropriation law. Trump also boycotted the G20 leaders’ meeting in Johannesburg and later said South Africa would be barred from the US-hosted G20 gathering in Miami.

Not long after they had settled in Tanzania, the late president John Pombe Magufuli came to power with a nationalistic “Tanzania first” approach, translating to a shift in the country’s humanitarian policy. His government ceased supporting refugee programmes, and some Burundian refugees were allegedly abducted, tortured and forcefully repatriated. 

In the aftermath of Magufuli’s presidency, the situation was exacerbated by funding cuts that led to significant reductions in food rations , putting refugees at the risk of malnutrition and vulnerability to disease.

Towards the end of 2025, the Tanzanian government announced plans to close Nduta and Nyarugusu refugee camps in March and June 2026, respectively, and in coordination with the UNHCR, intensified its effort to voluntarily repatriate about 142,000 Burundians to their country.

Thousands have been repatriated through this programme, however there are concerns that refugee shelters are being demolished and the process is rather coercive. This may expose refugees to harm, especially those who allegedly fled Burundi because of political persecution. Yet the international refugee law requires that refugees and asylum-seekers must not be returned to a place where their lives or freedom would be at risk.

“Burundian refugees remain in a desperate situation. They are too scared to return home, but are unsafe – without adequate food, shelter, or protection – in a country that purportedly provides them with asylum,” some analysts observe , emphasising the need for adequate preparation and political will.

This is reiterated by UNHCR’s  Bahia Egeh , who urges that repatriation “be carried out in safety and dignity, and based on free and informed choice rather than pressure.”

Although voluntary repatriation is a UN-established measure, it is susceptible to conflicts between returnees and their communities back home. This often leads to renewed forced displacement, with more devastating consequences.

There are lessons to draw from Uganda’s progressive policy. The country has achieved considerable success in repatriation, particularly of South Sudanese refugees, owing to a strong focus on inclusivity . The decision-making and implementation processes are designed to ensure all key stakeholders – government at different levels, non-governmental organisations, development partners, refugee communities, among others – are involved.

Additionally, specific programmes are put in place to offer information and sensitise both the returnees and the communities back home, to create social, economic and cultural conditions that foster cohesion. For instance, the Ugandan government, in collaboration with UNHCR and the South Sudanese government, supports refugees to visit their home country in order to assess the situation first-hand before deciding to move. This is vital in the repatriation process, as it allows the returnees to make informed decisions and to actively participate in the policy-making process.

On top of this, the returnees are provided with reintegration support in the form of cash allowances, healthcare screening and tools to support their food security, to enable them adapt quickly. These steps could be adopted by Tanzania to offer Burundian refugees and asylum seekers better treatment and more protection.

However, the recent aid cuts threaten to undo the policy’s gains by hampering humanitarian efforts, as organisations grapple with funding deficiencies that have made the provision of services significantly difficult. A report reveals that the International Rescue Committee, which provides comprehensive humanitarian relief and development support to refugees, has suspended healthcare programs in eleven settlements, including Bidibidi, Kiryandongo, Palabek and Rhino Camp, risking the lives of over 735,000 people, especially women and children who are more vulnerable. 

“The termination of key nutrition and maternal health programs has removed a critical safety net, increasing the risk of maternal and neonatal deaths,” cautions Elijah Okeyo, IRC’s Country Director. He acknowledges the reduction in immunisation, which he warns could cause a spike in preventable diseases such as measles and weaken their ability to respond to emergencies. 

The situation isn’t too different for other players. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has indicated a shortfall of approximately €6.5 million, affecting over 90% of their health funding budget. Consequently, the number of UNHCR-funded healthcare staff has drastically declined, which has lowered the technical capacity of their health centres established in different refugee settlements in Uganda. The impact is visible, with the organisation already reporting tens of preventable deaths, highlighting the need for increased funding in critical sectors, including psychosocial support.

Finn Church Aid, which supports about 127,000 primary school and 19,000 secondary school learners under its education emergencies program, cautions that dwindling aid risks exacerbating infrastructure and logistical gaps , thus fuelling school dropout rates and compromising child protection.

“Both national governments and international donors must prioritise education in emergencies,” urges FCA, emphasising the need for sustainable commitments in order to build resilience.

Nutrition has not been spared either, as the World Food Program has reduced food rations allocated to refugee homesteads in Uganda by 40%. This exposes a population of close to a million to malnutrition, with prevalence rates exceeding 15% in 2025, according to WFP . 

The pressure of shrinking budgets has compelled Uganda to consider mitigating measures. In 2025, the government ceased granting refugee status to people from Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia, signalling a shift in the country’s refugee policy. The decision, according to the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hilary Onek, is influenced by the drop in funding, from approximately $240 million to $100 million, despite the ever-surging refugee inflows. This situation restricts access to protection, exposing those displaced from the affected countries to potential harm.

These challenges underscore the need for reforms that strengthen refugee response, particularly as Uganda transitions from a humanitarian approach towards development financing, where local governments are empowered to provide social services as opposed to centralised management. For this to bear fruit, the government must complement humanitarian aid with local resource mobilisation. Uganda must also strengthen local government efficiency and its systems of accountability in order to prevent a recurrence of the 2018 corruption scandal that eroded donor trust and triggered aid cuts.

Editor’s note: Correction made in the opening paragraph. The correct term is “settlement” and not “resettlement”.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

The MEDP includes a dispute-resolution clause that allows for arbitration. According to Rwanda, the dispute relates to the UK’s non-compliance with specific commitments under the treaty.

In June 2024, the UK and Rwanda exchanged diplomatic notes agreeing to two financial contributions of £50 million each, scheduled for April 2025 and April 2026. These payments were intended to support refugee hosting and economic integration in Rwanda. Rwanda asserts that the UK has failed to make these payments.

The agreement also included arrangements for the UK to resettle some of the most vulnerable refugees hosted in Rwanda. However, these arrangements were never finalised. 

Following the January 2024 election, the new UK government announced that the partnership would be discontinued. 

Rwanda argues that these announcements were made before the treaty's formal termination procedures were followed and that all obligations incurred while the treaty was active remain valid under international law.

Rwanda says it first attempted to resolve the issue through diplomatic engagement. When no agreement was reached, it proceeded to initiate arbitration, as provided by the treaty. 

The UK had originally proposed the MEDP as part of its strategy to manage irregular migration. The plan was consistent with Rwanda’s refugee policies and aligned with its cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Michael Butera, Chief Technical Advisor to Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, said: “Rwanda attempted at first to clarify positions and explore possible paths forward, indicating openness to discussion, including on the orderly conclusion of the partnership, provided that any arrangements were mutually agreed and legally consistent.” 

“As these discussions did not result in a shared understanding, we exercised the dispute-resolution option expressly provided in the treaty,” he told the New Times .

Regarding the expected outcome, Butera said: “Through arbitration, Rwanda seeks a legal determination of the parties’ respective rights and obligations under the treaty, in accordance with international law.” 

He affirmed that Rwanda remains committed to collaboration on migration, refugee protection and development, based on “respect for the rule of law, reciprocity between partners, and the orderly resolution of disputes through agreed legal frameworks.”

The MEDP was originally announced by the UK Government on April 14, 2022, under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a partnership with the Rwandan Government to process and resettle asylum seekers arriving in the UK without authorisation to the East African nation. The initiative aimed to curb illegal entry, especially via small boats across the English Channel.

It was subsequently renamed the UK-Rwanda Asylum Partnership. Through this agreement, individuals seeking asylum in the UK would be relocated to Rwanda before their asylum applications were considered.

However, in November 2023, the UK Supreme Court ruled the policy unlawful due to safety concerns in Rwanda. Following a change in government, the plan was officially cancelled in July 2024, after the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Act in April 2024. 

The agency, which runs community-led projects in 80 countries, wants mobility formally embedded in national adaptation plans and backed by finance, including loss-and-damage funds.

On the back of this, Haitian refugee Robert Montinard, who fled after the 2010 earthquake, now leads Brazil’s Mawon Association and says the debate cannot be confined to technical rooms. “We want to be part of the solution,” he told UN News . Earlier in the week he handed a package of recommendations to First Lady Rosângela “Janja” da Silva and Environment Minister Marina Silva, including municipal climate councils, measures against environmental racism and locally trained brigades to respond to disasters.

From the Horn of Africa, Makebib Tadesse described how climate stress is amplifying tensions over land and water in Ethiopia, fuelling a “continuous cycle of violence and displacement”. In parts of the north, he said, the impact of climate change now rivals or surpasses the devastation left by past conflict.

Their message is further amplified by UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Alfonso Herrera. The Mexican actor, who has visited displaced communities across Latin America , says Brazil’s openness to refugees stands out “when so many other countries take the completely opposite attitude”.

IOM and UNHCR contend that integrating mobility into adaptation would bring concrete results like clearer rules for planned relocation before disasters strike, safer internal and cross-border movement when staying is no longer viable, and targeted investment in services for communities absorbing new arrivals.

The focus on white South African farmers, cited by the administration as victims of racial violence, has been heavily criticised. The South African government denies these claims , arguing that the narrative has been weaponised to serve ideological agendas abroad.

Maine's refugee support network struggles to cope  

For Maine, a state once praised for its vibrant refugee resettlement programs, the impact of the new policy is already visible. Inza Outtara, the State Refugee Coordinator with Catholic Charities, says the program has been severely downsized. 

“We used to receive around 1,000 refugees per year,” said Outtara. “Now it’s just 50. Our office had 15 or 16 people, now we’re down to eight.”

Two of the state’s three resettlement agencies, Catholic Charities and the Jewish Community Alliance (JCA), have shut down their refugee programs due to funding cuts. The Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services in Lewiston is now the only remaining federally approved resettlement agency.

“In the current political climate with massive grant cuts and unexpected changes to programs and decisions, it is not viable for us to take on further, substantial financial risks to run this program,” the JCA said in a statement.

A politicised humanitarian agenda?

Traditionally, U.S. resettlement efforts have focused on populations fleeing war and systemic violence in places like Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Myanmar.

In contrast, the Trump administration’s decision to center a small, predominantly white farming community, with little international consensus about their risk level, has raised questions about bias and selective humanitarianism. 

Meanwhile, the communities once sustained by diverse waves of refugees in Maine are left grappling with declining support.

The Pew Research Centre also reports that the Middle East’s migrant population more than doubled between 2005 and 2015, increasing from 7% to 13% of the total regional population. Labour migration, mainly from South Asia, is a key factor in this rise.

In the Gulf states, including Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, foreign nationals make up the majority of the population. Indians remain the largest group in Kuwait and across much of the Gulf, forming a large part of the workforce .

Conflict continues to drive migration within the region. Millions of Syrians have fled to countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey since 2011, and Iraqi and Sudanese migrants have also moved across borders seeking safety and stability.

In Europe, governments are debating the future of refugee policies , with new discussions over whether Syrian refugees should begin returning home.

At the same time, migrant arrivals in southern Europe continue to rise, showing the ongoing link between Middle Eastern migration and global movements.

Intense clashes broke out between the Syrian army and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Deir Ezzor, marking one of the most significant flare-ups in recent months. Both sides exchanged fire using light and medium weapons following alleged infiltration attempts by SDF units. The fighting underscores persistent friction between government forces and Kurdish-led groups in the oil-rich eastern region.

Syrian security dismantles Latakia cells linked to Assad associates

The Syrian Interior Ministry announced that it dismantled several cells in Latakia purportedly tied to associates of the former Assad regime. Authorities allege that these groups were engaged in destabilising activities aimed at undermining national security . The crackdown suggests that internal challenges from loyalist remnants continue to test the authority of the country’s new leadership.

Arab and Gulf nations cautiously engage with Syria’s new leadership

Arab and Gulf nations are showing cautious openness toward President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s administration after years of diplomatic estrangement. This measured re-engagement signals a potential thaw in regional relations, with nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar exploring avenues for political and economic cooperation while maintaining careful distance amid lingering concerns about Syria’s stability and governance.

Syria accelerates destruction of Assad-era chemical weapons

In a move symbolising a break from its controversial past, Syria announced plans to fast-track the destruction of chemical weapons remnants dating back to the Assad era. The initiative, overseen by the current government, is intended to rebuild international trust and demonstrate a commitment to compliance with global disarmament norms. Analysts view this as both a domestic reform step and a diplomatic signal to Western powers.

Germany seeks deportation deal with Syria amid refugee policy shifts

Germany is negotiating a deportation agreement with Damascus to return Syrian refugees lacking valid residence permits. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has offered free flights home for returnees under specific conditions. The proposal has drawn concern from human rights groups, who warn of potential violations and the risks facing those sent back to unstable regions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, September 1, that the two countries stood side by side even in difficult times, after Putin called him a “dear friend” and offered him a ride in his armoured limousine. The interaction took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, where Modi also joined Chinese President Xi Jinping. China and India remain the biggest buyers of Russian crude oil despite U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Modi later posted a photo on X of his limousine ride with Putin.

Modi and Xi pledge to resolve border issues

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi pledged on Sunday, August 31, to address their long-standing border differences and strengthen cooperation ahead of the SCO summit in Tianjin. This was Modi’s first visit to China since the 2020 border clashes that strained ties. Modi noted progress in bilateral relations and emphasised the importance of peace along the borders for continued development. Xi said the meeting should “further elevate” the relationship and that the border issue should not define the overall trajectory of China-India ties.

India’s economic growth fails to lift markets

India’s GDP grew 7.8% in the April–June quarter, but nominal growth slowed to 8.8% from 10.8%, signalling weaker inflation. Corporate earnings reflected the slowdown, with revenue growth of the top 3,000 listed companies slipping to a seven-quarter low of 3.4%. Analysts at ICICI Bank and Janus Henderson Investors warned of weak credit growth, asset quality concerns in banks, and the drag of U.S. tariffs on investor confidence. Foreign funds are expected to remain cautious despite the country’s strong real growth figures.

Rohingya refugees expelled without protection

Indian authorities have expelled scores of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh and Myanmar since May 2025, Human Rights Watch said. Many were arbitrarily detained and mistreated before being deported, including 192 UNHCR-registered refugees sent to Bangladesh and 40 forced to swim ashore in Myanmar. The campaign, initiated in BJP-governed states, has led dozens more to flee to Bangladesh. HRW condemned the expulsions as violations of international law and accused the government of targeting Muslims under its policy of branding them “illegal immigrants.”

U.S. advisor criticises India over Russia ties

U.S. President Donald Trump’s advisor Peter Navarro renewed criticism of India’s oil trade with Russia, accusing the country of indirectly funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine. In an interview with Fox News, Navarro alleged that “Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of Indians” and called India a “laundromat for the Kremlin.” He defended the 50% U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, saying 25% reflected India’s own “Maharaja of tariffs.” Navarro argued that India’s discounted oil purchases, which are resold to other markets, fuel the Russian war machine.

No genocide, no refugee claim

Lamola stressed that the Afrikaner community does not face persecution that would qualify them for refugee status under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.

“We don’t agree that this is a refugee programme, because there’s no genocide in South Africa,” he said. “Afrikaners do not fit the definition of refugees under the UN Convention. This is, in reality, a fast-tracking process of immigration by the US.”

The United States has framed the programme as a humanitarian measure, citing concerns over crime and economic insecurity in South Africa. But Pretoria sees the move as politically charged and unjustified.

Preferential treatment?

South Africa argues that by creating a pathway only for Afrikaners, the US is engaging in preferential treatment that recalls the racial hierarchies of the apartheid system.

“With our history as a country, a preferential treatment of Afrikaners who are not fleeing genocide amounts to Apartheid 2.0,” Lamola said.

South Africa thus maintains it has no duty to assist with the programme, since it does not constitute a legitimate refugee initiative.

In May, the first group of about 50 Afrikaners - descendants of South Africa’s first European settlers - were flown to the US on a chartered flight after former President Donald Trump authorised the move, Viory reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump is delaying approval of potential airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, citing Libya’s post-intervention collapse as a warning against regime change. According to sources close to the administration, Trump has repeatedly referred to the 2011 NATO-led intervention in Libya, where the fall of Muammar Gaddafi led to civil war and instability, as a model to avoid.

Greek foreign minister to visit Libya for maritime talks

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will travel to Libya in early July to address unresolved maritime boundary issues, diplomatic sources confirmed. The visit follows Libya’s reaction to Greece’s recent offshore exploration licenses south of Crete, which has reignited bilateral tensions. Gerapetritis is expected to visit both Tripoli and Benghazi, reflecting Libya’s divided political landscape.

Russia shifts military assets to Libya amid uncertainty in Syria

Russia has begun relocating military equipment to Libya as the future of its bases in Syria remains uncertain following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December. The Hmeimin airbase and Tartus naval facility, long-standing Russian outposts in Syria, now face possible closure as Western governments urge Syria’s new interim leadership, led by former rebel Ahmed al-Sharaa, to reconsider Moscow’s military presence.

UNHCR seeks $106 million to support Sudanese refugees in Libya

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has launched an urgent appeal for $106 million to assist approximately 313,000 Sudanese refugees currently in Libya. Carmen Sakhr, UNHCR's head in Libya, stated that the agency has received only 18% of the needed funding, warning that the shortfall is severely limiting humanitarian operations. "Current resources cover only a fraction of what is required," she said, stressing the growing needs on the ground. Libya hosts refugees from at least seven countries, with a total displaced population estimated at nearly 4 million due to ongoing regional conflicts.

Libya’s elections body signs MoU to boost civic education

Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies to strengthen civic education and promote democratic participation nationwide. The agreement, signed on June 22 in Tripoli by HNEC Chairman Emad Al-Sayah and Academy President Ramadan Al-Madani, establishes a framework for cooperation in electoral awareness, public education, and research on democratic governance.

What they said

“We are living in a time of intense volatility… marked by acute human suffering,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. He blamed the rise in displacement on prolonged conflicts and lack of meaningful diplomatic efforts to end them. David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee, also warned that cutting aid to fragile states will only fuel more displacement, "without international support, crises will deepen and populations will continue to flee.”

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Tripoli repeatedly demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah amid recent militia clashes, which claimed at least eight lives. Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for governmental reform as protests persist in a divided Libya, where the UN-recognised GNU faces opposition from Khalifa Haftar's eastern administration. The unrest follows an announcement by Dbeibah aimed at dismantling rival armed factions, exacerbating tensions within the capital, Le Monde reports.

UN reports surge in Sudanese refugees

The United Nations has reported a significant rise in the number of Sudanese refugees entering Libya since the onset of conflict in Sudan, with nearly 313,000 refugees arriving to date, according to The Libya Observer . The UNHCR has projected a potential total of 621,000 Sudanese refugees by the end of 2025, while the WFP has called for urgent funding to continue food assistance to vulnerable populations, warning of a looming aid suspension due to critical funding shortages.

Budget passed by Eastern Parliament raises concerns

Libya’s eastern-based parliament has approved a budget of 69 billion Libyan dinar ($12.71 billion) for a development and reconstruction fund, seeking to distribute the funds over three years. However, uncertainty surrounds the actual disbursement of these funds, as the Tripoli-based Central Bank, responsible for Libyan oil revenues, remains under the control of a rival government, potentially hindering implementation of the budget.

Mass graves discovered in Libya confirm human rights violations

Dozens of bodies have been uncovered at various detention sites in Tripoli, affirming deep-rooted concerns regarding abuse and torture within these facilities, as highlighted by the UN human rights chief. The Mirage reports that the grave findings indicate possible extrajudicial killings linked to the Stabilisation Support Apparatus, an armed group in Tripoli. The High Commissioner has called for immediate forensic investigations and accountability for these human rights abuses amid ongoing protests against violence.

On Monday, May 12, M23’s military spokesperson, Willy Ngoma, presented 181 men to the media at Goma’s main sports stadium, identifying them as “Rwandan subjects” allegedly in the country illegally.

Although the men carried Congolese identification documents, the rebel group claimed the papers were fake and proceeded to burn them publicly on the stadium grounds, according to an AFP journalist on site.

Several hundred women and children —relatives of the detained men—were also brought to the stadium aboard trucks arranged by M23.

One detainee, who identified himself only as Eric, told AFP he was from Karenga in North Kivu, a region known to be a stronghold of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), a rebel group formed by former Rwandan Hutu leaders responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

By early Saturday, 360 individuals had been loaded onto buses from Goma, said Eujin Byun, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The agency emphasised that any repatriation of refugees must be “safe, voluntary, and carried out with dignity,” in accordance with international law.

Back at home, however, the mayor of the Rubavu district in Rwanda, Prosper Mulindwa, expressed his excitement about receiving the returnees and helping them to integrate into the Rwandan way of living.

"We are happy to welcome so many Rwandans. Today we are receiving 360 people , but we have information that in Goma, at the UNHCR centre, more than 2,000 Rwandans are preparing to return home. So we are happy because we will have additional help to accelerate the development of our country," he told AFP.

“As you know, the World Food Programme provides cash assistance to refugees and is funded by our development partners. Due to a reduction in donor funding globally, we have had to reduce refugee rations from 75 percent to 50 percent as of February 2025,” Denhere told the AFP.

The situation could worsen, with WFP officials warning that the agency may be forced to entirely suspend cash assistance by May if no new funding is secured.

“Actually, we might even go further to completely halt the cash assistance in May if we don’t receive any further funding,” Denhere added.

For many refugees, the cuts present a dire reality. Joyce Wamuyu, a Rwandan refugee at the Dzaleka camp, voiced her concerns about the looming crisis.

“For the community, we see that this will bring trouble to us and to the leadership. If the WFP doesn’t assist the refugees, there will be a lot of instability in the camp. Many of us don’t have work, and others are just staying here with no means to support ourselves. We don’t know how we will survive,” she said.

The Dzaleka refugee camp, originally designed to accommodate 10,000 people, now hosts more than 50,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dr. Irene Nakiyimba, a top official at the Uganda Institute of Communication Technology (UICT), spoke about the program on February 22 at an alumni event in Kampala.

According to her, the training is part of a bigger government project called the Uganda Digital Accelerated Project (UDAP-GovNet).

This project, led by the Ministry of ICT and the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), focuses on improving internet access and digital skills for people across Uganda, including refugees.

“The refugee programme is part of the Uganda Digital Accelerated Project (UDAP-GovNet). UICT will implement the capacity-building and skills development component targeting marginalised groups including refugees,” Nakiyimba was quoted by The Monitor .

Uganda is home to over 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers, according to official government data. Many of them struggle to find work or education.

The new project will focus on fixing this by providing internet access, affordable digital tools, and training in 12 districts that host refugees.

Officials say this will help refugees gain financial independence as well as learn how to use computers, the internet, and other digital tools to find work, start businesses, or access government services.

The project is also expected to support Uganda’s broader goal of becoming a digitally advanced country.

Government agencies are working together to expand internet coverage, improve access to mobile devices, and train people in digital skills.

The project also includes financial management and environmental safety measures to ensure its success.

The violence has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among the population, with many forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

Musahada Babunga Bienfait a motor conducter told AFP "At the level of Dar es Salaam, there will be no solution. I am convinced that there won't be given that he hasn’t left. He had to confront directly with, so, Paul Kagame, the Rwandan president, because he is the real enemy of the DRC. The Congolese who are at the level of North Kivu, those who are in South Kivu fighting are just pawns, but the real enemy of our country is really Rwanda."

" People are fleeing everywhere," says Alice Feza, a displaced woman seeking refuge. "We’ve been hearing shots and blasts all night."

Feza, who has already fled multiple times from conflict zones in Kiwanja, Rutshuru, and Kibumba, expressed her exhaustion and despair. "If the situation deteriorates further, I’m not going to flee again. I’m tired of running. We thought we could find safety in Goma, but even here, people are fleeing. The roads are closed, and crossing the lake isn’t safe either. We have nowhere to go."

Many displaced individuals, like Feza, face an uncertain future, with limited access to safe shelters and essential services. "We’re suffering a lot," she said. "This war keeps catching up with us, and now we have nowhere left to turn."

North and South Kivu provinces, rich in minerals, have been plagued by violence for over three decades. Since 2021, the M23 rebels have seized significant territories, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands and left communities struggling for survival.

Efforts to ease tensions hit a roadblock in December when peace talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi were cancelled. Since then, the M23 rebels have made steady advances toward Goma, a strategic city with over a million residents.

The Auditor General's report for 2024 reveals significant issues with Uganda's EU-funded aquaculture parks project, for which the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) received a $10.5 million grant aimed at promoting sustainable fish farming. Key concerns include incomplete projects, lack of performance guarantees from contractors, and inadequate use of advanced funds. Specifically, a water-based Tilapia park and a land-based catfish park are unfinished despite substantial advances. The absence of secured land titles further complicates accountability. According to ChimReports , attempts to recover funds from contractors have failed, risking permanent loss of public funds. The Auditor General has urged immediate action from the Permanent Secretary to recoup funds and enforce financial safeguards in future contracts. The findings have prompted calls for increased oversight and accountability in managing public and donor resources.

Museveni woos UAE investors to Uganda

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has urged global investors to engage in business opportunities within Uganda and Africa, emphasising the country’s rapid economic growth and the potential for added value in various sectors, particularly agriculture. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, he highlighted Uganda's classification as a lower-middle-income country with aspirations to become a high-middle-class nation. As reported by The Independent , Museveni noted that a significant market exists in Africa, with a projected population of 2.5 billion by 2048, promising a lucrative ecosystem for investors. He stressed the importance of sustainable policies to ensure shared prosperity and cautioned against mistakes that could hinder progress. The summit included various dignitaries from Uganda's government.

Flynas celebrates its first direct flight between Riyadh and Entebbe in Uganda

Flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, launched its first direct flight between Riyadh and Entebbe, Uganda, on January 15, 2025, as part of its growth strategy to connect Saudi Arabia with 250 international destinations by 2030. Zawya explains that The new route will operate three weekly flights and support the National Civil Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030 objectives. The inauguration event took place at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, attended by Flynas and Riyadh Airports Company representatives. Passengers can book flights via Flynas’s website, app, call centre, or travel agents.

Funding for refugee support

The UK has pledged $20 million to the World Food Programme for 2024/25 to support Uganda's refugee response, marking a significant increase from previous years. This funding is part of a larger GBP 25 million commitment and will assist over 800,000 vulnerable refugees through expanded cash transfers for food assistance. The initiative aims to enhance economic resilience, promote self-reliance, and provide financial literacy training. The UK's support reflects its ongoing collaboration with the WFP since 2018 and its commitment to sustainable solutions for the over 1.7 million refugees in Uganda, primarily from conflict in neighbouring countries, SoftPower News reports.

Lawyer for Ugandan opposition politician ‘arrested and tortured’

Eron Kiiza, a human rights lawyer in Uganda, was arrested and tortured after representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in a military courtroom on January 7. Convicted of contempt of court, he received a nine-month sentence and was transferred to Kitalya prison. Colleagues who visited him reported signs of physical and mental torture, INKL reports. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for his immediate release, condemning his detention as a violation of laws. The Ugandan armed forces dismissed the torture claims as "absolute rubbish." The situation reflects a decline in the rule of law in Uganda, particularly in the lead-up to general elections, as repression of opposition figures appears to be increasing.

During a recent interaction with AFP, Grandi highlighted the dire situation faced by millions of Syrians who are struggling to rebuild their lives after years of conflict.

But if sanctions are lifted, this will improve the conditions in the places also where people return. It will be an additional factor to encourage people to return. Why? It's simple. Because to invest in services, in infrastructure, to invest in the economy, to create jobs, sanctions make it impossible. Sanctions were created for another situation. So they have to be reviewed and hopefully lifted," he stated.

The European Union (EU) continues to be a major destination for immigrants from around the world.

According to Eurostat , the EU saw a record 3.7 million people become first-time residents in 2023.

This influx of immigrants is driven by various factors, including political instability, economic opportunities, and social challenges in their home countries.

Here are the top 10 countries sending the most immigrants to the EU:

Ukraine: Ukraine tops the list with 307,313 first-time residence permits issued in 2023. The ongoing geopolitical unrest and conflict have driven many Ukrainians to seek safety and new opportunities in the EU.

Belarus: Belarus saw a significant increase in migration to the EU, with 281,279 residence permits issued. Political instability and economic hardships following the 2020 political crisis have been major factors.

India: India ranked third with 207,966 residence permits. Many skilled professionals, particularly in technology and engineering, migrate to the EU for better job opportunities.

Morocco: Morocco remains a key contributor to EU immigration, with 179,195 residence permits granted. Historical ties, geographical proximity, and labour opportunities, especially in Spain and France, drive this migration.

Syria: The civil war in Syria pushed people to seek refuge in the EU. In 2023, 168,667 Syrians were granted residence permits.

Turkey : Turkey had 122,128 residence permits issued in 2023. Economic, political, and social pressures, along with its strategic location, contribute to the steady flow of migrants.

Russia: Russia remains a consistent source of migration to the EU, with 115,651 residence permits granted. Political and economic uncertainties drive many Russians to seek opportunities in Europe.

China: China saw 107,680 residence permits issued in 2023. Economic opportunities and educational prospects are significant factors for Chinese immigrants.

Brazil: Brazil had 91,543 residence permits issued. Economic challenges and the search for better living conditions drive many Brazilians to the EU.

Afghanistan: Afghanistan rounds out the top ten with 90,118 residence permits issued. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis continue to push Afghans to seek safety in the EU

Officials, including Refugees and Returnees Service Director General Teyiba Hassen and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed them home.

Teyiba said the Ethiopian government is working to bring back citizens living in tough conditions in other countries.

"We will continue helping more Ethiopians return home," she told local reporters .

Siraj Rashid, the Ministry’s Director General for Consular Affairs, said this is part of an ongoing effort. He mentioned that 700 citizens had already been repatriated recently due to the situation in Beirut.

Ethiopia’s efforts to help its citizens abroad are being carried out in collaboration with various organisations.

Myanmar authorities arrested three individuals, including a Malaysian national, for drug trafficking activities in Yangon. A joint anti-narcotic task force conducted a vehicle search on December 22, resulting in the seizure of substantial quantities of illegal substances, including 238.5 grams of 'Happy Water,' 27 grams of ketamine, and 400 stimulant tablets. Another suspect apprehended had additional drugs, culminating in a total haul of 6.125 kg of 'Happy Water,' 950 grams of ketamine, and 240 ecstasy pills. Following the arrests, the Malaysian suspect was discovered in possession of another 75 grams of ketamine, 450 ecstasy pills, and drug manufacturing equipment. According to The Star , the total estimated value of the confiscated drugs amounts to approximately 278 million kyats (roughly US$132,000), with reports indicating that the suspects targeted young individuals in entertainment venues across Yangon. Legal proceedings are now underway to address these serious allegations.

Mass tourism strategy

Myanmar's Myeik Archipelago is preparing to welcome a vibrant New Year celebration in 2025, focusing on elevating service quality for both domestic and international tourists. The region aims to showcase its unique charm and natural beauty, establishing itself as a premier holiday destination through memorable experiences for visitors, TTW reports.

Thailand denies arm purchases for Myanmar

In neighbouring Thailand, The Edge reports that the country's central bank and anti-money laundering agency have responded to claims made by a UN expert regarding the potential facilitation of weapons purchases by Thai banks for Myanmar's military. Although a June UN report suggested that Thai banks channelled US$120 million to Myanmar's junta in fiscal 2023, the findings disclosed no evidence of associations with arms procurement, instead highlighting occasional transactions with individuals mentioned in the report. This review underscores the necessity for enhanced anti-money laundering practices to mitigate the risks of funding illegal activities and human rights violations.

China charges Myanmar Golden Triangle syndicate suspects with murder

Chinese authorities have made substantial strides in tackling cross-border cybercrime by charging 39 suspects, including 16 individuals from Myanmar, in connection with serious offences such as murder and telecom fraud linked to the significant Ming family. As reported by My News , these criminal factions reportedly coerced individuals into participating in telecom scams, generating millions of dollars daily. Since September, over 31,000 telecom fraud suspects have been extradited from Myanmar to China, revealing the extensive nature of these criminal operations, particularly in Myawaddy, a border town.

Myanmar is one of the world's biggest refugee contributor

The UNHCR has documented a troubling increase in the global refugee count, which has surpassed 122 million in 2024, a rise from 117.4 million in the previous year. UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe has characterised the situation as 'shocking,' reinforcing the urgent need for protective measures for those affected. Major contributing factors include the ongoing civil war in Sudan, displacing over 11.8 million individuals, in conjunction with crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar. Furthermore, conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon have resulted in the displacement of over 1.7 million people, further exacerbating the global refugee crisis, The Star reports.

The refugees, believed to be fleeing persecution in Myanmar, were escorted to a naval base on Sri Lanka's east coast. Upon arrival, they were provided with medical care, food, and water. Navy spokesman Gayan Wickramasuriya noted that while communication difficulties have prevented immediate confirmation of their identities, it is highly likely that the group is from Myanmar.

This rescue operation mirrors a similar incident in 2022 when the Sri Lankan navy saved 100 Rohingya refugees found in similar circumstances. The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, have faced severe persecution and violence in Myanmar, leading many to undertake perilous journeys in search of safety.

This exploitation emerges out of desperation; women face dire consequences if they refuse such offers, risking their survival in already challenging circumstances.

One 27-year-old Sudanese woman, who fled to Chad with her five children , spoke to The Associated Press about her harrowing experience.

She described being coerced into a sexual relationship with an aid worker in exchange for money to buy essentials. "The children were crying. We ran out of food," she said. “He abused my situation.”

The woman, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, explained that the aid worker promised her cash in exchange for sex. He gave me about $12 each time, she said. After giving birth to a child she claims was his, he provided her with a one-time payment of around $65 but denied paternity.

The man was a Sudanese labourer for Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, she added.

Another woman shared a similar story, detailing how two Chadian men at the site repeatedly contacted her after she applied for a job, offering employment in exchange for sex. Both women said they refused the proposition.

A Sudanese psychologist reports numerous accounts of women trading sex for support, leading to unwanted pregnancies and a cycle of abuse and neglect.

“They were psychologically destroyed. Imagine a woman getting pregnant without a husband amid this situation,” The psychologist said. "They came to me because they couldn’t get an abortion for fear of being shunned by their communities."

Despite the existence of safe spaces and reporting mechanisms established by humanitarian organisations to protect women from exploitation, many refugee women remain vulnerable.

One woman, who had a child as a result of a sexual relationship with an aid worker, said she feared reporting him for fear he would turn her over to the police . “He threatened me,” she said,

A 19-year-old refugee recounted being propositioned for sex by her employer in exchange for a raise. The distressing reality is that many women feel they must sacrifice their dignity to survive, often leading to further victimisation.

Local authorities, including Ali Mahamat Sebey, the head official in Adre, have denied allegations of abuse by local police, asserting that officers are prohibited from entering the camps. Sebey acknowledged, however, that the growing number of refugees makes it difficult to ensure the safety of every individual.

Arkota Suleiman Jabonah, a Sudanese refugee, arrived with his family and is adjusting to the assistance the centre provides. "For now, we’ll stay here because we’re new and need help from social workers with applications and job centre forms," he said. "Eventually, once we learn German, we’ll be able to find an apartment on our own."

Marienfelde’s director, Olivija Music, explained that it’s difficult to ask long-term residents to move out to make room for new arrivals. “We’ve been preparing residents for this transition for up to two years,” she told the AFP.

Historically, the Marienfelde Centre housed German citizens from East Berlin who, upon arrival, had rights and pathways to full citizenship. Today’s arrivals face a more complex process, says Bettina Effner, Director of the Marienfelde Memorial Museum.

“The difference now is that these people often endure long processes to determine their residency status - whether they’ll be tolerated or granted residency,” she explained.

For refugees like Layan Al Jazzar, who arrived from Syria with her mother and sister, the journey has been emotionally taxing. “We were crying all the time...we didn’t know anyone or speak the language,” she shared.

The Rohingya, a heavily persecuted ethnic Muslim minority in Myanmar, frequently risk their lives on perilous sea journeys, attempting to reach safer shores like Malaysia or Indonesia. Many flee from dire conditions in Myanmar, where they face severe discrimination and violence.

The stranded boat, first anchored about four miles (six kilometres) off Aceh’s coast, was pulled closer to shore on Monday by a relief vessel, now just a mile away. However, the refugees remain in limbo, awaiting further action.

"UNHCR urgently appeals to the authorities to ensure rescue at sea and safe disembarkation for this desperate group," said Faisal Rahman, UNHCR protection associate in Indonesia. "UNHCR and partners stand ready to support and to provide much-needed assistance for these vulnerable people," Rahman added in a statement late Monday, October 21.

The situation on board is becoming increasingly dire. According to local officials in South Aceh, at least one refugee has died, while five others were evacuated for medical treatment at a nearby hospital last Thursday, October 17.

Yuhelmi, a spokesperson for South Aceh district, explained that local authorities are waiting for immigration officials to arrive before deciding on the next steps. "Locals were waiting for immigration officials to arrive before any decision on their next steps was made," he told AFP.

Rahman confirmed that negotiations between the UN and the Indonesian government are ongoing. However, Indonesia, not being a signatory to the UN refugee convention, has been cautious about taking in refugees, instead calling on neighbouring countries to share the responsibility of resettling Rohingyas who reach its shores.

While many people in Aceh, having lived through their own struggles during decades of conflict, are sympathetic to the Rohingya's plight, some express frustration. They argue that the refugees put a strain on local resources and have occasionally clashed with locals.

In December 2023, tensions reached a peak when hundreds of students forced the relocation of more than 100 Rohingya refugees, storming a function hall in Aceh where they were being sheltered and kicking their belongings.

"The mobile clinic is part of the humanitarian missions of Baznas that do not only focus on Indonesia but also pay attention to conditions of Muslims and the international communities," said Baznas Head, Noor Achmad, in a statement on Saturday October 19.

The clinic is equipped with basic medical facilities and staffed with healthcare professionals, aiming to provide much-needed medical care to Palestinian refugees who lack access to adequate health services. In addition, it is also available to Syrian refugees and local residents in need, as reported by Indonesia’s state agency Antara .

"We hope that through this small step, we can provide big benefits, especially to the Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Jordan, as well as the local residents who need health assistance," Achmad noted.

He expressed his appreciation to the government and humanitarian institutions in Jordan for their continued support, as well as to Baznas’ partners for their contributions to the program. Achmad emphasized that the collaboration between agencies, governments, and the local community is vital for the success of humanitarian projects.

"This mobile clinic is not only a symbol of health assistance but also a representation of the spirit of mutual cooperation and our shared concern to continue to maintain the people's health and welfare, especially in areas affected by humanitarian crises," he concluded.

A former addict, Marip (pseudonym) from a refugee camp, describes a bleak reality where many youth, uncertain about their future and without job prospects, turn to drugs for solace. 

"There's a sense of hopelessness after school, and with no guarantee of jobs, many youths in the camps fall into addiction," Marip said. Families desperate for help send their loved ones to jungle-based rehab programs, where alternative treatments like acupuncture have proven effective in reducing cravings and stabilising emotions.

He adds, “In our treatment programme, we help people regain full health, free from drug hangovers and cravings. When their minds fully reject the desire for drugs, we can help them maintain sobriety even after they leave, as it did for me."

Addiction has wreaked havoc on entire communities, with drugs such as methamphetamine - commonly known as "Yaba" - becoming cheaper and more accessible than ever. In some areas, a pill costs less than fifty cents, Benedikt Hofmann, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Southeast Asia representative, told AFP. 

This has consequently created what Edward Blakely, director at the Dare Network, calls "a perfect storm" of addiction fueled by trauma and hopelessness.

“You've got sort of two large problems. You've got a lot of trauma, a lot of generational trauma. People having to have fled their homes, seen their relatives killed. And then there is an abundant supply of drugs and a sense of hopelessness. And those two things put together creates a perfect storm," said Blakely.

Marip, now free from addiction, reflects on the transformation, "After we stopped using drugs and were free from this addiction - there is no price that compares to the freedom from drugs." 

Benedikt Hofmann, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Southeast Asia representative, told AFP that "Right now in some parts of the Mekong, most parts of the Mekong in fact, getting a pill of Yaba, for example, a tablet of Yaba, which is methamphetamine mixed with caffeine, is cheaper than buying a beer. 

In August 2017, violent attacks forced thousands of Rohingya to flee Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Many endured long, dangerous journeys to Bangladesh, where nearly 1 million now live in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. 

Abdul Ghani Qazizada, who manages the registration of arrivals in Islam Qala, told AFP that most of these refugees entered Iran illegally or overstayed their visas.

Nearly 90% are deported, and expulsions have surged in recent months. Many Afghans are warned they must leave within a week or face a hefty deposit if they are over 18.

Upon arrival, refugees are registered by Afghan authorities and evaluated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Families receive minimal financial aid of 2,000 Afghanis ($29) per person, while individuals receive nothing.

The climate in Iran has grown increasingly hostile towards Afghan migrants, who are often blamed for rising unemployment and crime. Ramazan Azizi, a construction worker, described being evicted with his wife and three children after entering Iran illegally. They paid a smuggler $1,220 for the journey but faced eviction when their landlord was fined for renting to them. They were then detained in a military camp alongside thousands of others.

"We cannot go on with this president in Venezuela," said José Antonio, one of the many migrants crossing the border. "Nothing works, there are no businesses, nothing," he told the AFP.

The worsening economy and political turmoil are driving Venezuelans like Paola Diamond to seek better opportunities. "For us, the goal is to work and provide a good quality of life for my daughter - a good education, proper clothing, and nutritious food. Because in Venezuela it's impossible to get by on a 3 USD salary."

The Tourism Authority of Thailand targeted Taiwanese tourists with cultural exhibits and special deals at the “Amazing Thailand Travel Fair 2024” in Taipei. The fair showcased Thailand’s attractions, cuisines, and festivals, and highlighted the new visa exemption for Taiwanese tourists. The event aimed to entice Taiwanese visitors to experience the Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand and featured activities such as traditional Thai dances, Muay Thai exhibitions, and demonstrations on preparing Thai cuisine, Travel and Tour World reported.

Foreign business

The Thai government is addressing concerns over foreign business encroachment, particularly in the restaurant, transportation, and e-commerce sectors. They are enforcing laws to ensure maximum benefit for Thai people and are working to support the hospitality industry through digital technologies. According to Khaosod English , the government is also investigating companies with nominee agreements and clarifying legal requirements for foreign ownership in various sectors.

New immigration rule

A new immigration rule in South Korea has led to a social media boycott campaign by Thai tourists, causing a significant drop in Thai tourist numbers in the country. The boycott has led Thai tourists to favour Japan and China as holiday spots instead, Daily Express reports indicated. The issue at the border is attributed to the arrival of illegal workers from Thailand, and the introduction of the electronic travel authorisation system, K-ETA, has also contributed to the decline in Thai tourist numbers in South Korea.

Myanmar refugees

Thailand is prepared to accept 100,000 people fleeing Myanmar due to ongoing fighting near the border. The country is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention and does not distinguish between refugees and other migrants. The Thai-Myanmar border remains open, but trade has decreased by 30% over the last year. The Thai government has granted a request from the junta to repatriate people, and thousands fleeing Myanmar have been permitted to stay in informal settlements near the border since the 1980s, news agency The Sun reported.

Tesla plant

Tesla is reevaluating its global investment strategy and may scrap plans to invest in Thailand, as well as other proposed new sites in Mexico and India. The company is focusing on its existing major production bases in the US, China and Germany. According to Bangkok Post , the Thai government is waiting for confirmation from Tesla about halting the investment plan. Meanwhile, Indonesia is also waiting to hear from Tesla about a planned EV battery manufacturing plant. The Prime Minister of Thailand had previously announced Tesla’s interest in investing in the country, but there are now reports that Tesla may only invest in EV charging stations in Thailand.

Mubita Nawa, who was a candidate for the next head of Interpol, was accused of involvement in the kidnapping, detention, and assault of two Indian businessmen. The businessmen allege that Nawa played a role in a conspiracy to extort them for overpayment on a loan from the Zambian government. Nawa and the Zambian police deny the accusations, claiming the businessmen are suspects in a fraud investigation. According to the Guardian , the businessmen have filed legal proceedings against the police and government officials and are seeking the payment owed to them by the Zambian government.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Zambia has been drawn against Japan, Brazil, and Poland in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. The tournament will run from 16 October to 3 November and will be the final edition with 16 teams before expanding to 24 teams in 2025. Zambia earned their spot by defeating Tanzania 5-1 on aggregate in the first round of qualification.

Climate adaptation projects

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Zambian government are partnering on two climate adaptation projects to protect the ecosystem along one of Zambia's biggest rivers and a national park. The projects, funded by the Global Environment Facility, will support sustainable farming, livestock conservation, and resilience to water scarcity.

EU and UNICEF agreement to address malnutrition

The European Union and UNICEF have signed a Cooperation Agreement worth € 4,528,750 to address malnutrition in drought-affected districts in Zambia.  According to the leading humanitarian website ReliefWeb , the aid will benefit 89,741 women and children through food assistance, cash transfers, and nutrient supplements. The drought has affected 84 districts, leaving over 6.6 million people in need of humanitarian aid. The aid will support the Government of Zambia in responding to the crisis and preventing a nutrition crisis among children and pregnant women. The initiative is part of the Scaling Up Nutrition Phase II, which aims to reduce the stunting of children under 2 in 17 districts of Zambia.

Over 100,000 asylum seekers in Zambia

Zambia currently hosts approximately 101,878 asylum seekers, refugees, and former refugees from various countries, according to Vice-President Mutale Nalumango. The veep speaking at an event in Zambia’s northwestern province to commemorate World Refugee Day on June 20, emphasised the country's commitment to providing shelter and support to those in need, based on the principles of empathy and human dignity, local media Diggers News reports.

Several Rohingya refugees arrived in North Sumatra, Indonesia via boat to escape violence and persecution in Myanmar. The UNHCR reported that they were primarily women and children, who were provided with health screenings, water, and food upon arrival. However, the refugees have faced hostility from local Indonesians, with hundreds perishing or disappearing while seeking refuge. Human Rights Watch has urged Indonesia to safeguard the well-being of the refugees and investigate online incitement of violence against them. The Rohingya have been targeted by the military in Myanmar, leading many to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including Indonesia.

Minister urges Starlink to open operations centre in Indonesia

Minister Budi Arie Setiadi urges Starlink to open a network operations centre (NOC) in Indonesia to monitor and control internet access to prevent illegal activities. "Starlink should have an NOC in Indonesia, so the government can control and monitor the use of internet access in the country to prevent acts of online gambling, pornography, separatism, and prohibited activities according to the law and regulation," he said. Starlink has been operating in Indonesia since May 2024 and has obtained the necessary licenses and permits. The presence of Starlink is expected to help provide internet services in remote areas, state agency Antara News reports.

Indonesia and Malaysia hold joint air patrol

Indonesia and Malaysia conducted a joint air patrol over the Malacca Strait using F-16s and F-18 Hornets to maintain peace and security in the important trade route. The joint patrol aims to strengthen regional peace and security and safeguard the countries' air sovereignty, Antara News reports.

Indonesian Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Over 90,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, with 11 reported deaths, according to the state news agency. The pilgrims will fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam with the help of "Badal Hajj." Indonesia secured a pilgrim quota of 241,000 for this year, including an additional 20,000 pilgrims approved by the King of Saudi Arabia.  According to Antara, President Joko Widodo secured the additional quota during a bilateral meeting in October 2023.

Commitment to stable ASEAN

Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN stability and security, aiming to prevent the region from becoming a hotspot of conflict. The country is also focusing on mitigating risks related to geopolitical issues and ensuring food self-sufficiency in the region. This commitment was reiterated by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, at the 29th Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia in Tokyo. "All ASEAN leaders await steps taken by Indonesia, considering the country's major role. Hence, we in the ASEAN must preserve our togetherness to prevent our region from becoming a conflict zone,"  the minister said.

Tunisian President Kais Saied confirmed the expulsion of 400 sub-Saharan migrants to Libya, stating that Tunisia will not be a resettlement or transit country for migrants. He said "Hundreds of migrants enter Tunisian territory every day… it is no longer sustainable. Tunisia will not be a resettlement country for these migrants.” President Saied criticised NGOs that receive money from abroad and called for coordination between countries to address the migration issue, according to Agenzia Nova . Saied also discussed with the Libyan Interior Minister the joint work to reopen the Ras Jedir border crossing.

Opposition wants political prisoners freed before contesting election

Tunisia’s main opposition coalition is refusing to participate in the upcoming presidential election unless political opponents are freed and judicial independence is restored. President Kais Saied consolidated power in 2021, leading to the imprisonment of more than 20 political opponents, Arab News reported. The coalition is demanding the release of politicians, the reopening of the headquarters of the once-powerful Islamist movement Ennahdha, and the restoration of the independence of the electoral commission and judicial system, according to Arab News. Saied is expected to run in the election, which is likely to take place in September or October.

Tunisia’s Olympic swimming champion likely to miss Paris 2024

Tunisia's Olympic swimming champion Ahmed Hafnaoui may miss the Paris 2024 Games due to an injury. While he has not ruled out participating, his condition remains uncertain. The 21-year-old Hafnaoui won gold in the 400-metre freestyle at the 2021 Olympics and has achieved further success in world championships. If he is unable to compete, it would be a significant loss for Tunisia, Aljazeera reported.

Police raid sees refugees abandoned near Algeria border

Tunisian police raided refugee camps in Tunis, clearing them and leaving hundreds of sub-Saharan African refugees and migrants abandoned near the border with Algeria, according to Aljazeera . The refugees face hostility, kidnapping, and surveillance by authorities, and live in dire conditions with little access to medical care. Reports of kidnapping and trafficking of the refugees are widespread, with little protection or support from the government or media. The situation continues to deteriorate with no long-term solution in sight.

Prominent migrant rights activist detained

Tunisia detained activist Saadia Mosbah, head of a group defending migrants' rights, on suspicion of financial crimes. President Kais Saied during a meeting of the National Security Council on May 6 accused some migrant rights groups of treason, prompting protests and criticism. According to the Tunisian President, numerous officials in charge of civil society organisations that support the rights of migrants are "traitors" who accept funding from overseas. Tunisia has become a main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East, New Arab reported.

Germany has extended its participation in the EU-led operation Irini to monitor the UN arms embargo against Libya until April 2025. The mission involves airborne reconnaissance and maritime surveillance to prevent illegal exports of petroleum and combat human trafficking networks. Germany's Armed Forces have been involved in the mission since 2020, with the upper personnel limit of 300 soldiers remaining unchanged. Additionally, the German Navy may participate with a ship in the future. This operation is essential for long-term stability in Libya, Naval Technology reports.

Fuel smuggling

Fuel smuggling is reportedly fuelling Sudan's civil war, prompting an investigation by the head of Libya's Presidential Council. Mismanagement of the National Oil Corporation has led to smuggling, with some profits allegedly going to the Russian-backed Wagner Group Africa Corps. Libya, despite being oil-rich, imports most of its fuel and heavily subsidises domestic prices, leading to significant re-export and smuggling. According to Nova News , the inflated cost of subsidies has reached unsustainable levels, undermining the country's oil and gas revenue. Most imported fuel reportedly comes from Russia, via countries such as Turkey, and is illegally sold in Europe.

Asylum for refugees

Rwanda has resettled 6,000 refugees, including 91 from Libya, since 2019. The UK and Rwanda have signed a treaty for asylum seekers to be processed in Rwanda, although the plan has faced opposition and legal challenges. Rwanda remains ready to receive migrants despite concerns about cost and safety, The New Times reports.

Lybia’s Oil Minister suspended

Libya's Oil Minister, Mohamed Oun, has been suspended pending an investigation for ‘Legal violations’. No further details were provided except for the number of cases. Meanwhile, Oun says he has not been told the reason for the decision, Bloomberg reports.

Egypt supports Lybia in electoral issues

The head of Egyptian intelligence affirmed support for Libyan elections during a meeting with Libyan military commander Haftar in Benghazi. The discussions focused on advancing the political process and praised the UN's efforts. The international community, including Egypt, advocates for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya to end over a decade of instability. Leaders in Libya have agreed to establish a new unified government responsible for overseeing the elections. According to the English Ahram media outlet, UNSMIL (United Nations Support Mission in Libya) also supports the formation of a unified government.

Malawi is on the verge of enacting a Whistleblower Protection Law following extensive consultations with stakeholders, led by the Special Law Commission. During a recent stakeholder consultation meeting in Mzuzu, Justice John Chirwa, the chairperson of the commission, announced that they aim to have a comprehensive draft legislation ready for submission to the cabinet by February 2025, Malawi News Agency reports. However, Justice Chirwa acknowledged potential funding challenges that could impact the timeline, stating, "We cannot guarantee that, as sometimes we face funding challenges." Despite this, the commission remains committed to advancing the development of this crucial legislation. The proposed legislation is part of Malawi's broader efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures and promote a culture of accountability. As developments unfold, the nation anticipates a significant step forward in fostering a safer environment for those who choose to expose wrongdoing and contribute to the fight against corruption and maladministration.

Burundian refugees

The Department of Refugees in the Ministry of Homeland Security in Malawi has successfully organized the voluntary repatriation of 52 individuals from Burundi who had sought refuge in the country. The departure took place through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, marking a significant step in the voluntary repatriation efforts. This initiative brings the total number of refugees who have left the country voluntarily to 276, Hilda Katema Kausiwa, the Senior Administrative and Operations Manager in the department, confirms. Kausiwa emphasized that such voluntary repatriation initiatives contribute to easing the burden on the country in terms of refugee care. Expressing satisfaction with the development, Kausiwa stated, "We are pleased because this is something we are encouraging on the understanding that refugees cannot maintain their status for life; we are encouraging all durable solutions to be employed," she is quoted by Nyasa Times Kausiwa further highlighted the department's expectation that more refugees will be supported in returning to their respective countries voluntarily.

Visa removal

Standard Bank Plc Chief Executive Phillip Madinga has applauded the government’s decision to remove visa restrictions for about 47 countries across the globe. Madinga sees this decision as a timely and strategic step to enhance the country's foreign currency inflows, a critical need in the face of persistent shortages, the Nyasa Times reports. Madinga believes this decision will position Malawi as an attractive tourism destination, ultimately bolstering foreign currency flows in the long run. The removal of visa restrictions was identified as one of the bottlenecks during the bank's Business Leadership Round Table on December 12, a high-level forum that engages government officials, regulatory bodies, donors, and the private sector to discuss economic policy reforms. Home Affairs Minister Ken Zikhale N'goma officially announced the lifting of entry restrictions in a Gazette published on February 8.

State of Nation Address

President Lazarus Chakwera is scheduled to deliver the State of the Nation Address (Sona) amid uncertainties regarding the Leader of the Opposition position. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has appointed Mary Navicha to the position, creating a focus of attention on Chakwera as he reflects on the achievements and challenges of his administration in the current fiscal year. The State of the Nation Address is expected to include Chakwera's vision for the next fiscal year, particularly as this session coincides with the Budget Session of Parliament. The address will likely outline the government's plans, policies, and priorities for the upcoming year, the Times Group reports.  In a separate development, the DPP has chosen Mary Navicha as the Leader of the Opposition. Navicha's appointment comes after the party faced challenges in having its vice president for the Southern Region, George Chaponda, ascend to the position due to a court injunction. The Parliament spokesperson, Ian Mwenye, has confirmed that the DPP has formally notified the Speaker of Parliament about Navicha's appointment. However, it seems that Parliament is still consulting on the matter, suggesting that there may be ongoing discussions or considerations regarding this appointment.

Policy rate

Commercial banks in Malawi have implemented a significant increase in their base lending interest rate, known as the reference rate, by 1.3 percentage points, bringing it to 24.9 percent. The adjustment, effective Thursday, follows the Reserve Bank of Malawi's decision on Monday to raise the policy rate by 200 basis points to 26 percent, the Times Group reports. The reference rate serves as the benchmark that commercial banks utilize when determining other interest rates, including those applied to loans for individuals or businesses. Published statements from the commercial banks explained, “We wish to inform you that due to the recent upward adjustment of the policy rate, the reference rate for February 2024 is 24.90 percent from 23.60 percent in January 2024. This rate is effective Thursday, February 8, 2024 ." The reference rate for February 2024 now stands at 24.90 percent, up from 23.60 percent in January 2024, as indicated in the statements released by the commercial banks. This adjustment implies that borrowers may face a minimum interest rate of 31 percent on loans, depending on factors such as the lender and the risk profile of the client.

The Bank of Uganda has opted to maintain its policy rate at 9.5%, citing subdued inflationary pressures within the economy. Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda Michael Atingi-Ego, explained that the decision is influenced by the sustained easing of inflationary pressures, The New Vision reports. This easing is attributed to the diminishing effects of supply-side shocks, a global decline in inflation rates, and the implementation of stringent monetary and fiscal policies. In January, both headline and core inflation recorded slight increases, reaching 2.8% and 2.4%, respectively, compared to 2.6% and 2.3% in the previous month, according to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Despite this increase, inflation remains below the central bank's target of 5%. The Deputy Governor highlighted that the continuing decrease in inflation is a positive outcome, reflecting the effectiveness of measures implemented to address supply-side challenges and stabilize the economy. The global trend of decreasing inflation has also contributed to the overall favorable economic environment.

Sudanese refugees

The Archbishop of Gulu Diocese John Baptist Odama, and the South Sudan Ambassador to Uganda, Simon Deng, have jointly called upon South Sudanese refugees currently residing in Uganda to consider voluntary return to their home country. The leaders believe that their return could play a crucial role in contributing to the social and economic development of South Sudan, Observer UG reported. “In my archdiocese, there are over 70,000 refugee settlements. We are concerned about peace all over the region. With the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we shall soon be engaging the President, Felix Tshisekedi. Whether in Sudan, Kenya, or Tanzania, there shouldn't be any fighting in East Africa. These are our brothers, and that is what we are all after. We are appealing to all South Sudanese who are in urban settings to voluntarily come back home and contribute to economic growth because there's been peace since the implementation of the peace agreement in 2018 up until now. The next challenge is the election, where South Sudanese will decide who to lead them for the next five years. And that will not be determined when people are not at home. They should come to register and vote. The government is doing everything possible to ensure this crucial step is undertaken in a free and fair manner in a very peaceful atmosphere,” Deng said. According to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), as of the end of June 2023, Uganda hosted a substantial number of refugees and asylum seekers, reaching 1,561,634 individuals. Among them, 923,658 were from South Sudan, highlighting the significant presence of South Sudanese refugees in the country. Other refugees originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Somalia, Burundi, Eritrea, Rwanda, and various other regions.

Chinese visas

The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, has noted a noticeable uptick in visa applications to China from Uganda in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Uganda had implemented stringent measures in March 2020, including the suspension of all air travel to Beijing, as part of efforts to control the spread of the virus, which was initially identified in China, The Monitor reports. “It is the only entity entrusted by the embassy to provide services related to Chinese ordinary visas and consular legalisation applications. It operates independently and is responsible for its own profits and losses, which is not an extension of the embassy. We are seeing an increasing number of people coming to China after COVID-19. Before COVID, over 40,000 Ugandans were visiting China annually. Last year, we saw a recovery, and the embassy has received 12,000 applicants. Some of them may have multiple entries, and the actual number of people going to China is larger than the applications in the embassy,” said Lizhong. However, the embassy clarified that individuals holding diplomatic or services/official passports, as well as those applying for Chinese diplomatic, courtesy, or official visas, are still required to submit their applications directly to the embassy. The Chinese embassy has announced that it will no longer accept visas of ordinary categories from ordinary passport holders or legalisations.

Education expenditure

Uganda's education spending has fallen significantly behind that of its East African counterparts and international benchmarks, according to the latest analysis by the World Bank. The findings, unveiled in the 22nd edition of the Economic Update for Uganda's Economy, underscore the need for increased investment in education to fuel the country's development, the Monitor reports. The World Bank's report highlights that Uganda's education budget is predominantly funded through domestic resources. “Public education spending per student at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels is consistently below the regional average. As a share of GDP per capita, the per-student government expenditure across all levels of education is below the regional average, including tertiary education. Indeed, expenditures on higher education are the most regressive at any level. Public education spending has grown over the past decade, driven by an increase in expenditures on higher education. Between FY2011 and FY2022, domestically financed public education spending rose by 76 percent in real terms - an average annual increase of 6.9 percent. About 43 percent of these additional resources were directed to tertiary education, especially to finance the establishment of new universities in sub-regions without them. Another 24 percent of expenditures were not classified by education level,” the World Bank noted.

Weak currency

During Wednesday's trading session, the Ugandan shilling experienced a decline, closing at lows of 3830/3840 compared to the day's opening of 3818/3828. The weakening of the shilling was attributed to a notable surge in demand for the US dollar, with inflows being overshadowed by robust interbank and corporate demand, The New Vision reports. Market analysts observed that the heightened demand for the dollar during the session exerted pressure on the shilling, leading to its depreciation against the greenback. The closing rates reflected the impact of this increased demand, signalling a dynamic foreign exchange market influenced by various economic factors. Despite the fluctuations in the forex market, money markets remained relatively liquid during Wednesday's session. Overnight yields were reported at averages of 10.43%, as indicated by Absa. This stability in money markets suggests a balanced liquidity situation, providing financial institutions and investors with a steady environment for short-term transactions.

What they said

British Prime Minister Sunak in a public address on the plan to stop ‘the boats’ after MPs voted to pass the Safety of Rwanda Bill said, "It is now time for the Lords to pass this bill. This is an urgent national priority. The treaty with Rwanda is signed, and the legislation which deems Rwanda a safe country has been passed and unamended in our election chamber... We have a plan and the plan is working, last year was the first year the number of small boat arrivals went down. To solve this problem we need a clear and effective deterrent so that people know that if they come here illegally they will be detained and swiftly removed." John Kerr, a former diplomat who sits in the House of Lords is quoted by the Associated Press to have said, “The Rwanda plan was incompatible with our responsibilities under international human rights law. The considerations of international law and national reputation ... convince me that it wouldn’t be right to ratify this treaty at any time.”

The Central Bank of Egypt has instructed banks to apply a minimum interest rate of 24% on loans to protect bank deposits from the negative impact of high-yield certificate of deposits (CDs) issued by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and leading banking institution Banque Misr, local media Ahram Online reports. The new CDs have annual yields exceeding Egypt’s current borrowing interest rates, prompting asset-liability committees to consider re-pricing their offerings based on market rates.

Free surgeries initiative

The Egyptian government has announced that since the presidential initiative to remove waiting lists in the North African country, 67,028 free surgeries have been carried out. The effort was started to reduce the burden on citizens and enhance their general health across all age groups. According to local media Akhbar El Yom , 25,457 free procedures in a range of specialisations, including eye, brain, and nerve surgeries, were completed in the last year. The undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in Minya, a city located south of Cairo has said that 21 hospitals in Minya carried out the programme.

Documentation of refugees

Mostafa Madbouly, the prime minister of Egypt, has stressed the importance of recording the 8–9 million refugees and immigrants from 133 different countries that reside in the country. The average age of the population of refugees, according to the Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, is 35 years old, with 50.4% of them being men and 49.6% being women. According to Ahram Online , 60% of refugees have lived in Egypt for ten years, and 6% have assimilated into Egyptian society in the last fifteen years.

Export of trained Egyptian workers

Egypt's prime minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has established a working committee to create an integrated action plan for exporting cadres and trained Egyptian workers, local media Al-Masry Al-Youm reports. According to Al-Masry Al-Youm, the prime minister at a ministerial meeting on January 9 spoke about the necessity of technical credentials and specialised training programmes to hone abilities and grant required permits for their employment overseas.

Improving conditions of citizens

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has ordered a rise in spending on sustainable employment and bettering the living conditions of the citizens, according to Mohamed Maeet, the minister of finance in Egypt. “The state is keen on continuing the implementation of decent Life initiative to improve the living conditions of 60% of the Egyptians living in the countryside,” Maeet is quoted by the State Information Service . The guidelines also sought to lessen the financial constraints on the citizens by increasing pensions and public employee compensation in the new fiscal year 2024–2025 budget, the State Information Service reports.

The asylum system in the UK costs the UK taxpayer £1.5 billion a year, the highest amount in over two decades also the pandemic and the increase in unlawful arrival of migrants led to an estimated 37,000 destitute migrants which cost the taxpayers £4.7 million every day on resettlement schemes, the UK Home Office in 2022 reported.

Rwanda's motivation

Rwanda views the scheme as a means to strengthen relations with the UK and an approach to stop the dangerous migration journeys that result in suffering for the migrants.

The government of the East African nation believes that tackling this issue would address the worldwide disparity in economic prospects, which they claim is the root cause of irregular migration in large numbers.

" The Rwanda/UK Migration and Economic Development Partnership is a bold new approach to deter the dangerous migration journeys which are causing untold suffering, while also addressing the global imbalance of economic opportunity, which is the underlying cause of mass irregular migration – the boats will not be completely stopped unless we reverse the lack of opportunity, and the insecurity, in countries around the world ," the Rwandan government said in a statement .

Legal challenges

The British Supreme Court pronounced the policy unlawful in November, ruling that Rwanda was not a safe country for asylum seekers.

The Rwandan government denounced the claims made by the UK parliament and insisted on its commitment to work with the UK government.

"While this was ultimately a decision for the UK’s judicial system, we take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe country for asylum seekers and refugees...Rwanda will now focus on working with the UK on a binding treaty to re-emphasize already existing guarantees required for the partnership to succeed," said the Rwandan government in a statement .

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes the new regulations will fulfil his vow to prohibit migrants from arriving in the UK unlawfully in small boats. The UK Prime Minister’s new bill faces a vote in the UK parliament on December 12.

The new treaty

Vincent Biruta, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Rwanda, and UK Home Secretary James Cleverly signed the joint treaty on December 5.

The new treaty is binding in international law and ensures that people relocated to Rwanda under the partnership are not at risk of being returned to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened.

Diplomatic assurances and commitments

Rwanda Minister of Foreign Affairs Biruta also assured Rwanda’s commitment to the treaty, he is quoted by Rwandan media the New Times saying, “We don’t have a plan to withdraw from this collaboration. We have a plan to implement this partnership, and we remain open to monitoring the implementation and being able to adjust when necessary. So we are committed to the partnership and there is no plan to withdraw.”

Sunak’s remarks

Following the signing in Kigali, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a series of posts on his official X account said, “We’re ending the legal merry-go-round that has stopped our Rwanda policy from running to date. On Tuesday we signed a new treaty that guarantees Rwanda is safe. Our deal makes that clear. I will do whatever it takes to fulfil my pledge to stop the boats.”

The Ugandan government has introduced an electronic livestock identification and traceability system which is anticipated to be extended across the East African nation, local media the Daily Monitor reports . The project supported by the European Union (EU) is estimated to have cost shs1.1 billion ($292,542). "We can now trace our livestock from farm to fork and this is going to add a lot of value to our livestock because it's for both the ordinary and other farmers who can afford the electronic system," Ugandan state minister for animal industry Bright Rwamirama is quoted by local media the Daily Monitor.

No direct taxes for foreign manufacturers

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday ordered the tax authority in Uganda not to enforce direct taxes on foreign investors in the manufacturing industry in Uganda. "I long ago told everybody concerned that what we lack in Uganda is manufacturing. Therefore, if somebody is in manufacturing. I don't want you to disturb them with direct taxes, because direct taxes are not very crucial for us," Museveni is quoted by local media the Observer .

Bus driver charged for texting while driving

A video of 43-year-old bus driver Andrew Jemba was posted on social media on Tuesday by a passenger using his smartphone while driving on a highway street in Uganda's capital, Kampala. Jemba was arraigned before court on Friday and charged with using a smartphone while driving. The presiding magistrate released Jemba on a cash bail of shs500,000 ($133) and a surety bond of shs1 million ($266), local media the Daily Monitor reported.

EU partnership for refugee response

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have signed a 3-year €19.5 million partnership in support of refugees in the East African nation. In a press statement released by the UNHCR, the EU Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek said, “In a context characterized by a narrowing space for humanitarian funding, our partnership with the UNHCR highlights, once again, the importance of the EU as a reliable partner in its response to the various humanitarian crises in the region. We expect that, through this partnership, Uganda’s progressive refugee policy will become more self-reliant and resilient.”

Court sentences seven for terrorism

The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Uganda on Thursday sentenced seven people for aiding, abetting, financing, or harbouring acts of terrorism, and knowingly assisting Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) with acts of terrorism, local media the Independent reports. Following a guilty plea by the defendants, the presiding judge Susan Okalany said, "Since you pleaded guilty, I just said let me allow it. But I was about to reject it.  If I was to try you, I would have sentenced you to 50 years, “she is quoted by local media the Independent.