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Sudan Peace Talks Yield Aid Routes Amid Army Boycott

Published

7 months ago

August 24, 2024

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Humanitarian aid is set to flow into Sudan through two newly established routes after peace talks in Switzerland concluded with a partial agreement.

The discussions, which took place over ten days in Geneva, were mediated by the United States and involved representatives from countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

The mediators, collectively known as the “Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group,” secured agreements to open two key routes for aid delivery.

One route will pass through the Adre border crossing with Chad into Darfur, while the other will follow the Dabbah Road from Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Additional progress was made towards opening a third route via the Sennar Junction.

These efforts are aimed at alleviating the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where millions face famine and disease due to ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in the displacement of over 10.7 million people and tens of thousands of deaths.

Despite the progress in securing aid routes, the absence of the Sudanese army from the Geneva talks was a significant obstacle.

US Sudan envoy Tom Perriello expressed hope that the agreements would generate momentum for further progress but acknowledged the challenges ahead. He emphasized that the crisis in Sudan is so severe that multiple rounds of negotiations may be necessary to address the humanitarian needs adequately.

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Community Justice Centre berths in Imo for affordable dispute resolution

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10 minutes ago

April 2, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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In a bid to foster speedy resolution of disputes in Imo State, the Community Justice Centre has been flagged off to provide speedy and people-centred justice services for residents.

The centre, funded by the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law is in collaboration with the Nkemjika Development Foundation and the Community Justice Centre steering committee to address justice needs quickly and affordably.

HIIL Country Representative, Dr Ijeoma Nwafor made the disclosure during a press conference alongside other members of the Community Justice Centre steering committee and Nkemjika Foundation in Owerri, the Imo State capital last week.

Dr Nwafor averred that residents of Imo State via the Community Justice Centre can bring disputes and have access to resolve legal issues, particularly issues centred on domestic violence, family disputes, and land matters, noting that the initiative was designed to serve as a model for community-driven justice reforms across Nigeria, using alternative dispute resolution methods.

Nwafor said the pressing justice needs in Imo State were “domestic violence, family disputes, and land issues,” adding that it was a pilot scheme.

She disclosed that the CJC was established following an extensive justice innovation lab that convened justice sector leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations, traditional and religious institutions during which they identified the pressing justice needs in the state.

She said, “The Community Justice Centre represents a significant milestone in our commitment to ensuring that justice is not only accessible but also responsive to the needs of the people of Imo State. By integrating community-driven solutions with institutional support, we are strengthening trust in the justice system.

“Today, the CJC opens its doors for the pilot phase, with the potential for expansion to additional locations across Imo State based on its success and impact. This phased implementation allows for testing, refinement, and scaling to enhance its effectiveness in addressing justice needs state-wide.

A multi-sectoral steering committee will provide strategic guidance, ensuring the centre operates efficiently, sustainably, and in coordination with justice institutions for seamless referrals and support.”

She said people with justice needs can visit the office at CJC Building, 5047-5049 All Seasons Avenue, Commercial District G, New Owerri, or call via 08168667544 or use the app Imojustmove.org to lodge complaints and foster amicable solutions free.

Nwafor added, “Legal services will be pocket-friendly and at a highly discounted rate. We want it to be free but if not, it will be hugely discounted.”

She said HIIL will provide funding and technical support for the Community Justice Centre while it will be implemented by the Nkemjika Development Foundation with advisory support from the CJC steering committee.

The CJC will bring together lawyers, psychologists, and other justice response personnel to proffer justice needs for free.

A member of the steering committee, Mrs Amaka Nnah said the Community Justice Centre was an innovation to help solve justice problems, decongest the courts, and speedily and freely.

Ms Chimamanda who represented NDF assured that confidentiality of issues was guaranteed, adding that the centre will help people access justice and retain relationships that would have turned sour during litigation processes.

Uche Okere

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India’s worst economic slowdown over, but market volatility may persist: Goldman Sachs

Published

6 days ago

March 26, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Representative Image © Provided by Asian News International (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], March 26 (ANI): The worst phase of India’s economic slowdown and earnings decline is likely over according to the global financial firm Goldman Sachs.

However, it expects market volatility to continue in the near term because of high domestic investment in small- and mid-cap stocks and global uncertainties, particularly from tariffs.

“The worst is likely behind us in terms of economic growth and earnings trajectory, and prices have corrected meaningfully,” it said.

In a recent report, the firm maintained a “MarketWeight” stance on India within the emerging markets (EM) category. It advised investors to focus on stocks with strong earnings visibility and quality growth.

The report highlighted that the NIFTY 50 index has corrected by 10 per cent from its peak in September 2024. This decline was driven by a slowdown in earnings growth due to weaker macroeconomic conditions and a sharp reduction in valuation multiples across sectors.

Analysts noted that earnings per share (EPS) expectations for FY26 have been cut by an average of 7 per cent across the market.

Goldman Sachs attributed the recent economic slowdown to cyclical factors rather than structural weaknesses. It explained that policy measures such as strict credit regulations in late 2023, a cautious monetary approach, tight liquidity due to foreign exchange outflows, and fiscal tightening had contributed to the weaker growth momentum.

The report said “the growth slowdown is cyclical rather than structural, and largely reflects policy tightness — the lagged effects of credit regulation in late 2023, cautious monetary policy and (until recently) tight liquidity amidst FX outflows”

However, the report suggested that some recent policy changes could help the economy recover in the coming months. These include income tax relief announced in the Union Budget and policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Goldman Sachs’ economists project that India’s real GDP growth could improve to 6.4 per cent in the second half of 2025.

Despite this optimism, the report cautioned that risks remain, particularly from potential U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, which could impact trade and economic growth.

Overall, while the worst phase of the slowdown may be behind, investors should remain cautious about market volatility and external risks affecting India’s economic outlook. (ANI)

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U.S. drops another bombshell for Nigerians overstaying their Visas

Published

1 week ago

March 24, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

U.S. Embassy in Abuja

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24th March, 2025

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The United States has issued a stern warning to Nigerians overstaying their visas, declaring that violators could face a permanent travel ban and possible criminal prosecution.

In a message released via its official X handle on Monday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria left no room for doubt, stressing that consular officers have full access to immigration histories and would detect any past visa violations.

“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States, as well as criminal prosecution,” the statement read.

The Mission further dismissed claims of accidental overstays, stating emphatically, “There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly.”

This latest warning follows increased scrutiny of immigration violations as U.S. authorities tighten regulations on non-compliant visitors.

With thousands of Nigerians travelling to the U.S. for tourism, business, and education, this development signals severe consequences for those who fail to comply with visa rules.

In recent months, reports have surfaced of Nigerians facing difficulty renewing U.S. visas due to past overstays.

Immigration experts warn that even a short overstay could trigger long-term travel restrictions, making it harder for offenders to secure future entry into America.